The Moran Plant, built in 1953, is a historic coal fired power plant known for its architecture and innovation. It is currently a derelict structure located on Burlington's waterfront in the heart of downtown. It will be redeveloped to encourage year round use, economic activity and public access in a renovated historic building.
The city has engaged in a community-wide process of consultation involving hundreds of meetings and over 10,000 community members to determine the future use of the Moran Plant. The City Council Parks, Arts & Culture Committee (PACC) synthesized the results of these efforts with a pragmatic eye and has set forth a redevelopment plan for the building and site. The redevelopment of the Moran Plant is based on the specific results of the public process and guiding principles.
The proposal for the redevelopment of the Moran Plant includes a family adventure center with a world-class indoor ice and rock climbing facility, restaurant and cafe and expanded community sailing center. Year-round, public access to the building (including observation deck) and all activities within the building are targeted at public enjoyment and enrichment to create a variety of recreation and education opportunities and amenities for the people of Burlington in a public facility that ensures access to and enjoyment of Lake Champlain. Also proposed are upgrades to the bike path, increased green space and park amenities, children's splash area, seasonal refrigerated skating rink and a rebuilt skatepark. Burlington's Parks and Recreation Department will play a prominent role in this project with an office in the building and management of the site amenities including the new splash area and skate park.
The City has put together a financing plan for the redevelopment of Moran that was vetted by the Moran Blue Ribbon Advisory Committee. The Committee found that this plan, while complex, was designed to protect the taxpayers and not raise individual property taxes to finance the project.
In October 2008, the acclaimed local architecture firm Freeman French Freeman was hired in a competitive process to provide architectural and engineering services for the Moran project. Freeman French Freeman has created an award-winning design that has been approved by the National Park Service, making tax credits available to help finance the project. Also, the design of the building and site has received a local zoning permit.
The city hired White+Burke Real Estate Investment Advisors to provide development services for this project. White+Burke principal David White brings 30 years' experience with complex projects and public/private partnerships. White+Burke will help CEDO evaluate financing strategies, prepare development and operating budgets and help negotiate development agreements and other issues with the tenants. Click here
for Mr. White's resume.
The city has also retained Thomas R. Melloni of Burak, Anderson & Melloni to assist in the review and structuring of the financing for the project and the development and leasing agreements with the prospective tenants for the project. Click here for a letter detailing Mr. Melloni's expertise and qualifications.