Talent_Gateway_Redevelopment_RFQ_2025.pdf

Talent Gateway

Redevelopment

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

OCTOBER 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Overview

2. Project Goals & Desired Outcomes

3. Site Information

4. City & TURA Resources & Support ... 6

5. Response Submittal

6. Evaluation Process & Project Award .................................7Art Bop Beer Co. is one of many small businesses that draw residents and visitors to downtown Talent.

The Camelot Theater is one of many attractions that make Talent and destination for arts and culture.

1 | CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ

Overview

The City of Talent Urban Renewal Agency (TURA), invites development teams with a record of suc-cessfully delivering innovative urban development to provide qualifications for the redevelopment of the Talent Gateway Site (the Site). Successful Re-spondents will have experience working collabo-ratively with public entities and the resources and capabilities necessary to achieve excellent results.

The 4.2 acre site, owned in its entirety by TURA, is located at the southwest corner of West Valley View and South Pacific Highway (OR-99) in Talent, Oregon. This prominent location at the entry to Talent’s historic downtown is highly visible to the vehicles that pass it every day.

Redevelopment of this site has long been a prior-ity for the City, and TURA looks forward to collab-orating with a capable development team to reach the fruition of these long-standing goals. Most re-cently, the Gateway Site has provided a temporary home to families that were displaced by the 2020 Almeda Fire. As those families find new places to live, the City is turning its attention toward the future of the Site.

The City has established a vision to guide rede-velopment through several rounds of planning that involved extensive public outreach over the course of nearly two decades. The most recent of these plans was completed in 2022 by Sala-zar Architects, and is attached to this RFQ as a reference. That vision includes different types of medium and higher density housing, with a strong desire to create both renter and homeowner op-portunities for middle income households.

The City also firmly believes that the site should include commercial development that serves future Gateway residents, those residing in the immediate vicinity, and out-of-area visitors as well.

Commercial development should support Talent’s existing businesses. A commercial market and de-velopment feasibility study was recently complet-ed by Leland Consulting Group. It provides more information about the potential for commercial de-velopment at the Site. The City is also considering development of approximately one quarter of the site as a publicly owned food business incubator.

Such a facility, if it were built, could be developed through a public-private-partnership.

TURA has undertaken meaningful actions to pre-pare the Site for redevelopment and best position the development team for success. An infrastruc-ture improvement project is underway that will provide essential public infrastructure and utilities to the site. Timing of this project may allow for input from the development team, affording the team an opportunity to adjust and refine public improvements to best meet the needs of develop-ment proposed for the Site.

The City anticipates that further financial support for the project may be negotiated with the devel-opment team as a part of the disposition of the property to the successful proposer. The City may consider property write-downs, or partnering with the development team to apply for financial incen-tives, as needed, to ensure the project fulfills the City’s redevelopment goals.

This RFQ provides useful information organized in the following sections:

1. Project goals and desired outcomes

2. Property information

3. City and TURA Resources and Support

4. Response Submittal and Review Process

CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ | 2

Project Goals &

Desired Outcomes

The City recognizes that developers will have their own ideas for the redevelopment of the Site.

At the same time, the community has been involved in the creation of plans that express its high-est hopes for the future of this property and the positive momentum that transformational redevel-opment could exert on future development. While allowing Respondents the flexibility needed to bring innovative redevelopment concepts to life, the City believes that a project that achieves the following goals would be highly desirable:

HOUSING

• Provide a range of housing types, with a strong preference for homes that will be affordable to renter and homeowner households earning 80-120% of Area Median Income, adjusted for household size.

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

• The City expects that a portion of the site will be developed to accommodate commercial uses that will benefit the immediate neighbor-hood and community at large.

• Commercial buildings should be appropriately scaled and located to support and enhance quality of life for residents of the Gateway Site and surrounding residential neighborhoods while strongly conveying the significance of the Gateway Site as the entrance to Talent’s historic downtown. For this reason, there is a strong preference for commercial buildings to be located from the corner of OR-99 and ex-tending west on West Valley View Drive to the roundabout.

• The City of Talent has been exploring the pos-sibility of developing a business incubator on the Site, and welcomes discussions with the development team regarding mutually benefi-cial arrangements that could achieve this goal.

URBAN DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE

• Architectural design and layout of the Gateway should strongly reinforce the significance of this location as the entryway into Talent.

• No particular architectural style or theme has been selected for development at the Gate-way. But buildings should be attractive, energy efficient, built from high quality materials, and appropriately scaled for the site and adjacent neighborhoods.

• Public sidewalks, plazas, and landscaping etc., should be designed to invite walking and cy-cling. Indoor/sheltered bicycle storage should be incorporated into building and/or site de-sign.

OPEN SPACE AND CONNECTIONS

• Rather than devote a significant part of the site to open space, smaller outdoor amenity fea-tures like plazas and landscaping areas should emphasize pedestrian and other active trans-portation connections within the Gateway and to other important destinations throughout the community—particularly downtown. In doing so, the development team is encouraged to explore opportunities to activate the pedestrian promenade that lies between the Gateway Site and downtown.

• Active transportation connections should be robust, consisting of multi-use paths that

“The Gateway site is at a prominent intersection … This access and vis-ibility will support its potential to capture both visitors driving by as well as those for whom Talent is a destination.”

-Gateway Feasibility Study, Leland Consulting Group, 2025

3 | CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ

provide for separation between pedestrians and cyclists. These connections should also provide convenient access to public transpor-tation.

• Landscaping and other architectural features should address the need for shade while pro-viding year-round visual interest.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP &

CLIMATE CHANGE

Development of the Gateway Site should support the City’s broader commitment to environmental stewardship and climate change adaptation and mitigation. A range of measures may be imple-mented at the Gateway Site to achieve this goal including

• Installation of roof top photovoltaic solar panels on residential and commercial buildings and over parking areas.

• Battery storage and other energy resilience technologies.

• Existing trees should be preserved to the greatest extent possible. Where new planting areas are created, trees should be located to create an extensive shade canopy throughout the Gateway Site.

• Landscaping should be resilient and empha-size native vegetation, drought tolerance, and lower fire risk.

• Pervious pavements and other low impact development measures should be utilized to reduce stormwater runoff and improve overall water quality.

• Site lighting should be pedestrian scale and Dark Skies compliant to reduce light pollution.

• Energy efficiency measures consistent with Energy Trust of Oregon programs.

“With the Harvest festival in October and several music concerts, Talent is a hub for events that draw people throughout the region.”

-Gateway Feasibility Study, Leland Consulting Group, 2025

Economic opportunity and creative innovation, embodied in Talent’s Maker Space, should be embraced by the Gateway redevelopment.

CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ | 4

Site Information

Located at the southwest corner of South Pacific Highway (OR-99) and West Valley View Road, the Gateway Site is approximately 4.2 acres, consisting of three individual tax lots (38-1W-23DC-2700, 38-1W-23DC-2401, 38-1W-23DC-2800). The City will assist the development team with property line adjustments and/or replatting as needed to suit the needs of future development (see City and TURA Resources and Support below for additional information).

Three separate tax lots currently comprise the site. The City of Talent and TURA will support reconfiguration of these lots through property line adjustment and/or replatting. Travel trailers shown in the aerial photograph above housed families displaced by the 2020 Almeda Fire.

The Site will have access from a public street connecting the West Valley View Road roundabout to Gangnes Drive to the south. The site also has an existing right-in-right-out on OR-99 that is expected to continue to provide access to the Site. The street connection between the roundabout and Gangnes is anticipated to be built through a capital improvement project that is scheduled to be completed over the next several years. Additional information about this project is provided below in City and TURA Resources and Support section.

ZONING

The Gateway Site is zoned Highway Central Business (CBH). This zone allows for a range of commercial activities and housing that is developed at a minimum density of 15 dwelling units/net acre. The property is located in the City’s Climate Friendly Area (CFA), providing additional flexibility in land uses and site development standards beyond those in the CBH zone.

SETBACKS

Front Yard: No minimum setback, 10 foot maximum for 50% or less of ground floor width Side Yard: No minimum setback, 10 foot maximum for 50% or less of ground floor width Rear Yard: No minimum setback Lot Coverage: No maximum lot coverage Off-street Parking: No minimum required; the City is in the process of adopting off street parking standards that comply with OAR 660-012- 0300, et. seq.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The same capital improvement project that will result in the construction of the connection between the West Valley View roundabout and Gangnes Drive will also provide public infrastructure (municipal water, sanitary sewer, and stormwater management) to the Gateway Site.

ENVIRONMENTAL

ODEQ has made a No Further Action (NFA) determination for this property, concluding that “site conditions are protective of public health, safety and welfare, and the environment.”

5 | CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ

City & TURA

Resources and Support

This project is a high priority for the City and TURA. The following public resources and support have, or may be, committed to the successful redevelopment of the Gateway Site:

• Capital improvement project. The City is in the early phases of a public infrastructure project that will provide stormwater management facilities, municipal water, and sanitary sewer, as well as private utilities, to the site. Timing of this project may provide the selected development team with opportunities to collaborate with the City, its consulting civil engineers and contractor, to leverage these investments to best support redevelopment.

• Land value/purchase price write down. As a part of the negotiated disposition of the Gateway Site to the selected development team, TURA is able to offer the property at a below market/appraised value.

• Housing Project Revolving Loan. This program authorized under Senate Bill 1537 of 2024, supports the construction of housing affordable to households earning 80-120% of Area Median Income (AMI). The City of Talent will consider taking on the role of “sponsoring jurisdiction” to effectuate usage of this financial incentive by the development team.

• SDC Deferral. The City will consider deferral of payment of System Development Charges until completion of the project and/or occupancy.

• Land use entitlements facilitation. The City of Talent will undertake certain land use decisions to prepare the Gateway Site for redevelopment including property line adjustment and replatting.

Response Submittal

TURA encourages Respondents with experience developing high quality urban environments with a strong sense of place to submit information describing team capacity and describing their approach to this opportunity.

The deadline for submittal of qualifications is 5:00PM, PST, Friday, November 14, 2025. One (1) hard copy should be delivered by mail or by hand to address below:

Talent Urban Renewal Agency Attn: Alex Campbell PO Box 445 110 E. Main Street Talent, OR 97540

A PDF of the submittal should be emailed to acampbell@cityoftalent.org.

Submissions should contain information that sufficiently addresses the following:

1. Development team Please identify key members of the development team who will have decision making and project management responsibilities. In addition to individuals in corporate leadership roles, these may include design professionals, general contractors, etc.

2. Development vision and approach Please describe your vision for redevelopment of the site, identifying types of land uses that will be included, and any special features that may make your vision unique. Highly competitive responses will thoroughly address the Project Goals and Desired Outcomes section.

3. Potential terms for real estate transfer & project financing Generally describe the transfer of ownership of the Gateway Site and any conditions that may be a part of disposition of the property. Identify, conceptually, project funding, including any financial incentives that may require the involvement of the City and or TURA.

4. Applicable development experience. Please describe the team’s experience with other development projects that demonstrate its ability to complete projects like that contemplated for the Gateway Site. Respondents are encouraged to emphasize community-oriented projects featuring middle income housing, mixed use neighborhoods, and environmental sustainability —particularly climate change resilience and mitigation.

CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ | 6

Evaluation Process &

Project Award

Responses will be scored by a committee appointed by the Agency. Scores are intended to provide reviewers and decision makers with guidance and should not be understood to be definitive or final. Upon completion of scoring, the committee may request that Respondents participate in an interview, conducted remotely or in-person. After interviews have been completed, the Agency will determine whether to award the project to a particular development team or pursue another course of action.

If the Agency determines that it is in the best interests of the Agency and the City of Talent to award the project to a Respondent, it will extend an exclusive offer to negotiate purchase and sale and development agreements with the selected development team. During this time, the Agency and the selected development team will collaborate to address the following considerations:

• Create a detailed development plan that specifies locations, uses, and general design features for buildings and public/quasi-public site amenities such as plazas, multi-use paths, and outdoor recreational features

• Define final deal terms for transfer of the Gateway Site into private ownership, including purchase price and any expected public financial support of the project

QUALIFICATION SCORING

The following is a guide that will be used to score Respondents’ qualifications.

1. Development team

• Development team completeness. Does the team include needed/desirable expertise?

• Resource allocation. If awarded, can the team commit required resources to this project?

2. Development vision and approach

• To what degree does the development team’s vision align with the City’s redevelopment priorities for the Gateway?

DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES:

• Includes a range of housing types that are affordable to renter and homeowner households earning 80-120% AMI

• Includes commercial development that is

1) appropriately sized based on market study and

2) would provide economic development, employment opportunities, and needed goods and services to residents of Talent

• Includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like rooftop solar, solar over parking, energy efficiency measures

• Includes active transportation facilities that strongly encourage walking and cycling within and through and the development and connections between community destinations and public transportation (Rogue Valley Transit District Route 10)

• Preserves, repurposes existing trees; includes native vegetation that is drought tolerant, provides shade, visual interest, etc.

3. Potential terms for real estate transfer & project financing

• Development team demonstrates understanding of development financing and can describe how it would apply this expertise to the Gateway redevelopment.

• Degree to which financing would rely on land value write down and other public support.

4. Applicable development experience.

• Please describe the team’s experience with other development projects that demonstrate its ability to complete projects like that contemplated for the Gateway Site. No more than 5 projects should be included.

Respondents are encouraged to emphasize community-oriented projects featuring middle income housing, mixed use neighborhoods, and environmental sustainability—particularly climate change resilience and mitigation.

7 | CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ

CATEGORIES POINT

RANGE

DESCRIPTION

Development Team Development team completeness

0-5 Does the team include needed/desirable expertise?

Resource allocation 0-5 If awarded, can the team commit required resources to this project?

Development Vision and Approach Housing 0-25 Development would provide a range of housing types affordable to renter and homeowner households earning 80- 120% of AMI, adjusted for household size

Commercial Development

0-25 Includes commercial development this is 1) appropriately sized based on market study and 2) would provide economic development, employment opportunities, and needed goods and services to Talent residents

Environmental Stewardship & Climate Change

0-15 Includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions like rooftop solar, solar over parking, energy efficiency measures.

Landscaping & Tree Preservation

0-10 Preserves, repurposes existing trees; includes native vegetation that is drought tolerant, provides shade, visual interest, etc.

Open Space & Connections

0-15 Includes active transportation facilities that strongly encourage walking and cycling within and through the development and connections between community destinations and public transportation (Rogue Valley Transit District Route 10)

Urban Design & Architecture

0-20 Architectural design and layout strongly establishes the Gateway site as an impactful and engaging entrance into Talent; attractive, energy efficient, buildings that feature high quality materials, appropriately scaled for the site and adjacent neighborhoods

Project financing and real estate transfer terms Financial understanding 0-10 Development team demonstrates understanding of development financing and can describe how it would apply this expertise to the Gateway redevelopment

Degree of expected public financial support

0-15 Degree to which financing would rely on land value write down and other public support

Applicable development experience Development Experience 0-20 Describe the team's experience with other development projects that demonstrate its ability to complete projects like that contemplated for the Gateway Site.

Total Possible Points 165

CITY OF TALENT | GATEWAY REDEVELOPMENT RFQ | 8

Prepared for the City of Talent, OR by

Green Top PDR Planning, Development, Research greentoppdr.com

TALENT CONCEPT MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY

September 2022

Table Of Contents

Purpose� 3 Stakeholders� 5 Objectives� 7

Site� 11 Circulation� 13 Demographics and Equity� 15 Open Space� 17 Farming & Agriculture� 19 Economy� 21 The Almeda Fire� 23

Introduction� 27 Sharing Information and Spreading the word� 29 Workshops� 31 Workshops� 33 Workshops - Key Takeaways� 35 Surveys� 37

Site Studies� 41 Draft Master Plan Concepts� 43 Final Master Plan� 47 Draft Feasibility Study� 51

Zoning Summary� 52 Final Feasibility Study� 57

A | Survey Results� 65 B �| Figure Index� 75 C | References� 81

1 - Introduction

2 - Context

3 - Community Engagement

4 - Design - TURA Area

5 - Design - Gateway Site

6 - Appendix

Salazar Architect Inc.

2222 NE Oregon St, Suite 101 Portland, OR 97232 phone: 503-702-2572 email: info@salazarch.com

City of Talent 110 East Main St Talent, OR 97540 phone: 541-535-1566 email: talent@cityoftalent.org

Talent Urban Renewal Agency phone: 541-535-1566 email: cityrecorder@cityoftalent.org

Introduction

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

Figure 1. The Almeda Fire Destruction. Photo by David Ryder

Purpose

Figure 2. Artwork Reflecting on the Almeda Fire. Illustration © Almeda Walk

In September of 2020, the Almeda fire burned through the city of Talent and much of the Rogue Valley. For the city of Talent, the fire destroyed a substantial amount of housing, largely affordable, along with 60% of the businesses. The fire also highlighted infrastructure problems, such as a lack of fire-resistant buildings or a resilient water supply, that made the fire especially difficult to combat and contain.1 In a city that previously had plans to redevelop blighted areas, the priorities for urban renewal changed following the disaster.

The Talent Urban Renewal Agency (TURA) hired Salazar Architect to develop a Master Plan for a 15-20 acre area affected by the Almeda fire, and a Feasibility Study for the Gateway Site within the Master Plan area. The project goals were to develop affordable housing to accommodate a growing population, create new spaces for small businesses that will revitalize the heart of the city, prepare the city for future disasters, provide green spaces and better circulation infrastructure to connect the redeveloped area, and to build spaces for gathering and the celebration of arts and culture.

To better understand the current needs of residents and business owners, TURA called for a series of community meetings and workshops to be a part of the study. These events would help establish a dialogue with the community and stakeholders, a collaborative means of asking important questions and investigating creative solutions.

Talent is still recovering from the disaster, working to bring back people into temporary housing and foster business incubation to begin the redevelopment process. This study looks to build upon the efforts the city is undertaking, and to develop a city center that will strengthen the community and thrive in the future.

Introduction

Figure 3. Fence artwork on the Gateway Site facing HWY 99. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

https://www.photographer-in-seattle.com/neighborhoods-destroyed-by-wildfire-in-talent-oregon/ https://almedawalk.com/#meditations

MASTER PLAN

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TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

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FEASIBILITY STUDY

TURA was established in 1991 to revitalize underutilized areas and features within the City of Talent. Its board members consist of the six council members, including Talent’s Mayor, and an executive director. Since its creation, TURA has taken part in a variety of incremental improvements, such as redesigning streets, installing new street lights and improving parks. 2

Along with TURA, other organizations with an interest in the Urban Renewal and Gateway sites include local community groups, the school district, economic advocacy groups and marketing agencies.

These organizations all bring with them a wide range of expertise and input to address the social and economic needs of future developments.

TURA and the City of Talent are bringing people back into the city, with the Phoenix-Talent School District helping to prioritize students and families in need of temporary housing on the Gateway Site.

Other organizations, such as the People’s Bank of Commerce Foundation, are involved in the project’s efforts, with an understanding that the long term goal is to use the Gateway Site as a starting point for cultural and economic redevelopment in the city.

Talent City Council and TURA members

Darby Ayers-Flood - Mayor

Colette Paré-Miller - Council Member Seat 1

Ana Byers - Council Member Seat 2

David Pastizzo - Council Member Seat 3

Nicole Greider - Council Member Seat 4

Eleanor Ponomareff - Council Member Seat 5

Jason Clark - Council Member Seat 6

Jon Legarza - Principal, Healthy Sustainable Communities (contracted with TURA)

Jordan Rooklyn, TURA Executive Director

Figure 4. April 2022 Site Walk. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 5. April 2022 Site Walk. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Stakeholders

Introduction

Figure 6. Workshop Participants. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Community Engagement Consultants

James Rojas

John Kamp

MASTER PLAN

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FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

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FEASIBILITY STUDY

The Talent Gateway site is located at the intersection of W. Valley View Rd. and S. Pacific Highway. It is currently occupied as a temporary place for residents displaced by the wildfires in 2020. The scope of work includes community engagement and design work to create a Master Plan and site Feasibility Study. This work would be the basis for the City’s anticipated June 2022 RFI for potential developers.

Conceptual Master Plan: The overall area for the work is about 15-20 acres which needs a Conceptual Urban Design Master Plan created. This work needs to interact with community stakeholders which may include Urban Forestry Committee, Public Arts Committee, Ashland Food Coop, Talent Maker Space, and others.

Site Feasibility Study: The feasibility study site is about 4 to 5 acres in size. The work should consider the existing roundabout and road connection through the site, which would ideally stay in the future plans. Potential uses for the site include senior housing, a commercial building, food trucks, and other amenities; there is also a desire for an early learning center and/or a Boys & Girls Club.

Figure 7. Talent Workshop Building Blocks.

Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

PROJECT

SCHEDULE:

NOVEMBER 2021:

Project kickoff

FEBRUARY - MARCH 2022:

Research & Workshop Planning

APRIL 29-30 2022:

Talent Community Visioning Workshop & Site Walk

JUNE 7 2022:

Presentation of Draft Masterplan Concepts to TURA Board

JULY 2022:

Gateway site feasibility studies production

SEPTEMBER 2022:

Final package delivered to TURA

JUNE 23+24 2022:

Talent/ Medford Community Engagement Workshops

Objectives

Introduction

AUGUST 2 2022:

Presentation of Final Conceptual Masterplan & Gateway Site Design Concepts to TURA Board

Figure 8. Temporary Post-Disaster Housing. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Context

MASTER PLAN

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TALENT CONCEPT

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FEASIBILITY STUDY

Located in Jackson County, between the cities of Ashland and Phoenix, Talent is a rural town surrounded by farmland and forestry. American settlers initially entered the region in 1852. The Athabaskan, Shasta and Takelma tribes originally occupied the area, until American settlers had forcibly removed them by the 1860’s.3 The land was initially used for farming and agriculture, with mining and timber in the surrounding hillsides. The city was named after Aaron P. Talent, a carpenter that moved into the region in 1875 and had built a general store that would later become a part of a greater commercial district.4

The TURA boundary, purchased prior to the 2020 Almeda fire, was identified as an area for revitalizing the city post disaster. Located on the North end of the city, situated between Highway 99 and Talent Ave, the site is located near many of the city’s commercial and civic spaces.

Within the TURA boundary is the Gateway site, a property TURA had purchased prior to the Almeda Fire. Located in the South East corner of the TURA boundary, it was identified as a space for transitional housing for those left houseless after the disaster. Presently, TURA leases the Gateway Site to Rogue Retreat, an organization that provides support for on site transitional housing. It was estimated that 30% of those displaced did not receive support from FEMA, and the city had to turn to other means of financial support. Through fundraising from various groups and communities in the Rogue Valley, $2.3 million was raised for housing to be developed on the site.5 The Gateway site’s first criteria was to house those families with children who had not been assisted by FEMA.

Permanent development of affordable multi-family housing is the long term goal for the site.

Figure 9. State of Oregon: Jackson County (in green), City of Talent (in orange). Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 10. City of Talent: TURA Conceptional Master Plan Visioning Area (in blue). Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

TURA Conceptual Master Plan Visioning Area (15-20 acres)

Gateway Site Feasibility Study for potential mixed-use affordable housing (4-5 acres)

Site

Context

Figure 11. City of Talent: TURA Conceptual Master Plan Visioning Area and Gateway Site.

Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

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TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

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FEASIBILITY STUDY

Interstate 5 and Highway 99 are the two major arterials that travel in the north-south direction through Talent. Highway 99 provides access to much of the city’s residential areas, along with its commercial center. The Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad also runs through Talent, transporting goods across state lines.

Highway 99 and West Valley View, the major streets that bisect the TURA boundary and Gateway sites, both feature bike lanes. In an effort to allow more emergency vehicles into and out of the city center, there is a plan to convert two lanes in each direction into one lane in each direction, with widened bike lanes and improved stormwater retention. These widened bike lanes would allow emergency vehicles to more easily access the city, while improving water quality into Bear creek through the use of bioswales.6

In the event of future emergencies, the city has been divided into nine zones that first responders use to notify residents of the best ways to evacuate.

Evacuation routes have been developed that highlight Highway 99, Talent Ave and West Valley View Rd as means of departure from the TURA boundary and Gateway sites.7

Figure 12. Railroad through Talent. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Rivers & Creeks Bear Creek Greenway

Medford

Phoenix

Talent

Ashland

Rivers & Creeks Bear Creek Greenway

Medford

Phoenix

Talent

Ashland

Circulation

Context

Figure 13. HWY 99 through Talent. Photo via Google Maps

Figure 14. Circulation, Modes of Transportation Between Medford and Ashland.

Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 15. Bear Creek. Photo via Rogue Riverkeeper

Figure 16. Bear Creek Greenway. Photo by Alex Georgevitch via Envision Bear Creek

Figure 17. Bear Gulch - Tunnel Ridge Loop.

Photo by Peter Carse via MTB Project https://www.google.com/maps/@42.2488392,-122.7894647,3a,75y,303.07h,80.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sg34ytx4PzxsdWWl7PI6QRw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192 https://www.rogueriverkeeper.org/blog/ljd5agsdzxdxrnkr4jsgehahpwrsw5 https://www.rogueriverkeeper.org/blog/ljd5agsdzxdxrnkr4jsgehahpwrsw5 https://envisionbearcreek.com/ https://www.mtbproject.com/photo/7002043

MASTER PLAN

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TALENT CONCEPT

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It has been projected that Talent’s population will increase by 41% between 2017 and 2037 to 9,291 residents.8 Millennials and Baby Boomers make up a substantial percentage of the area’s age groups. For older groups of people, Talent and Jackson County have historically been areas that attract retirees, and improved small dwellings and living facilities are forecasted to be in demand in the near future. Overall, however, the population age is trending younger, with the median age being between 35-36. The growth of younger populations in the city will be dependent upon housing opportunities that are appealing and affordable.

93.4% of Talent’s residents are U.S. citizens.

According to the latest census, white (non-hispanic) people make up 74.7% of Talent’s population.

White (Hispanic) people account for 15.1% of the population, while Asian people are 5.64%. The city has become increasingly more diverse over the past decade, with the Hispanic population having grown by 32% over the past 10 years. The growth in Hispanic the population is predicted to impact future housing needs, with larger affordable dwelling units expected to be in demand for multi-generational Hispanic households. 9

The median household income is approximately $40,0000, over 30% lower than the state average.

Moreover, nearly 16% of Talent families live below the poverty line, compared to 9% of Oregon families.

Prior to the Almeda fire, in 2019, an estimated 52.6% of the population owned their home, with single-family homes being the main housing type.10

Figure 18. Talent Maker City. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 19. Talent Population by Race (2020 census).

Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Demographics and Equity

Context

Figure 20. Median Household Income (2020 Census: Ashland, Medford, Phoenix, Talent).

Figure 21. Shirt Coloring at Workshop 1. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

MASTER PLAN

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TALENT CONCEPT

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Along with farmland, Talent is home to various city parks, surrounding natural areas and trails.

Through out the inner city, smaller pocket parks and pollinator gardens can be found, with sports fields and nature parks outside the downtown area.

Tourism is a portion of the city’s economy, as people travel to the area to experience hiking, mountain biking and nature-watching.

Presently, the City of Talent provides 5.23 acres of city-owned parkland per 1000 residents. The Talent Parks Master Plan of 2019 proposed additional city park space that would provide 6.40 acres of city-owned parkland per 1000 residents by 2037. 11

Bear Creek is a major natural area that runs along the East edge of Talent, with water flowing Northwest. Along the creek is the Bear Creek Greenway, a path that spans 18.5 miles from Central Point just North of Medford to Ashland.

Figure 23. Pocket Park. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 22. Bear Creek. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Open Space

Context

Figure 24. Natural and Recreational Areas Highlighted in Green, Bear Creek Highlighted in Blue. Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 25. Talent Pollinator Garden.

Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 26. Talent Skate Park.

Photo via SkateOregon https://www.flickr.com/photos/skateoregon/3461608972

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, Jackson County’s farmland is composed of 2,136 farms that account for 170,298 acres of land, with the average farm size being 80 acres.12

Historically, Talent’s fruit plantings impacted the growth and development of the city. Not wanting to compete with the wheat production of the Willamette Valley during the city’s early development, apples, pears and stone fruits became major crops.13 The Bracero Program, a national Mexican Farm labor agreement that lasted between 1942 and 1964, brought an influx of hispanic workers to harvest fruit into Oregon.14 Today, immigrants in the region continue to work the orchards and vinyards. Harry & David, headquartered in Medford, is one of the major regional employers. Figure 27. Jackson County Precipitation by Inches.

Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 29. Farm Land around Talent. Photo via LandWatch

Talent

Figure 28. Surrounding Crops and Non-Agriculture. Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

CDL2021 Area of Interest

0 0.29 0.59 0.88 miles

Land Cover Categories (by decreasing acreage)

AGRICULTURE*

Grass/Pasture

Pears

Grapes

Other Hay/Non Alfalfa

Apples

Alfalfa

Fallow/Idle Cropland

Peaches

Cherries

Winter Wheat

Oats

Blueberries

Other Tree Crops

Barley

Triticale

Spring Wheat

NON-AGRICULTURE**

Shrubland

Evergreen Forest

Developed/Open Space

Developed/Low Intensity

Developed/Medium Intensity

Developed/High Intensity

Produced by CropScape - http://nassgeodata.gmu.edu/CropScape Top 16 agriculture categories / Top 6 non-agriculture categories listed

Figure 30. Talent Farmer’s Market. Photo via Talent Artisans & Growers

Farming & Agriculture

Context https://www.landwatch.com/jackson-county-oregon-farms-and-ranches-for-sale/pid/412243665 https://www.facebook.com/talentartisansandgrowers/photos

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

As with much of Oregon, the economic trend of Jackson County has been a transition from a timber-based economy to one that is more diverse. Today, much of Talent’s economy is composed of Food Services, Educational Services, Retail, Hospitality and Agriculture.15

It is also the home of a vibrant artist community, hosting a variety of occupations that serve the city and the greater area. Within the TURA boundary, a variety of small businesses were lost, including a cantina, a clothing store, and a salon. Amongst the many buildings lost to the fire was the historic Malmgren garage. As a building that previously housed pottery sales and artist studios, restoring the Malmgren garage is seen as an opportunity to revitalize the city’s commercial center. Being close to the City of Ashland, where Oregon’s Shakespeare Festival is hosted, a stage production building was recently built in the city of Talent to support the festival’s production.16

With its location along Interstate 5, Talent is viewed to be a potential location for future industries that include small-scale manufacturing, small-scale construction and small-scale warehouse and distribution. Prior to the Almeda Fire, it was estimated that the number of employees in Talent would grow by 41% between 2016-2036, with an increase from 1,393 to 1,959 people employed. 17

Figure 34. Camelot Theatre. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 35. Local Businesses Map. Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Economy

Context

Figure 31. Skye Salon along Talent Ave. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 32. Shopping Center at corner of Lapree Dr and Talent Ave.

Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 33. Sweet Beet Station. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

On September 8, 2020, the Almeda Fire began near Ashland, OR. In conditions of drought, warm weather and wind gusts of nearly 50mph, the fire quickly moved North into Medford, destroying large parts of Talent and Phoenix along the way. With much of the firefighters already combatting 10 major fires at the time, there were few resources to allocate to the Almeda fire. In total, the Almeda fire burned over 3000 acres, destroyed over 2500 homes and displaced 42,000 people. 18 The fire especially impacted communities of immigrant workers that lived in mobile home parks and apartment buildings. In addition to farmworking, these immigrants were cooks, cleaners and carpenters, all of whom were an integral part of the local economy. Some immigrants who did not trust banking institutions, lost their life cash savings to the fire.19 Moreover, some locals experienced a lack of notification or direction in the event of an emergency. 20 This resulted in locals relying on social media and less conventional platforms to receive news on the fire status.

The city does not have its own water supply, and instead purchases its water from the Medford Water Commission via a 24-inch water transmission main.21 During the Almeda fire, the underlying infrastructure for Talent’s water supply was not resilient enough, resulting in a limited water capacity for firefighters.

Talent Avenue served as a barrier during the fire, leaving many buildings on its West side unaffected, whereas the other side was almost completely destroyed. Throughout the city of Talent, approximately 60% of the businesses were destroyed in the fire.22

Figure 36. 2020 Almeda Fire. Photo by Kevin Jantzer via AP

Figure 37. City of Talent - Buildings Destroyed in the Almeda Fire. Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

TURA MASTER PLAN BOUNDARY

TALENT CITY LIMITS

BUILDING DESTROYEDThe Almeda Fire

Context

HW

Y 99

W VALLEY VIEW RD

MAIN ST

WAGNER ST

SEIB

ER

ST

M

ARKET ST

TALENT AVE

NEW ST

PA

RK

A

VE

LAPREE AVE

FIRE IMPACT OPEN SPACE

ASSET

PARKING (STREET AND LOT)

TURA MASTER PLAN BOUNDARY

GATEWAY SITE BOUNDARY

TURA MASTER PLAN BOUNDARY

GATEWAY SITE BOUNDARYTURA MASTER PLAN BOUNDARY

GATEWAY SITE BOUNDARY

BIKE PATH

PROPOSED BIKE PATH

CAR PATHCENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD)

SINGLE FAMILY - MEDIUM DENSITY (RS-7)

HIGHWAY CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBH)

MULTIPLE FAMILY - HIGH DENSITY (RM-22)

TURA MASTER PLAN BOUNDARY

GATEWAY SITE BOUNDARY

Figure 38. Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Zone.

Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 39. Fire Damage in the TURA and Gateway Site Areas.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/severe-weather/oregon-fire-survivors-capture-unimaginable-damage-on-video/812010

Community Engagement

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

The Talent Conceptual Master Plan and Gateway Site Feasibility Study represents the community’s vision for a sustainable, affordable, attractive, and resilient City of Talent – a vision developed through extensive community engagement workshops before the planning and design process. The three primary methods of engagement were community-wide workshops & stakeholder discussions, TURA board presentations & feedback sessions, and surveys. These engagement methods – as well as other outreach components such as flyers, mailers, and the project webpage – are further described in this chapter.

Figure 41. Diagram of Community Process. Illustration © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.Figure 40. Workshop Table. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Talent Gateway – Concept Master Plan Vision Project

In-person survey questionnaire / 04.30.2022

1. What is your relationship to Talent? (Check all that apply)

❑ Resident

❑ Business owner

❑ Customer

❑ Work in the area

❑ Attend community-based organizations located in area (Faith based, school, senior center, community facilities, public health, etc.)

2. What do you like best about the Talent? (Check all that apply)

❑ Convenient for shopping

❑ Close to public transportation

❑ Close to where I live

❑ Close to where I work

❑ I feel safe in the area

❑ I like to walk in this area

❑ The services I need are located here

❑ My community support network is located here

❑ It’s a fun place to visit

❑ I like the people that live, work, and come here

❑ It’s affordable

❑ Other ________________________________________________

3. What are some things you would like to see more of to help enhance downtown Talent?

community workshops stakeholder input site walk workshop prompt 1:

childhood Memory

(core values) workshop prompt 2:

design your ideal city of Talent surveys

TURA Boundary Masterplan & Gateway Site Feasibility Studies

TALENT GATEWAY N

TALENT LIMITSGATEWAY PROJECT BOUNDARY

MIXED-USE OPPORTUNITY SITE

GREEN OPEN SPACE

SOUTH PACIFIC HWY

EXISTING ROADWAYS

PROPOSED ROADWAYS

LIMITES DEL PROYECTO

SITIO DE OPORTUNIDAD, USO MIXTO

LIMITES DE TALENTAUTOPISTA PACÍFICA

VIALIDADES EXISTENTES

VIALIDADES PROPUESTAS ESPACIOS VERDES ABIERTOS

LE

G

EN

D

PROPOSED ROADWAYS

VIALIDADES PROPUESTAS

PACIFIC HWYS. PACIFIC HWY

TURA Board Presentation &

Feedback meeting 1

TALENT GATEWAY N

PACIFIC HWY

EXISTING ROADWAYS

PROPOSED ROADWAYS

GATEWAY PROJECT BOUNDARY

MIXED-USE OPPORTUNITY SITE

GREEN OPEN SPACE

AUTOPISTA PACIFICA

VIALIDADES EXISTENTES

VIALIDADES PROPUESTAS

LIMITES DEL PROYECTO

OPORTUNIDAD DE USO MIXTO

ESPACIOS VERDES ABIERTOS

TALENT COMMUNITY CENTER

TALENT CITY HALL

TALENT FOOD PANTRY

TALENT HISTORICAL SOCIETY

TALENT LIBRARY

TALENT MAKER CITY

CENTRO COMUNITARIO DE TALENT

MUNICIPALIDAD DE TALENT

DESPENSA DE TALENT

SOCIEDAD HISTÓRICA DE TALENT

BIBLIOTECA DE TALENT

FABRICANTES DE LA CIUDAD DE TALENT

AMIGOS DE LA IGLESIA DE TALENT

TEATRO SIN FINES DE LUCRO

SERVICIO POSTAL

PARQUE CENTRAL

PARQUE DE BIBLIOTECA

ESTACIONE Y ABORDE, MUNICIPALIDAD

ESTACIÓN DE AUTOBUSES

FUTURO HOGAR DE LOS

FABRICANTES DE LA

CIUDAD DE TALENT

VIAS DE FERROCARRIL

TALENT FRIENDS CHURCH

NON-PROFIT THEATRE

USPS

DOWNTOWN PARK

LIBRARY PARK

CITY HALL PARK & RIDE

BUS STATION

RAILROAD

FUTURE HOME OF

TALENT MAKER CITY

CONTEXTUAL MAP & MASTER PLAN AREA

MAPA CONTEXTUAL Y PLAN MAESTRO

MIXED - USE OPPORTUNITY SITE

SITIO DE OPORTUNIDAD DE USO MIXTO

LE

G

EN

D

PL

AC

ES

O F

IN

TE

R

ES

T

TURA Board Presentation &

Feedback meeting 2

36 29 35

25 32 32 37

17 16 more sidewalks better lighting at night more trees/ landscaping more parks places for children to play safely a creative community gathering space safe places to stop and rest while walking in the area more affordable housing better variety of shopping more community activities and events other

What are some things you would like to see more of to help enhance downtown Talent?

Question 3

City of Talent RFP -future redevelopment of Talent Gateway

Introduction

Community Engagement

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

their newsletters.

Walking Tour with the City of Talent Officials

On April 29th, City of Talent officials hosted a downtown Talent walking tour with Salazar Architect and Place it!. Important structures, community assets, and historical places were highlighted along the way.

Project Webpage

At the start of the project, a webpage was created on the TURA Website (www.talenturbanrenewal.

com/gateway-project). The webpage provided project background information on upcoming opportunities to participate in the planning process through the community engagement workshops.

Meetings With the City Officials, Council Members, Stakeholders, Business and Community Outreach Leaders

Through the outreach planning process, Salazar Architect, Inc organized several virtual meetings with the TURA’s executive director. Typically, these were opportunities to give project updates, and invite City Officials, Council Members, Stakeholders, Businesses and Community Outreach Leaders to engage in question-and-answer sessions.

Print Media: Mailers and Flyers

Prior to the workshops, TURA mailed several flyers in English and Spanish to local residents. The flyer provided project goals and an invitation to the workshops. Flyers were posted at several locations near the Gateway Site in February, March and April 2022 to promote the project and upcoming workshops.

Electronic Media: E-blasts and Social Media Posts

Communication by email proved to be a highly successful way to reach community members.

Messages about upcoming events and project updates were sent via e-blasts using the project email contact list, the County’s list of community member contacts, and the County Supervisor contact list. In addition, several local organizations posted upcoming events and project updates in

Figure 42. Workshop Flyer and Local Outreach. Illustrations & Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

C o m m u n it y

O u tr e ac h

Figure 43. Walking Tour at Existing Stormwater Management.

Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Figure 44. Walking Tour with City of Talent Officials. Photo © 2022 Salazar Architect Inc.

Sharing Information and Spreading the word

Community Engagement https://www.talenturbanrenewal.com/gateway-project https://www.talenturbanrenewal.com/gateway-project

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

TALENT CONCEPT

MASTER PLAN

& GATEWAY SITE

FEASIBILITY STUDY

On April 29 & 30, 2022, Salazar Architect collaborated with Place It!, a participation-based urban planning practice, to host community workshops at the Talent City Hall. Present at the event were city officials, TURA board members, and members of the community to re-envision the city of Talent through a playful and interactive process.

The goal of these events was to listen to community members’ personal experiences, needs and desires, and to learn more about the city. More than 50 people attended the two workshops.

Each hour-long workshop had two prompts that allowed participants to reflect on what it means to have a meaningful space. The first prompt was to “build your favorite childhood memory”. Over 10 minutes, participants created their fondest childhood memory model using brightly colored construction paper and random objects— corks, plastic eggs, wooden blocks, LEGOs, hair curlers, etc. This was an exercise to get people comfortable with the creative process, and to draw from emotion to demonstrate what makes a place special and memorable. At the conclusion of the first exercise, the design team listened to each individual’s story, and the group was asked to summarize common themes. Tree-climbing, nature, physical activity, family, rivers, smells, and seasons were some of the most common themes that arose from the storytelling, themes that showed a shared interest in community and the natural environment. Through the physical act of building and listening, the workshop revealed each person’s values.

For the second prompt, the group was organized into teams of six that each…