Hurricane
Ivan
Hurricane Ivan has slowed some aspects of this initiative. Adjusters
have spent months assessing the impact of the Hurricane. The DCNR is
reviewing the adjusters' reports and is preparing to file the official
proof of loss. Once the DCNR has been notified as to the amount of reimbursement
under the various claims, the project timeline will accelerate.
What has Auburn done to utilize the time in the delay caused by Hurricane Ivan?
Academic
Initiatives
Interim President Richardson has formed a Gulf State Park steering committee
with representation from architectural, construction/facilities, hotel
operations, financial, and legal experts, plus academic, extension,
outreach and communications sectors. The committee objective is to guide
the project for the University from creation of a Request for Information
and Request for Proposal to developer selection and beyond, as necessary.
The steering committee and interested deans have visited the Gulf State
Park to review the site and explore potential opportunities for educational
and outreach initiatives. The steering committee is currently working
on an educational business plan which will outline Auburn's academic
and outreach goals and expectations for the project.
Environmental
Considerations
The steering committee is highly sensitive to the environmental aspects
of this project in relation to the Park and the Gulf, and will require
all interested parties to take these issues into account.
Request
for Information from Potential Developers
In concert with the West Paces Hotel Group (WPHG) and the Department
of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the steering committee
has completed and is releasing today, a Request for Information (RFI).
The RFI, a copy of which is attached to this update, is an open invitation
to potential developers to let Auburn know of their expertise and interest
in the proposed project. A site visit for prospective developers is
proposed for March 15.
West
Paces Hotel Group
Auburn has engaged the WPHG to assist with the planning and design of
the resort and conference center. The costs of working with the WPHG
are covered by an agreement with the DCNR to reimburse Auburn for any
pre-development expenses that are not ultimately remunerated by the
developer. The WPHG has been working with architects and consultants
to develop a site plan, to update market analysis data for the region,
and to attract potential developers to finance, design, build and operate
the proposed resort and conference center.
Local
Business Leaders
Auburn has been communicating frequently with business and community
leaders at the Gulf in order to make certain that we design a resort
and conference center that meets the needs of the community. One group,
with whom we have worked closely is the GUMBO (Gulf Unified Metro Business
Organization) Group, a grass roots coalition of Gulf Shores, Foley and
Orange Beach community and business leaders. Representatives from Auburn
have attended several of their meetings and have spoken frequently with
the GUMBO Group's representatives.
Summary
of Next Steps (not necessarily in this order)
1. Release RFI today. Follow up with RFP and/or RFQ
2. Continue to develop Academic Business Plan
3. Once DCNR notifies that the damage assessment and recovery process
following Ivan is complete, work with the DCNR to define the sources
and uses of funds for the project
4. Select developer, enter into leases with the DCNR and developer,
and contract for the construction and operation of the resort and conference
center