Background on AST Development
APS recently announced that the Fitzsimons Innovation Campus will be home to the Aurora Science and Technology School (AST) which will be a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) school for grades 6-12. The new school, in partnership with the DSST Public Schools which will operate the school, will provide APS students with a robust STEM program and access to the CU Anschutz Medical Campus and its pioneering research labs. APS is about to close on the acquisition of an approximately 5.5 acre parcel of land (Fitzsimons Innovation Community Subdivision Filing No. 1). The parcel is located south of Fitzsimons Parkway, east of N. Scranton Parkway, west of N. Ursula Street, and north of E. 25th Avenue. APS expects to close on the acquisition of the parcel in July 2019. The parcel is located in the City of Aurora and is zoned PD-MU which permits mixed use with most commercial and office type uses permitted. Attached hereto is General Development Plan Amendment #6 for the Fitzsimons Innovation Campus. Construction of the infrastructure to service the parcel is underway (https://fitzsimonsinnovation.com/).
APS proposes that the building for AST will be located on the parcel and will be approximately 115,000 square feet. In addition to restrooms, mechanical and electrical rooms and circulation space, APS expects that the building will include:
• 47 classrooms which include standard classrooms, science rooms, a Stem lab and Fitness room
• A 2 classroom suite for a special education program
• A gymnasium
• Cafeteria & kitchen
• A multipurpose space for assemblies
• A central office suite
• Additional offices and support spaces near classrooms for staff.
APS has developed with DSST Public Schools (which will operate AST) a plan of finance which includes APS funding, fundraising, and a fee to be paid by AST.
Scope
APS is seeking external support from respondents who are interested in jointly developing the parcel to include not only the AST building but other compatible private or public uses. Before finalizing the plan of finance and proceeding with construction of the AST building, APS is soliciting from Respondents proposals for the joint development of the parcel. APS is seeking proposals for a dynamic development of the parcel with uses that are compatible with the AST building.