02-13-2002 Council Workshop Minutes

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>`~Irnu"rrs CITY COUNCIL FGF3RUARY 13, 2002 Velet indicated that Little Canada Road has more of a downtown feel than Rice Street and that is one of the reasons for putting the office space on Little Canada Road. Montour asked what peaked Martens interest in the project. Martens indicated that he drove the site and liked the area based on the residential development in the area, demographics, and traffic counts. I-le felt the density being proposed was reasonable. Fahey asked what factors would make it feasible to ina'ease the retail to 25,000 square feet. Martens replied that the pre-leasing response will be a factor. if pre- leasing is good, the development plans can be adapted accordingly. Ruff'asked about community space. Hanson indicated that the center section of the building on the southeast corner would be common space For the housing units that would also adjoin the retail space. 'phis area would be a community room for the senior housing as well as the neighborhood in general. Fahey asked about the effect amedical/professional building would have on nearby medical and dental offices. Martens felt that medical professionals are looking for location and quality premises. He felt these are destination businesses to some degree. Fahey thanked Metro Plains for their presentation. At this point, 6:08 p.m., a short recess was taken. The workshop reconvened at 6:21 p.m. SIII~RMAN George Sherman, Sherman Associates, and Mark Swenson, architect appeared ASSOCIA'1'L:S before the Council to present Cheir development concept. Sherman presented two site plan concepts that they felt were realistic for the southeast corner of Rice Street and Little Canada Road. Concept A included a 4-story building with 16,000 square feet of retail and 95 units of senior housing. He noted that the retail is approximately 20% of the net floor area and noted that this is a nwnber used by many lenders in considering these projects. Swenson pointed out that both Concepts A and B are proposing the retail space fronting along Rice Street and the community space fronting along Little Canada Road. Sherman reported that Concept B proposes two buildings. The larger building would have approximately 14,000 square feet of retail and 80 units of'senior housing. The second smaller building would be approximately 4,500 square feet of retail for a total of 18,500 square feet of retail. The retail space would be single loaded along Rice Street with commmunity space in the back. The back of the building would contain the senior entrance and would be focused on the senior housing. This would create a friendly environment with the retail for the seniors.