10-08-08 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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V/,~ ~~ > <: _, ,. ~~ ~ , ~tt~ ~a~2aa~a 515 Little Canada Road, Litflc Canasta, MN 55 1 17-1600 (651) 766-4029 / rAX: (651) 766-4048 W 14 W. C 1.11t f 1C-C a n aC1a. n1t1. U5 MEMORANDUM TO: Mayor Blesener & Members of the City Council FROM: Joel Hanson, City Administrator DATE: October 3, 2008 RE: Development Update -Midwest Gymnastics (Former Knox Building) MAYOR Hill ntescncr COUNCIL, Rlclc Monlaur nm~bara Allan John ICcls Michael McGraw ADMINISTRA1n2 Joel R. [-Janson Attached is some information received from Jess Galba and Bob Wagner relative to their planned 1•enovation of the former Knox Building. They have leased out 4,000 square feet of the building to another tenant in addition to the space to be occupied by Midwest Gymnastics, Given the current economic times, they have experienced difficulty in leasing out the balance of the building. I believe the current condition of the building is also a detriment. Also attached is a copy of the development agreement for this property. It includes exhibits that depict the intended appearance of the building and defined a wolkscope. The developers will discuss their proposed changes to this wol•kscope with you at Wednesday's meeting. Work items defined in Section 13 of the Development Agl•eement still need to be completed. Of that listing, landscaping has essentially complied with the intent of the agreement. They are not address the existing pylon sign until Midwest Gymnastics occupies the building. Outdoor storage on the property was complied with although it appeals Maaco is parking vehicles on the site at pl•esent. The remaining items have not been completed by the agl•eed upon date of July 1St. However, it is my understanding they will be addressed as part of the planned improvements to be undertaken at this time. It should also be noted that the major exterior improvements are not 1•equil•ed as of yet. That work is not triggered by the agreement until the developers lease out at least 11,000 square feet of the northern half of the building. However, they are proposing to undertake a lot of this work at this time to addl•ess the appearance of the property and to hopefully assist with lease-up of the remaining space. The developers will be present at Wednesday's meeting to discuss the modification with you. Staff would urge cooperation given the economic climate and the fact that their improvements still seem to comply with the intent to improve the appearance of the building. Staff would also recommend that all outstanding items from Section 13 be complied with as agreed to. cc: Bob Wagner