05-25-99 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MAY 25, 1999 CONCEPT Mr. David Ficek, DaVern, Inc, appeared before the Council with a REVIEW OF concept proposal for townoffices on the Rice Street property formerly TOWNOFFICES owned by the St. Paul Board of Water Commissioners. Ficek noted DaVERN, INC. that he is proposing to construct six buildings each of which will have three townoff"ice units. Mayor Fahey noted that the Planning Commission has recommended approval of the concept. However, there is some question about filling the property. Ficek reported that he is proposing that the townoffices be full walkouts. He also noted that they are comfortable with the use of retaining walls on the site, therefore, grading should not be an issue. Ficek pointed out that he is proposing the parkin~ for the buildin~s abut Rice Street with the buildings placed to the east of the parkin~. Scalze asked how high the retaining walls will be. Ficek reported that the worst case will be two four-foot retaining walls in the northwest corner of the property. Scalze asked about servicing the property with sewer. Ficek reported that there are two options for bringing sewer into the property, and he will be working with the City Engineer on this issue. LaValle asked about placing the parking lots behind the building. Ficek indicated that that would ruin the view. Ficek indicated that he would retain a large amount of ve~etation between the buildin~ and the wetland area and would prefer to have parking in front of the buildings. Pedersen asked about the elevation of the property. Ficek indicated that the property drops eight feet in each 100 feet. Pedersen asked if driving by on Rice Street the buildings would be visible or the rooftops. Ficek replied tl~at part of the buildings would be visible and most of the roofs. Ficek indicated that the buildings would be on grade with the parking lot and the parkin~ lot will be four to six feet lower than the street. Ficek also indicated that he has redrawn his plans so that there is only one access point on Rice Street. Pedersen asked about resale of the units. Ficek reported that he has similar units elsewhere, and resale has not been an issue. The units are sized for small business owners and consist of between 1,000 and 1,400 square feet with the potential to finish offthe lower levels. Ficek pointed out that all the units wil] be walkouts.