09-14-2005 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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4. It would appear that a different building design, such as two larger buildings east and west divided by a larger central parking lot would be a more attractive use of this site. In this way, the central parking area could be designed to provide for the looped circulation mentioned above. The building layout has been changed, although rather than larger buildings, the applicant is seeking clusters of smaller buildings, but with a varied arrangement on the property to break up the linear design in the first concept. 5. Enlargement of the "Tacheny" stormwater pond is proposed by the applicant. This should be confirmed by the City Engineer, and full drainage information will be required as a part of the "Development Stage PUD" application. Summary and Recommendation The project proposes an office use of the subject property, consistent with the City's PUD zoning designation for the site. As noted above, architectural considerations will comprise an important part of this project. Planning staff would note that circulation improvements will be necessary to accommodate this project, and will necessitate some measure of revised building layout. While office condominiums have been a successful style of development, this site may be better used by larger buildings and a central parking area. This option should be considered by the Planning Commission and the applicant. The revisions appear to address most of the issues raised in the original concept plan and the Planning Commission discussion. Because of the shape of the subject property, there is little flexibility in use of the site. As discussed above, a larger development area would increase the flexibility of land use and design. In that way, the site could be expected to more easily incorporate green space or other open space design feature. Focus on the landscaping around the ponding expansion may resolve some of this issue. Landscaping would be a requirement of the Development Stage PUD application. As noted in the original staff comments, building architecture will also be an important component of the City's review. pc: Kathy Glanzer Lee Elfering Steve Westerhaus John Matthews, 2994 Rice Street, Little Canada, MN 55113 3