07-09-2003 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

To the south of the retail /office building is and proposed townhouse project being developed by the applicant and a high density apartment use. The proximity of the retail /restaurant use to residential uses will provide critical market support within walking distances of these new businesses. Preliminary Plat. The subject site is currently unplatted vacant land. Application for preliminary plat approval is required to legally establish the proposed parcel to be developed, subject to the applicable requirements of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. Retail /Office Building Development Stage Plan Site Design. The site plan for the proposed retail /office building provides for the building to be located at the intersection of Little Canada Road and Rice Street, with parking to the north, northeast and east. The setback is as close as 4 feet and an 11 foot setback from Little Canada Road is typical and as close as the building can get to zero -lot line. This location creates a gateway to Little Canada Road with the apartment building on the south side of Little Canada Road, consistent with the urban character encouraged by the City's goals for this area. Additional consideration should be given to a decorative fence or low wall treatment complementing the proposed building along Rice Street to screen the parking area north of the building. Building Design. The proposed building is a two story design with a total of 23,830 square feet of leasable space. The exterior of the building is to be constructed with stone or brick materials with cement pilasters, large glass areas and asphalt shingles. The design of the building provides a significant octagonal form with a false third floor at the corner of Rice Street and Little Canada Road emphasizing the building entrance and contributing to the gateway effect. Windows are shown to be taller than wide consistent with the City's Rice Street design guidelines. The overall exterior appearance of the proposed building is attractive and highly positive. Specific plans for the building exterior must be submitted prior to Final Stage Plan approval. Landscaping. The landscaping plan for the retail /office use provides for a variety of plantings at the building foundation, parking lot and site perimeter. Additional low growing shrubs should be planted along the west and south property lines abutting the parking areas to better screen the parking areas. All other materials are appropriate and consistent with Zoning Ordinance requirements. Access. The subject site is to have access from Rice Street, Little Canada Road, and Middle Street. The access to Little Canada Road and Middle Street are shared with the proposed restaurant on the abutting parcel A cross parking and access easement will be necessary for both parcels. There is also a driveway connection to the access serving the existing First Bank building, which will also require an access easement. 2