09-13-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 might have. Dorgan indicated that St. Jude has been working on this project since the beginning of the year. They would like to break ground on Phase I this fall with completion scheduled for 2009. Dorgan noted a change in their submission eliminating the green roof at this time. He reported that they have not worked through all the issues associated with the green roof and asked that any approvals this evening not be contingent on the green roof. It is a component, however, that may be added back into the project. Kerry Brendelin, Architectural Alliance, presented the St. Jude project to the Commission. Brendelin indicated that the guiding principles for this project include preservation and expansion of the natural site features, being a good neighbor, providing space for St. Jude for the next 20 yeazs, minimize disruption through a master plan process, and link all existing buildings to maximize real estate flexibility. Brendelin reported that the existing St. Jude Lillehei Campus contains 112,500 square feet of office, laboratory, and manufacturing space on a 37 acre site. The Phase I project is proposed to add 182,000 square feet of office, laboratory, light manufacturing, and employee amenity space in one building as well as approximately 450 parking stalls. This project will be constructed on an adjacent 10 acre site that is being acquired from the School District. Brendelin described the fact that the parking area would consist of two levels, one service level that is depressed and one elevated level. Brendelin reported that Phase II is estimated at this time to consist of 150,000 square feet of lab, manufacturing, storage, and mechanical space plus an additional 300 parking spaces. Knudsen noted the City Planner's comment that parking does not meet ordinance requirements. The Planner indicated that while that is true, St. Jude's has requested a proof of parking and has shown the ability to meet the City's parking requirements, if necessary. St. Jude is confident that the parking they have proposed will be adequate to meet their needs. Brendelin indicated that in meeting with the neighborhood, concern has been expressed about the proximity of Phase II to the Cobblestone Village townhomes. He noted that as part of the Phase I project, additional tree buffer will be planted to augment what already exists. He also noted that St. Jude will add additional plantings on the adjacent 916 School District property with their agreement. Brendelin described the landscaping plan for the site. He also noted that there is no timetable at this point for the Phase II construction. -2-