11-08-07 Planning Comm. Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MINUTES PLANNING COMMISSION NOVEMBER 8, 2007 Midwest will occupy 25,000 square feet of the building, and up to four other businesses will occupy the remainder of the building. Knudsen asked what other types of businesses would be the property be marketed to. Wagner suggested that compatible businesses would be targeted for occupancy that would fall under office/warehouse or office/showroom. Wagner indicated that heavy commercial would not be targeted. The businesses would have to be compatible with one another. Knudsen asked if the City would have to opportunity to review the additional businesses that would be occupying the building. The Planner stated that the site use is guided by the City's Land Use Plan and as long as the businesses would be compatible with the Business-Warehouse District uses, they would be allowed and not require separate PUD Permits. Duray asked the timetable for the building improvements. Wagner reported that when the exterior improvements are done, they will be done all at once. However, the timing of the exterior improvements will be dependent on when occupants are found for the remainder of the building. Wagner reported that Midwest Gymnastics cannot afford to purchase the building, build out their interior space needs, as well as do the exterior improvements. Wagner further reported that Midwest has to give notice to their current landlord by the end of January, 2008. If they do not give notice by that time, they will be locked into their current lease for another three years. Wagner also noted that the current owner of the former Knox building, Drywall Supply, will continue to occupy the Knox building space through September of 2008. Drywall Supply is planning to build another building on their back site. Until that new building is constructed, Drywall Supply needs to continue to occupy the Knox building. Wagner reported that under the purchase agreement Midwest has the right to begin remodeling work before Drywall Supply moved out of the building. Wagner felt with the price they are asking for the excess space in the former Knox building, it should move. He noted the two options being pursued - to either lease the excess space or condo the building out. Duray asked about the interior improvements. Wagner described their plans to separate the interior spaces, and noted that given the 14-foot and 18-foot ceiling heights in the building, Midwest will take the back portion of the building that has 18 foot ceiling heights. Duray asked if the interior remodeling will occur right away. Wagner indicated that the remodeling will not occur until right before Midwest moves into the building. He was not sure when that would occur, but thought it would be no later than September of 2008. Wagner again noted -11-