09/14/2005 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Lakewood Apartment, page 2 4he layout generally follows the original layout, though the lots have been slightly modified to accommodate e proposed apartment building. The layout of the entire block is shown on the site plan. The site has been reorganized to allow a commercial /office building to the west of the apartment building and one to the north along the Interstate 35W frontage. It is a reduction in the overall building area that will be built in the area and is therefore substantially conforming to the original layout. The use of ground floor as residential (apartments) is not fully in conformance with the guidelines; however, since the portion of the building where this is being done is along a residential street across from future townhomes, staff finds it acceptable to permit a small number of units on the mixed -use streetside. The front setbacks along the build to lines exceed the 5 foot maximum; however, this will be permitted because a pedestrian walkway connecting the building entries to the street is provided. The site layout does not necessarily take into account the streetscape which is being designed and built by the city. Specifically, street trees and grate alignment must be taken into account when planning the location of the pedestrian walkway and any stairways or ramps that might be needed to provide access from the streetscape. Building Materials/ Elevations The submittal includes elevation drawings; however there are no references to height, building materials, or proposed colors. As such it is impossible for staff to determine if it is in conformance with the guidelines. Staff does have concerns in regards to the faux mansard roof that is depicted on sheet A5.1 (the front elevation), and ould like to see it removed. Sheet A5.2 may be the rear elevation of the building, but again it lacks ppropriate details to determine it's conformance with the guidelines. Staff is recommending continuation of this project based on the lack of sufficient information for review. Landscaping Staff is recommending that the landscaping plans be revised and resubmitted so that the following items can be accounted for. The sheet numbering appears to be inconsistent. The parking numbers called out do not accurately account for the number of spaces in the parking lot. Additional overstory trees should be indicated in the planting beds along the front side of the apartment units to shade pedestrians and soften the building facade. The streetscape trees should be shown on the plan to indicate their relationship with onsite landscaping. Crimson King and Colorado Blue Spruce should be eliminated in favor of Red Oak, Hackberry, or Red Pine. Autumn Red Spire Red Maple and Eastern Red Cedar should be replaced with more appropriate materials. Bush Honeysuckle should be used in place of Green Velvet shrubs. Berberis thinbergii is not a hardy plant in this zone and can be a trash collector. It should be replaced with Neon Flash to accomplish the same color palate. Overall the plant palette and layout should be revised to make the landscape less institutional and more inviting for pedestrians and residents. The landscaping plan is deficient in the parking lot medians. Additional trees must be planted with low growing deciduous or coniferous shrub accents. Some of the landscaping materials listed are prohibited by the zoning ordinance or are inappropriate for this area and must be replaced with appropriate materials. As always, all sodded and planted areas will require irrigation when appropriate. •