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Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 16, 2003 Page 9 1 Mr. Shardlow reviewed the objectives of the Livable Communities Act with the Commission. 2 He stated that the site has been identified by the Metropolitan Council as one of six opportunity 3 sites for and reviewed a graphic of the site plan with the Commission. 4 5 Mr. Shardlow referenced the level of the landscape commitment noting that the plan is very 6 heavily landscaped. He reviewed the proposed pedestrian system around the entire area with the 7 Commission stating that it would include trails that tie into the sidewalks. He stated that it 8 would also include extended sidewalks throughout development. He stated that they could 9 expect the park to be a strong visual entity and provided a graphic detail of the park component 10 for the Commission's review. He stated that the south side of the park would include seating 11 areas, water features, pond amenities and community gathering places. He stated that the 12 preliminary design plan has been completed that includes estimates for required funding. He 13 stated that they are seeking funding assistance from the Metropolitan Council. 14 15 Len Pratt,Developer, Pratt Ordway Properties, introduced the Development Team to the 16 Commission. He stated that they have been working with the City Staff for 18 months on this 17 project adding that they are ready to address concerns that were identified at the August meeting. 18 He stated that they would begin with the Silver Lake Road component and introduced Kelly 19 Doran. 20 21 Kelly Doran, President, Robert Muir Company, reviewed the history of the company and their 22 intent with the Commission. He explained that they like to self manage their properties and 23 create an image that allows customer to want to continue to frequent the shopping area. He 24 stated that quality is very important and reviewed previous projects with the Commission. He 25 stated that Miles Lindberg,URS and Kathy Anderson, KKE are present to answer any questions 26 the Commission might have. 27 28 Miles Lindberg, URS, provided the Commission with an overview of the site plan. He explained 29 that the structure of the project has two components adding that economically the discount retail 30 will be the engine that would provide the ability for smaller businesses to thrive and survive. He 31 stated that from an overall design, the goal is to find a way for all of the tenants to fit together 32 and integrate well. He stated that the development of 39`h is very important to the success of the 33 shopping center and that they intend to do this by using features and designs that include 34 parking, sidewalks, street furnishings and landscaping. He explained that the buildings located 35 along 39`h are generally smaller in scale and richer in detail in order to create a main street, 36 downtown theme. He acknowledged that access in and out of area is important stating that they 37 have set up a series of intersections along 39`h Avenue and reviewed with the Commission. He 38 stated that the landscaping would include large islands in parking lot areas and that they would 39 also incorporate a floral theme that would include raised planters and provide separators along 40 the walkways. He stated that the design detail includes an extensive overview of street elements 41 that include ornamental fencings, street furnishings and pedestrian lighting. 42 43 Kathy Anderson, KKE Architects,provided the Commission with an overview of the building 44 designs. She reviewed the main entrance of the center noting that they key monument features 45 would also be heavily landscaped. She reviewed the parking with the Commission noting that 46 they kept the diagonal parking as a convenience to the tenants. She explained that each building