PL PACKET 01301996 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

STAFF REPORT DATE: January 30, 1996 TO: Planning Commission Members FROM: Kim Moore-Sykes, Management Assistant ITEM: Side Yard Setback Variance Request for Lot 7 -- Apache Plaza Shopping Center Mall BACKGROUND: The Ste. Marie Corporation has submitted a sideyard setback variance request for the existing mall building on the newly created Lot 7, Apache Plaza. The subdivision of land is intended create several commercial lots which will provide redevelopment opportunities to SuperValu and other potential retailers. The J.C.Penney's portion of the existing mall and the health club will be demolished to allow for the construction of a Cub Foods store. The remaining north portion of the mall will be situated on the newly created property line between Lot 7 and Lot 1. According to the City Zoning Ordinance, Section 1635.05, Subd. 5, interior side yards of commercial buildings are required to be 10 feet in width. ANALYSIS: In a letter submitted to the City by Jack Amdal, KKE Architects, there are several issues that are particular to Apache Plaza as it currently exists and which are creating redevelopment hardships that has necessitated Ste. Marie Corporation's request for a side yard setback variance of 10 feet. These issues include: 1. Ste. Marie Corporation needs to deal with a deteriorating and obsolete shopping center mall which requires significant redevelopment and restructuring activities to bring it to its best and reasonable use as a commercial property. 2. A portion of the mall must remain intact because there are a number of existing leases that run for the next several years. In order to accommodate these tenants and SuperValu's interest in building a Cub Food store, Ste. Marie Corporation proposes to leave most of the mall standing. 3. For the safety of the occupants, the structural integrity of the central mall must be maintained. In allowing a side yard set back variance at the renovated north end, the need to restructure the existing roofing system and structure will be eliminated. Also, an emergency exit, which is required by the Uniform Building Code and public restrooms will not be eliminated and access to the mall from the west will remain useable.