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74 <br />'x <br />ARCfHIT lI'6,NA <br />4125 Lakeland Ave N <br />Suite 200 <br />Minneapolis, MN 55422 <br />(763) 533-7171 <br />(763) 533-7979 Fax <br />June 5, 2012 <br />Saint Anthony Village <br />Attn: City Manager <br />3301 Silver Lake Road <br />Saint Anthony, Minnesota 55418-1699 <br />RE: Variance Statement <br />Dear City Manager: <br />This statement is in response to the questions required it) applying for and granting a <br />variance. <br />Strict enforcement of the zoning code on this property will retain the current footprint <br />and layout of the existing building. Granting of the variance will allow construction of a <br />live -foot by twenty -three-foot addition at the lower level in order to reconf gore the <br />physical therapy unit. An above -grade glazing assembly at the addition creates a source <br />for natural light, which is lacking in the current existing layout. <br />The construction of the proposed addition is a permanent structure built of cement <br />masonry units and steel stud faring with gypsum board interior finish with an above - <br />grade atrium glazing assembly and prefinislted metal flashing attached to one side off the <br />existing building. It is a completely reasonable feature for such a facility and it is not <br />permitted by the zoning code due to the setback along the side of 37"' Street on this site. <br />The construction of the proposed addition is necessary to improve the quality of the <br />physical therapy unit space and provides daylighting to the area. The setbacks are <br />unique to the property and are not created by the property owner and the current 30' <br />setback was not a requirement when the building was originally designed and <br />constructed. The current footprint at the physical therapy edge is approximately three <br />feet inside the setback. The proposed addition will be predominantly below ground and <br />will extend less than two feet above the ground plane and therefore will not be visually <br />or physically intrusive to the building f'apadc. <br />The variance, if granted, will not alter the essential character of the locality. It wilt <br />improve the character of the area by enhancing the quality of the space it serves and will <br />utilize natural lighting, thus reducing energy usage. <br />Economic considerations alone are not the basis of the practical difficulties. The owner <br />is willing to spend this money to enhance the quality of the facility's physical therapy <br />space and its occupants. Due to the layout of the building and site, this is the best way <br />to achieve this objective in an effective, efficient manner. <br />The variance, if granted, would be consistent with the city's comprehensive land use <br />plan. The land use plan for this site is and will remain multiple -unit residential. Tlic <br />proposed physical therapy addition will enhance the ability of the facility to continue <br />current use as a multiunit senior housing serving physical therapy needs. <br />1 of <br />