Resolution - #10-04-088 - 04/01/2010

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Exhibit A Variance Request BDH'~OUNG VARIANCE REQUEST SPACE DESIGN wvaw.bdhyounq.com Project - Allina Ramsey We are requesting 2 variances in regards to the Allina project located at the northwest corner of Sunwood Drive and Ramsey Blvd. N.W. 1. The City Code requires a Floor Area Ration (F.A.R.) of a minimum of 25% site coverage in the TC-3 district. The total site area is 3 acres or 130,680 S.F. The proposed building area of 28,800 S.F. creates a F.A.R. = 28,800/130,680 = 22%. The site plan shows a future building addition of 4,000 S. F. bring the total current/future building area to 32,800 S.F. and aF.A.R. = 32,800/130,680 = 25%. 2. The Ramsey Town Center Development Guidelines identifies a number of design elements inherent in the TC-3 "Workplace" district. The guideline overview recognizes the need for easy access and larger surface parking lots. The guideline also identifies the desire to minimize parking along the street frontages to a maximum of 25% and locate buildings within minimum setbacks along street frontages. Allina is requesting a variance regarding this issue. The proposed Allina Medical clinic located at the corner of Ramsey Boulevard and Sunwood Drive has been designed to create an architectural "landmark" at this important intersection and gateway to the Ramsey Town Center. This corner site provides approximately 710' of frontage along Sunwood Drive and Ramsey Boulevard. The proposed building design occupies approximately 390' of this frontage or 55% of coverage. The size requirement of the building, parking requirements and interior patient flow restricts the ability to create a building that would provide more frohtage coverage. In addition, an architectural wall of varying height constructed of brick and stone to match the building materials that offers seating areas for pedestrians has been introduced along Sunwood Drive. When combined with the building, a total building/wall coverage of greater than 90% is achieved. The north-south building orientation permits the site to circulate in a counter clockwise direction which is required for patient drop off from automobiles and Metro Mobility vans allowing the patient side of the vehicle to face the building entrance when under the covered canopy. The building position provides a clear vision to the main entrance from patients arriving from Sunwood Drive and exposes the entry to sunlight in the afternoon hours creating a welcoming appearance. The exterior design of the building incorporates a gently curving wall of glass at the corner of Ramsey Boulevard and Sunwood Drive. This architectural feature provides a functional solution improving the site triangle for traffic movement and an aesthetic solution providing a distinct architectural element at this prominent intersection. ^ 7001 France Avenue South, Sulte 200, Edina, Mtnnesola 55435 952.893.9020 (Phone) 952.893.92991Fax) HMILINA\ALLINAfl~m~~IM1Ow\Vxl~n~~.doa Led prinkd 1/1Ut010 Z.a1N0 PM RESOLUTION #10-04-088 Page 5 of 5