Agenda - Economic Development Authority - 03/09/2017

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Project Background Project- The proposed 10,000 sf, 1-story,Stone Brook Academy& Daycare facility will include seven class rooms,a gym, kitchen,offices, reception area,and a playground.The academy will be staffed by 15-20 employees(including State certified instructors),and will serve 140 children. Mr.and Ms.Johnson have indicated they intend to construct a very nice looking building(including brick/glass)and they generally understand design standards for The COR.Also,they want to create a facility that becomes an asset for the community, interacts with residents, and draws people to The COR. Mr.and Ms.Johnson reviewed sites in Ramsey and neighboring cities(Coon Rapids,Andover, Elk River,Otsego, Rogers,etc.).The central part of The COR is their ideal location,and where they are proposing their new facility. They looked at multiple site locations within The COR.Site#1 is their most desired location.At this point,they estimate a need for 0.9-1-acres of land. Site Location- Stone Brook wants to be located in Ramsey. Furthermore,Stone Brook continues to indicate Site#1 is their ideal location. Site location is very important to Stone Brook. Owners- This is a project they've been researching and planning for over two years.They have reviewed the project with two developers,an architect,and with two banks.At this point,they are ready to make their dream a reality--they have their equity lined up--financing arranged--they are ready to apply for State Licensing--they are ready to go through the real estate entitlement process--they are ready to begin hiring/training employees--and they are ready to enter into a purchase agreement with the City.Their goal is to begin construction in early summer 2017. The new children's academy will be called Stone Brook.This startup company has an advantage in that Mrs. Johnson's father started a children's academy franchise in Florida called Prestmore Academy, therefore, Mr.and Mrs.Johnson will have the support of an experienced operator to assist with planning, preparation,and operation of the project. Here is a link to the Prestmore Academy website http://www.prestmoreacademy.com/. Please see "about" page for details.To begin, Mrs.Johnson will quit her current practice to operate Stone Brook. Mr.Johnson will continue his practice, until the businesses is self sustaining. Mr.and Mrs.Johnson,Stone Brook Academy have described this venture as much more than a business idea.They believe this project is the accumulation of several personal and professional goals,that fulfills a deep-rooted passion to give back to the world--through the education and development of children.To them,this is their dream. Mr.and Mrs.Johnson have also said it is very important for them to make strong connections to other users in The COR(and the community),to have a high-quality/high-tech/high-security facility,and to provide high-quality service offerings(academy).They have indicated they hope to be more than a childcare center,they are also an educational institution and asset to the community,and should not be compared to a purely traditional daycare center Horizon. Both Mr.and Mrs.Johnson strongly believe in the vision of The COR--especially the center of The COR.They believe in the principles of a walkable development,with close proximity to residential,close proximity to rail, high-quality architecture,and density.They believe their project is best located in (or near)the center of The COR, as a destination (140 kids,20 employees). This is the main reason they want to be on Site#1. Page 1 of 1