Agenda - Council - 12/14/2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Ramsey Municipal Center- Site Plan November 24, 2004 Page 5 of 7 Development Guidelines. The TCTAC had intensive discussion about the eastern side of the Ramsey Municipal Center and its relationship to Sapphire St. and the intersection of Sapphire St./Sunwood Dr. First, the location of the garbage dumpsters should either b~'moved or put inside the building. The group also wanted the City vehicle parking area removed. It was strongly felt by the members that this comer was a very important element of the project and should be designed accordingly. The green space should be enlarged and/or the building extend into this area. The second, point of discussion revolved around the screening of the parking area for the Police Department. It was decided some form of' fence and planting screening would be sufficient. The TCTAC also requested that additional design consideration be given to the eastern elevation of the building, specifically in the area of the police garage. It should also be noted that the bulk of the mechanical equipment will be enclosed on the roof with architectural metal. The City, would like to have some further information about the materials and how it will look from the street.-There is also one mechanical unit above the Police Station that will be visible from the sidewalk. It has been indicated that the unit will be painted with a color to blend into the sky. .. TC-1 l, gindows and Doors: The Guidelines state that glass openings should be maximized with at least 50% of the front fagade consisting of glazing; especially for retail and commercial uses. If that standard cannot be met; it may be waived as long as great design is dernonstrated on the facade. Additionally, real window openings should be provided for at least 40% of street facing facades. Recessed entries should be used whenever possible and clear or lightly tinted glass should be utilized. The Ramsey Municipal Center will not meet glazing standards indicated for the TC-1 District. Given the use of the building and the high quality of the material being used on the building, Staff feels that the design of the building warrants the waiving of the glazing requirement. Entrances to the building will be recessed as dictated by the Guidelines. Staff will need to receive further information regarding the type of windows to make sure that they comply with the Development Guidelines. The TCTAC reviewed the amount of glazing and is comfortable with not meeting the glazing requirement due to the design and material use of the property. However, as'the Sunwood Drive facade is revised, additional glazing should be considered to help animate and articulate the facade. TC-1 Materials: The Guidelines state that buildings should have a diverse mixture of materials that are applied in variety of proportions, exposures, and detailing. The materials should be durable and high- quality. Siding, wood, and metal is not allowed except, as a complementary use. Brick or comparable alternative should be used for at least 50% oft he non glazed area. Finally, the guidelines encourage the use of overhead projections to protect pedestrians from the elements and the use of smaller scale elements that will engage pedestrians. Overall, the design of the Ramsey Municipal Center incorporates an excellent diversity of high quality materials that are utilized in a variety of proportions, exposures, and details. The building exceeds the recommended amount of the use of brick. The TCTAC reviewed the material selection and color palette and finds that they meet the Development Standards. 7'C-i Size De~,e/opment 5'/a, dard.5'.' 'The Guidelines state' that ,oenerallv, buildings should be located at the lot line. but also allow for recessed space for public street lev. el activities. The cutwe of the building ,Mil allow l'br the creation o~' public spaces where inIbrmal pedestrian scale activity can occur. The t.~uidciines aiso emzom'.'.tue dmi: only smail sm'I~:~ce parking it, ts. if any. be. ,.~tiiized ::'ct' die basinesses in