Agenda - Planning Commission - 02/03/2005

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structure will no longer have direct frontage onto Sunwood Dr. At this point, it is uncertb, in when this structure will be built and the lot Created, but Staff believes it will occur within the next two years. Staff believes that the 0-5 foot front yard setback for the TC-1 District should not apply }9 the municipal parking structure since it is an accessory use and the fact that a new lot will be created in fl'ont of the parking structure and thus removing the "frontage" of the building from Sunwood Dr. Staff has reviewed the utility, drainage, and ~ading plans and have no significant comments at this time· Further review of the plans will occur at time of final site plan submittal. Staff has also reviewed the proposed landscaping plan and finds it generally acceptable, subject to the comments and request for additional information contained in the City, Staff Review Letter. The Town Center Technical ,Advisory Committee met on January 12, 2005 to review the arclfitecture of the building, ha general, the TCTAC liked the building, recognizing its utilitarian use. They liked the look of the "warehouse" style and thought it was appropriate. The structure will consist of precast concrete infill panels placed between columns. Cultured stone will be used on the first level to provide for a more pleasing aesthetic at the ·ground level. The most prominent feature of the structure will be the glass stairwells. They will be prominently placed at the corners of the structure. Besides se,wing a functional purpose, they will also be a Local point of the structure, especially at night when the stair wells are lit up. The TCTAC suggested some minor design changes to the stairwells in order improve the impact of the design. Overall, the TCTAC liked the design of the structure and recommended that it proceed for approval. Staff is having continuing discussions regarding the necessity of certain materials on the north and west face. In the case of the north, a retail/commercial building will eventually be located in front of the parking structure. Therefore, any quality .materials or design will not be visible from Sunwood Drive, On the west fagade, future expansion will require the fagade to be removed and replaced with a new one on the expanded building. Staff would like to have the fagade be of the same quality as the rest of the building, but budget concerns on the cost of the structure may eventually make that expense difficult. The parking str~cture will have two accesses. From Sunwood Drive, drivers will only be able to enter. No exit from the structure will be allowed at this access. The Primary access will come from Civic Center Drive and will allow for vehicles to both enter and exit. Ciu Staff has reviewed these accesses and find them acceptable. Recolmnendation:. Staff recommends approval of the prelim inarv site plan subject to the comments contained in ti~e City Staff Review Letter dated January 28, 2005 and the platting of the Subject Property. Commission Action: ~vlotio~q ro recomlnead a~ the Cirx, Council approval o~' the preliminary plan for d~e Ramsey