Agenda - Council - 03/08/2005 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Community Development DireCtor Trudgeon advised that the need for structured parking within the Town Center was identifieit early ~ the planning process as being critical. He stated the utilization of parking structur0s, while ~OstlY, will dramatically reduce the need for surface parking in the Town Center Cote and allOW for buildings to be dense and vertical. He stated the use of parking structures also provides fo~ a mOre pedestrian friendly experience in the core. Community Development Director Tmdge°n mentioned that as with-City Hall, this parking ramp has not been fully decided by the City Cotmeil. ~ He indicated he would also mention that the City received $2.2 million from the Metropolitan COUncil for this project. Community Development Director Trudgeon iadvised that along Sunwood Drive the Ramsey Town Center plan shows a commercial r~tail building, on a separate lot in front of the parking structure. He noted that once the new I°t is created, the parking structure will no longer have direct frontage onto Sunwood Drive. He ihdieated at this point it is uncertain when this structure will be built, but Staff believes' ': ..... ~t, wilt oee~ w~thin the next two years. Assistant Community Development DireCtor Trudgeon stated Staff believes that the 0-5 foot front yard setback for the TC-1 District should not apply to the municipal parking structure since it is an accessory use and the fact that a new lot will be created in front of the parking structure and thus removing the frontage oflthe building from Sunwood Drive. Community Development DirectOr Trudgeon advised that the Town Center Technical Advisory Committee met on January 12, 2005 to re~ieW the architecture of the building. He stated that in general, the TCTAC liked the building; recognizing its utilitarian uSe. He indicated they like the look of the 'warehouse' style and thought;it was appropriate. He noted the structure will consist of precast concrete infill panels placed between :columns. He indicated cultured stone will be used on the first level to provide for a more~ pleasing aesthetic at the ground level. He added the most prominent feature of the strUcture will belthe glass stairwells, which will be prominently placed at the comers of the structure. He indicated that besides serving a functional purpose, they will also be a focal point of t~ structure, especially at night when the stair wells are lit up. Commissioner Shepherd asked if the parking ramp would be free. Assistant Community Development DireCtor TrUdgeon indicated it would be a free ramp. Commissioner Shepherd asked if the th~atre being proposed was a movie theatre or a live theatre venue. Assistant Community Development DirectOr Trudgeon indicated a multi-screen movie theatre is being proposed. Joann Alsmith talked about the diStdbution of parking and how the location was determined. She stated this will also be a park aUd ride location, and can accommodate a transit station for the Planning commission/February 3, 2005 page 13~Of 15 .