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I ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—FEBRUARY 19, 2013 7 Mr. Roberts explained that his goal is to improve the community by taking an older-looking building and making it nice-looking. He stated that this would be a phased development that would start with tearing down the Blue Fox. He has plans for future phases of the development, which include work on the other two buildings to the west. He explained that lining up the intersection directly across from Target is essential to the project, and he would like to be able to add a signalized light there to improve traffic flow. Mayor Grant stated that he likes the idea of redeveloping the site. He noted that with the back of the building facing Lexington Avenue, it is going to be important to add architectural improvements to make the building look nice. He stated that the same situation occurred with the construction of the new Walgreen's building and that building did not turn out looking as good as he had hoped. Mr. Roberts stated that the goal is to make it a higher-end development with a lot of brick and better quality tenants. Mayor Grant noted that he likes the proposed improvements for traffic circulation. He would like to see the project done all in one phase, but understands the need for multiple phases. Councilmember McClung stated that he would like to see a narrowed-down timing of the phases for this project. Mr. Roberts explained that Phase I would begin next year. The building directly to the west has tenants whose lease is coming due in three to four years. Once the lease is up, he plans to decrease the size of the building and, by bringing the building back approximately 80 feet, it will allow for additional parking. The tenants at 3771 Lexington Avenue have longer leases and they have invested a lot of money in their space. For that reason, that phase of development will not happen for approximately eight to ten years. Councilmember McClung noted that the back of two of the buildings will face Lexington Avenue; therefore, it is essential to use high-quality materials and get good-quality tenants in those buildings. Councilmember Holden stated that she has an issue with the proposed location of the drive-thru window, and explained that the walkability seems to be lacking. She inquired if a trail or sidewalk will be proposed. City Planner Beekman indicated that a parking analysis has not been done yet, but the number of stalls does seem tight to her. Mr. Roberts questioned how to move forward on obtaining a traffic analysis. City Planner Beekman stated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) with Ramsey County could be requested and the applicant can decide whether it fits with his time schedule. If not, it is possible to have an independent traffic study done as part of the application process. She stated that the City does not want to hold up the project.