03-26-12-WS Draft Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MARCH 26, 2012 3 Mr. Davidson commented he has been excited about the prospect of converting the hotel into mixed use housing. He felt the concept would be an asset to the community and noted the phasing of the site would allow for the density and unit types to be determined based on market needs. Mr. Davidson indicated there was a large number of students and young professionals in the area that would benefit from this style of housing. Lisa, a representative of Stuart Companies, explained she has been in property management for the past 20 years. She has learned that multi-family needs have changed over the years and smaller units with larger amenities would be a draw. The exercise and Wi-Fi open spaces would suit the market and clientele well. Mr. Davidson addressed the kitchen concerns stating it was his intention to install a countertop, sink, refrigerator and microwave. He indicated the residents within these units would be younger, with perhaps a meal plan at a local campus and would not be preparing full meals. He noted the addition of the cook top/range would create additional fire and safety concerns. Councilmember Holden asked if the refrigerator would have a freezer. Mr. Davidson indicated the refrigeration units would have a freezer. Councilmember Holmes questioned if staff was aware of any new construction in the metro area installing only a microwave unit for the cooking appliance. City Planner Beekman stated this was done in St. Paul, but only through redevelopment and not new construction. The City of Minneapolis does not allow multi-family housing units to not have full kitchens. Staff researched student housing in Minneapolis surrounding the University of Minnesota. Her research found the units to have full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Mayor Grant described the unit his daughter lived in for off-campus student housing. He did not understand how a microwave would be sufficient for cooking in a studio apartment. For this reason, he did not feel the proposed units would have much demand, and he supports ovens being in all the kitchens. Councilmember Holmes explained her daughter has an apartment without a stove. She stated each individual has different preferences and for those individuals seeking to live alone, the proposed development was a great option. Councilmember Tamble questioned what the rent would be for these units. Mr. Davidson anticipated the rent to range from $600 41,200 per month. The $600 would be for the studio units and the one-bedroom units could be closer to $800. He stated double occupancy units would be over $800 per month.