12-04-13 PTRC Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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MEMORANDUM DATE:December 4, 2013 TO:Economic Development Commission FROM:Matthew Bachler, Community Development Intern SUBJECT:Carroll’s Furniture Property Update Background The former Carroll’s Furniture property at 1203 County Road E is currently being marketedfor $450,000. This is approximately the value of the underlying land according to Ramsey County tax records.Severalparties have contacted staff expressing an interest in the property. All of the prospective buyers have indicated that they would reuse the existing building rather than tearing th it downand rebuilding on the site. At the City Council Work Session on November 18, the Council reviewed a concept plan for the site proposed by Creative Catering. Thebusiness is currently leasing space at the Country Financial office building at 2 Pine Tree Drivein Arden Hills. Discussion The Carroll’s Furniture building is configured as a single tenant building with a total floor area of approximately 40,000 square feet. Creative Catering would repurpose the buildingfor a banquet area, catering facilities, and retailuses.To accommodate the different uses, the applicant wouldseparate the buildinginto three sections. Banquet and meeting room space would be located on the upper level (15,000 s.f.),catering facilities on the lower level (15,000 s.f.), and retail bays would be constructed within theeastern sideof the building (7,000 s.f.) that fronts County Road E. Creative Catering intends to make improvements to the building’s exteriorand update the existing signage on the property. Staff has informed Creative Catering about the need for a sidewalk and public easement along County Road E, the possible closure of the entrance on the western end of the parking lot, and the shared driveway improvement along the easternproperty line.The company has indicated their willingness to work with the Cityto address these items. The City Council expressed concerns regarding the amount of parking that would be provided on the site.TheZoning Coderequiresbanquetuses to provide oneparking space for every two seats;retail uses oneparking space per150 square feet of retail floor space;and catering uses