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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – March 5, 2014 2 A. Planning Case 14-010; PUD Amendment; Roberts Management Group; 3833 Lexington Avenue North – Public Hearing Associate Planner Bachler stated that on July 8, 2013, the City Council approved a Master Planned Unit Development and Final Planned Unit Development for Phase I of the Lexington Station redevelopment project at 3833 Lexington Avenue North in Planning Case 13-003. The approved Redevelopment Plan Documents included architectural plans for the Phase I building depicting transparent windows on all four sides of the building. Roberts Management Group has recently signed leases with Noodles & Company and Starbucks for spaces within the building. These tenants have requested to use simulated windows in select areas on the east, north, and south façades in order to accommodate kitchen and restroom facilities. The applicant expects to sign leases with at least one additional restaurant tenant who will also likely need to use simulated windows specifically on the central section of the east façade. Associate Planner Bachler explained that the Master Planned Unit Development Agreement between the City and Roberts Management Group states that any significant changes to the Redevelopment Plan Documents, as determined by the City Planner, shall require review and approval by the City Council. City staff met with Roberts Management Group to discuss the proposed changes to the Phase I building design and determined a PUD Amendment should be requested. Associate Planner Bachler stated that Roberts Management has proposed using a back-lit, frosted glazing window design on the windows on the east elevation facing Lexington Avenue, two windows on the north elevation facing Red Fox Road, and one window on the south elevation. Each window pane would be treated with a frosted glazing and a light fixture would be included on the interior of the building directly above the top sill of each window. This light fixture would be connected to tenants’ regular interior lighting systems and would remain on during regular business hours. The frosted window glazing would be opaque, allowing for light from the interior light fixture to pass through the windows. Associate Planner Bachler indicated that the proposed window design contrasts with the construction of simulated windows using spandrel glass. This is a commonly used approach that involves the construction of a wall directly behind a window with a colored coating applied to the window. Darkly shaded non-transparent windows can often give retail stores the appearance of being closed and the applicant believes their proposal for back-lit, frosted glazing windows will help simulate an “open for business” appearance. Site Data Future Land Use Plan: Commercial Existing Land Use: Vacant Zoning: B-3: Service Business District Current Lot Sizes: 1.34 Acres Topography: Level Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the surrounding area and the Plan Evaluation. He explained the Planning Commission must make a finding as to whether or not the proposed PUD Amendment at 3833 Lexington Avenue North would adversely affect the surrounding