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