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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 15, 2014 2 <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher explained that the Transition Neighborhood is <br />zoned to allow medium-density multi-family as well as small-scale commercial uses such as <br />restaurants, banks, daycares, and retail. This district is intended to provide a transition from the <br />relatively low-density single-family neighborhoods to the higher-density Town Center District. <br /> <br />Community Development Director Hutmacher reviewed how the current plan compared to the <br />Ryan Companies plan with regard to density and requested comment from the Council regarding <br />the following matters: <br /> <br />1. Are the residential and commercial uses currently permitted in the Town Center and <br />Neighborhood Transition Districts acceptable? <br />2. Are the total number of units and the projected density of the Town Center and <br />Neighborhood Transition Districts acceptable? <br />3. Should commercial uses be allowed in free-standing buildings in these districts? <br />4. Are any additional revisions needed for the design standards? <br /> <br />Eric Anderson, Ryan Companies, introduced himself to the Council and explained that since he <br />last saw the Council he has been heavily involved in the senior housing market. <br /> <br />Kelly Doran, Doran Companies, introduced himself to the Council and discussed the types of <br />housing projects his company has been completing. <br /> <br />Paul Sween, Dominium, reported that his business was based out of Plymouth, Minnesota. He <br />indicated that his company does some senior housing projects, but for the most part, it constructs <br />multi-family general occupancy. <br /> <br />Stacie Kvilvang, Ehlers & Associates, provided the Council with a presentation on the proposed <br />housing for TCAAP and discussed the comments received from contractors who were contacted <br />to provide feedback to staff. She stated that there was a good demand for multi-family housing in <br />the area and believed that 600 units would be supported until 2019. She reviewed several existing <br />multi-family developments that would work well on the TCAAP site. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant asked if condos would be viable on TCAAP. <br /> <br />Ms. Kvilvang stated that there was very little market for this housing style. She discussed two <br />successful developments in the metro area noting that condos suited only a very specific area or <br />market. <br /> <br />Mr. Doran explained that many architectural and construction companies are no longer insured to <br />build condos. <br /> <br />Mayor Grant questioned why staff was referring mostly to four story buildings. <br /> <br />Mr. Anderson reported that five story buildings were more costly and typically required <br />structured parking. He discussed how apartment living has evolved over the past 20 years, given <br />the numerous amenities that are now being offered. <br />