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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—DECEMBER 15, 2014 3 <br /> Further discussion ensued regarding the vision for the multi-family unit types being proposed for <br /> TCAAP. <br /> Mr. Anderson estimated that rents in this area were roughly $1.60 per square foot. He discussed <br /> how this would impact the units on TCAAP. He anticipated that rent would be kept separate from <br /> utilities and reported that this led to renters more properly managing their use of energy. <br /> Mayor Grant understood that amenities were important. He questioned if staff had a list of <br /> desired amenities. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher stated that cities usually focus on requiring high <br /> quality buildings without requiring specific market-driven amenities. <br /> Councilmember Holden asked if retail uses could be mixed in with the proposed multi-family. <br /> Mr. Anderson did not believe that vertical mixed housing would be supported on TCAAP. He <br /> understood that the expectation would be to have new retail in the proximity, but did not <br /> recommend that the City pursue vertical mixed housing. <br /> The Council further discussed the potential locations for retail on TCAAP. <br /> Councilmember Holden questioned if contractors were able to build green on TCAAP. <br /> Mr. Sween explained that the energy for Pillsbury was now being generated through <br /> hydroelectric. He explained that he has also used micro-turbines for a recent project. He believed <br /> that there would have to be an incentive for contractors in order for them to build more green. <br /> Mr. Doran stated that people were becoming more mindful of their energy consumption even <br /> though energy is very inexpensive right now. <br /> Mr. Anderson indicated that broadband and fiber optic capacity would be huge issues for the <br /> TCAAP site. He cautioned the City against requiring contractors to construct LEED certified <br /> buildings as this would increase the overall expense of projects, which would trickle down to <br /> higher rents. <br /> Councilmember Holden requested further information on the differences between senior <br /> cooperatives, senior housing with services, and assisted living. <br /> Mr. Anderson explained that a senior cooperative was similar to a condo and would target a <br /> different market. He reported that he was currently building another product called an age in <br /> place facility. He stated that the age in place facilities were luxury apartments with amenities and <br /> meal options for independent, assisted, and memory care elders. He indicated that he likes to <br /> locate near market rate rental, libraries, schools and retail areas. <br /> Mr. Sween stated that the average age for his renters is 30. He stated that the longer people rent, <br /> the more likely they are to remain in the community after moving out of their rental. He <br /> anticipated that 60% of the rental units would be two or more bedrooms. <br />