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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL— MARCH 26 2001 <br /> t <br /> Mr. Steve Doughty, Pope & Associates, the architect, stated there was a lot of discussion at the <br /> Planning Commission on the height of the building. He stated they could use the grade change <br /> to their advantage to have parking at a lower grade. He noted that was part of the unsurety. He <br /> added they are trying to get some frame around the building to understand the broad scope. He <br /> stated the maximum height would probably be 100 feet. He noted if there needed to be some <br /> clarification, they we could look at that the 85-foot to 140 foot range. There is the chance a user <br /> could come in and need a variation. He stated they are trying to get a broad definition, but do not <br /> want to allow an elephant onto the site. <br /> Mr. Shardlow stated the Council would be surprised how high 100 feet is. He noted this is the <br /> site in the gateway area where a signature building should be. He added it is consistent with the <br /> New Brighton side. He stated if they are going to get a corporate headquarters that is the site <br /> they want it to be on. <br /> Mr. Carlson stated they worked backwards. He noted they looked at the given constraints if they <br /> did have a corporate user. He added they also considered what would be a typical floor plate for <br /> such a user and what the site would accommodate. He stated that is how they came up with the <br /> approximate eight stories. He noted how the ultimate shape comes out depends on the user. He <br /> added some users want larger floor plates, but may have less height. <br /> Mayor Probst asked about the Veritas building in Roseville. Mr. Doughty responded it is a five- <br /> story building. He stated the Norman Points building is a seven-story building. He noted some <br /> design measures were done too. <br /> Mr. Shardlow stated the Roseville development on Snelling Avenue is eight stories. He stated <br /> they would not intend that the whole footprint would be raised up eight stories. <br /> Mr. Carlson stated they have tried to address the outside limitations so there are no unexpected <br /> results. <br /> Mayor Probst stated he could see the logic in trying to have the signature building. He noted <br /> New Brighton is trying to accomplish the same thing across the freeway. He added they should <br /> try to set these standards up to accomplish it in the same way. He stated the Medtronic facility <br /> is the kind of thing every community wants. He added he is comfortable with where they want <br /> to go, but is concerned if they do not find that user. <br /> Mr. Carlson stated they are trying to provide that by pushing the office requirement office. He <br /> noted the topside of the development and the bottom side has been addressed. He added they are <br /> looking for the highest and best quality for that property. <br /> Councilmember Larson stated the bottom line is having a first class user on this site. He noted <br /> he is comfortable with the height. He added he has other concerns and asked what constitutes a <br /> permitted accessory use. Ms. Chaput responded an accessory use is defined as a secondary use <br /> to the primary use of the property. She stated they evaluated the uses allowed in the Gateway <br /> Business District. She noted the Planning Commission had added that it could only be class one <br /> use. <br />