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The City approved a second amendment to the Master PUD and a Preliminary Plat in March 2015 for the subdivision of Lot 3, where the existing retail center is located, into three smaller lots (Planning Case 15-002). Planning Case 15-002 also included modifications to the retail center parking lot and an increase in the Phase III building footprint. The new plat is titled Arden Plaza 2nd Addition, and Lot 1 within the plat is proposed for the Tavern Grill development. The Master PUD specifically identifies the Lexington Avenue site where the Tavern Grill development is proposed as Phase III. It should be noted that Phase II of the Master PUD has not yet been completed. Phase II will include the development of the parcel on County Road E adjacent to the Walgreens pharmacy for a 6,000 square foot user. Arden Plaza, LLC continues to market this site to potential buyers and tenants. Overview of Request Hemisphere Restaurant Partners has requested a Final PUD for Phase III of the Arden Plaza Master PUD to develop Lot 1, Arden Plaza 2nd Addition for a sit-down restaurant called the Tavern Grill Restaurant and Bar. The Master PUD Site Plan shows Phase III being developed as a 20,136 square foot retail building. The proposal by Hemisphere Restaurant Partners would result in an overall lower density development on the site than what was originally approved for Phase III. The development plans are in substantial conformance with the Master PUD plans. Hemisphere currently operates three Tavern Grills in the Twin Cities metro, with locations in Edina, Woodbury, and Blaine. The proposed Tavern Grill in Arden Hills would be similar to these other restaurants and would provide a relaxed, up-scale atmosphere. The development would include the restaurant building, which would have a footprint of 9,500 square feet, and an attached 3,050 square foot outdoor patio area for seasonal seating. The proposed site design orients the front of the restaurant towards the other buildings within the Arden Plaza retail center. The main entrance would be located at the southwest corner of the building and feature a prominent tower comprised primarily of transparent glass. The exterior materials on the building would include stucco, stone, and wood, and each façade would have at least 20 percent transparent window coverage. A variety of shade and ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennial plantings would be focused around the perimeter of the building and patio area and would also provide screening of trash collection and utility areas. Safe pedestrian connections will be created with sidewalks that connect to the public sidewalk on Lexington Avenue and the internal sidewalks within the retail center. Plan Evaluation A full evaluation of the proposal was presented to the Planning Commission at their regular meeting on August 5, 2015. The staff report to the Planning Commission on this case is included as Attachment I. The Planning Commission recommended that the developer provide additional City of Arden Hills City Council Meeting for August 31, 2015 P:\Planning\Planning Cases\2015\PC 15-016 - Arden Plaza - Final PUD Phase III\Memos_Reports_15-016 Page 2 of 8