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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – AUGUST 31, 2015 5 <br /> <br />Hemisphere Restaurant Partners would result in an overall lower density development on the site <br />than what was originally approved for Phase III. The development plans are in substantial <br />conformance with the Master PUD plans. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler stated that Hemisphere currently operates three Tavern Grills in the <br />Twin Cities metro, with locations in Edina, Woodbury, and Blaine. The proposed Tavern Grill in <br />Arden Hills would be similar to these other restaurants and would provide a relaxed, up-scale <br />atmosphere. The development would include the restaurant building, which would have a <br />footprint of 9,500 square feet, and an attached 3,050 square foot outdoor patio area for seasonal <br />seating. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler noted that the proposed site design orients the front of the restaurant <br />towards the other buildings within the Arden Plaza retail center. The main entrance would be <br />located at the southwest corner of the building and feature a prominent tower comprised primarily <br />of transparent glass. The exterior materials on the building would include stucco, stone, and wood, <br />and each façade would have at least 20 percent transparent window coverage. A variety of shade <br />and ornamental trees, shrubs, and perennial plantings would be focused around the perimeter of <br />the building and patio area and would also provide screening of trash collection and utility areas. <br />Safe pedestrian connections will be created with sidewalks that connect to the public sidewalk on <br />Lexington Avenue and the internal sidewalks within the retail center. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler reviewed the Plan Evaluation, along with the expected traffic impacts <br />of the development. <br /> <br />Associate Planner Bachler explained that the Planning Commission reviewed Planning Case 15- <br />016 at their regular meeting on August 5, 2015. The Planning Commission offers the following <br />findings of fact for consideration: <br /> <br />1. Hemisphere Restaurant Partners has requested approval of a Final PUD for Phase III of the <br />Arden Plaza Master PUD on Lot 1, Arden Plaza 2nd Addition. <br />2. The original Master PUD for the development was approved in Planning Case #09-011. <br />Subsequent PUD Amendments were approved in Planning Case #11-016 and Planning <br />Case #15-002. <br />3. A Preliminary Plat for Arden Plaza 2nd Addition was approved in Planning Case #15-002. <br />Final Plat approval was conditioned on building improvements currently under <br />construction by Arden Plaza, LLC. <br />4. The applicant has proposed a 9,500 square foot restaurant building with an attached 3,050 <br />square foot outdoor patio area. <br />5. The development proposal is in substantial conformance with the approved Arden Plaza <br />Master PUD and the site improvement requirements contained therein. <br />6. The Arden Plaza retail center and Phase III development site are located in the B-2 <br />General Business District. <br />7. The City has adopted the Guiding Plan for the B-2 District that outlines future <br />development principals for the area. <br />8. The City has adopted Design Standards for the B-2 District within the Zoning Code. <br />9. The Final PUD for Phase III is in substantial conformance with the requirements of the <br />City’s Zoning Code.