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ARDEN HILLS SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – MAY 31, 2016 3 <br /> <br />Mr. Stutz stated he was not focusing on density per se, but rather wanted to see the project have <br />the right mix of housing for the community. <br /> <br />Ms. Kvilvang questioned if Alatus believed they could reach 1,431 units on the site. <br /> <br />Mr. Stutz explained the two neighborhoods (Creek and Hill) have 350 units, which allows for the <br />balance of 1,000 units in the Town Center. He indicated there was a need for high quality high <br />density units, which would work for the Town Center. He stated he would work to find creative <br />ways to put the right amenities and housing in the Town Center. <br /> <br />Mr. Shaver commented Alatus was working to find the right mix of housing and amenities to <br />attract both residents and corporate users to the site. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung discussed the extreme success of the Centennial Lakes development. <br />He was very interested in seeing how the water feature would become an amenity on TCAAP. <br /> <br />Councilmember Wicklund asked how the developers could make this property different than any <br />other 200 home development in the metro area. <br /> <br />Mr. Lux explained this started with good planning and a strong development team. He indicated <br />this property had strong access points, high traffic counts, and there was a need for restaurants. <br /> <br />Mr. Shaver stated entertainment and restaurant opportunities were high. He has heard there was <br />a desire to not create two downtown areas but rather to integrate this property into existing Arden <br />Hills. He believed that the Town Center would be a draw for the entire community which would <br />create a connection between existing and new Arden Hills. <br /> <br />Further discussion ensued regarding the retail and entertainment possibilities within the Town <br />Center. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holmes agreed that Town Center could be a uniting factor for the City due to <br />the fact Arden Hills does not have a current downtown. <br /> <br />Councilmember McClung wanted to see trail and sidewalk connections in order for the project <br />to also be connected to the remainder of Arden Hills. He discussed the importance of hitting the <br />mark the first try on the amenities included in the Town Center. <br /> <br />Mr. Lux wanted the Town Center to be a unique space with a different environment than St. <br />Anthony or Rosedale. This would be his challenge. <br /> <br />Councilmember Holden questioned how the Town Center would be addressed during the winter <br />months. <br /> <br />Mr. Lux stated the Town Center environment could be enhanced during the winter months <br />through seasonal planters, music and lighting. He believed that the seasons had to be embraced in <br />order to continue to draw people to the area in the middle of winter. <br />