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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION WORK SESSION – MARCH 7, 2012 2 application to the City last month to redevelop the building as market rate apartments. His hope was to not have to place a great deal of infrastructure into each unit. However, after discussions with staff, the concern was that the building would become a boarding house. Mr. Davidson stated this was not his intent. He and his partner were hoping to create market rate studio apartments. He would be revising the application to create market rate studio apartments complete with a kitchen. Commissioner Hames asked for the original intent with the building when it was purchase four years ago. Mr. Davidson stated the college opportunity surprised him and proved to be very successful. However, in the long run, the redevelopment of the site would be to create the studio apartments. Commissioner Hames inquired if the site would have only studio apartments. Mr. Davidson stated his intent would be to meet the needs of the large population of students and young professionals with studio apartments. He indicated the first two floors would provide 70 studio apartments. Commissioner Hames questioned how the fourth floor and main level would be used. Mr. Davidson explained the renovations of the main level would create a modern common area which would include a Wi-Fi area with a theater and game room. An athletic facility and bike storage area would also be included in the main level. Commissioner Thompson stated a kitchen was proposed for the units. She asked if the size of the units would be changed. Mr. Davidson noted he was not proposing to change the size of the units. Each unit would be fitted with kitchen facilities. City Planner Beekman discussed the City’s definition of kitchen facilities as being a sink, complete with hot and cold water connected to City sewer. This sink would be separate from the bathroom sink. A refrigerator, range, oven, countertop and cabinets for storing food were also needed. She indicated the City Code could be amended to more closely define kitchen facility if this was a concern for the Commission. Chair Larson questioned the square footage of the units. Mr. Davidson did not have the dimensions in front of him. He explained that based on his research a lot of cooking would not take place in these efficiency studio units. The idea of investing thousands of dollars in equipment and utility that would not be used was in question. He believed that a microwave, refrigerator and sink would be sufficient. Commissioner Hames reviewed the requirements for single family homes for FHA financing. She stated a sink, refrigerator, food storage and microwave was required. The home was not required to have a cook top or oven. Chair Larson asked if there were other studio apartments in the metro area without cook tops or ovens. Mr. Davidson noted he had a list of studio apartments and he could provide this information to the Commission. He explained his concern with adding the cook tops and ovens became complicated within each of the units due to the electrical wiring needed within the concrete building. This was an additional cost that he and his partners did not deem necessary.