08-03-2016 PC - Laserfiche WebLink

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ARDEN HILLS PLANNING COMMISSION – July 6, 2016 9 schedule was outlined. She then introduced the architects that have been assisting Land O’Lakes with this project. John Slack, Perkins & Will Architects, discussed the corporate headquarter expansion in further detail with Commission. He described the native plantings that would be located on the headquarter campus along with the pedestrian scale experience for the site. He stated 600+ trees and 1,000 shrubs would be planted on the Land O’Lakes property. He reported the design for the site was focused on the natural environment. He then described the plans for the outdoor playground. It was noted rainwater from the roof would be captured for irrigation purposes. He reviewed the traffic and pedestrian site circulation for the corporate headquarters noting all fire, police and emergency vehicles would have full access to the site. The Lexington Avenue entrance was discussed further. Russell Philstrom, Perkins & Will Architects, described the building program plans for the corporate expansion noting the site provided an open collaborative office environment with onsite childcare and an outdoor play yard. The site would also have a fitness and wellness center, divisible multipurpose room, conference center, credit union and exterior terrace. He then discussed the connectivity between the existing and new buildings. The exterior building materials and material palette were reviewed, along with the building elevations. It was noted Land O’Lakes was pursuing LEED Gold certification for the headquarters expansion. Commissioner Zimmerman requested further information on the HVAC system. Mr. Philstrom discussed the HVAC system specifications in detail with the Commission. He noted fresh air would be brought into the building with the new system in a larger quantity than the existing system. He stated he would see if a custom unit could be designed to reduce the size, otherwise the unit would be painted to match the building. Mr. Slack explained that the site lines had been considered on each side of the building and he believed the HVAC unit would be well screened. Commissioner Lambeth asked how the HVAC unit would be secured to the building. Mr. Philstrom described how the steel structure would be braced to the roof. Commissioner Lambeth inquired what building materials would be used on the corporate expansion building. Mr. Philstrom reported the building would be covered in brick, clear glass, and a dark gray metal paneling. Commissioner Jones questioned if the vestibule would have a green roof. Mr. Philstrom stated this area would have a green roof and explained the remainder of the building would have a white membrane that would reflect the sun’s rays. Commissioner Jones requested further information on the LEED qualities within the building.