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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL – SEPTEMBER 28, 2020 14 Mr. Salzer explained the metal panels were manufactured by Alucobond and would have a high end finish. He indicated the panels would be mechanically fastened by concealed fasteners. He noted these panels were relatively common on office/warehouse buildings. Mayor Grant commented he could envision the brick and EIFS but stated he was having a hard time envisioning the metal panels. He reported the design of this building needed to be very presentable given the fact it fronted both 35W and 694. He indicated he didn’t know if he could vote for this project because he was uncertain what the City was getting. He stated typically the City requires glass, brick and stone. He wondered why the developer did not go with tip up panels that had exposed stone. He questioned if the City had any buildings in close proximity that had these metal panels. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the new additions at the Mounds View High School and Land O’Lakes both had metal panels. Councilmember Scott stated the Applicant had developed the proposed building design in order to compliment the surrounding buildings. He indicated he was not certain why the Council was hung up on this issue. Mayor Grant explained if he had examples of metal panels in the Gateway Business District than he would be a believer in this building material. Councilmember Holden stated the City Council spent months creating the Round Lake Road design standards. She reported this was an important property because it was visible from 694 and 35W. She wanted this property to look nice. Councilmember McClung commented one of the things about Arden Hills was that the City always wanted higher quality buildings than what some other communities would allow. He indicated this was a major visual focus of one of the larger interchanges in the Twin Cities. He explained this building exterior should be such that it provides a good viewpoint from either of the two freeways. He stated he was concerned with the requested flexibility in terms of aesthetics. Councilmember Holmes commented exterior flexibility has been requested, but noted the specifics of the exterior flexibility was not quantified. She agreed this corner of the City should look nice. She requested further information from staff regarding the aesthetic flexibility request. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the metal panels required the aesthetic flexibility request. Councilmember Holmes asked if staff had pictures of the Applicant’s Brooklyn Park building, so the metal panels could be viewed. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reviewed the pictures he had of the Applicants Brooklyn Park building. Councilmember Holden questioned what the life expectancy was for the metal panels.