12-21-20-WS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION – DECEMBER 21, 2020 2 drive through and a standalone 17,841 square foot box retail building on 4.24 acres. During construction of Phase III, a new access on Lexington Avenue would be constructed. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained the proposed access would align with the existing Target service entrance and the existing access on Lexington Avenue would be removed. The proposed new access/intersection would include a traffic signal. The proposed traffic signal is included in Ramsey County’s Lexington Avenue reconstruction project that is anticipated to start in 2022. Dan Rea, Kensington Development Partner, introduced himself and Kensington Development to the Council. He discussed several large projects that he had completed in the Midwest. He provided the Council with a presentation on the Lexington Station 3rd Addition proposed project and noted the areas that required flexibility. The building materials were described in further detail with the Council. It was noted signage relief was being requested. He thanked the Council for their time and noted he was available for comments or questions. Councilmember Scott asked if the exterior architecture was unique for the client or if a more generic building type could be pursued. Mr. Rea stated that the user’s generic building product was more corrugated metal and resin panels. He indicated the proposed building was more contemporary while still trying to match the existing Lexington Station buildings. Councilmember Holden questioned if Phase 3 would be including one building instead of two. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla reported this was the case. Councilmember Holden commented she was concerned about the amount of parking proposed for this project. She indicated there was not enough parking available for Phases 1 and 2. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla stated he reviewed the Phase 1 and 2 approvals and explained the site was meeting retail parking requirements. He noted there was some peak parking demands in the evening hours due to the restaurants. He reported he was uncertain what new tenants would be occupying Phase 3. Councilmember Holden indicated she was concerned about the south elevation. Community Development Manager/City Planner Mrosla explained this elevation would be blocked by the Big O Tire building and proposed landscaping. Councilmember McClung requested further information on how traffic would flow through the site. Mr. Rea discussed how traffic would access and exit the site. It was noted traffic would access the site on the east side. The cross site access and traffic stacking were further described with the Council.