CCP 03-13-2000 - Laserfiche WebLink

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e . e 2/1~ This application, for variance of existing codes, is respectively submitted by Robert Aleksander dba Panelcraft of Minnesota. The residents, Henry and Antoinette Halvorson, have asked me to represent them to the city of Arden Hills, in the hope of procuring permission to improve the dwelling and quality of life at their residence located at 4453 Old Highway 10, Arden Hills, Minnesota. I will make no false claims regarding physical ailments requiring extra space or hardships requiring special considerations. Instead, I will state facts regarding errors in judgment on the part of the (original) architect and contractor in the placement of this house on the property lines, and the existing boundaries of the "wet" areas of this lot. The house at the above address, was designed as many newer houses are: windows and door areas specifically placed to avoid direct contact with neighbors, and the openings concentrated to face the front and rear of the lot. In fact the south and north elevations of this home reveal no windows and doors at all! This poses no real problem in itself, as the real appeal of this particular property is the beautiful lake located west of the house. The patio doors were one of the most outstanding features of the home. Providing access to future use ofthe sloping backyard, they seemed perfectly placed: one off the dining area, the other off the (next level down) living room. These doors provide the only access to the backyard now, and the only hope of access, as the south end of the kitchen contains the cupboards and workspace, and the north end of the living room houses a wonderful gas fireplace. The house is Henry and Antoinette's (Toni's) dream house! It is tastefully decorated with Native American art and artifacts reflecting Henry's heritage, and is kept meticulously clean. The only thing missing was a place to sit and really enjoy the view. Henry, a Minneapolis Police officer, felt he needed a place to drain the day's stress. What better place to accomplish this than on the shore of this beautiful lake! I (Robert Aleksander) was asked to solve their construction needs.