Laserfiche WebLink
<br />~ <br />--A~HILLS <br /> <br />MEMORANDUM <br /> <br />DATE: <br /> <br />March 26, 2007 <br /> <br />CC Agenda Item 4.C <br /> <br />TO: Mayor & City Council <br /> <br />FROM: James Lehnhoff, CitYPlann~ <br /> <br />SUBJECT: PC #: 07-004 <br />Bethel University, Bruce Kunkel <br />Site Plan Review & Variance <br />3900 Bethel Drive <br /> <br />Request <br /> <br />Consider a Motion to Approve Planning Case 07-004 and the Site Plan Agreement for a Site Plan <br />Review and Variance at 3900 Bethel Drive Based on the Findings of Fact and the Submitted <br />Plans as Amended by the Eleven Conditions in Planning Case 07-004. <br /> <br />Backl!:round <br /> <br />The applicant, Bethel University, is proposing to construct a new 106,670 square foot, three level <br />"University Commons." The building would be located near the southeastern comer of Lake <br />Valentine adjacent to the Academic Center and Clauson Center. The proposed building would <br />have an average height of approximately 47 feet, which exceeds the normal 35 foot height limit <br />and is the reason for the variance request. For comparison, Benson Hall, which is located south <br />of the University Commons has an average height of75 feet. <br /> <br />Bethel College operates under a Conditional Use Permit Master Plan. Building proposals that <br />are substantially consistent with the proposed buildings on the approved Master Plan require <br />only a site plan review as opposed to a conditional use permit amendment. In some cases, <br />variances and/or conditional use permit amendments are still needed when plans do not conform <br />to the Master Plan or other zoning regulations. <br /> <br />The University Commons will have a reddish brick fa9ade and use architectural features that are <br />similar in style with other buildings on campus. A rendering of the building is included with the <br />information submitted by the applicant (Attachment 3B-4 of the report to the Planning <br />Commission). A significant number of trees around the University Commons will be retained to <br />provide screening from Lake Valentine, and new trees and shrubs will be planted. A "green <br />roof' is also proposed to be constructed over the lobby area. <br />\lMetro-inet.uslArdenHillsIPlanningIPlanning Cases\2007\07-004 Bethel University Commons Site Plan Review - Variance (PENDING)\032607 <br />- CC Report -Bethel Site Plan Review and Variance. doc <br /> <br />Page 1 00 <br />