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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, May 7, 2014 Page 9 Mr. Schroeder advised that the facility was found to be too large in accommodating 360 – 405 370 beds, and too remote to the campus; as well as being affected by the economic 406 challenges during that time period. Now that the economy and enrollment has stabilized, 407 Mr. Schroeder advised that they were also finding that families wanted students to have 408 campus living experiences for a sense of community, personal safety, and the cost of gas 409 prices for commuting students. Therefore, when this opportunity came along, Mr. 410 Schroeder stated that this property could be turned into a successful housing facility 411 immediately adjacent to the campus. With the University’s long-standing relationship with 412 Presbyterian Homes, Mr. Schroeder advised that the plan was explored, and came 413 together at a price point that was favorable to the relationship; they had approached City 414 staff to see if it could be accommodated in the zoning code. 415 Member Daire asked if the current “Pippins Restaurant” was part of the acquisition. 416 Mr. Schroeder advised that Pippins had a lease agreement with Eagle Crest/Presbyterian 417 Homes, owner of the hotel, and that legal, binding contract put Pippins in control of that 418 decision as long as the property remained a hotel. If that use no longer existed, Mr. 419 Schroeder advised that the lease contract provided the right for Pippins 30 days to make 420 a decision to stay or vacate the lease arrangement. At this time, Mr. Schroeder advised 421 that the owner of Pippins had indicated that they intended to stay, and that the University 422 would honor that and continue their lease as an inside facility not owned or operated by 423 Northwestern. 424 Mr. Lindgren opined that the Pippins ownership seemed somewhat excited by the 425 prospects of this as well. 426 Member Daire asked if the remote housing location from the campus may be a 427 consideration of increasing the restaurant business, and whether or not that had been a 428 consideration. 429 Mr. Schroeder advised that they had tried that business model in Arden Hills, and while 430 the perception is that it will work, they had found it not feasible for a “grab and go” or 431 luncheon type of facility. Mr. Schroeder affirmed that it was a nice “hang out” place for 432 students, but from an economic standpoint, there wasn’t enough revenue generated to 433 pay staff and cover food costs. 434 Therefore, Mr. Schroeder advised that Northwestern didn’t see their involvement short- or 435 long-term in a restaurant; and if Pippins decides not to remain on site, Northwestern 436 would most likely consider another independent restaurant option (e.g. Pizza Ranch). Mr. 437 Schroeder stated that most students ate their significant meal mid-day; and the student 438 housing would accommodate their ability to make breakfasts or evening snacks in their 439 units; but big meals would continue in the middle of the campus for the most successful 440 social community and economic reasons. 441 Chair Gisselquist closed Public Hearing at 7:50 p.m.; no one appeared for or against. 442 Member Boguszewski opined that changing the use from “dormitory” to “student housing” 443 seemed to align with the type of use; and that to him it seemed a wise decision, and he 444 would support it, as well as the remainder of the request. Since other aspects of the 445 University of Northwestern’s plans were presented to the Commission several months 446 ago, and approved, Member Boguszewski continued his support for that previous vote, 447 opining that there was no reason to stand in their way if the City Attorney and Planning 448 Department had determined that this method was the best way to achieve it through a 449 text amendment. Member Boguszewski stated that he was confident in their rationale and 450 opinion; and spoke in support of the request. 451 Member Keynan spoke in support of the request as well, and for the proposed route 452 taken; opining that it was good thinking and a good plan overall. 453 Chair Gisselquist echoed the comments of Member Boguszewski, expressing his support 454 in defining “student housing” as a use versus “dormitory” in the code language. Chair 455