HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-08-12 Planning Commission Regular Meeting PacketAgenda
Planning Com m ission
City Of Edina, Minnesota
VIRTUAL MEETING
Me m be rs of th e public can watch the m e e ting live: • Edina TV (Com cast Ch anne ls 813 or 16) •
Fa ce book.com /EdinaMN (https://www.face book.com /e din am n/) • City’s “Wa tch a Me eting”
web page at Edin aM N .gov/Live Me e tings (https://www.edinam n.gov/746/Watch-a-City-
Mee ting)
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
7:00 PM
I.Call To Order
II.Roll Call
III.Approval Of Meeting Agenda
IV.Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A.Minutes - July 22, 2020
V.Reports/Recommendations
A.Sketch Plan Review - 6600-6800 France Avenue
VI.Correspondence And Petitions
VII.Chair And Member Comments
VIII.Sta , Comments
IX.Adjournment
The City of Edina wants all res idents to be c om fortabl e bei ng part of the
publi c proc ess . If you need as s is tanc e i n the way of heari ng am pli 0c ation, an
interpreter, large-print doc um ents or s om ethi ng els e, pleas e c al l 952-927-8861
72 ho urs in advance of the m eeting.
Date: Augus t 12, 2020 Agenda Item #: I V.A.
To:P lanning C o mmis s io n Item Type:
Minutes
F rom:Liz O ls on, Adminis trative S uppo rt S p ecialist
Item Activity:
Subject:Minutes - July 22, 2020 Action
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED :
Approve the minutes from the July 22, 2020 meeting.
I N TR O D U C TI O N :
AT TAC HME N T S :
Description
Draft Minutes
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: ___, 2020
Page 1 of 5
Minutes
City Of Edina, Minnesota
Planning Commission
WebEx Virtual Meeting
July 22, 2020
I. Call To Order
Chair Nemerov called the meeting to order at 7:01 PM.
II. Roll Call
Answering the roll call were: Commissioners Miranda, Strauss, Olsen, Bennett, Agnew, and Chair
Nemerov. Staff Present: Cary Teague, Community Development Director, Kris Aaker, Assistant Planner,
Emily Bodeker, Assistant Planner, and Liz Olson, Administrative Support Specialist.
Absent from the roll call: Commissioners Berube and Thorsen.
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
Commissioner Olsen moved to approve the July 22, 2020, agenda. Commissioner Miranda
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A. Minutes: Planning Commission, July 8, 2020
Commissioner Strauss moved to approve the July 8, 2020, meeting minutes. Commissioner
Agnew seconded the motion. Motion carried.
V. Public Hearings
A. 3.6 Foot Side Yard Setback Variance for an Addition – 6125 Westridge Blvd
Assistant Planner Aaker presented the request for a 3.6-foot side yard setback variance for an addition.
Staff recommends approval of the variance, as requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the
staff report.
Staff answered Commission questions.
Appearing for the Applicant
Mr. Aaron & Mrs. Amber Kohler, owners, introduced themselves addressed the Commission.
Public Hearing
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: ___, 2020
Page 2 of 5
No one wished to address the Commission.
Commissioner Miranda moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Agnew seconded
the motion. Motion carried.
The Commission discussed the variance.
Motion
Commissioner Strauss moved that the Planning Commission approve the 3.6 Foot Side Yard
Setback Variance for an Addition at 6125 Westridge Blvd as outlined in the staff memo subject to
the conditions and findings therein. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
B. Variance from the Basement Requirements for a New Home to be Constructed – 6800
Brittany Road
Assistant Planner Aaker presented the request for a variance from the basement requirements. Staff
recommends approval of the variance, as requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the staff
report.
Staff answered Commission questions.
Appearing for the Applicant
Mr. Luffert Tigler, Architect was at the meeting to answer question.
Ms. Patricia Johnson, owner, addressed the Commission.
Public Hearing
No one wished to address the Commission.
Commissioner Agnew moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Miranda seconded
the motion. Motion carried.
The Commission discussed the variance and concluded:
• Should encourage forward thinking which this design is.
• Would like to see one driveway rather than two
Motion
Commissioner Agnew moved that the Planning Commission approve the Variance from the
basement requirements for a new home to be constructed at 6800 Brittany Road as outlined in
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: ___, 2020
Page 3 of 5
the staff memo subject to the conditions and findings therein. Commissioner Bennett seconded
the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
C. 23.5 Foot Front Yard Setback Variance to Allow for a Canopy Structure with Signage
Above an Existing ATM for Gateway Bank – 4528 France Avenue
Assistant Planner Bodeker presented the request of Gateway Bank for a front yard setback variance. Staff
recommends approval of the variance, as requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the staff
report.
Appearing for the Applicant
Mr. Brian Maxwell, Gateway Bank, introduced himself addressed the Commission.
Public Hearing
No one wished to address the Commission.
Commissioner Miranda moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Strauss seconded
the motion. Motion carried.
The Commission discussed the variance and concluded:
• Canopy seemed very inobtrusive
• Need to make sure the sign meets the City Sign Ordinance
• Liked the minimalist size of the canopy and the use of the lighting
Motion
Commissioner Miranda moved that the Planning Commission approving the 23.5 Foot Front Yard
Setback Variance to allow for a canopy structure with signage above an existing ATM for
Gateway Bank at 4528 France Avenue as outlined in the staff memo subject to the conditions and
findings therein. Commissioner Olsen seconded the motion. Motion carried.
D. Site Plan Review – 3451 Parklawn Avenue for York Gardens Senior Living
Director Teague presented the request of York Gardens Senior Living for a site plan review. Staff
recommends approval of the site plan, as requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the staff
report.
Staff answered Commission questions.
Appearing for the Applicant
Ms. Susan Farr, Vice President of Business Development at Ebenezer, introduced herself and addressed the
Commission.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: ___, 2020
Page 4 of 5
Public Hearing
No one wished to address the Commission.
Commissioner Olsen moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Agnew seconded the
motion. Motion carried.
Motion
Commissioner Strauss moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval to the City
Council of the site plan review for York Gardens Senior Living at 3451 Parklawn Avenue as
outlined in the staff memo subject to the conditions and findings therein. Commissioner Agnew
seconded the motion. Motion carried.
E. Zoning Ordinance Amendments Regarding: Setbacks in the Greater Southdale Area,
Building Material Requirements, Requiring Affordable Housing in Commercial Zoning
Districts, Design Experience Guidelines, and Number of Garage Stalls Required
Director Teague presented the request of zoning ordinance amendments. Staff recommends approval of
the Zoning Ordinance Amendments, as requested subject to the findings and conditions listed in the staff
report.
Public Hearing
No one wished to address the Commission.
The public hearing was closed.
Staff answered Commission questions.
Motion
Commissioner Olsen moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval to the City
Council adoption of the Ordinance as outlined in the staff memo subject to the conditions and
findings therein. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. Motion carried.
VI. Reports/Recommendations
None.
VII. Correspondence and Petitions
Chair Nemerov indicated the Commission received on piece of correspondence. Mr. Teague reviewed the
correspondence and staff’s response to it with the Commission.
Draft Minutes☒
Approved Minutes☐
Approved Date: ___, 2020
Page 5 of 5
VIII. Chair and Member Comments
None.
IX. Staff Comments
Planner Teague updated the Commission on the City Council meeting held on July 21, 2020.
X. Adjournment
Commissioner Agnew moved to adjourn the July 22, 2020, Meeting of the Edina Planning
Commission at 8:35 PM. Commissioner Strauss seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Date: Augus t 12, 2020 Agenda Item #: V.A.
To:P lanning C o mmis s io n Item Type:
R eport and R ec o mmendation
F rom:C ary Teague, C o mmunity Development Directo r
Item Activity:
Subject:S ketc h P lan R eview - 6600-6800 F ranc e Avenue Dis cus s ion
C ITY O F E D IN A
4801 West 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
www.edinamn.gov
A C TI O N R EQ U ES TED :
N o action requested. P rovide the applicant non-binding comments on a potential redevelopment proposal.
I N TR O D U C TI O N :
T he P lanning C ommission is asked to consider a sketch plan proposal to re-develop the 22-acre parcel at
6600-6800 France. T he applicant is proposing a significant change to the development plans that were
approved for this site in 2017.
I n 2017, this site was rezoned to P U D for a mixed-use development project (T he Avenue on F rance).
T he approved plans did a very nice job of following the S outhdale D esign Experience G uidelines. T he
plans included below grade parking, dividing the site into smaller parcels, preserving the mature oaks,
providing the 50-foot setback from France Avenue with green space and sidewalks, storefronts on F rance
with the new retail buildings. (S ee attached approved P lans.) T he approved plans were found to meet the
P U D standards to justify a doubling of the density on the site.
T he proposed plans shall be reviewed to those same standards to justify increasing the density of the site.
T he applicant is N O T entitled the density that was approved for the previous request. T he underlying
zoning of the site is P O D , P lanned O ffice District which allowed and FAR of .5; the approved P U D
allowed up to 1.0. as long as the plans approved in the P U D were followed.
AT TAC HME N T S :
Description
Propos ed Plans & Narrative
Propos ed Square Footage Plan
Memo from the city engineer regarding the water treatment facility
Memo from the fire chief regarding the fire s tation location
Review of the Plans from Mic Johns on AFO, Architecture Field Office
2017 Approved Plan for the Site
Staff Memo
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 1
City Of Edina Sketch Plan Submission | 07.29.2020
FRANCEon
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 2
Sketch Plan N arrative
Sketch Plan Narrative
Southdale Office Partners, LLC and its project team (McGough, HGA, Kimley-Horn, and CushmanWakefield) is pleased to present a redevelopment proposal for the approximately 21.69 acre
Southdale Office Center site at 6600 – 6800 France Ave South. The project proposes to create a vibrant mixed-use site and significantly enhance the existing 1970s era office park, expanding
and bringing new amenities to an important Edina employment hub.
Objectives of the redevelopment include:
• Expand and enhance the site as a center of employment and economic vitality by replacing two outdated and non-code compliant buildings with one new office building, linking the
existing 6600 and 6800 buildings, creating a best-in-class destination for employers and their staff.
• Use the Greater Southdale District Plan and Design Experience Guidelines to guide site improvements in support of the City’s vision: creating a new and welcoming gateway experience
to the France Ave Southdale District, subdividing the superblock into smaller parcels oriented toward a pedestrian scale, & providing a variety of outdoor gathering areas and new urban
plazas.
• Replace the existing surface parking lots with buildings, amenities, structured parking, and programmed outdoor space. A mix of uses, including office, dining and service retail, residen-
tial, and medical office, will create a thriving, vibrant project that serves as a key transition between Southdale Mall and the neighborhoods and parks to the west.
• Successfully solve for the parking demand of both new uses on the site AND the existing demand from 6600 and 6800 buildings, in a manner that is market viable, and considerate of
adjacent properties.
• Increase stormwater management capacity on the site to eliminate the surface flooding that occurs. This will benefit the neighborhood to the west and improve water quality in Lake
Cornelia.
• Incorporate sustainability strategies into planning, design and operations focused on human health impact, energy efficiency, and climate change.
• Potentially incorporate the municipal infrastructure and services that have been contemplated, like a domestic water treatment plant and a public safety/fire station.
This site was entitled for redevelopment in 2016/2017. The proposed concept at the time proved to rely too heavily on below-grade parking and destination retail. The high-water table
at the site prevented that quantity of below-grade parking from being delivered at a price-point that building users were willing to pay. The retail industry has shifted drastically since
2016/2017 – and again even in the last 6 months! Destination and hard-goods retailers want to be on the east side of France Avenue and are willing to pay a premium for that location.
The mix of surface, below-grade, and structured parking now proposed can be delivered at a more reasonable price-point, one that better aligns with the market. The limited amount of retail
now proposed is service and dining focused, catering to the users of the site and those in the neighborhood.
Recognizing that this project would be a significant change to the neighborhood, over the last month we have engaged with the neighbors in a variety of formats: letters mailed, Lake Cor-
nelia and Point of France associations contacted and meetings held with leaders, project email account established, printed materials delivered to Point of France, two formal Zoom presenta-
tions and Q&A sessions (we hosted a small group live meeting option for one of those meetings), distribution of the recordings of the Zoom meetings, on-site meetings with individuals and
groups, phone calls and email exchanges. Our Sketch Plan slides are organized around the types of questions and concerns we’ve heard from the neighbors and our attempts to acknowl-
edge and respond.
This is a great opportunity to revitalize an aging office park and seek the highest and best uses for the site and the community. To achieve a meaningful revitalization, the development
will need to incorporate greater density to generate the investment needed to make the necessary improvements. We request the City continue to consider the creation of a tax increment
financing district at the site to assist in offsetting the costs associated with the public goals achieved through the redevelopment of the site. Using the Greater Southdale District Plan and De-
sign Experience Guidelines has helped us prepare a new vision that we believe will become a market-viable, gateway project for the France Avenue corridor, welcoming employees, residents,
and visitors to the Southdale neighborhood.
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 3
Existing Site C onditions - Site Aerial
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 4
310
197
189
161
473 69
82
38
54
21
Existing Buildings To Remain
Type Stories RSF Parking Ratio Parking Demand
E1 695000,1 / 3367,8916eciffOevA ecnarF S 0066
E2 031000,1 / 3662,343eciffOevA ecnarF S 0076
E3 6740 S France Ave (Tavern on France)Restaurant 1 + Basement 7,525 + Patio 3 / 1,000
E4 621000,1 / 3000,243eciffOevA ecnarF S 0576
E5 294000,1 / 3558,3617eciffOevA ecnarF S 0086
sllatS gnikraPseirotSepyT
E1 831dnuorgrednUevA ecnarF S 0066
E5 451dnuorgrednUevA ecnarF S 0086
205,1ecafruSetiS
Total 1,594
Existing Parking
Existing Buildings
Existing Parking
Existing Buildings
Existing Site C onditions - Buildings & Parking M etrics
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 5
Existing Site C onditions - Buildings
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 6
Existing Site C onditions - Buildings
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 7
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
E5
E4
E3
E2
E1
Pervious Surface
Impervious Surface
259,504 SF (5.95 Acres) = of Site Area
686,316 SF (15.76 Acres) = of Site Area
Property Line
Zoning Setback (35’)
Southdale Design Experience
Guidelines Setback (50’)
Bank of America ATM Easement
945,820 SF (21.71 Acres)
806,145 SF (18.51 Acres)
747,735 SF (17.17 Acres)
50’35’
Existing Site C onditions - Pervious & Im pervious Surfaces
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 8
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
E5
E4
E3
E2
E1
Area of Frequent Flooding
Below Grade Water Table Elevations
Water Table 18’
Below Grade
Water Table 20’
Below Grade
Water Table 11’
Below Grade
Existing Site C onditions - Storm Event Flooding Area
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 9
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
**
RETAIL /
RESTAURANT
RETAIL /
RESTAURANT RESIDENTIALRETAIL /
RESTAURANT
MEDICAL/
OFFICE
OFFICE
GREENWAY /
BIO-FILTRATION
PARKING
PARKING
PARKING
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
E5
E1
Southdale Design Experience Guidelines Setback (50’)
270’ Small-Scale Blocks
Primary Vehicular Site Circulation
Primary Pedestrian Site Circulation
Site Entry Points (*County Road Curb Cuts)
C om m unity Engagem ent M eeting 1 Recap
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 10
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
PROMENADE
GREENWAY
BOULEVARD
PLAZA
PLAZA
RETAIL / RESTAURANTRETAIL / RESTAURANT
NEW OFFICE
PUBLIC SAFETY
PARKING
EXISTING OFFICE
EXISTING OFFICE
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PARKING
MEDICAL OFFICE
WATER TREATMENT
PLANT
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
Proposed Site Plan
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 11
FRANCE
A
V
E
N
U
E
W 66
T
H
S
T
R
E
E
T
W 69TH STREETVALLEY VI
E
W
R
O
A
D
RETAIL / RESTAURANT
RETAIL / RESTAURANT
NEW OFFICE
PUBLIC SAFETY
PARKING
EXISTING OFFICE
EXISTING OFFICE RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PARKING
MEDICAL OFFICE
WATER TREATMENT
PLANT
Proposed Site Plan - Aerial View From Southeast
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 12W
6
9
TH
S
T
R
E
E
T
VALLEY VI
E
W
R
O
A
D
RETAIL / RESTAURANT
NEW OFFICE
PUBLIC SAFETY
PARKING
EXISTING OFFICE
EXISTING OFFICE
RESIDENTIAL
PARKING
PARKING
MEDICAL OFFICE
Proposed Site Plan - Aerial View From N orthwest
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 13
Building Height
• Recognize this is a transition zone
• Northern gateway to France Ave corridor can incorporate some height
• Taller buildings on France Ave side of site
• Shadow study will be conducted once plans are finalized
• Strategies to soften northern and western edges
• Bio-filtration
• Recreational landscaping
• 50’+ setbacks
Building Height
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 14
FRANCE
A
V
E
N
U
E
W 66
T
H
S
T
R
E
E
T
W 69TH STREETVALLEY VI
E
W
R
O
A
D
7 STORIES - 105’
5 DECKS - 42’
4 STORIES - 70’
2 STORIES - 34’1 STORY - 24’
1 STORY - 24’
10 STORIES - 164’
6 STORIES - 88’
2 STORIES - 30’
5 DECKS - 42’
13 STORIES - 146’
4 DECKS - 32’
6 STORIES - 67’
Proposed Site Plan - Building Heights
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 15
Proposed Site Plan - Building Heights & Elevations
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
907’
945’
875’
1021’
870’
902’
917’
875’
870’
912’
878’
902’904’
871’
978’
978’
875’871’905’
880’
903’
872’
870’
912’
880’
1044’
880’
898’
898’
865’
867’866’
954’
891’
903’
896’
942’
876’
32’
70’
32’
42’
42’
24’24’
107’
103’
34’
42’
164’
88’
30’
146’
67’
5 DECKS
7 STORIES
1 STORY 1 STORY
2 STORIES
4 STORIES
5 DECKS
10 STORIES 6 STORIES
13 STORIES
4 DECKS
2 STORIES
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 16
Proposed Site Plan - View From Rosland Park
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 17
Green Space/Pervious Surfaces
• INCREASE green space and pervious surface
• Green space attractive and usable (walking, sitting, shade, outdoor gathering)
• Healthy rejuvenation of the existing mature landscape
• Stormwater management on-site and capacity to help off-site
• Replace 1,500+ surface parking stalls with a mix of uses, amenities, and green space
• Ability to create 50’+ boulevards/setbacks/buffers along all property edges
• Use grade and landscaping to screen structures
G reen Space/Pervious Surfaces
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 18
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
Pervious Surface
Impervious Surface
EXISTING
258,915 SF (5.94 Acres) = of Site Area
686,905 SF (15.767 Acres) = of Site
NEW
263,797 SF (6.06 Acres) = of Site Area
682,023 SF (15.66 Acres) = of Site Area
Proposed Site Plan - Pervious & Im pervious Surfaces
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 19
Stormwater Management
• Existing stormwater system was not designed with controls
• Proposed stormwater management system will be design to meet the City of Edina and
Nine Mile Creek Watershed District requirements
• No increase in runoff rates
• Volume reduction of 1.1” over the impervious surface
• Water quality improvements
• Flood storage
• Combination of surface ponds and underground tanks
• Improved flood storage on site to reduce flooding in Valley View
Storm water M anagem ent
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 20
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
INFILTRATION BASINS
FLOOD STORAGE
RAINGARDENS
Proposed Site Plan - Storm water M anagem ent
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 21
Transition Zone
• Transition height and density from east to the west
• Focus new height added along France Ave
• Lower scale along Valley View Road
• Incorporate a mix of uses to benefit both site users and neighbors
Transition Zone
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 22
CORNELIA NEIGHBORHOOD VALLEY VIEW GREENWAY
50’ Minimum Width
CENTRAL PARKING
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
Proposed Site Plan - Transition to C ornelia N eighborhood
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 23
Proposed Site Plan - View From Valley View G reenway
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 24
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
CORNELIA NEIGHBORHOOD
1
2
3
* ALL VIEWS TAKEN FROM
5’ ABOVE MARKED ELEVATION
TO REPLICATE EYE LEVEL
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
869’ *
868’ *
876’ *
C ornelia Viewshed Locations
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 25
C ornelia Viewshed | 1 - South Residence
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 26
C ornelia Viewshed | 2 - Valley View & 68th
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 27
C ornelia Viewshed | 3 - N orth Residence
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 28
Traffic
• No traffic study yet but will be an important step in City review process
• In 2016/17 plan, no significant changes to roads or intersections recommended
• Internal engineering analysis suggests a similar outcome for this concept
• Neighbors have offered they do not want 68th Street access closed off at Valley View
• (We’ve never suggested this as an option)
• Removing 2 office buildings and one restaurant will offset some of the new uses
• No additional curb cuts to France, Valley View or 66th; one relocated on VV Rd to improve
alignment
• City considering lane adjustments to Valley View Rd
• Not currently in the 5-year CIP
• A project north of 66th Street in 2024 if MnDOT replaces the Highway 62 bridge
• IF that occurs, City MAY look at options to continue the project down VVRD to France
• Funding uncertain
• Positioning of buildings and parking will balance traffic between Valley View and France
• Directing traffic through Lake Cornelia neighborhood is NOT a project objective
Traffic
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 29
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
PRIMARY PARKING
STRUCTURE ACCESS
PRIMARY VEHICULAR
CIRCULATION
Proposed Site Plan - Vehicular C irculation
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 30
Proposed Site Plan - Aerial View of C entral Boulevard
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 31
Parking
• The biggest challenge from Day 1 of the project!
• Find a market viable, cost effective, sustainable parking solution
• Replace 1,500+ surface parking stalls with consolidated, structured parking
• Allow more uses, amenities, and green space on the site
• Existing 6600 & 6800 buildings require over 1,000 stalls – approx. 5-6 levels of parking
• High water table limits amount of parking that can be built below grade
• Mixture of parking solutions: executive below building, surface, and ramp
• Screening for parking ramps: topography of site, trees & plantings, and facade materials
• Setbacks and scale of ramps to improve pedestrian experience
• Public use of parking for events at Rosland Park
Parking
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 32
Parking Structure Precedent Im agery
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 33
2019 Greater Southdale Design Experience
Guidelines Key Objectives
• Being a Connector to the Greater Community
• Commercial Amenity-Focused Streets
• All Buildings to be at Least 50’ Back From
Property Line with Robust Landscape
• Breaking Down Scale of Super Blocks Into
Human-Scaled Connections
• New Pedestrian Walkway & Circulation
Options, Some in the Form of Linear Parks
EDINA HRA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SOUTHDALE LIBRARY SITE : REVISED SITE CONCEPT WORKSHOP
February 9, 2017
build upon existing assets
SOURCE: RE-VISIONING THE SOUTHDALE DISTRICT
ARCHITECTURE FIELD OFFICE
EDINA HRA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SOUTHDALE LIBRARY SITE : REVISED SITE CONCEPT WORKSHOP
February 9, 2017
walkable
Image source: http://www.pearldistrictproperties.com/pearl-district-pearl-block-2-townhomes.html
SOURCE: RE-VISIONING THE SOUTHDALE DISTRICT
ARCHITECTURE FIELD OFFICE
EDINA HRA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SOUTHDALE LIBRARY SITE : REVISED SITE CONCEPT WORKSHOP
February 9, 2017
mixed-use
Image source: http://seattle.curbed.com/2016/3/1/11137608/vulcan-sells-south-lake-unions-2200-westlake-complex-for-65m
SOURCE: RE-VISIONING THE SOUTHDALE DISTRICT
ARCHITECTURE FIELD OFFICE
EDINA HRA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SOUTHDALE LIBRARY SITE : REVISED SITE CONCEPT WORKSHOP
February 9, 2017
sustainable
http://www.boredpanda.com/green-roof-solar-school-nyc/
EDINA HRA
HENNEPIN COUNTY
SOUTHDALE LIBRARY SITE : REVISED SITE CONCEPT WORKSHOP
February 9, 2017
human-scaled
Image source: www.upstairsbethesda.com
SOURCE: RE-VISIONING THE SOUTHDALE DISTRICT
ARCHITECTURE FIELD OFFICE
green
Southdale D esign G uidelines
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 34
0’ 50’ 100’ 200’400’
FRANCE AVENUE W 66TH STREETW 69TH STREETVALLEY VIEW RO
A
D
Proposed Site Plan - Pedestrian Experience
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 35
Proposed Site Plan - View From Prom enade on France
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 36
Light Pollution
• Concept level plan doesn’t yet have lighting types and locations
• Upgrade/improve the current site lighting
• Design to balance lighting for safety and security on the site with impact off-site
• Mindful of lighting impact on POF and Lake Cornelia neighborhood
Light Pollution
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 37
Light Pollution C ontrol Strategies
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 38
Noise
• Still primarily an office/employment center, operations during typical business hours
• Dining and service retail in evenings and weekends along France Ave
• Same location planned for service and delivery for the office buildings
• Fire Station along Valley View Rd. Possible siren restrictions
N oise
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 07.29.2020 39
Uses
• Remove two buildings, 85k SF office
• Remove existing Tavern on France facility
• Remove vast majority of existing 1,500+ surface parking stalls
• Introduce:
• 275k SF of Class A office and amenity space
• 85k SF of modern medical office
• 210 apartments
• 25k SF of dining and service retail
• Plazas, walking paths, outdoor gathering areas
• Municipal water treatment plant
• Public safety and emergency vehicle station
• Parking to support these uses
Uses
FRANCEon C ity O f Edina Sketch Plan Subm ission | 08.04.2020
FRANCE
A
V
E
N
U
E
W 66
T
H
S
T
R
E
E
T
W 69TH STREETVALLEY VI
E
W
R
O
A
D
163,000 RSF
171,580 GSF
1,020 Stalls
84,000 RSF
88,420 GSF
20,000 RSF
21,050 GSF 12,000 RSF
12,630 GSF
10,000 RSF
10,525 GSF
283,000 RSF
297,895 GSF
198,000 RSF
208,420 GSF
14,000 RSF
14,735 GSF
497 Stalls
243,600 RSF
256,420 GSF
650 Stalls
FAR CALCULATION
Total Site Area 945,820 SF
Building Area (GSF) 1,081,684 SF
Total FAR 1.14
PARKING
Structured 2,167
Existing Below Building 92
New Below Building 394
Surface 280
Total Parking 2,933
Proposed Site Plan - Building Area
DATE: August 5, 2020
TO: 6600 France Avenue / Avenue on France - Owner and Development Team
CC: Cary Teague – Community Development Director
FROM: Chad Millner P.E. - Director of Engineering
RE: 6600 France Avenue – Development Review, Water Plant Concept Only
The Engineering Department has reviewed the sketch plan materials dated 7/29/2020 in regard to the Water
Treatment Plant Concept. The sketch has shown a possible location for Water Treatment Plant (WTP) #5 on
the south end of the property integrated with the south parking ramp. The WTP is shown adjacent to the Bank
of America ATM drive-thru.
In concept this location could work with the City’s water distribution system. For a successful integration into
the water distribution system, the following needs to be considered.
1) Donation of land for WTP and located to accommodate:
a. Facility Size - working square footage
b. 2-3 stories above grade maybe 1 below
c. Located with no risk of flooding
d. If integrated into parking structure, the treatment plant could:
i. Be within the footprint of the parking structure with City access from within the structure
or within the site; or
ii. Free standing building right next to a parking structure with City access from within the
structure or within the site
e. City facility/parcel to be integrated into overall site design (water, utilities, traffic, landscaping,
parking, etc)
f. Developer to deliver construction ready pad or shell and structure if integrated with parking
structure
g. Developer to hire engineer to design pad or parking structure; with input from City Engineer to
ensure compatibility
h. Developer to fund concept and preliminary plans for zoning consideration
i. City to fund design and construction of water treatment plant
j. Easement to include access over and through the site to accommodate construction and future
operations at no cost
k. Easement also required through portions of site to accommodate raw water pipe as well as
distribution pipes at no cost
l. Both parties have approval rights regarding location and shape of parcel
m. Developer has rights to provide reasonable input on design of future City facility
Date: August 6, 2020
To: Cary Teague, Community Development Director
From: Tom M. Schmitz, Fire Chief
Subject: Letter of Support for Fire Station 2 at the proposed 6600 – 6800 France Avenue Redevelopment Site
In concept, I am in support of including a fire station in the proposed onFrance plans dated July 29, 2020. In 2018, the
department hired Five Bugles Design to conduct a response time and station location study. One of the questions was
whether our current fire station at 7335 York Avenue South was best positioned for current and future operations. The
final report suggested a new station would best serve the community if it were north and to the west of the existing site.
This new station should remain south of Hwy 62 along the France Avenue corridor. The onFrance location could be an
ideal site that would improve our response times to the west and north without significantly changing our current
response times in the southeast quadrant of the city.
The report goes on to recommend the optimal fire station would be of such size to accommodate a 24-hour fire station
operating two ALS ambulances and one fire apparatus. The plans do not get into any detail on actual fire station size or
design. The proposed fire station on the plan is in a good location with access onto Valley View Road. It is set back
enough from the north intersection of 66th Street and Valley View Road and the south intersection of Valley View and
France Avenue. This would allow our vehicles an opportunity to clear the roadway as we approach the intersections.
Obviously, further detail is needed to determine if this site is ideal for the fire department and the community.
Thank you to Southdale Office Partners, LLC and its project team in their consideration and inclusion on their
redevelopment proposal at 6600 – 6800 France Avenue South.
2200 Zane Ave N | Minneapolis, MN 55422
www.archfieldoffice.com
Cary:
At your request, we reviewed the Sketch Plan submission for the redevelopment of the current Southdale
Office Center at 6600-6800 France Avenue based on our nearly 4 years’ experience working with the Greater
Southdale Work Group to craft a physical vision for the future district, translating their guiding principles to the
built environment. The resulting vision for development in the Greater Southdale District is to create an
enhanced human experience along existing major and new connector streets, with o verall experience shaped
via landscape setbacks, building step backs, a hierarchy of street typologies, transparency at street level, a
minimized impact of the car, and managing storm water as an amenity. The outcome of our collaborations
with the Work Group is described in the urban design chapter of the Greater Southdale District Plan and
resulted in the Greater Southdale District Design Experience Guidelines.
The Sketch Plan review is an important milestone in the development process to assess a project’s overall
conformance with the District Plan, the Design Experience Guidelines, and the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
The intent is that it be a collaborative process, whereby the development team comes to the review with
ideas, challenges, and design sketches with the intent of merging the goals of the District and Experience
Guidelines with development goals and financial considerations into a comprehensive vision for the proposed
site. The process further intends to open minds to innovative thinking, social responsibility, and reinforcing
community structure to create a more resilient future.
The site of the proposed development is a pivotal, large-scale parcel within the Greater Southdale District. It
serves multiple roles: gateway to the District, transition to the Cornelia neighborhood, northern terminus of the
proposed West Promenade, and the northern edge of the new street room along France Avenue. At nearly 22
acres, it offers great potential to exemplify and positively contribute to the broader community goal of a
walkable, resilient, human-centric district.
The Greater Southdale District Plan and Design Experience Guidelines address fundamental ideas about how
building scale and location, block size, and street width come together to shape public realm and overall
human experience. Through the development of the guidelines, we applied measurements to each of these
components that are essential to shaping the future form and character of the district. We understand there
are many ways this can be accomplished. However, the proposal for the site at 6600-6800 France that is
being offered to the City is counter to those guidelines in many important categories: the location of buildings
and their relationship to the street, the visibility of infrastructure and amount of the site dedicated to car
To
City of Edina
Cary Teague, Community Development Director
4801 W. 50th Street
Edina, MN 55424
From Mic Johnson, FAIA
Date August 4, 2020
2
storage; the lack of attention paid to transition zones; the scale/massing of buildings that exceed 200 feet in
length; and proposed connections and public realm improvements. W hen taken together, their broader impact
on the individual and community experience is not in alignment with the Greater Southdale District vision of a
public realm experience that catalyzes an active community-based approach to both development and daily
life.
In particular, we note:
Multi-level parking structures face the community/public realm and are not lined. Per page 15 of the
Design Experience Guidelines, “above-grade parking structures should be lined with programmable
public realm space.”
Parking structures have primary access from streets within the Superblock rather than a centralized
access point off of the perimeter roads.
Primary vehicular circulation cuts through the central spine of the site.
The inclusion of surface parking, particularly surface parking along perimeter streets.
Pedestrian (primary) public realm is not connected to District assets. The proposal does not
emphasize France Avenue as a major artery and connector, but rather is inward facing to the
detriment of the overall goals of an interconnected district. In addition, there is no direct connection to
the new north-south W est Promenade, which is envisioned as a woonerf that puts pedestrians first,
bikes second and cars last.
New office building is located in the center of the site rather than along France to support the public
realm development and the France Avenue street room. This could enable a potential extension of
the W est Promenade through the site, allowing for one level of below grade parking connecting all
existing and new buildings within the development, accessed off of Valley View Road with drop-off at
the W est Promenade level.
The proposal does not consider the importance of pedestrian east/west streets, a primary purpose of
which are increase connectivity of residents in the single family neighborhoods to flow through the
site to other destinations within the district. They should be inviting and comfortable, residential in
nature, with a character that makes them special and connective.
One story retail along France Avenue is unsustainable and does not meet the go als of a mixed-use
district, nor does it provide flexibility long-term.
Lack of mixed-use buildings to support the integration of office, retail, residential within the district
with flexibility at the ground plane to support a variety of district and neighborhood needs.
Lack of definable outdoor places that can be used for programmed activities for tenants, residents
and the community alike. These are generators of both social and cultural activity for people within
the public realm.
The typologies set forth in the Design Experience Guidelines have not been cited as to their
application to specific buildings and uses, and appear to have been ignored as a fundamental
organizing strategy for the development of the site
With that in mind, we offer the following comments on the proposal for consideration by the development and
design team, as well as the Planning Commission and City staff with the goal of better aligning the plan with
the intent of the Design Experience Guidelines and overall vision for the District.
Transition Zones
During our involvement with the Work Group, respect for the existing neighborhoods that surround the
Greater Southdale District was the focus of many conversations and a driver in our design thinking —resulting
3
in the establishment of dedicated Transition Zones. As stated on page 17 of the Greater Southdale District
Design Experience Guidelines, “new development within transition zones is expected to balance scale and
building use between these single family neighborhoods and the higher density, more commercially focused
Greater Southdale District.”
The entire west side of the Southdale Office Center parcel lies within a Transition Zone, with the current plan
showing three multi-level parking structures along that edge. The purpose of these transition zones is not to
create a wall, as proposed in the current development plan – but rather, to respond to and respect the context
of the adjacent single family neighborhoods, integrating between these residential neighborhoods with new
housing more in scale with single family residences, such as two-and three-story townhomes transitioning to
taller residential or mixed-use buildings. The zone is intended to be beneficial to both places, creating
opportunity for shared commercial areas, landscape connections that enliven street life, and a building scale
that literally transitions from one-or-two story single family homes to a higher density context. No matter how
well bermed, landscaped, or nicely screened the walls are, structured parking immediately abutting a
residential neighborhood or a parkway context is not in alignment with the Experience Guidelines. In addition,
parking structures will need to be lined with program space (townhomes, office, etc.) or located underground
or within buildings to meet the goals of the Experience Guidelines.
Building Scale and Experience
The future of the Greater Southdale District is envisioned to offer a vibrant mix of uses, supported by flexible
buildings that can evolve over time. This transformation requires a greater focus on eliminating parking lots,
and creating below-grade and hidden parking for residents, employees, visitors and customers. It
incorporates smaller building blocks that are nominally 200’x200’ with buildings that have consistent 60-foot-
tall podium bases, with the potential of taller building components stepping back from the street, in deference
to the pedestrian experience. The ground floor of buildings is to be 20’ floor-to-floor to allow for future
flexibility, with 75% transparency at street level. Using these principles as a baseline, a hierarchy of street
typologies serves as an organizing direction for architectural planning and design within the district.
In this proposal, certain building heights along France, two of which are at 24 feet, do not align with the overall
vision for the development of the district, nor do they support the creation of an enlivened street room
experience. None of the street typologies set forth in the Design Experience Guidelines calls for one-story
stand-alone retail buildings—especially on larger parcels that are part of the “Boulevards” typology, such as
the north end of the west side of France Avenue.
Street Rooms
The existing extended breaks in the street wall in the form of surface parking lots and standalone one-and
two-story buildings set back several hundred feet contribute to the negative pedestrian experience that
currently exists along France. To mitigate that condition, the Design Experience Guidelines call for a
contiguous podium/ground floor plane as an essential component in creating a street room that promotes a
more active urban experience along France. In this proposal, 60-70% of the site along France is devoted to
car circulation, surface parking, and one-story retail – which do not positively contribute to the development of
the desired street room experience.
Site Organization and Connections
The goal of the roughly 200’x 200’ block outlined in the Experience Guidelines is to set the stage for a building
scale that positively impacts human experience in the public realm:
4
o Promoting connections to adjacent properties and buildings, as well as connections through
larger site (superblocks).
o Allowing more variety in architectural expression and ultimately, the creation of more diverse
places.
o Limiting the length of building facades.
o Offering shorter walking distances between blocks.
o Creating a variety of street experiences.
o Supporting greater density.
o Minimizing the impact of the car.
While the proposal does divide the site into nominally smaller parcels and reduce the amount of existing
surface parking from what exists today, its overall organization is not significantly different than traditional
suburban office park developments and is not in keeping with the vision for the future evolution of the Greater
Southdale District.
The intention in the experience guidelines is to create an active network of streets that accommodate
pedestrians, bikes, transit and cars; peds and bikes; or pedestrians only. In this proposal, the lack of
connection and definition of interior streets within the superblock framework does not meet the intention of the
guidelines.
As noted above, this is an important site within the district because it has all of the components found in
numerous smaller parcels—namely, a gateway location, a relationship to France Avenue, adjacency to
important districtwide amenities, and a mix of program uses—and is distinguished via its size and catalytic
potential. It is also an important site in the development of the guidelines because of its relationship and
proximity to the Cornelia neighborhood.
The redevelopment of the site at 6600-6800 France is a tremendous opportunity for the City of Edina, the
development team, and community stakeholders to create a forward-thinking model of development based on
human experience while building upon and improving the assets that already exist on the site . The proposed
site is part of a larger context of places within the District. W hen considering new buildings along France
Avenue, we must imagine the whole length of France, and how each building will fit in and extend the shared
vision that will make it a great street. This holistic mindset must be apply to every existing and new street
within the District. We believe there are many opportunities for the design submitted as part of the sketch plan
review process to evolve to better align with and support the broader vision for the future Greater Southdale
District.
Thank you for the opportunity to review. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mic
DJR
ARCHITECTURE INC.
The Avenue on France
6600 France Avenue S
Edina, MN 55435
City of Edina - Final Rezoning Submittal
Phase II-A & II-B
04.12.2017
The Avenue on FranceDJR
ARCHITECTURE INC.
12
The Avenue on France
6600 France Avenue South
Edina, Minnesota
Southwest View from 66th and France
DJR
ARCHITECTURE INC.
The Avenue on France
13
Masterplan - The Avenue on France
This Masterplan shows new construction of a Medical Office
Building, (3) Retail Buildings, Residential, Hotel and Office
that will replace (2) 3-story office buildings in the middle of
the site that are not compliant with current ADA standards.
The Masterplan also shows new construction of (3) areas of
underground parking to meet the needs of the site and reduce
the amount of surface parking on the site.
N
BANK OF AMERICA
1F
7,190 SF
Under Permit
RETAIL II-A
2F
25,748 SF
EX. 6800 OFFICE
7F
To Remain
TAVERN ON FRANCE
1F
To Remain
OFFICE
6F
116,000 SF
EX. 6600 OFFICE
6F
To Remain
RETAIL II-B
2F
23,093 SF
MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING
6F
155,000 SF
RESIDENTIAL
8F
105,280 SF
70 Units
RETAIL
1F
6,500 SF
HOTEL
4F
72,350 SF
100 Rooms
Site Data:Area Table: Phase I Phase II-A Phase II-B Phase III Phase IV Phase IV Phase V Phase VI Existing Existing Existing
Allowable Actual Notes BOA Retail Retail MOB Office Hotel Residential Retail Total (New) 6600 6800 Tavern Total (Existing) Total (Site)
Site Area:n/a 948,632 SF 21.78 acres L8 13,160
FAR:0.5 (474,316 GSF).92 (880,979 GSF)377,008 SF Existing/ 503,971 SF New L7 13,160
Height:48'-0"85'-0"HOD-4 Height Zone L6 25,000 20,000 13,160
Lot Coverage:30%24.2% est.229,598 SF Subject to Survey L5 25,000 20,000 13,160
L4 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L3 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L2 7,003 6225 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L1 7,190 18,745 16,868 30,000 16,000 18,500 13,160 6,500
Total 7,190 25,748 23,093 155,000 116,000 72,350 105,280 6,500 503,971 SF NEW 198,763 163,855 7200 377,008 SF Ex. 880,979 SF
Parking Summary:
Surface to Remain Required (New)Basis of Calculation EMC Sec. 36-1311 New Parking Provided Total Parking Res. 2015-113 Total Parking
Office 488 1084 271,000 SF of New Office 450 underground (North)(Per Count)(Varience) (Per code)
Hotel 125 100 Room Hotel (est.)450 underground (Middle)
Residential 123 70 units per EMC Sec. 36-1311 (w)400 underground (South)
Retail 284 55,341 SF of New Retail 99 underground (Phase II)157
Total 488 2394 New Stalls To be provided by underground parking 1399 underground 1887 Stalls 157 Stalls 2044 Stalls
Site Data:Area Table: Phase I Phase II-A Phase II-B Phase III Phase IV Phase IV Phase V Phase VI Existing Existing Existing
Allowable Actual Notes BOA Retail Retail MOB Office Hotel Residential Retail Total (New) 6600 6800 Tavern Total (Existing) Total (Site)
Site Area:n/a 948,632 SF 21.78 acres L8 13,160
FAR:0.5 (474,316 GSF).92 (880,979 GSF)377,008 SF Existing/ 503,971 SF New L7 13,160
Height:48'-0"85'-0"HOD-4 Height Zone L6 25,000 20,000 13,160
Lot Coverage:30%24.2% est.229,598 SF Subject to Survey L5 25,000 20,000 13,160
L4 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L3 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L2 7,003 6225 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L1 7,190 18,745 16,868 30,000 16,000 18,500 13,160 6,500
Total 7,190 25,748 23,093 155,000 116,000 72,350 105,280 6,500 503,971 SF NEW 198,763 163,855 7200 377,008 SF Ex. 880,979 SF
Parking Summary:
Surface to Remain Required (New)Basis of Calculation EMC Sec. 36-1311 New Parking Provided Total Parking Res. 2015-113 Total Parking
Office 488 1084 271,000 SF of New Office 450 underground (North)(Per Count)(Varience) (Per code)
Hotel 125 100 Room Hotel (est.)450 underground (Middle)
Residential 123 70 units per EMC Sec. 36-1311 (w)400 underground (South)
Retail 284 55,341 SF of New Retail 99 underground (Phase II)157
Total 488 2394 New Stalls To be provided by underground parking 1399 underground 1887 Stalls 157 Stalls 2044 Stalls
Site Data:Area Table: Phase I Phase II-A Phase II-B Phase III Phase IV Phase IV Phase V Phase VI Existing Existing Existing
Allowable Actual Notes BOA Retail Retail MOB Office Hotel Residential Retail Total (New) 6600 6800 Tavern Total (Existing) Total (Site)
Site Area:n/a 948,632 SF 21.78 acres L8 13,160
FAR:0.5 (474,316 GSF).92 (880,979 GSF)377,008 SF Existing/ 503,971 SF New L7 13,160
Height:48'-0"85'-0"HOD-4 Height Zone L6 25,000 20,000 13,160
Lot Coverage:30%24.2% est.229,598 SF Subject to Survey L5 25,000 20,000 13,160
L4 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L3 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L2 7,003 6225 25,000 20,000 17,950 13,160
L1 7,190 18,745 16,868 30,000 16,000 18,500 13,160 6,500
Total 7,190 25,748 23,093 155,000 116,000 72,350 105,280 6,500 503,971 SF NEW 198,763 163,855 7200 377,008 SF Ex. 880,979 SF
Parking Summary:
Surface to Remain Required (New)Basis of Calculation EMC Sec. 36-1311 New Parking Provided Total Parking Res. 2015-113 Total Parking
Office 488 1084 271,000 SF of New Office 450 underground (North)(Per Count)(Varience) (Per code)
Hotel 125 100 Room Hotel (est.)450 underground (Middle)
Residential 123 70 units per EMC Sec. 36-1311 (w)400 underground (South)
Retail 284 55,341 SF of New Retail 99 underground (Phase II)157
Total 488 1616 New Stalls To be provided by underground parking 1399 underground 1887 Stalls 157 Stalls 2044 Stalls
The Avenue on FranceDJR
ARCHITECTURE INC.
14
The Avenue on France
6600 France Avenue South
Edina, Minnesota
Aerial View from W 69th Street and France Avenue
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
City Hall • Phone 952-927-8861
Fax 952-826-0389 • www.CityofEdina.com
Date: August 12, 2020
To:
Planning Commission
From: Cary Teague, Community Development Director
Re:
Sketch Plan Review – 6600-6800 France Avenue
The Planning Commission is asked to consider a sketch plan proposal to re-develop the 22-acre parcel at
6600-6800 France. The applicant is proposing a significant change to the development plans that were
approved for this site in 2017.
In 2017, this site was rezoned to PUD for a mixed-use development project (The Avenue on France).
The approved plans did a very nice job of following the Southdale Design Experience Guidelines. The
plans included below grade parking, dividing the site into smaller parcels, preserving the mature oaks,
providing the 50-foot setback from France Avenue with green space and sidewalks, storefronts on France
with the new retail buildings. (See attached approved Plans.) The approved plans were found to meet the
PUD standards to justify a doubling of the density on the site.
The proposed plans shall be reviewed to those same standards to justify increasing the density of the site.
The applicant is NOT entitled the density that was approved for the previous request. The underlying
zoning of the site is POD, Planned Office District which allowed and FAR of .5; the approved PUD
allowed up to 1.0. as long as the plans approved in the PUD were followed.
As proposed, at full built out, the site would include the following new structures:
Office Space – 297,895 square feet (10 stories)
Medical Office – 85,000 square feet (4 stories)
Rental Apartments – 210 units (13 stories)
Retail/Restaurants - 25,000 square feet (1 story)
Parking Structures Above Grade (3) – (4, 5 & 5 Decks)
Municipal Water Treatment Plan (Concept Proposed)
Public Safety/Fire Station (Concept Proposed)
To accommodate the request the following is required:
A Rezoning Ordinance Amendment to revise the existing PUD. The existing PUD would
only allow the development of the plans approved in 2017; and
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
A Revised Overall Development Plan and Site Plan Review.
The Southdale Area Development Principles have been shared with the applicant; they have tried to
incorporate the core principles into the proposed plans. Sidewalks are proposed completely around and
through the site; they are providing the 50-foot setback on France Avenue with green space and
sidewalks; have created storefronts on France with the new retail buildings. (See attached Plans.)
Mic Johnson, AFO, Architectural Field Office has provided a review of the project. (See attached.) The
fire chief and city engineer have provided memos regarding the proposed fire station and water
treatment facility. (See attached.)
As demonstrated on the following table, the FAR and height of the proposed development is not allowed
by current City Code.
Compliance Table
City Standard
(POD-2)
Existing
PUD
Proposed
New Building Setbacks
Front – France Ave
Front – Valley View
Front - 66th Street
Parking Setbacks
Front – France Ave
Front – Valley View
Front - 66th Street
35 feet or the height of the building
35 feet or the height of the building
35 feet or the height of the building
20 feet
20 feet
20 feet
45 feet
100 feet
50 feet
10 feet
10 feet
10 feet
50 feet
20*-100 feet
50 feet
50 feet
50 feet
50 feet
Building
Height
4 Stories or 48 feet whichever is less 8 stories and 96
feet (No building
shall be taller
than the existing
building at
6,800France)
13 stories – Apartment*
10 stories – Office*
4 stories – Medical
1 story – Retail
Maximum
Floor Area
Ratio (FAR)
.50 of the tract
Tract size = 21.78 acres or 948,736
s.f.
474,316 s.f. MAX
1.0 (948,736 s.f.) 1.14 (1,081,684 s.f.)*
Parking Stalls – Entire Site Mixed Use District 3,118 spaces
total
Nonresidential = 1/300 s.f. (2,751
spaces)
Residential = 1 enclosed space/unit
(210)
+ .75 spaces exposed per unit (157)
488 surface
spaces
1,399
underground
spaces
1,887 Total
2,933 stalls proposed
* Change to the Approved PUD
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
As stated in the Design Experience Guidelines “Flexibility is not a right, but rather the natural by-product of a
fair exchange for benefits, collaboration, and quality in development.”
Additional Considerations/Staff Concerns
Concern over the removal of the mature Oak Trees on Valley View Road to build a parking
structure.
Project seems to turn its back on the neighborhood to the west. The three parking structures
face Valley View Road. No transition to the single-family neighborhood to the west, as suggested
in the design experience guidelines.
No building should be longer than 200 feet. First floor height of all new buildings must be 20 feet
with 75% of the building fronts being transparent. Tall buildings should be stepped back from the
street per the design experience guidelines.
Proposed height exceeds the PUD by five stories.
Project appears to be too dense for the site with little public realm other than within the required
setback areas.
The applicant must meet the City’s Affordable Housing Policy.
Interior sidewalks are located adjacent to drive-aisles which do not make for a comfortable
pedestrian environment. Sidewalks should be considered for bike traffic including the perimeter
sidewalk around the side, which could have the width expended to allow for a shared bike and
pedestrian path.
The developer has not committed to donating the land to the city on which they are showing a
public safety (fire station) and water treatment facility. Staff views this as a must to satisfy the give
to get concept to justify the requested increase in density and height proposed on the site.
The applicant will also be asked to respond to the city’s Sustainability Questionnaire within their
formally submitted plans.
A traffic and parking study would be required to determine the impacts on adjacent roadways.
The study would include the full development buildout. Parking data and square footage of
buildings has not been provided. Project should provide parking that is needed for the
development and not based on city code.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Watershed district review. Review and approval of the Nine Mile Creek Watershed District is
required.
Sustainable design. As part of any formal application, sustainable design should be included.
PUD
The purpose and intent of a PUD is to include most or all of the following:
a. provide for the establishment of PUD (planned unit development) zoning districts in appropriate
settings and situations to create or maintain a development pattern that is consistent with the
City's Comprehensive Plan;
b. promote a more creative and efficient approach to land use within the City, while at the same
time protecting and promoting the health, safety, comfort, aesthetics, economic viability, and
general welfare of the City;
c. provide for variations to the strict application of the land use regulations in order to improve site
design and operation, while at the same time incorporate design elements that exceed the City's
standards to offset the effect of any variations. Desired design elements may include:
sustainable design, greater utilization of new technologies in building design, special
construction materials, landscaping, lighting, stormwater management, pedestrian
oriented design, and podium height at a street or transition to residential
neighborhoods, parks or other sensitive uses;
d. ensure high quality of design and design compatible with surrounding land uses, including both
existing and planned;
e. maintain or improve the efficiency of public streets and utilities;
f. preserve and enhance site characteristics including natural features, wetland protection, trees,
open space, scenic views, and screening;
g. allow for mixing of land uses within a development;
h. encourage a variety of housing types including affordable housing; and
i. ensure the establishment of appropriate transitions between differing land uses.
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424