HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 03-22 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Draft Minutest
Approved Minutes®
Approved Date:4/5/2017
March 22,2017
/,\s, ii, Minutes
�.�` � '/ City Of Edina, Minnesota
`; Planning Commission
Edina City Hall Council Chambers
March 22, 2017
I. Call To Order
Chair Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:05 P.M.
II. Roll Call
Answering the roll were: Commissioners Thorsen, Strauss, Nemerov, Hamilton, Bennett, Berube,
Bennett, Chair Olsen. Student Members, Kivimaki and Jones. Staff, City Planner, Teague, Assistant
Planner, Aaker Sr. Communications Coord., Eidsness, Support Staff, Hoogenakker
III. Approval Of Meeting Agenda
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the March 8, 2017, meeting
agenda. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion
carried.
IV. Approval Of Meeting Minutes
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to approve the minutes of the February 22,
2017, meeting, The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The
motion carried.
V. Special Recognitions and Presentations
Staff Presentation
Planner Teague reported at this time new officers need to be elected and the Commission Bylaws need to
be adopted. Teague noted no changes were made to the bylaws.
Motion
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to adopt the Planning Commission Bylaws as
written. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Strauss. All voted aye. The motion
carried.
Commissioner Nemerov suggested that sometime in the future the Commission should review Robert's
Rules.
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Approved Date:4/5/2017
March 22, 2017
Election Motions
Commissioner Berube nominated Commissioner Thorsen as Planning Commission
Secretary. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Nemerov. No further nominations
were offered. Chair Olsen called for a vote to elect Commissioner Thorsen as Secretary for
the Planning Commission. All voted aye. The motion carried. Todd Thorsen elected as
Secretary,
Commissioner Strauss nominated Commissioner Nemerov as Vice-Chair. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Berube. No further nominations were offered. Chair Olsen
called for the vote to elect Commissioner Nemerov as Vice-Chair. All voted aye. The
motion carried. Ian Nemerov was elected as Vice-Chair.
Commissioner Strauss nominated to re-elect Commissioner Olsen as chair. The motion
was seconded by Bennett. No further nominations were offered. Chair Olsen called for a
vote. All voted aye. The motion carried. Chair Olsen was re-elected as Chair.
VI. Community Comment
None.
A motion was made by Commissioner Nemerov to close community comment. The motion
was seconded by Commissioner Thorsen. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VII. Reports/Recommendations
A. Sketch Plan Review— RH at Southdale
Planner Presentation
Planner Teague reported the Planning Commission is asked to consider a sketch plan proposal
to develop the north east corner of France Avenue & 69th Street, underneath the water tower
at Southdale. The site is currently paved overflow parking for the mall and theaters.
Teague explained that Restoration Hardware (RH) is proposing to construct a 3-4 story 58,000
square foot store that would include: furniture sales, a rooftop showroom, a cafe/restaurant,
outdoor courtyards and garden terraces. The store would have two main entrances; one that
opens to France/69th intersection and the other that faces Southdale. Valet parking services
would be available on the Southdale side that would allow for reduced site parking.
Teague added that the site is zoned PCD-3, Planned Commercial District. The proposed uses
are all permitted on the site. The applicant would only be requesting a site plan review with a
parking stall variance. Teague further noted that parking stall variances have been standard
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practice for development on the Southdale site over the past 15 years. The City does not have
a lot of discretion when reviewing this project as it is a permitted use.
Continuing, Teague said the Greater Southdale Area Vision Plan has been shared with the
property owner, Simon Properties, and RH. RH has responded to the Greater Southdale Area
Principles, adding the applicant has done a nice job in creating a site plan with some of the
guiding principles in mind. Some of those items include having a main entrance facing the street,
increasing green space and landscaping, providing high quality of building materials and design,
mixed uses, extensive pedestrian connections, movement through the site, meeting the 50-foot
setback from the curb on France to the building and the 30-foot setback from the curb on 69th.
That said, staff has concern about the wall that would face the street and the large parking fields
along the street.
Appearing for the Applicant
Stuart Wagner, RH (Restoration Hardware)
Applicant Presentation
Mr. Wagner explained that over the last several years RH has shifted their market focus, adding their goal
is to create a grand residence instead of the typical retail structure. In addition to offering home
furnishings RH will now offer food and beverage to create an area to live in, eat in, drink in, and shop.
With graphics Wagner presented to the Commission sketched renderings of the proposed structure and
photos of other newly constructed RH stores. Wagner said they believe the proposed development will
enhance the intersection of France and 69th Street with a beautiful building with defined outdoor
courtyards, garden terraces,Juliet balconies and lush plantings.
Wagner asked the Commission to note the building was placed at a diagonal to complement the pie-shape
lot and to afford building presence from not only France Avenue but West 69th Street as well. He further
added parking has been kept to a minimum (variance required) and the store will offer valet parking.
Wagner noted they have an agreement to work with Simon on parking. Wagner further noted that when
designing the building, they believe they have aligned with the district principles. Wagner concluded that
they welcome comments from the Commission and are excited to be at this location.
Mr. Martin, 10 Southdale Center, addressed the Commission and stated Simon is very happy to welcome
RH to the Southdale Center. Martin reported that in the near future the AMC theatre will be renovated
and seating will be reduced. Martin said he believes RH will enhance Southdale Center and the new
renovations to the theatre.
Mr. Child informed the Commission that the architectural features and layout of the building respond to
the RH Brand. Child said in his opinion as previously mentioned the orientation of the building addresses
both the mall, France Avenue and West 69th Street. He added the proposed wall is part of the branding
features and would create an area that is heavily landscaped, a promenade area and possibly a water
feature. The proposed wall will help create a lush welcoming area.
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Comments/Discussion
Commissioners shared the following:
• It was pointed out that the orientation of the building, the wall and the presence of parking along
France Avenue may not fully address the principles of the area. Mr. Child responded that in his
opinion the proposal offers a strong corner presence. He also stated he believes connectivity is
enhanced by activating the corner with pedestrian friendly connections to the sidewalk and to the
mall.
• An opinion was raised that it feels like the buildings diagonal orientation was giving a cold shoulder
to the corner(s). The applicant was asked if they considered a more traditional building
orientation. Mr. Child pointed out that area principles also suggest a 50-foot setback which can
create conflict in design. Mr. Wagner said that they would consider the buildings orientation;
however, feel that the orientation works well in providing a vision through the building. As
oriented one can look through the building.
• A question was raised if there was a concern that the building as proposed may appear isolated.
Mr. Wagner acknowledged the building was large; however, the building was well articulated to
include offsetting mass and a green rooftop area that would showcase outdoor furniture pieces.
Enhanced landscaping would also soften the mass of the structure. Wagner further stated that the
proposed building would be the first proposed along the ring road, adding this could be the
catalyst for future ring-road redevelopment.
• It was further suggested that the applicant try to follow the suggestions from the City's consultant
Mic Johnson to include lowering the wall and reducing and/or eliminating parking stalls visible to
the street. It was noted that as depicted parking would be seen from the street. Mr. Wagner
acknowledged that point, adding they believe building orientation, landscaping, etc. would soften
any negative impact from vehicles.
• Ensure that the ring road can be safely crossed to gain access to the mall.
• With regard to the proposed wall it was suggested that the wall could be created with transparent
materials (to mitigate height).
• It was stressed that more landscaping was always better,
• Remember to design with the Minnesota climate in mind.
Chair Olsen thanked the applicants for their presentation
VIII.Correspondence And Petitions
Chair Olsen acknowledged back of packet materials.
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IX. Chair And Member Comments
None
X. Staff Comments
Planner Teague reported that the City Council at their last meeting agreed with the Planning Commission
and approved the re-plat for Gateway Pointe
Xl. Adjournment
A motion was made by Commissioner Thorsen to adjourn the meeting of the Planning
Commission at 8:50 P.M. The motion was seconded by Bennett. All voted aye. The
meeting was adjourned.
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Respectfully submitted.
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