CR 01-121 Design Goals and Objectives - East CBD Redevelopment Project
C\IY OF
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HOPKINS
August 29, 2001
Council Report 2001-121
DESIGN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES - EAST CBO REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Proposed Action
Staff recommends adoption of the following motion: Move to approve the preliminary
design goals and obiectives for the East Central Business Oistrict (CBO) redevelopment
proiect.
With this motion the preliminary goals and objectives will be used to facilitate project
discussions with the developer and the public.
Overview
The preliminary design goals and objectives for the East CBO redevelopment project
were prepared under the direction of a committee comprised of city and business
representatives. The document is intended to guide the overall design of the
redevelopment project being undertaken by the City and address issues such as
materials, parking, signage, etc...
The Hopkins Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the draft goals and objectives
on August 28, 2001. Overall, the commission was very supportive of the
recommendations. Their primary comment was to have the guidelines reflect a desire
for owner-occupied housing in the entire project with the exception of one commission
member who voiced support for a mixed rental/owner project. This recommendation
has not been incorporated into the document.
Following approval by the City Council, the preliminary goals and objectives will be
posted on the City's web site and used in public meetings as the project is refined.
Primary Issues to Consider
Staff is requesting approval of preliminary design goals and objectives for the East CBO
redevelopment project. It is anticipated that as a developer is selected and public input
is gathered the guidelines will be refined and brought back to the City Council for final
approval.
Financial Impact: $0 Budgeted: Y/N
Related Documents (CIP, ERP, etc.):
Source:
CITY OF HOPKINS
EAST CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT (CBD)
DESIGN GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Introduction
The incorporation of the village of West Minneapolis (later re-named Hopkins)
became effective on November 27, 1893. The Mainstreet became the center
around which the town developed. Over time, there have been numerous
changes but there has always been recognition that the Mainstreet gave the
City a unique identity and a sense of community.
The City of Hopkins has been very proactive in redeveloping key sites within the
Central Business District in an effort to preserve and enhance the viability of our
Mainstreet. The results of the City's efforts can be seen in the Center for the
Arts, the Oaks of Mainstreet and the entertainment complex. The properties
along Mainstreet from 8th Avenue South to 7th Avenue South are viewed as the
last major redevelopment project area and an anchor for the east end of the
downtown.
Due to the importance of this site and the City's control over the redevelopment
process through ownership, the City has enacted these design goals and
objectives. The results will be a development that is an asset to the community
and viable for the next 100 years and beyond.
Desian Goals
Goal 1:
Preserve the small-town, unique character of Mainstreet Hopkins
Goal 2:
Complement the existing architecture, specifically the 800 and 900
blocks of Mainstreet
Goal 3:
Enhance the pedestrian orientation of downtown Hopkins and
encourage streetscape design that is inviting and on a human scale
Goal 4:
Intensify the density of the site with uses that enhance the Central
Business District and benefit the community
Goal 5:
Provide adequate parking (including the use of shared parking) to
meet the anticipated parking demand
Obiectives
Goal No.1: Preserve the small-town unique character of Mainstreet Hopkins
Objective: Franchise architecture (building design that is a trademark or
identified with a particular chain or corporation and is generic in
nature) is not allowed. Franchises or national chains must follow
these guidelines to create a unique design appropriate to this site.
Goal No.2: Complement the existing architecture of the downtown, specifically
the 800 and 900 blocks of Mainstreet
Objective The appearance of the building should not be that of one big
building rather give the appearance of separate storefronts.
Objective The building materials used should be similar to materials used on
original Mainstreet facades including brick, stone, wood and
stucco. Vinyl or aluminum siding should be avoided.
800 Block of Mainstreet Hopkins
Objective The architecture should reflect some of the detailing of surrounding
buildings in window shape, cornice lines and brick work.
Objective The building should be set on the Mainstreet front lot line but can be
recessed for outdoor dining, buifding entrances, public plazas or
courtyards.
Goal No.3: Enhance the pedestrian orientation of downtown Hopkins and
encourage streetscape design that is inviting and on a human scale
Objective Entries at street-level should be well defined and welcoming.
Objective Mirrored or heavily tinted glass on the street level should not be
used.
Objective Buildings should be integrated with the streetscape to bring activity
in the building in direct contact with the people on the street.
Objective Long blank walls that lack pedestrian and visual interest should be
avoided. Planting areas, balconies, terraces, awnings, windows
and other elements should be incorporated to break up the
facades including the sides and rear of the buildings.
Objective Pedestrian oriented signage is encouraged. Such signs may be
located on entry awnings, directly above business entrances and
"hanging signs" located adjacent to entrances.
Objective Exterior trash and storage areas, service yards, loading areas,
transformers and air conditioning units must be screened from view
of nearby streets and adjacent structures in a manner that is
compatible with the building design. All roof equipment shall be
screened from street level public view.
Goal No.4: Intensify the density of the site with uses that support the Central
Business District and benefit the community
Objective Along the street-level of Mainstreet the uses should be destination-
oriented including retail, entertainment or restaurant uses.
Objective Housing that diversifies the neighborhood and provides economic
benefit to downtown businesses should be incorporated above the
retail on Mainstreet and along 7th Avenue South. The housing
should be distinctive and of high quality.
Goal No.5: Provide adequate parking (including the use of shared parking)
Objective Provide structured parking (preferably underground) for the
residential component of the development.
Objective Provide adequate on-site parking for the retail and restaurant uses
of the development. This may include shared-parking with
neighboring businesses if peak-use times do not overlap.
. ~ . ,
Objective Parking lots should be screened from the street and sidewalk by
plantings or walls. If walls are used, their materials should be
compatible with the materials used on the adjacent building.
Design Committee Members:
Rick Brausen, Hopkins City Council
John Cooley, Frame Design
Kersten Elverum, City of Hopkins
Hillary Feder, Hillary's
Fran Hesch, Hopkins City Council
Katherine Shipper, Blossoms
Herman Strauch, Insty-Prints