City Mgr's report- Woodrich Construction SitePursuant to Council direction at the last meeting, I directed
the Public Works staff to prepare a report on the Woodrich site, and
attempted to set a date for a tour of the property for you. However,
Dick Owens advised that a buyer had already been developed, and he
expected to close the deal on Friday the 23rd. This week he said that
the deal was closed on Friday with an undisclosed buyer. However, he
does not know if the buyer wants or needs the area behind the building,
so I asked him to keep us advised if this land is to be resold.
The land is something we could well be interested in; the building
is not. Total land area is said to be 3.56 acres (300 ft. frontage
by 546 ft. deep), while the rather old brick structure had 2400 sq. ft.
of offices and 3300 sq. ft. of shops (much of which we would have to
demolish). Of the asking price ($375,000 plus $50,000 in special
assessments) at least half is attributable to the building and the
commercial frontage. We don't need $200,000 worth of offices and
commercial frontage, but the remaining land (providing it met required
soil test standards) would be comparable to or less expensive than the
County land parcel near Highway 18. It is already fenced, and bounded
by industrial uses. It is out of public view, but convenient to our
major work area (downtown) and on a main road. The fact that it is in
Minnetonka could potentially pose a` problem regarding strike security,
additional assessments, etc.
January 30, 1981
To: Mayor Council
From: Wm. P. Craig, City Manager
Subject: Woodrich Construction Site
I would recommend that we keep an eye on this property, and con-
sider it for placement of a new garage structure if that option is
selected. It should be noted that the financial impact, however,
would be virtually the same as construction on the County site a net
$900,000 or so if the present garage land were sold as is. $300,000
would be added to that net figure if the present garage were not sold,
plus approximately $40,000 for demolition, plus whatever sodding, trees,
etc., are desired for park expansion.
WPC dmj
Respectfully submitted,
1/41)2
William P. Craig
City Manager
COMMENTS ON WOODRICH SITE
1. First choice for location and site size.
2. Possible utilization of existing brick building for office and building
maintenance shop. This would have to be looked at by the Inspection
Department and 0.S.H.A.
3. Industrial uses on both sides should be no neighbor problem.
4. Existing shop area should all be replaced as it is less desirable than where
we are now.
5. Small sheds some should be torn down 1 or 2 could be utilized with some
major upgrading (paint, doors, roofs).
6. A modern shop and employee facility would have to be built to comply with
0.H.S.A. regulations. Lunchroom, locker room, shower and toilet facilities.
7. Partial fueling facility exists.
Q 8. Energy consumption should be checked on existing building if its use is to
be considered.
9. First choice would be a total new facility on this site. If costs become
unreal, the possible trade off may be use of consideration given in paragraph
number 2 above to the existing office facility.
10. Area is already fenced and a good portion of yard is concrete. A loading dock
for machinery exists.
11. Water is supplied by well. City of Hopkins watermain is on County Road 3.
12. Sewer is cesspool septic tank. Minnetonka has installed sewer to the west
of this property.
13. Heat is hot water boiler. Boiler is old but looks to be in good condition.
14. $50,000 is special assessments is probably for the sewer and water recently
installed by Minnetonka.
15. Property could be annexed to City since Minnetonka would probably readily
agree as the property would be non taxable and a fire and police responsibility
of Minnetonka.
Ev Beecher
John J. Strojan
1/22/81