5. HRSR 04-02-2012 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~ • • i L A N Q F from Site to Finish 105 South Fifth Avenue Suite 513 Minneapolis, MN 55401 TO: FROM: DATE: RE: Background Annie Deckert, Economic Development Director Kendra Lindahl, Landform March 29, 2012 HRA Downtown Parking Lot Concepts d R M • ~- Tel: 612-252-9070 Fax: 612-252-9077 www.landform.net Landform was asked by the HRA to prepare concept plans for improvements to 716/720 Main Street. Our direction was to prepare 3 concept plans for a parking lot improvement that incorporated some public or semi-public elements, such as a trash enclosure, landscaping planters, benches, etc. Following the HRA meeting, we met with staff to learn more about previous discussions and design concepts that had been previouslyprepared.. Our design area was generally confined to the 716/720 Main parcels. We have reviewed the Comprehensive Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and the Mississippi Connections Redevelopment Framework as background for the planning exercise. We evaluated the existing downtown conditions, including the Rivers Edge Park. On March 21, we met with the Rivers Edge Downtown Business Association to gather feedback about their vision for this area. The feedback from this group was: • The project area is needed for parking • Support the concept of other amenities, providing parking is the primary focus • Expressed support of reconstructing a shared trash enclosure similar to the one removed with the buildings • Like the idea of benches or similar space where people can relax downtown, although they did not think picnic tables were desirable • Provide streetscaping/landscaping around the entire parking lot (bordered by Main Street, King Avenue and Highway 10) • Use materials from Rivers Edge Park (or similar character) for improvements in this area • Use wrought iron fence, landscaping and/or other improvement to create the "edge" along the streets (Main, King and Hwy 10) • Support for closing the existing mid-block entry in exchange for a stronger pedestrian connection • Concerns about access of the only entry/exit is from King Avenue • a desire for a stronger, more appealing pedestrian connection to the "back" of these buildings • Consider a canopy or awning off the meat market wall to provide shade and a possible park- like area Landforms"", SensiblyG~.z:s" and Site to Finishs"' are service marks of Landform Engineedng Company.