4. PCSR 05-11-2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Development Design Standards DESIGN CHARACTER & NORTHWOODS THEME ECOLOGICAL INFLUENCES • The area has a cold climate with a short growing season. • Summer is lush and green accented by the whiteness of birch tree trunks. • The landscape is relatively flat, with many lakes and bogs. • The groundwater table is high. • Coniferous forests prevail over deciduous forests. • In winter,frost depth ranges from 4 feet to 8 feet. • Snowfall can reach 70 inches. • Snow stays on the ground all winter. • Prevailing winds are from the northwest. • The landscape is intimate, with most views closed off by trees. • The summer climate is muggy and buggy. • Lakes and wetlands provide the main openings for views. • Riparian zones protect the integrity of lakeshores and water quality. CULTURAL INFLUENCES • A strong tradition of well-constructed and well-crafted structures endures. • Early white settlers were Scandinavian, Irish, French, and northern European. • Early structures were log homes. • Settlements were traditionally close to water for transportation. • Culture was shaped by tens of thousands of lakes. • Waterfront sites are desirable for structures but are highly regulated and require setbacks. • Hunting, cross-country skiing, and fishing (including ice fishing) are popular activities SITE The site layout of Elk Ridge Center is designed to minimize auto movement once a vehicle is parked by offering easy, safe pedestrian movement between buildings. Parking islands and other unpaved areas will be planted with species of grass, shrubbery and trees native to the Midwest area. Most of the buildings are spaced closely together on the widest portion of the site, concentrating density and creating a close, more urban space. This urban feeling is enhanced by wide sidewalks with generous planting beds, pedestrian scale lighting and other site amenities • including benches, bike racks and textured, tinted paving. Larger site amenities and building enhancements include timber pergolas and arbors, awnings, sunshades and a timber and steel clock tower at the visitor's plaza. This plaza will be a public gathering area to relax while shopping or enjoy a meal outdoors with stone-faced retaining walls and a naturally planted pond for a backdrop. The plaza and other portions of the site are connected to the neighborhood by several walkways, encouraging non-motorized access to the development. Signage will follow city and design standards with a common theme throughout the development. No pylon signs will be used. All site lighting will be of full-cutoff design to minimize light pollution off site, especially adjacent to residential areas. BUILDINGS The North Woods Theme of Elk Ridge Center has been influenced by related architectural traditions including Craftsman, Arts & Crafts and the architecture in our State Parks. The elements common to these styles are shallow pitched roofs, deep broad eaves, multiple casement windows, stone or rough foundation walls, quality wood and masonry exterior finishes, and wide trellised verandas to draw nature close. The buildings of Elk Ridge Center shall achieve the "North-Woods" theme with construction materials having muted natural colors such as slate, sand, charcoal, evergreen and cedar while 3 ELK RIDGE CENTER