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