Laserfiche WebLink
<br />Development Design Standards <br /> <br />DESIGN 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 fares'ts. <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 lakes hares and water quality. <br />. " <br /> <br />CULTURAL INFLUENCES <br /> <br />A strong tradition of wen-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 E!k 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 ather <br />unpaved areas will be planted with species of grass, shrubbery and trees 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 ,mea! outdoors with stone-faced retaining walls an.d a naturally planted pond <br />for a backdrop. The plaza and other portions of the site are connected to the neighborhood by <br />several wa!kways, 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 natura! colors such as slate, sand, ch.arcoal, evergreen and cedar whrle <br /> <br />3 <br /> <br />ELK RIDGE CENTER <br />