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Planning Commission/OA 03-01 <br /> February 25,2003 <br /> Page 2 <br /> • After reviewing the comments, staff composed the final draft to reflect the comments of the <br /> reviewing bodies. <br /> Analysis <br /> Many communities are trying to reproduce or return to downtowns with character. This is <br /> exactly what the City is trying to do with the existing downtown. The City wants to maintain <br /> this character but also to further encourage this character with any future development or <br /> rehabilitation. <br /> This character can only be upheld through the preservation of important existing structures <br /> and with new creative traditional architectural design. The intent of the Downtown <br /> Development District Design Guidelines is to create this "character" with the appearance <br /> that there are multiple buildings that are distinctly different from one another yet will allow a <br /> uniform mass of building. The warmth of the building materials, and the small town <br /> architecture all combine to create a friendly and inviting atmosphere. This small town <br /> character is important as Downtown Elk River changes. <br /> These design standards will be the framework for design and any new development and <br /> renovations shall strive for creative traditional architectural design while clearly being an <br /> expression of the architecture of its own time. <br /> The area to be included in the Downtown Development District is south of Highway 10, <br /> • east of Lowell and north of the Mississippi river. Staff would like direction on the areas just <br /> west of Lowell, as some of these parcels are currently zoned C1 and C2. <br /> Recommendation <br /> Staff is recommending that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the language <br /> pertaining to the Downtown Development District and the area which is to be included in <br /> the Downtown Development District. <br /> • <br /> S:\PLANNING\Case Files\2003\OA 03-01 Downtown District\022503 PC.doc <br />