5.4. PCSR 05-25-2021 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CUP NARRATIVE First Step was established 40 years ago with one preschool classroom. It expanded from that point to 2 classrooms, offering both am and pm classes. In 2014 Lisa Egan, its current owner, purchased the preschool after teaching there for 14 years. At that time Lisa added the childcare offering to supplement the preschool and has expanded twice as the business grew. The purchase of 413 Proctor provides First Step the opportunity to expand yet again. The purchase of this building will provide much needed space along with a large muscle room and a playground connected directly to the building. The purchase of this building and it's build-out conveys Lisa's commitment to stay in Elk River and to continue service to it's community. 413 Proctor is an existing unoccupied facility, approximately 10,400 square feet, with brick veneer. The interior space is an open floor plan that will be renovated to efficiently use the space for pre-school and childcare. 6 new teaching and childcare rooms will be added along with a muscle room and restrooms. A security entrance for safe drop off and pick up of children will also be included. The exterior playground will include an asphalt track for children to ride their toys along with other equipment to allow proper exercise. A 6 foot tall, aesthetically pleasing decorative fence will surround the play area. A storage shed would be located in an unobtrusive area, tucked in the "L" shape of the building at the NW corner of the lot, where it will be unnoticeable from the street. This storage area will contain tubs of themed teaching materials (dinosaurs, farm, camping etc.) along with seasonal decorations. First Step currently operates from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will keep these hours of operation in the new facility. They employ 18 staff at this time and anticipate an addition of 5-7 staff. First Step plans to retain the current 30 + parking stalls. First Step plans to keep the current monument sign, replacing the current signage. They also plan to add a sign along the top of the angled entrance area. The exact type of sign has yet to be determined but plan to have classic unobtrusive appeal. First Step plans to keep most, if not all, of the trees on the lawned area and plans to use natural colors for the playground equipment. Vibrant colors will be added to the exterior areas above windows & doors to bring a fun atmosphere to the existing elevations. The hope is to make the preschool look enticing yet blend naturally with the neighborhood.