5.1. SR 01-17-2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ~ River SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY GREAT RIVER REGIONAL LIBRARY SYSTEM CITY OF ELK RIVER AESTHETIC QUALITIES VIEWS AND VISTAS Views and vistas at each of the site may vary by season. The following observations were recorded during site tours to each site. o Site Option A: There are no specific views or vistas to be identified. The existing library site is surrounded by pleasant residential properties. The most visible element from the site is Handke School. The current building is to scale with the neighborhood developments. o Site Option B: The views of Lake Orono provide a unique setting for the potential sighting of the new library. Surrounding green space also provides desirable views. Athletic areas are visible. The back and service areas of the City Hall are visible from the proposed site. o Site Option C: The site is surrounded by maturing trees. An additional view includes the perspective of the City Hall across the street. The balance of the site is surrounded with residential properties. The presence of the Lake is obvious from the site. VISIBILITY Site designs and building elevations have not been developed for all of the sites. The following observations may be shared from site tours: o Site Option A: The existing library is observable when approached from street levels. It is not well exposed to persons in route to other locations. The existing location does not create a sense of "place" within the context of the community. The library currently represents itself as a neighborhood asset. Because of parking locations, users of Handke School are provided the most opportunity to identify the library. The existing library has a history in its present location that does contribute to visibility. o Site Option B: A new library may be visible across open fields. It will also be present to visitors and users of other city services located at the City Hall complex. The routes to the proposed building site must be intentional. o Site Option C: The proposed site is visible on approach from Orono Parkway - independent of the City Hall site. The property creates a sense of place because of the pronounced curve in the street. The use of Orono Parkway as an arterial route for the community assures casual users will see, observe, and identify the library location and use. Use of the City Hall site and the major approaches to these city services assure traffic will front the site. KKE ARCHITECTS: 0606.1159.01 SITE FEASIBILITY STUDY REPORT - 28-