Set August 12, 2024, as date of public hearing for a vacation of an alley described as All that part of the north-south running alley dedicated in Block 14, Map of Mankato, according to the recorded plat thereof, lying north of the Westerly extension of the north line of Lot 7, Block 14, Map of Mankato, according to the recorded plat thereof, City of Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota; preliminary plat review of Hotel Mankato Redevelopment plat; a conditional use permit to allow two hotels in the CBD-C, Central Business District Core; and a certificate of design compliance for the construction of a new, approximately 250,00 square foot development in the Downtown Gateway Overlay District and the Downtown Design District. The subject properties are 101 East Main, 121 and 123 East Main, and 118 South 2^nd Street; by request of Emily Nepp with permission of the property owner(s).

At the June 26, 2024, meeting, the Planning Commission recommended setting August 12, 2024, as the date of hearing to review a vacation of an alley described as All that part of the north-south running alley dedicated in Block 14, Map of Mankato, according to the recorded plat thereof, lying north of the Westerly extension of the north line of Lot 7, Block 14, Map of Mankato, according to the recorded plat thereof, City of Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota; a motion approving preliminary plat review of Hotel Mankato Redevelopment plat; resolution approving a conditional use permit to allow two hotels in the CBD-C, Central Business District Core; and a resolution approving a certificate of design compliance for the construction of a new, approximately 250,00 square foot development including a 168-stall underground parking garage in the Downtown Gateway Overlay District and the Downtown Design District.

Hotel Mankato, LLC is requesting to set August 12, 2024, as date of public hearing for a vacation of an alley described as all that part of the north-south running alley dedicated in Block 14, Map of Mankato, according to the recorded plat thereof, lying north of the Westerly extension of the north line of Lot 7, Block 14, Map of Mankato, according to the recorded plat thereof, City of Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minnesota; a motion approving preliminary plat review of Hotel Mankato Redevelopment plat; resolution approving a conditional use permit to allow two hotels in the CBD-C, Central Business District Core; and a resolution approving a certificate of design compliance for the construction of a new, approximately 250,00 square foot development including a 168-stall underground parking garage in the Downtown Gateway Overlay District and the Downtown Design District. The subject properties are addressed 101 East Main, 121 and 123 East Main, and 118 South 2^nd Street.

The property proposed for redevelopment is bordered by South 2nd Street, East Main Street and South Riverfront Drive. The current addresses associated with the redevelopment are 101 East Main Street, 121 and 123 East Main Street, and 118 South 2nd Street. 

Plans for the redevelopment project show the demolition of the present City Center hotel structure and the Landmark building on the site. In their place, Hotel Mankato, LLC is proposing a four-story extended stay Element by Westin, located at the intersection of North Riverfront Drive and Main Street, and a 10-story AC by Marriott, located at the intersection of Second and Main Streets. The two hotels will be adjoined by a common lobby with a direct connection to the existing City skywalk. The applicant's narrative outlines that the hotels will share common guest amenities, including a pool, fitness center, guest laundry, lounge spaces, business pods, and a small conference room along with shared back of house spaces. This development is also providing space for a future coffee shop on the main level and a third-party restaurant with rooftop patio space on the 10th story overlooking the Minnesota River Valley. A courtyard area located between the Element and common lobby will offer a combination of possibilities for guest grilling stations, firepit(s), and an outdoor social lounge area.

Summary of Actions to be taken on August 12, 2024

Alley Vacation
The applicant is seeking vacation of a portion of the existing alley that runs from East Walnut Street to East Main Street. The narrative provided states that redevelopment of the property requires vacation of a portion of the alley to make best use of the site. 

Preliminary Plat
The applicant is proposing a preliminary plat, which combines the underlying nine parcels into one new subdivision. The Hotel Mankato Redevelopment plat proposes a one lot, one block subdivision that encompasses 2.02 acres, which includes the proposed portion of alley vacation.  
Conditional Use Permit 
The subject property is located in the CBD-C, Central Business District Core where Mankato City Code section 10.43 outlines hotels and motels as conditional uses.  

Plans submitted for the redevelopment project show the demolition of the existing structures on the lots, and construction of a 126 room, four-story hotel at the intersection of North Riverfront Drive and Main Street and the construction of a 10-story, 156 room hotel at the intersection of Second Street and Main Street. 

Certificate of Design Compliance
The subject property is located in the Downtown Gateway Overlay District and the Downtown Design District requiring a certificate of design compliance. To ensure that development activity will enhance the visual and aesthetic character of the gateway district in accordance with the Urban Design Guidelines, review of the new buildings and demolition of structures requires a review by the Planning Commission and City Council.