Resolution approving a Certificate of Design Compliance for a new, approximately 9,360 square foot structure to be located in the Highway Gateway Overlay District (184 Saint Andrews Drive); by request of Kohlmeyer Hagen Law.

Adoption of the attached resolution.

Kohlmeyer Hagen Law has requested a certificate of design compliance for the construction of a new structure in the Highway Gateway Overlay District. 

The subject property is located at 184 St. Andrews Drive, a currently platted lot in the Alexia Subdivision. The site is located in the Highway Gateway Overlay district, which is located at major entryways into the city along arterials corridors, where the design features and standards in the Code are not only to create a positive first impression upon entering the city, but also to establish an image and character that is uniquely Mankato's. As such, a certificate of design compliance is required for construction activities, including the construction of new buildings. 

The proposed use of the site, a professional service office, is a permitted use within the B-3, Highway Commercial zoning district. 

The site will be accessed from St. Andrews Drive by a temporary driveway. The driveway and utilities will be temporary until the full extension of St. Andrews Drive is complete. The private driveway, storm water facilities, and utilities will be maintained privately and may require replacement upon extension of St. Andrews Drive, and a recommended condition of approval is included to this end.
A new, approximately 8,100 square foot building is situated on the northern portion of the 1.13 acre lot, and a parking lot containing 41 parking stalls is located to the east and south of the new building. The site meets the parking standards in the Mankato City Code for this use. One parking stall is required per 250 lineal feet of gross floor area, and thus 30 total parking stalls are required for 7,500 square feet of gross floor area. 

A stormwater management pond is located on the southern side of the lot to service the new, private development on the subject parcel. While the property connects to a City storm sewer that drains into an existing R & R stormwater basin, the existing basin was not designed to fully mitigate this property. Therefore, a new stormwater basin is proposed to fully mitigate this development from a peak flow and water quality standpoint. 

The applicant is proposing a new, one-story structure that has floor plans showing offices, paralegal spaces, conference rooms, restrooms, a break room, wellness area, and a reception area. A vestibule, accessed through a shared entrance, is also identified to serve a future tenant space.

Exterior finishes include a mix of Vetter stone veneer, metal channel siding, metal awnings, and aluminum storefronts and windows. Colors have been identified as earth tones. 

Landscaping is shown around the site to provide the necessary tree plantings and screening. Refuse is planned to be stored inside the structure. Lighting and mechanical screening will need to conform to city standards.