7. Entertainment Center Site Plan Amendment-Cinema Section
CITY OF
CHANHASSEN
7.
690 COULTER DRIVE. P.O: BOX 147. CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA 55317
(612) 937-1900 . FAX (612) 937-5739
MEMORANDUM
TO:
Don Ashworth, City Manager
FROM:
Sharmin Al-Jaff, Planner II
DATE:
October 22, 1997
SUBJ:
Entertainment Center Site Plan Amendment - Cinema Section
On January 22, 1996, the City Council approved the site plan for the Entertainment Center with
conditions. The construction plans appear to be different from the site plan approved by "the City
Council. Some elements have been changed or substituted. These changes are as follows:
1. Approved plans reflected a retaining wall and handrail surrounding the south side of the
building. The railing wrapped around the entire Entertainment Center with a board walk. A
series of decorative light fixtures were proposed on the board walk. The construction plans
eliminated the retaining wall and hand rail. These two features have been replaced by a
landscaped berm. As to the light fixtures, the applicant has not submitted any details on
them.
,
2. The fake window above the entrance into the theater (see attached) was intended to be
backlit. The glass and the back lighting feature have been eliminated.
3. The exterior of the building was approved with a stucco finish. The revised plan shows a
material that resembles rock face block finish. The applicant has submitted a model that
reflects the design of the building. Exterior materials have also been submitted and will be
available at the City Council meeting. The final exterior design was approved with an olive
green cornice finish and a gray colored exterior finish. The applicant has changed the color
of the cornice to a grayish beige. Our concern is that the building has become very
monotone while we had envisioned the entertainment center in general to be more festive.
We recommend that some accents be reintroduced to the building.
4. A sign area where poster were proposed to be kept, advertising coming attractions, has been
eliminated. The location was to the west of the entrance into the Cinema building. This
sign added an accent to the exterior of the building.
Mr. Don Ashworth
October 22,1997
Page 2
5. Gooseneck light fixtures were shown on the approved plans. The new plans do not reflect
these light fixtures.
The applicant wishes to begin exterior construction as soon as staff signs off on the building
permit; however, we felt that these changes were different than what was approved by the City
Council and believe that they should be reviewed and voted on as acceptable changes to the site
plan. Our concern is that with the elimination or change of those features collectively, the
resulting product will be bland and monochromatic. This project is receiving a substantial
amount of tax increment financing from the city. The funds were intended for the exterior
improvements on the building, as well as the parking lot. In order for the City to get back the
original design, the accent features should be added back.
Should the City Council approve these changes, we recommend the following conditions be
added to the site plan and the Site Plan Agreement be amended accordingly.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of amendment to Site Plan #95-21as shown in plans dated October
13, 1997, with the following conditions:
1. Reintroduce accents to the site (color, lights, signs, etc.).
2. The Site Plan Agreement shall be amended to reflect these changes and an addendum to the
agreement.
3. Shall be recorded with Carver County Courthouse.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Approved Plans
2. Revised Plans.