Just giving an update that Planning Commission recommended approval of the PUD Churchill Gardens. Still a lot of loud neighborhood opposition. Should head to Council soon.
It was kind of funny hearing the "it doesn't fit here, it should be a different location, you wouldn't want it in your neighborhood" comments. I live a stone's throw from Sparrow and I would be over the moon if this was built on their carcass of a campus.
The applicant is reviewing the architecture. I haven't seen any updates - and it is separate from the PUD approval, but I believe it will become a tad more traditional. They are also speaking to a modular building company so it could go a completely different route.
I'm glad that they have the opportunity to move forward with the approval process at least.
The thought of the development becoming more "traditional" is concerning. That sounds like vinyl lap-clad standard townhouses and a 12 or 24 unit apartment building or two may be on the table. Something like that would be more of a net negative to the neighborhood than more single family housing tbh. I wish there were a way to make such rezonings conditional on certain design elements, to the best of my knowledge there's no good way to do that?
Sorry, I should have been more complete. They very much desire to keep the eclectic essence of what they proposed but may have more traditional pitched rooflines. The City also requested that the metal siding be oriented horizontally rather than vertically. I do not think the City made any comments that would be construed as requiring contemporary 4-over-1 style cladding -- and the City even amended its Architectural Standards to disallow that, reasoning that it (changing material type and color over different wall segments and stories) has a negative effect on the pedestrian experience and built environment.
https://mosaicproperties.com/mosaic-properties/celadon/ Celadon, Grand Rapids was mentioned as a inspiration for layout and varied design. They used a pretty traditional vernacular style that does not look contemporary cheap.
The City would have to amend the PUD chapter to include Architectural Standards, and/or take another look at the AS chapter all together to make sure it is accomplishing its intent for a more attractive built environment. Staff is always taking feedback.
Comments
It was kind of funny hearing the "it doesn't fit here, it should be a different location, you wouldn't want it in your neighborhood" comments. I live a stone's throw from Sparrow and I would be over the moon if this was built on their carcass of a campus.
The applicant is reviewing the architecture. I haven't seen any updates - and it is separate from the PUD approval, but I believe it will become a tad more traditional. They are also speaking to a modular building company so it could go a completely different route.
The thought of the development becoming more "traditional" is concerning. That sounds like vinyl lap-clad standard townhouses and a 12 or 24 unit apartment building or two may be on the table. Something like that would be more of a net negative to the neighborhood than more single family housing tbh. I wish there were a way to make such rezonings conditional on certain design elements, to the best of my knowledge there's no good way to do that?
https://mosaicproperties.com/mosaic-properties/celadon/ Celadon, Grand Rapids was mentioned as a inspiration for layout and varied design. They used a pretty traditional vernacular style that does not look contemporary cheap.
The City would have to amend the PUD chapter to include Architectural Standards, and/or take another look at the AS chapter all together to make sure it is accomplishing its intent for a more attractive built environment. Staff is always taking feedback.