Hopkins - General Topics

[mckilanowski]

Now that you mention the facade, doesn't the lot fall in the area of mainstreet that has a few guidelines of what buildings can look like?
I forget where the zone is and what the guidelines are exactly but I know it's in place to keep to a similar style.

https://www.hopkinsmn.com/197/Downtown-Overlay-District

It extends down to 13th Avenue (between St. Gabriel's and the dentist). It could, arguably, be extended as far as 17th, but they didn't ask me.

[mckilanowski]

Any idea what the feedback was?

No idea. But I doubt staff would voice feedback about density proposed. More likely about façade facing Mainstreet and the Center of the Arts being plain and comparatively non-distinct to what it’s replacing.

Sun Sailor had a bit on it: https://www.hometownsource.com/sun_sail ... a5d94.html

Jason Lindahl, Hopkins city planner, had this quote: "...we don’t think it fits very well with the traditional architecture of the surrounding Mainstreet and downtown..."

[Anondson]

A new Master Developer is being sought for 325 Blake Road in Hopkins again.

https://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/ ... erest.html

Hopes to have one chosen in June 2021.

I’ve still never gotten details for why for previous Master Developer and MCWD were “unable to develop a joint vision for the site or come to terms on a purchase price”. What does “develop a joint vision” even mean?

But the detail about the disagreement about a purchase price is new for me.

[Anondson]

The Beard Group withdrew their Hopkins Cinema Flats proposal, they are re-proposing apartments, 130 units and 3,155 sq ft commercial. Four stories.

It looks like there will be a walking alley between the apartments and 30 Bales, quite a few walk up units. And possible a public cut through along the property south side?

https://hopkinsapartments.com/f/project ... ly-housing

The concept plan will be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning on March 23 and the city council on April 6. No action will be voted on.

https://www.hopkinsmn.com/1070/Hopkins-Apartments

[Korh]

I think I like the new design a bit more then the Cinema Flats proposal. Don't know why they decided to increase the commercial sq ft at the lose of I think of one less unit though.
It also seem the knocked a few parking spots off from the older proposal, but I think they might of been able to get away with losing a few more, I also think the height might be a bit taller in some areas, but they might be able to get away with it if they use that step design in the rendering.

[Anondson]

I heard through the family grape vine, the Sea Level owner has said that the project to redevelop the old strip mall has fallen through.

He said the property owner told him the city wanted it shorter and wanted much more commercial preserved.

I can’t believe the city at all had an opinion on height except by angry NIMBYs who hate that Hopkins is majority renter. But I believe the city was going to push hard for preserving commercial here.

Other interesting news from the Sea Level owner, he has been renting year to year for the past 5 years because the property owner expects to sell the land to a developer.

[Anondson]

The city and MCWD is having a “listening session” by webex tonight at 6:30pm. Apparently interest is high.

https://www.minnehahacreek.org/project/ ... evelopment

It’s been over 10 years since the watershed district bought the property. It’s been a long time while they twiddled thumbs and it’s been off the tax rolls.