16Twenty - 1620 W Lake St

[schmitzm03]

16Twenty looks like a definite improvement over what is currently there and the proposed building height is about 45'. Hard to understand the opposition.

[WestCoastDude]

I take exception to the idea that it's an "improvement to what's already there". Several older three story homes used as businesses in a predominantly residential mixed use area. I don't see the case for improving this. These types of properties are what make Uptown unique. I lived on James and Lagoon for many years, and I always liked the mixed older homes with business that faced Lake Street.

[schmitzm03]

I take exception to the idea that it's an "improvement to what's already there". Several older three story homes used as businesses in a predominantly residential mixed use area. I don't see the case for improving this. These types of properties are what make Uptown unique. I lived on James and Lagoon for many years, and I always liked the mixed older homes with business that faced Lake Street.

Yours is a completely valid opinion. I think mine is too, so I am a bit confused by your "taking exception". Are you offended by my opinion?

Maybe a little clarification of why I think this is an improvement would help reduce the offensiveness of my previous statement.

I think the proposed development is an improvement because it adds density. I think most on this forum have a fair understanding of why density, particularly in one of the few truly dense commercial/mixed use districts in the city, is a good thing. The current three single family homes (according to Zillow) have a total of about 8,100 SF of usable space (some retail, some residential). The proposed project has 24K SF of space (14K of office and retail; 10K of residential). The proposal also has an urban form that, IMO (obv), is more aesthetically pleasing. I am, generally, not a fan of using single family homes for retail. I think it often looks tacky and doesn't meet the street as well as windows that more directly front the sidewalk.

Of course, you are free to disagree. I don't understand, however, how you could be offended.

[John]

There's a time and a place when preserving older buildings or homes is appropriate, but in the case of this project, the proposal is a big improvement over what currently exists. The 16Twenty has good scale and proportion, and strengthens the street level retail experience along Lake Street. It contributes a high quality building to the neighborhood and the architecture blends in nicely with the character of Uptown. Can't wait to see this built!

[WestCoastDude]

I am not convinced that tearing down two older homes and replacing them with 4 condos improves density. It also replaces area businesses that serve the area residents. The boutique space that will come in it's place will attract boutique businesses looking for status Uptown location and zip code...a law firm, design firm, etc and the retail will be expensive to rent. Going to some retail that will attract affluent customers from outside the immediate area. But, if this is what's gonna happen I do agree that the design is good, and smart that they will have hidden parking on the first level.

[Anondson]

Is there a map of this lake shore overlay district? I can't think of any rational reason it should extend to this property other than an underhanded way to limit development along Lake. Maybe this overlay district needs to be revisited.

[twincitizen]

It's just a general regulation within 1000' of bodies of water. It's probably not a bad rule to have, in the grand scheme of things.

Look at the text I copied on the previous page. It is actually pretty easy to increase height by CUP. The regulation allows for the height increase as long as all of the listed factors are accomodated / mitigated. The problem is that some NIMBYs look at zoning regulations as if they were handed down on stone tablets by god himself, never to be changed or granted variances. Then they say things like this "We're not anti-development, they just need to build something that fits within the existing code!" (this has been said repeatedly about Lyndale-Franklin)

[mattaudio]

^except when existing code is R6 at 23rd and Colfax.

[WestCoastDude]

I'm get concerned from posters here who just want to raise heights near the lake...why? What is this obsession with density on Lake Street near Lake Calhoun? We seem to want to build bigger without any concern with the historic nature of some areas. Lake and James is a low height area. Four stories is fine.

[ECtransplant]

It's mere blocks away from one of the densest, most walkable, and urban epicenters in the state. This is exactly where we should be pushing for maximum density

[FISHMANPET]

You're not going to find a lot of love for the idea that because an area is a certain height that it should stay that height for "character" or "historic" reasons.

[mplser]

@westcoastdude yeah 4 stories is fine, but this thing is 3 stories and they are saying this is too tall. Which is ridiculous...

[Nathan]

So the parks board has an overlay district around the lakes, and this lady voted with the parks board because that's her job... it was one vote, because that's what they are around for. Everyone understands that 3 stories is reasonable. This does not mean she is some evil demon. Have we discussed it enough yet? Lord.

[mplser]

if you don't want to discuss things, why are you on a forum?

[Nathan]

if you don't want to discuss things, why are you on a forum?

chocolate chip versus sugar cookies, go. we're discussing endlessly something that had no effect on anything.

[seanrichardryan]

This is moving. Houses are gone today.

[Nick]

from the Tweeter

[grant1simons2]

Wow. That really just opened the view

[FISHMANPET]

Let's pour one out for the poor guy that got kicked out of his apartment and testified at the Planning Commission meeting, very confused about the process.

[mplser]

I saw the ad for that apartment when it was posted a while back. specifically stated month to month lease