urbanMSP

They are going before the planning commission on April 23rd to try and get approval for the project U-Haul.

Two big development updates recently occurred, both at Hiawatha Avenue & 42nd Street. First, the Starbucks and Domino's proposal was pulled by the developer after significant concerns were raised by residents, neighborhood associations (LCC & SENA), and the Planning Commission. The developer has since decided to pursue a mixed-use building that includes 40-units of housing, eliminates one of the drive-thrus, and hides the other behind and under the building; it is a dramatic improvement, and can be described as going from a suburban design to urban design (more details will be posted to my Facebook page when available). Second, the proposal for a five-story self-storage facility was pulled by U-Haul after staff recommended denial of the proposal; they are considering options at this time - whether to seek Planning Commission approval despite the recommended denial, to convert the single-story warehouse to a self-storage facility, or to go back to the drawing board and integrate housing and active commercial space into their project

The current plan has space for two to three businesses on the main level, with a drive-through behind and under the building that is not visible from Hiawatha.

On the next three floors are 40 units of micro-apartments with one bedroom or less. These smaller apartments for singles or couples are one way to make housing units more affordable, explained Boosalis.

The plan calls for about 20 parking spaces. It is not anticipated that residents would have vehicles, but would instead use light rail, bike or walk.

Here's the packet. 43 units, 20 surface parking spaces - all listed as short-term for the Starbucks/Dominos, not for the apartments.

Also, maybe I just don't get it because I'm not a coffee drinker, but holy crap are they putting a lot of effort into getting a drive-through to work.

How many rail customers are left on that rail spur south of Lake? And are there any customers between Lake and the Mississioppi River bridge? This seems to move the Hi-Line concept slightly closer to reality.

The five-story, 53,950 square-foot building will sit on one acre. It will include 80 efficiency units that range from 418 to 518 square feet. A parking lot will have 40 spaces, or about a half space per unit, and there will be inside storage for bicycles. One-third of the property will be green space along what planners hope will soon be the Min Hi Line linear park.