2004-01-26 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Session 1909 January 26, 2004 AGENDA ITEM #3 - Conditional Use: COCA Expansion at 524 Trinity. Mr. Ollendorff concurred with the unanimous Plan Commission approval recommendation for the well designed addition to the Center for Contemporary Art, including an increase to 93 parking spaces. The proposal meets all standards for permit approval by City staff except parking plans which are within Council authority to approve. Conditions include construction in conformity with all plan elements, specifically those relating to parking. COCA serves the community well and its expansion will make it an even greater asset to the neighborhood, University City, and the greater St. Louis area. The only question raised by neighbors is their desire that parking be maximized which he stated he believes COCA has accomplished to the best of their ability. Mr. Sharpe moved to approve, and Mr. Wagner seconded the motion. Mr. Wagner asked Mr. Ollendorff what the difference was between the number of parking spaces they have planned and the legally-required number. Mr. Ollednorff advised the ideal number is 99 and they are required to have eighty per cent of that number, which is six spaces short. Andrew Trivers, 625 South Skinker Boulevard, is the architect for this project and was present to answer questions. Mr. Wagner asked him to explain how the expanded parking spaces were determined. The addition, he explained, absorbed some of the existing parking spaces, so they made an agreement with Epwoth Center to share the parking lot, contingent upon COCA making improvements to it, which provided an additional 24 parking spaces. They are asking for Council to approve an additional six spaces. Mr. Ollendorff noted that COCA made a sound effort to not overly-impact the neighborhood. Mr. Lieberman asked what would happen if Epworth decided to sell this property, and Mr. Trivers said the agreement gave them the first right of refusal. At that point, COCA would need to purchase this property from Epworth. Mr. Lieberman reported that Ames Place residents have asked for directional signs to point traffic exiting this parking lot towards Kingsland instead of towards Trinity, because of the traffic hazards getting onto or across Delmar Boulevard. He suggested COCA put up a sign directing traffic to go east. Mr. Trivers agreed with this suggestion and mentioned the new entrance to the building and how it would limit people entering it on the Trinity side. Mr. Wagner asked if the Trinity entrance would be closed altogether, stating that this was his understanding when this plan came before the Plan Commission. Mr. Trivers said it may be open on certain occasions. Rebecca Carson, 8733 Covington Court in Brentwood, is the operations director for COCA. She advised their policy is to limit entering and exiting the building to one door at a given time for safety purposes. Plans for the renovation stipulated that the main entrance be off of the parking lot. They may open the door to the courtyard on the other side of the building during a Page 6