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. . August 25,1993 Plan Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 Mr. Kimble A. Cohn of 212 South Central, Suite 305, Clayton, MO 63105 explained his application for a multi-tenant office building at 6901 Delmar. He stated that there will not be any exterior additions to the building except a handicap entrance and a 56 car parking lot. They will be doing extensive landscaping and will be relighting the building. The occupancy load will be approximately 45 people. Eventually the building will have five tenants. Initially there will be only be two: Cohn's architectural firm and Talley's marketing firm. Chairperson Marsh asked Mr. Goldman to review the Staff Report. Mr. Goldman stated that the application has been considered under the review consideration of Section 34-65.5 and is found to meet the standards for approval stated in Section 34-65.4 in all respects except the parking will not be adequate for medical offices. In addition the transitional yard along the rear of the property line varies from 17 feet to as little as 10 feet (at the corner of the stone wall). Since the average depth of the transitional yard along the rear property line is substantially in excess of the 15 foot requirement, the Plan Commission can recommend that the request be modified to permit the configuration shown. Early discussion relative to this site also included consideration of 25 foot transitional yards, particularly on the west. In consideration of the existing dense plantings in the transitional yard, Mr. Goldman is satisfied that the yards as shown will provide adequate buffering from the proposed commercial activities. In addition, he sees no practical purpose served by adding a fence on the west if the existing landscaping is supplemented with a few more shrubs in the area that abuts the front yard of the residence to the west. The existing plantings along Delmar and Trinity need work, including the removal of volunteer growth and the addition of new shrubs to fill in areas where shrubs have been removed. This is an excellent adaptive reuse of a historic structure which should be encouraged. The Historic Preservation Commission reviewed the proposal and gave it their support. They did, however, make several suggestions to the developer regarding such things as low level illumination for exterior lighting and increasing the amount of green space. The applicant indicated that it may be necessary to complete the development in phases. It is important that off-street parking be provided consistent with the area of the building that is in use during the phase-in period. Accessory structures located north of the existing principal structure need repairs. He recommends that the application be approved as submitted subject to the following conditions: 1. Occupancy shall be limited to professional, business or institutional offices. 2. A detailed landscaping plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Director of Planning. Landscaping shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the approved plan. 3. No fencing shall be required along the west property line, in all other respects the transitional yards are approved as submitted. 4. Accessory structures on the site shall be renovated or removed. 5. Adequate off-street parking shall be provided for any occupancy that takes place prior to the full completion of the parking lot. Mr. Marsh asked if any members of the public wished to comment on the application. Ron Scott, 6942 Amherst, University Heights Trustee, wished to view the site plan and was permitted to do so. m-8-25.plc