Development Review Committee
January 8, 2013
Meeting Minutes
Present: John Mannillo, Rob Clapp, Lucy Thompson, Kay Baker, Paul Mandell, Daniel Clarkin, Ginny Harris, Jim
Ivey, Jim Miller, Wayne Mikos, Bill Wittrock, Kent Larkson, Russell Bailey, Tom Brock, Bill Hosko, John Rupp,
Dan Parker (SPCPA), Pat Driscoll, Drew Kerr (Finance & Commerce), Daniel Ward II (Bethel Group), Paul
Darelli (Sears), Roger Klein (Sears), Martinez-Sones (staff)
Meeting called to order. Introductions. Approval of agenda. Approval of December minutes.
Sears Redevelopment
Paul Darelli and Roger Klein presented their plans for the redevelopment of the Sears site. The plan calls for
the north half with mixed use to “densify” the site while keeping the existing building intact. Sears remains
the major tenant in this “layered box” approach. The project will have three primary phases – 1) addition of
retail and Sears renovation, 2) 5-story office building with retail below and a multi-story parking garage, 3)
housing (which will happen in two phases itself) with 120 units plus townhouses facing Marion Street. The
auto center will be going into the back of the Sears footprint. The project is still evolving, they are taking
feedback, and refining as it moves forward. A signage package is still being developed. Q&A: Timeline?
Somewhat tentative, though they hope to move “with all due speed” and apply for the zoning permit for
phase one and establish a presence and sense of place, and then phase 2 and 3 will follow. There was a
question about the design and the overall aesthetics of the project. Sears representatives responded that
they were going for a blending of the old and the new, that design will always be subjective, and there is no
plan for a design charrette process. There is varied texture, a lot of transparency, and the architect looked at
a wide variety of architectural strategies and feels they found the right balance. Their work was informed by
input from CAAPB and City staff. There were questions about potential tenants for the retail space such as a
“normal priced” grocery store, and Darelli responded that a leasing strategy is premature at this point. They
will try to find a balance between restaurant and retail. There was a question about use of the roof space but
the project did not explore going vertical above Sears. There is not a need to weigh in on a specific request at
this point because the project is consistent with existing City regulations. Motion: The Development Review
Committee supports the concept for the Sears redevelopment as presented. Moved/Seconded/Passed
(Mandell abstention).
Children’s Museum Expansion & Renovation
Representatives from the Children’s Museum provided background information on the project (see handout)
and the projected growth of 550,000 annual visitors. Surveys have revealed that the number one reason
people don’t come to the museum is because it’s too crowded. They must live within the footprint they have
which presents some challenges. They began schematic work in September and expect it to be complete in
February – right now they are still dealing with broad concepts. The timing is somewhat dependent upon
bonding money from the State because they will seek $14 million in the 2014 bonding bill. It’s a 28 million
dollar project so the other $14 million will come from community donations. So far they’ve raised 3.7 million.
If the bonding bill money comes through they will start construction the year after that. Response from
community has been tremendous. There were a number of additional questions about the project. Does not
require committee action.
Sign Variance – John Rupp
John Rupp presented on his sign variance request for the Saint Paul Athletic Club (see handout) and cited the
Central Corridor Development Strategy. Lucy Thompson stressed that the CCDS should not be taken so
literally, the intent is to show how to animate the space and does not want the comp plan to be
misinterpreted. Intent is to indicate significant density and activity. Mannillo noted some of the issues with
digital signs and some background on the digital sign experiences with the Xcel. Rupp stated that this would
be for on-site advertising only, but could include some sort of welcoming message, would like the whole
thing to be digital if he can get that. There were questions about the switch from the original concept (nondigital) to this, and Mandell expressed serious concerns about the digital aspect. Rupp was asked if he would
have moving video images and he stated that, yes, if his variance was approved there would be moving video
images but not off-site advertising. Harris stated that she’d like more time to consider the application
because there is so much involved. Rupp would take whatever support he can get from the committee.
Motion: The Development Review Committee supports lit, non-dynamic signage for on-site advertising at
the Saint Paul Athletic Club and supports only that aspect of the sign variance request.
Moved/seconded/passed (one abstention). There was one clarifying question about whether this supported
a variance for size and it was stated that yes, it was the intent.
Saint Paul Center for the Performing Arts
Dan Parker is the Project Director and presented on their plans for the leasing of space within the Lowery on
the 1st and 2nd floor. The school has grown to 600 students and they have made an application with the HRA
for the purchase of 58,000 square feet in the Lowry and will then leave the Landmark Center. There will be
some relocation of tenants in the Lowry. The timeline is 1/9 for the initial public hearing with the HRA. They
are working with Rivera architects and will also have a storefront. It’s a 7 million dollar project including the
purchase and renovation and they will close on February 15th. Work will being after that and be a 5-6 month
timeframe with Crowe Construction. They expect completion by fall. There were questions about what
tenants will be leaving; Parker also said the basement space will be purchased but a plan has yet to be laid
out for that. Thompson shared that she enjoys the vibrancy the students bring to downtown and Ginny
Harris shared her positive experiences with the school, too. The committee took the following show of
support: The Development Review Committee supports the Saint Paul Center for the Performing Arts’
proposal for acquiring property in the Lowry Building for lease to the school. Moved/seconded/passed.
Other business/announcements.
Staff reminded committee members of the upcoming LBDCC meeting, parking meeting, and the hope to have
Cecile Bedor attend a February or March Board meeting to update CRC on plans for Macy’s.
Meeting adjourned.