DORAN'S 30-STORY TOWER IS OUT AND TWO SIX-STORY BUILDINGS ARE IN

A mixed-use project planned within the St. Anthony Falls Historic District has seen a large design revision and that includes the removal of a 30-story tower.

Last month Doran Companies presented plans to the Heritage Preservation Commission for a large mixed-use development planned for the corner of University Avenue S and 3rd Avenue SE. Over 700 residential units would have been constructed within one six-story building and also a 30-story tower.

After concerns were raised by the HPC over the 30-story tower and the amount of materials used within the project Doran decided to revise the overall development.

NEW PLANS

The revised plans now include two six-story buildings that would be located on the East and West sides of the site. 568 residential units would be constructed within the two buildings with the West building also including 4,300 square feet of retail space. Other revisions to the plans include changes to exterior materials and building massing in some areas.

The sizes of the apartments within both buildings would include studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units with almost all featuring a private outdoor space of some sort.

Residents would have access to two massive outdoor amenity decks (one within each building) that would include pools, outdoor grilling spaces, lounge space, a pebble beach, and more. Amenities within each of the buildings would also be expansive including multiple fitness centers, game rooms, a golf simulator, a spa and more. Really, you’ve got to check the plans so you can see all that is planned.

Underground parking would be provided within each of the buildings.

CHANGE AT A COST

Doran has made it very clear that the feedback provided on their first proposal was different than the direction previously given to the developer. A few months ago, Doran presented three massing proposals for the site and asked for feedback on which massing proposal to move forward with. The direction given at the time was to move forward with massing for six story structures and one larger tower component.

With the new plans including nearly 200 units less Doran needed to increase the density of the units on site in order to support concrete construction costs. This required the removal of a planned affordable housing building that would have been located on the East side of the site. The developer had already been working with CommonBond Communities and has since then had to discontinue their partnership.

Doran’s revised plans will be discussed at the Heritage Preservation Commission’s March 5th meeting.