HomeMy WebLinkAboutMATADOR APARTMENTS PHASE IV - Filed GC-GENERAL CORRESPONDENCE - 2004-08-16Project Description and Planning Objectives
Project Name: Ram's Crossing
Prepared by: The Architects' Studio
Date: Tuesday, June 10, 2003
1.0 Project Location
The project is located south of Elizabeth Street and west of City Park Avenue. Ten two-
story building residences occupy the front half of the properties facing City Park
Avenue. A new three-story, thirty unit apartment building is being proposed for
construction on the remaining lot in the northwest corner. The project is located near
Colorado State University. The project is in the Medium Density Mixed -Use
Neighborhood District.
2.0 Project Scope
The project includes the construction of a thirty -unit apartment building with twenty-four
studio units and six studio + loft units.
3.0 Zoning
The project is zoned as Medium Density Mixed -Use Neighborhood District. All proposed
uses are allowed within this zone under the L.U.C. In the spirit of this District, the project
provides residential functions within a single project. Shared outdoor spaces and private
balconies promote outdoor areas for residents and building users. The new three-story
building at 40'-0" is within the maximum height allowance for this district.
4.0 Materials
Through the use of various materials and massing, the project endeavors to create an
environment and form that blends with the existing apartments units on the site and the
units on the lot to the west. The new three-story building will be constructed of wood
frame, painted siding and brick veneer, with details that complement the existing
apartment buildings on the site, such as brick walls and partial flat roof areas.
The resulting three-story building will have a uniform, cohesive appearance. The
primary building colors will be medium gray and red/orange brick. The roofing will be
asphalt shingles in a dark gray tone. Trim will be light gray color. These colors will be
selected to blend with the existing units and the surrounding residential/ commercial
neighborhood.
5.0 Planning Objectives
The project strives to embrace the principles of the L.U.C. to create an appropriate
appearance with the existing units on the site. Recognizing the importance of the
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neighborhood context, a gabled roof has been utilized to complement the neighboring
residential units to the west. Exterior entrance elements provide access to the three
floors of units. A balcony or patio is provided for each unit and creates a distinctive look.
Each unit will be a studio or studio + loft and have access to surface parking and one
indoor bicycle parking storage space.
6.0 Transportation Planning
In order to improve access to the neighborhood a sidewalk has been added to connect
the building to City Park Avenue. A sidewalk has also been added to connect the
complex to the commercial district to the north. Interior sidewalks interconnect the units
to the parking lot, open space and swimming pool. Public transit is a block and a half to
2 1/2blocks away with bus stops at Elizabeth Street and College Avenue. Existing
bicycle routes and lanes are within 1/2 block along Elizabeth Street, City Park Avenue,
Shields Street and other nearby streets. (Refer to attached Project Development Plan
Map for sidewalks, bus stops, bicycle routes etc.)
7.0 Landscaping
There are no existing trees on the building site. There are five existing trees within the
building envelope that will need to be removed for drives and parking. The existing trees
to be removed are so noted on the Landscape Plan. New trees will be added as needed
to meet requirements for mitigation and full tree stocking at the interior of the site. Due
to the dimensions of the parking lot, interior parking lot landscaping is necessary and
has been provided. A major opportunity for effective landscaping exists as foundation
planting around the building. A 6' high existing wood fence will remain to provide for
screening at the northwest corner of the property.
8.0 Parking
Onsite surface parking is provided and exceeds the minimum allowed in the LUC. Off
street parking will be provided adjacent to the new building. Access to parking will be
from the existing drive off City Park Avenue. A total of 46 spaces will be available for
use by residential tenants of the new units. Two spaces are accessible. Three existing
spaces for an existing building were removed to add a drive. These spaces were
replaced with eight new spaces. An accessible space was also provided.
9.0 Development Phasing
It is anticipated that construction of the project will begin in spring of 2004. At this time, it
is anticipated that the project will progress as a single phase. Construction duration is
estimated at 6 months.
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