7235 France Ave. Sketch Plan (Macy's Furniture Store Site)
Enclave Companies have submitted a revised sketch plan proposal for redevelopment of the Macy’s Furniture store site at 7235 France Avenue. The layout of plans are generally consistent with the original sketch plan, by dividing the site into four parcels as recommended in the Southdale Design Experience guidelines. (See attached original sketch plan.) Revisions have been made to incorporate feedback from the Planning Commission and City Council during last year’s sketch plan review and to accommodate either a bridge over France Avenue or an underpass to connect this development to the redevelopment project at 7200 & 7250 France Avenue. The width of the public space on the south side of the site has been increased.
The proposal is to tear down the existing structure and build the following:
- Two multi-family residential buildings on the east side of the site with 6 levels above grade housing units and two levels of below grade parking. Buildings would have between 180-220 units. Each of these buildings would also include potential first level space for retail users with a ceiling height of 16 feet.
- Two mixed use office/retail buildings on the west side of the site. The northwest building would be 8 levels above grade with two levels of underground parking. (The height of this building has been reduced from 11 stories as suggested at the original sketch plan review.) the height of the southwest building would be 11 levels with two levels of underground parking. Above grade parking would be screened by liner buildings. The first-floor ceiling height of each of these buildings would be 16 feet.
The request would still require the following:
- Rezoning from PCD-3 to PUD. Flexibility would be requested through the PUD Ordinance to vary from existing setback, height, first floor height, building transparency on the first level, and floor area ratio (FAR) requirements. The PUD Zoning is also used to ensure 10% affordable housing on the site.
This sketch plan will be considered by the Planning Commission on January 24, 2024 and by the City Council on February 6, 2024.
