|
|
|
A former lumber business that now sits vacant is getting a new life – a new life given from an area church.
The Blue Springs Planning Commission approved a site plan design review and a preliminary and final plan for Pointe Center. The center, which is at 1215 N. Missouri 7, will be the new home of Pointe of Hope Lutheran Church.
The church purchased the 32,000-square-foot site from the owners of the 84 Lumber Building in April. About 22,000 square feet will be for the church, while the remaining 12,000 square feet is being remodeled for a retail space in the front eastern portion of the building. The existing metal materials will be retained, and some of the exterior portions will be recovered. The church will be constructing a higher parapet and a 10mm translucent polycarbonate shell will be attached to the exterior of the building to serve as an architectural feature.
Scott Allen, director of community development for the city of Blue Springs, said three lots are planned as part of the preliminary plan. One lot is currently empty and has not been built upon. Future plans call for two areas along the Missouri 7 and Jefferson Street portions of the property to be redeveloped for parking, special events and possible retail/personal service spaces.
While the church is only proposing 404 parking spaces for the site, fewer than the 619 spaces the building code requires, the church is only planning for 250 seats within the church. Allen said because of that, the 404 spaces will likely be enough for the site. If the church adds additional seating in the future, it will have to submit a letter in writing confirming that enough parking will be available. In addition, if there are any parking problems in the future, the church will have to provide a letter that includes a parking and use plan to fix the parking issues.
Other requirements from the city include installing a 5-foot sidewalk along M-7 and Northwest Jefferson Street; submitting a lighting plan for the property; properly enclosing trash bins; and providing details of how ground mounted or roof-mounted equipment will be screened.
Church officials also presented an alternative compliance landscape plan because of the shape of the property and the location and visibility of portions of the site. Allen said the minimum landscape standard has not been met. Additional landscaping is being proposed on the north, west and northern south and southern east boundaries. Landscape buffers are not required in these areas. Allen said with the additional buffers, staff have agreed to the alternative plan.
As other phases of the project are developed, he said, the landscape plan will be reconsidered.
A former lumber business that now sits vacant is getting a new life – a new life given from an area church.
The Blue Springs Planning Commission approved a site plan design review and a preliminary and final plan for Pointe Center. The center, which is at 1215 N. Missouri 7, will be the new home of Pointe of Hope Lutheran Church.
The church purchased the 32,000-square-foot site from the owners of the 84 Lumber Building in April. About 22,000 square feet will be for the church, while the remaining 12,000 square feet is being remodeled for a retail space in the front eastern portion of the building. The existing metal materials will be retained, and some of the exterior portions will be recovered. The church will be constructing a higher parapet and a 10mm translucent polycarbonate shell will be attached to the exterior of the building to serve as an architectural feature.
Scott Allen, director of community development for the city of Blue Springs, said three lots are planned as part of the preliminary plan. One lot is currently empty and has not been built upon. Future plans call for two areas along the Missouri 7 and Jefferson Street portions of the property to be redeveloped for parking, special events and possible retail/personal service spaces.
While the church is only proposing 404 parking spaces for the site, fewer than the 619 spaces the building code requires, the church is only planning for 250 seats within the church. Allen said because of that, the 404 spaces will likely be enough for the site. If the church adds additional seating in the future, it will have to submit a letter in writing confirming that enough parking will be available. In addition, if there are any parking problems in the future, the church will have to provide a letter that includes a parking and use plan to fix the parking issues.
Other requirements from the city include installing a 5-foot sidewalk along M-7 and Northwest Jefferson Street; submitting a lighting plan for the property; properly enclosing trash bins; and providing details of how ground mounted or roof-mounted equipment will be screened.
Church officials also presented an alternative compliance landscape plan because of the shape of the property and the location and visibility of portions of the site. Allen said the minimum landscape standard has not been met. Additional landscaping is being proposed on the north, west and northern south and southern east boundaries. Landscape buffers are not required in these areas. Allen said with the additional buffers, staff have agreed to the alternative plan.
As other phases of the project are developed, he said, the landscape plan will be reconsidered.
