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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Demolition of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity at 2121 Sunset Drive RESOLUTION NO. 14-102 RESOLUTION APPROVING DEMOLITION OF DELTA TAU DELTA FRATERNITY AT 2121 SUNSET DRIVE FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS, the subject property is a fraternity located in the Greek house neighborhood south of the Iowa State University campus between Sunset Avenue and Gable Lane; and, WHEREAS, the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity house is located on the property, and was built in 1953; and, WHEREAS, an addition was added in 1975, and the building was remodeled in 1990 and 1996, and it currently houses 56 men; and, WHEREAS,the property owner,Gamma Pi of Delta Tau Delta,Inc.,proposes to demolish the existing Greek house and construct a new 65-bed Greek house; and, WHEREAS, the Municipal Code Section 29.1110(2) requires City Council approval for demolition of an existing or former Greek house in the East University Impacted Area, and the requirement for Council approval of demolition was established to support the "valued characteristics of existing structures and landscapes, such as location, height, materials, and the appearance of variety of forms and of architectural styles...;" and, WHEREAS, therefore, demolition of existing Greek structures is prohibited unless "[t]he structure cannot be used for the original intended purpose and/or no alternative reasonable use can be identified and the property owner can show evidence that an economic hardship will be created if the structure cannot be removed;" and, WHEREAS, the applicant provided the "Application for Demolition Permit Based on Economic Hardship" explaining the background and reasons for the proposed project; and, WHEREAS, the City Council must determine if prohibiting demolition will deprive the owner of the property of reasonable use of, or economic return on, the property; and, WHEREAS, this applicant is making the case that the current building does not meet the needs of current students, and that it is economically more feasible to build a new Greek house than to renovate the current house to meet these needs; and, WHEREAS,it further states that constructing a new Greek residence on this site will restore the economic ability of the applicant to offer premium housing at a competitive price through reduced maintenance and future remodeling costs and return occupancy capacity to 65 men; and, WHEREAS,on February 12,2014,the Zoning Board of Adjustment reviewed and approved two variances for the proposed new Greek house; and, WHEREAS, the applicant had asked to keep the same arrangement of parking for the new house as exists for the current house, and variances were granted for the location of parking in the front yard along Gable Lane and for 22 parking spaces on the site. NOW, THEREFORE,BE IT RESOLVED,by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the demolition of the Greek fraternity house at 2121 Sunset Drive is hereby approved,with the following stipulations being met prior to the demolition permit being issued: a) that a Minor Site Development Plan is approved by the Planning and Housing Department;b)that complete plans for a building permit application consistent with the building elevations and with applicable design standards are submitted; and, c) that proof of financing for the building is approved by the City Attorney. ADOPTED THIS 25th day of February, 2014. 0�5�1"R--LA� a� A. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk Ann H. Campbell, Mayor Introduced by: Gartin Seconded by: Orazem Voting aye: Corrieri, Gartin,Nelson, Orazem Voting nay: Betcher, Goodman Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 25th day of February, 2014.