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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Approving Demolition of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at 120 Lynn Avenue with Conditions RESOLUTION NO. 21-144 RESOLUTION APPROVING DEMOLITION OF KAPPA KAPPA GAMMA SORORITY AT 120 LYNN AVENUE WITH CONDITIONS FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS, Delta Omicron Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority is seeking approval to demolish its existing sorority house at 120 Lynn Avenue in order to construct a new sorority house at the same location; and, WHEREAS, the zoning of the property is High Density Residential(RH)and is in the East University Impacted Area Overlay District(O-UIE); and, WHEREAS,this overlay requires City Council approval prior to demolition of any structure currently or formerly used by a"Greek" organization; and, WHEREAS, Ames Municipal Code Section 29.1110 describes the process and submittal requirements for obtaining demolition approval from the City Council; and, WHEREAS, Kappa Kappa Gamma received approval in December 2019 for demolition of this same house and shortly thereafter received approval of a Minor Site Development Plan for construction of the replacement sorority building; and, WHEREAS, the structure was not demolished and Kappa Kappa Gamma has now applied for a new Minor Site Development Plan; and, WHEREAS, the major differences with the previous approved plan include a reduction in overall size, a change to the exterior roof design, and new facade materials; and, WHEREAS, the current structure accommodates 62 members,while the proposal to build a new structure would accommodate 61; and, WHEREAS,Kappa Kappa Gamma believes the improvements associated with a new house will maintain the organization's competitive position in relation to current trends within the Greek community; and, WHEREAS, Kappa Kappa Gamma, represented by their contact person, Naura Godar of RDG Design, has provided the required documentation which includes the cost of rehabilitation, structural analysis, cost estimates for new construction, economic feasibility, gross income and expenses, form of ownership, and a proposed Site Development Plan; and, WHEREAS, the property owners were granted an Exception by the Zoning Board of Adjustment in July 2019 for a reduced drive aisle width by two feet to allow for required parking to serve the new building,and this allows the drive aisle to be two feet less in width than required while still allowing for adequate vehicle maneuvering; and, WHEREAS,the current Minor Site Development Plan maintains the two-foot Exception in its design; and, WHEREAS,with the Exception approval,the Site Development Plan will be approvable by the Director of Planning and Housing, if the demolition request is approved by City Council; and, WHEREAS, the applicant describes in its application the condition of the current property needing significant remodeling valued at approximately $3,300,000 and a construction cost of at least$4,500,000 for a new house that achieves all their design interests and still provides adequate capacity; and, WHEREAS,the applicant believes they receive better value from demolishing and rebuilding than just remodeling the home, even though it costs substantially more; and, WHEREAS, the updated cost of rehabilitation increased$300,000 from the 2019 proposal with the cost of new construction increasing$500,000; and, WHEREAS,when dealing with prior requests for demolition in the Overlay District,the City Council has approved demolition contingent upon Staff s approval of the site plan and building permits; and, WHEREAS, there has also been a condition that prior to demolition, the property owners provide verification of the financial feasibility of the building proposed to replace the current structure to ensure there is no speculative demolition that occurs without assurance of the replacement building being constructed; and, WHEREAS,the site is within the East University Impact Urban Revitalization Area which allows for property tax abatement on the increased value of the property due to new improvements; and, WHEREAS, new construction is eligible to apply for this tax abatement upon completion of the project, if the City Council approves the demolition request prior to April 1, 2021; and, WHEREAS, if the City Council approves the demolition request staff is recommending the following conditions: 1. A Minor Site Development Plan is approved by the Director of Planning and Housing before a demolition permit is issued. 2. An application for a Building Permit consistent with the building elevations and floor plans submitted with the Minor Site Development Plan is submitted before a Demolition Permit is issued. 3. Approval of the demolition request is valid for the life of the Minor Site Development Plan permit SDP-001125 approval. (This is for two years with a one- year extension). 4. Proof of financing for the construction of the new structure submitted for review and acceptance by the Planning and Housing Director. (This would likely be a letter or loan document from a financial institution that is willing to make a loan on the construction of the project). NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that demolition of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority at 120 Lynn Avenue with conditions is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 23rd day of March, 2021. Diane R. Voss, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Gartin Seconded by: Corrieri Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Martin Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 23' day of March, 2021.