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HomeMy WebLinkAboutapplicationO� LUapp,doc 2 0411 SIt1G. \ APPLICATION FOR A LAND USE AMENDMENT 4j 61104 Planning Commission Docketed for W� 1/ at pm. Case Number LU A O ' D�_-_0 1 Application is hereby made to the Little Rock Board of Directors, through the Planning Commission, pursuant to the provisions of Act 186 of 1957, as amended, petitioning to change the Land Use classification of the following described area: WOW Legal Descri tion: I 612 I give-.�� Ci -Rod Cd�AR, I iusI C► Street Address: 24 V *o L91 AR,7(o Title to this property is vested in; I I �.+ ri►� Property owner print) If an individual other than the property owner(s) files this application, attachment of form "Authorization Of Representation Statement" is required for each owner. It is desired that the boundaries shown on the Land Use Map be amended and that this area be reclassified from the present. IPTO classification to 9%classification. Present use of property V�r+V1■ 1 ayF1 V 4 Proposed use of property � ' 1 ixedINS Co IY11� 1�1� �r �� �iA-6 (to verify requested classification is appmpr'i..ate) '''� A licant's N �V't ke A J A *1;0; NGA a 11 51, I 4 hSl"" 4p) . �nt', d .--m-r? Fill[ 5 ip: em`I Applicant's Daytime Phone: M11 %52/ 5,5 " ax: 5014 #5 I I Planning Commission Action: Approved: Denied: Date: — 1 r Board of Directors Action: Approved:_ Denied: Date: -1 — � —Q4 MAY $ 5 200B � CITY OF Ll f I Lr- muCK BUILDING CODE produksi U J J O V arsitektur 2124 Rice Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72202-6150 USA Planet Earth tel. 001.1.501.374.4531, 952.5594 sale, sail, cell, sell, handphone, mobile, 374.1701 fax Kwendeche@sbcgloba1. net, kwendeche_@hotmail.com Thursday, May 15, 2008 Eve Gieringer Planner City of Little Rock - Department of Planning and Development 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, AR 72201 re project: The Adaptive Re -Use of the James Mitchell School Submission of Application for a Land Use Amendment Dear Ms. Gieringer As requested and on behalf of my client Mitchell Elementary LLC, I am pleased to submit the completed application and filing fee for the reference project, including the following: Enclosures: 1. Completed land use amendment application. 2. Three 3) copies of the site plan (folded to legal size). 3. Development rationale attached to this cover letter, including a description of the initial phase and future develoment uses of the overall property. 4. Independent consultant's analysis of the development. 5. Affidavit authorizing Kwendeche, AIA to act as the agent for the Applicant. 6. Support Letter from the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association (WANA). 7. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the applicant and WANA. Please review all and contact me if you have any questions or comments. k you very much! I Kwendeche, AIA cc: Dr. and Mrs. George T. Blevins, Jr. (Mitchell Elementary LLC) produksi Supplemental Document to the PZD Application filed by Mitchell Elementary LLC May 12, 2008 The Adaptive Re -Use of the James Mitchell School According to the requirements set forth in the application for re -zoning established by the City of Little Rock, the following is a description of the use of the above named property. The overall property, located at 2410 South Battery Street, Little Rock, AR 72206, is divided into three basic areas: 1) the Main Building — the original structure built in 1908 with approx. 35,000 sf +/- including an attached addition, called the Annex; 2) a one story classroom addition with approx. 3,800 sf +/-; and 3) a single detached classroom building, built in the 1970s with approx. 1,000 sf +/- - all totaling approx. 39,800 sf +/-. The initial phase of the overall development involves only a portion of the Annex at the Basement Level in the Main Building and the single detached classroom building, totaling an approx. floor area of 3,300 sf. See the accompanying color coded layout of areas designated for the temporary warehouse / office space. All other areas within the overall property are for future development. SINGLE DETACHED BUILDING This single detached building (1000 sf) will be used as office space and restroom. ANNEX This portion of the property will be used as a temporary warehouse space for storage of merchandise for an internet distribution business. No walk-in customers or customer parking will be required because this is an internet business. All sales transactions will take place electronically. Metal shelves will be assembled and arranged in rows to hold the boxed, non-flammable, non-perishable merchandise. Neither air-conditioning nor heating will be necessary to house the items stored. The existing loading dock will be used for delivery and pick up services for shipping merchandise. Our presence in the building will allow us to maintain insurance and support the building financially because our internet business will lease the space. There will not be any employees stationed at this location. The only on-site functions will be to deliver items, stock shelves, label items for shipping and pick up by shipping carrier. The abovementioned tasks will be performed by the owners of the business. This will allow for minimal occupancy. The Owners of the business shall be present in the premises from 12 noon — 6pm, daily (Monday — Friday), or as needed for scheduled deliveries and pickups of merchandise. Supplemental Document to the PZD Application filed by Mitchell Elementary LLC Continued page 2 May 12, 2008 The initial phase of the development currently has adequate electric power for the specific needs of the temporary warehouse space. Overall, all of the buildings on the property have been surveyed and abated of hazardous materials (asbestos and mold) by the previous owner. The following is a detailed listing of the anticipated future development activities - OVERALL PROPERTY USES FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT: O Pre -K-12 Educational/ Day Care— Supplemental Educational Services, Saturday Academy, Summer Program, Pre -K program and /or Day Care O Meeting space for the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association (WANA) O Internet Retail, Corporate Office Space O Retail / Commercial Office — leasing space to retail businesses; bank; credit union; professional medical; legal and / or real estate with hours of operation O Institutional / Government — Health services and / or workforce services and / or government offices O Multi -Unit Residential — 1, 2, 3 bedroom loft apartments O Recreation — Fitness Center and / or Police Athletic League O Dance studio / Recording studio O Meeting / Event rental space — Conferences / Meetings / Workshops / Wedding Receptions and / or Parties O Community — Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association Office and event space, online bill pay center O Eating Place Inside — Cafe, cafeteria and / or restaurant O Existing paved parking lots (approx. 53 spaces) on the west side of the property shall be utilized for the abovementioned future development uses for the site Supplemental Document to the PZD Application filed by Mitchell Elementary LLC Continued page 3 May 12, 2008 O Existing loading dock area on the east shall be removed and replaced with a paved lot for the handicap parking requirements of the future development O At the commencement of subsequent phases for future development, the overall site shall be re -landscaped O The Owning Company (the applicant) is currently preparing the Determination of Eligibility Application to obtain listing of this Charles Thompson designed building on the National Register of Historic Places MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING is made between the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association, Inc. (WANA) a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization POBox 165084 Little Rock, AR 72216 and Mitchell Elementary, LLC PO Box 164119, Little Rock, AR 72216 - The purpose of this Memorandumof Understanding is to initiate a covenant agreement between the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association, Inc (WANA) and the Mitchell Elementary LLC, the Owning Company of the James Mitchell School, located at 2410 South Battery 'Street, Little Rock, AR 72202. This covenant shall assure the mission of WANA as it relates to the redevelopment plans for the James Mitchell School property while allowing the Owning Company an effective mechanism to collaborate with WANA for the successful completion and continued operation of the James Mitchell School property. The designated name for the covenant committee shall be the WANA / Mitchell Elementary LLC Covenant Committee (herein designated as the "WMCC"). ------------------------------------------------------------- The parties to this Memorandum of Understanding herein agree: 1. The WMCC shall act as the sole liaison committee between WANA and the Mitchell Elementary, LLC. Any communication that will impact this partnership between the two (2) parties shall be reported on a semi-annual basis (or as needed) to the WANA Executive Board in writing for discussion and action. 2. The WMCC committee shall be made up of three (3) dues paid members of the WANA. The appointment of the WMCC members will be approved by the WANA Executive Committee in compliance with the bylaws. No more than three (3) representatives of the Owning Company (Mitchell Elementary LLC) shall be a permanent member of the WMCC. 3. Once rezoned, the Owning company shall review all future plans, specifications, and any proposed alterations to the subject property with the WMCC and the WANA Executive Board prior to the submission of the pians, specification, proposed alterations to any organization for the purpose of securing a permit, zoning variance, land use amendment, or funding support. If, the intended use of any portion of the overall property is not covered by the City of Little Rock Ordinance, the Owning Company will seek the support of the WANA prior to the Owning Company applying for an adjustment to the existing ordinance or any application for rezoning to accommodate the new use of the property. 4. The WMCC agree that the entire property shall be a drug-free; tobacco -free; alcohol -free zone. No sales, storage, consumption, and display (signage or samples) of products associated with this restriction are allowed. EXCEPTION: Concerning alcohol, in private residential units, restaurants, and public spaces where receptions and other events might occur within the interior or exterior of the property, the above-mentioned restrictions shall be guided by current local, state, and federal laws. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, continued page 2 5. The WMCC agree that no space within the property shall be designated or leased to individuals, agencies, or other organizations for the treatment or housing (temporary or permanent) of drug / alcohol dependent visitors, family, or tenants. This also restricts the leasing of the property in part, or as a whole, as a half -way house; "chem" house; and / or transitional housing for use by individuals (adults / juveniles) convicted of criminal and/or misdemeanor offenses. 6. The Owning Company and WMCC mutually agree that the adaptive reuse of the new facility shall offer leasable space for use by the City of Little Rock Police, if the City of Little Rock is willing to lease such a space. Space size to be negotiated between the City and Owning Company. The specific location of the space shall be easily accessible and, if necessary, may be staffed by police for a 24 hour presence. 7. The Owning Company and WMCC agree that the adaptive reuse of the new facility shall include office space for a permanent WANA office and meeting room. The size and the location of the space shall be jointly agreed on by the parties. The rental rate shall not exceed the lesser of $12 per square foot per year, or 50% of funds donated to WANA by Mitchell Elementary, LLC under clause 10 below. The term of the lease shall be 5 years with an option to renew an additional 5 yrs. WANA shall also have access and use of the exterior open spaces for outdoor events, including, but not limited to WANAFEST and the Annual Yard Sale. All planned events shall be subject to the approval of the WMCC and not to conflict with other planned events by the Owning Company, or tenant's use of the property. WANA shall be responsible for cleanup for all outdoor events held by WANA on this property. 8. Major grant acquisition shall be pursued primarily by WANA for fund raising efforts, with the reasonable support and assistance from the Owning Company. WANA will reasonably support (as necessary) the efforts of the Owning Company to acquire the funding necessary for the adaptive re -use of the property. This does not preclude leasing space to other non-profit or for-profit organizations. 9. The term of this MOU is for 50 years, reviewed and updated yearly (as needed), on or before the anniversary of the signing of this document. All intended revisions to this MOU must be submitted by the WMCC to the WANA Executive Board and WANA's general membership for approval. 10. In an effort to help make WANA self sufficient, the Owning Cornpany agrees to donate up to 5% but not less than 3% of their net profit derived from the leasing of the spaces within the property. These funds shall be used exclusively for the capacity -building needs of WANA. 11. The Owning Company agrees that this MOU shall be null and void (with the exception of clauses 4 & 5, which shall remain in effect) if the property is sold or conveyed to another owner. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING, continued page 3 12. If the Owning Company decides to sell the subject property after making substantial improvements to the property, it is agreed that WANA will have the first right of refusal to purchase the subject property at a negotiated price. In the event the Owning Company decides to sell the subject property prior to making any improvements it is agreed that WANA will filed the Owninstright of Company�sUndebt dress on the sal to purchase the subject property at an amount not to ex 9 property. Agreed to and accepted by: Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association, Inc. Eol U`4 � —SheilaANA First Vice President Mitchell Elementary, LLC tuber BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this day came before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public, within and for Pulaski County, duly commissioned, had d � � �tetl known me for the as the icansideratia natories of the foregoing and purposes document, and acknowledged that he/she therein mentioned and set forth. WITNESS my d and seal s such Notary Public on this the day o , 2008. My commission expires: Id- — 0/ � U I FA FEWSi NOTARY PUBLIC Wight Avenue III May 6, 2008 Neighborhood Tony Bozynski, Director Secretary City of Little Rock Mr. James Floyd, Treasurer Planning and Development Department Mr. James McDonald 723 West Markham Street 5sociation, Little Rock, AR 72201 Inc. (501) 371-4790 P. O. Box 165084 Dear Mr. Bozynski: Little Rock, AR 72216 Phone: (501) 765 4919 It is with great pleasure that the Wright Avenue Neighborhood Association, Inc. Fax: (866) 214 5774 (WANA, Inc.) submits this letter in support of ❑r. and Mrs. George T. Blevins, Jr. in Email: wanainc@yahoo.com their acquisition of James Mitchell School, 2410 S. Battery Street, Little Rock AR. In addition, WANA is in support of Mitchell Elementary, LLC, the Owning Company, Executive Officers and its application for a Planned Office Development, including the initial use of a portion of the property for the Owning Company's business. Dr. George T. Blevins, Jr., President Ms. Sheila Miles, Dr. and Mrs. Blevins are longstanding, dedicated members of WANA, Inc. and they 1st Vice President continually provide invaluable service to the community. Such a major Mrs. C. Nelson, redevelopment undertaking as this marks a key milestone in the advancement of our 2nd Vice President community. WANA is committed to the success of the redevelopment as set forth in the Memorandum of Understanding (Mots) with Mitchell Elementary, LLC. Mrs. Laura Redic, Secretary Again, WANA supports the Blevins' acquisition of the former James Mitchell Mr. James Floyd, Treasurer Elementary School because of their acquisition history of other properties in our Mr. James McDonald historic district. We look forward to assisting in the implementation of the venture, Mr. Juan Wilson, relative to its great opportunity to strengthen our neighborhood. Assistant Treasurer 723 West Markham Street Mrs. Annie Abrams, Little Rock, AR 72201 Parliamentarian Kwtorian e, AIA, i cerel Historian I ) Mr. Kevin Dedner Sheila Miles WANA,Uid Inc. 1st Vice President Past Presidents Rev. Robert James CC: Mr. Brad Kane Ms. Donna James, Subdivision Administrator Mr. James McDonald I City of Little Rock Mrs. Lorraine Livingston Planning and Development Department State Representative John 723 West Markham Street Lewellen Little Rock, AR 72201 Dr. George T. Blevins, Jr. 501-371-6821 Mr. James Floyd Mr. Kevin Dedner 501(c)(3) / not-for-profit Lee A. Hill, MAI, SRA Real Estate Valuation & Advisory Services 1011 West 24th Street Little Rock, AR 72206 501-374-4443 Emailhill9985@sbcglobal.net Fax 501-372-6605 May 8, 2008 Mr. George T. Blevins, Jr., PH.D Managing Member Mitchell Elementary, LLC 1704 W. 19th Street Little Rock, AR 72202 Re: Former Mitchell Elementary School Adaptive Re -use Dear Dr. Blevins: In response to your request of April 24, 2008, I prepared a brief summary of some adaptive re -uses of the former Mitchell Elementary School, located at the southwest corner of 24th Street and Battery Street, Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR 72206. The subject property consists of three (3) detached, existing structures as follows: Bldg. #1- A three (3) story, brick, and concrete Historic building, including a basement, comprised of 35,000+\- SF, built in 1908 (original building) Bldg. #2- A one (1.) story brick building, containing four (4) units (rooms) with 3,800+\- SF approximately 20-25 years old Bldg. #3- A one (1) story brick building, containing 1,000+\- SF Total Area: 39,800 Square Feet Total Parking on Site: 53 spaces (asphalt paved. There are three (3) additional asphalt and/or concrete paved areas which could be utilized for overflow parking. 1 I I An inspection of the interior revealed that extensive repairs are required of the existing or original structure. The first floor contains hardwood floors, which appear to be solid and in fair to good condition. The restrooms are in poor condition, but contain fixtures which have been unused for more than two (2) years. The HVAC system has been vandalized. The interior walls -:'-- and ceilings reflect deferred maintenance as a result of deterioration, and neglect. There are six (6) large classrooms with high ceilings (18+\- feet), and a large, semi -circular lobby/reception area. Some of the classrooms contain individual toilets, and sinks. The second floor also contains a wide hallway, two stairwells, and six (6), or seven (7) classrooms. These rooms also contain extensive windows (historical design, some individual toilets, and also high ceilings. There is also a large stairway near the skylight leading to the adjoining boys and girls restrooms on the mezzanine. Interior features of the basement area include heavy concrete floors, a 9-10 foot ceiling height, and a number of toilet fixtures for boys and girls. Since the power was not fully operative, t.be appraiser was unable to obtain a clear picture of the physical condition. This area was used as the cafeteria, with an adjoining kitchen for food preparation. The kitchen contained extensive ceramic tile wainscot, and floor drains. Other rooms included offices and/or storage facilities. Since this area is below grade, there were loading areas for receiving supplies. The basement also contains an equipment room for the boilers, and heating equipment, etc. It is our understanding that the intended use of this summary is to assist Mitchell Elementary in concept and preliminary approval for re -use of the property through the 2 Little Rock City Planning Commission. A careful study of similar schools was performed to gauge market demand, design features, interior layout, and finish. Since the subject property has an historical designation, every effort must be expended to preserve certain design features without compromising current building and zoning requirements. The subject property may be eligible for federal tax credits and state grants, as an historic structure for mixed uses not being adequately met by private, or public agencies. After a field investigation, and consultation with the owner, and operators of similar type facilities in the Little Rock area, the appraiser developed a floor -by -floor, and/or, a building -by -building model of suggested re -uses. The schools noted in this field investigation include the following: 1) Kramer School, 7th & Sherman, Little Rock- Former elementary school listed in National Register of Historic Buildings- converted in 1998 to co-op apartments -Total 22 units 2 -bedrooms -$716/Mo; 3 bedrooms-$719/Mo The tenant population includes blue-collar workers, artists, and musicians, among others. Amenities include ample on site parking, security service and a large audiaorium:on the first floor for tenant social functions and community meetings. 2)- Former West Side Jr. High- 14th & Marshall St., Little Rock - (West Side Loft Development)- three (3) story, historic, brick loft apartments with 43 spacious, one (1) bedroom apartments, ranging from 830-1,432 SF; Two (2) bedroom units contain 903 square feet.. A portion of the ground floor is leased to UAMS (James Dennis Development Center) -close to Arkansas Children's Hospital. Little Rock Police Department car observed parked on site (possible tenant) . 3) Former East Side Jr. High, 14th & Scott St., Little Rock (East Side Lofts) - Four (4) story brick, and concrete apartment loft building, with 41 units, all residential with meeting rooms, secured entry, and preservation of original design. The units are 3 separately metered. Note: East Side/West Side Lofts are operated by ARC (Association of Retarded Children) 4) Lee Street School, 3805 W. 12th St.,(12th & Pine), (Willie Hinton Neighborhood Resource Center) Little Rock; 11,000 SF per floor x 2 floors = 22,000 SF total floor area Operated by the .City of Little Rock Housing and Community Development; dedicated June 25, 2005. Two (2) story brick building with wide hallways, bright colors, converted to all office uses. 1) Tenants include City of Little Rock Police Dept. Internal Affairs, and Code Enforcement Alert Center 2) Life Quest- A Senior Citizen's computer training, education classes, GED; 3) Habitat for Humanity 4) Ark Community Dispute Resolutions 5) Black Community Developers 6) City of Little Rock Small Business.Incubator Program, UALR, SBA, and HUD speakers Other amenities include an auditorium with a seating c-.-.1,_-.-,capacity -for- 175 persons for community meetings, etc. r ;.There is also ample on-site parking. ;r _.i.._zin :vi:ew of, --the field investigation, and inspection of similar type buildings, it is the appraiser=consultant's ',:5.:. opinion that the following adaptive re -uses are appropriate fVr.the former Mitchell Academy. These uses will be i identified floor -by -floor, and building -by -building. )These uses are subject to:approval by the City Planning and Zailding Department, and requirements of the Arkansas Heritage Department and/or other federal agencies: Existing Bldg. #1 35,000+\- Floor Area- 1st f loor- a) :Caf6 (Soul Food Restaurant, 1st class destination -type tenant)- A nationally known restaurant has been contacted and expressed possible interest. The restaurant would be a great tourist draw, may offer carry -out, and catering services. 4 0 b) Professional Office uses -medical, dental, and legal offices entrepreneurial, computer clas•ses,- information technology (UALR), Baptist Health,..or' . UAMS Health Clinics to offer classes,and/orhealth clinics. One or: two :adjoining classrooms may bei combined ;as an. auditorium for special luncheons, political,. and neighborhood meetings, and seminars. 2nd floor- Residential -6-7 leasable apartment units a) apartment'units-consisting of 1,2 and 3 bedroom units. - to have secured access; b) Owner should offer discount for L.R. Policemen to live in one of the units, as a measure of added security, and deterrence c) Area will require installation of elevator Basement - 1) Banquet room for rent to churches, neighborhood groups, political groups; kitchen to be used for food preparation (must meet fire and health code, requirements) 2) Offices for catering operation, and' -banquet services ..3) Remaining space recommended for dry, temporary storage space, no flammable or chemicals permitted Per fire code requirements '. Building II- Annex (3,800 SF) (Former Classroom=:Bldg:) Recommended for conversion to a child car.e'centier Building III- 1,000 SF Recommended for City of Little Rock:.Police:'sub - Station. Office should be manned by :two e(.2-) .o:fficers for neighborhood crime deterrence, citizen's complaints,: community relations, and recruitment: The adaptive re -use of Mitchell Academyi as a historic structure should serve to create new economic development, jobs, and to instill a sense of pride in the community. This facility should also serve as a catalyst to stimulate new infill, or upgraded housing in the neighborhood. To further this objective, the Mitchell Academy should form an alliance with other major tourist attractions in Little 5 Rock, such as the Mosaic Temple (Grand opening Sept. 20, 2008); President Clinton Library, Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau, Little Rock Tours, the ,,Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Heifer International . and Global Village, Little Rock Central High Museum, UUAPB,: ABC,: Philander, National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis, TN, professional sports teams, and social, and political organizations. I trust that the recommendations noted will serve as a blueprint for a viable and profitable community enterprise to be used and enjoyed by the neighborhood and the Greater Little Rock Community. i Very truly yours, Lee A. Hill, MAI, SRA Consultant LAH:b D sfpzd.doc 6 09/2 AFFIDAVIT 014 7, 4rartl fy by my signature below that I hereby authorize j _ to act as my agent regarding the JE--0vQ6 0—i c + of the below described property. - Property described as: pivml L&fs 14M Z, c Subscribed and sworn to me a Notary Public on this My Commission Expires: y 1"'Lloiic LA EARTHA MONTGOMERY MY COMMISSION k 12350300 .� 4< EXPIRES: September 13, 2016 9, }' Pulaski County