Innovative Construction Solutions 416 South Broadway Rochester, MN 55904 O 507.226.8690 F 507.226.8697 www.krausanderson.com
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability Employer February 3, 2016
Members of the City Council:
The following letter is in regards to potential changes to the 501 on 1st project in Rochester, MN. Per condition # 13 of the incentive development final plan, changes to the appearance of the building, exterior facade, and landscaping are to be formally approved by the council. This letter is requesting approval of (2) changes to the exterior facade of the 501 on 1st building. Through the designing, bidding, and planning phases of the construction process there are always changes that can occur due to
interaction with industry experts. As contractors come on board they bring a level of expertise in each of there fields that help to educate the construction team and ownership group. Through this process there have been suggestions in regards to product selection and location on the building. The first item is the possible material substitution on the exterior facade of the building through the alley and on a portion of the south wall. The second item is the substitution of the glass inserts on the balconies to a different material.
Item #1:
The approved plan for the 501 on 1st exterior facade shows stone veneer at all locations around the building on 1st floor. After reviewing this product selection the masonry contractor, as well as the stone veneer supplier have raised concerns regarding the vulnerability of some of the products. We are proposing to substitute the stone veneer in the locations noted on the attached drawing due to the following reasons.
- After being on-site for the past several months the team has realized the number of delivery trucks that pass through the alley between 1st Ave, and 2nd Ave for deliveries to the People’s Food Co-Op. With the heavy amount of truck traffic there is a fear that this material will become very dirty and difficult to regularly clean. The veneer stone is a more permeable material that would allow grease and oil to penetrate and permanently discolor the stone. This can be seen in multiple locations around Rochester. The substitution to a colored rock-face block would allow the operator to regularly wash and maintain the building in this location.
- The second reason for this substitution at the locations noted on the attached drawing is due to requirements from the utility company regarding meter locations for apartment complexes. It was originally intended to place the unit gas meters in the lower level of the building. Minnesota Energy no longer allows gas meters to be in the lower level, they now require the meters to be located outside the building. Per the attached drawing the meter sets will need to be located at these locations on the back of the building. The colored rock-face block is a much more suitable material to mount these meter sets to along the back of the building.
EOE AA M/F/Vet/Disability Employer Item #2:
On the approved plan for the 501 on 1st project it indicates balconies with pre-finished aluminum railings with tempered glass inserts. After making several visits to the Twin Cities, and researching the
practicality of the glass inserts at the railings of the balconies, we are requesting to change to an aluminum picket railing. As you can see on the attached picture the glass inserts are very difficult to keep clean and maintain. Changing the balconies to an aluminum picket railing will keep the building clean and appealing at all times.
501 on 1st is an attractive building with clean lines and superior exterior materials. The above
suggestions are a result of many conversations with experts in there respective fields. We believe the alterations to the facade are logical changes that will result in a building that is not only beautiful, but also able to be maintained for many years to come. We are asking the Council to review this letter, the attached documents, and approve the requested alterations.
Thank you,
10 9 8 7 6 5 4.1 3 2 1 - Substitute veneer stone with colored rock face block at highlighted location. Unit gas meters will be located along this wall.
Pre-cast Band to remain
- This section is through the alley. Veneer stone is difficult to clean. With the heavy amount of truck traffic delivering to the Food Coop we need a surface that is washable. Rock-face block is washable with a power washer. The grease and oil can permeate the veneer stone.
South Elevation
Requesting change to aluminum picket railing due to difficulties cleaning class insert on balconies. This witnessed at many locations in Minneapolis