Commission recommends amendment to allow 25,000‑sq‑ft HomeGoods and larger sign at Prairie Market East

The commission recommended approval of a major amendment to the Prairie Market East Plan Unit Development to allow a 25,000‑square‑foot HomeGoods store at 410 5th Street and a wall sign with letter heights larger than the existing PUD standard (requested letters up to 72 inches versus a 48‑inch maximum).

Staff said the proposed building footprint increases the approved gross floor area for the site by roughly 38% compared with the previously approved footprint and concluded the design and scale are consistent with the existing Prairie Market East character; staff recommended acceptance of the findings of fact and approval of the major amendment.

Architect Peter Theodore, who said he was the original architect for the Prairie Market East development, told the commission the project will start shell permitting immediately, with interior build‑out following, and that the applicant hopes to open by Christmas. Commissioners discussed potential truck activity and separation from the adjacent Steeple Chase residential subdivision but noted the site is no closer to residential lots than existing tenants PetSmart and Aldi.

The commission moved to accept the findings of fact and recommend approval; roll call recorded approval and the motion carried.