Architectural Review Board previews rail-yard encroachment fixes, outdoor dining and 560-space columbaria plan at Elmwood Cemetery

The Architectural Review Board previewed four design-review items, and staff recommended approval of each for the full presentations downstairs.

Presenter summarized a rail-yard development at 121221 West 25th Street that began during COVID and noted new buildings were sited to align with adjacent historic structures. "This development came through during COVID, and they did construction or they started construction and everything in 2024," the Presenter said, adding that small encroachments — awnings, fixtures and sunshades — extend a few feet into the public right of way and that the project team is seeking an encroachment agreement because the encroachment was not captured earlier. The ARB gave a unanimous recommendation as presented.

The board also reviewed a request for outdoor dining at 2411 Granby Street (the Osterholm Zoo location). Staff said outdoor seating will be split on either side of the main door with eight seats on each side and that the applicant will modify a conditional-use permit to add the dining. "This as well was recommended unanimously as it met the outdoor spaces guidelines," the Presenter said.

At 1517 Cali staff described signage, lighting changes and a rebuilt ADA-accessible ramp. The Presenter called the scope "pretty straightforward" and again reported a unanimous recommendation from ARB.

Finally, the board previewed a city proposal at Elmwood Cemetery to add columbaria perpendicular to the administrative building, which staff said would add "about 560 additional spaces for internment at the cemetery". Materials proposed include red granite contrasted with historic materials and gray granite slab tops; no lighting is proposed and nameplates will not be pre-affixed — names will be engraved into the stone as niches are used. Staff also proposed an accessible parking space and sidewalks connecting the columbaria to the administrative building. The ARB recommended approval of the design as presented.

Staff reiterated these were preview slides and that full presentations will be given downstairs. The board and staff invited commissioners to review the draft materials ahead of the mid-month meeting and said full project presentations and supporting materials will be available for further comment.