900 Wayzata Blvd E - Wells Fargo

Project Description - April 2023 Design Deviation Requests

The project originally approved in 2022, described below, has not significantly changed and is still projected to start construction in 2023. The approval process for this multi-parcel, mixed-use redevelopment of the Wells Fargo site was structured to continue to give the developer some design flexibility over the course of an extended demolition and build-out process. However, this flexibility does not extend to new requests to deviate from the City's Design Standards, where City Council approval is required. 

The applicant is requesting four deviations from the Design Standards in order to place mechanical ventilation and air handling equipment on the rooftops of the proposed bank and office buildings. The Design Standards generally push new buildings on Wayzata Boulevard to place such systems on the ground or inside of the building instead. Both buildings have the same requests: 

• Request to deviate from 3' x 3' footprint limitation for rooftop mechanical equipment 
• Request to deviate from 3' height limitation for rooftop mechanical equipment 

Project materials are below. 

Project Description - Original Approvals

The existing Wells Fargo building is proposed to be removed and replaced with a residential building, standalone Wells Fargo bank with drive-through, and office building. The project will make significant use of underground parking. The City Council approved the proposal at their July 19 meeting and the Development Agreement was approved at their November 1 meeting.

The development project includes the following requests: 

Sitewide

• Subdivision into three parcels 

North Parcel (bank)

• Rezone from C-1 to C-3
• Conditional Use Permit for drive-through 
• Design Standards Deviation for reduced glazing on one wall 

East Parcel (office)

• Variance for side yard setback due to shared underground parking
• Conditional Use Permit for off-site parking  

West Parcel (residential)

• Rezone from C-1 to R-5 
• Variance for building height
• Variance for impervious surface 
• Variance for front yard setback (Wayzata Boulevard side)
• Variance for side yard setback due to shared underground parking
• Conditional Use Permit for swimming pool  
• Design Standards Deviation for partially implemented massing break

City Review Dates - April 2023 Design Deviation Requests

• Planning Commission Public Hearing - Monday, April 17, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. 
  • The Planning Commission recommended approval of the application. 
• Planning Commission Consent Agenda - Monday, May 1, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. 
• City Council - May 16, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. (Council approved the application)

City Review Dates - Original Approvals

1. Neighborhood Meeting held by applicant - Thursday, April 21 from 5 to 6 p.m. at City Hall.
2. Planning Commission Public Hearing - Monday, June 20 at 6:30 p.m.
   1. Received initial approval (4-2 vote)
3. Planning Commission Consent Agenda - Monday, July 6 at 6:30 p.m. 
4. City Council - Tuesday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m.
   1. Received Council approval (4-1 vote)