Southdale Center Shake Shack Development

SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED PROJECT:

The project consists of a 5,000 square foot restaurant and associated off-site improvements at
the northwest corner of Southdale Center. The parcel is located at the southeast corner of the
intersection of France Avenue South and West 66th Street. The current development plan includes
removal of the existing bituminous parking lot, reconstruction of surface parking, new sidewalk
connections from the public right of way to the mall, reconfiguration of the nearby intersections
along with the mall ring road and utilities to serve the restaurant.

Pedestrian connections will be enhanced with an exterior patio at the corner to accentuate the
space and invite pedestrians to access the mall area. Southdale Center will be improved by
transforming a vacant parking lot into a restaurant development that will better engage and
enhance the community.

This redevelopment will address the objectives of the Southdale Area District and benefit the
residents and visitors to Edina, adjacent property owners and tenants.

Allow latitude to gain tangible and intangible outcomes aligned with the district
principles.

1. How does the proposal contribute to the realization of the principles for the district?

Response: The repurposing of the existing parking lot at the northwest corner of the Southdale
Center will bring the first standalone Shake Shack to the to the Twin Cities area. This
vibrant and new concept will have many additional benefits to not only the shopping center
itself, but also will have a positive impact to the vitality of the France Avenue Southdale
District.

2. How can the proposal move beyond the principles for the district?

Response: The Shake Shack proposal will help guide other developments in the district by
providing strong pedestrian connections to the France Avenue-West 66th Street corner and
adjacent uses. This will help stimulate foot traffic in the area and will provide a vibrant social
gathering space for residents to use while in the Southdale area.

3. What tangible and intangible outcomes might be offered by the proposal, but cannot be
achieved by the project on its own?

Response: The proposal builds upon existing public elements already in place. Through
implementation of these principles on future development, adjacent properties and users will
create a greater over-arching pedestrian walkable network within the area.
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 2

4. What does the proposal offer as a way of balancing those outcomes provided by others?

Response: The proposal provides tangible connections to neighboring property developments

with increased pedestrian and vehicular connectivity. The goal is to create a uniform
community connectivity all within a human scale environment. The project will complement
the developments on adjacent blocks including the Point of France and the Fairview areas.

5. What alternatives were explored to arrive at a proposal that is best aligned with the
principles and opportunities of the district?

Response: Several alternatives were explored prior to ending up at the current proposal, these
included exploring alternatives for building placement, parking density and circulation.
Alternatives were considered that placed the proposed use interior to the mall and the
possibility of combining the proposed use with other uses to create more density and height
to the corner. Considering the relatively small parcel size, restrictions on building height
from agreements that govern this corner and Shake Shacks requirement for a standalone
building, we are confident that the current proposal is the highest and best use of the corner.

Advance quality through thoughtful and artful design of buildings and publicly
accessible spaces, highlighted human activity, and enhanced economic vibrancy.

1. Discuss the materials and construction techniques intended for the building and the site
with attention directed to ensuring and enduring quality is achieved, especially
considering whether the proposal is a background or foreground element in the district.

Response: The proposal includes a high quality contemporary building that has large expanses
of glazing combined with warm materials and muted colors to soften the look. The building
is intended to be the foreground centerpiece of this corner.

2. What qualities of the proposal will be most valued by the community in 50 years?

Response: The focus on providing a strong pedestrian flow into and through the property will
assist in the future development of the community and be admired for 50 years plus.

3. Describe the ways in which the proposal highlights human activity in the building and on
the site, especially when viewed from adjacent or nearby public ways?
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 3

Response: Shake Shack has a unique approach to their indoor and outdoor spaces. The patio
space can incorporate items such as ping pong tables and foosball tables to create a sense
of gathering and fun. A pedestrian plaza is proposed for the corner along the pedestrian
connection from the public right of way to the building. In addition, the sidewalk adjacent to
the roadways will be highlighted with improved landscape creating an inviting experience for
the pedestrians.

4. In what ways does the proposal enhance the economic vibrancy of the district?

Response: The development repurposes a vacant surface parking lot into a strong business
model with a significant "fan" base and loyal following. By bringing more people to the mall
property this unique destination will generate customers and sales to neighboring
businesses.

5. How does the proposal adapt itself to changing economic opportunities of the community
and the district?

Response: Malls are constantly changing to accommodate the desires of the public. Current
trends are heading towards malls being not just retail destinations but also dining and
entertainment centers. For years, Simon has marketed this corner for potential
development, and there is demand for a stand-alone fast casual restaurant at this location
due to its great visibility and ease of access. This current proposal has the advantage of a
small building footprint located directly adjacent to the corner of the site, this provides for
maximum developable area between the building and mall to accommodate further
densification of the mall property should it occur.

Look beyond baseline utilitarian functions of a single site to created mutually supportive
and forward-looking infrastructure sustaining the district.

1. Describe the ways in which the proposal is self-supporting related to on- and off-site
infrastructure and resources.

Response: The project will rely upon access to the existing Southdale Center ring road.
Parking necessary for the land use will be configured on the property, with the ability to
share parking off-site with the mall if necessary. The project will incorporate on-site
detention of stormwater to achieve a level of self-reliance for stormwater management.

2. What impacts does the proposal pose on existing on- and off-site infrastructure?

Response: Demand on sanitary sewer utilities and water main infrastructure will increase
minimally to serve the project. Additionally, the proposal will provide a reduction in the rate
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 4

of runoff and due to the infiltration, a significant reduction in runoff volume as well. This will
reduce the amount of flooding seen along the 66th street corridor.

3. What elements of the proposal support infrastructure needs of adjacent or nearby sites?

Response: Demand on storm sewer and reliance on downstream stormwater management

facilities will be reduced, because the project will incorporate detention of stormwater on-
site.

4. Describe the infrastructure features of the proposal that are truly extraordinary by
relating to the performance of those features of current standards, requirements, or best
practices.

Response: The degree of stormwater management that will be constructed on-site will exceed
the Minnesota Pollution Control Agencys requirements as defined in the construction
general permit. By adhering to the Nine Mile Creek Watershed Districts standards, the
project will provide an extraordinary reduction in the concentration of stormwater pollutants
that are discharged from the property.

5. How does the proposal rely on infrastructure of the district for baseline performance?

Response: The project will rely upon the available capacity for utility connections including
sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and water. Existing transportation infrastructure for both
pedestrians and vehicles will be relied upon to provide an efficient means of bringing
customers to the proposed retail building.

Foster a logical, safe, inviting and expansive public realm facilitating movement of people
within and to the district.

1. What features and amenities does the proposal lend to the public realm of the district?

Response: The proposal provides a 50 foot setback from the curb on France Avenue. The right
of way will be lined with trees and other landscape elements. The building itself will
contribute to the visual interest of the property in lieu of the existing surface lot currently
occupying the property. The proposal will also improve the safety and navigability of the
adjacent intersections along France and 66th and eliminate a section of very confusing one
way ring road.
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 5

2. What features and amenities does the proposal introduce to extend the sense of an
expansive and engaging public realm to its site?

Response: The project excavates into an existing berm to extend the sense of public realm and
continuation of the pedestrian connectivity. Additionally, the proposal opens the corner to
the intersection and provides a means of direct pedestrian access thru the corner, engaging
not only the Shake Shack building but also the Mall with the public Right-of-way.

3. Demonstrate the ways in which the proposal supports pedestrian and bicyclists
movement and identify those nearby district features that are important destinations.

Response: Bicycle parking will be provided on-site. Due to the significant grade changes
between the existing public sidewalk and this property, it is not currently possible for a
bicycle to access the property without climbing a berm. This development will provide a
gently sloped walkway for a bicyclist to access the corner, then continue on to Southdale
Center.

4. What features does the proposal employ to ensure a safe and inviting pedestrian
experience on the site?

Response: An accessible walkway connects the building to the corner, and a plaza mid-length
provides a resting area with seating to invite a pedestrian to pursue this route. Walkways are
designed to be safe and inviting.

Encourage parcel-appropriate intensities promoting harmonious and interactive

relationship without leftover spaces on sites.

1. How does the proposal relate in terms of scale to its neighbors?

Response: This development is less intense than adjacent uses.

2. How does the proposal make full use of the available site, especially those portions of
the site not occupied by parking and building?

Response: Currently the property is occupied by a parking lot that extends within the setbacks.
The proposal maximizes the balance between green space and parking while positioning
the building at the setback.

3. How does the proposal interact with its neighbors?

City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 6

Response: The pedestrian sidewalk that lines the property line along France and 66th will
connect to the current neighboring property walks and crossings. The proposal has
vehicular connections to the Southdale Center ring road, and the planned off-site
improvements will improve access to neighboring properties as well.

4. Describe the zones of activity created by the proposal and compare those areas to
zones of activity on adjacent and nearby sites.

Response: The proposal creates a vibrant corner use which is anticipated to attract consumers
from both locally and capture customers from outside the area as they travel the France
Avenue Corridor.

We anticipate 4 zones of activity onsite:

1. The Public Front/Entrance zone located in the front of the building (between the mall and
building). This zone will be designed to provide areas for pedestrians, bikes and vehicles to
access and park. This area will be designed to be consistent will the adjacent mall areas.
2. Internal building area business purchases and consumer areas. Similar to other casual
dining uses in the area, however this one will have the Shack Shake twist.
3. Semi Public Zone This zone is the patio, this zone is a recreational/relaxing area not just
reserved for eating, but has additional activities. We are not aware of any nearby sites that
have something like this.
4. Public Zone located along the Right-of-way. This area will serve to connect the proposed
use with the public space, providing access for both bikes and pedestrians and screening
and landscaping.

Advance human and environmental health as the public and private realms evolves.

1. How does the proposal enhance key elements of environmental health (air, water,
noise, and habitat)?

Response: The proposal increases the green space on the property, primarily focused around
the public way. The use is consistent with the area and will not contribute negatively to
environmental health.

2. How does the proposal mitigate any negative impacts on environmental health on its
own site?

Response: The reduction in surface parking and increases in green space in the proposal will
mitigate negative impacts on environmental health.
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 7

3. How does proposal provide for a healthful environment beyond the current condition?

Response: Increased pedestrian and bicycle connectivity will promote a healthier, more
walkable environment.

4. Describe ways in which human health needs are advanced by the proposal.

Response: The proposal contributes to the Citys plans to create a pedestrian friendly, walk-able
France Avenue and 66h Street Corridors.

Embrace purposeful innovation aimed at identified and anticipated problems.

1. Identify the problems posed by the proposal or the district requiring innovative solutions
and describe the ways in which the proposal responds?

Response: Additional loading on the public infrastructure is anticipated. Projected traffic loading
to the corner is expected to increase. To prevent unacceptable conditions, the ring road and
nearby intersections are to be reconfigured to accommodate this increase. Additionally the
additional vehicles bring with them additional pollutants to the stormwater runoff. The
proposal includes runoff collection and infiltration systems which will significantly reduce
these negative impacts to stormwater quality.

2. Describe the metrics to be used to compare the innovations posed by the proposal.

Response: The water quality and detention devices proposed with this project will meet or
exceed the district watershed requirements. The traffic and parking improvements will meet
the requirements of both the City of Edina and Hennepin County.

3. For those solutions posed by the proposal as innovative, describe how they might
become best practices for the district.

Response: Given that each corner of Southdale Center is adjacent to public infrastructure, and
that anticipated development will require watershed permitting, the best management
practices used on this project can be used at other locations of development at Southdale
Center as they develop. At a minimum the water quality will be improved, but there may also
be opportunities to improve the level of service being provided for storm sewer in adjacent
public infrastructure. Discussions have been held with the Watershed District on not only
the best way to meet their requirements but potentially exceed them in a joint effort to
provide a more regional benefit.
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 8

4. Describe innovations in systems and aesthetics and the ways in which systems and
aesthetics for integrated solutions.

Response: The stormwater management systems in the proposal are underground, which
removes the possibility of wet low areas that typically collect debris and are difficult to
properly maintain. These types of systems also reduce the possibility of vector issues that
sometimes are a problem with above ground systems.

5. Describe other projects where innovations similar to those included in the proposal
have been employed.

Response: Recent improvements to the Mall food court and residential tower have included
similar underground detention systems. These systems are functioning well. Two recently
approved projects on the northeast and southwest corners of the mall property propose to
use similar systems.

Promote well-balanced aggregations of come to and stay at places focused on

human activity and linked to an engaging public realm.

1. How does the proposal complement the mix of uses in the district?

Response: The addition of an easily accessible, fast casual dining option to the district will
provide a new and exciting lunchtime option for the nearby office buildings and a unique
option for Mall and Movie patrons for a quick dinner.

2. Describe the proposal in terms of come to and/or stay at places.

Response: The Shake Shack brand is unique to the area, as there are no other standalone
locations in the Twin Cities area. Due to the proposals unique configuration and ease of
access, this location is expected to draw customers from not just locally but throughout the
Region.

3. What adjacent or nearby come to or stay at places does the proposal rely on for
vitality?

Response: Southdale Center is a destination in and of itself. Additionally, other retail, hotel and
food establishments assist in providing an attractive destination for customers.

4. Demonstrate the flows of activity generated by the site during a typical weekday and
weekend day.
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 9

Response: Due to the ease of access provided by this standalone proposal combined with the
nearby office/medical uses, it is anticipated that this proposal will drive a strong pedestrian
lunchtime crowd during the week who will be fitting in a visit over their lunch hour. On the
weekends and evenings, patrons of the mall and nearby movie theater are anticipated to
visit for a casual dinner at a unique location.

5. In what ways does the proposal interact with surrounding sites to encourage an
engaging public realm?

Response: The notable interactions from the proposal with the surrounding area are as follows:
1. This proposal provides a service needed by nearby offices users.
2. This proposal creates a vibrant and upscale use on a prominent corner in the City.
3. This proposal enhances pedestrian and bike connectivity.
4. This proposal promotes safety with the ring road and intersection improvements.

Ensure every component contributes to the sustained economic vitality of the district
and the community.

1. Describe the proposal in terms of its economic contributions to the district.

Response: Aside from adding a unique and vibrant dining option to the area, Shake Shack
plans to employ roughly 45 team members at this location. Additionally Shake Shacks pay
is well above the industry average with the minimum anticipated to be roughly 12$/hr.

2. How does the proposal enhance development on adjacent or nearby sites?

Response: Off-site improvements to France Avenue and 66th Street will improve access to
adjacent sites. Additionally, pedestrian connections provided thru the site will promote safer
access to the mall and the public right-of-way.

3. What features of the site or district limit the potential of the proposal from being fully
realized?

Response: There site constraints such as significant grade differential which create a design
challenge, with approximately eight feet of grade change to accommodate at the corner.
Additionally the site is served only by the mall ring road as entrances and exits that close to
a major intersection are not feasible, therefore the potential for access to the site is limited.
City of Edina
Planning and Zoning
Southdale Center Shake Shack Page 10

Additionally there are agreements in place with existing mall tenants/partners which limit the
height of density of any development on that corner.

4. Why is the proposal best situated on its proposed site from the perspective of economic
vitality?

Response: The proposed land use facilitates future development by not restricting sight lines to
Southdale Center and potential uses between the corner and the Center.

5. How does the proposal make the district and the community a better place?

Response: The development replaces an existing surface parking lot with a vibrant and unique
dining option available in this configuration nowhere else in the Twin Cities. The proposal
engages the corner of France Avenue and 66th Street, improves the safety of nearby
intersections along with the ring road and clarifies the pedestrian, bike and vehicular
pathways thru this corner of the Mall.