Park Point Marina Inn and Suites has proposed to expand its footprint. On Tuesday, the Duluth Planning Commission will consider a request for a variance that would enable the hotel to build a three-story, 15-room addition onto the southeast side of the existing structure at 1033 Minnesota Ave.
The hotel has 68 guest rooms at present, and if the expansion is approved, that count would increase to 83. At that size, the hotel would be required to have 87 off-street parking spaces, but the developer has proposed to provide only 74.
Planning staff also noted that, as proposed, the project would fail to comply with development standards requiring that at least 40 percent of the building's facade facing the water be transparent. The design submitted shows only 32 percent transparency.
City staff have recommended the planning commission deny the developer's request, citing the project's failure to meet parking and transparency standards. Alternatively, staff suggested the commission table the request, providing the applicant with more time to address the shortcomings in its proposal or to make the case for a variance.
The planning commission also will consider applications for two new Kwik Trip station stores - one on Boundary Avenue across from Proctor's Grove Street and another on the south side of Arrowhead Road between Rice Lake Road and Swan Lake Road.
