An unfortunate development at 51st and Rawson here in Franklin, future location of an Andy's service center/car wash/"mini shopping center." The building will contain a convenience store/gas station, car wash facility, and leased commercial space. The intersection has a stop light. (Andy Khuller owns 18 gas station/convenience stores around the Milwaukee Area.)
Residents close to the site were wary of a typical commercial building invading their neighborhood, and it looks like they had every reason to be. Though not an architectural nightmare as far as the actual building is concerned (earlier submitted plans were less subtle; perhaps incorporating the huge letter "A" motif that is used on other Andy's buildings) ...
... the overhead plan reveals yet another quasi-strip mall fronted with asphalt: the city of Franklin's setback regulations for "B-3 Community Business District" zoning are enforced here, and we are treated to the sad site of another commercial building surrounded by a moat of asphalt built to accomodate 116 parking stalls (as required by city zoning).
There are trees and a retention pond placed on the corner of the lot; perhaps this was the element that the developer hoped would placate residents of houses right across the street.
However, it seems as though no thought was given to maximizing the intersection - - there are vacant lots on two adjoining corners - - by bringing the Andy's building right up to the corner, with parking and gas pumps behind (the two entries from 51st and Rawson remain). They might even have added a slight overhang to shelter the sidewalk so cafe tables could be added in the summer. The corner configuration would have the added benefit of concealing the car wash and inevitable line of cars that will accumulate on warm summer days. Then, if and when additional commercial buildings come to the remaining vacant corners and configure themselves likewise, you end up with a very nice crossroads.
Unfortunately, I'm told that the Franklin planning commission cannot reach consensus on a policy toward selective elimination of setback and parking requirements (in this case, the city mandates 40 feet for front yard setback). Hopefully this will change very, very soon.
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