St. Michael Approves Pair of Projects including Theater Signage

A divided St. Michael City Council approved new signage for the new, yet-to-be-named tenant of the former Cinemagic building at the southwest corner of Interstate 94 and Highway 241.

It's a move that will change the look of the city's eastern border, an entry point for many heading into St. Michael city limits at that busy intersection.

The Planned Unit Development (PUD) amendment OK'd by the council last night include a new pylon sign just off the eastbound lane, near the backwaters area of the Crow River, which runs a few hundred yards from the former theater.

The pylon sign can be up to 400 sq. ft. in size, with up to half of that being an LED sign, offering electronic messaging.

That sign was the source of contention of council member Kevin Kassel, who said offering an amendment might set a precedent for the city as devleopment coaxes along the Interstate 94 corridor.

"We have an interchange proposal at Naber. More things could be coming in near that development. I drive through Tennesse, and see all those signs above the treetops. I don't want that to happen here," Kassel said. "I question why people even need a sign that big anymore." 

But the other four members of the council saw now problem with the pylon, which would poke just above the 241 bridge for those heading eastbound into the Twin Cities.

"I think If it was all out in the open, it’d be a bit harder [to allow it]," said member Nadine Schoen. "But it’s a big building, and there is so much going on behind them as well with the trees and river. I'm O.K. with it."

Member Joe Marx and newest member Chris Schumm both said cooperating with a redevelopment of this size is in the city's best interests.

"Everyone will say that we need more businesses in town. I think, as a council, we need to help them as much as we can," Marx said.

Community Development Director Marc Weigle said he still could not divulge the name of the new retail center's primary tenant, but would be able to by the end of the "due diligence" period between the buyer and seller. That should end in May.

Realtor Wayne Elam, who brokered the new agreement, told Patch he was abiding by a confidentiality agreement.

"I know it's a popular question right now," he said. "The tenant just wishes to remain behind the scenes until we can announce it."

Weigle said he hasn't even told his family.

"I think it's good for our community that someone is coming in and willing to redevelop this site. A lot of times, with old theaters, it's a hard thing to get redeveloped because of the contracting work that needs to be done inside. So this is a great thing," Weigle said.

The old Monti Theater in downtown Monticello, for example, sat vacant for several years before Walgreens tore the building down for a new store that opened last fall.

In other news, the council cleared the way for a new pet store and boarding facility at the former Sports Diamond location, accepting the recommendation handed down by the Planning and Zoning Commission one week ago.

The pet boarding business was of main concern, but the business owner/developer agreed to start with a max of 50 dogs on the site, in an effort to reduce the noise and waste concerns expressed by neighboring businesses.