St. Louis Park council approves PUD amendment to add community building at Bickham Court

The St. Louis Park City Council approved a resolution amending the planned unit development (PUD) for Bickham Court Apartments, allowing Trellis Company to construct a one‑story community building to house resident services and community space.

Laura Chamberlain, senior planner in the city—s planning and zoning division, told the council the project covers five low‑rise apartment buildings on Louisiana Court in the Texatanka neighborhood (Ward 3) and seeks a PUD amendment because the properties are subject to a PUD adopted in 2000. Chamberlain said the applicant submitted updated site plans addressing conditions the Planning Commission set, including trash and recycling enclosures, tree inventory and preservation plans, and parking analysis.

Staff—s zoning review found that with the updated materials the project meets lot, district and use standards. Chamberlain said the applicant proposed the removal of three existing off‑street parking spaces and two spaces previously counted as proof of parking; the applicant supplied a parking utilization count showing multiple empty off‑street spaces during peak usage. "This showed that there is ample parking for residents as well as the services being provided," Chamberlain said.

Chamberlain also said updated plans show removal of nine trees, preservation of six (including a heritage tree) and six new plantings, meeting the city—s tree removal and replacement requirements. The Planning Commission held a public hearing on Oct. 15; no members of the public spoke or submitted comments, and the commission recommended approval with conditions.

Council members asked a clarifying question about electric vehicle (EV) charging. A council member noted the project does not include new or replacement parking that would trigger the city—s EV requirements. Chamberlain explained that EV infrastructure is required when parking is expanded or replaced above the city—s threshold and that the on‑site lots are small enough to fall below that trigger.

No public comment was offered at the council meeting. A motion to approve the resolution amending and restating the final PUD for the properties on Louisiana Court was moved and seconded; council approved the measure with six votes in favor and one abstention. The abstaining council member had disclosed at the start of the item that they had a professional relationship with Bickham Court and would not participate in the discussion or vote.

The approved amendment permits construction of the community building subject to the conditions included in the amending resolution and the materials submitted to meet planning and zoning conditions. City staff said they will administratively review a lot combination request associated with the project and continue to monitor the project—s compliance with the conditions of approval.

Trellis Company, which owns the Bickham Court properties and provides recovery‑focused affordable housing and on‑site services, had a project representative in the audience during the presentation.