The results of an Albert Lea Economic Development Agency design standards survey released this week indicate participants have a basic design approval of a majority of the buildings constructed in the city’s B-2 Community Business District in the last 10 years.

Some buildings were even described as greatly exceeding design expectations, while only a few did not meet standards.

Respondents were split about whether the city should adopt design standards for the B-2 Community District, with a slight majority stating new standards do not need to be implemented.

“I think there’s not as much demand for design standards as I think had been previously talked about,” ALEDA Executive Director Dan Dorman said.

While he acknowledged the survey is not scientific, it does give more data than was available previously, he said. He cautions against saying the survey reflects the community.

The survey, posted in two parts online at the end of September, was created in an attempt to stimulate conversation about what types of buildings are appropriate in the city’s B-2 Community District.

The district includes East and West Main Street, Blake Avenue, parts of North Bridge Avenue, South Broadway Avenue between Front and Seventh streets and then the east side of Southeast Broadway Avenue to the Elks Lodge. Albert Lea’s historic downtown is in a separate district.

The discussion comes as the city is considering adding a design standards ordinance to the zoning ordinances of the district.

Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Randy Kehr said the survey, though unscientific, did show that people generally like the buildings built during the last 10 years.

“So let’s frame whatever we do around that principle,” Kehr said. “Whether you do that by defining it or just the general principle, that’s yet to be determined.”

What were the results?

The first part of the survey, completed by just over 80 people, showed a series of existing businesses both inside and outside Albert Lea and asked for opinions on how appropriate each building is to the district. People had the ability to rate the buildings on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being a low impression and 5 being a high impression.

Designs of buildings such as Zogg Dermatology, Lakeside Café & Creamery and Farmer’s State Bank received highest impressions, with at least 40 percent of respondents stating the buildings “greatly” exceeded their design expectations and more than 30 percent stating they “somewhat” exceeded expectations.

Landing in the middle of the spectrum under the category of “meets my basic expectations of design” were most of the auto parts stores.

Examples of buildings such as Culver’s and Kohl’s, which are not in Albert Lea, also received relatively high ratings.

The lowest impression went to a pole building and to another structure that had metal siding and minimal windows.

The second part of the survey, completed by a little more than 40 people, included a few questions about whether there should even be design standards, what would be an acceptable amount of metal on the front of a building, if any building materials should be prohibited and if the standards should apply to more than the front of the buildings.

Should the city of Albert Lea adopt design standards for the B-2 Community District?

Thirty-seven percent responded that the city should have design standards; 47 percent said there is no need for additional standards; and 16 percent said they didn’t have enough information to comment.

 What is an acceptable amount of metal on the front of a building?

Two percent of respondents said there should be no metal surfaces on the front of the buildings in the district; 26 percent said there should be no more than 33 percent on the front; 11 percent said there should be no more than 50 percent; 13 percent said there should be no more than 75 percent metal and 48 percent said metal surfaces should not be limited.

 What types of building materials should be prohibited from use in buildings in the B-2 District?

The highest number of respondents voted that none of the materials should be prohibited, while the second highest number of votes were to prohibit prefabricated steel or sheet metal panels and vinyl siding.

 Should design standards apply to more than the front of the buildings?

Fifty-six people responded the standards should only apply to the front, while 44 percent stated the standards should apply to the front and any side visible from a public street.

Dorman said the results will be provided to the Albert Lea Planning Commission and City Council.

The Planning Commission will next meet Oct. 20, when members of the public and the business community can submit recommendations for the ordinance.

Dorman encouraged people to come to the meeting.

“It’s important for people to let their feelings be known,” he said.

In August, the Albert Lea Planning Commission recommended a draft ordinance to the Albert Lea City Council, but the council sent this plan back to the commission for review.