StoryApproval of major senior living development with supporting community updatesApril 23, 2025

Council Approves 89-Unit Senior Living Development

Meeting date: Apr 23, 2025
Published Oct 8, 2025

The Oakdale City Council unanimously approved the Atoria Oak Marsh senior living development Tuesday, clearing the way for an 89-unit cooperative on 5 acres at 800 14th Street.

The four-story building will include market-rate units with underground parking and will be located approximately half a mile from the new Gold Line station. Developer Josh Common said the project maintains wood frame construction to keep housing costs affordable while providing 1.5 parking spaces per unit, exceeding the city's minimum requirements.

City Planner Luke McLanahan said the council approved three related items: a variance for building height and setbacks, preliminary and final plats for the 20-acre subdivision, and the site plan. The development requires removing 49% of significant trees on site, above the normally allowed 35%, but the developer will plant 51 additional replacement trees.

The Age Friendly Oakdale Task Force also presented their three-year action plan focusing on transportation education, social participation programs, and safety initiatives. Task Force Co-chair Colleen Herman announced two upcoming classes in June to teach seniors how to use the Gold Line and microtransit services.

The council also awarded construction contracts totaling $3.8 million for 2025 street improvements to McNamera Contracting and approved $1.4 million in architectural services with BKV Group for police facility expansion and potential city hall renovations.

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Areas of Interest (5)

  • Oakdale approves a 89-unit senior living cooperative despite height and set-back variance requests.
  • Concerns over significant tree removal (49%) at Atoria Oak Marsh balanced by 51 replacement trees.
  • Age Friendly Oakdale task force highlights the need for better transportation access for the city's aging population.
  • City Council corrects record regarding Emerald Ash Borer nuisance address in prior minutes.
  • Development challenges: 5-story building proposed to keep senior units affordable, avoiding costly steel construction.

Votes (6)

Adopt agenda as amended

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Council · Seconded by Council

Approve workshop meeting minutes April 8th, 2025

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Council · Seconded by Council

Approve regular meeting minutes April 8th, 2025 as amended

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Council · Seconded by Council

Adopt Resolution 2025-34 (Variance)

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Council · Seconded by Council

Adopt Resolution 2025-35 (Preliminary and Final Plat)

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Council · Seconded by Council

Adopt Resolution 2025-36 (Site Plan)

ApprovedVoice vote

Moved by Council · Seconded by Council

Notable Quotes (1)

It's really important for us to stick with wood frame over steel...three stories just gets to such a large footprint that it becomes cost prohibitive.

— Josh Common
Atoria Oak Marsh building designQuestion regarding height variance and design feasibility.

People (10)

SarahStaff

Responsible for taking roll call.

MooreCouncil Member

Participated in voting and inquired about height variances for development.

MorhamCouncil Member

Participated in meeting and voting.

SeversonCouncil Member

Participated in meeting and voting.

WilbringCouncil Member

Participated in meeting and voting.

ZabelMayor

Presided over the meeting and read proclamations.

ChrisStaff

Assisted the Mayor with procedural oversight.

MlanahanCity Planner

Presented the Atoria Oak Marsh project details.

Josh CommonDeveloper

Represented the senior co-op project, addressed feasibility questions.

1 quote

“It's really important for us to stick with wood frame over steel...three stories just gets to such a large footprint that it becomes cost prohibitive.”

Explanation of building design choices for the senior cooperative.

Colleen HermanCo-chair

Presented an update on the age-friendly community action plan.

Places Mentioned

3195 Granada North (incorrect reference)3915 Granada North (corrected reference)8001 4th Street (Atoria Oak Marsh site)Oak Meadow siteIdeal Avenue

Events & Meetings (6)

  • Regular City Council Meeting: April 22nd, 2025
  • Workshop Meeting: April 8th, 2025
  • Regular Meeting: April 8th, 2025
  • Planning Commission Hearing: April 3rd, 2025
  • Age Friendly Transit Class: June 12th, 2025, Discovery Center
  • Age Friendly Transit Class: June 24th, 2025, Oakdale Library

Ordinances & Resolutions (3)

2025-34

Approval of variance for Atoria Oak Marsh building height, setbacks, and lot standards.

2025-35

Approval of preliminary and final plat for Oak Marsh.

2025-36

Approval of site plan for Oak Marsh.

Source document

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Other Topics from This Document

  • Adoption of the agenda

  • Approval of workshop and regular meeting minutes

  • Public hearing for Atoria Oak Marsh senior living cooperative development

  • Review of variance, preliminary plat, final plat, and site plan for Atoria Oak Marsh

  • Presentation from Age Friendly Oakdale task force

  • Proclamation for Building Safety Month

  • Proclamation for Arbor Day

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