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June 16, 2022
Block Frontage Standards & Articulated Building Entry Narrative
22072 - Big 406 Medical Office Building
Site Plan Review | Response Comments #01
Comment:
REF #18: Planning – Lynn Hyde
Markup: 025 SP201 ELEVATIONS -PHASE I.pdf
In addition to the fact that some redesign is still needed in order to meet the block frontage
standards and have a primary facade facing a right of way, ensure future designs also have the
primary building entrance clearly defined and scaled proportionally to the building as required by
38.530.050.F. There are also images in the code to assist in depicting what is needed to satisfy this
code provision.
REF #23: Planning – Lynn Hyde
Markup: 005 C3.1 Civil Site & Utility Plan.pdf
All buildings must be placed and designed to present the front and primary facade to the street.
Buildings on a corner lot must present a front and primary facade to both streets. While the
transparency and placement of the buildings is consistent with the code, at least one of the facades
must be designed and function as a primary facade. This includes a pedestrian connection and
prominent entrance in scale with the building, as well as the functional layout of the interior so that
it functions like a main entrance when a pedestrian enters the building. A number of code sections
supports these requirements. Refer to BMC 38.510.020.F. for the placement of the building and
main entrance facing the street. We believe some small changes to the design and layout of the
building will have a big impact on its presence towards the street and create a code compliant
proposal.
Response:
To better fulfill our cities requirements of pedestrian connections from the street frontage to an
articulated entry, we have made design adjustments for both Galloway St and Davis Lane. Adding a
covered entry to the east façade has provided a direct pedestrian connection from Davis Lane into the
primary corridor of the building. The pathway has been lined with plantings to help articulate the
approach due to the distance of the facade setback from the sidewalk along Davis Lane. We found value
in connecting the path around the southeast corner of the stair because of the southern corridor door,
and the exterior exit stair door we now have included to meet egress standards.
The entrance from Galloway St has been modified to include a canopy. Not only does this provide more
appropriate weather protection, but it has also increased the scale of the entry vestibule in relation to the
other building elements. The entry door directly connects with the primary corridor for interior
circulation. As we have furthered our design, structural elements associated with the door and glazing
have become more detailed and increased the entry prominence. The mailbox location has been shifted
west to avoid direct visual obstruction of viewsheds while walking north along the pathway. We have also
altered the plantings to allow for the sidewalk and seating area near Galloway St and near the entry to
widen and curve with a more defined and inviting approach for pedestrians.