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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-28-1995 DRB Minutes DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MINUTES - FEBRUARY 28, 1995 Members Present: John DeHaas Roger Cruwys Kim Walker Maire O 'Neill Mara-Gai Katz Cliff Chisholm Ellen Kreighbaum Staff Present: Therese Berger Dave Skelton Dale Beland Visitors Present: Nick Salmon Joe Frost Dave Penwell Lowell Springer Carol Deitrich Project Review - Ranch & Home Supply Planner Skelton reviewed the proposal, noted adjacent developments, and read from the Staff Report. He indicated that the application has no deviations; however, staff is concerned whether the project meets the Entryway Corridor Guidelines and the Design Objectives Plan Criteria. He reviewed staff s recommended conditions and asked that the Board be specific in their conclusions on whether the project meets criteria addressed in the staff report. He noted the level of diversity allowed in recent developments along the Entryway Corridor. Nick Salmon remarked that the existing buildings on site that will be demolished are very typical of the simple utilitarian buildings built in the 1930 's . He commented that the intent of the parapet line design is based on the feeling that there are too many gabled roofs in the Entryway Corridor and that gabled roofs over large structures do not look good. He continued that the parapet adds a strong character to the building, gives emphasis to the building form, and provides an obvious focal point from both the parking lot and the street. Nick Salmon explained that the split-face masonry will be recessed in conjunction with changes of materials to give a grander scale to each collection of windows along the east elevations . He noted that the applicant is considering a dusty blue roof color to go with the gray brick and dark gray metal trim details . Nick Salmon continued that, if the architect is required to submit revised elevations, he would ask the Board to recognize that the interior space cannot readily sustain major jogs in the footprint if it is to maintain space efficiency. Kim Walker voiced concern regarding the lack of windows on the north, south and west elevations . Nick Salmon responded that shelving units will be located along all of the building perimeters . He reiterated that the building is intended to be a simple warehouse/retail structure in a manufacturing zone. Maire O'Neill remarked that she feels that the design of the east elevation is distinct from the other areas of the building and that she has no problem with the vaulted gable and the arched parapet wall . She said that she is not sure that the 2" recessing in the split-face masonry will be that noticeable. Kim Walker commented that in regards to the Entryway Corridor guideline A.2, she feels the parking should be relocated toward the rear of the building. Nick Salmon explained that although several options were explored, the limitations of the site in regards to the infrastructure easement and the expense of grading the demolition areas . He noted that they would loose approximately 1/3 of the building space if forced to try to fit the building between the right-of-way setback and the infrastructure easement. Nic k Salmon remarked that, due to the location of the access drive from North 7th, he feels the proposed parking plan provides a safe and efficient loop for traffic. He further commented that the owner is interested in creating a secure storage area out if view of the patrons . He said that they have attempted to mitigate the front yard parking with an extensive amount of landscaping along North 7th. Kim Walker remarked that although she is comfortable with the building design itself, she feels that the parking area restrictions could be overcome. She asked if the infrastructure is in place. Nick Salmon responded that the City is not interested in relocating and jogging the easement. Roger Cruwys remarked that, given the site constraints, he feels that the design is functional and well-orchestrated. He suggested that by moving the building even further from North 7th, the building would appear less massive. He complimented the architect for designing the structure with the historical context in mind and that that consideration should be just as applicable to the Entryway Corridor as the Entryway Corridor Guidelines and the Design Objectives Plan. He continued that he doesn' t note any confusion as to the location of entry is . Roger Cruwys suggested the applicant consider screening the fenced storage area and building along the south elevation, as well as the screened storage area along the north elevation, with some coniferous trees and border landscaping. He noted that the proposal allows for considerable buffer between Flora Lane and the west elevation. Nick Salmon remarked that the east elevation is approximately 130 feet from North 7th. Kim Walker agreed. Ellen Kreighbaum remarked that staff condition #1 impacts condition #2 . She suggested that if the applicant provides a revised landscaping plan that buffers the elements of the building the Board is uncomfortable with, perhaps they wouldn' t need to change the elevations . John DeHaas asked for clarification as to why staff feels the proposal does not meet the Entryway Corridor Guidelines . Planner Skelton explained that guideline B. 1 and discussed his recommendation for canned signage letters in lieu of the fiberglass cabinet units . Nick Salmon remarked that they would be willing to install canned letters which would project approximately 4" from the surface of the building. John Dehaas remarked that not everything in the Entryway Corridor should have to have a gabled roof and that he is not too pleased with the concept of little applications of architectural features pasted on a building. He said that he has no problem with the building design; however, addition landscaping would benefit the proposal. He indicated that he would like the building plans to proceed and that the landscaping plan should be revised for further review. John DeHaas confirmed with Planner Skelton that the developer would incur the costs of improving Flora Lane. Maire O'Neill suggested that the long unarticulated elevations achieve a stronger profile with vertical elements such as the addition of covers and downspouts placed in rhythm of the light fixtures . She said suggested that the massiveness of the elevations could be broken down further with a simple mullion patterns in the larger panes of glass . She concluded that she strongly supports the eastern entryway. Kim Walker moved, seconded by Maire O'Neill, to recommend approval of the proposal with staff conditions #1 and #3; a further condition that the applicant submit a revised landscaping plan which adds border treatment and tree landscaping along the north and south elevations; and a further condition that the applicant resubmit revised signage plan which incorporates canned lettering in lieu of the fiberglass cabinet units . Planner Skelton confirmed that the conditions recommended by the DRB are minor modifications and that the Board wishes the proposal to move forward to the Planning Board. Ellen Kreighbaum clarified that she would like to see larger trees along the south elevation. The motion carried with a unanimous voice vote of the members present.