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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-10-1999 DRB Minutes DESIGN REVIEW BOARD TUESDAY, AUGUST 10, 1999 ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Acting Chairperson Ed McCrone called the meeting to order and directed the recording secretary to note the attendance. Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Visitors Present Ed McCrone Mara-Gai Katz Andy Epple Chuck Hall Dan Glenn Joanne Mannell Noel Joni Killebrew Dennis Deppmeier Melvin Howe Therese Berger Don Hoyt Dick Pohl Joel Litle Henry Sorenson, Jr. Dan Volcko ITEM 2. MINUTES OF JUNE 22 AND JULY 13, 1999 Chairperson McCrone asked for additions or corrections to the June 22, 1999, and July 13, 1999, minutes. Indicating his preference of grain bins over water towers he asked the second half of paragraph 6 on page 4 to be deleted. MOTION - Dick Pohl moved, seconded by Dan Glenn, to approve the minutes as corrected. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 3. PROJECT REVIEW Greyhound Depot MiSP/COA #Z-99102 - (Killebrew) 1205 East Main Street - A Minor Site Plan Application with a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow the conversion of the old Chamber of Commerce building to a bus depot and an insurance office with related site improvements. Applicant Don Hoyt, Chuck Hall from Greyhound, and Dennis Deppmeier from A & E Architects joined the DRB. Reviewing the proposal, Planner Joni Killebrew distributed a lighting detail and displayed recent site photos. She asked for DRB input on landscaping. Dennis Deppmeier described proposed door changes to the building and improvements to the existing canopy, and indicated that the same color scheme that exists will be continued. He relayed that his clients' objective is to expedite the process and the appropriate signage variance will be sought shortly after occupancy. He reiterated the need for DRB comments to be incorporated into the landscaping plan. Planner Killebrew noted that Urban Designer John Sherman did the architectural review of the proposal, and discussed recommended conditions of approval. In response to staffs concern regarding the exposed fluorescent bulbs in the canopy, the applicant has proposed to relocate the fixtures further into the canopy. She indicated that she intends to meet with Mr. Hoyt on-site to evaluate their brightness at night. Design Review Board Minutes-August 10, 1999 1 In response to Dick Pohl, Planner Killebrew stated that the 10 stalls proposed meet code requirements based on 1 space per 250 square feet of office with a minimum of 4 spaces, and 2 spaces for the maximum number of Greyhound employees on-site at one time. In addition, there are 2 spaces for Greyhound visitor parking and 1 handicapped accessible space. She noted that the Development Review Committee is contemplating requiring an expansion of the loading zone to allow for two short term loading spaces. Explaining that the buses run from 4:55 p.m. to midnight, Mrs. Killebrew indicated there would be considerable time when the station won't have much activity. She added that staff felt parking needs would be adequately met. Dan Glenn confirmed with Planner Killebrew that the existing North 7" Avenue Greyhound station would no longer operate. Henry Sorenson questioned what is meant by"a landscape plan that meets the regulatory intent" of the code (condition#2). Planner Killebrew responded that, unlike a new development on a vacant lot, it will likely be impossible to meet the full letter of the landscaping requirements on this already built site. The applicant, she said, will be expected to do as much as possible to enhance the site, by enhancing the green areas and planting trees. Mr. Glenn questioned whether a sign proposal has been submitted. Planner Killebrew replied that a plan has not been submitted. Mr. Hoyt indicated that they intend to use the top portion of the existing sign, reduce the portion projecting toward the street, and shorten the reader board. He indicated that the insurance business sign will be roughly 8 square feet. Mr. Hoyt also discussed the wall-mounted signage he and Greyhound are contemplating, including the signature Greyhound badge and dog. He added that it is his intention to plant grass and trees on site. Chairperson McCrone questioned whether the applicants have any objections to staffs recommended conditions, observing that the lighting issues appear to be resolvable. Both Mr. Hoyt and Mr. Deppmeier agreed the conditions are acceptable. Mr. Sorenson suggested a larger landscaped area with ornamental trees along the southern property boundary to give the mostly paved site some relief. He also suggested plantings directly in front of the building. Mr. Hoyt stated that some of the existing bushes along the front of the building will be replaced and that greenery will be planted in four 55 gallon barrel halves. He noted the location of the existing water supply and indicated that they will install an irrigation system. Mr. Deppmeier expressed concern that canopy trees and ornamental plantings in an expanded landscaped island might create a conflict by blocking bus drivers'visibility and maneuverability. He said that there will be no real bus services, mostly dropping off and picking up, with 10 minute stays. Having discussed the proposal with Montana Department of Transportation staff, he said, the two existing 40' curb cuts and turning radii are adequate. Mr. Sorenson discussed the difficulty of reviewing aesthetic considerations when so little change to the building or landscaping is proposed, noting that the DRB relies on professionals to at least Design Review Board Minutes-August 10, 1999 2 propose some creative solution and meet certain conditions when a property is improved. He questioned the need for three entrances. Mr. Deppmeier responded that two will be the public accesses for each of the entrances, and the third will be strictly a baggage handling/service entry. The only reason there isn't a more specific landscaping and sign proposal, he said, is because Greyhound is losing its lease and time is a factor. He added that they are merely taking a bad- looking building and not making it any worse. Planning Director Andy Epple noted that staff will measure out the actual site vision triangles in which limited landscaping is permitted, and will look for more vertical expression with landscaping on the site. He explained that it is possible to get occupancy of a building without having all of the improvements installed if they are financially guaranteed at 1.5 times the estimated costs. The applicant would then have 9 months after occupancy in which to install all of the improvements. Mr. Pohl suggested the site would be benefitted by additional screening, such as a continuous strip of evergreens, along the western property boundary and a row of trees, but not green ash, along the eastern property boundary to the south. Lacking adequate area, there is a need to provide more vertical landscaping elements. He suggested the use of vines on the building wall, which can be controlled so as not to interfere with signage. Mr. Pohl suggested the use of slow growing Bur oak, American or Redmond linden, and a tall narrow columnar, such as Swedish aspen, by the freestanding sign. Mr. Pohl remarked that the gravel should be replaced with live vegetation, not necessarily grass. He suggested that low creeping juniper be planted in the bed with weed mat. Responding to Planning Director Epple, Mr. Pohl agreed that shrubs such as potentilla could be used; however, he feels there are too many around. Rather, viburnum provides color with spring flowers and lots of fall impact. He also suggested planting the barrels with species which will winter-over. In response to Mr. Glenn, Mr. Hoyt indicated that the canopy fascia will be redone and a new roof surface will be installed, both in white. He verified that the buses will have adequate vertical clearance. Mr. Glenn agreed with Mr. Pohl's comments regarding landscaping, adding that he would prefer that the landscape island along the street be expanded. Mr. Deppmeier responded that they want to have adequate maneuverability for the buses, and going to two loading spaces might limit what they can do. Discussion ensued regarding potentially installing a flat curb. Planner Killebrew noted that any alternative from the standard 6" curb is subject to Director of Public Service approval. Members generally agreed that adequate protection can be provided in the form of a continuous 6" concrete curb. Mr. Deppmeier noted that Greyhound's budget for the entire project is $60,000. Mr. Pohl confirmed with Planner Killebrew that the road to the east is private. Observing that all of the recommended conditions are code driven, Chairperson McCrone remarked that he is glad to see the reuse of the building, agrees with Mr. Pohl's comments Design Review Board Minutes-August 10, 1999 3 regarding landscaping, and feels meeting the conditions will improve the site. MOTION - Henry Sorenson moved, seconded by Dan Glenn to approve the application with the conditions outlined in the Staff Report and landscaping improvements recommended by Dick Pohl. The motion carried unanimously. ITEM 4. INFORMAL REVIEW Strategix I.D. Informal- (Berger) Gallatin Park Subdivision, Manley Road An Informal Application for advice and comment on a proposed 7,925 sq. ft. structure for light manufacturing use, located within the North 7`h Avenue/U.S. 10 Entryway Overlay District. Joel Little and Dan Volcko from Llewellyn Architects joined the DRB. Assistant Planner Therese Berger reminded members of the recent Concept PUD review of residentially-zoned property directly north within the River Run PUD. She noted the subject lot is zoned M-1, as is the surrounding property within the conditionally-approved preliminary plat for the Gallatin Park Subdivision. Joel Little described the location of the property relative to the overpass, and noted that rather than strictly adhere to the Design Objective Plan guidelines, they designed the building to relate to its view shed, and to incorporate the more industrial characteristics of area. Planning Director Andy Epple pointed out the property location on the Bozeman Zoning Map, noting the building orientation would not be to North Th Avenue but to Manley Road and the public street within the subdivision. Mr. Little indicated that the exterior material will be steel, and that plans will be revised to show some exposed trusses in order to highlight an industrial and agricultural look. In response to Acting Chairperson Ed McCrone, Mr. Little indicated that the metal will be corrugated. Mr. Little indicated that they wish to introduce large splashes of color by using green metal siding and red roofing materials on the larger middle section of the building, galvanized metal roofing material for the conference room section, and blue siding with a yellow roof for the higher portion containing the stairwell off of the entry. Responding to Dick Pohl, Mr. Little described the open space trail area, noting that because it contains utilities, the engineering staff want a gravel surface through or along the retention basin. Noting the acidity of the soil and marsh grass environment, Mr. Little expressed concern regarding being able to meet the landscaping requirements. Mr. Pohl confirmed that the water table is relatively high in the area and suggested the use of willows. Mr. Little noted that the subject lot is not in a designated wetland; however, they will need to bring in some fill. In response to Dan Glenn, the Planning Director indicated that there is no required setback from a designated wetland; however, there is a 35'water course setback. Design Review Board Minutes-August 10, 1999 4 Mr. Pohl stated that he would prefer the trail system to be varied in its contours rather than straight-line engineered. Mr. Little indicated that he will relay Mr. Pohl's suggestion to the developer/owner as the basin, and subsequently the trail, will be off-site. Responding to Chairperson McCrone, Planner Berger indicated that planning staff will look at the subdivision again once a final plat submittal is received. Design guidelines for both construction and landscaping, as well as trail improvement details, should also be provided. Mr. Glenn commented that the architect has presented an interesting aesthetic which he feels is a good approach. However, he will be interested in seeing color renderings as farm buildings are generally not all three primary colors. Board members agreed. Such complex forms with so much color may be overwhelming in the landscape. Typically, such complex forms have unity in the steel, and too many layers of color may create a conflict. He asked the architect to be careful with color, temper it a bit, to take advantage of an opportunity to create a very regional building. Observing that the Strategix building will be the first development in the subdivision, Mr. Pohl expressed concern that other developments within the subdivision would not follow suit, and the building would end up looking odd. Mr. Little responded that he hopes to design other buildings for the subdivision. Noting the Granville Island development in Vancouver, Mr. Glenn stated that the one thing that ties the mixture of unusual industrial forms together is materials. Henry Sorenson suggested the architect be cognizant of the rural neighbors, and surmised that as they experiment with color, they will find what works best. This, he said, will likely be a mix of natrual metal and some more interesting color, but not too much color. He feels the scale of the building can be reduced with landscaping, which should have some unifying elements throughout the whole PUD. He added that the Board likes to award good design. Chairperson McCrone stated he likes the articulation and fact that the building is different. Mr. Pohl discussed the need to address the rythm of street trees, feeling landscaping should be more formalized in the front and naturalized in the back. He suggested proposing the type of landscaping found in the area, such as willows and alder. He noted one rarely sees evergreens in such areas. Planning Director Epple suggested dogwoods. Mr. Pohl agreed and added various kinds of currants, mountain ash, and rocky mountain maple. In response to Mr. Glenn, Mr. Little indicated that the DRC wanted to see a sidewalk along southeast elevation of the building so a foundation planting is not feasible in that area. Mr. Glenn commented that plantings adjacent to buildings impact heat loads, and given the largely paved southern portion of the lot, there will be considerable heat reflecting upward. Mr. Little agreed on the likely need for air conditioning in the summer, but noted there are benefits in winter. Mr. Pohl suggested the applicants consider vines along the southern elevation of the building Design Review Board Minutes-August 10, 1999 5 supported on architecturally incorporated trellis work. He recommended hops, which dies completely to the ground in winter and grows from 20 to 40 feet in one season. He added that hops is common in both agricultural and industrial settings. ITEM 5. ADJOURNMENT Board members briefly discussed election of officers, and agreed to postpone doing so until it is clear whether there will be any new appointments from the City Commission. There being no further business, the Design Review Board meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.. Ed McCrone, Acting Chairperson Design Review Board Design Review Board Minutes-August 10, 1999 6 ATTENDANCE ROSTER AUGUST 10, 1999 Those persons attending the Bozeman Design Review Board meeting are requested to sign the attendance roster. PLEASE PRINT neatly and legibly. 1 NAME ADDRESS IA 3. , 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.