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Minutes
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
MINUTES
August 16, 2007
The Board of Architectural Review met in regular session in the Council Room of the Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South, Vienna, Virginia, with Shirley Damon presiding as Chair. The following members were present: Roy Baldwin, Laine Hyde, David Lanphear, and Paul Layer. Also present were Linnea E. Fechter, Senior Planner, and Jennifer M. Murphy, Board Clerk.
ROLL CALL:
Ms. Murphy called roll. All members are present.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the minutes from the July 19, 2007, meeting be approved as submitted. Mr. Layer seconded the motion.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Layer
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 1:
Request for approval of signage for The Hope Center located at 140 Park Street, SE, (Docket No. BAR-70-07), in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Cleopatra Burke, of Fastsigns of Fairfax.
Ms. Cleopatra Burke of Fastsigns and Brian Wilson, representing the Hope Center came forward to speak. Ms. Burke stated that they are proposing to install a monument sign that will have a faux base, located at the southwest section of the building. It will be double sided and have an internally lit box sign that will sit atop the faux base. The monument sign will be set perpendicular to the road. They are also requesting a façade sign of front-lit, channel letters that will set on the northwest section of the building. Samples of materials and colors were passed around for the Board to review. Ms. Fechter stated that the applicant has submitted two color options for the returns for the channel letters. The color options submitted are black and blue. Ms. Burke asked the Board to choose a preference. A brief discussion followed and was noted that the blue might be preferable.
Chairwoman Damon asked if they are moving the practice. Mr. Wilson answered yes, stating that they have been at their current facility going on 20 years. They have now grown so that they can use the space. The new location on Park Street, SE, is currently under interior renovations and they are now at a point where they are ready to install signage. It is their hope to be moved in and operating at the new location by October. Chairwoman Damon noted that she has brought her pets to their facility for care and that it has always been a wonderful facility.
Mr. Layer asked if the border on the monument sign will be black as is shown on the sample submitted. Ms. Burke answered that the proposed will have a white border but they can certainly change it to black if the Board so chooses. Mr. Layer asked for additional clarification regarding a gray piece that is shown on the rendering. It looks like stone and is shown sitting underneath the sign. Ms. Burke answered that it is also faux and is meant to be faux stucco. Mr. Layer asked what the faux brick material will be composed of. Ms. Burke answered polyurethane. Mr. Layer asked what the surface of the faux brick will be. Ms. Burke reiterated that it is all composed of a polyurethane material. Mr. Layer asked if it will be set into the ground. Ms. Burke answered that it will go down to the ground, set with steel gauge posts that are three feet into the ground, encased in cement. Mr. Layer stated that he is concerned that such a material will be set on the ground and asked how it will stand up to vandalism. Ms. Burke explained that the material can withstand being hit by a hammer. Mr. Layer asked if it could withstand being cut. Ms. Burke answered yes. Mr. Layer stated that the material of the base of the monument is his only concern as he has no issue with the proposed sign itself. Such a material at grade could encourage vandalism once it is discovered to be a faux material.
Mr. Wilson noted that they are a 24 hour operation that will be manned and lit 24 hours a day, which he thought would discourage potential for vandalism. Mr. Layer noted that one of the charges of the Board is to review the integrity and longevity of proposed materials. It has been his experience that steel and/or masonry products have a better record for ground level performance. With respect to the color of the returns for the channel letters, he does not have a particular preference.
Chairwoman Damon asked if the channel letters on the building will be lit. Ms. Burke answered yes.
Mr. Lanphear noted that the surrounding signs are maroon. The application is for a blue sign, which he likes but wondered if they should match the sign to the surrounding signs. Mr. Wilson noted that the surrounding buildings are owned by the same owner, which they have first rights of refusal for. It is a part of their business plan to expand in to the neighboring buildings. Chairwoman Damon asked if the maroon signs need to be changed out will come back before the Board with a sign that will be harmonious with this application’s proposed signage. Mr. Wilson answered yes, stating that as soon as it is economically feasible the plan is to take over the entire complex of businesses at both 130 and 140 Park Street, SE.
Ms. Hyde asked if they will maintain the vegetation around the monument sign. Mr. Wilson stated that there are currently hedges at the location. Dependant upon viewability of the sign, the hedges may need to be cut back. At least on the side that is closest to the stairs. Ms. Hyde asked if some form of ground cover will be maintained. Mr. Wilson answered yes, noting that they would be sure to make it look as pleasing as possible.
Ms. Hyde asked for the applicant’s preference on the color of the returns. Mr. Wilson thought that the black returns would look a bit nicer. The return color samples were viewed again followed by a brief discussion. It was agreed upon that the black returns would be appropriate.
Ms. Fechter noted that a freestanding sign will have to be located at least 10 feet back from the street line for site distance purposes.
Mr. Baldwin asked where the 10 feet is measured from. Ms. Fechter answered the street lines are usually at the curb line but she would have to look at the site plan in order to get an exact measurement. Mr. Baldwin wondered if there would be enough room to fit the monument sign in. Ms. Burke stated that she had been at the site and was able to measure at least 10 feet. Mr. Baldwin agreed with Mr. Layers’ comments that a faux brick base at ground level. He noted that the applicants need to be aware that if the base deteriorates then they will need to replace it out. Mr. Wilson agreed, stating that the sign reflects upon the Hope Center as well as the Town and that they would want to be sure that the sign is presentable.
Chairwoman Damon agreed, stating that the monument sign should also have some type of dedicated landscaping. Mr. Wilson agreed, stating that he will have to check with the company to discuss what can be done. He is sure that some form of landscaping will be installed.
Mr. Baldwin stated, that with respect to the façade sign, the Town regulations state that a façade sign should be centered visually between windows, doors, and other architectural features and that façade sign should not run to the edge of a building wall. He stated that the façade sign that is proposed appears to be running to the edge of the building wall. He asked if there is another sign located around the corner, so that it balances out the look of the building. Ms. Burke answered that there are no other signs located on the building. Mr. Baldwin asked if they had considered centering the sign. Mr. Wilson answered that the proposed location is best served for those traveling down Maple Avenue, westbound and up Park Street towards the building. Mr. Baldwin asked if it proposed on the side and not the front of the building. Mr. Wilson answered yes. Additional discussion followed regarding the location of the sign on the building.
Ms Fechter noted that the proposed location of the facade sign would not be permitted, per Town Code. It is required to be placed on the side of the building that faces the principal street that it is addressed off of. If it were a corner lot then they could have signage on two sides of the building. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the applicants would withdraw the proposal for the façade sign and move forward with the monument sign.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of a monument sign for The Hope Center located at 140 Park Street, SE, (Docket No. BAR-70-07), be approved as follows; the monument sign will be approved as submitted with the notation that it will be located ten feet from the street line. Appropriate landscaping will be installed and maintained around the monument sign, and that the returns for the sign will be black as shown on the submitted rendering.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-1
Nay: Layer
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of a façade sign for The Hope Center located at 140 Park Street, SE, (Docket No. BAR-70-07), be deferred to a later date.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Lanphear
Deferred: 5-0
ITEM NO. 2:
Request for approval of signage for Born 2 Dance Studio located at 245 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-71-07), in the C-1A Special Commercial zoning district; filed by Robert Anderson, of Metro Sign & Design, Inc.
Ms. Azin Mahoozi owner of Born 2 Dance Studio and Mr. Alfredo Pestana owner of the building came forward to speak. Ms. Mahoozi stated that they are proposing a sign that will be similar is design and color to the existing Caffi’s Florist sign.
Chairwoman Damon asked if the business will be located upstairs. Mr. Pestana answered yes. A sample of colors and materials were passed around for the Board to review.
Ms. Hyde asked if it is the same brown as is used on the building. Ms. Mahoozi answered yes, a brownish burgundy. Ms. Hyde thought that it would blend very nicely.
Mr. Lanphear asked if the sign will be illuminated. Ms. Mahoozi answered yes, it will be internally illuminated with fluorescent lamps. A brief discussion followed regarding the proposed brown/burgundy color and that it will match the surrounding signage.
Mr. Baldwin asked if they would consider centering the sign over to the right in order to balance out Caffi’s Florist sign. Mr. Pestana answered that it should not be an issue. Additional discussion followed.
Mr. Layer asked for additional information regarding the plastic material. Ms. Mahoozi answered that it is a standard white plastic that will be fully illuminated. Mr. Layer asked if the florist sign is also illuminated at night. Mr. Pestana answered yes.
Mr. Pestana noted that if they center the sign it will not be where the tenant space is located. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the location, as originally proposed, would be sufficient.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Born 2 Dance Studio located at 245 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-71-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Layer
Second: Hyde
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 3:
Request for approval of color change to the existing freestanding sign located at 131 Church Street, NW, (Docket No. BAR-72-07), in the C-1B Pedestrian zoning district; filed by Mike Pritchard, for Manuel Fesdekjian, owner.
Mr. Mike Pritchard representing the application came forward to speak. Mr. Pritchard stated that Mr. Fesdekjian, who has been the owner of the building since 1990, could not attend. He explained that in 1992 Mr. Fesdekjian obtained a permit for the freestanding sign from the Board. Recently Mr. Pritchard applied to replace one of the existing tenant panel signs. He was told that Mr. Fesdekjian did not have the authority to change the color of the freestanding sign without Board approval. He is present to request approval of the change in colors to green and cream.
Mr. Pritchard explained that there is currently landscaping at the freestanding sign location. He noted that he is also the applicant for Item No. 4. He is requesting approval to change out a tenant panel sign for his business, the Vienna Music Exchange. The panel will take the place of a former tenant. The sign will match the existing sign in color and will be similar to the existing font style and size. The letters are white vinyl applied over green paint.
Ms. Hyde stated that the color of the sign is fine but thought that the arrows shown on the proposal for the replacement tenant panel did not need to be added. It may give it a jumbled look.
Chairwoman Damon stated her agreement with Ms. Hyde’s comments. Mr. Layer thought that the arrows served to emphasize the words “music” on the sign. Additional discussion followed.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Baldwin made a motion that the request for approval of color change to the existing freestanding sign located at 131 Church Street, NW, (Docket No. BAR-72-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Baldwin
Second: Hyde
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 4:
Request for approval of signage for Vienna Music Exchange located at 131 Church Street, NW, (Docket No. BAR-54-07), in the C-1B Pedestrian zoning district; filed by Michael Pritchard, of Vienna Music Exchange.
See Item No. 3 for discussion for this item.
Mr. Lanphear made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Vienna Music Exchange located at 131 Church Street, NW, (Docket No. BAR-54-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Lanphear
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 5:
Request for approval of signage for Cooper located at 319 Mill Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-73-07), in the CM Limited zoning district; filed by Rob Carpenter, of Patrick Signs, Inc.
Mr. Jon Nusbaum of Patrick Signs and Mr. Phil Downs owner of Cooper Companies came forward to speak. Mr. Nusbaum stated that the applicant has recently refurbished and repainted the building. They would like to install a façade sign that will be located on the front near the entrance, centered in an area between the left side of the building and first window. It is an industrial style of business so that the sign will be non-illuminated. The letters are ½” thick, soft plated aluminum. They will have a baked enamel finish in black enamel. The double “C” will be in a frosted blue that is also baked enamel. Samples of materials and colors were passed around for the Board to review.
Chairwoman noted that she loved the sign and thought that it is terrific.
Ms. Hyde agreed, stating that it is a terrific sign.
Mr. Baldwin asked if they considered illuminating the sign from the overhang. He noted that the neighboring sign has an illuminated sign. Mr. Downs stated that they have already changed the lighting to a more contemporary fixture above all of the doors. They have also upgraded the overhang so that it will shine down upon the sign.
Mr. Layer agreed with the previous comments stating that it is a very nice sign. He asked who designed the sign. Mr. Downs answered Patrick Signs.
Ms. Fechter asked about the light fixtures. Mr. Downs answered that they were existing fixtures and match what they had before.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Cooper located at 319 Mill Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-73-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Layer
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 6:
Request for approval of signage for Starbucks located at 359 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-74-07), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Amy Patton, of Gable Signs & Graphics Inc.
Ms. Amy Patton representing Gable Signs & Graphics, Inc. came forward to speak. Ms. Patton stated that they are requesting approval to install a sign at their new location in the Giant store located at 359 Maple Avenue, East. She noted that it will be non-illuminated, stud mounted with letters on the wall. There will be two, 2 foot diameter Starbucks medallion signs in the window.
Chairwoman Damon wanted to be sure that the greens match the Giant green. Ms. Fechter did not believe that it was the exact same green. She presented the approved green for the Giant sign. Additional discussion followed and was determined that both greens are close enough in color to not be an issue.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Lanphear made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Starbucks located at 359 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-74-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Lanphear
Second: Layer
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 7:
Request for approval to replace an existing retaining wall at The Clock Shop located at 109 Church Street, NW, (Docket No. BAR-75-07), in the C-1B Pedestrian zoning district; filed by Donald J. Sobel, of The Clock Shop.
Mr. Donald J. Sobel owner of the Clock Shop came forward to speak. Mr. Sobel stated that the back part of their parking lot has had an existing retaining wall. Building construction on either side of the store has damaged both ends of the retaining wall. The wall has been at the location for approximately 20 plus years. They had an opportunity while construction was taking place to replace the damaged retaining wall. In the interest of time and money, they have already replaced the retaining wall. The wall was replaced per Fairfax County building specifications for standard retaining walls. A sample of materials was presented for review by the Board.
Mr. Layer noted that he is recused from the item.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval to replace an existing retaining wall at The Clock Shop located at 109 Church Street, NW, (Docket No. BAR-75-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-0-1
Recused: Layer
ITEM NO. 8:
Request for approval of signage for Rite-Aid located at 215 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-76-07), in the C-1A Special Commercial zoning district; filed by Ken Padgett, of J & M Services, Inc.
Mr. Ken Padgett representing the application came forward to speak. Mr. Padgett stated that they are in the process of converting Eckerd Pharmacies to Rite-Aids. Eckerd has purchased Rite-Aid but has decided to trade under the Rite-Aid name nationally as it has a stronger market hold.
Chairwoman Damon asked that any marks leftover from the previous signs be patched and covered up. Mr. Padgett agreed. Chairwoman Damon asked, with respect to the freestanding sign, if they are just changing out the name. Mr. Padgett agreed, stating that they will re-face the existing frame on site.
Mr. Layer noted that the Plexiglas would need to be a minimum of 3/16” in thickness. Mr. Padgett stated that will not be an issue.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the freestanding sign will be illuminated. Mr. Padgett answered yes, stating that they are illuminated with fluorescent tubing. Mr. Baldwin noted that the façade sign appears to be a bit subdued against the building. He wondered if they considered continuing the design of blue and white as shown on the freestanding sign to also be on the building. Mr. Padgett explained that Rite-Aid does not mix colors on their building signs. The building sign can be either white or blue. If the Board chooses he can change out the panel color from white to blue.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Baldwin made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Rite-Aid located at 215 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-76-07), be approved with the notation that the Plexiglas will be a minimum of 3/16 inch thickness.
Motion: Baldwin
Second: Hyde
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 9:
Request for approval of signage for AT&T located at 527 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-77-07), in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Amanda Harrison, of Ark Sign Services Inc.
Ms. Amanda Harrison representing the application came forward. Ms. Harrison stated that they are replacing out the signs to reflect AT&T. The pylon sign panel will be replaced and non-illuminated.
Chairwoman Damon asked if the freestanding sign has been approved by the shopping center. Ms. Harrison agreed. Chairwoman Damon asked if the colors will match the existing colors of the shopping center. Ms. Harrison answered yes.
Mr. Layer asked if everything is just being replaced out the same. The name on the sign will be the only change. Ms. Harrison answered yes.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of signage for AT&T located at 527 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-77-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Layer
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 5-0
ITEM NO. 10:
Request for approval of exterior building modifications, additions, deck, roof, and canopies for the Michele Renee for Hair located at 165 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-78-07), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Thomas F. Kyllo, of The Kyllo Group.
Mr. Michele Suissa owner and Mr. Thomas Kyllo, Architect came forward to speak. Mr. Kyllo presented proposed building improvements to the Board. He explained that they would like to renovate the building, giving it a face-lift and bringing it up to current design standards. A lot of their clients need better access to the building. They currently do not have a lift or elevator in the building so there are plans to install a lift in the rear addition, which will gain better access to the second floor. Towards the rear portion of the building there is currently a deck located above habitable space. There are exposure issues with the existing deck so that the building is taking on water. They would like to cover the area up in order to better protect the area.
Mr. Kyllo referred the rendering of proposed improvements stating that they are going to try to take the building back to a more historical look by removing the paint on the brick by about 20% creating a whitewashed look. The additions will be finished with a similar 20% whitewashing to match the existing building. Metal canopies, a clock feature, black wrought-iron railings and a standing seam metal roof are some of the design features included for the proposed improvements to the site.
Chairwoman Damon asked if the proposed awnings will be place over the signage for the businesses. Mr. Kyllo answered no, explaining that they have not determined the location for the new signs. They will be back at a later time to present a sign package for both the facade signs and a freestanding sign to the Board. Chairwoman Damon asked if the lift will take up any parking spaces. Mr. Suissa stated that there is a railing that takes up three of their parking spaces. He asked if they could receive approval to remove it. Ms. Fechter thought that it was a safety code requirement. Additional discussion followed.
Mr. Layer stated that with respect to the railing now would be the time to come up with a proposal to the Town for an alternative to the railing. He added that the proposed improvements are very nice.
Chairwoman Damon agreed, stating that she liked the addition of the clock feature on the building.
Ms. Hyde asked if they have selected the clock and, if so, do they know the exact dimensions and what it will look like. Mr. Kyllo answered that they have not selected the specific clock as of yet. Ms. Hyde asked if the proportions will remain similar as is shown on the rendering. Mr. Kyllo answered yes. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the application will require approval of a specific clock. The applicants will bring it back before the Board for review when it has been chosen.
Ms. Fechter noted that the applicant may want to hold a work session with the Board to discuss a master sign plan.
Ms. Hyde asked for a sample of the cornice material. Ms. Fechter answered that a sample had not been provided. Mr. Kyllo stated that he can provide a sample of the building material and a cornice profile that they plan on using as it will be a custom piece. Ms. Hyde asked if they have exact dimensions of the canopy along with the roofing material for over the deck. Mr. Kyllo explained that the roof over the deck will be EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) roof, which is a flat roof with a slight pitch to it. A cornice will be run around it. Ms. Hyde asked if it will be forest green. Mr. Kyllo answered no, explaining that it cannot be seen from below. Ms. Hyde noted that the proposed improvements are a perfect example of what the Town was hoping for when they upgraded the streetscape.
Mr. Baldwin agreed, stating that it is nice when business owners take the time to lovingly renovate a historic building. He congratulated the applicant on their sense of civic responsibility adding that the design could not be better.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of exterior building modifications, additions, deck, roof, and canopies for the Michele Renee for Hair located at 165 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-78-07), be approved with the following stipulations; that a sample of the profile and cornice material will be provided to staff, the dimensions of the canopies will match the individual shop fronts, and that the clock and sign package will be submitted to the Board for review at a later date. The Board is available to participate in a work session in order to discuss signage if the applicant so chooses.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Layer
Carried: 5-0
NEW BUSINESS:
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:24.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer M. Murphy
Board Clerk