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Minutes
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
MINUTES
December 20, 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, and David Lanphear. Also present were Linnea E. Fechter, Senior Planner, and Julie Morris, Planner. Paul Layer and Board Clerk, Jennifer Murphy are absent.
ROLL CALL:
Ms. Morris called roll. Mr. Layer is absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Lanphear made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 15, 2007, meeting as submitted. Ms. Hyde seconded the motion.
Motion: Lanphear
Secnd: Hyde
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 1:
Request for approval of signage for AT&T located at 211 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-95-07), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Ron Hamed, of Econo Signs.
Mr. Ron Hamed of Econo Signs came forward to speak. Mr. Hamed stated that they have changed the colors of the proposal to match the signage in the shopping center. Samples of colors and materials were passes around for the Board to review.
Chairwoman Damon noted that the design of the sign had not changed from the previous application. Mr. Hamed agreed, stating that they have changed the color of the AT&T logo from blue to ivory. The sign is a white, front-lit channel letter. The logo will be both black and white. The returns will also be black.
Mr. Lanphear asked if there would be a change in the text from the previous application. Mr. Hamed answered no it will remain the same.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the sign would be visible from the street. Mr. Hamed answered yes. Mr. Baldwin noted that it is similar to the Chipotle sign that is located next door.
Ms. Fechter asked the applicant if the sign “AT&T Authorized Retailer” in aluminum will be painted white. Mr. Hamed answered yes. Ms. Fechter asked if the sign will be illuminated also. Mr. Hamed answered no.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Lanphear made a motion that the request for approval of signage for AT&T located at 211 Maple Avenue, East (Docket No. BAR-95-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Lanphear
Second: Hyde
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 2:
Request for approval of signage for Vienna Pediatric Dentistry located at 301 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-98-07), in the C-1A Special Commercial zoning district; filed by Sarah Ganjavi-Rejali, of Vienna Pediatric Dentistry.
Mr. Fred Rejali and Dr. Sarah Ganjavi-Rejali came forward to speak. Mr. Rejali stated that as an attorney he does know Mr. Baldwin, Attorney Representative to the Board. He did not feel that it was a conflict; he felt that it should be disclosed before discussing the application.
Mr. Rejali stated that the application is for his wife’s business, which is located in the 301 Maple Avenue complex. It is an existing building with six sign boxes located on the outside of the building. They are proposing for an acrylic panel sign to be placed over an existing sign box and will be lit from within. They have submitted two requests. Both include their proposed logo. They prefer the rendering shown on the left that includes a full color logo. The other option includes the logo but the colors have been limited and subdued. They did not feel that the proposed colors would be an issue as the building sits back from the street.
Chairwoman Damon explained that there is a master sign plan of approved colors for the building. The approved plan does not include logos and additional colors. If an application deviates from that plan then the Board must review it and determine approval. In the past, they have approved signage with logos but they were not introducing new colors. She liked the proposal but was not certain how they could introduce new colors to that location. She asked if they could come up with a design that utilized the same colors.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the sign would face Maple Avenue. Mr. Rejali answered yes, they all do. Mr. Baldwin asked for the dimensions of the sign box. Ms. Fechter answered 30” x 8’. Mr. Baldwin stated that the children depicted in the logo would be a substantial size. He stated that although this does introduce additional colors, which is a legitimate concern for the Board, there is a difference in being conforming and being dull. If they are going to include a human form on a sign they ought to be able to make it lifelike. He agreed that the preferred option does make the image look more lifelike. The first option does introduce more colors than he would be used to seeing in a logo and thought that it might be appropriate under the circumstances.
Mr. Rejali stated that children do like the logo. Their targeted audience is children and their parents. They are trying to make an impression upon parents as an office that is kind and warm. He did not feel that it would conflict with any of the existing signs on the building.
Ms. Hyde stated that individual logos are not that visible from the street. For the purposes of identification the logo would not be helpful. Ownership of the building is not relevant, as a master sign plan has been approved for the building and not for the specific owner. With respect to the existing tenants, the neighboring tenant’s signs do conform to the master sign plan. Approving the proposed sign will make it extremely difficult for the Board to say no to future, replacement, or existing tenants who may try to introduce multiple colors. She stated that she would have to support the original master sign plan and vote against the application.
Mr. Lanphear asked if there is another option to revisit the master sign plan. Ms. Fechter answered that she was not aware of any master sign plans having been revised. She stated that it had been the intent of the original owners to make it easier for future tenants of the building so that they would not have to come before the Board to get approval of their signage. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the Board could not approve a sign that was introducing seven additional colors.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Vienna Pediatric Dentistry located at 301 Maple Avenue, West (Docket No. BAR-98-07), be deferred.
Motion to Defer: Hyde
Second: Lanphear
Deferred: 4-0
ITEM NO. 3:
Request for approval of signage for Bodytize located at 111-A Park Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-99-07), in the C-1A Special Commercial; filed by Rosita Benitez, of Bodytize LLC.
Ms. Rosita Benitez, owner came forward to speak. Ms. Benitez stated that they are proposing to replace an existing sign panel to reflect her new business. She noted that they would only be introducing one color to the signage.
Chairwoman Damon stated that the existing signage on the light box has white with black lettering. She stated that the applicant is proposing to place a black sign panel with white lettering and a pink fluorescent accent. She liked the look but was concerned that the proposal is not harmonious with the rest of the building. The applicant may want to consider reversing the proposal to a white background with black lettering, keeping the pink accent as is. It would match the existing signage.
Mr. Baldwin stated that they could also consider changing the background to a white panel with a black outline around each letter. Ms. Benitez agreed that it was a good idea but was concerned that the outline would widen the lettering too much. She stated that they are amenable to reversing the letter color and background as Chairwoman Damon suggested. Additional discussion followed.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Baldwin made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Bodytize located at 111A Park Street, NE (Docket No. BAR-99-07), be approved with the change that the sign background will be in white and the lettering will be in black. The pink accent, as shown on the application will remain the same.
Motion: Baldwin
Second: Hyde
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 4:
Request for approval of signage for Aditi located at 405 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-100-07), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by G. Suku Nair, of Intercontinental Enterprises VA, Inc.
Mr. G. Suku Nair came forward to speak. Mr. Nair stated that he is present on behalf of his father the owner. He stated that everything will remain the same as was previously approved but they are requesting a change the approved text from “Fresh Bites” to “Bistro.” He explained that they are currently in dealings with possible investors for future locations. The investors have expressed concern that the name may have a negative connotation as they are trying to convey a classier image. The intent is to convey a fast casual environment similar to some of the popular restaurants. He invited everyone to come by when they reopen.
Mr. Lanphear asked if everything else is the same. Mr. Nair agreed. Mr. Lanphear asked if the freestanding sign would still read “Aditi.” Mr. Nair answered yes. He stated that even though they occupy three different tenant slots, they have been given one sign slot. A brief discussion followed regarding sign space.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Aditi located at 405 Maple Avenue, East (Docket No. BAR-107-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Lanphear
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 5:
Request for approval of exterior alterations /additions and signage for Vienna Elementary School located at 128 Center Street, S, (Docket No. BAR-101-07), in the RM-2, Multi-Family, Low Density, PR-Park and Recreational, and C-2, General Commercial zones; filed by Leslie Sluger, of FCPS/BerryRio.
Mr. Mark Hilti, Project Coordinator for Fairfax County Public schools came forward to speak. Mr. Hilti stated that they are proposing to renovate the Vienna Elementary School providing a 15,000 square foot addition.
Mr. Baldwin stated that they received two pages from a website. Mr. Hilti explained that they printed examples of metal panels that they are proposing. Mr. Baldwin asked for clarification as to where the sign will be located. The location of the sign was noted on the rendering for the Board.
Chairwoman Damon noted that they had a very successful work session with the applicants. She commended the architects and all those involved in their efforts in improving this classic elementary school. She had wished that Louis Archer Elementary had done something along the same lines. She invited Boy Scouts Troop 976, sitting in the audience to come up to view the proposed renderings and thanked them for attending the meeting.
Mr. Bill Brown of Berry Rio Architects came forward to present. Mr. Brown stated that they have worked very hard on the project. It has gone through many phases of review such as peer review with Fairfax County’s Design and Construction. They have tried to respect the history of the building itself. Some of the existing additions built onto the building did not respect the original 1924 portions of the building. They tried to make the proportion and character of the building unify with the portions renovated.
Mr. Brown noted the locations of the proposed improvements on the rendering. Improvements include a new Media Center, Library, and new Cafeteria.
Chairwoman Damon commended the applicants on their efforts stating that they have done a wonderful job.
Mr. Brown noted the location where the school bell will be housed. He stated that it will be seen through a glazed entryway and will be lit at night. Chairwoman Damon asked if the bell rings. Mr. Brown answered no, not at this time.
Ms. Hyde agreed with Chairwoman Damon’s comments stating that the presentation at the work session had been outstanding. She asked for additional information on the sign.
Mr. Brown noted the location of the proposed freestanding sign on the site plan. He stated that it would be an illuminated box type sign with two masonry elements that will have a pre-cast cap on the piers. The sign box will have a hinged door so that information can be changed out. The top portion, which will be permanent will read, “Vienna Elementary School.” The letters will be an eggshell or off white. The background will be white with black lettering. Ms. Fechter asked for clarification on the proposed lettering for the sign. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the applicant needs to provide staff material samples for the lettering when they are determined. The Board will come in at a later time to review the samples. A majority approval will be required.
Ms. Hyde asked for additional information on the exterior lighting plan for the building. Mr. Brown stated that they are typical light packs to be installed at the entrance/exit ways for safety purposes. Ms. Hyde asked if the only signage to be placed on the building would be the numbers that identify the exits. Mr. Brown answered yes and the “127” address numbers required by the Fire Marshall Department.
Mr. Baldwin stated that the “red band” shown on the presentation renderings is not on the drawings submitted to the Board. He asked if the “red band” is a part of the design. Mr. Brown answered yes. Mr. Baldwin asked if the new atrium will have a red roof. Mr. Brown answered yes. Mr. Baldwin asked if the red accent would be carried over. Mr. Brown answered yes.
Ms. Fechter noted that on the landscape plan some of the proposed trees are not shown as 4-inch caliper. Mr. Brown stated that they do have their landscape architect present who can address those questions.
Ms. Donna Pivet, Landscape Architect of Adteck Engineers came forward to present. Ms. Pivet stated they would try to make sure that all of the proposed trees meet the 4-inch caliper requirement.
Ms. Pivet presented the proposed landscape plan for the project, which included buffering components between the parking area and the park. Leland Cypresses will be planted to provide a buffer between the library and the school. October Glory Red Maples and Willow Oakes will be placed at the parking lot portion. Ornamental Cherry trees will be placed along Center Street, South. Some ground cover will to be placed down the slope next to the library parking lot. Landscaping will provide shade in the parking area and will be consistent with the plantings located along the right of way. She had met with the Town Arborist, Mr. Mark Allen on several occasions to make sure that they are consistent with the Town’s plantings.
Ms. Pivet stated that she is concerned that they will have difficulty in providing 4-inch caliper sized trees. They can be difficult to find and asked if there is any leeway with the requirements. Ms. Fechter stated that it is not a Town Code requirement but a Board requirement, as they require that all landscaping be a minimum of 4 inches when planting. She explained that in the past trees were being planted that were too small, toppling over during heavy storms. Ms. Pivet stated that because of the size the root structure can become compromised when lifting it out of the ground. A third of the root structure ends up being left in the ground and the trees die a slow death. The risk is that the root system gets damaged, there is a larger cost involved and the tree ends up dying. Landscaping for a school is difficult as there is not enough care for new landscaping. A smaller tree tends to have better survivability than a larger tree. Additional discussion followed regarding the required caliper of tree. It was determined that the Board would need to discuss the matter further with the Town Arborist in order to change their determination.
Mr. Baldwin asked for clarification of the numbers noted on the site plan. Ms. Pivet explained that the numbers are ID numbers for the existing trees. Mr. Baldwin asked for information on the lower left portion of the site plan. Ms. Pivet explained that currently there are two or three retaining walls that are in poor condition. The intention is to remove the walls and re-grade the area. Additional discussion followed regarding the trees that are to be removed as they undermine the stone retaining wall.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of exterior alterations, additions, and signage for Vienna Elementary School located at 128 Center Street, South (Docket No. BAR-101-07) be approved with the following stipulations: That the samples of the standing seam metal roof used, as replacement on the existing building and on the new building will be provided to staff. Samples of colors and materials for the freestanding sign also need to be submitted to staff so that Board members can come in individually for review of the materials. A majority approval will be required. The proposed trees on the landscaping plan have a minimum 4-inch caliper requirement.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Lanphear
Carried: 4-0
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Hyde asked staff if the umbrellas located at the Noodles and Co. were approved to have text. Ms. Fechter stated that she would have to review the file, as she was not present at the time of the approval. Ms. Hyde stated that the umbrellas now have logos and additional text on them. She stated that they are always denying applicants the ability to place extraneous signage at their business. It is only fair that they be held to the same standard.
Chairwoman Damon noted that a business called “The Music Box” has placed their sign up without Board approval. Ms. Fechter agreed, stating that she had noticed the same sign and is looking into it.
Chairwoman Damon wished everyone a good holiday season.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 9:43.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer M. Murphy
Board Clerk