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Minutes
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
MINUTES
December 18, 2008
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, David Lanphear, and Paul Layer. Staff members Linnea E. Fechter, Senior Planner and Jennifer Murphy, Board Clerk are present. Laine Hyde is absent.
ROLL CALL:
Ms. Murphy called roll. Ms. Hyde is absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Layer made a motion that the November 20, 2008, meeting minutes be approved as drafted. Mr. Baldwin seconded the motion.
Motion: Layer
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 1:
Request for approval of signage for Mr. Wash located at 540 Maple Ave, W, (Docket No. BAR-92-08), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Ruth Van Landingham, of Service Neon Signs Inc.
Ms. Ruth Van Landingham of Service Neon Signs was present on behalf of the application. Ms. Van Landingham stated that Mr. Wash is changing their corporate image for the Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia region. They are proposing to re-face the existing signs and will not be changing any of the sign boxes.
Samples of materials were passed around for the Board to review. Chairwoman Damon noted that the proposal is a much more interesting sign than the existing. It conveys the services of the business in a much more artistic manor.
Mr. Layer asked if they are only replacing with new face panels. Ms. Van Landingham answered yes. Mr. Layer asked if the upper portion of the pylon sign will have a white field. Ms. Van Landingham noted on the rendering the correct background for the proposed signage.
Mr. Lanphear stated that he has no questions but noted that the proposed sign will be a nice upgrade to the site. Ms. Van Landingham thanked Mr. Lanphear for his comments.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the backgrounds shown are meant to be bubbles. Ms. Van Landingham answered yes. Mr. Baldwin asked if the background for the two lower panels will be a slightly darker blue than the top panel. A brief discussion followed. All panels will be the same shade of blue. Mr. Baldwin stated would mean that they are introducing four colors. Ms. Van Landingham agreed.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Baldwin made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Mr. Wash located at 540 Maple Ave, W, (Docket No. BAR-92-08), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Baldwin
Second: Lanphear
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 2:
Request for approval of exterior modifications to Walgreens Retail Store located at 225 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-93-08), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Rick Neuhaus, of Korte Design.
Mr. Edward Umbrell of Bohler Engineering was present on behalf of the applicant. Mr. Umbrell introduced Mr. Rick Neuhaus and Mr. Grant Ramsey of Korte Design along with Ms. Nancy Regio of Walgreens Retail store. Mr. Umbrell stated that they are presenting exterior building modifications and will be back next month to present a sign package.
Mr. Umbrell explained that the applicant, Walgreens will be moving to 225 Maple Avenue, East, the site formerly used by Safeway. He stated that the site will also include an additional tenant that is yet to be determined. Mr. Umbrell proceeded to present proposed site modifications which include landscaping on the traffic islands, resurfacing the parking lot, and removal of some shopping cart corrals to allow for additional handicapped spaces per ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements. He noted that the building footprint will remain the same and that a second dumpster will be added to the site.
Mr. Umbrell stated that they will be back to present signage and dumpster enclosure elevations at the January BAR meeting. The sign package will also include a monument sign for Walgreens and the unnamed tenant.
Mr. Rick Neuhaus architect for Korte Design presented building height elevations to the Board. Mr. Neuhaus restated that the building façade will not change very much. The sides and rear of the building will remain as is. They will attempt to clean up the façade by simplifying and refreshing its look. He explained that the brick façade will remain so that they are only replacing the store front system. The opening will be moved over. The Walgreens side will reach a height of 7 ½ feet with a brick and storefront window system located above. The existing canopy system will remain as the framing is a part of the original building structure with roof elements attached. He stated that to modify it would be an endeavor. He stated that they are essentially taking the framing, re-skinning it with metal stud and an EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System) system to refresh the store front and leave the rest of the structure as is. He noted that the infill brick will match the existing brick.
Chairwoman Damon asked if the Walgreens entrance will be located directly under the logo sign shown on the rendering. Mr. Neuhaus answered yes. Chairwoman Damon asked if the other doors shown are new. Mr. Neuhaus answered yes, stating that they are for the future tenant. Chairwoman Damon asked if the tenant’s entranceway is also a part of the same application. Mr. Neuhaus answered yes, stating that the storefront across the entire façade will be new.
Mr. Lanphear asked if the proposed sign will be located above the store window. Mr. Neuhaus answered yes, explaining that it will be located along the existing fascia canopy system. Mr. Lanphear asked if the dumpster enclosure is a part of the application. Ms. Fechter answered no, explaining that it was not included in the submittal of information. She stated that the applicant may want to include that information with their sign package for the January meeting. Mr. Neuhaus agreed, stating that they intend to screen the dumpsters.
Mr. Layer asked about the inter-parcel access, located adjacent to the Vienna Marketplace shopping center. He stated that currently there is curbing located there. He asked if they plan on removing it. Mr. Umbrell explained that they have been in contact with the owner of Vienna Marketplace. They are in the process of working out a parking agreement. Mr. Layer asked if the site plan has already been approved. Mr. Umbrell explained that according to the Zoning Administrator, Mr. Greg Hembree, they do not require a formal Site Plan review as they are not making changes that would warrant one. Mr. Neuhaus stated that if there is curbing located at the site then it will remain. They do not wish to make any changes that will affect the site plan. Mr. Layer noted that it is a low curb as the adjacent parking lot was paved up to the curb. As a result patrons of the shopping center often drive over it to get to the adjacent parking lot. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the applicants are not making any substantial changes to the lot. They intend to repave and restripe the lot with the same striping pattern.
Mr. Layer asked if they intend to wash the existing brick. Mr. Neuhaus answered that the surface will be pressure washed with infill brick installed to match. Mr. Layer stated that it is common for the Board members to provide feedback as a part of their review process. He stated that when proposed changes are presented they only have one moment to comment and the project remains the same. Walgreens is a national chain and as such will probably be in the Town for a long time. He does not have any issues with the proposed materials but felt underwhelmed by the proposed design elevation. He is familiar with the procedure for utilizing EIFS on metal studs and styrofoam to create a stucco esque type of look. He noted that they have not taken advantage of what EIFS can do. The result is that there is no articulation to the façade of the building. He stated that the neighboring building, Vienna Marketplace did a good job of utilizing EIFS creating a much more interesting dimension to the building. It would not add an extravagant cost to the project. He stated that the current proposal seemed architecturally underdeveloped. He paraphrased a quote from architect Charles Moore stating, that architecture should strive to make things just a little better than its neighbors. That way, accumulatively everything will be that much better off. He stated that he personally tries to adhere to that philosophy. The neighbor, Vienna Marketplace upgraded from what was previously there. The subject building has been there as long as he has been in Town, which is thirteen years. The chosen materials are valid materials but they could look towards their neighbor to come up with more articulation on the building façade. Doing so would give them a much better presence in the Town.
Mr. Neuhaus agreed, stating that they would have to review Mr. Layer’s comments and determine what can be done. He stated that it is a simple straightforward building. They do not want to get too involved in the façade. Mr. Layer agreed, stating that they could be simple features such as copings or something that breaks up the panels in order to provide architectural identification to the other door. He stated that architecturally the proposal seemed as if there is only one entranceway. The other door looks like an exit for Walgreens. He explained that a work session is often helpful in order to flesh out ideas and for Board members to offer input. Additional discussion followed regarding meeting for a work session. It was determined that due to the upcoming holiday and filing deadline a work session would not be feasible for the applicant’s time constraints.
Mr. Lanphaer stated that currently there are a number of No Parking signs at the site. He asked if they will be removed. Mr. Umbrell answered that it is his understanding that they will be removed.
Mr. Baldwin asked if they are proposing to remove any existing trees. Mr. Umbrell answered no, stating that all of the trees are in good shape but they do intend to supplement the existing landscaping with smaller plants. He stated that there will not be any heavy construction equipment used at the site that will inflict damage to the existing landscaping.
There being no further discussion on the proposed application a motion was in order.
Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of exterior modifications to Walgreens Retail Store located at 225 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-93-08) be approved in its entirety with the exception of the EIFS Architectural system, which will be pending further discussion.
Motion: Layer
Second: Lanphear
Carried: 4-0
Discussion continued with the applicant regarding suitable options of architectural elements as they would be unable to meet with the Board for a work session. Mr. Layer sketched out alternative features that are similar to the architectural features found on the neighboring Vienna Market. Mr. Lanphear presented a Google image of an existing Walgreens similar to that of Mr. Layer’s sketch. Mr. Layer noted that the design would call for the same EIFS materials, which would not increase overall cost to the project.
Mr. Neuhaus asked for thoughts or comments on their proposed signage. Mr. Layer made recommendations for locations on the building. He stated that he is fine with the proposed colors and materials. Mr. Umbrell presented a rendering option for a monument sign. He stated that the sign would be approximately 7 feet wide and 20 feet tall with a brick base. Chairwoman Damon stated that the Town is trying to bring monument signs down to eye level and not go up. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the applicants would email design concepts to staff. The applicant will come back before the Board at the January 15th meeting. The application will include new proposed elevations, dumpster enclosure, and proposed signage.
Mr. Umbrell and Mr. Neuhaus thanked the Board for their time and input.
There being no further discussion the applicants were seated.
ITEM NO. 3:
Request for approval of new building elevations located at 256 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-94-08), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Ziad Elias Demian, of Demian\Wilbur\Architects.
This Item was withdrawn from the Agenda as there remaining issues related to the site plan.
NEW BUSINESS:
Chairwoman Damon asked staff if a neon “Open” sign and cocktail glass image is allowed per Town Code. Ms. Fechter answered that any sign that is not large than 1 ½ square feet is allowed. She noted that it cannot move, rotate, or flash. Chairwoman Damon stated that an issue was brought up years back where a business wanted to install a neon sign with a cocktail glass, which was not allowed at the time. Ms. Fechter reiterated that so long as it is not larger than 1 ½ square feet then it is permitted.
Chairwoman Damon asked for the status on the unapproved window sign for Signature Tile and Bath. Ms. Fechter answered that when it had been brought up at the last Board meeting in November they were attempting to contact the owners. She stated that they have been able to get in contact with the owners and have been given a December 30th deadline for filing an application. She stated that they were also informed that they cannot cover more than 25% or 10 square feet, whichever is smaller, of window area. She hoped that an application would be submitted by the December 30th deadline otherwise they would be forced to fine them. Chairwoman Damon thanked Ms. Fechter for the information.
Chairwoman Damon wished everyone a Happy Holidays.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:58 PM.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer M. Murphy
Board Clerk