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Minutes
BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW
MINUTES
July 19, 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 Paul Layer. Also present were Linnea E. Fechter, Senior Planner, and Jennifer M. Murphy, Board Clerk. David Lanphear is absent.
ROLL CALL:
Ms. Murphy called roll. Mr. Lanphear is absent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Mr. Layer asked if the Chair was noted as being present in the heading of the minutes. Ms. Hyde answered yes, stating that it is noted in the previous sentence.
There being no further questions or discussion a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the minutes from the June 21, 2007, meeting be approved as submitted. Mr. Baldwin seconded the motion.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 1:
Request for approval of signage for Potomac Bank located at 414 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-62-07), in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Jon P. Nusbaum, of Patrick Signs, Inc.
Mr. Jon P. Nusbaum of Patrick Signs, Inc. came forward to speak. Mr. Nusbaum stated that they are representing Potomac Bank. He explained that the bank felt that the approved logo would be too much of a distortion of their registered trade mark. They have since come up with an alternative design that is 40% smaller than the original proposal, maintains the integrity of the logo and keeps in mind the Board’s request limiting the colors to two.
Chairwoman Damon stated that they had also requested that the colors be harmonious to the neighbor’s business, which are blue and white. She noted that although they are reducing the size of the graphic, they are not selecting colors that will be harmonious to the neighboring business. Freestanding signs located along Maple Avenue are in the same color range. They do not introduce different colors on the freestanding signs.
Mr. Layer asked if the color of the letters proposed will be black. Mr. Nusbaum answered yes. Mr. Layer asked if the previous request had black lettering. Mr. Nusbaum answered yes.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the gold outline is a part of the invested branding for the business. Mr. Nusbaum answered yes, it is an established trademark. Mr. Baldwin agreed that it does make the freestanding sign a bit busy as there are a few colors shown. He stated that their guidelines limit their restrictions to garishness, which he felt it was close to, but did not appear to be too much for him.
Chairwoman Damon noted that the Town Code does discuss adjacent buildings needing to be harmonious to one another. Mr. Baldwin agreed. Chairwoman Damon stated that it is an introduction of new colors to two buildings that sit next to one another. She stated that she does have a problem introducing new colors as it will “open up a can of worms.” Mr. Baldwin noted that he did not have his copy of the Town Code with him but he would have to review it to see what the outside parameters are. As a matter of taste, he agreed that it did make the sign look busy. He was not certain how to make the sign more harmonious so long as the gold color was used. Chairwoman Damon reiterated that the neighboring sign is blue and white. The applicant is introducing black and gold to the building fascia. With respect to the freestanding sign, they have always tried to maintain the same colors.
Ms. Hyde asked the applicant if they had any flexibility with respect to changing the black lettering of the logo to a dark navy color. Mr. Nusbaum answered that they are hoping to maintain the gold logo, as was approved at the May meeting. He felt that he could convince the bank to change over to dark blue. He is not back because of a color request as they need to revamp the approved text layout. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the applicant would be willing change out the black to a dark blue. Mr. Nusbaum will bring in revised renderings to be reviewed by the members of the Board.
Chairwoman Damon requested that the applicants be sure to cover up and/or fix any holes left from the previous sign. Mr. Nusbaum agreed.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Potomac Bank located at 414 Maple Avenue, E, (Docket No. BAR-62-07), be approved with the following changes; that the text, the center swath of the logo, and the surround of the sign will be changed from black to a dark blue, the specific color will be brought in to be reviewed and/or approve by a majority of the Board.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 2:
Request for approval of signage for STS Builders located at 227 Mill Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-63-07), in the CM Limited zoning district; filed by Howard Miller, of CFS Signs.
Mr. Layer stated that he is recused from the item.
Mr. Randy Rye, of Service Neon Signs Inc., representing the application came forward to speak. Mr. Rye stated that they are requesting to install a non-illuminated sign on the face of the building. A sample of materials was passed around for review by the Board members.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Baldwin made a motion that the request for approval of signage for STS Builders located at 227 Mill Street, NE, (Docket No. BAR-63-07), be approved as submitted.
Motion: Baldwin
Second: Hyde
Carried: 3-0-1
Abstain: Layer
ITEM NO. 3:
Request for approval of signage for Vienna Shopping Center, LLC located at 116-124 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-64-07), in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Eleanor Pascale, as an agent for Vienna Shopping Center, LLC.
There being no one present the application was discussed without representation.
Ms. Hyde asked for material samples. A sample of materials was passed around for review. Ms. Fechter explained that the applicant never went through a master sign plan review process. The applicant had assumed that the variance approval sufficed for a master sign plan. It came to staff attention when one of the signs was recently changed out. She noted that the signs are already up. The applicant would like to obtain a master sign plan so that future tenants do not need to come back every time the sign is changed out.
Chairwoman Damon asked if there is a shadow effect leftover from old signage, when changing out the new sign. Ms. Fechter was not certain, and thought that the shopping center replaced the entire awning every time. If they would like, staff can notify the shopping center if there is ever an issue of leftover residue from the vinyl lettering.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the lettering is white or light blue. Ms. Fechter answered that it is white vinyl lettering that is placed on a blue awning.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of signage for Vienna Shopping Center, LLC located at 116-124 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-64-07), be approved with the stipulation that any residual staining will be cleaned before new tenant signs are applied.
Motion: Layer
Second: Baldwin
Carried: 4-0
ITEM NO. 4:
Request for approval of signage and a new awning for PNC Bank located at 302 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-65-07), in the C-1A Special Commercial zoning district; filed by Charles Erwin, of Jack Stone Sign Co.
Mr. Charles Erwin of Jack Stone Sign Co., representing PNC Bank came forward to speak. Mr. Erwin stated that they are proposing to replace the sign panel in an existing sign cabinet that will identify PNC Bank at its new location. Mercantile Potomac has merged into PNC Bank requiring new identification. The existing awning will be recovered with a different color fabric. The awning currently has signage on it but PNC Bank has opted not to replace it. The staff report indicates that they are not certain if the sign will be illuminated. He stated that the sign will be illuminated.
Chairwoman Damon stated that the sign being requested will be introducing three new colors to the freestanding sign. The colors that exist are the Duranodic bronze and white. Introducing three new colors to the freestanding sign is not adding to the beautification of the Town of Vienna. She would consider having the corporate colors on the awning but would not be able to approve the introduction of colors onto the freestanding sign.
Mr. Baldwin asked if the tenant sign that they are replacing is currently dark brown. Mr. Erwin thought that there were elements of color on the existing sign. He stated that it is difficult to discern the colors from the photograph. Mr. Baldwin thought that the wording “Ophthalmology” is in dark blue. Mr. Erwin agreed, stating that the Doctors listed below are in a shade of blue. He stated that they would be willing to reduce the impact of the sign if the Board feels that it would be necessary. If they were to have a white backdrop then they would like to have the “power length” logo in orange with a dark blue/light blue for the letterset. It might create a more consistent look with the other signage. Mr. Baldwin stated that he did not have an opportunity to take a look at the signage. At this point, He would not be able to approve it as he is not certain what the existing colors are. He wondered if they could figure out another way for provisional approval similar to what they have done for other applicants. Chairwoman Damon stated that she passes by that sign, two times, everyday and she is certain that it is brown and white. There is no blue. She stated that staff could provide them with the proper color samples.
Ms. Hyde asked, if they changed the sign to a white background, what color the “PNC” letters would be. Mr. Erwin answered that they generally use dark blue and light blue PNC standardized colors.
Chairwoman Damon stated that although the Board is cognoscente of corporate colors the Board does not have to approve them reiterating that she still has an issue introducing new colors.
Mr. Layer read aloud from an encapsulated section of an interpretation from the Town Attorney stating, “whether or not the proposed freestanding buildings use the same or are architecturally harmonious in materials, colors, texture, and treatment for all exterior walls.” He stated that for him, blue and brown are harmonious colors as is depicted on a color wheel. He preferred the color of blue that is shown on the proposed rendering as opposed to the blue sample that was provided to the Board. Mr. Erwin stated that he is willing to work with the Board but could not say what is acceptable versus what is unacceptable for the bank.
Mr. Layer stated that the previous sign is drab and uninspiring to him. The proposal does add some quality to the sign. He recommended that they utilize the color as shown on the rendering. Ms. Hyde noted that the Board has not received a sample of the sunbrella blue material that will be used on the awning. Additional discussion followed.
Chairwoman Damon stated that by allowing a blue sign the Board will be faced with allowing all other signs in the Town to introduce any color that they would want to. She asked the Board to consider that. It has always been that the Board requires colors on the freestanding signs to match. If they allow for blue, orange and other colors, they will be setting a precedent that all other freestanding signs may introduce other colors, similar to the Potomac Bank application. Mr. Layer stated that Potomac Bank was different because what they were proposing would be a busy sign and would not be harmonious. He stated that the Board is allowed, as a group, to judgmentally decide, if something is aesthetically coordinated. It has been his experience that it is aesthetically coordinated to have a muted sign on a yellow awning. Chairwoman Damon asked about the freestanding sign. Mr. Layer answered that it is a unified proposal. They have granted such signage in the past, with discretion and taste, as is what they are charged with on the Board. Ms. Hyde added, harmony among that there are elements. Mr. Layer agreed, stating that they are tasked in determining whether or not a sign is the same or is architecturally harmonious in materials. If toned down and coordinated with the same blue, as shown on the rendering, it would be harmoniously acceptable for him. Chairwoman Damon asked if he accepts the introduction of the orange color. Mr. Layer answered yes.
Ms. Hyde asked if Mr. Layer would be comfortable with a sign that has a white background with blue lettering and logo. Mr. Layer answered that would work too. Ms. Hyde asked the applicant if the bank can work with the proposed changes. Mr. Erwin answered yes. Mr. Layer stated that he would still need to see a sample of the canopy material.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Mr. Layer made a motion that the request for approval of signage and new awning for PNC Bank located at 302 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-65-07), be approved with the following stipulations; that the blue background will be changed to white in order to match the existing sign, and that the blue will match. The Board will have verification of matching through the submittal of the awning material at a later time.
Motion: Layer
Second: Hyde
Carried: 3-1
Nay: Damon
ITEM NO. 5:
Request for approval of exterior modifications to BKC, LLC located at 512 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-66-07), in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Michael Choi, of BKC, LLC.
Mr. Michael Choi, of BKC, LLC, came forward to speak. He stated that they are requesting approval to change out the canopy color to lime green. Chairwoman Damon asked if the awning has already been painted. Mr. Choi answered yes. Chairwoman Damon stated that color introduces a new, if not shocking, color to the entrance of the building.
Ms. Hyde stated that the Board has wrestled, in the past, with this building. It has been an issue every time because there is so much differing signage on the building. She stated that she has seen the color and also feels that it is tremendously shocking. It is not harmonious with the building or any of the other signs. She therefore cannot approve the color that they have chosen.
Mr. Baldwin agreed, stating that the new color definitely caught his attention. The color almost seems to fluoresce. The blue that is currently on the signage clashes with the awning color. If they had been given the application for review, before painting the awning, he would not have been able to approve it. He does sympathize with their situation having painted the awning and not realizing that they needed prior approval. He therefore cannot approve the application as it is currently proposed.
Mr. Layer agreed, stating that the building is a simple, humble building but is becoming a hodge-podge. The awning color has essentially tipped the scales so much that the color is also unacceptable to him. Mr. Choi asked if there is a color that would be acceptable to the Board. Mr. Layer answered that a color that is compatible with the colors on the building, noting so long as it is not something along the lines of a shocking pink. It would have to be a color that had some reference to the brick color. If they are discussing colors, the only reference point is that it would have to be harmonious, analogous, or complementary and then link it in terms of its intensity, hue, or brightness. The applicant will have to reference a color pallet in order to determine which colors will work together. He stated that he himself cannot pick the color.
Mr. Baldwin noted that the applicant does have a start off point and can possibly utilize the dark blue color as is used on the computer sign. The awning would need to be harmonious or analogous to that color. Mr. Choi asked if an off-white would match the building. Mr. Layer agreed that a cream color does go together fairly well with blue and is a color that would probably work. Mr. Choi asked if he could submit a sample to staff for the Board to review. Mr. Layer asked if they are proposing a cream color. Mr. Choi answered yes. Chairwoman Damon stated that they would have to have color samples submitted. Additional discussion followed and was determined that the applicant would bring in several options of cream or off-white for the Board to review.
There being no further questions a motion was in order.
Ms. Hyde made a motion that the request for approval of exterior modifications to BKC, LLC located at 512 Maple Avenue, W, (Docket No. BAR-66-07), be approved with the change that the color submitted will not be acceptable for the building and that the applicant will submit several sample options that are of the cream family to staff. Members of the Board will come in to review and/or approve on an individual basis.
Motion: Hyde
Second: Layer
Carried: 4-0
NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Hyde noted that on Item No. 3, the photograph shows the Rose Restaurant as having a rear window sign. She asked if they needed to come back before the Board for approval. Ms. Fechter stated that it is an older photograph and thought that the sign had been removed. She stated that she would look into it.
There being no further business the meeting adjourned at 8:50.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jennifer M. Murphy
Board Clerk