07/16/1997 Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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N. OLD BUSINESS: 1) Ganley BMW, 25600 Lorain Road Proposal to construct building addition with site improvements, landscaping and building renovations. Originally heard by planning commission May 27, 1997. Heard by board of zoning appeals June 5, 1997. Referred by planning commission June 10, 1997. Tabled by architectural review board June 18, 1997. No revised plans presented. Mr. Stoyanov, contractor, and Mr. Lisy, representing Ganley's BMW, presented plans. Mr. Stoyauov explained that the site plan, including landscaping and lighting, had been acceptable at the previous meeting. The board had been less enthusiastic about the buildings. He presented a revised rendering for the used car building incorporating the same finish materials that they will be using for the maiu building. However,, they are requesting that the BMW building be approved as originally submitted. He admits that the design is not as sophisticated as this board would prefer, but they do not considered it to be objectionable. He is asking that the board view this proposal as an improvement to the property for the owner and for the city, even though it is not a design that they would prefer. Mr. Liggett commended them on their effort on the used car office and noted that the fence with the concrete piers was a reasonable way of treating it. Mr. Stoyanov advised that the landscaping around the used car office would be compatible with the landscaping on the other area. Mr. Zergott agreed and asked that the forester check out the landscaping when it is fuushed to see if it is satisfactory. It was decided that the fence should be about 10 feet away from the building. As far as the main building is concerned, the owner and BMW want it to stay as originally presented: Mr. Lisy stated that BMW wanted to keep their corporate identity. Mr. Liggett believed that some design could be incorporated on the building without changing the facade that much. Mr. Yager had made most of the objections; but he thought that there were things that they could do that BMW would accept. The straight, lineal design that they presented is what car dealers have been doing for years. Mr. Lisy stated that Mr. Ganley had the final say and most of this was based on the final numbers. BMW is holding cars hostage until they renovate the building, the store is barely profitable now, but it is profitable, and they could continue on without the renovation. Some ofthe trees will be saved as part of the landscape plan, but the big tree in front of the house will have to be taken down. He clarified that if this proposal is approved, the house will be demolished, but if the proposal is denied, they will use the house as the used car dealership. Mr. Liggett suggested that they not bring the addition out as far as the existing building and have the facade at different heights, to give more depth and more design on it: He clarified that this could be only a foot or two, not enough to really make a difference with the interior show room That would save some cost that could be put into the detailing in the sign band, which. could stay as it is, but could be different sizes. Mr. Lisy stated that the only way BMW would allow them to keep the other two franchises, would be to have more space forBMW. Mr. Liggett thought that even a small jog would be prefened. This proposal is clean, but it is not a design element, it is just a straight line. If the building steps back, the facade could be a little taller on the larger portion. Mr. Stoyanov stated that th8y were not given any real direction at the last meeting. Mr. Yager had asked that the arehitect call him for that direction. Mr. Lisy stated that BMW makes demands that they do not agree with. He stated that the city has requested that the existing d.riveway be moved to the east.to make it a more direct entry, but if the expansion is not bu.ilt, the driveway will not be moved. Mr. Liggett believed that moving the drive and installing the landscaping in front with the raised area for displaying cars would help the bu.ilding. Assistant Building Commissioner Ryinarczyk mentioned that possibly they could route out some of the Dryvit or put in colored bands or something of that nature to break it up. Mr. Y,iggett suggested that they could even- just put a stripe in the corners and doing a. little bit more with the Dryvit would help and would be 2