06/28/2004 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Special Council Minutes of 6/28/2004 services to the residential units. While the current development plan cornains two of the principal uses, the land use mix deviates from the permitted ratio. Retail comprises 75.4 percent, office comprises 21.1 percent and community space comprises 3.5 percent of the floor azea. In addition, the Tazget structure exceeds the massing requirement by over 50,000 squaze feet. Variances were granted by the BZA for both land use mix and building massing. B~ildins Architecture With respect to building azchitecture, the original concept presented for the Parcel E site was that of a lifestyle center. Color renderings showed exciting and unique azchitecture, creating what some referred to, as a "Disney" environmem. The concept was embraced by Planning Commission, ARB, and residents alike. As the applicant moved from the concept stage to more detailed drawings, some of the iirteresting azchitectural elements were lost. This was due in part to the reality of a lazge store and its physical limitations and the incorporation of some western reserve elements into the design. Boazd members and residents did not feel the first round of detailed drawings appropriately reflected the concept that was presented to them in words, and the applicant was instructed to work with the city to make improvements to the design, particulazly to the Tazget building. The applicant was directed to use azchitectural treatments to break up the look of the big-box into smaller storefronts, therefore disguising the massing of the building. A design workshop was organized between the Tazget azchitect, the Planning Director, Mayor, Council representative, ARB architect, Planning Commission azchitect, and resident. Tazget was instructed to make revisions including more height variations, differing window rhythms and other improvements, which they agreed to. Following the workshop, multiple drafts of the Target building were reviewed by City representatives. Plans were then presented to ARB and Planning Commission. Carnegie described how the facades of the retail buildings have been created to allow each of the individual storeowners to have their own sign bands and entry features. There will be outdoor space for activities such as dining and gathering. The buildings aze close to Brookpazk Road and have a western reserve chazacter. There are pitching rooflines, window treatments, awnings, and distinctive light poles to maintain a unique look. The Target building has been masked using azchitecture to not appear like a big box store. The building will be all brick and split face block; EIFS will be used as trim only. The entranceway sign will have letters no more than four feet in height that will not be illuminated after store closing. Upon review, ARB and Planning Commission members made minor recommendations for azchitectural changes. Overall, they were satisfied with the appearance of the buildings. They recognized that the design was not in complete conformance with the original concept; however, they felt it would better stand the test of time. While some residents still feel the design does not closely enough reflect the original concept, the Planning Director has indicated to the members of the commissions and the board members agree that the design is an improvement, achieves the affect of breaking up big box elements, and ties in azchitecturally to the other buildings on the site substantially. 3 a.,.,.,.. .. ~.' i