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07/22/1997DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER July 22, 1997 Present: William McCann Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member John Carassas Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Kathy Milam Vice Chair Alex Plisko Board Member MacArthur “Mac” Boykins Board Member The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:00 p.m. in City Hall. The Pledge of Allegiance and review of board procedures followed. To provide continuity for research, the items are listed in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. Minutes Approval - July 8, 1997 Member Hamilton moved to approve the minutes according to copies submitted in writing to each member by the Board Reporter. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Proposals for Design Review 1. DRB 97-016 - United Way Office – Richard G. Clawson, President 1130 Cleveland Street -- Signage Neither the applicant nor a representative was present. Mr. McCarty stated this application is for signage for the United Way offices at the Greater Clearwater Chamber of Commerce building. Board and staff members had been previously advised this item would come forward. The proposed signage addition will be in the same color and general character as the existing signage. Staff felt conditions support the request and recommended approval. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Hamilton moved to approve DRB 97-016 as submitted, as the proposal is in accordance with the design guidelines. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. DRB 97-017 – 1st National Bar, The Atrium, Mark Coleman, Agent 601 Cleveland Street – Awning & Signage Mr. McCarty reported the applicant proposes an awning with signage similar to the existing emblem on the building. It is not known whether a sign variance will be required. If a sign variance is required, filed, and approved, this item will come back before the board. Jonas Brummett, the business owner, stated he proposes a canopy over an existing outdoor seating area to enable outdoor service. The canopy would extend beyond an existing knee wall/flower bed that separates the seating area from a public sidewalk. He does not propose to enclose the front or sides of the seating area. He will meet with staff to determine whether or not a sign variance is required. A sample of off-white awning material was included in the packet. The “1st National Bar” trademark, or logo will be in forest green. Staff recommended approval, stating the addition of an awning or canopy would add to the pedestrian oriented environment, breaking up the large expanse of glass in front of the building. The proposed colors are attractive and would blend well with the surroundings. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Cagni moved to approve DRB 97-017 as submitted, as the proposal is in accordance with the design guidelines. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. DRB 97-018 - Intervest Bank – Steve Spencer, Architect 625 Court Street – Car Stall Covers Mr. McCarty provided background information and staff recommendations, stating the applicant has submitted a color chip for a proposed carport indicating the metal will match other aluminum framing on the site. During its two previous appearances before the board, this development project received favorable reactions from board and staff because of its consistency with design guidelines. While staff did not endorse covered parking, it was noted the proposed parking structure will be complimentary to the existing structure. Steve Spencer, with Spencer and Jonnatti Architects, stated the bank needs to provide sheltered parking for a major tenant. The proposed carport is to be located in a well landscaped area, out of view of the public. He circulated before and after photographs of landscaping improvements on the site. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Questions were raised regarding why the drawing does not illustrate structural details, whether it will meet wind requirements, and location of the structure in relation to its surroundings. Mr. Spencer responded the drawing is from the fabricator, who assures wind requirements are met. He noted the owner has spent a lot of money upgrading the site when it was not required by code, to ease the visual impact of the carport structure. He said covered parking is required by the tenant who will be occupying the building’s second floor. While board members opposed this type of structure in general, it was indicated the architect did a good job of concealing it from view. Member Cagni moved to approve DRB 97-018 as submitted, as the proposal is in accordance with the design guidelines. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. DRB 97-019 – Peace Memorial Church – Bob Aude, Architect 110 S. Ft. Harrison Avenue -- Windows & facade changes This item was moved to the end of the meeting to allow time for the representatives to arrive. Bob Aude, architect representing the applicant, stated this is the first of three phases of an ongoing project to improve and renovate the church. The first phase involves interior offices/nursery, the second phase will involve the sanctuary/church building to the south, and the third phase will renovate the fellowship hall to the north. He emphasized most of the improvements are to the interior. Leaky windows will be replaced with metal frames, finished in white to match the existing window frames. A portion of the porch in the east side of the building will be enclosed to expand the existing nursery. Three new windows will be installed in existing openings in the east portico off Ft. Harrison Avenue. He submitted photographs and elevation drawings of the east elevation, describing the arched top glazing and white frames and mullions. He stated none of the improvements will extend beyond the existing roof line. He showed the proposed window treatments on the west side of the building. In response to questions, Mr. Aude said each phase will have a six month time frame. Areas around the new windows will be repainted to match the existing wall color. Original drawings for the building date back to 1928. The applicant is using aluminum window frames. New window glass will be tinted green instead of frosted. New windows and frames will be simulated to match the existing double-hung windows as closely as possible. Discussion ensued regarding factors involved in window replacement. One member expressed serious reservations regarding appropriateness of the materials proposed. Mr. McCarty indicated the reasons this application was brought forward: 1) a building permit was required; 2) the expansion into the porch area involves exterior enclosure work that was not part of the original building; and 3) it is prudent for the board to review the proposal for historical consistency. Staff recommended approval based on the factors outlined in the presentation. Member Hamilton moved to approve DRB 97-019 as submitted, as the proposal is in accordance with the design guidelines. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. DRB 97-020 -- Club More – “Flash” Gordon Williamson, Owner 703 Franklin Street – Decks & Canopies Mr. McCarty presented background information and staff recommendations, highlighting the applicant’s proposal. Gordon C. Williamson, the owner/applicant detailed his proposal to tie two structures together with an elevated walkway covered by an awning. The structure will enable compliance with the Florida accessibility code. He circulated samples of awning fabric, wood finish colors, and roofing materials, stating he wishes to use similar color tones in accordance with design guidelines. Forest green lettering on the building front and awning will read “Club More.” In response to questions, he said a metal roof was too expensive and did not meet wind requirements. Mr. McCarty noted the color samples were not submitted in advance of today’s meeting. He supported the proposal as the building and canopy colors are complimentary. He recommended a gray roofing material to blend with existing roofing materials. While a large portion of the structure cannot be seen from street level, it can be seen from surrounding taller buildings. Mr. Williamson noted several large trees block most of the view from above. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Board concern was expressed a site plan was not submitted and it appears the handicapped ramp may not meet code. Discussion ensued regarding length, grade, location, and hand rails. Mr. Williamson stated he worked with staff to ensure the proposal meets applicable codes. Regarding use of the buildings, he is converting the upstairs of his warehouse to a club with various types of music and 350 seat capacity. He will hold CD release parties in the gallery finished last year. Mr. McCarty noted this is the third time the applicant has appeared before the board. He felt this business is a good example of how to effectively work with the DRB and the design guidelines to expand a business by adding elements to previously approved designs. Member Herberich moved to approve DRB 97-020 as amended with a gray roof, and steps, if required by code, as the proposal is in accordance with the design guidelines. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. McCarty reported staff met with the applicant to work out a more acceptable sign face for freestanding signage for the Clearwater Train Station and Pinch-A-Penny store. The applicant was pleased with the design suggestions and will incorporate one of the designs into a presentation at the DRB special meeting on August 5, 3:00 p.m. in Commission Chambers. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:58 p.m.