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03/24/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD CITY OF CLEARWATER March 24, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Kathy Milam Vice Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Alex Plisko Board Member Vacant Seat Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Mark Cagni Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member The meeting was called to order by the Chair at 3:05 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 - January 13, 1998 Member Plisko 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 98-002 - Pinellas County General Services Building, Mike Mason, Architect 509 East Avenue South (Revised Landscaping) Mike Mason, architect with Mason Blau & Associates, represented the applicants. He displayed a rendering of improvements to the landscaping strip along Myrtle Avenue as requested by the board. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Plisko moved to approve landscaping plan amendments to DRB 98-002 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Mr. McCarty noted the City has engaged a landscaping architect who will work with various departments to improve landscaping and general aesthetics at City facilities in connection with City Manager Roberto’s plan to “Raise the Bar” for aesthetic standards. 2. DRB 988003 - Daniela’s Kitchen, Daniela Malka, Owner 38 North Ft. Harrison Avenue (Awning with Signage) This item was heard after #3 due to the applicant’s late arrival. Mr. McCarty outlined the proposal for a small awning over the entrance of an existing restaurant/coffee house. Samples of awning materials and paint colors were reviewed. The proposed awning will be hunter green with metallic gold lettering and cream-colored trim to approximately match the building’s wall color. Building door and window trim is white. Daniela Malka, owner/applicant, said her storefront is very flat and difficult for passing motorists to identify. The simple awning will make the storefront more interesting and visible. In response to a question, she said the awning will not be internally lighted. Member Milam moved to approve DRB 98004 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. General discussion ensued regarding increased business level in the area. 3. DRB 98004 - Parthenon Deli, Steve Fowler, Architect 725 Court Street (Facade Alteration) Mr. McCarty outlined the proposal to open windows that were closed previously, continuing an exterior motif from the east portion of the north building facade. John Pentazes, with Fowler & Associates, represented the owner/applicant. The owner wishes to improve interior natural lighting, increase downtown activity and soften his building’s warehouse image by opening windows and enhancing the exterior Mediterranean motif. Questions were raised regarding decorative exterior columns shown on construction drawings. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding whether the columns would be painted onto the mural, or applied to the building. It was indicated the owner may wish to finish the windows first, deciding on column treatment later, as finances permit. Board members supported the concept, but did not want to approve a plan based on incomplete information. Mr. Pentazes requested a continuance to meet with owner and staff to prepare a resubmittal. Board members offered suggestions for cost-effective methods of creating the desired column effect. Member Plisko moved to continue DRB 98004 to the meeting of April 14, 1998. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Board and Staff Discussion Mr. McCarty reported the City Manager’s Advisory Board Appreciation dinner is scheduled for April 14. A resignation letter was received from MacArthur Boykins prior to the last meeting. The general business level downtown has increased. The Ritz and Club More are drawing good crowds. Two more dining facilities are being planned. It is hoped the Weismann building renovation (southwest corner of Cleveland and Ft. Harrison Avenue) will restore some historic elements from the original design. Member Milan reported she will be unable to attend the April 14 board meeting. General discussion ensued regarding concerns over implementation of signage at Clearwater Train Station and Angie’s restaurant. Board members praised appearance of The Colony, owned by Terry Tsafatinos. Mr. McCarty was pleased to note Mr. Tsafatinos has met with the City economic development team to discuss proposed colors for three of his downtown buildings. Inquiries have been received from downtown business and property owners regarding painting their buildings for variety and consistence with the area’s historic nature. General discussion ensued regarding this issue. Questions were raised regarding the former City Hall Annex site at Cleveland Street and Missouri Avenue. It was indicated sale of the property is still in negotiation. Questions remain regarding remediation activities. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 3:48 p.m.