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06/23/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER June 23, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member 7th Seat Vacant  Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Don McCarty Design Planner Gwen Legters Board Reporter Absent: Kathy Milam Vice Chair Alex Plisko Board Member To provide continuity for research, items are in agenda order although not necessarily discussed in that order. The Chair called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and review of meeting procedures. Minutes Approval -- June 9, 1998 Member Herberich 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. (cont. from 6/9/98) DRB 98-010 - One Stoppe Shoppe, Paris Morfopoulos, Owner 411 Cleveland Street (New Awnings/Canopy with Signage) This item was continued to allow time for the applicant to respond to the board’s request for accurate measured drawings, more aesthetic front canopy and doorway placement, and design elements in harmony with the building’s symmetrical facade design. Representative Ronald Hughes discussed the amended application. The applicant has changed the proposal, eliminating the additional front door because multiple occupancy is no longer under consideration. The board appreciated the proposed changes. Design Planner Don McCarty indicated he worked extensively with the applicants to create interior design changes that will not require doorway reconfiguration. A more traditional style canopy is proposed, with supports simulating light poles along Cleveland Street. He responded to questions regarding proposed occupancy. Staff recommended approval of the amended design as it will enhance its surroundings. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Member Cagni moved to approve DRB 98-010 with amendments as presented. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. (Cont. from 6/9/98) DRB 98-011 Church of Scientology, Ministerial Training & Pastoral Counseling Center — 201 South Ft. Harrison Avenue (New Development Proposal) Church representative Matthew Pearse, architect Nick Sakelariou, and in-house designer Sherri James presented the proposal. Referring to color elevation drawings and site configuration maps, they highlighted orientation, aesthetic design elements, and landscaping features of the new six story, 320,000 square foot building. Architectural design reflects the classical style of the Fort Harrison Hotel across the street. Pedestrian bridges in accordance with FDOT requirements link the new building with the Fort Harrison Hotel, and the future auditorium building across Franklin Street. Four, 7-story, towers accent the building’s corners. A 150-foot tall tower element incorporated into the building is modeled after a traditional bell tower. Aluminum windows and doors will have blue/green tinted glass to conserve energy. The roof will have no exposed mechanical equipment, as a central chiller plant facility is to be located within the structure. Mr. McCarty noted the design guildelines consistency evaluation shows very high compliance. Discussions with church representatives have resulted in refinement of earlier design issues. Staff recommended approval, providing the applicants bring any future revisions back for board review. Signage and symbols will be considered separately. He indicated absence of rooftop mechanical equipment allows for terraces and landscaped areas. Responding to questions, applicants indicated a ground breaking date is not known. A large open area in the building’s center will contain a dome or low pitched pyramid not visible from the street. Applicants will provide staff with copies of all materials submitted today. Mr. McCarty also stated that approval of the project today will be with regard to the architectural aesthetics and the proposed site plans. Other departments approvals would be necessary for additional aspects of the project prior to issuance of any building permit. Member Herberich moved to approve DRB 98-011 as presented today. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 3. DRB 98-012 IMR Global Center, Architects Aude, Shand & Williams 100 South Missouri Avenue (New Development Proposal) Applicant’s architects Bob Aude and Earl Wardrum presented the proposal. Specific details are still tentative due to the urgent closing date, scheduled by July 31, 1998. General mass and building shape has been determined, but IMR management is still evaluating several options with regard to building form and materials. Another tentative area is the extent of landscaping and specific site plan features. Mr. Aude presented a series of photographs of exterior aesthetic elements such as simple concrete forms, glass infill, sculptures, water elements, planters, and landscaping he wants to incorporate into the proposal. The concept was compared to courtyard sculpture and a reflecting pool at Arbor Shore office park. Drawings of the master plan showed the proposed position of three buildings totaling 180,000 square feet, and surrounding parking area on the 14-acre site. A 2.25 acre section at the corner of Cleveland Street and Missouri Avenue will be set aside for an aesthetic property identification area/green space serving as a type of “downtown entryway” feature for westbound traffic. Construction is to proceed in three phases. Phase I involves a 3-story corporate office/headquarters building with associated parking on the northern section of the site. Board concerns were expressed with the plan to close the vacated Pierce Street right-of-way to through traffic between Madison Street and Missouri Avenue, to create a more secure environment onsite. A perspective drawing showed a conceptual view of the site and building design as seen from Missouri Avenue and Cleveland Street. Precast panels and columns supporting the third story give an arcade effect. Vertical elements on building ends are created for stair towers, mechanical, and storage. Mr. Aude responded to questions about the phased plan to accommodate corporate growth. He said development progression has been negotiated in detail, as was anticipated in the agreement with the City, IMR, and CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency.) Discussion ensued regarding corporate philosophy of IMR, a software development company that is preparing computer programs for year 2000 conversion. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Mr. McCarty said the proposed building height, allowable under current zoning, is taller than traditional height for a two- to three-story building. In order to accommodate corporate needs, a vertical architectural element designated as an accessory will be incorporated on the building’s exterior. This development is a good example of a public/private partnership. Staff recommended approval of the master plan concept and Phase I design as submitted. Discussion ensued regarding polished stone exterior elements, size of handicapped restrooms and indefinite landscaping plan. Concerns were expressed with the vague elements of the presentation. General consensus was the master plan was too tentative. The board would like details regarding specific design elements as information becomes available. Member Herberich moved to approve DRB 98-012 Phase I, with the understanding the proposal will keep coming back to the board as details become available. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. DRB 98-13 Fort Harrison Cabanas Renovations, Church of Scientology 210 South Ft. Harrison Avenue at Osceola Avenue (Renovation and Additions with Signage) Representative James Bond related hotel history since 1927, showing how elements were altered through the years. Addition of cabanas, or dwelling units on the west side of the Fort Harrison Hotel, was done in the 1960's, flat roof style. The proposal is to return the main building to its original style. Mr. Bond displayed a rendering of the east hotel elevation showing restoration of planters and original facade elements. Referring to the Osceola Avenue view, he noted mechanical equipment is being taken off the roof of the stage house. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Mr. McCarty complimented the streetscape improvements, stating the proposed restoration will improve the area’s overall design. He noted the applicants are working to redesign mechanical systems to correct the negative appearance of exposed ductwork down the back of the building facing Osceola Avenue. Member Herberich moved to approve DRB 98013 cabanas and conceptual hotel design as presented, with the understanding a formal application for hotel design review will come back before the board. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Board & Staff Comments Mr. McCarty read into the record former Central Permitting Director Scott Shuford’s letter of resignation, effective June 19, 1998. General discussion ensued regarding the pleasure of working with Mr. Shuford, and his valuable contributions to the City of Clearwater. Members McCann and Hamilton will not be able to attend the July 14 DRB meeting. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:32 p.m.