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10/27/1998DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING CITY OF CLEARWATER October 27, 1998 Present: William McCann Chair Kathy Milam Vice Chair Robert Herberich Board Member Alex Plisko Board Member Mark Cagni Board Member Howard Hamilton Board Member 7th Seat Vacant Leslie Dougall-Sides Assistant City Attorney Lou Hilton Senior Planner/Economic Development Sue Diana Assistant City Clerk 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 3:10 p.m. at City Hall, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, introductions, and review of meeting procedures. Minutes Approval -- June 23, 1998, August 11, 1998, August 27, 1998 and October 13, 1998. Member Cagni 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 98-016 - Clearwater Automotive, Salvage Properties, Owner 205 South Greenwood Avenue Senior Planner Lou Hilton reviewed the proposal stating Clearwater Automotive has constructed a wall-mounted sign on the facade of its building facing South Greenwood Avenue. The sign consists of both a logo and verbiage and is approximately 55 square feet in size, is composed of internally illuminated individual letters and logo and is compatible with the facade of the building. No verbal or written support or opposition was exposed. Member Milam moved to approve DRB 98-016 as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 2. DRB 98-018(A) - Pearson Building, Creed Pearson, Owner 101 North Fort Harrison Avenue Planner Hilton indicated a proposal for this applicant was denied at the last meeting. New elevation drawings have been submitted for exterior modifications to the existing St. Vincent de Paul Building. Representatives for the applicant reviewed the amended application indicating special attention was given to the gothic arches. The entire design was simplified¸glass windows were added in the front and more subdued colors were used. Two options along with sketches were presented. It was indicated the amended proposal is not much different than the one denied at the last meeting. Concern was expressed the gothic motif would not fit the downtown design. An opinion was expressed the modifications are not in scale with the building and the proposed modifications resemble a miniature playhouse. Discussion ensued in regard to the building and it was indicated the existing windows and doorway will remain. The project involves tying two buildings together. Stucco moldings will be added onto the face. In response to a questions, the representatives said the east side entrance, which is most visible to North Fort Harrison, would be recessed since it will receive the majority of traffic. Signs are not being considered at this time for this side of the building and the building would continue to be referred to as the “Pearson Building”. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. A question was raised if the four fake windows at the top of the building would be blacked and it was indicated the glass would be tinted. Fake windows are being used because they cut into the ceiling area. It was indicated there is no loft. A question was raised if the building color was under the jurisdiction of the board, and it was indicated the land development rewrite will address building color. A preference was indicated for the windows with the rounded arches. Member Hamilton moved to approve the colored rendering with the rounded arches and larger window panes. The motion was duly seconded. Concern was expressed the applicant is turning a proportionate facade into a disproportionate one. It was noted the building and the proposed design is a great improvement over what is currently existing. Upon the vote being taken, Members Cagni, Hamilton, Milam and McCann voted “aye;” Members Herberich and Plisko voted “nay.” Motion carried. 3. DRB 98-020 Mace-Kingsley Clearwater, owner 900 Grove Street The owner is proposing the modification of the exterior appearance of an existing one-story office building. No structural alterations are proposed. Mr. Thom Fuegel, representing the applicant, said modifications consist of removing windows and walls and replacing some with French doors. The exterior will not be changed drastically. The parking area will be upgraded with new black top and curbs. Landscaping will also be addressed. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Discussion ensued in regard to parking and water retention requirements. A site plan and survey were requested. Member Cagni moved to continue the application to the next meeting. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 4. DRB 98-021 Osceola Inn, Church of Scientology, Owner 201 North Osceola Avenue The Church of Scientology has purchased the three buildings that comprise the Osceola Inn. The Church is proposing to renovate both the interiors and the exteriors of the buildings to integrate them with one another and with the Sandcastle buildings across the street. Mr. James Bond, representing the owner, reviewed the site plan and presented colored renderings of the Osceola Inn and Sandcastle properties stating there will be very little change to the current structure. The center 3-story building will be resurfaced to coordinate it with the other buildings. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. Discussion ensued in regard to parking requirements and concern was expressed regarding parking in the northeast corner of the property along Drew Street. Mr. Bond indicated there is parking available in front of the building, on the property and in an alleyway nearby. He said there is parking normally available on the street. Mr. Bond said a parking garage is not planned. He indicated no opposition to adding parking if required. He said the project is in the planning stage and requested approval of the building design in order to move forward. The parking design could be brought back at a later date. Member Plisko moved to approve DRB 98-021as submitted subject to no certificate of occupancy being issued until the board reviews the final site plan for additional parking. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. 5. DRB 98-022 Intervest Plaza, Intervest Bank, Owner 635 Court Street Intervest Bank is proposing the addition of a new building to their office and banking complex on Court Street. The proposed building mimics the existing bank building in scale, height, size and facade treatments. Mr. Mark Jonnatti representing the applicant, stated this proposal is Phase 2 of a project started 2 years ago. The new 2-story freestanding building will be angled to the existing bank building. The new building is virtually identical to the existing building except smaller. The median will be landscaped. No verbal or written support or opposition was expressed. In response to questions, Mr. Jonnatti indicated handicap and parking requirements have been addressed. He did not know if all the space in the building has been leased. Member Plisko moved to approved the proposal as submitted. The motion was duly seconded and carried unanimously. Director’s Comments Senior Planner Hilton noted a workshop regarding the rewrite of the land development code has been scheduled for November 16, 1998 at 4:00 p.m. Board and Staff Comments Member Herberich expressed concern details regarding the IMR development have not come back to the board as reflected in the June 23, 1998 minutes. Ms. Dougall-Sides to address. Concern was expressed in regard to the possibility of an illegal sign at Clearwater Automotive and illegal banners at an area chiropractor office. Ms. Dougall-Sides indicated the community response team has directed its efforts to addressing non-conforming signs particularly billboards. She said she would forward the concern to staff. In response to a question, it was indicated January 1, 1999 is the target for implementation of the revised land development code. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.