Architectural Advisory Board

Architectural Advisory Board Council Chambers December 2, 2015 – 7:45 p.m. 1. Roll Call: Roll was called at 7:50 p.m. Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Friedlander, Mr. Fritsch, Mr. Way, Mr. Wong were present. Mrs. Duggan (alternate) was not present. 2. Petitions: There were no petitions. 3. Consent Calendar: a. AAB #20151273- installation of post and panel monument free-standing sign for Local Expert Realty, 705 Park Ave. Mr. Way made a motion that the sign be accepted as submitted with recommendation that the phone numbers be removed or reduced in size. The motion was seconded by Mr. Anderson and passed unanimously. 4. Other Business: At the previous meeting, the board asked about the signage code currently in place in the city. The code was last updated in 1988. The board will consider and recommend any changes to the code to better work with larger developments in the city. 5. Old Business: There was no old business. 6. New Business: a. AAB #20151198- Conceptual design for construction of new mixed-use building, 821 W Broad St. After presentation by the applicant and city staff, the board discussed the project. Mr. Anderson, Mrs. Friedlander, and Mr. Fritsch commented that the city design guidance should not restrict the choice of materials and colors included in the proposal. The applicant should not be restricted to brick and ornamental elements. Board recommendations include change N. Spring to S. Spring; include future submissions with more context to adjacent properties; consider a design with more dialog with the site especially on the S. Spring and Broad St. sides so as to better communicate and interact with pedestrians and the community and reduce the overall massing of those facades. Consider alternates to the wall currently facing the sidewalk on Spring St. so as to better interact with pedestrian traffic and direct access to retail establishments. Board also recommends additional stepping of units on south side (facing residential area) so as to better merge in to the residential neighborhood and to offer more outdoor amenities to those south facing units. Applicant should speak with neighborhood residents and stakeholders to seek input and incorporate feedback and desires toward gaining of support and consensus. In addition, applicant should prepare street- and pedestrian-level views with expanded context to best give accurate “real-life” perspectives. 7. Minutes: a. Minutes from the November 4, 2015 AAB meeting were reviewed. Mr. Way made a motion the minutes be accepted as submitted. Mr. Wong seconded the motion and passed unanimously. 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov