Architectural Advisory Board

Architectural Advisory Board George Mason High School Library, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043 May 1, 2019, 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order at 7:33 p.m. 1. Roll Call: Mr. Bitici, Mrs. Friedlander, Mr. Osburn, Mr. Way, Mr. Wong were present. 2. Petitions: There were no petitions. 3. Consent Calendar: There were no consent calendar items. 4. Other Business: There was no other business. 5. Old Business: There was no old business. 6. New Business: a. Feedback and Recommendation for Approval on the Site Plan for the Columbia Baptist Church addition and site improvements, located at 103 West Columbia Street, RPC #51-103-006, #51- 103-007, #51-103-008, #51-103-023, #51-103-024 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned T-1 and R-1-B, Transitional, Medium Density Residential. MUNIS#: 2010-0198. Includes presentation from the Applicant. The Applicant presented the board with a design and materials for a major addition to the Columbia Baptist Church. After questions and discussions between the Applicant, the Board, and City Staff, the board offered the following recommendations: Overall, while portions of the addition are effective in design and materials, the overall project does not offer an attractive or welcoming design with respect to the Washington Street facing portions. This entire segment of the addition needs a revised approach in order to provide an improved design that is more open to and connected to pedestrians, street traffic, and the neighborhood in general. The applicants should also revise the landscaping and streetscaping in this area to provide a better experience for pedestrians, potentially to include integrated seating. This area should also adjust landscaping and tree planting to better allow visual connection to the church logo. In addition, the architects should consider improved connectivity and continuity with the existing structure, especially where the new and existing will meet on the Washington Street side. The Applicants should also consider improving some of the materials included in the project, especially the metal cladding, as the currently proposed materials come across as budget- or cost-focused. Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov  Mrs. Friedlander made a motion to accept the submission with strong recommendation to adhere to the Board’s comments as noted above. Mr. Wong seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously. 7. Minutes: a. Minutes from the April 3 meeting were reviewed and discussed. Mr. Wong made a motion they be approved as submitted, Mr. Osburn seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov