Architectural Advisory Board

Architectural Advisory Board City Hall Council Chambers, 300 Park Ave. Falls Church VA 22046 January 8, 2020 at 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, and Mr. Wong were present. Youth Representatives Evan Lankford and Daniel Ng were present as well. 2. Petitions: There were no petitions. 3. Consent Calendar: There were no consent items. 4. Old Business: There was no old business. 5. New Business: a. Feedback and Recommendation requested on the proposed Monument Signage for Big Chimneys Park, located at W Annandale Road, RPC #53-309-413 & #53-309-415 of the Falls Church Real Property Records, zoned B-2, Central Business. MUNIS#: 2018-0646. Includes presentation from the Applicant (City staff). NOTE: The site plan for this project was recommended to the Planning Commission by the AAB on January 2, 2019 The Board had the following questions and comments for City Planners: - Although the design of the proposed monument sign Big Chimneys Park sign is appealing and serves as a focal point from the plaza to the entry into the park, there is no connection to other existing park signage in the city (Herman, West End). This is an opportunity to have consistent branding to give an overall sense of Place within Falls Church City. - The City should strongly consider tying into a consistent language among these signs to reinforce that sense of Place (such as the metal arch with park name (similar to the two other newer park signs) while keeping the vertical monument design with the interpretive plaque elsewhere in the park. - If this sign remains, how will the timber portion of the sign be attached to the vertical component? This is not obvious or clear in the plans. - If this sign remains, the corner under the “B” seems dangerous as children could hit their heads. If the City moves forward with this sign design, please consider this element carefully. A few recommendations to consider would be to put a landscaping buffer at this ‘notch’ or hardscape element (firepit or other) that ties into the ‘notch’ to mitigate someone getting too close to the edges of the ‘notch’ to cause bodily harm. b. Feedback and Recommendation requested on the preliminary site plan submission of the Southgate II Retail Development, located at 130 E Fairfax Ave, RPC #53-108-009 of the Falls Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov  Church Real Property Records, zoned B-3, General Business. After Staff comments and presentation by the applicant, the Board had the following feedback and recommendations: - The building is a large, plain box and isn’t attractive. As it is new construction, there is an opportunity to be more creative and dynamic with the overall design. We understand the applicant’s feedback on optimization for intended use, that does not negate the need for an improved design scheme that contributes to the local community. - There is no articulation in the building façade. Recommend redesigning the cornice and/or parapet to reflect the adjacent “Southgate I” design elements. - Recommend extending the light or white portion of the façade further down the front and incorporating the sign so as to indicate where the entrance is and to help alleviate the starkness of the section without windows. - Pay attention to the landscaping at the street to allow effective visual and physical access to the business(es) while screening and maintaining pedestrian safety on Fairfax Ave. This Board strongly urges the City Arborist evaluate the existing landscaping currently proposed to remain and provide recommendation to City Staff and the Applicant for action. Mr. Wong made a motion to approve with the above recommendations. Mr. Osburn seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. 6. Other Business: a. Elect Chairman and Vice Chairman Mr. Osburn nominated Mr. Way to continue as Chair and he accepted the nomination. Mrs. Friedlander seconded the nomination and Mr. Way was reelected unanimously. Mr. Wong nominated Mrs. Friedlander to continue as Vice-Chair and she accepted the nomination. Mr. Bitici seconded the nomination and Mrs. Friedlander was reelected unanimously. b. 2019 AAB Draft Annual Report The Board will review the report and provide Mr. Hollern with input and edits. c. 2020 AAB Draft Calendar The Board reviewed and approved the 2020 AAB Calendar. d. 2020 AAB Rules and Procedures The Board reviewed and approved the 2020 AAB Rules and Procedures. 7. Minutes: a. Minutes from the October 2, 2019 meeting were reviewed. Mr. Wong made a motion to accept them as submitted, Mr. Bitici seconded, and it was passed unanimously. 8. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 8:39 p.m. Harry E. Wells Building • 300 Park Avenue • Falls Church, Virginia 22046 • 703-248-5015 • www.fallschurchva.gov