Architectural Commission & Historic Preservation Commission
Regular MeetingOconomowoc, WI · September 12, 2018
Minutes
City of Oconomowoc
Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes
September 12, 2018
Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Members Present: Kent Johnson, Jeremy Flint and Paul Schultz
Members Excused: Anne Krogstad and Kurt Schrang
Staff Present: Jason Gallo, Kristi Weber, Ald. Shaw and Chris Dehnert
2. Approve the August 8, 2018 Minutes: Motion by Flint to approve the August 8, 2018 minutes; second by Schultz.
Motion carried 3-0.
3. Twisted Fire (previously BUCA’s Eatery & Grill) – Consider/approve Façade Amendment at 515 E. Wisconsin
Avenue: Weber explained that staff previously administratively approved signage for this new business and at that time the
applicant/owner indicated they were going to change the building color which requires Architectural review. During a site
visit staff also questioned the rooftop mechanicals which are visible. The applicant is proposing to paint the building a dark
gray “Peppercorn” with maroon (“Firewood”) on the cornice and doors and accented with “Gauntle” on the cornice, diamonds
and windows. Staff recommends approval of the proposed paint colors. The building owner, Dimitri Glavas, questioned how
the mechanicals could be painted. The applicant, Jason Joyner, explained they intend to have a wood fired oven and hearth
which requires special ventilation and is the reason for the change to the mechanicals. He said the interior of the building will
have an industrial look and the outside will look similar. Members liked the choice of colors, preferred if the lower mechanical
unit near the east roof edge would be screened (which the applicant acknowledged it will be) and were okay with the other
unit for the oven. They requested that the screening of the lower unit be tall enough and in the same “Peppercorn” color to
match the building. Dimitri acknowledged they will do whatever screening the members request. Motion by Schultz to
approve the colors as submitted for Twisted Fire at 515 E. Wisconsin Avenue, conditioned on providing fence screening
around the HVAC unit on the flat roof that is tall enough to screen all mechanicals and in the same paint color as nearby
building colors; second by Flint. Motion carried 3-0.
4. Eagle’s Landing – Consider / approve a Master Sign Plan at 128 W. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained this
building requires a master sign plan as it will contain the Legion, a restaurant and the condominium units above. The two
tenants will each have a wall sign: the American Legion’s sign will be located on the west entry pillar and the restaurant’s
sign will be located on the east entry pillar next to the main development sign. The application showed multi colors for the
tenant signs, and staff is requesting they be bronze with silver graphics as other proposed signage on the building for a
more cohesive look. The main development sign will contain .25” aluminum letters which will be mounted onto the brick wall.
Staff noted our ordinance requires the building address be included on the sign and suggested placement in the placeholder
location on the retaining wall or incorporating it under the development sign in a visible location. Other signage includes a
development wall sign in the center of the wall by the entrances to the condo units; a wall sign by the entrance to each of the
tenants; and (2) wayfinding signs by the doors to interior stairwells on either side of the units. These signs will be bronze
with silver graphics. Signs will be added to the tenant’s doors with name, address, and white font is preferred. Staff is
requesting that the language in the master sign plan be changed to require white lettering. Staff recommended approval
with the following considerations: that the address be incorporated on the placeholder on the retaining wall or under the
development sign in a visible location; that all text, except main development sign, are to be bronze with silver graphics; and
that all window/door signage should be white. Heidi Schaefer of Signworks was in agreement with staff with all comments
including white graphics and including the address on the front by the main development sign. She is going to check on the
type of landscaping by this sign or will work the address into another location as well. She noted the businesses included in
this building will have address numbers above their doors. Members questioned the entrances on the building and Schaefer
explained the intent of the entrance area to the condo units. Members thought the sign on the front of the building should be
more prominent and the street numbers be placed above the sign. They also suggested the street address be included on
the wall and were concerned over the exit only to Wisconsin Avenue which they thought could cause traffic issues. Weber
noted the retaining wall will also have plantings along the top of it with an area of public parking which will block the view of
the main entrance from the road. Schaefer noted there are multiple addresses, 126 -128 -130, for the building. Motion by
Schultz to approve the Master Sign Plan for Eagle’s Landing at 128 W. Wisconsin Avenue, subject to the address being
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Architectural Commission Meeting 2 September 12, 2018
added and centered on the retaining wall to read 126 – 130 W. Wisconsin Avenue; all signs, except the main development
retaining wall sign, are to be bronze with silver graphics; and all window/door signage are required to be white copy; second
by Flint. Motion carried 3-0.
5. Reports and comments from the City Planner: Weber said the Pizza Hut roof has now been completely repainted
and Sherper’s has agreed to be part of the Downtown Mural Project.
6. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: Schultz inquired about the south parking lot
reconstruction project and whether this would be coming to either Architectural or Plan Commission for review. Gallo said it
is a DPW project and doesn’t require review by either Architectural or Plan Commission.
7. Adjourn: Motion by Schultz to adjourn at 5:44 pm; second by Johnson. Motion carried 3-0.
Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk
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Agenda
City of Oconomowoc
Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes
August 8, 2018
Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Members Present: Kurt Schrang, Kent Johnson, Jeremy Flint, Anne Krogstad and Paul Schultz
Staff Present: Jason Gallo, Kristi Weber, Ald. Shaw and Chris Dehnert
2. Approve the July 11, 2018 Minutes: Motion by Schrang to approve the July 11, 2018 minutes; second by Flint.
Motion carried 5-0.
3. Sherper’s – Consider/approve Special Exception for Wall Signage at 225 E. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained
this is for a special exception for additional signage next to a wall mural to be placed on the west wall of an existing business
in downtown Oconomowoc. The mural would be visible from both Wisconsin Avenue and Cross Street. Weber provided
background on the mural project which is regulated by the Tourism Commission. The design of the mural has been
approved by the Tourism Commission and is not considered a sign or part of this request. Sherper’s wishes to include a wall
sign with this mural to be visible by eastbound traffic, which will require a special exception as they have wall signs on both
the Silver Lake Plaza and Wisconsin Avenue elevations. Weber worked with the applicant on creating the additional sign to
complement the proposed mural and showed the members several options. She was acting on behalf of the applicant who
was unable to attend this evening’s meeting and said their preference was Option #2 which includes their logo. Staff
recommends approval of the special exception conditioned on the applicant taking part in the Downtown Mural Project. The
members agreed the sign would have great presence; they prefer Option #2; the signage should be centered between the
edge of the building and the mural, and the scale of the signage is appropriate. Motion by Schrang to approve a special
exception for wall signage at 225 E. Wisconsin Avenue, conditioned on using Option #2, moving the signage over and
centering it between the building edge and the mural, and taking part in the Downtown Mural Project; second by Schultz.
Motion carried 5-0.
4. St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and School – Consider / approve a Master Sign Plan at 1650 Brown Street:
Weber explained this is for approval of a master sign plan for a multi-tenant building which consists of the Church, school
and children’s daycare. The applicant requested postponement last month to allow them more time to put together a
cohesive sign package. Their plan is now updated which includes 1 ground sign with a readerboard, 2 regular ground signs,
2 wall signs and 3 crosses. The main ground sign will be 10.44’ tall and 69.52 sf and exceed code requirements for height
and square footage. The applicant included information which explains their reasons for exceeding sign height and overall
square footage. The sign will have an opaque background on a masonry base and includes a readerboard which exceeds
code at 26.9% of the total sign area. The sign will be located by the main entrance on Brown Street and set back 33’ from
the property line which is outside of the vision triangle. Staff supports all exceptions included with this proposed ground sign.
Other signs include a secondary ground sign adjacent to Schumacher Street, a ground sign by the entrance to the child care
center, a wall sign on the gym wall facing Brown Street, a wall sign to be located on the future addition to the church and 3
non-illuminated crosses. Staff has no issues with any of these signs and recommends approval. Members were concerned
with granting the exceptions and questioned the road height of Brown Street where the main ground sign would be located.
Gallo was also concerned with the request for exceptions and due to the setback and speed limit in the area, agreed with
their request. Eric Ziel, Principal of St. Matthew’s School, Jeff Natzke of St. Matthew’s Church and Andy Sommers of
Graphic House were present. Natzke noted the road, which is under construction, is going to be built up by 1” – 2”.
Members noted this makes a difference and could justify the proposed height. Motion by Flint to approve the Master Sign
Plan for St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church and School at 1650 Brown Street as submitted; second by Schrang. Motion carried
5-0.
5. Evin at Oconomowoc (formerly known as Silver Lake Street Senior Housing) – Consider/approve Building
Plans at 1101 Silver Lake Street: Weber explained this is for approval of a senior housing complex to be located on Silver
Lake Street. The building colors and design were inspired by St. Jerome’s Church and the Echelon Apartments in
Wauwatosa. Materials include precast concrete panels, “Amber Rose” brick veneer, “Red Barn” Smart Siding, “Buff”
horizontal banding and “Terracotta” True Definition shingles. There will also be a pergola by the golf cart path. Staff feels
the building has too much mass and recommends stepping back the upper portion of the building; and the roof has a long
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Architectural Commission Meeting 2 August 8, 2018
line and suggested dropping it in some spots to add movement and look segmented. Gallo added these suggestions were
shared with the applicant and said they shouldn’t add cost. Staff requested additional information on the windows, frames,
railings and materials to be used for the generator enclosure. There is no signage at this point, and when the applicant is
ready to submit their signage plan staff will review to determine if it can be administratively approved. Weber recommends
approval conditioned on all mechanicals being minimized and painted to match adjacent building materials and all issues
being addressed. Aaron Matter of Matter Development, Jeremy Bartlett and Dave Raschka of Thrive Architects were
present. Matter reviewed the plans and provided heights of the proposed development, noting they had presented a
conceptual plan and received good feedback from the members and staff at last month’s meeting. Since then they have
defined their color choices and siding materials; broke up the rooflines by bringing the overhangs back to make them look
more like a dormer; carried the brick through the corners; and same or similar color tones as previously presented. They
were concerned that with the roof as staff proposed, the porches won’t line up as planned. They also offered to go to a
lighter color brick. Members preferred the lighter shade of brick and suggested bringing the brick down one level in place of
siding; preferred a brown roof over the current color; would like the corner units to look like previously shown in a sample
photo presented at the last meeting; and like the darker shade of brick for the 2nd / 3rd floors. Weber requested the PTAC
units match siding color. She also suggested the wall by the front entrance should either be changed or landscaping added
by it; and questioned what color the railings and window frames will be. Matter would like to stay in the same color family;
loves the current shingle color; and will add the corner element from the Echelon building. Bartlett said the building will have
fiberglass windows with dark brown frames and aluminum railings. Motion by Schultz to approve the building plans for Evin
at Oconomowoc at 1101 Silver Lake Street subject to the roofline as proposed; inclusion of brick on the corners of the
building; the use of a lighter brick color; roof color as proposed; with dark brown railings and window frames; and the upper
floor be dark brick down onto the 2nd floor; all visible rooftop units/and or venting be screened and any venting on the
elevations be minimized and colored to blend in with the building; with final plans to be administratively approved by
planning staff; second by Schrang. Motion carried 5-0.
6. Reports and comments from the City Planner:
A. Tower Ridge – Administrative Approvals: Weber explained changes were made to the proposed Tower Ridge
buildings including relocating the Magic Packs to the other side of bedroom 1, changing out the double gables to be a single
gable, adding circle louver elements in these locations, and double hung windows in place of casement windows. Weber
said the changes were minor, and staff administratively approved them. Members preferred mullions in the windows, and
staff will request the developer to make this change.
B. Architectural Commission Requirement Handout: Weber explained that when a developer comes through she
creates a checklist for the development which works well. Based on this, she is proposing that this checklist be handed out
to future developers as part of the review process. Members requested under Materials to change Smart Siding to
Hardiplank Siding if the intent is for the siding to be durable; and under Signage add Pedestrian Friendly (projecting). Weber
noted some of the items on the checklist are ordinance driven while others are developer driven.
In addition, staff did a site visit at the Pizza Hut and the owner is aware of the paint issue. They are looking at alternatives
and said the roof should be repainted by the end of the month. Lastly, Weber distributed Festival Week brochures.
7. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: None.
8. Adjourn: Motion by Schultz to adjourn at 6:15 pm; second by Krogstad. Motion carried 5-0.
Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk
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Department of City Planning
Kristi Weber | 262.569.2173
oconomowoc-wi.gov/planning
Architectural Commission Background
September 12th 2018 : 5:00 pm at City Hall in Conference Room #3
Item #3 – Twisted Fire; Façade Amendment
The applicant is requesting approval for a façade amendment of Twisted Fire (previously known as Buca
Eatery & Grill) located at 515 E. Wisconsin Avenue. Twisted Fire is located in the Downtown District zoned
MC – Mixed-Use Commercial, and Per Section §17.703 of the City’s Municipal Code the Architectural
Commission shall approve/deny all exterior building changes.
Background
When the applicant started working with Staff they mentioned they wanted a new signage and had started
painting the building. Their signage was able to be approved administratively, but Staff noted that building
colors need review and approval by the Architectural Commission. Also that any painting prior to
Architectural Commission review and approval is at their own risk. The Owners have since stopped painting
after applying primer. The applicant is requesting ‘Peppercorn,’ for the color, ‘Firewood’ for an accent on
cornice and doors, and the color ‘Gauntle’ on the cornice, diamonds and around the windows. Applicant to
provide paint swatches at meeting.
The applicant shared with staff that they have only painted what was previously painted on the building.
Color – The previous building color was cream with maroon window. The adjacent business are beige (Lake
Country Dog) and orange (Mazatlan). Staff supports with the building paint colors, as it creates a separate
identity from the adjacent buildings.
Neon – The applicant has also removed the neon previously on the cornice of the building.
Recommendation:
Approve the facade amendment for Twisted Fire located 515 E. Wisconsin Avenue.
Item #4 – Eagles Landing; Master Sign Plan
The applicant is requesting approval of a Master Sign Plan from the Architectural Commission for Eagles
Landing at 128 W. Wisconsin Avenue. Per Section §17.609(3)(a) of the City’s Municipal Code, multi-
tenant buildings are required to submit a coordinated master sign plan to the Architectural Commission
for approval. This building has (2) commercial tenants (American Legion and a restaurant) with
condominiums above. Eagles Landing had received building approval at the December 14th 2016
Architectural Commission.
Eagles Landing Master Sign Plan includes:
• On the retaining wall:
o (1) one development wall sign
o (2) two commercial tenant wall signs
• On the building:
o (1) one development identification wall sign
o (2) two stairwell wayfinding wall signs
o (2) two commercial tenant wall signs
Architectural Commission Meeting Background
September 12th, 2018 – Page 2
• Each Commercial Tenant can also have:
o 25% window/door graphics
o (1) one sandwich board
Retaining Wall Signage – Adjacent to Sidewalk on West Wisconsin Avenue
The applicant proposes (1) one development sign and (2) two tenant signs on the street retaining wall.
The American Legion (west tenant) will have their sign will be located on the west entry pillar as the
restaurant (east tenant) will be located on the pillar next to the development wall sign. The application
also shows a placeholder under the east tenant’s sign. Per Code §17.607(4)(e), an address sign shall be
required. Planning Staff suggests adding an address sign in the placeholder location on the retaining
wall or incorporating the address under the development sign in a visible location.
Building Signs – Wall Signs on the Buildings
Includes (1) one development identification wall sign, (2) two commercial tenant wall signs, (2) two
stairwell wayfinding signs. Planning Staff supports the type, size and number of signs. However, Staff
suggests that all signs to be bronze with silver graphics, to have a constant and cohesive appearance on
the building.
Window/Door Signage – the applicant notes that the window/door signage should meet the City’s
Code of 25% coverage and the preferred copy color is white. Planning Staff supports the 25% coverage
and suggests noting that the color is white, thus remove the word ‘preferred’ in the Master Sign Plan
text.
Note Pending approval of the Master Sign Plan, the applicant can apply for a sign permit from Building
Inspection (262-569-2195) located on the second floor of City Hall. The total number of signs for this
application is (6) six. Each sign permit is $25.
Recommendation:
Approve the Master Sign Plan for Eagles Landing located at 128 W. Wisconsin Avenue, with the
following considerations:
• Development Address Sign: Add address sign under the restaurant sign on the retaining wall
or incorporate it under the development sign in a visible location.
• Add text to Master Sign Plan: All signs, except the main development retaining wall sign, to
be bronze with silver graphics
• Window/Door Signage: All window/door signage should be white copy.
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