Architectural Commission & Historic Preservation Commission

City of Oconomowoc Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes December 12, 2018 Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Members Present: Paul Schultz, Kurt Schrang (5:04 pm), Kent Johnson and Jeremy Flint Members Excused: Anne Krogstad Staff Present: Jason Gallo, Kristi Weber and Chris Dehnert 2. Approve the November 14, 2018 Minutes: Motion by Flint to approve the November 14, 2018 minutes; second by Schultz. Motion carried 3-0. 3. Tower Ridge – Consider/approve Building Plans at 265 Thurow Drive: Weber provided past history of the site which has been the subject of several reviews including the master plan of the whole site in 2004; changed the plan in 2016 to two 2-story 24-unit apartment buildings to be located to the east of the water tower; changed the plan in June, 2018 to two 2-story 18-unit apartment buildings; and now changed the building to one 3-story 36-unit building with a 180’ long single story garage built into a berm. This recent change was brought forth by the applicant, noting the building materials, colors and details are the same as approved earlier this year, except there will only be one building and it will be one story taller. The applicant will be adding the berm and additional landscaping around the garage and property. Staff recommends adding closed shutters to the backside of the garage. The applicant attempted to break up the long roofline with gables and hip roofs. Weber recommends approval of the building plans with consideration given to adding closed shutters to the backside of the garage. Dave Hoffman, owner, noted the only changes to the building is the density and the addition of the garage and berm on the north side of the property to alleviate the site line of the building for the residents of the subdivision behind the property. Tim Seidel, architect, said they have changed the window grids to be more in the prairie style. Hoffman prefers no windows on the back side of the garage, noting the berm will be 4’ tall, and there will be landscaping and a path on top of it. Members said the garage needs more detail and it’s too much mass. They suggested transom windows; adding a similar detail to the roof as the top roofline of the proposed building; a color difference of some type; or articulation of the roof. The members then discussed adding smaller gables, up to 5, to the rear roofline and consider including on the front roofline as well. The owner worked with the members on the suggestions for the garage roofline. Motion by Schultz to approve the 3- story building plans at 265 Thurow Drive as submitted and postpone approval of the detached garage; second by Flint. Motion carried 4-0. 4. Reports and comments from the City Planner: Weber did a site visit at the request of the members to the locations that had fluttering flags, and there were none present on that day. Staff will send a letter to the affected businesses and send along a copy of City ordinance regarding fluttering flags. 5. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: None. 6. Adjourn: Motion by Schrang to adjourn at 5:30 pm; second by Schultz. Motion carried 4-0. Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk S:\Committees - Commissions\Architectural\Minutes\2018\12-12-18.doc  Department of City Planning Kristi Weber | 262.569.2173 oconomowoc-wi.gov/planning Architectural Commission Background January 9th 2019 : 5:00 pm at City Hall in Conference Room #3 Item #3 – Whitman Park Shopping Center; Master Sign Plan The Property Owner is requesting approval of a Master Sign Plan from the Architectural Commission for Whitman Park Shopping Center located at 1021-1111 Summit 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 development has approximately (17) seventeen commercial tenants with (2) two stand alone building tenants (Valvoline Instant Oil Change and Walgreens). Add Logo Text Planning Staff understands the unique branding of tenants, Planning Staff suggests adding an additional item stating, “Corporate Logos, crests, or shields may be used in conjunction with text when a logo is a part of a corporate identity. The maximum logo height may exceed 8” above the maximum overall letter height used and are to be included in square footage calculations.” These logos may be any color. This is consistent with other approved commercial multi-tenant Master Sign Plans. Add Maximum Letter Height Planning Staff understands the visibility of a tenants sign from major roadways and thoroughfares, along with the fact that Whitman Park has several long-term tenants with existing signage. Planning Staff suggests adding an additional item stating “Maximum letter height of thirty-six (36”) inches in single-line or two-line identification.” This is consistent with other approved commercial multi-tenant Master Sign Plans. Note Other types of signage not noted in the Master Sign Plan (i.e. sandwich boards, window, temporary, construction etc.) shall be regulated under the City Sign Code §17-6. Recommendation: Approve the Master Sign Plan for Whitman Park Shopping Center located at 1021-1111 Summit Avenue, with the following considerations: • Add Logo Text: Add text, “Corporate Logos, crests, or shields may be used in conjunction with text when a logo is a part of a corporate identity. The maximum logo height may exceed 8” above the maximum overall letter height used and are to be included in square footage calculations.” These logos may be any color. • Add Maximum Letter Height: Add text: Maximum letter height of thirty-six (36”) inches in single-line or two-line identification.  Architectural Commission Meeting Background January 9th, 2019 – Page 2 Item #4 – Summit Center Marketplace; Special Exception Digital Ground Sign The applicant is requesting approval of a special exception from the Architectural Commission for a digital ground sign located within Summit Center Marketplace at 1300 Summit Avenue. Special Exception The existing sign is a legal non-conforming digital ground sign. Since the applicant is requesting a new design, a special exception is warranted for approval. Planning Staff supports the special exception for visibility and reliability due to its setback along WIS 67. Sign Design The proposed sign will keep the existing stone monument base and replace the existing sign. The proposed design will increase in overall size from 98 SF to 122 SF. Planning Staff is glad the applicant is keeping the existing monument base and supports the new sign design. Electronic Messaging Center (EMC) §17.609 The EMC is increasing in size. The proposed ground sign is proposed at 122 SF, which per code (25% of the overall sign size) allows for an EMC to be no larger than 30.5 SF. The proposed EMC is 27.18 SF and meets City Code. Logos The previous ground sign had logos included with the tenant text. Logos have also been included with the proposed sign. Planning Staff is okay with the logos since they were previously on the sign, however suggests keeping the logos white to match with the tenant text with the brown background to provide a clean and consistent look. Top of Sign The previous sign had a ‘decorative sign topper’ that went well with the overall design of the stone monument base and the architectural features of the 1300 building. The proposed sign does not incorporate this design feature. Planning Staff suggests adding a ‘sign topper’ to keep the overall cohesive design of the monument base and building. Spires The previous sign had architectural spires on the monument base. Planning Staff confirmed with the applicant that those spires would remain as part of the overall monument design. Note Pending approval of the ground sign, the applicant is required to apply for a sign permit from Building Inspection (262-569-2195) located on the second floor of City Hall. Each sign permit is $25. Recommendation: Approve the special exception for Summit Center Marketplace ground sign located at 1300 Summit Avenue, with the following considerations: • Logos: All tenant logos shall be white to match the tenant text. • Top of Sign: Add a ‘sign topper’.  Architectural Commission Meeting Background January 9th, 2019 – Page 3 Item #5 – WaterView Condominiums; Building Plans The applicant is requesting approval of building plans from the Architectural Commission for a (9) nine unit condominium complex located at 517 and 525 N. Lake Road. The proposed project is located in the Isthmus District. The current site includes vacant property immediately south of the dam and the adjacent single family residence. The single family residence will be razed, and the lots will be combined. This item was previously reviewed for discussion at the September 13th 2017 Architectural Commission meeting. The applicant received feedback, has taken the comments into consideration and is requesting review and action by the Commission. Since that meeting the applicant removed the third floor, reduced the number of units from (13) thirteen to (9) nine and added a pitched roof. Isthmus Design Standards §17.204 Per Section §17.204 Isthmus Design Standards of the City Ordinances, requires: All development, façade and building changes shall reflect building scale, design, configuration, details, exterior material, and colors which: 1) Reflect the practices common in the period between 1870 and 1930. 2) Complement other instances of similar development in the Isthmus districts which are consistent with the historic theme. 3) Modern forms of development which do not conform to the above two (2) standards shall not be permitted even if they reflect other examples of development which do not conform to these standards which are already present in the Isthmus districts. Where necessary, the Zoning Administrator or Architectural Commission may seek the opinion of experts to determine the degree to which proposed development reflects the above two (2) standards. The applicant is aware of the Isthmus Design Standards and feels the proposed project meets the ordinance. Since the discussion with the Architectural Commission the applicant has incorporated the following elements: • The fluted columns on the decks. • The decorative columns below the house deck. • The dormers on the decorative gable ends. • Roof slopes. • Galvalume roofs on the gables. • The trim on the windows. • The siding. • The pediments above the windows. • The stone base. • The timber post and beam on the large gable ends. • The arched windows and the shutters. • The decorative garage doors. • The frieze at the perimeter of the house entrance canopy. Planning Staff feels the design has been improved. The Architectural Commission Members to determine if the proposed design meets City Code for Isthmus Design Standards. Building Materials The application notes generalized building materials. The applicant must provide building samples at the meeting, and a final spec sheet to Staff. Commissioners to shall be in agreement on specific material.  Architectural Commission Meeting Background January 9th, 2019 – Page 4 Lap Siding The application notes “grey colored lap siding.” Planning Staff suggests the lap siding shall be identified as HardiePlank or SmartSiding. Small Dormers The small dormers on both of the proposed buildings are shown in the renderings as white lap siding. Staff was unable to locate a building material notation for this design feature. Planning Staff suggests a white HardiePlank or SmartSiding building material. The applicant to confirm color, building material and provide samples at the meeting. East/West Large Gables The dominant roof material is ‘dimensional asphalt shingles.’ The applicant is proposing several dormers and gables to break up the roofline of both the (8) eight-unit condo building and the single condo building. The dormers and gables are noted as ‘Galvalum metal roof.’ Planning Staff is okay with the smaller dormer having a metal roof but suggests the east/west large gables on the (8) eight-unit condo building should be dimensional asphalt shingles. Mechanical Equipment The application does not show HVAC units, as the applicant plans to create a mansard roof and placing the units on this dropped down rooftop. Planning Staff supports this option and just wants to remind the applicant that any visible rooftop venting needs to be screened or any venting on the roof/elevations should be minimized and colored to blend into the building. Ground Sign The applicant does not request any signage approvals at this time. The site plan shows a ground/monument sign identified at the main entrance. No formal action is needed regarding signage by the Architectural Commissioners. When the applicant knows more information, they shall submit an application to the Planning Department for review. The approval process will be determined at that time for the signage. Recommendation: Approve the building plans for WaterView Condominiums located at 517 and 525 N. Lake Road, with the following considerations: • Isthmus Design Standards: Commissioners to determine if the proposed development conforms to the City Code. • Building Materials: Applicant to provide building samples at the meeting, and a final specification sheet to Staff. Commissioners to approve the specific material. • Lap Siding: Shall be HardiePlank or SmartSiding. • Small Dormers: Applicant to confirm dormer color and material. Lap siding shall be Hardie Plank or SmartSiding. • East/West Large Gables: Change from ‘galvalume metal roof’ to ‘dimensional asphalt shingle.’ • Mechanical Equipment: Any visible rooftop units and venting needs to be screened or any venting on the roof/elevations should be minimized and colored to blend into the building.  Summit Center Marketplace 1300 Summit Avenue Request for Special Exception Digital Ground Monument Sign 1/3/18 We are requesting a special exception for Summit Center Marketplace ground sign at 1300 Summit Avenue, Oconomowoc because it is located quite far off of highway 67. We feel the size request is needed for visibility and readability due to the set back. This encourages drivers to make safe navigation decisions in a timely manner. Another key reason for our request is we would like to utilize the existing base that mimics features from the building and surrounding signage. It has a lot of character that we would like to stay to enhance the architectural appeal. December 20, 2018 WaterView Condominiums Project Summary & Narrative We believe that there is a dire need for high quality condominiums in the heart of Lake Country, mostly to accommodate people who don’t want to maintain a high maintenance lake property. To satisfy this need we are proposing to construct a 9-unit condominium project which consists of one 8-unit building and a single family house (which would also be a condominium). The single family house component is a 3,800 square foot 3-bedroom, 3 full bath, and 2 half bath house. You enter the house via an extravagant small garden on the ground level and walk up a level to the main living/dining/kitchen space in order to take advantage of the fabulous views out over Fowler Lake, the dam, the plunge pool, and Lac La Belle. The garage is a 3-car garage with 3 guest parking spots in front of the garage. The 8-unit two-story condominium building includes: - (8) 3-bedroom 3-bath corner units overlooking Lake Road and Lac La Belle. - (8) 2-car private garages and (2) 3-car private garages located in the basement/parking level. The building is about 25,000 square feet plus the parking level. Each of the units enjoys spectacular views over the water, a large kitchen/dining/living space, and a very spacious master bedroom suite. Walls between the units are 10” thick concrete and floors between the units are 12” of Spancrete with an average of 3” of topping on top of the Spancrete for “the best acoustic separation that can reasonably be achieved.” All the units will feature a very high level of finish with hardwood floors and hardwood trim and matching hardwood panel doors throughout. All the bathrooms are marble. 1 The combination kitchen/dining area is the centerpiece of the unit, great for entertaining and cooking. The kitchens are large with a lot of storage space and high quality cabinets. Each kitchen is equipped with an exhaust hood that is ducted all the way up through the building to the roof. Each unit will be equipped with extensive LED lighting controlled by dimmer switches. The living room/home theater areas are spacious, large enough to accommodate a large sectional sofa and one of today’s huge high definition TVs. Each unit is equipped with a private deck large enough to accommodate outdoor dining and entertaining, outdoor grilling, chaise lounges or casual furniture and planters. Decks and terrace rails will be white decorative posts with white horizontal rails and clear glass infill panels. Each deck will be equipped with a water connection, a gas connection, an electrical outlet, and LED lighting. The decks will include an internal drainage system so when someone waters the plants from above you do not get wet. Each unit will be assigned a spacious 2-car garage inside of the underground parking. There will be enough room in the garage for 2 full walls of shelving so that if you are moving from a house you have plenty of space to store all of your stuff. The Isthmus Zoning requires .25 guest parking spaces per unit. We have provided 13 guest spaces for the condo building and 3 guest spaces for the house so that when someone has a party there is enough parking to accommodate all the guests. Storm Water Management: our understanding of the storm water management code is that since we are not adding more than ½-acre of hard surface, and since we are not discharging into the City’s storm sewer system, that we will not be required to detain the storm water. However, as required by Chapter 19a of the City Ordinance we will be required to remove 40% of the suspended solids. Our plan is to route the storm water from the roofs and parking lot over grassy areas to filter it before it ends up in the lake. The WaterView Condominiums project is a 4-sided design that is oriented towards Lake Road, does not include freestanding garages or garage doors that face the street. The facades incorporate balconies, bay windows, insets, relief in the wall plane, porches, dormers, a variation in materials, and a variation in roof forms. The Isthmus Zoning Design Standards call for building configurations, details, and exterior materials and colors which reflect the practices common in the period between 1870 and 1930 and complement the historic architecture of the Isthmus and do not introduce modern forms of architecture. The proposed WaterView Condominiums are designed to reflect a look and feel which fits in with the historic character of the Isthmus. 2 Elements of the design that embody the practices from the period between 1870 and 1930 and compliment other instances of similar development in the Isthmus and are consistent with the historic theme are: o The fluted columns on the decks. o The decorative columns below the house deck. o The dormers and the decorative gable ends. o Roof slopes. o Galvalume roofs on the gables o The trim on the windows. o The siding. o The pediments above the windows. o The stone base. o The timber post and beam on the large gable ends. o The arched windows and the shutters. o The decorative garage doors. o The frieze at the perimeter of the house entrance canopy. The revised design for the WaterView Condominiums is not a modern form of development. Regarding site lighting, our overall objective has been to keep the site lighting to a minimum to minimize glare and enhance views. Site lighting will include: - 2 LED area lights on 12-foot poles painted white. - Decorative LED sconces on the house and the condominium building painted white. - LED string lights hung from poles along the pathway. We hope to work with the neighbor to the north to retrofit the dam lights that illuminate the dam employing cut-off LED spot lights in the masonry enclosure on top of the boat house. We hope to start the project as soon as we obtain all the necessary approvals which could be as early as late spring 2019. 3