Architectural Commission & Historic Preservation Commission

City of Oconomowoc Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes November 13, 2019 Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm. Members Present: Anne Krogstad, Paul Schultz, Kurt Schrang, Kent Johnson and Jeremy Flint Staff Present: Jason Gallo, Kristi Weber, Ald. Charlie Shaw and Chris Dehnert 2. Approve the October 9, 2019 Minutes: Motion by Flint to approve the October 9, 2019 minutes; second by Schrang. Motion carried 5-0. 3. Burger King – Consider/approve Revised Plans for Façade at 860 E. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained at last month’s meeting there was a lot of discussion by the members on the existing brick of the building and it was decided that the brick would be painted. Thereafter the applicant contacted staff because they decided to remove all the existing brick and replace it with new. Staff felt since this particular detail had involved a lot of discussion by the members and this was a big change from what they had approved that it should come back to the Architectural Commission for reapproval. Weber added the brick has already been removed and she recommends approval of this request. Gallo explained the applicant contacted him noting there is a time crunch with the project and requested they be allowed to move forward with removal of the brick prior to the meeting which Gallo agreed. The applicant, John Kayser of Cave Enterprises LLC and Jeff McDonald of Excel Engineering were present. Kayser explained his contractor informed him after removal of the EIFS that there were issues with the brick and painting it was not going to be feasible. They now intend to install full brick which is an upgrade to their original plans. A sample board of the proposed brick and nichiha panel were provided. McDonald noted they also had a sample of the trash enclosure which will be Trex composite decking. Members questioned how they plan to seal the top of the Trex, and McDonald said the top end of the boards will not be visible. Members questioned the brick sill course due to it being place diagonally which they felt would cause maintenance issues in the future and suggested using a precast stone cap instead. McDonald was unaware of problems with the sill course on any of their other buildings, and he wanted to discuss this with his architect and builder before agreeing to making this change. The members agreed and said if they decide to go with a precast stone cap that it should be in a color to match the nichiha material. Motion by Flint to approve the revised plans for the building façade at 860 E. Wisconsin Avenue with the option for the applicant to add a precast cap on the brick wainscoting in a color to match the nichiha siding panels; second by Schrang. Motion carried 5-0. 4. Burger King – Consider/approve Signage for 860 E. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained the applicant is requesting several special exceptions for their proposed signage. They intend to remove the pole sign and replace it with an 8’7” tall monument sign which is 7” taller than code and requires a special exception. They are also requesting a digital reader board in the monument sign which takes up 28.6% of the sign or 3.6% larger than code and also requires a special exception. Staff feels both of these requests are reasonable and supports their requests for special exceptions. The applicant is also requesting two round Burger King logo wall signs and is considering a third logo wall sign on the west elevation. The two wall signs meet code requirements but if they request a third wall sign, it would require a special exception. Kayser noted they are considering adding a round Burger King logo to the tower element on the west elevation which they believe looks more aesthetically pleasing. Weber said the applicant originally had intended on including merchandise placeholders on the east and west elevations which have been removed from their signage request. Lastly they included “Home of the Whopper” wall signage on the west elevation which staff considers to be product signage and is not allowed per code. However, if it is considered branding, it would require a special exception because it would be considered a fourth sign. Kayser said this sign is considered to be part of their brand, and it will not be very bright as it will emit a halo S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2019\ACMin 11-13-19 effect. He added signage is one of the most critical tools to bring awareness of their product to customer’s attention, and the message board is another way of advertising their products. Kayser added there will be landscaping around the base of the monument sign. The members said they were okay with the “Home of the Whopper” signage, the size of the monument sign, and with the inclusion of a third sign. They did not agree with the addition of a fourth sign and thought the building was well branded. After discussion, the members agreed the building is three-sided and a sign on the west elevation would be acceptable if it was a wayfinding sign with “Drive Thru” or something similar on the tower element. They were concerned with setting precedence. Gallo explained he talked with the applicant about signage and suggested they include something on the tower as that side of the building was visible and looked stark. Kayser agreed to look for some wayfinding signage that would be brand approved. Motion by Schultz to approve the signage and special exceptions as submitted for Burger King at 860 E. Wisconsin Avenue and the applicant may have a round Burger King logo on the west elevation but asked that the owners look at other types of wayfinding signage with drive-thru or similar language instead on this elevation which can be reviewed and approved by planning staff; second by Krogstad. Motion carried 5-0. Kayser clarified they can install the round Burger King logo if they are unable to find wayfinding signage which the members agreed. 5. Reports and comments from the City Planner: None. 6. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: None. 7. Adjourn: Motion by Schrang to adjourn at 5:39 pm; second by Krogstad. Motion carried 5-0. Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2019\ACMin 11-13-19