Architectural Commission & Historic Preservation Commission

City of Oconomowoc Architectural Commission Meeting Minutes May 3, 2023 The meeting was called to order by Chairman Flint at 4:30 pm. Members Present: Schrang, Johnson, Flint, Krogstad and Schultz Staff Present: Gallo, Weber and Dehnert 2. Approve Minutes of March 8, 2023: Motion by Johnson to approve the minutes of March 8, 2023 as submitted; second by Schrang. Motion carried 5-0. 3. Approve Minutes of April 5, 2023: Motion by Schultz to approve the minutes of April 5, 2023 as submitted; second by Schrang. Motion carried 5-0. 4. Market 203 – Consider/approve an update to an existing Master Sign Plan at 203 E. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained the master sign plan on this property was partially approved at the Architectural Commission meeting on April 5 for signage in the front windows and rear elevation and postponed action on the second floor signage. The applicant and tenant, Michele Gilbert, explained adding the extended canopy was not feasible at this time, and she really liked the idea of a blade sign. Second floor signage will consist of (2) 30” x 120” double-sided blade signs attached with 3 brackets. Members thought the sign was quite long (10’) and discussed what the size should be. Motion by Johnson to approve the amended master sign plan for Market 203 with the second story signage on E. Wisconsin Avenue to be 30” by 90” and the sign frame can be a bit longer by a few inches; second by Schultz. Motion carried 5-0. 5. 158 E. Wisconsin Avenue – Consider/approve an awning at 158 E. Wisconsin Avenue: Weber explained the painting of the building facade was approved by the Architectural Commission last year. The applicant is now requesting approval of a black pin-striped awning over the front entrance of the building and considering placement of a projecting sign off the awning. The applicant, Bethany Frost, explained she is considering either a blade sign or signage on the awning and some window signage. Gallo explained code requirements and said signage can be approved administratively. Members thought putting the name of her business directly on the awning would look good. Motion by Krogstad to approve an awning on the building at 158 E. Wisconsin Avenue with the name of the tenant on it to be approved by staff; second by Johnson. Motion carried 5-0. Commissioner Johnson brought up the issue of incomplete applications coming before the Commission for approval. Flint noted they can deny an application if it is incomplete. 6. Mortonson Residence – Consider/approve an exterior color change in the Isthmus Zoning District at the residence at 628 N. Lake Road: Weber explained this applicant is requesting approval of a color change for the exterior of their home which is located in the Isthmus zoning district and requires approval by the Architectural Commission. Barb Mortonson explained they want to paint most of the home Sherwin Williams #7037 – “Balanced Beige”; the upper peaks, trim, windows, gutters, deck and fascia/soffit are to be #2089 - Classical White”’; and the front entrance door is to be #7630 – “Polished Mahogany”. Porch rails, awnings and garage door will remain the same. Mortonson is not sure what color they will paint the gazebo but will make sure it is compatible with the house. Members thought the colors are appropriate. Motion by Krogstad to approve the color change at the Mortonson residence, 628 N. Lake Road; second by Schultz. Motion amended by Krogstad to include that the gazebo can be painted in the future to match the colors of the house; second by Schultz. Motion carried 5-0. 7. Olde Highlander Commercial Design Standards – Consider/approve Commercial Design Standards for the Olde Highlander development with 29 acres primarily located west of Olympia Fields, north of Pabst Farms Road extension and south of Robruck Drive: Weber explained the applicant is requesting approval of design standards for commercial buildings in their new development. They are proposing 2 different scenarios: Design 1 is intended for the existing Chalet buildings; and Design 2 is for all other commercial buildings in the development. The S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2023\ACMin 5-3-23 proposed standards also include direction on landscaping, lighting and signage. Weber recommended approval of the proposed standards for commercial buildings. Bryan Lindgren of Neumann Developments said they would like the development to feel like a continuation of Olympia Fields; the ski hill land and buildings are in disrepair; they’re working with a commercial firm who is interested in bringing activities to the ski hill; and are considering options for the existing clubhouse. Design Scenario 2 is for new commercial areas; establishes guidelines that are compatible with surrounding uses; are similar to Olympia’s; and works with the proposal of Mandel. Gallo noted the applicant developed the guidelines, but projects still require approval by the Architectural Commission. He added staff went through the standards line by line and are comfortable with them. Members brought up issues raised during discussions on various building projects at Olympia Fields; noted there is the potential that a building project could come up that is terrible; not comfortable approving the design standards without going through the whole document line-by-line; understands the importance of this document to Neumann; and suggested adding a note to the front page of the document before the Design Scenarios to address the approval process. Motion by Johnson to approve the Commercial Design Standards for the Olde Highlander development with the following modifications: On Page 0 (front cover) create a new item “Approval Process” directly under Introduction; on Page 2 list the title of new item “Approval Process” and add a new paragraph which reads: The Approval Process of the Architectural Commission may supersede any of the design standards as outlined in this document. Then list the (5) Procedures for Major Design Review: etc… After (e)4. on the next page, the paragraph should read as follows: In addition to the Major Design Review process, we propose two additional steps be followed for all proposed projects: Then continue with 1) and 2) as listed; second by Schultz. The members asked to see the modified Commercial Design Standards when updated. Motion carried 5-0. 8. Olde Highlander Multi-Family Design Standards – Consider/approve Multi-Family Design Standards for the Olde Highlander development with 28.5 acres located north of Oconomowoc Parkway and south of Pabst Farms Road extension: Weber explained this item relates to the design standards for multi-family units in the Olde Highlander development. Gallo added the multi-family units proposed by Mandel are the only one in this development. Weber said Neumann created design standards for commercial development and applied them toward the proposed Norden Range development of Mandel. Weber had some concerns on wayfinding and monument signs, but noted signage will have to be reviewed by the Architectural Commission. Elizabeth Riedel of Mandel and Buck Knitt of Rinka gave a PPT and explained the overall design of their development on the 28.5 acre site. The development will have a pedestrian feel; contain a variety of different size and style buildings and a clubhouse; there will be pathways and walkways along the water and will connect to the Olympia Fields development; they may have to meet the 75’ Shoreland setback even though the waterway is non-navigable; and they will try to preserve as many trees as possible. Weber questioned garage placement on some of the units, noting some units need additional landscaping or articulation added to them. Riedel explained they are trying to be sensitive about detached garage placements; clarified where apartments will be located; made a change to the SW cluster to include garages around the townhome units; will clean up the bridge; and add more landscaping around garage units. Members questioned where the trash enclosure will be; the amount of water in the waterway; it is a well-executed plan; like the traffic flow within the development; and the eastern side will be problematic due to being located by the back of retail. Riedel explained they will have garbage collection in a corner by the garages and will have residents take their garbage to it, and it is their intention to mitigate the waterway area. Motion by Johnson to approve the Multi-Family Design Standards for the Olde Highlander development to include the proposed updated plan revision; second by Krogstad. Motion carried 5-0. 9. Olde Highlander Norden Range – Discuss the Multi-Family development located within the Olde Highlander development with 28.5 acres located north of Oconomowoc Parkway and south of the Pabst Farms Road extension: Architect Buck Knitt of Rinka and Elizabeth Riedel of Mandel gave a PPT presentation showing the different types of properties and clubhouse to be included with the proposed multi-family development. The buildings design and materials will have a Scandinavian influence with natural materials, porches, masonry, gables, multi-stories and architectural details included on the garages. Members suggested they look at end units to make sure there are no blank walls; add windows to garages with blank walls; and questioned what the siding will be. Knitt said they intend to use Nichiha material due to its durability. Gallo asked if there was a retaining wall on the site, and Knitt said it would be finished concrete. Members noted lighting within the development can make a big impact; huge opportunity to use architectural lighting; they should emphasize entry points of units; include lighting on the final plans; and more detail on the concrete. Members thought overall it is a good looking project; and thought looking at the building design of the S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2023\ACMin 5-3-23 proposed development and then creating the standards makes total sense. Weber noted they will need to see what the dumpster enclosure will look like, the clubhouse design, and include landscaping when presenting the final plan. Riedel said they will work on attention to detail with the garages and include landscaping. No action was taken. 10. UW Credit Union – Discuss a bank proposed for the southeast corner of WIS67/Summit Avenue and Pabst Farms Boulevard: Weber explained this request is to review the building plans of a new UW Credit Union which will be located on a unique site with the Pabst Farms development sign directly outside their property. The building will have a lot of glass in their entry and main building, and the architecture is based on requirements of the Pabst Farms Planned Development. Gallo explained the PD overlay was approved in 2014, and 60 acres were recently purchased so the PD will probably be amended. He questioned if the design aligns with the Pabst Farms PD and questioned what will happen to the trees located on this property. The applicants, Dave Ewanowski of Kee Architecture and Cheryl Weisensel of UW Credit Union, explained building materials include natural stone, industrial steel, wood overhang, brick and a lot of glass with 4-sided architecture. The mechanicals will be screened; there is general landscaping; and trash enclosures are built into the building. Weber asked if the stone could be a creamier color. Ewanowski provided material samples to the members, and they liked the warmth of the stone shown in the samples. He added they are proposing 49 stalls for parking and 3 drive up ATM’s. Ewanowski said they don’t have direct control over the trees because they are not on their property, and they have already talked to the property owner about them. Members commented to hold this applicant to the old design philosophy doesn’t make sense; the building is well designed; and holds to the craftsmen style. Members noted there are no shade devices; provide drawings from all angles of the building so people can see the drive-thru; and appreciated the applicant coming forward for review of their proposed plans. The applicants appreciated the feedback from the members. No action was taken. 11. Reports and comments from the City Planning Department: None. 12. Reports and comments from the Architectural Commissioners: Chairman Flint said that when the building façade for the Pizza Hut was approved, he believes the motion was that if they painted the roof then they have to maintain it. He noted initially they took care of repainting the roof. However, now almost half of the roof paint has come off, and it is getting worse. He believes they should take care of it. 13. Adjourn: Motion by Schrang to adjourn at 7:18 pm; second by Krogstad. Motion carried 5-0. Chris Dehnert, Deputy City Clerk S:Clerk\Committees-Commissions\Architectural\2023\ACMin 5-3-23