Design Review Board

DESIGN REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES (FINAL) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21, 2015 7:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL ROOM PRESENT: Steven Rowland, Chairman; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chair; Richard Martin Karen Cavotta; Cynthia Corbett ABSENT: Robert West; Robert DeMarco STAFF: Bradley Birge, Administrator, Planning and Economic Development, City of Saratoga Springs CALL TO ORDER: Steven Rowland, Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE ANNOUNCEMENT OF RECORDING OF PROCEEDING: Steven Rowland, Chairman stated the proceedings of this meeting are being recorded for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript of the recording. APPLICATIONS UNDER CONSIDERATION: 1. 2013.093.1 53 PUTNAM STREET EXTENSION, extension of an approval for exterior renovation to an existing building within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Agent: David D'Amore; William Willard, Bonacio Construction Mr. D'Amore stated the applicants have been doing their due diligence obtaining approvals and doing research for a clean project. No substantive changes to the plan. A copy of the project was provided to the Commission for their review. The applicant is requesting a 18 month extension. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Putnam Street Extension, 53 Putnam Street that the application be approved and extended for an additional 18 month period expiring on September 4, 2016. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 2. 2015.004 SMASHBURGER WALL SIGNS, 46 Marion Avenue, Architectural Review of 3 wall signs within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. Agent: Russ Hazen, Ray Signs Mr. Hazen stated the applicant is proposing 3 wall signs for their business. One located on the north side of the building, which is Route 50, and one on each side of the building - the parking lot side and Marion Avenue. All three signs will be designed the same. The signs have been designed to meet the sign criteria, with 18 inch high lettering, halo lit, and no more than a 6" protrusion from the building. All signage will have a black background. Steven Rowland, Chairman discussed centering the signage on the east elevation on the soldier course on the building. This was proposed with another tenant in the building. We are looking to achieve some consistency in the signage on the building. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Cynthia Corbett made a motion in the matter of the Smashburger Wall Signs, 46 Marion Avenue, that the application be approved with the following condition: Move the east elevation sign down and centered on soldier course anchored into the mortar joints. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 3. #2014.138 EMBASSY SUITES SIGNAGE, 46 Congress Street, request for an Advisory Opinion from the ZBA (Architectural Review) for signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Donald MacElroy, David Congdon; DCG Development Agent: Matthew J. Jones, Attorney; Alex Beso, Jones Firm; Tom Wheeler, AJ Signs Mr. Jones stated the applicant appears before the Commission for an Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals for 2 wall signs. One wall sign with an elevation above the first floor level and the height of the lettering over 18 inches, with channel letters. The second wall sign, an “E” emblem at the top of the building measuring 7’x5’. Mr. Tom Wheeler provided the Commission with an example of the proposed channel lit lettering. Mr. Jones provided information on the "E" logo sign, requesting administrative approval for this signage so as not to duplicate appearances before this Commission. Mr. Jones provided a rationale for the logo signage such as wayfinding, and identification on the main thoroughfare and where the entrance is located. Visual presentation was provided for the Commissions review. Mr. Wheeler provided the Commission with information concerning the "E" logo signage. The box for this letter is 7 ft tall and 5 feet wide and the size of the "E" logo is 54 inches tall. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated concern with the “E” logo. The Embassy Suites sign at 24" is fine in my opinion. The size and shape of the building will identify it as a hotel. As for the E logo sign the Commission feels this type of large sign would be seen more along a major thoroughfare or highway location not appropriate for an urban downtown location. We are questioning the real need for it. The building is easily identifiable, and it is downtown, and the size and type of sign is precedent setting, which worries the Commission a great deal. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if any thought was given to a different type of "E" logo signage, something with more architectural detail, not a box sign. The box does not seem appropriate on the building. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – January 21, 2015 - Page 2 of 6 Mr. Jones stated the “E” is a flag for the building, and is a very serious consideration. Mr. Congdon, DCG Development stated this would need to be reviewed by Hilton. He is not sure what they would accept. Their original thought was for a blade sign, but that is not permitted in the City. The proposed sign is a requirement, a standard Hilton logo. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman stated she would like to see some alternative designs and configurations for the "E" logo. This is a very beautiful building and to place a sign like this on the building does not seem appropriate. Karen Cavotta agreed with board member Tamie Ehinger regarding the type of logo sign proposed. However, the scale and size does not seem terribly inappropriate. Steven Rowland, Chairman spoke regarding the Embassy Suites sign 24" letters on the entranceway. He does feel this is appropriate signage for the entrance area and is certainly visible. The scale of the "E" logo considering the size of the building and the unique architectural features of the building the "E" in the center location isn't inappropriate at that location. A smaller E would look out of proportion. The signage does need more thought: a lit box, does not seem appropriate and does not match the quality of the building. Mr. MacElroy stated the significance of the "E" logo on the building to the Embassy Reward Members. He is in favor of reworking the configuration of the logo sign along with Hilton. Mr. Jones stated the applicant will return before the Commission with a different logo design, or even location. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion and issued the following Advisory Opinion to the Zoning Board of Appeals on the Embassy Suites Signage, 46 Congress Street regarding proposed signage within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. -Regarding the "Embassy Suites" signage over the porte-cochere the DRC does not take exception to the letters at a maximum height of 24". -Regarding the "E" logo the DRC questions the overall necessity of this sign in an urban environment. -The DRC is not in favor of an internally lit box sign as presented. -The DRC would prefer to see alternate sign styles and alternate locations for the logo sign investigated going forward. Seconded by Richard Martin. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Embassy Suites Signage, 46 Congress Street that the application approval be limited to the "Embassy Suites" signage over the porte-cochere, at 24". This variance was granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 4. 2014.097 UNION GABLES POOL HOUSE AND GYM, 72 Union Avenue, Historic Review, of pool house and gym within the Urban Residential-4 District. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – January 21, 2015 - Page 3 of 6 Agent: Jesse Boucher, Kodiak Construction Mr. Boucher stated the project we are proposing is an addition to an existing building which will house 2 residential apartments – one on the first floor, one on the second floor and an accessory structure which will serve as tenant amenities. The first floor of the accessory structure will house a pool and associated bathrooms and mechanical space. The second floor is an open gathering room for tenant use. Several sketches were completed one of the Clark Street prospective and one of the Union Avenue perspective. These were supplied to the Commission for their review. These include floor plans and elevations. A 3D rendering is available for the Commission’s viewing. Fiber Cement lap siding is proposed on the first story in a Country Red color. Shakes are proposed on the second story, sailcloth color proposed. Fiber cement trim on the building is a light mist color. These are all available in James Hardy colors. Carriage house doors provide an aesthetic element to the building only and are made of wood and stained a dark red color. Stone is proposed on the bottom of the building, a sample was also provided. Pella windows are proposed in black exterior and pre-finished wood interior. Steven Rowland, Chairman, indicated that this project has some fine tuning to be done and we do not feel ready for an approval this evening. The Union Avenue corridor is one of the most significant Historic entryways into the City. This is a significant application. It is lacking a lot of detail and rhythm that the adjacent building has. The Union Avenue neighborhood homes for the most part have a significant porch presence. This project does not have a porch at all. It almost looks as if someone took porch off this home. It is missing some key elements, some of which may be materials. This project does not have to replicate the home next door but it is in such close proximity to the home next door it leaves one feeling something is missing. Discussion ensued and the Commission did provide some constructive recommendations to the applicant's agent. A 3D rendering was requested of the applicant's agent for the main structure. The nature of the new construction is too boxy. The Commission suggested the applicant consider ways to group elements together, break some of the façade up, perhaps a porch structure, window details to relate better to the main house and neighbors. This is also an opportunity to introduce some varied materials and placements. Overall massing and height and roof shape is in the right direction. It is the lack of details that we are struggling with. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. It was the consensus of the Board and Mr. Boucher to table the application and notify staff when the application is ready for placement on the agenda. 5. 2015.003 DRUTHERS BREWPUB ADDITION, Historic Review of a 1 story addition within the Transect-6 Urban Core District. Applicant: Brian Martell, owner Mr. Martell stated the applicants did receive an approval for a two story addition. The fire department voiced some concerns. We decided to add a single story addition only. There are no major changes to that footprint only a single story addition at this time. Steven Rowland, Chairman stated this was discussed at the workshop and there were several suggestions. In looking at the current building the new addition is shorter. The Commission felt the window trims should be the same as the original building. To help tie the two together the same frieze treatments should be used on the addition. The element used in large area above the first floor windows perhaps the same element could be added over the doors to bring the band around, and add a larger trim around the door as well. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there were any further comments from the Commission. None heard. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of the Druthers Brewery Addition, that the application be approved as submitted with the following conditions: City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – January 21, 2015 - Page 4 of 6  - Applicant mimic trim work on the existing kitchen area to include enhancing the trim around the overhead door and along the corners of the structure as well as mimicking the frieze line on the kitchen area. - Place a glass transome above the overhead doors to align with those on the existing building. - Applicant provide revised drawings to be approved administratively. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Steven Rowland, Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 5-0 6. 2015.005 EXCELSIOR MIXED USE BUILDING, presentation and discussion on a proposed mixed use building, including 65 residential units, within the Transect-5 Neighborhood Center District. RECUSAL: Steven Rowland, Chairman recused himself from this application. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman assumed the duties of the chair. Applicant: Tony Bonacio, Bonacio Construction Agent: Matt Brobston, LA Group Brett Balzer, Shawn Korp, Balzer + Tuck Architecture Mr. Brobston stated the applicants appeared before the Planning Board last week. The Planning Board indicated it was seeking SEQRA Lead Agency and requested any suggestions the DRC wished to provide. Mr. Brobston provided the Commission with a brief overview of the project. A visual presentation was provided to the Commission. Site is located in T-5 District it is the last parcel of T-5, transitions to Urban Residential-1 to the east. There are a mix of proximate uses that include existing commercial businesses, new mixed use Fresh Market site project, and established residential homes east of site. The Transect-5 Neighborhood Center is intended to accommodate a variety and mixture of residential and non- residential uses, building types and lot sizes. There is a steep grade to the rear of the site. This will tie into the Spring Run Trail. Also there is a DEC 100 foot wetland buffer. Elevations and floor plans were provided to the Board. A visual presentation was provided the Board. The site is in immediate context of Olde Saratoga Brewery, Allerdice Glass and varied scale of residential as you head east on Excelsior single story homes on the north side predominantly, larger scaled residential immediately to the west. The project is being proposed as a 4 story 50' building. Building is set 30 feet back from the road. Elevation changes are present. The project fronts on Excelsior. 65 residential apartments along with 2750 square feet of commercial space is being proposed. We have amended some of the uses and we are steering away from food and beverage establishments. We will focus more on medical office, real estate office, and clinics. We have tried to stay away from the eastern property line and away from the residential units. 153 parking spaces will be provided; 30% over what is required and we will be requesting a waiver from the Planning Board in the future. We will be discussing utilities connections. Mr. Balzer, reviewed conceptual elevations, and floor plans with a visual presentation to the Board. Mr. Balzer reviewed the elevation changes and provided a street view concept of the plan. Building frontages were introduced as well. We have reworked the residential streetscape per the recommendations of the Planning Board. Floor plans were provided to the Commission as well as elevations both north and south. We have stepped back the 4th floor. We have removed the end units on the 4th floor adjacent to the residential neighborhood. He reviewed conceptual elevations. We have given this project a row house type of rhythm. Parking concepts were reviewed with the Commission. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further questions or comments from the Commission. None heard. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment on this application. None heard. Discussion ensued regarding deferral of SEQRA Lead Agency. City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – January 21, 2015 - Page 5 of 6 Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman made a motion in the matter of 130 Excelsior Mixed Use Building to procedurally defer SEQRA Lead Agency to the Planning Board. The DRC may have some input along the way. Richard Martin seconded the motion. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman asked if there was any further discussion. None heard. VOTE: Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, in favor; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 Steven Rowland, Chairman resumed his position on the Commission. Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman resumed her position on the Commission. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Steven Rowland, Chairman made a motion to approve the October 1, 2014, meeting minutes with minor corrections as submitted. Cynthia Corbett seconded the motion. VOTE: Steven Rowland, Chairman, in favor; Tamie Ehinger, Vice Chairman, abstained; Richard Martin, in favor; Karen Cavotta, in favor; Cynthia Corbett, in favor MOTION PASSES: 4-0 UPCOMING WORKSHOPS/MEETINGS: Design Review Commission caravan, Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 4:00 P.M. Design Review Commission workshop, Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 5:00 P.M. Design Review Commission Meeting, Wednesday, February 4, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. MOTION TO ADJOURN: There being no further business to discuss Steven Rowland, Chairman adjourned the meeting at 9:40 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Diane M. Buzanowski Recording Secretary APPROVED 2/18/15 City of Saratoga Springs – Design Review Commission – January 21, 2015 - Page 6 of 6