Architectural Board of Review

Architectural Board of Review Minutes Monday, October 7, 2024 8 A.M. Via Conference - Zoom Members Present: Hans Walter, Chair James Neville, Vice Chair Kevin Kennedy, Alternate Member Greydon Petznik, Alternate Member Others Present: Daniel Feinstein, Senior Planner Kelly Beck, Planning Specialist The meeting was called to order by Daniel Feinstein, Senior Planner at 8:00 a.m. * * * * Approval of minutes from the September 16, 2024 meeting. Approved with corrections. * * * * ABR24-000052 – 14201 Southington Road – Resubmission: Ludlow School Renovation. Mr. Feinstein said this building was last reviewed on August 16. Since that time there was been an Architectural Board of Review Work Session and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting. The Board of Zoning Appeals approved the location and height variances for the dumpster enclosure while the playground details were continued to a future meeting. Aaron Rodebaugh, GPD Group, showed the revised plans and presentation of the site and addition. He said they have received a tree study and will revise the playground later. The 12 foot wide sidewalk adjacent to the building will remain regardless. They are presenting two options for the step area as either a planter or stair with a wood material seat/step detail. The District’s preference is the stair only. The roof HVAC unit has to remain in the area shown and the roof screen was widened to hide the view, but lowered to 7.5 feet from 9 feet. The lighting fixtures are now shown on the plans. These lights are for safety and have a slim profile. Some of the building replacement windows are being specified as an alternate for this project and are dependent on the available funding. Tamisha Lawson, GPD Group, said thinking forward to the gym windows, they realize the new design does not match the existing, but respects the existing details. The gym window design now better matches the building addition details. Mr. Rodebaugh said there will be simulated divided lites used for all of the windows. The very large window over the rear entry will now have a header like the other windows on the second floor of the building. Ms. Lawson said the Keswick Road elevation bay window has to be replaced due to deterioration. They show 6/6 lite double hung windows, even though the existing windows are 8/8 lites. The proportions seem to lend themselves to the 6/6 lites and relate to the other existing double hung window proportions. Some of the double hung windows on the building are alternates, but some must be replaced due to lintel failure. Mr. Rodebaugh said they are removing the corner stone detail on the addition as it does not make sense any longer. He reviewed the changes and proposed materials and colors throughout the addition. Ms. Lawson said the planter cap shown matches the datum line of the gymnasium stone band. The planter was pushed back to the gym wall instead of being at the end of the ramp wall. Mr. Feinstein noted member Vince Leskosky was not able to be present, but said he commented the design is a nice visual improvement and design direction. Mr. Neville asked for clarification on the second floor window above the small addition. It is drawn several ways on different pages. Ms. Lawson said they were not able to change all of the drawings from the comments received mid- week, but the elevation is correct in this drawing. The new window is a picture window, but the horizontal grid will be maximized to give the appearance of a double hung window. Mr. Neville said he appreciates the work and care put into the upgraded drawings. He noted the square handrail profile might be hard to grasp. He suggests a rounded railing profile is easier to grasp. Ms. Lawson said this detail mimics the wrought iron that they observed at Woodbury School. Mr. Kennedy said the revision to the overall design looks good. They need to decide on the optional items such as the planter and the mechanical unit screen wall. Mr. Walter agreed. He suggested they move on to the optional item details. Mr. Rodebaugh showed the stair options. The District has concerns about the maintenance of the planter. Mr. Neville said the planter helps integrate the ramp into the stairs overall. He would prefer the planter with the wall moved forward to match the end of the ramp. He likes the seat/step options shown in the example pictures. He suggested this be implemented close to the gymnasium wall and use a natural wood material. Mr. Kennedy said there is a nice symmetry with the ramp and planter, and the seat steps location suggested. Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 2 of 12 Mr. Rodebaugh showed the various colors and textures proposed for the mechanical screen wall. Mr. Walter said a slate color, slightly darker than the roof, is a good idea. The Board agreed that a textured detail is preferred over the smooth option. Mr. Feinstein asked the Board if there was a preference for the height of the HVAC screen. Mr. Rodebaugh said when the final mechanical equipment is ordered, they can adjust the height as needed. Mr. Neville said if it is any lower and nearer the adjacent roofline, it may look like a mistake instead of purposeful. Mr. Walter said he agrees and said the wall should cover the mechanical units completely or it might look like a mistake. Mr. Neville said the gym windows are a special discreet detail and they are appropriate. The window form on the gymnasium is not used elsewhere on the building. Mr. Feinstein said the Board had been concerned with the pick-up/drop-off walkway originally. Are there further comments in this regard? Mr. Neville said he would like them to review the radius at the end of the drop-off area. The gracious curve currently suggests the ease of a right turn to exit through the bus drop-off area. A tighter turn will encourage exit straight out from main enter/exit driveway which improves safety and add a bit of extra pedestrian area. Approved with the following conditions: 1) integrate the planter into the ramp wall design; 2) design seat steps into the right side of the steps using real wood; 3) the rooftop mechanical screen wall should be a color darker than the slate roof; 4) the plinth at the entry pilasters must be raised to match the entry door; 5) review the radius of the end of the drop-off area to reduce the likelihood of right turns for exiting vehicles; and 6) A masonry material sample wall will be built on site and reviewed during construction by the Board. Submit revised drawings for the planter integration, seat step details and HVAC screen wall color for future review by the Board. ABR requested review of the student drop off at the entry by the City Planning Commission. The applicant has responded by: 1) widening the walkway adjacent to the building and the steps from 8 feet to12 feet in width; 2) redesigning the ramp walls; and 3) modifying the steps design. * * * * Mr. Kennedy left the meeting. * * * * Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 3 of 12 ABR24-000164 –Van Aken & Shaker Boulevards – GCRTA Blue & Green Line Rapid Shelters. Mr. Feinstein noted these plans were first reviewed in 2022 and reviewed the comments from that meeting. Samantha Metcalf, GCRTA, said they now have the funding to proceed with the project. The scope of work includes shelters and station amenities as well as signs and bike racks. Weather protection is the biggest wish for their ridership. The aim is to have a uniform look for both the Green and Blue Rapid Transit Lines. The shelters are similar to those approved for the end of the Blue Line comfort station with an extended roofline as was preferred by the Architectural Board of Review. The new shelters have a 4 foot overhang but have a light grey finish on the underside of the dark framed shelter instead of the wood detail like the end of the line. There will be additional landscaping added to the stations on the Green Line. The solar panels are now flat to the roof where they face south and on stanchions where they face north. Every shelter has a bench and some have an additional bench outside of the shelter. The bike racks are black and a simple U-shape. Mr. Walter asked about the scope for the project implementation. Ms. Metcalf said all will have new shelters where a shelter new exists. The westbound stations will have the real time information as the eastbound riders are normally leaving downtown and do not require that information. Mr. Neville asked what happens to the power supply when there is snow on the panels. Ms. Metcalf said they have these installed at East 105th and the Cleveland Clinic. She said there is an issue and they are working with the provider of the panels regarding these issues. Mr. Walter asked if all of the metal is of the same color. Ms. Metcalf said the refuse cans are silver, but the remaining details are the same dark metal color. The benches are proposed as a contrasting light metal color. Mr. Neville said the station details look purposeful and appropriate. Mr. Petznik said he likes the shelters and how the details are tied to the end of the line. He had questions about the light fixture details and the final material colors. Ms. Metcalf said they will be able to show those details when they are working with a contractor. Approved with the condition that the final material colors and interior light design be submitted for review. * * * * ABR24-000146 – 3685 Gridley Road – Solar Panels. Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 4 of 12 Justin Scharfeld, Yellowlite, said this installation has micro converters under all of the panels. Mr. Feinstein asked why the panels are not on the rear roof of the house since it seems to have enough space and faces east, so should have the same production ability. He asked the production difference between the east and west roofs Mr. Scharfeld said the production value on the west face is better, but does not have that information at his fingertips. Mr. Feinstein said the Board has approved panels on the front elevation, but the preference is to have them on the rear as they have less of an impact on the architecture of the house. He asked if all of the panels and racking are black. Mr. Scharfeld said yes, the panels and racking are black. There are obstructions on the rear house roof, which may impede installation. They will need to work out the possible panel alignment on the rear roof. The panels are also parallel to the roofline. Mr. Walter said he would like verification of the production difference and obstruction locations to better understand the options. Continued for the following: 1) confirmation of the location of noted obstructions on the east roof and how those obstructions could affect a rear roof installation; and 2) comparison of production between east and west rooflines. Submit information for a future meeting. * * * * ABR24-000164 – 18227 Van Aken Boulevard – Window Alterations. Shawn Liston, Infinity from Marvin, said the existing windows are all painted and orange-y color. This proposal is only for the sunroom windows on the rear of the house. The windows will also be converted to a casement operation. Bronze, dark brown, is the preferred color. They would like to continue with this color for future window replacements throughout the house. The elevation of this sunroom with the very large picture windows will have the trim painted the same bronze color. The Board agreed future replacements should be changed to the dark bronze color one elevation at a time. The existing window grid pattern needs bronze color to be replicated on the rest of the house. The gutters, downspouts, and trim should also be painted bronze. Approved. Future window replacements may be reviewed administratively in the bronze color. If partial replacement is proposed it must be one elevation at a time and replicate the type of window and grid pattern. * * * * Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 5 of 12 Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 6 of 12 ABR24-000143 – 3335 Dorchester Road – New Garage. Diane Bija, New Creation Builders, said this is a new three-car garage with cape cod grey vinyl siding and a darker grey roof like the house. Mr. Petznik said the trim should all be white. He asked about the service door. Ms. Bija confirmed the door is a 6 panel door without any glass in it. Approved with the following conditions: 1) the trim, corner boards, and doors are white in color; 2) panelized doors are used; and 3) the concrete curb is rubbed smooth while green. * * * * ABR24-000147 – 3423 Westbury Road – Rear Porch. Paula Levy, S&P 500 Properties, said they propose to make the first floor porch design like the second floor. There were storm windows and vinyl siding previously. The new will have screens above a wood siding knee-wall. Mr. Neville asked about the posts. Are they cedar or treated pine wood material? Ms. Levy said they are treated wood. Mr. Petznik said those posts must be trimmed out in cedar and painted white. There was discussion regarding the termination at the floor edge. Approved with the following conditions: 1) that the treated lumber corner posts are trimmed out and painted white to match the house trim; 2) a skirt board trim board is located around the bottom edge of the flooring; and 3) vertical boards or lattice are used to close off the area under the porch between the prick piers. Submit revised plans for administrative review. * * * * ABR24-000142 – 18120 Scottsdale Boulevard – New Vinyl Siding. Kayle Reed, Pro Roofing & Siding Restoration, said they have already replaced the roof and are now proposing to remove the existing aluminum siding and install new vinyl siding. They are proposing an olive color, double 5 inch, dutchlap siding. They are also replacing the shutters. Mr. Feinstein noted the current window trim has been jumped and will need to be trimmed out when the new siding is installed. Mr. Neville said the dutchlap style siding is too many horizontal lines for this colonial style house. He would require a standard lap siding. Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 7 of 12 Mr. Walter said he agrees that straight lap, 5-inch siding should be used. Approved with the condition that the new siding is double 5 inch straight lap siding. * * * * ABR24-000150 – 3363 Glencairn Road – Window Alterations. Shawn Liston, Infinity from Marvin, explained they are replacing all of the windows. They propose double hung windows flanking the picture window, so they have made the picture window 4 lites high and the double hung flanking windows. Mr. Neville said the adjacent window grid determination is difficult as they cannot see the other windows in the room. Tabled in order for provision of additional photos of the other windows in the room. The Board agreed cottage or casement side light windows are acceptable with the same grid pattern as the existing windows. * * * * ABR24-000122 – 3662 Stoer Road – New Vinyl Siding. Christopher Dulzer, Twin Improvements, said they will be removing the existing aluminum siding and installing a new grey vinyl siding. They are also asking to remove the shutters. Mr. Feinstein asked if the trim will match the City’s detail drawings for window and door trim. This detail shows the window trim is proud of the siding j-channel. Mr. Neville said shutters are appropriate for this house. Approved with the following conditions: 1) the new window trim is proud of the new vinyl siding; 2) color confirmed administratively via a photo of the sample against the existing stone on the first floor; and 3) black shutters are installed which are half the width of the windows. Submit photo of color sample for Board review. * * * * ABR24-000151 – 20132 Chagrin Boulevard – Storefront: Chic N’ Batter. Elicia Gibbon, Gibbon Architecture, said this is a storefront renovation for new restaurant tenant called Chic ‘N Batter. There is a script font and sign lighting on the building. The outdoor dining fence materials are like those at Saffron Patch. They are replacing the existing knee wall and storefront system. There is a new cover proposed on the existing awning frame at the rear door. The dumpster will be moved to the location of the other tenant dumpsters. The client is fine with any of Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 8 of 12 the colors, as the Board chooses. The Board agreed the blue awning provides a nice contrast with the brick at the rear elevation. The front sign is better with the black band. Approved with the condition that the black color is used on the front sign and the blue color is used for the rear awning. * * * * ABR24-000132 – 3002 Manchester Road – Resubmission: Garage Addition. Harrison Johnson, Payto Architects, said they have stepped the entry back from the garage wall. The parapet has also been lowered over the entry. There is a landscaping buffer to the rear neighbor which was discussed at the variance approval meeting. Mr. Petznik suggested wider trim than is currently proposed in order to echo the house trim detailing. The massing changes and the entry canopy look much better. Mr. Neville said the Hardi siding should be grounded by a wide trim at the base. This helps with protection and appearance. Approved with the following conditions 1) a trim board is added to the base of the addition; 2) trim is enlarge to 1x6 inches; and 3) the fascia of the door canopy is widened. Submit revised plans for administrative review. * * * * ABR24-000153 – 2900 Huntington Road – Front Entry Alteration. Richard Cissell, homeowner, said he is are proposing a new front entry overhang from the brackets up. The new roof will be a gable in order to shed water. The overhang covers half of the landing. They will be either re-using the original brackets or recreating new to the same dimensions. Mr. Neville said this is nicely detailed. The Board supports the proposal. Approved. * * * * ABR24-000156 – 3582 Winchell Road – Window Alteration. Lance Whitmer, Window Universe, said there are 16 windows being replaced. These windows are all leaded glass. They can replicate the diamond patter with grids between the glass. The existing windows have rotted sills and there is no way to repair them. These are the last windows to be Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 9 of 12 replaced on the house. The new windows will be capped in almond color. Mr. Neville said when a contractor says diamond grids will match exactly it may not work out that way. Mr. Feinstein said the drawing shows 2 diamonds wide, when the existing conditions are 4 diamonds wide. The Board could support a change to the leaded glass as long as the grid pattern replicates the existing grid pattern. Continued in order for the applicant to provide a to-scale drawing of the two options available for the grid pattern showing the transom window over the casement window. * * * * Mr. Neville left the meeting. * * * * ABR24-000157 – 3612 Rawnsdale Road - Window Alteration. Nicole Dell’Anno, Renewal by Andersen, explained they are replacing the double casement windows. They are removing the upper transom windows, but the new windows are still the same number of lites high. Approved. Additional window replacements may be made to match the double casement design under administrative review. * * * * ABR24-000160 – 2920 Warrington Road – Chimney Material. Jeff Sotka, S. Bradley Company, explained the existing chimney material is in dire condition. They want to replace the chimney above the roof with brick. He presented different brick colors. There was discussion regarding materials and colors. Mr. Petznik asked what brick could be used if there is no other brick on the house. Mr. Sotka said they have provided three options for brick. It was agreed the middle brown brick and a darker value for the mortar color is appropriate. Approved the use of dark brown brick with a dark mortar to rebuild the chimney above the roofline with the installation of a darker brown/black roof shingle. Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 10 of 12  * * * * ABR24-000161 – 20576 Byron Road - Addition. Mr. Feinstein said this request was reviewed at the last meeting. He reviewed the notes. Stacey Miller, Clazak Construction, said they have re-measured and scaled the drawings. They had to incorporate an egress window for the upstairs bedroom. The new siding will be 5 inch Hardi board to match the existing siding, which is 5 inches wide. Mr. Petznik asked if they will match the existing siding where they come together, or if there will be a trim break. Mr. Miller said there is 4 inch trim proposed. The entire house is white. There was discussion of swapping the egress window location in the bedroom and the kitchen window grid pattern. Approved with the following conditions: 1) the bedroom egress window will be moved to the side elevation with the double windows moving to the rear elevation; and 2) the kitchen window grid pattern be reduced to 3 lites high; Submit revised plans for administrative review. * * * * ABR24-000162 – 20 Lyman Circle - Skylights. Barry Hoffman, Hoffman Construction, said the attached garage already has a skylight. There are two roof elevations on the rear of the house. One will be getting one skylight and the other will be getting 3 skylights. All of the skylights are 30 by 46 inches in size. Approved. * * * * ABR24-000163 – 22687 Westchester Road – Solar Panels. Zach Lalkowski, Yellowlite, said this installation is on the front of the house, which is the south face. The panels are arranged in a symmetrical arrangement. The conduit will be tucked behind the chimney the only exterior fixtures is the required disconnect. The owner indicated the roof had been replaced with an asphalt shingle two months ago to coordinate with the new solar panel installation. Approved. Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 11 of 12  * * * * ABR24-000159 – 2718 Sulgrave Road – Window Alteration. Preston Lowden, Preston Construction Services. Approved administratively between meetings. * * * * There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 12:30 p.m. The next meeting will be October 21, 2024. _________________________________ _________________________________ Hans Walter, Chair James Neville, Vice Chair Architectural Board of Review Architectural Board of Review Architectural Board of Review 10/07/2024 Page 12 of 12