Board of Architectural Review

Town of Vienna 127 Center Street South Vienna, Virginia 22180 p: 703.255.6341 TTY 7111 Meeting Minutes Board of Architectural Review Thursday, May 18, 2023 7:30 PM Council Chambers- Vienna Town Hall Roll Call The Board of Architectural Review met in a regular session on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at 7:30 pm in Town Hall located at 127 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180. Chair Mr. Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Roll Call: Mr. Layer, Ms. Hanley, Ms. van Doorn, Mr. Cheselka & Mr. Baldwin were all present. Staff present: Planner Sharmaine Abaied and Board Clerk Yaska Camacho Castillo. Approval of the Minutes The April 20, 2023, meeting minutes and work session minutes for April 26, 2023, & May 5, 2023, were accepted into the record as submitted. Regular Business: BAR23-395 Benjamin Moore - 203 Maple Ave W - Exterior Modifications Item No. 1: Request for approval of exterior modifications at 203 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF- 986104-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Carole Wolfand, Vienna Crossroads Co., LLC., Property Owner. Applicant Present: Carole Wolfand – 203 Maple Ave W Ms. Wolfand stated that the item was postponed during last month’s meeting because the colors submitted did not show accurately when printed. For this meeting, she resubmitted all the colors with labels. The board members reviewed the color samples and were happy with the proposed changes. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the exterior modifications for 203 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF- 986104-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Carole Wolfand, Vienna Crossroads Company, with the identification of the color on the back being CSP 200. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. Cheselka Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 BAR23-396 Vienna Matclub Inc - 319 Mill St NE - Sign Item No 2: Request for approval of a sign for Vienna Matclub, located at 319 Mill St NE., Docket No. PF-885357-BAR, in the CM Limited Industrial zoning district; filed by David Krauskopf, Business Owner. Applicant Present: None. Ms. Hanley made a motion to defer the request for approval of a sign for Vienna Matclub, located at 319 Mill St NE., Docket No. PF-885357-BAR, in the CM Limited Industrial zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Cheselka Motion Carried BAR23-397 Symmetry Salon - 262 Cedar Ln SE Ste N - Sign Item No 3: Request for approval of signs for Symmetry Salon Suites, located at 262 Cedar Ln SE Ste N., Docket No. PF-1007026-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Gary Brent of MG Permits, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Gary Brent - MG Permits– 19187 Foggy Bottom Rd. Bluemont, VA 20135. Mr. Brent stated that he proposes installing an internally illuminated canopy sign and refacing the existing freestanding tenant sign. The canopy sign is 9.93 square feet, with internally illuminated LED channel letters, and white acrylic faces with a white translucent vinyl film. Mr. Brent also stated that a deep shoebox pan behind the sign attaches to the raceway on top of the existing canopy. The lumen level for the sign is 150, and the kelvin level is 3000. Lastly, he described the tenant monument sign as powder-coated aluminum, black channel pan with ½ inch acrylic, and white acrylic translucent letters. Mr. Layer voiced his concern about the residential area directly behind. He noted that the general practice was to ensure minimal illumination pointing towards residential areas. Mr. Brent replied that the translucent white acrylic film limits the lighting further. There was a brief discussion on the lighting facing the residents and the centering of the sign that would be decided based on the exterior modifications proposed for Symmetry Salon Suites that would be presented on item number 9 on the agenda. With no further questions or comments, a motion was made. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the signs for Symmetry Salon Suites, located at 262 Cedar Ln SE Ste N., Docket No. PF-1007026-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, with the following stipulation: • The centering of the sign over the canopy be determined based on the results of item #9. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Cheselka Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 BAR23-398 Principle Gallery - 120 Church St NE - Sign Item No 4: Request for approval of a sign for Principle Gallery, located at 120 Church St NE., Docket No. PF-885357-BAR (correct project file # PF-1008930-BAR), in the C1-B zoning district, filed by Barbara Marr, Staats Developers, Inc., Project Contact. Applicant present: Barbara Marr – 120 Church St NE. Ms. Marr stated that the Principle Gallery sign would be placed on the left side towards the front quadrant of the building in the space between the porch and the side entrance doors between two trees to denote the tenant in the back of the building. The sign will be walnut and will measure 24 by 48. Mr. Cheselka commented that the walnut is a wonderful piece of wood, but it must be sealed (recommended 3-5 coats) because although it’s impervious to water, it is not to warping, bugs, and termites. The board did not have further comments. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the sign for Principle Gallery, located at 120 Church St NE., Docket No. PF-885357-BAR (correct project file # PF-1008930-BAR), in the C1-B zoning district, filed by Barbara Marr, Staats Developers. Motion: van Doorn Second: Ms. Hanley Motion Carried BAR23-399 Karmouche Café - 305 Maple Ave W - Exterior Modification Item No 5: Request for approval of exterior modifications for Karmouche Café located at 305 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1003429-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Raad Shaker, Babylon Builders LLC., Project Contact. Applicant present: Raad Shaker – 350 Maple Ave W Suite B. Mr. Shaker stated that Suite A placed two doors, and he would like to do the same for Suite B, using the same materials to match the building. Mr. Layer inquired about whether the door frame material was stainless steel, to which the applicant responded that it was aluminum, which would be similar to the existing door. There was a brief discussion on the sign application. The applicant was informed that he could submit for the sign anytime. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the exterior modifications for Karmouche Café located at 305 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1003429-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Raad Shaker, Babylon Builders LLC, with the following clarification: • The door frame is a natural anodized aluminum to match the existing. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 BAR23-400 Chase Bank - 315 Maple Ave E - Exterior Modification (Revision) Item No 6: Request for approval of revision to previously approved exterior modifications for Chase Bank located at 315 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-668778-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Aaron West, OTJ Architects, Project Contact. Applicant present: Matthew Waubon – Chase Bank – 111 Polaris Pkwy Columbus, OH Mr. Waubon stated that with the construction project, they utilized the new standard for the security gate in front of the ATM and an additional bollard in the back. It is a security barricade for the front doors to the ATM. He explained that they had seen a significant increase in ATM theft across the country, and this is one of the new standards they have chosen to implement. The applicant noted they converted two bollards to the gate posts, with a swing gate on the front and the bollard in the rear of the ATM. Ms. Hanley asked if the gate was removable for service. Does it have a locking mechanism? The applicant said that besides the cash loading service being able to open the gate, there is also a key in a box on the side of the canopy. The board had no further questions. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the revision to previously approved exterior modifications to Chase Bank located at 315 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-668778-BAR, as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. van Doorn Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 BAR23-401 Bruster’s Ice Cream - 237 Maple Ave E - Exterior Modification (Revision) Item No 7: Request for approval of revisions to previously approved exterior modifications for Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, located at 237 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-760418-BAR, in the C-2, General Commercial zoning district, filed by Mohammed Tariq, business owner. Applicant Present: Mohammed Tariq – 237 Maple Ave E Mr. Tariq stated that the request was for outdoor seating. He is proposing three benches and three tables. He noted that the submitted documents did not reflect the recent changes with the planters. He explained the proposed outdoor seating layout and stated he would have six planters vs. the three that were originally submitted. There were concerns about the number of tables for the small space and the need for more protection for the customers. Mr. Tariq stated he was okay with only having two tables and possibly two benches. Ms. van Doorn wondered how wide the sidewalk was and how much space the bench would take. The discussion of space and customer safety continued. The board recommended that the applicant looks at the Vienna Shopping Center (in front of Taco Bamba) and Cedar Park Shopping Center for an idea of how to separate areas where people will congregate with well-designed concrete planters that would be a much greater obstruction to vehicles. It was also mentioned that the proposed exterior modifications should be drawn to scale to show planters, access aisles, and proper ADA paths. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the revisions to previously approved exterior modifications for Bruster’s Real Ice Cream, located at 237 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-760418-BAR, in the C-2, General Commercial zoning district, filed by Mohammed Tariq with the following recommendations: • The board is presented with an accurate drawing of the space under consideration, showing the distances of the columns, the relationship of the physical building components on the site, the curbs, and the curb cuts. • A layout of the tables to show distances and clearances. • Some indication of planters or barriers that will be incorporated for safety. • Identify the plantings. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. Cheselka Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 BAR23-402 Yellow Diner - 501 Maple Ave W - Exterior Modification Item No 8: Request for approval of revisions to previously approved exterior modifications and landscaping for The Yellow Diner, located at 501 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-795690-BAR, in the C-1, Local Commercial zoning district, filed by Benjamin Webne, BWA, project contact. Applicants Present: Benjamin Webne, 1407 Buchanan St NW Washington, DC & Nicholas Melisiotis, 501 Maple Ave W. Mr. Webne stated that as they went through the engineering and coordination with Fairfax County, they realized they needed to make a few modifications to the exterior. The proposed changes mentioned are as follows: • The previously proposed mural will not be installed due to the struggle to find an adequate artist. Mr. Melisiotis stated that they are not giving up on the mural; they are simply putting a hold on it to focus on opening the business. • The existing window (east elevation) is changing into a door to access the fire sprinkler room from the exterior, as required by Fairfax County. The door will be hollow metal and painted to match. • Replacing two existing windows (north elevation) with a louver for the kitchen intake exhaust. The louver will match the rest of the windows in color and material. • Not using the maintenance gate (north elevation); instead, they will extend the wall blocking the mechanical units by four feet. • Landscaping plan- adding two by two concrete pavers. • Outdoor furniture – three tables and twelve chairs. • North elevation- block two windows with brick to mount electrical equipment to the back of it, which will be concealed by the screen wall. As the changes were described, the board members asked about some of the proposed revisions. Mr. Cheselka asked if the concrete wall would be blank now that the mural would not be installed. Mr. Melisiotis replied that they would make it brick and paint it the same color as the rest of the building. He commented that murals that are painted over brick look good too. For clarification, Mr. Layer asked if the louver allows the airflow to make up air and if there is an internal fan at the hood, to which Mr. Webne replied yes. Ms. Hanley asked for the color of the louver. The applicant stated it was a light copper color that would match the windows. Ms. van Doorn asked if the color of the chairs would be lemon as submitted, and the applicant said yes. Ms. Hanley asked if the outdoor dining area was accessible to the public during closing hours, and the applicant said no. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the revisions to previously approved exterior modifications and landscaping for The Yellow Diner, located at 501 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-795690-BAR, in the C-1, Local Commercial zoning district, with the following clarification: • The north elevation shows the wall approximately 4 feet without the gate. • The requirement for the mural presentation be dropped. • The tables and chairs for outdoor seating are approved. • The blocking of the second window with a brick on the north elevation. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 Motion Carried BAR23-403 Symmetry Salon - 262 Cedar Ln SE Ste N - Exterior Modifications Item No 9: Request for approval of exterior modifications for Symmetry Salon located at 262 Cedar Ln SE Ste N., Docket No. PF-1006504-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Thomas Ruder, Vienna Salon Studios, LLC., Project Contact. Applicants present are listed below: Valerie Barnes, VA Space – 2101 L St NW Washington, DC Marissa Con, Symmetry Salon Studios – 572 N Frederick Ave Gaithersburg, MD Dan Witt- Contractor, TWC Contracting – 12310 Pine Crest Rd Reston, VA Mounir Barakat- VA Spaces – 35 R St NW Washington, DC Emily Kleidman – First Washington Realty – 7200 Wisconsin Ave, Bethesda, MD Ms. Barnes stated that the space was previously a manufacturing facility that the salon would now utilize. Two existing windows to the left of the suite entry door will be replaced in kind. The door will be replaced with a new glass storefront. The second door will be replaced with a window. Half of the staircase will be eliminated to add a lift to the right of the doors for ADA purposes. An existing loading dock door (Westview) will also be eliminated and infilled with windows. The existing awning will remain. A sign will be added, as well as light fixtures. Mr. Cheselka wondered if the lift didn’t have any overhead protection, what would keep it from getting rained on. Mr. Barakat replied that they’re replacing the stairs with the lift, which will be under the awning that will extend over it. There was a brief question about the proposed mural, and Ms. Barnes stated that they are no longer moving forward with the mural. Mr. Layer asked for clarification on the removal of one of the doors. Ms. Barnes stated that the rendering shows replacing one of the doors with a full-length window. There was a discussion on the lift, and Ms. Barnes stated that they chose a lift vs. a ramp because they were limited in the grade on the front of the building. The ramp was going to be too large. The discussion continued. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for exterior modifications for Symmetry Salon located at 262 Cedar Ln SE Ste N., Docket No. PF-1006504-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district with the following provision: • The mural will not be included as submitted. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Ms. Hanley Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 BAR23-404 FB Meekins Pre-School- 900 Maple Ave E - Exterior Modification Item No 10: Request for approval of exterior modifications for FB Meekins Pre-School, located at 900 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1008966-BAR, in the RS-16, Single-Family Residential zoning district; filed by Sarah Erdman, FB Meekins Cooperative Preschool, Project Contact. Applicants present: Sarah Erdman, 900 Maple Ave W & Tara Block School Director. Ms. Erdman stated that they currently have temporary tents on the playground and are looking to place a permanent structure on the existing space more harmoniously with the elements around it. They would also like to replace the existing playground equipment. Ms. Hanley asked if they would have to dig in to install the gazebos. She voiced her concerns about the trees surrounding the playground structure. Ms. Erdman replied that concrete footers secure the current playground. The installation of the gazebo won’t impact any of the existing trees. She stated that the entire area is mulched and will remain since preschool licensing standards require it. The only concrete will be under the footings for the playground structure. Ms. Block stated that they fall under the Virginia licensing standards for preschool. They have fall zone requirements. For every foot you go out up, you must go one foot out. The proposed structure will be six to eight feet, so it will have to be at least eight feet away from any structure or fence at the highest point. There was a discussion on the structure measurements, to which Ms. Block stated that the playground or the gazebo would not impact the trees. She also noted that a few trees were not in good shape. Ms. Hanley suggested having the Town’s arborist assist with selecting placement. Ms. Block responded that the problem with choosing placement would be moving the pavilions to different locations that would affect the school’s programming on the playground. The discussion about the tree and tree roots continued. Ms. Hanley asked if there was a reason the gazebos were different sizes. Ms. Erdman stated that one of the reasons was the fall zone restriction, and the other was that they all fell within the 256 square feet accessory structure requirement. Mr. Cheselka voiced his concern about the installation of the gazebo and whether it will hold up during windy conditions. He noted that the hardware is not included referring to the screws that go down in the concrete. Ms. Block stated that they would hire a professional for the installation. There was a discussion on the manufacturer and the warranty. Ms. Block asked the board members if they had any questions about the playground equipment they would install. She said that the equipment would be in the exact location as the existing one and that they were replacing the old footers with new ones. Ms. Hanley asked if they selected a manufacturer, to which the applicant stated they were looking at two local manufacturers that provide professional installation and have experience with different jurisdictions. Mr. Layer suggested looking at the warranties to see what they state. The discussion continued. There was a discussion on maintenance, and the applicants stated that every year the families do three hours of maintenance along the facility to ensure the playground is kept. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the exterior modifications for FB Meekins Pre-School, located at 900 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1008966-BAR, in the RS-16, Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 6/20/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 18, 2023 Single-Family Residential zoning district, with the following condition: • To solicit input from the town’s arborist before installing the playground equipment to review the tree protection and selection of specific sites. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Mr. Layer Motion Carried The board discussed the following: • AT&T Board of Architectural Review Work Session • AT&T CUP recommendation June 15, 2023 Meeting Adjournment Mr. Cheselka made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Mr. Layer seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 9:53 pm. Yaska Camacho Castillo Board Clerk THE TOWN OF VIENNA IS COMMITTED TO FULL COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT STANDARDS. TRANSLATION SERVICES, ASSISTANCE OR ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FROM PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE TO BE REQUESTED NOT LESS THAN 3 WORKING DAYS BEFORE THE DAY OF THE EVENT. PLEASE CALL (703) 255-6304, OR 711 VIRGINIA RELAY SERVICE FOR THE HEARING IMPAIRED. Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 6/20/2023