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, June 15, 2023 7:30 PM Council Chambers- Vienna Town Hall Roll Call The Board of Architectural Review met in a regular session on Thursday, June 15, 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. van Doorn, Ms. Hanley, Mr. Cheselka, and Mr. Baldwin were present. Staff present: Planner Sharmaine Abaied and Board Clerk Yaska Camacho Castillo Approval of the Minutes The May 18, 2023, meeting minutes and work session minutes for May 17, 2023, were approved as submitted. Regular Business: Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-405 Town of Vienna Property Yard - 600 Mill St NE - Exterior Modification Request for approval of exterior modifications at 600 Mill St NE., Docket No. PF-1025464-BAR, in the RS-12.5, Single-Family Detached zoning district; filed by Jeff Tufano, Department of Public Works, Town of Vienna, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Jeff Tufano. Mr. Tufano proposed installing two Fleet & EV (Electric Vehicle) charging stations to charge four vehicles. This request requires the use of four parking spaces. The contractor will install bollards in front of the parking spaces to protect the charging stations. The electrical conduit will run inside the building, under the sidewalk, and out to the charging stations. Ms. Hanley asked if there would be any illumination (lighting), and Mr. Tufano stated the units would have display lighting on the front for amperage being charged. Since the board had no additional comments, a motion was in order. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for exterior modifications at 600 Mill St NE, Docket No. PF-1025464-BAR, in the RS-12.5, Single-Family Detached zoning district; filed by Jeff Tufano, Department of Public Works, Town of Vienna, as submitted. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. Cheselka Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-406 The Maple Room - 377 Maple Ave W - Exterior Modification (Revision) Request for approval of exterior modifications for The Maple Room, located at 377 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-698964-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, filed by John Gaston, Paramount Construction Services, LLC. Project contact. Applicants Present: John Gaston & Christos Sarantis. Mr. Gaston stated they were requesting the use of the approved material (Stolit X Freeform) from the tower feature on the stone veneer facade of the building. Mr. Baldwin asked if it would be the same color, to which Mr. Gaston replied it would be the same color, material, and texture. Mr. Baldwin stated that during one of the work sessions, it was indicated that the applicants would try to save the stonework. Mr. Sarantis said they acid and power washed the stone veneer, but it did not give the brightness and uniformity they needed. With no other questions or comments, Mr. Baldwin asked for a motion. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the exterior modifications for The Maple Room, located at 377 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-698964-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, as submitted. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-407 The Maple Room - 377 Maple Ave W - Signs Request for approval of signs for The Maple Room, located at 377 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1031574-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by John Gaston, Paramount Construction Services, LLC., Project Contact. Applicants Present: John Gaston & Christos Sarantis. Mr. Gaston stated that the building sign would be black matte aluminum channel letters with LED lighting behind it, like a halo light. The monument sign will have black matte acrylic on the entire sign. The only illumination will be on the outline of the leaf and the text. Ms. van Doorn stated that the application indicated 7100 kelvins and 63 lumens for the facade sign and 7100 kelvins and 190 lumens which seemed bright. She asked why the kelvin levels were high. They discussed how the high kelvin level produces a blue light, and the lumens relate to the brightness. Mr. Sarantis replied that the contractor stated that since you can’t see any light come through the letters, that kelvin level is needed so the outline can be visible at nighttime. The applicants resolved Ms. van Doorn’s concerns about the lumen level (brightness) and high kelvin level (blue color) by stating that the lumens would be behind the panels so that the brightness would be obscured and agreeing that they did not want a blue sign so they would work on lowering the kelvin level. There was additional discussion by the board members and the applicant regarding the kelvin level and lowering it to a level in keeping with the Board’s typical kelvin recommendations. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the signs for The Maple Room, located at 377 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1031574-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, with the condition that the Kelvin levels are limited to 3500. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-408 Vienna Shopping Center - 160 Maple Ave W - Exterior Modification Request for approval of exterior modifications at 160 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1032567-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Steve Kenney, RV Architects., Project Contact Applicant present: Steve Kenney. Mr. Kenney stated that the exterior modification request was for a patio modification. The new tenant that is moving in anticipates outdoor seating, so they would like to provide them with a more level surface. He noted that the planters are existing and that they are adding a mobile railing system between the planters and a fixed railing on the far left where the grade steps off. Mr. Layer asked if the railings would be painted in the factory or the field. Mr. Kenney replied that the railing would be painted in the factory. There was a brief discussion on the opening on the right-hand side. Mr. Cheselka felt that a small motorcycle could fit through that open space. Ms. Hanley asked for the dimension of the opening, and Mr. Kenney replied that it was around seven and a half feet. Board members recommended moving the planter to the right over a foot and continued discussion regarding the planters. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the exterior modifications at 160 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1032567-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-409 Bognet Construction - 139 Church St NW - Signs Request for approval of a master sign plan for Bognet Construction, located at 139 Church St NW., Docket No. PF-1032538-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial Zoning district; filed by Steve Kenney, RV Architecture, Project Contact. Applicants present: Jim Bognet & Steve Kenney. Mr. Kenney gave a brief presentation regarding the specifics of the master sign plan, including the four font options for future tenants. He also mentioned they were asking for 2.25 square feet for a wall sign now, but when the zoning rewrite is approved, they would likely submit a revision for a bracket sign. He presented the board with some samples and described the intent of each sample material. Mr. Layer commented that he was unsure of the master sign plan parameters. The board typically encounters, with a master sign plan application, signs that anybody can understand and use to submit a sign permit application. He asked if the sign’s design on the mansard (BAR 06 - 02 Mansard Mounted Sign) is being submitted as a master sign possibility. Mr. Kenney responded yes that his understating was that once they have a master plan sign, the tenants go through staff to get approval individually for their signs. The conversation continued as Mr. Layer asked for clarification about the different elements submitted for the master sign plan, as some were confusing or incomplete. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the request for approval of a master sign plan until it is defined in terms of the style of letters, application (of the signs to the building), location of the signs on the building, sign materials, sign colors specified(with numbers that convey the color), as well as striking the two sign examples (BAR 06 - 02 Mansard Mounted Sign) from the submittal. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 5 Ayes, 0 Nay Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-410 Bognet Construction - 139 Church St NW - Exterior Modification Request for approval of exterior modifications for Bognet Construction, located at 139 Church St NW., Docket No. PF-1032511-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial Zoning district; filed by Steve Kenney, RV Architecture, Project Contact. Applicants present: Jim Bognet & Steve Kenney. Mr. Baldwin asked the applicants what changes, if any, they had made as a result of the work session. Mr. Kenney stated that the initial design had a black standing seam, white trim, and a grayish base stain for the brick. They’re now using dark bronze for the standing seam, white on the board, and batten. Other changes include the screen wall changing from Moderna to a Hex pattern and the Trex for the trash enclosure. Mr. Kenney stated where each sample would be used as they were passed around. He noted that paint sample #7048 was listed incorrectly on the BAR-05 finish schedule document. Mr. Cheselka commented that the Terrace LED Sign light was listed at 1200 lumens, and the Gooseneck lights were listed at 850 lumens. He wanted the applicants to explain why the lumen levels were above the standard level of 150. Mr. Kenney said the goosenecks were fixtures used to illuminate signage from below and could be toned down if needed. Mr. Layer suggested using dimmers so they could tone it down to blend with the neighborhood. There was continued discussion in reference to the lumens for the two types of lights. Mr. Kenney continued to describe the changes made since the last work session. Ms. van Doorn asked if the trash receptacle was still there, and Mr. Kenney replied no, that he was moving it. Ms. van Doorn said she liked what they were doing with the aluminum screens. She asked if the steel post would be factory finished or painted. Mr. Kenney responded that it would be galvanized and painted. Mr. Baldwin commented that removing the faux windows makes the right-side elevation look monolithic. He asked why the faux windows were removed, and Mr. Kenney responded that it was a request made by the tenant. Mr. Bognet stated that part of the lease agreement with the 2nd-floor tenant was to allow the tenant to weigh in on the designs since the tenant would be a long-term tenant. Mr. Layer noted that only a few changes in the application were a part of the Board of Architectural Review work session recommendation. He stated that he was still reluctant to accept the mansard roof. There was a discussion on the Church Street vision. Mr. Kenney noted that this was not a Church Street vision building, to which Mr. Layer replied correct, but it is near other well-designed buildings. He said the board made suggestions to compromise how they could articulate at least the front of the building. The board continued to discuss their concerns. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the application with the following comments: recommendation of a work session for further investigation with the site that is more commensurate with the street, serious concerns regarding the mansard-style roof, and addition of dimmer switches on the light fixtures. Mr. Cheselka agreed with the motion and stated he was under the impression that the Board would have been presented with a different option for the roof. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Ayes: 4 (Mr. Layer, Ms. Hanley, Ms. van Doorn, Mr. Cheselka) Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 Nay: 1 (Mr. Baldwin) Motion Carried Recess 9:00 pm – 9:05 pm Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 BAR23-415 Vienna Public Art Foundation - 120 Cherry St SE - Mural Request approval of a mural located at 120 Cherry St SE., Docket No. PF-1032042- BAR, in the PR Park and Recreational zoning district, filed by Deborah Kennedy, Vienna Arts Foundation, Project Contact. Mr. Cheselka recused himself from the item. Applicants Present: Deborah Kennedy, Lu Cousins; Director of the Vienna Arts Society, Leslie Herman; Director of Parks & Recreation, Nestle Eseh, Cathy Hartman & Sherry McFarlane. Ms. Kennedy stated that the idea of this project is to commemorate the community’s passage through Covid. She said they took the original artwork for New Day done by Sherry McFarland and pixelated it to be able to give that to the people to paint on a brick-by-brick basis. The pixelation has eight thousand cells. They’re four thousand bricks. A portion of those will be done by professional painters above the blue line and some below it. The community will do the rest. Ms. Kennedy explained the process for the project. She said that the individual painter would never hold the paint. They will check in at the table. They will have a volunteer with them. They will walk over to the wall to find the spot where they are to paint. The volunteer will hold the paint, and the person will have the brush to paint their area. Once done, the volunteer will return the paint, and the painter will move to the next activity. Ms. Kennedy noted that Teresa Ahmad, who did the library mural, will work with them on the New Day mural. She indicated that they’re estimating around fifty hours of her time. Teresa would not be present the entire time anyone is painting on the mural; however, she will have a group of four key volunteers she has trained on-site at all times. Ms. Kennedy stated they agreed with the town on the landscaping and provided the board with information on what would be implemented. Ms. van Doorn asked if the mural would look pixelated from a distance, and Ms. Cousins responded that it would form a complete picture. She stated that when Ms. Kennedy approached them with the idea, they wanted to ensure the town would accept it. There was a discussion on how the mural would look from the gazebo. Ms. van Doorn asked what the mural’s life was, and Ms. Cousins responded that the mural on the bike path had lasted twenty-three years without any retouches. If the New Day mural is done correctly, it will last a very long. As stated in the Town Council meeting, Ms. van Doorn asked if the areas that need to be painted by someone on a ladder or any support will be done by County/Town employees or professionals. Ms. Kennedy responded that a section needs to be done by professionals and a section by the public that will be required to be higher off the ground. She noted that they are still working with the Town and said that most of the public painting will be on the ground. Ms. Hanley asked Ms. Herman if her department would be responsible for the maintenance of the building. Ms. Herman responded that the town would take ownership of the artwork. Therefore, her department would be responsible for the maintenance. She said they would work with the Vienna Public Art Commission and Foundation. Ms. Herman stated that Sherwin-Williams would have a listing of all the colors and codes and a diagram that identifies the colors for all the different portions of the brick for when repairs need to be Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 done. Ms. Hanley asked if Sherwin-Williams would have a list of the brick numbers and locations, and Ms. Herman responded that they would. Ms. Hanley asked for the mapping document that would be provided to Sherwin-Williams with all the color and brick number information, but it was not available for the board to review. Ms. Hanley voiced her concern about needing to have all the information available. The discussion continued. Ms. Hanley asked Ms. Herman if she felt comfortable with the process and having the ability to maintain it if there were any repairs or accidents. Ms. Herman replied that she was putting much faith in the Vienna Public Art Commission and that they would help lead them through any improvements or fixes. Ms. Hanley asked if this was the only site considered for this project. Ms. Herman responded that Ms. Kennedy was looking for a large site without lights or anything sticking out that would interfere with the picture. This was the only site proposed to her for this project. Ms. Herman mentioned they attended a Town Council meeting on June 5, 2023, to get approval for public art in three locations. Those locations were approved for future public art. No designs were identified. The discussion continued. Ms. Hanley asked about the landscaping plan. She stated that she understood they had difficulty getting a good rendering representation. She wondered if they had a site plan showing where the trees and bushes would be implemented. Ms. Kennedy stated that they had provided the landscaping the town had requested, and she would do whatever the Town wanted for the landscaping; all she wanted was for the mural to get approved. Ms. Herman provided the board with information Mr. Jeremy Edwards shared on where each tree/ bush would be placed. The discussion on landscaping continued. Mr. Layer stated that when murals come to the Board of Architectural Review, the board is provided with a mockup. He commented on the importance of having a mockup for this type of project. He explained the two technical issues that must be considered when painting the bricks and noted that a diagram and implementation are different. He commented that they are not reviewing this mural in any different manner than any other project of any kind in the town. He stated that this project has no context for its location and mentioned how every single mural in town had been done by a muralist. Mr. Layer referred to the muralist for the train station and stated that the muralist stayed and regulated every movement done on the mural. It was orchestrated entirely by a professional every step of the way, and the painting was always guided. He explained the process past muralists have used for the other murals in town and how the applicants should have prepared for the project before submitting. Ms. Kennedy asked Mr. Layer if he opposed the public painting of the mural, to which he responded no. Mr. Baldwin asked Mr. Layer to list the incongruent things, and Mr. Layer stated the following: 1. He does not believe that the project has no context in the way the board has accepted other murals in town. 2. He does not believe that the project has a process that defines A-Z that is commensurate with the scale of the project. 3. He does not see how there is an appropriate understanding of how the project will be implemented, given that the public will be involved and not have a professional linked in the project from start to finish. Ms. Herman stated that she and the Town Manager had some concerns about the process of the project. She believes there is more work to be done for it to be a successful project. Some things need to be clarified, such as the liability. The Town has not committed to overseeing the liability for the volunteers that will be painting. Additionally, she stated that she and the town attorney recommended that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) be Town of Vienna Page 10 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 created to explain all the details of the process for public art being placed onto town property. Mr. Layer suggested that the artist for this mural work with a muralist to see how they can interpret the artwork onto the building in a way that is a little more compatible and artistic with the building. Ms. McFarlane stated that she is a professional artist who has been supporting herself for the last twenty years living in Vienna on her sole income as an artist. She has done work in hypothermia shelters that have led to collaborative painting. Some paintings are mural sizes hung in various places in the area. She stated she could show the board paintings done by twelve homeless people that come together to do a collaborative artwork that looks like one person did it. She said how she loves the current process in place for the mural. Furthermore, she noted how we don’t all do artwork the same way someone else does, which is why the museum has different artists. The discussion continued. Ms. Hartman stated that she believes in public art. She spoke about pixelation and how it is modern vision pointillism. She said that pixelation is a function of our brain. Our eyes automatically blend the numerous colors of the dots to form a solid image. Only some artists paint this way because it is difficult. She feels that Ms. Kennedy has come up with a simpler. Ms. Hartman continued to express her opinion on the project. After all concerns, questions, and comments, it was time for a motion. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to defer the request for approval of a mural located at 120 Cherry St SE., Docket No. PF-1032042- BAR, in the PR Park and Recreational zoning district with the following stipulation: • Memorandum of Understanding agreement be in place before the next meeting. • Clarification on who will be painting what. • Specifics on the landscape design. • Recommendation for a work session at a future date. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Ms. Hanley Ayes: 3 (Ms. van Doorn, Ms. Hanley & Mr. Baldwin) Nays: 1 (Mr. Layer) Recuse: Mr. Cheselka Motion Carried The boards discussed the following: • Special Meeting scheduled July 12, 2023, at 8 am. Meeting Adjournment All members agreed to adjourn the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 10: 24 pm. Respectfully Submitted, Yaska Camacho Castillo Board Clerk Town of Vienna Page 11 Printed on 7/25/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes June 15, 2023 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 12 Printed on 7/25/2023