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, November 16, 2023 7:30 PM Council Chambers - Vienna Town Hall Roll Call The Board of Architectural Review met in a regular session on Thursday, November 16, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, located at 127 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180. Chair Mr. Baldwin called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. 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 October 19, 2023, meeting minutes were accepted into the record. Regular Business: BAR23-443 513 Maple Ave W - Dalisay Beauty - Signs Request approval of new signs for Dalisay Beauty, located at 513 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1138813-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Jack Shin of Beltway Sign Team, Inc., Project Contact. Applicant Present: Cresencia Dumpa, Business Owner, 513 Maple Ave W. Ms. Dumpa proposes replacing the existing cabinet box, and monument sign with her business name. She stated that her business will be offering permanent and bridal makeup. Mr. Cheselka asked the applicant if she was replacing the panel on the façade sign, and the applicant said yes. Ms. van Doorn wondered whether the sign would be illuminated, and Ms. Dumpa replied yes. With no further questions or concerns, a motion was in order. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve new signs for Dalisay Beauty, located at 513 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1138813-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-444 318 Maple Ave W - StretchLAB-Signs Request approval of new signs for StretchLAB, located at 318 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1157032-BAR, in the C-1A Special Commercial zoning district, filed by Betsy Marino of Superior Signs, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Ruth Vanlandingham, representative for Superior Signs, 318 Maple Save W. The request is to replace the façade sign and the tenant panel. Ms. Vanlandingham stated that the proposed façade sign totals 35 square feet, and the word “STRETCHLAB” will be white acrylic with translucent vinyl applied to the letters L, A, and B. The channel letters will have a 1-inch Black Silvatrim and will be on an aluminum raceway painted to match the fascia. Samples were provided to the board for review. Mr. Cheselka commented that he was concerned with the formula used to measure the illumination of the sign. After some research, he realized it would be within the recommended lumen range. With no further questions or concerns, a motion was in order. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the new signs for StretchLAB, located at 318 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1157032-BAR, in the C-1A Special Commercial Zoning district. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-445 128 Maple Ave W - Oh My Dak - Signs Request for approval of new signs for Oh My Dak, located at 128 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1134644-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Spring Lee, The Best Sign, Inc., Project Contact. Applicant Present: Kim Toi, representative for The Best Sign. The applicant proposes replacing the façade sign, the window signs facing Maple Ave W, and the façade sign facing the parking lot (backside of the store). Ms. Toi noted they also propose covering less than 25% of the windows with silver translucent vinyl with small cut-out letters of the words “OH MY DAK KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN.” Ms. Toi said the channel letters sign would be 4-inch aluminum returns painted white inside with a black finish and a red translucent vinyl tagline with the words “Korean Fried Chicken.” The sign on the backside will have PVC pin letters in white. It will be mounted with stainless steel jam nuts inserted between the letter and mounting surface with silicone glue to ensure it's secure. Samples were provided for the board's review. Ms. Hanley commented that the signs on the backside have little contrast and don’t appear large, especially the smaller letters. She asked the applicant if she would consider adding an outline. Ms. Toi said they tried to copy the former tenant because her customer didn’t want a drastic change, but he might be open to changing the color and noted that the small letters measure 7 inches. Ms. van Doorn asked the purpose of repeating the words “OH MY DAK” in the three windowpanes. To her, it looks cluttered. The applicant replied that it was a design, and it was so that it could be more visible for people to see. Mr. Baldwin said he understood the motivation behind it since some maple trees covered the main store sign. Mr. Layer was concerned about repeating “OH MY DAK” on the three windowpanes. He stated that the primary purpose of a sign is to identify the business. He believes one would be fine. He suggested deleting the two to the right. There was a discussion about maybe redesigning the windowpanes. Mr. Baldwin asked for the meaning of the word DAK in English. Ms. Toi said DAK means chicken. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the new signs for Oh My Dak, located at 128 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1134644-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district with the following stipulations: • The two repetitive names (words) on the right of the center on the window glazing be deleted. All else remains the same. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-446 374 Maple Ave W - Tango Pastry - Exterior Modification Request for approval of exterior modifications for Tango Pastry, located at 374 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1109854-BAR, in the MAC Maple Avenue Commercial zoning district, filed by Jackie Dominguez of Sunrise Assisted Living, Project Contact. The Applicant Present: Hilary Suske, Sunrise Senior Assisted Living for Tango Pastry, 374 Maple Ave W. The board reviewed the application for the proposed outdoor dining tables and chairs for Tango Pastry. Ms. Abaied showed the site plan for the location and noted that the tables and chairs will be on the Maple Avenue side of the building. There was a discussion about the location of the Warhawk bench. Ms. Hanley wanted to ensure the bench wasn’t being replaced, which the applicant confirmed was not. Ms. van Doorn asked if the space between the chairs was 9 inches. Ms. Suske reviewed the available information and stated that it was 28 inches, 6 feet between the edge to where the table starts on one end, 4 feet on the other, and 22 inches between each table and chair. Ms. van Doorn commented that she wanted to ensure there was enough space for all the chairs. Mr. Baldwin asked the applicant if she knew the weight of the tables and chairs. Ms. Suske said she only had the height and length, adding that they were maintenance-free, material like aluminum, from IKEA. Mr. Baldwin stated that he would like the applicant to remind the project manager that they’re supposed to come to the board before changes are made. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the exterior modification for Tango Pastry, located at 374 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1109854-BAR, in the MAC Maple Avenue Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-447 377 Maple Ave W - The Maple Room - Revisions ( Exterior Modifications & Signs) Request for approval of revisions to previously approved exterior modifications and signage 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 and Christo Serantis, 21441 Pacific Blvd Ste 115 Sterling, VA. Mr. Gaston presented the proposed signage and the exterior modifications that included: • Wall modification on the rear side of the property • Guard railing for the mechanical equipment on the roof. Mr. Serantis expressed his appreciation to the board for their support throughout the entire application process. He stated that the grand opening for The Maple Room will be on November 26, 2023. After reviewing the application, the board had the following questions/comments: Mr. Baldwin pointed out that the door lettering appears to be reversed. Mr. Serantis said he was aware and explained that the signage company told him there was no other way to do it. It looks backward from the outside, but as you leave the restaurant, you read the lettering correctly. He said that what's important is that the concept is there, which will also be on the napkins and in the bathrooms. Mr. Baldwin noted that the letter A on the front and rear doors is backward. The only one that looks correct is the left front door. The applicants said they would look into that and get it fixed if necessary. Mr. Baldwin inquired about the HVAC railing. Mr. Gaston said that the purpose of the railing on the roof is to protect the HVAC service members when they’re servicing the unit. The railing must be at least 42 inches from the border standing per code. After discussing the railing, the board members did not have further comments or questions. A motion was in order. Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the sign application for the door decals for the property located at 377 Maple Avenue W, Docket No. PF-698964-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district, with the clarification that the Maple Room logo on door number one is the same one used for doors numbers three and four to correct the letter A’s that are backward. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Ms. Hanley made a motion to approve the revisions to the previously approved 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 presented. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Mr. Cheselka Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-448 201 Maple Ave E - Citibank - Exterior Modification Request for approval of exterior modifications for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1158213-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Dan Kiser, X-Pediters Plus Inc., Project Contact. Applicant Present: Jennifer Kosmider Of MBH Architecture. The applicant is proposing changes to the Noodles and Company location to meet the preferred design of the future tenant Citibank. Ms. Kosmider presented the proposed changes that included: • Removal of a portion of the existing storefront at the front and side of the building. Adding the “iconic Blue Wall” cladding with an ATM on the exterior. • Removal of the existing storefront at the front and side of the building and awnings. The storefront is to be replaced with a new storefront and addition of a new prefabricated louvered metal canopy finished to match the storefront. • Relocation and replacement of storefront entry door with new door and hardware. • Removal of the existing decorative cornices and wall lights. • Repainting the existing brick/masonry towards the rear of the building on Benjamin Moore HVH 168 Chelsea Gray. • Adding a bench and planter along the railing of the exterior. After the applicant's presentation, the board members stated the following: Mr. Layer stated he was uncertain about the design because the rendering doesn’t show the entire building. Per the code, you have to establish a relationship between the renovation and the entire building. He believes the application is missing crucial information. Ms. Kosmider stated that they could provide a rendering that shows the entire complex, explained the proposed changes in more detail for clarification purposes, and added that Citibank is going for a more modern approach, which is why they decided to add the blue glass material. Mr. Layer commented that the blue material near the ATM seemed disharmonious with other building elements. The application doesn’t need significant changes; it just needs to consider the rest of the structure into account. The discussion continued. Mr. Cheselka and Ms. Hanley agreed with Mr. Layer’s comments. Ms. Hanley was unclear about the proposed changes to the front façade. She asked if the transoms were being raised. Ms. Kosmider said they are adding transoms to give the space a little more height. Ms. Hanley voiced her concern about not knowing how that change would play out with the rest of the building and suggested lining them up with the existing awnings. After hearing the board members’ feedback, Mr. Baldwin suggested that the project might benefit from a work session to resolve the issues. Mr. Layer agreed with Mr. Baldwin and said it was a great idea because it would allow the applicant to incorporate the board's suggestions and present a new proposal in the work session. The recommendations made to the applicant are as follows: • The applicant is to provide a rendering showing the entire shopping center with the proposed changes. • Keep the current cornice or a cornice with articulation merging with the rest of the building. • Piers on either side of the ATM. • Frame the blue behind the ATM and reduce it. Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 • Consider the rest of the building in the architecture. • Soften the edges. • Raise the transoms to line up with the existing awnings. Ms. van Doorn asked if deferring this application for a work session would impact the sign application. Mr. Layer commented that he would like to see the sign incorporated into the new design presented during the work session. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the request for exterior modifications for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave E., Docket No. PF-1158213-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, to allow the applicant to incorporate the board's thoughts and recommendations and present a new proposal in a work session. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. Hanley Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried BAR23-449 201 Maple Ave E - Citibank - Signs Request for approval of signage for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave. E., Docket No. PF-1155920-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district, filed by Gary Brent, MG Permits LLC, Project contact. Applicant Present: Gary Brent, MG Permits LLC. The application was deferred to ensure it merges well with the new proposed exterior modification design that would be presented during a work session on or before November 30. Mr. Brent asked if he had to be present at the work session, and Ms. Hanley said it was unnecessary. Mr. Brent clarified that there will be no signs on the sides, as shown on the renderings for the exterior modifications. Ms. Hanley made a motion to defer the request for signage for Citibank, located at 201 Maple Ave. E., Docket No. PF-1155920-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. Hanley Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-450 400 Courthouse Rd SW- Meadow Lane Park - Exterior Modifications Request for approval of exterior modifications for Meadow Lane Park, located at 400 Courthouse Rd SW, Docket No. PF-113265-BAR, in the PR Park and Recreational zoning district; filed by Leslie Herman, Director of Parks and Rec, Town of Vienna, Project Contact. Applicants Present: Leslie Herman, Director of Parks & Recreation, and Jeffrey Holzer, Landscape Architect. Ms. Herman stated she proposes replacing the existing restroom built in the 1960s with a Smith-Midland prefabricated restroom building. They are proposing two male facilities and two female facilities. She anticipates that the domestic water, sanitary, sewer, and electrical services would need refurbishment to accommodate the proposed use. She noted a storage area between the bathrooms for The Department of Parks and Recreation use and a wall-mounted water bottle filler attached to the front of the building. After reviewing the application, Mr. Cheselka wondered if the roof was Cedar Shake, and Mr. Holzer replied. He then asked how many lights would be placed around the building. Mr. Holzer said that for the exterior, they would have two lights. Mr. Cheselka stated that the lights seemed bright. The lumen level is at 2000, and the kelvin level is at 5000. He was worried that it would affect the residential homes on Meadow Ln. Mr. Holzer stated that the reason for having a light on the west side of the building and a light on the east side is to illuminate the doors and area. It is dark when the Parks and Recreation staff lock the doors at night. They have no lights. Mr. Cheselka understood the safety concern but pointed out that more lighting is getting closer to the residential areas. Ms. Hanley agreed with Mr. Cheselka’s lighting concerns and stated that they have been trying to get the tone of the town’s lighting to be similar. She also commented about the building not having an overhang. She noted that an overhang would protect the building doors and the water fountain from maintenance issues. She suggested exploring that option. Mr. Holzer said that the elevation shows approximately a 6-inch overhang, which Ms. Hanley feared wouldn’t be enough. Ms. Hanley was unclear about the materials for the project. Mr. Holzer stated that the typical material for the shiplap on this building would be a cement board. Ms. Hanley asked if it would be painted, to which the applicant said yes. There was a discussion on color selections. Ms. Hanley felt that the brown on brown would be dull. She suggested making it look cuter and warmer. Mr. Holzer replied to Ms. Hanley’s concern about the overhang and said the buildings are pre-engineered and prefabricated, but there is some customization that can occur with these types. He will talk to the vendor about the possibility of expanding the overhang. Ms. Hanley suggested overhangs on both sides since the building has two doors. The discussion continued. Mr. Layer said that the Cedar Shake shingles are not meant to be on low-slope roofs, and not everyone installs them the correct way. If they don’t put an air gap underneath them, they will rot within a very short period. He recommended using an architectural shingle and having the slope no less than four. He suggested using a dark celery color to give the building some contrast, extending the overhangs a minimum of one foot four on both sides and outriggers on the sides at least 8 inches on either side. These suggestions will increase the longevity of the building by a significant amount of time. Mr. Layer asked what the end material for the roof was, and the applicant responded that he was not sure. Mr. Layer stated the importance of knowing the material because the longevity of the building depends on that. There was a discussion about the doors not having a trim and the Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 electrical ventilation for the bathrooms. Mr. Layer suggested using natural ventilation. He provided the applicant with an idea of how to create natural ventilation. Lastly, he asked the applicant to please ensure the downspouts drain away from the building. If it drains to the back of the building or anywhere on the foundation, it will cause structural problems. Most buildings fail their foundations due to improper drainage. It was stated that a four-foot apron would have a large impact on protecting the building. The applicant just needs to ensure that the apron slopes. The discussion continued. After comments and suggestions from the board, it was decided that the application would benefit from a work session to allow the applicant to incorporate the board's suggestions into a new proposal. Mr. Layer asked the applicant to provide samples for the work session, and Mr. Holzer stated that the samples the vendor can provide are over 400 lbs., which is why they didn’t have samples available for today’s meeting. It was suggested the applicant request a list of local examples where the proposed materials were used so that board members could drive by and take a look. Mr. Holzer said he wasn’t sure if the examples would be from the same vendor, but he would request the list to see what’s local. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the application of exterior modifications for Meadow Lane Park, located at 400 Courthouse Rd SW, Docket No. PF-113265-BAR, in the PR Park and Recreational zoning district, so that some of the comments, recommendations, and suggestions can be incorporated and presented in a work session. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. Cheselka Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Recess 9:20 p.m. – 9:25 p.m. Town of Vienna Page 9 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 BAR23-451 Decisions of the Board of Architectural Review Mr. Levy discussed with the board the conditions placed on two BAR approvals on October 19, 2023, meeting. The conditions on the approvals referenced a future requirement not linked to the specific applications. After the discussion, the board considered amending the approvals by removing the stated conditions and making the approved motion germane to the specific applications. Item #1: Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the amendment to the previously approved exterior modifications for Waters Field Press Box located at 300 Center St. S Docket No. PF-760159-BAR to remove the condition that states, “Next presentation to come will have to show the criteria required by code plans, elevations and sections in scale with dimensions and detail.” Mr. Layer seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0 Ms. Hanley amended Ms. van Doorn's motion to remove it as a condition and maintain it as a suggestion. Mr. Layer seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0 Mr. Baldwin asked for a vote on the motion as amended. Vote: 5-0 Item # 8: Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve an amendment to the previously approved exterior modifications for the property located at 131 Church St SE, Docket No. PF-1134365-BAR, to remove the condition that states, “In the future, there is a plan that shows all built elements on the plan” with that language now being included as a suggestion. Mr. Layer seconded the motion. Vote: 5-0 Ms. Hanley commented that she would like the internal applicants to be informed of what the board expects from a BAR application and make them aware that the board is available for work sessions. The board discussed including the mural memo in chapter 4 of the code vs. chapter 19 because it should fall under an alteration to the façade of a building, not under a sign. BAR 2024 Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary Election Discussion The board discussed how to prepare for December’s Election now that Mr. Baldwin will be stepping down as chair to embark on his new role as a Council member with the Town Council. It was stated that the new board member needs to be an attorney as required. The board brainstormed ideas on how to get the word out to fill Mr. Baldwins’ position with the Board of Architectural Review. Town of Vienna Page 10 Printed on 12/27/2023 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes November 16, 2023 Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m. 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 11 Printed on 12/27/2023