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, January 18, 2024 7:30 PM Charles Robinson Jr. Town Hall, 127 Center St. South Roll Call The Board of Architectural Review met in a regular session on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall, 127 Center St S, Vienna, VA 22180. Chair Ms. Hanley called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Roll Call: Ms. Hanley, Mr. Cheselka, Ms. van Doorn, Mr. Baldwin, and Mr. Layer were present. Ms. Abaied noted that the zoning references for items 1-5 fall under the old code because the applications were submitted before January 1, 2024. The zoning reference for item 6 falls under the new code since the application was submitted after January 1, 2024. Staff present: Planner Sharmaine Abaied and Board Clerk Yaska Camacho Castillo. Approval of the Minutes The December 21, 2023, meeting minutes and the January 9, 2024, work session minutes were accepted into the record as submitted. Regular Business: Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 BAR24-467 212 Maple Ave E - Wells Fargo Bank - Signs Item No. 1: Request for approval for replacement of signs at the property located at 212 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-1179490-BAR, in the C-1A, Special Commercial zoning district, filed by Alexandria Weaver, AGI, project contact. Applicant Present: George Marino During the meeting, Mr. Marino referred to the board's comments from last month and informed them that the color samples had been sent for their review. He stated that the Kelvin level was reduced to 3000 as recommended by the board. The applicant clarified that the color R189 (with less sheen) would be used for the Wells Fargo monument sign. Ms. van Doorn inquired for clarification on where the rest of the colors would be used. According to the applicant, the white background of the directional signs has a yellow band across the top and a dark gray copy with the directional information. Ms. Hanley said she would like the Kelvin level to be put on the construction document. With no further questions or concerns, a motion was in order. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for the replacement of signs at the property located at 212 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-1179490-BAR, in the C-1A, Special Commercial zoning district with the stipulation that the Wells Fargo monument sign red color be the more muted one, as submitted, or the one with less sheen and that the 3000 Kelvin levels be included on the construction document (sign drawing). Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried BAR24-468 420 Center St S - Townhouse - Exterior Modification Item No 2: Request for approval for installation of a new exterior door, located at 420 Center St. S, Docket No. PF-1208018-BAR, in the RTH, Townhouse zoning district, filed by Rob Warren, Stoneridge Outdoor Living, LLC, project contact. Applicant Present: Ryan Kaye Mr. Kaye explained that the request was to put a deck at the back of his townhouse. He is proposing to replace the two double windows with a sliding glass door. Mv. Van Doorn asked if there was visible trim in the back to which the applicant said there was and noted that the color for the trim was almond matching the exterior of the door. Ms. Hanley asked for the specifications for the light fixture. She wanted to ensure that the light was not too bright or too blue as it can sometimes bother the neighbors. After further discussion, a motion was in order. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the request for the installation of a new exterior door located at 420 Center St. S, Docket No. PF-1208018-BAR as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 BAR24-469 541 Maple Ave W - ZBurger - Sign Item No 3: Request for approval of new sign for ZBurger, located at 541 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1185061-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district; filed by Keyvan Ejtemai of Vienna Restaurante Fellows, LLC., Project Contact. Applicant Present: No one was present for the item when it was called at 7:48 pm and 9 pm. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to defer the request for a new sign for ZBurger, located at 541 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1185061-BAR, in the C-1 Local Commercial zoning district. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 BAR24-470 146 Church St NE - Sanctuary Interior Designs- Sign Item No 4: Request for approval of new signs and exterior modification, located at 146 Church St NE, Docket No. PF-1182612-BAR, in the C-1B Pedestrian Commercial zoning district; filed by Jill Rakicsany of Sanctuary Interior Design, Project Contact. Applicant Present: Andrew Rakicsany Mr. Rakicsany described the two new façade signs he is proposing. The small front sign is a wood base with aluminum laser-cut lettering on the front that is painted. The second sign is a non-illuminated made of 1-inch thick Venetian Silver framing. He provided the board with the engineering specs. Ms. van Doorn stated that her only concern was how the signage would hold up in the sun. The applicant resplied that the sign is UV-protected and fire-rated and noted that they have used the sign before and it has held up well over the years. Mr. Cheselka asked if the resistant plywood on the building entrance side sign would be pressure-treated. Mr. Rakicsany said the sign is completely painted and it is placed under the awning of the building. There will be no direct rain on the sign, and he clarified that there is no piece of raw plywood and that the sign comes painted. Mr. Layer asked what the frame for the main sign was made from to which the applicant said Venetian silver which he thinks is oxidized aluminum and noted that they would mount the sign with stainless steel weather-resistant screws. Mr. Baldwin commented that he drove by the business and noticed that the front sign appeared too small, making it hard to see and that the main sign seemed too big. He didn’t feel that the artificial boxwood for the big sign was an appropriate covering due to the age and the historical significance of the building. Ms. Hanley stated that she would want the board to look at the placement of the sign as it relates to the other architectural features of the building. She feels as if the sign placement could be done a little better. She wouldn't object to the sign being more rectangular than square. Ms. van Doorn agreed with Ms. Hanley’s comment. She also believes a rectangle would be better than a square. She circled back on her comment from earlier and stated that she does like the color contrast of the green and the gold, but she doesn’t think the fake boxwood would hold up well in the sun. The applicant heard the comments and recommendations from the board to which he said they are receptive to some but noted that the rectangular design carries through the branding of the studio. It’s on the website, it’s on the promotional materials. It’s not just a simple sign. He continued to explain how the design came about. Ms. Hanley said that her main concern is the adjustment of the height as it relates to the window next to it. The way it is being presented shows it’s slightly below the windowsill. Mr. Rakicsany said he thinks the photograph used was a poor photograph job by not having the sign centered properly. The discussion continued. Mr. Layer said that he thinks the sign is proportionally fine but doesn’t believe the plastic would hold up well. He noted how plastic would be a place for spiders to inhabit very quickly. The applicant stated if at any point the sign does not look presentable, they would Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 be the first ones to remove the sign and resubmit an application to the board. Ms. van Doorn said she liked the simplicity of the smaller sign and feels that the green boxwood on the bigger sign is too much, taking away the simplicity of the small sign. Mr. Cheselka said that the material would require monthly maintenance to which the applicant responded that the sign was transported from Delaware and their experience with the sign material has been durable. Mr. Layer thinks the backer should be a bit more integrated into the architecture of the building. The surrounding buildings are all of the same period, and all are of a simplistic kind of architecture. Ms. Hanley agreed with Mr. Layer’s comment. She noted that the big sign is being reviewed as an exterior modification to the building therefore the board looks for how the modification fits with the building as opposed to a sign application which needs harmony with other signs and good advertising, light, etc. The item was separated into two motions: Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the exterior modification (wall sign) that’s on the Church St side of the building until it’s redesigned to be more integrated into the architecture of the building. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. Cheselka Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the sign underneath the canopy as submitted. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 BAR24-471 203 Maple Ave W - Windover Square - Signs Item No 5: Request for approval of new signs and landscaping for Windover Square Shopping Center, located at 203 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1185000-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Jeff Lee of Superior Signs, LLC., Project Contact. Applicants Present: Catherine Drosos Ms. Drosos stated that she was under the impression the sign company would be present at the meeting to answer questions from the board. The applicant stated they are proposing a new monument and new signs for Plaka Grill and Vienna Nail & Spa as well as some landscaping around the sign. Ms. Abaied noted that the pylon sign is larger than the existing one, but the Department of Public Works confirmed that it was not going to be a sideline distance or in the right of way. Ms. Abaied noted that she reached out to the sign company to inquire about the Kelvin level being listed at 6000. The sign contractor was informed that the board prefers the Kelvin levels to be in the 3000-3500 range to which he responded that the 6000 level he submitted was the industry standard level. The board had concerns with the 105 lumens per module stated on the application. The item was pushed to the end of the agenda to allow the applicant time to call the sign contractor to ask for clarification on the lumens per module. Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 BAR24-472 820 Follin Ln SE - Navy Federal Credit Union - Sign & Exterior Modification Item No 6: Request for approval for a sign and exterior modifications, located at 820 Follin Ln SE, Docket No. PF-1220179-BAR, in the CP, Corporate Park zoning district, filed by Brian Bresnahan, Navy Federal Credit Union, project contact. Applicant Present: Larry Caruso and Brian Bresnahan Mr. Caruso stated that the Navy Federal Credit Union wants to put up signage to designate the starting point of a walking trail on their campus. The signage is a non-corrosive aluminum panel product that will have lighting in the ground. It would be wet location rated and damp location rated. The kelvin level would be 3000 and the lumen level 300. All three signs will have lights about 8 inches in front of it, recessed in the ground. The lights are not meant for safety but more so that the sign is not completely in the dark. He added that the fixtures also have baffles on top to help diffuse the light. Lastly, he said that the planting around the sign area will be going into a soft landscaping that would be seasonal deer-resistant. There was a brief discussion about the watts and lumens stated on the specification sheet. Mr. Cheselka inquired about the paver which was clarified that the applicant decided to remove the pavers from the application. Mr. Bresnahan asked if it would be possible to bump the watts to 8.4 for the LED which would increase the lumen level to 565 per fixture. Mr. Cheselka voiced his concern about increasing the lumen level. He said that usually signs like these are supposed to have softer lighting. Mr. Bresnahan responded that if the lumen can be approved at a higher level, they can bring it down if needed. Ms. Hanley noted that the board usually recommends dimmer switches which will help with adjusting the lighting. The discussion continued. Mr. Cheselka preferred to agree on a lumen level vs. having a dimmer switch. Mr. Layer stated that felt more comfortable recommending a dimmer switch since he couldn’t predict what a 30-watt equivalent lumen bulb would be adequate for what the applicants are trying to achieve, and he wouldn’t want them to be in a position where their signs would have poor lighting. The board continued the discussion and concluded that recommending a dimmer would be the best solution. Mr. Baldwin stated that the mounted sign is very tasteful and inquired about Mary McDuffie the individual the sign is dedicated to. Mr. Caruso replied that Ms. McDuffie is the CEO of Navy Federal and is retiring soon. Ms. McDuffie walked the trail every day. The monument sign will be the starting point of the path. There are mile markers along the way which eventually would be replaced with miniature versions of the signage with mile markings on it. This monument sign is in her honor. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for a sign and exterior modifications, located at 820 Follin Ln SE, Docket No. PF-1220179-BAR, in the CP, Corporate Park zoning district, with the following provisions: the application does not include pavers, the landscaping is approved as proposed with the additional materials, and the light fixtures are approved at the 565 lumen level with the provision that a dimmer is included on each fixture. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Nay: Mr. Cheselka Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 Vote: 4-1 Motion Carried Item number 5 was called back for review. Item No 5: Request for approval of new signs and landscaping for Windover Square Shopping Center, located at 203 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1185000-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district; filed by Jeff Lee of Superior Signs, LLC., Project Contact. Applicants Present: Catherine Drosos After reviewing the application in its entirety, the board voiced their concerns about the following: Mr. Baldwin felt that the wording “Plaka” looked small on the monument sign. He said that someone driving by who is not familiar with the restaurant would not know what “Plaka” is. He suggested amending the monument sign to say “Plaka Grill” to help identify the business as a restaurant. Ms. Drosos said that the business is called Plaka Grill. The reason why they removed “Grill” was because the business is mostly known as “Plaka” by the consumers. Mr. Layer commented that he didn’t want her to change it back to “Plaka Grill” if she was considering rebranding the business name to just “Plaka”. Ms. Drosos responded that she would discuss that matter with her son and go from there. Mr. Baldwin questioned the letter L being the only letter in red on “Plaka”. Ms. van Doorn wondered if the font should be larger to sort of balance it out with the other signs. Ms. Hanley suggested maybe changing the tenant panels around to see if “Plaka” would fit better in a different order. The Kelvin level was discussed again, and Ms. Hanley noted that she does not recommend the 6000 Kelvin level (industry standard) stated on the application. She pointed out how the board has been consistent in maintaining the Kelvin level between the 3000-3500 range. Mr. Baldwin suggested that the words “Nail Spa” for the Vienna Nail Spa tenant panel be more lined up at the bottom with the word “Vienna”. Mr. Layer on the other hand felt that if the words were dropped to the bottom “Vienna Nail Spa” would look tilted to the right. The board reviewed the proposed channel letter signs for “Plaka Grill” and “Vienna Nail Spa.” Since the applicant did not provide the board with a rendering showing both proposed signs side by side the board had a hard time visualizing how both signs would look together. After further discussion on the item, the board and the applicant agreed it was best to defer the application. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to defer the request for new signs and landscaping for Windover Square Shopping Center, located at 203 Maple Ave W., Docket No. PF-1185000-BAR, in the C-2 General Commercial zoning district with the recommendation of including an explanation of the lumen levels on each sign, the kelvin be limited to 3000, the board would like to see the building as proposed side by side, and the proposed signs to be applied to the length of the building in total indicating the dimensions on the façade. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 8 Printed on 2/29/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes January 18, 2024 Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:02 pm. Respectfully Submitted, 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 2/29/2024