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 16, 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, May 16, 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: Mr. Cheselka, Ms. van Doorn, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Layer, and Ms. Hanley were present. Staff present: Planner Sharmaine Abaied, and Board Clerk Yaska Camacho Castillo. Approval of the Minutes: The April 18, 2024, meeting minutes were accepted into the record. Regular Business: Town of Vienna Page 1 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 BAR24-505 112 Courthouse Rd SW - LC Massage - Sign Item No. 1: Request for approval of a façade sign LC Massage, located at 112 Courthouse Rd SW, Docket No. PF-1258917-BAR, in the T, Transition Zoning District; filed by Laito Change, LC Massage, Business Owner. Applicants present: – Saley Jong & Lee Raymond Ho (translator). The board reviewed the application and voiced their concerns with the material. The sign seems more of a temporary sign vs. a durable permanent sign. Ms. Abaied stated that the material for the sign is plastic cardboard that is adhered to the side of the building with adhesive tape. The applicant assured the board that the sign is durable and secure. It has been in place for three years. Ms. Abaied noted that the sign has a zoning violation, and the applicants are trying to correct the violation by coming to the Board for approval. The board made the following comments: Mr. Cheselka & Ms. Hanley suggested using smaller letters (possibly different fonts) and dropping them down the windowsill to be more proportional to the architecture of the building. Mr. Layer suggested using channel letters or a signboard from a sign company that uses stenciled letters or sign foam material with lettering that would adhere to the sign and fasten through the sign material into the wall with adequate and appropriate anchors that would withstand the seasons and not deteriorate rapidly. Mr. O’Keefe suggested using a blade sign on the side of the building. The applicant asked if they had to replace the door sign to which it was explained that the board did not object to that sign. The board is looking for a professional solution for the sign under the window with other board members' recommendations regarding spacing and size. The applicant asked if any color would be objectionable, and the board replied that black would be fine on a professional sign. Mr. Layer suggested providing a few color options if they wanted a different color besides black. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the request for approval of a façade sign LC Massage, located at 112 Courthouse Rd SW, Docket No. PF-1258917-BAR, in the T, Transition Zoning District to allow the applicant to incorporate the recommendations by the board into a new proposal. The recommendations included Channel letters, signboard, and blade sign, providing details on how the sign would be mounted, providing color options, material information, and samples. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. Cheselka Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried BAR24-506 386 Maple Ave E - Vienna Gun & Gold - Sign Item No 2: Request for approval for a pylon sign reface for Vienna Gun & Gold, located at 386 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-989641-BAR, in the AE, Avenue East Zoning District; filed by Peyman Eskandari, Deal Hunter Estate Sales LLC, Business Owner. Applicant Present: No one was present for the item when called at 7:46 p.m. The item was moved to the end of the agenda. Town of Vienna Page 2 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 BAR24-507 180 Maple Ave W - Go Health - Signs Item No 3: Request for approval of a wall sign, tenant panel, and a vinyl door for Go Health, located at 180 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1324459-BAR, in the AC, Avenue Center Zoning District; filed by Ken Padgett, Mid-Atlantic Permitting Services, LLC, project contact. Applicant Present: Ken Paggett The board reviewed the application and stated the following: Mr. Layer stated the sign fits well with the building. Mr. O’Keefe does not dislike the sign but noted that the sign looks busy with Inova and Go Health brandings. Ms. van Doorn said she likes the sign and thinks black neutralizes the other colors. Mr. Cheselka also liked the signs and didn’t see any issues. Ms. Hanley has no problem with the sign but believes the branding is tricky and understands Mr. O’Keefe’s concerns. She said it wouldn’t be the branding she would have chosen because it can get confusing but that is the business choice to make. However, she noted that the main point was for urgent care to stand out, which it does very well. The applicant pointed out that the only tenant identification on the pylon sign is urgent care because that is the most important message to convey to the public. Mr. Layer wanted to provide clarification on the board being able to make suggestions on logos. He stated that the board started looking at the signs from a design orientation having the sign itself be the uniform and then the colors and design be implemented on the logos. It was more about whether or not the signs worked well together on the designs and logos they chose. He noted that there are no restrictions on suggesting if a logo is inappropriate or if the board chooses not to have the logo in the form that it’s being presented. The discussion continued. Mr. O’Keefe asked if the window signage was part of the application to which Ms. Abaied stated the applicant had proposed window signage which did not meet the 25% max of total area that’s permitted therefore the applicant removed the window signage from the application. Mr. Layer asked if the window signage was affixed or just sitting on the window since temporary signs can sit on the windows as long as they don’t stay up permanently. Ms. Abaied said he was correct but temporarily signs still fall under the 25% max coverage and are allowed for 60 days. Ms. Hanley appreciated the application showing a day and night version of the sign. She noted that the board is trying to get the lighting in the shopping centers under control. Mr. Paggett said he understands the board's goal as he enjoys driving down and seeing consistency with the lights. It gives it a hometown feel. Public comment from Planning & Zoning intern Zoe Mazer: Ms. Mazer asked if there has been action to mitigate lit signs, as she has seen public comments on that topic. Mr. Layer stated that it would only apply to a Church Street Vision project. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the request for a wall sign, tenant panel, and a vinyl door for Go Health, located at 180 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1324459-BAR, in the AC, Avenue Center Zoning District as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Mr. O’Keefe Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 3 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 BAR24-508 234 Maple Ave E - Sushi Oishii - Signs Item No 4: Request for approval of a wall sign, and pylon sign reface for Sushi Oishii, located at 234 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-1302543-BAR, in the AC, Avenue Center Zoning District; filed by Zhiqiang Zou, Sushi Oishii Va Inc, business owner. Applicant Present: Will Cheng Ms. Hanley noted that the signs were already installed. Ms. Abaied stated that the red awnings had been taken down and the pylon sign was refaced and provided the board with an updated image of the changes that showed the wall sign with a gray background without the red awnings. Ms. van Doorn asked if the banner to the right of the sign was part of the application to which the applicant responded that the banner is temporary. For clarification purposes, Mr. Layer asked which items were being reviewed by the board. Ms. Abaied confirmed that the board was reviewing a wall sign, a pylon sign, the change of the background to the wall sign, and the removal of the awnings. She also noted that the request for approval would clear up a zoning violation the applicant received for installing the signs without the board’s approval. There was a brief discussion about the kelvin and lumen levels. The applicant stated he proposed his kelvin level at 4000 and the board agreed since the sign is not overwhelming at night, and it is a stand-alone business. Mr. Layer made a motion to approve the request for a wall sign, and pylon sign reface for Sushi Oishii, located at 234 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-1302543-BAR, in the AC, Avenue Center Zoning District; filed by Zhiqiang Zou, Sushi Oishii Va Inc, as submitted and stated on the record. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 4 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 BAR24-509 501 Maple Ave W - Carnegie Diner - Signs & Exterior Modification Item No 5: Request for approval of new wall sign, and bulkhead paint color for Carnegie Diner & Cafe, located at 501 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1324524-BAR, in the AC, Avenue Center Zoning District; filed by Nagib Daniel, Emille Enterprises Inc., Project Contact. Applicant Present: John Daniel Mr. Daniel stated that Yellow Diner was bought out by Carnegie Diner. He noted he is not in charge of painting the back walls of the existing façade. He is only working on the signage. The bulkhead of the entryway under the proposed signage will be painted Sherwin Williams 2066-10 Deep Blue by the contractor of the building. He confirmed that the paint will match the quality of the paint that’s on the building now. Mr. O’Keefe made a motion to approve the request for a new wall sign, and bulkhead paint color for Carnegie Diner & Cafe, located at 501 Maple Ave W, Docket No. PF-1324524-BAR, in the AC, Avenue Center Zoning District with the following conditions: • The paint quality is the same as the paint that was originally submitted for the building in type and sheen. • Paint Color Sherwin Williams 2066-10 Motion: Mr. O’Keefe Second: Mr. Layer Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried BAR24-510 415 Windover Ave NW- Green Hedges - Exterior Modification - Fence Item No 6: Request for approval of a portion of fence for Green Hedges School, located at 415 Windover Ave NW, Docket No. PF-1273380- BAR, in the CS, Church Street zoning district, filed by Carey Lavallee, Director of Finance and Operations, Green Hedges School, project contact. Applicant Present: No one was present. The applicant informed staff that she was not going to be able to attend the meeting due to a busy schedule. She will be available for the June Board of Architectural Review meeting. Mr. Layer made a motion to defer the request for approval of a portion of the fence for Green Hedges School, located at 415 Windover Ave NW, Docket No. PF-1273380- BAR, in the RS-12.5 zoning district, to allow the applicant to be present to represent their application. Motion: Mr. Layer Second: Mr. O’Keefe Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 5 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 BAR24-511 127 Center St S - Town of Vienna & Capital Bikeshare - Exterior Modification Item No 7: Request for approval of 3 Capital Bikeshare stations, located at: • 120 Cherry St. SE, PR, Parks, and Recreational Zoning District • 127 Center St. S (Maple Ave parking), AC, Avenue Center Zoning District • 801 Follin Ln SE, CP, Corporate Park Zoning District PF-1300050-BAR, filed by Andrew Jinks, Department of Public Works Transportation Engineer, Town of Vienna, project contact. Applicant Present: Andrew Jinks Mr. Jinks stated that in 2019 the City of Fairfax completed a study reviewing potential bike-share locations within the City of Fairfax, GMU area, and the Town of Vienna. The former Director of the Public Works Department applied for VDOT funding to add bike share stations in the Town of Vienna for the locations stated on the BAR application. There are five (5) stations in total of which three (3) are on town property. Mr. Jinks noted that they have gone through the initial design process and are now ready to move forward with the construction/installation phase. Ms. Hanley commented on how this was a wonderful opportunity to have more biking in Vienna. She voiced her concern about the water issue (when raining) at the proposed station located in the Vienna Community Center Parking lot. When it rains the water goes over the curve as seen in the picture. This may not be an issue, but she wanted the applicant to be aware. Mr. Jinks said he would make a note of that. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to approve the request for approval of 3 Capital Bikeshare stations, located at: • 120 Cherry St. SE, PR, Parks, and Recreational Zoning District • 127 Center St. S (Maple Ave parking), AC, Avenue Center Zoning District • 801 Follin Ln SE, CP, Corporate Park Zoning District PF-1300050-BAR filed by Andrew Jinks, Department of Public Works Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. O’Keefe Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Town of Vienna Page 6 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 BAR24-512 144 Maple Ave E - Town of Vienna - Exterior Modification - Temporary Pop-Up Garden. Item No 8: Request for approval of a Temporary Pop-Up Garden, located at 144 Maple Ave E, in the AC, Avenue Center zoning district, Docket number PF-1318346, filed by Natalie Guilmeus, Director of Economic Development, Town of Vienna, project contact. Applicants Present: Director of Economic Development Natalie Guilmeus and Director of Parks and Recreation Leslie Herman Ms. Guilmeus stated that the Town Green Plaza temporary pop-up garden would stay throughout the summer of 2024. The initiative is about enhancing the public space and bringing to life an underutilized area that happens to be in the commercial core and connected to the Washington Old Dominion Trail. The project is called Vienna in Bloom. The landscape architect for the project is Lance, LSG Landscape Architectural firm. The insurance piece would be provided by the installation company as part of the RFP. Ms. Guilmeus noted that they took into consideration the recommendation made by the Board of Architectural Review during the March 20, 2024, work session. She went over the proposal and details that included the following: • Relocation of existing bike racks closer to the trail to install artificial turf for the garden nook. • A garden nook with wooden screens made from 6-inch square beams and 6-inch square posts with 1-inch by 6-inch cedar wood slats. • Special seating areas with bistro tables and chairs. • Signature floral display in planters. • Vertical garden in a free-standing metal frame with a ½ inch Rose powder coated metal sign welded to the metal frame that says, “Vienna In Bloom”. • Fabric-draped (in Rose, Blue, Saffron, and Cadmium) pergola with string lights. • Relocation of existing pots to install decking which will have chairs and lounge chairs placed on the decking or adjacent to the decking. • Planter Boxes in Carbon color finish placed near Maple Ave along with bollards with Rose and Blue sleeves. The materials were passed around for the board’s review. After a few questions, the board commended the applicants for their efforts in incorporating the BAR work session recommendations into the changes. Mr. Cheselka made a motion to approve the request for a Temporary Pop-Up Garden, located at 144 Maple Ave E, in the AC, Avenue Center zoning district, Docket number PF-1318346, as presented. Motion: Mr. Cheselka Second: Ms. van Doorn Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Recess 8:42 pm – 8:48 pm Item No 2: Request for approval for a pylon sign reface for Vienna Gun & Gold, located at 386 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-989641-BAR, in the AE, Avenue East Zoning District; filed by Peyman Eskandari, Deal Hunter Estate Sales LLC, Business Owner. Town of Vienna Page 7 Printed on 6/25/2024 Board of Architectural Review Meeting Minutes May 16, 2024 No one was present. Ms. van Doorn made a motion to defer the request for a pylon sign reface for Vienna Gun & Gold, located at 386 Maple Ave E, Docket No. PF-989641-BAR, in the AE, Avenue East Zoning District. Motion: Ms. van Doorn Second: Mr. O’Keefe Vote: 5-0 Motion Carried Other Business: BAR24-513 Discussion • The board discussed the BAR roles/2-year term on the Windover Heights Review Board and the Vienna Public Arts Commission. The board would like other BAR members to have the opportunity to fill those positions. • Staff briefly discussed the outdoor dining field trip to Alexandria City on June 11, 2024. Meeting Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:56 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 8 Printed on 6/25/2024