Downtown Design Review Board

DOWNTOWN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD August 5, 2015 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The August 5, 2015 Downtown Design Review Board meeting was called to order in the City Council Chambers of the Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley Street, Wheaton at 7:00 pm. On a roll call, the following were: Present: Paula Barrington Nathan Bossenga Tracy Jones Steph McGrath Absent: Craig Farnsworth Kevin Maguire City Staff: James P. Kozik AICP, Director of Planning & Economic Development II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – March 5, 2015 Ms. McGrath moved and Ms. Jones seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the March 5, 2015 Downtown Design Review Board meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. V. NEW BUSINESS – 111-113 N. Main Street – Painting Brick Facade Architect and Project Manager Randy Jostes was in attendance for a review by the Downtown Design Review Board because his request to paint the brick on the front façade of the building at 111-113 N. Main Street was denied due to the determination that the proposal was not in full compliance with Wheaton’s Downtown Design Review Guidelines. Mr. Kozik stated that item number 7 of the “General Guidelines” states that “The utilitarian brick side and rear facades of older existing buildings, if in good condition, should be left unpainted, clean and in good repair. If bricks have previously been painted, paint finish should be maintained.” Mr. Kozik stated that it is presumed by this provision, that the front façade of brick buildings should be left unpainted. Mr. Jostes explained that the type of brick on the building is unusual. He stated that he used two different products and he is unable to clean it. Mr. Bossenga stated that he believes the existing brick an atypical color and texture. As such, he believes the painted rendering looks attractive. Ms. Jones concurred, and stated that the painted façade gives the building a fresh look and accentuates the detail in the brickwork. Ms. Barrington stated that she understands the applicant’s difficulty in being able to effectively clean the façade, but does not like the painted brick. Mr. Jostes stated that he has presented two alternatives, one with the limestone left as is, and one with the limestone painted an accent color. Ms. McGrath stated that the brick should be left as is. She stated that in her experience, all of the buildings detail will be lost when it is painted. Hearing no further comments, Ms. Jones moved to recommend approval of painting the façade of the building as presented. The motion failed for a lack of a second. Ms. Jones then moved and Ms. Barrington seconded a motion to continue the matter to a date in which more members of the Board could be present. With Ms. McGrath voting nay, the motion carried 3-1. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning & Economic Development