Downtown Design Review Board

DOWNTOWN DESIGN REVIEW BOARD April 4, 2017 I. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL The April 4, 2017 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 6:00 pm. On a roll call, the following were: Present: Paula Barrington Nathan Bossenga Craig Farnsworth Tracy Jones Kevin Maguire Steph McGrath Absent: None City Staff: James P. Kozik AICP, Director of Planning & Economic Development II. PUBLIC COMMENT There was no public comment. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES – August 5, 2015 Ms. Jones moved and Ms. McGrath seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2015 Downtown Design Review Board meeting as submitted. On a voice vote, all voted aye. V. NEW BUSINESS – 130 W. Liberty Drive – Façade Renovation Mr. Mike Kollman, project architect was in attendance for a review by the Downtown Design Review Board because his request to renovate the façade of the building at 130 W. Liberty Drive 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 The Downtown Design Guidelines are to be considered by the City when reviewing proposed projects throughout Downtown Wheaton. Mr. Kozik stated that there are specific guidelines to the three character areas in the Downtown; the Traditional Core Area, the Perimeter Commercial Area, and the Residential Conversion Area. Mr. Kozik stated that the subject property is located within the Traditional Core Area and stated that item number 5 of the “General Guidelines” state that “Materials that have been applied to cover older traditional façade elements should be removed and not replaced.” Mr. Kozik stated that the proposed façade renovation contemplated by the owners calls for adding a cornice to the building and trim pieces to create a sign-band, and painting/skim-coating of the black and white aggregate panels instead of removing them and replacing/repairing the original terracotta. Mr. Kollman stated that the original terracotta was severely damaged many years ago when the black and white aggregate panels were installed and replacing or repairing the damaged terracotta would be cost prohibitive. Mr. Kozik stated that it is Staff’s opinion that strict adherence to the guidelines, which would require replacement/repair of the original terracotta, is unreasonable and the design solution being proposed is compatible with neighboring properties, will substantially improve the appearance and function of the building, and will enhance the character of the Downtown. Mr. Maguire questioned whether or not what is being proposed is EIFS. Mr. Kollman stated that their plan is to only use the EIFS coating material to “paint over” the existing aggregate panels and that a thin layer of Styrofoam would be used only if the coating itself failed to provide a smooth surface. Mr. Farnsworth questioned the exact color to be used. Mr. Kollman stated the color is Benjamin Moore 1474. Mr. Bossenga questioned how this coating will wear on the base of the building. Mr. Kollman stated that the product is durable and can be reapplied if necessary. Ms. McGrath stated that although it would be her preference that the façade of the building be restored, this action will not further damage the existing terracotta. Ms. Jones then moved and Mr. Farnsworth seconded a motion to approve the matter as presented. On a voice vote, all voted aye. The motion carried. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 pm. Respectfully submitted, James P. Kozik, AICP Director of Planning & Economic Development