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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDESIGN REVIEW MINUTES 10/6/14 - 14-00529 - 18 N 2nd E - Mountain America Credit Union1 Design Review Committee Meeting Mountain America Credit Union – East Main and North 2nd East October 6, 2014 – 1 pm Attendees Design Review Committee: Thaine Robinson, Brad Wolfe, Brent McFarland Applicant: John Wetendorf of EMA Architects; Chris Tapia of Mountain America Credit Union City: Val Christensen, Elaine McFerrin Thaine Robinson opened the meeting. He explained that the Design Review Committee is composed of a P&Z Commissioner (Thaine Robinson), a City Council member (Brad Wolfe) or the Mayor, and a professional from the community (Brent McFarland). Several other individuals serve on the committee as necessary. Usually, the Committee meets if there is a development issue that is non-conforming or differs from the Design Standards requirements that are stated in the City of Rexburg Development Code Ordinance No. 1115. Val Christensen clarified the reason for today’s meeting. The subject property is located in the Central Business District (CBD) zone. The design standards for the CBD zone are not prescriptive as in other commercial zones. The Development Code states that the intent is to allow flexibility in design while reviewing projects for compliance to the Guiding Downtown Principles. From Section 3.17.160 Rexburg Development Code Ordinance No. 1115: Guiding Downtown Principles. The City of Rexburg values the historical sense of place that the downtown has provided for over a hundred years. Recent studies have identified several guiding principles that will guide the continuation of the downtown core over the next hundred years. These principles are as follows: 1. Downtown is a Pedestrian-Priority Area. 2. Downtown is the Civic, Social and Cultural Center of Rexburg and Madison County. 3. Downtown is Highly Attractive to visitors and has a “historic” sense about it. 4. Downtown is the Heart of “America’s Family Community.” 5. Downtown is a Mixed Use Center which includes Retail, Office, Residential, Entertainment, Culture and Educational facilities. 6. Downtown is Highly connected to the City, Region and to BYU-Idaho. 7. Downtown is guided by Public-Private Partnerships, including Agencies. 8. Circulation System Manages “Through” & “To” Traffic Strategically. 9. Downtown Way-Finding & Parking Systems are User Friendly. 10. Downtown Hosts a Central Plaza for Community Events & Activities. 11. Downtown is a great Place to Work, Visit, Shop, Learn & Live. Today the Design Review Committee needs to determine how this project meets the Guiding Downtown Principles. 2 The site plan and elevations were viewed. John Wetendorf stated that the building will be a 3,300 square foot single story branch. They have tried to address pedestrian-friendly ideas in placing the building back from the sidewalk and putting parking in back. It is scaled to step back. They like to landscape their buildings well. They have tried to have elements of pedestrian-friendly scale. They understand about the downtown feel; the site plan mimics the Courthouse – the building is in front with landscaping, and parking is in the back. The entrance on the north is away from the intersection. Transportation flow would be behind the building. Chris Tapia stated their hope is to be the kick-off for the whole area in regard to other future developments. Thaine Robinson said he very much appreciates that Mountain America Credit Union is coming to our community. The biggest issue for him is that the pedestrian entrances are on the back side of the building. The Committee does not want to design the building for them but would offer suggestions – possibly have a secondary entrance on the front (west) of the building. Brent McFarland agreed. Val Christensen said the Courthouse is an existing building. The City would hope this Mountain America building would have a downtown footprint -being inviting to pedestrians- rather than a drive-to footprint. The site plan is pushing all pedestrians into a six foot path up against the curb. He suggested to not hold on to what has been done across the street. Chris Tapia said the challenge lies in putting an entrance on the west, as it is extremely challenging to the interior of the building. John Wetendorf said with the entry door on the north side as shown on the site plan, they are trying to address pedestrian flow and provide a pathway/area of use. Brent McFarland suggested an entry element on the west such as some type of vestibule. John Wetendorf said such an element would not be able to be on a corner of the building because that is where offices will be located. Chris Tapia said the west side of the building would be mostly glass, with low landscaping. The objective is for full visibility into the branch. John Wetendorf stated that the building will be brick of two colors - tan and an earth tone of red. Aluminum panels will be used on the bump outs. There will be bronze roof elements. Val Christensen said from a staff standpoint, this does not look like a downtown type of business but more like a strip mall type - 1 story, parking on/off street, no entrances on the street- it pushes for cars to show up and does not push for pedestrians. It is based on vehicular traffic. One is not drawn in from the street to the front. The entrances and sidewalk do not meet the guiding downtown principles. Thaine Robinson asked what the applicant could give the City in place of not having an access on the street, to help mitigate the non-pedestrian look. We want to find compromise – not too restrictive but to better fit in the area. A canopy or benches for customers and pedestrians were suggestions. Benches are planned and are shown on the site plan on the pedestrian pathways. Brad Wolfe suggested something to focus on more visually from the street. Draw the eye in at the northwest corner of the building. Val Christensen suggested to cut an angle on the west to the north door in order to pull in pedestrians from the street rather than them having to go around and then inward as currently shown on the site plan. Brent McFarland suggested that pavers could be increased. Thaine Robinson said they could make a larger 3 pedestrian area so the eye focuses to the entrance. Brad Wolfe agreed that the sidewalk could lead inward to draw people in. Chris Tapia felt that this was doable and positive. Such a change would not change the building in any way. Everyone agreed that the building as presented is beautiful. There was consensus of the Design Review Committee that at the northwest corner of the building, the applicant shall turn the area visually inward to the entry with a paver or concrete area, in order to have a larger pedestrian area so that the eye focuses to the entry. This would make the development more pedestrian-priority and friendly. Be aware of the Guiding Downtown Principles for this zone, as discussed at this meeting. The applicants will submit new proposed plans to City staff (Val Christensen) for review. The site plan and landscaping can be submitted on one sheet, and the information may be submitted by email. If staff finds the new submitted documents to be satisfactory, the Design Review Committee will also be satisfied. The Committee members thanked the applicants. The business will be a beautiful addition and asset to the community.