Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutDESIGN REVIEW MINUTES 1/10/14 -14-00146-147 - Commercial Tire1 Design Review Committee Meeting Commercial Tire – 710 North 2nd East January 10, 2014 Attendees Design Review Committee: Thaine Robinson, Jordan Busby, Johnny Watson. Applicant: David Blodgett of Rudeen Architects (Participating in this meeting by conference call) City: Natalie Powell, Michael Bagley, Elaine McFerrin Thaine Robinson explained that the Design Review Committee is composed of a P&Z Commissioner (himself), a City Council member (Jordan Busby) or the Mayor, and a professional from the community (Johnny Watson of JRW & Associates). Several other individuals serve on the committee as necessary. 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. 1026, or if the project may be just a little different, or the Committee may meet because of the size of the project. The Design Review meeting allows for some flexibility – to try to see what the issues are and try to compromise, to make sure the project is an asset and benefit to the city of Rexburg as well as for the developer. Natalie Powell explained staff concerns. Commercial Tire would like to add a steel building to the east of their current building that is at 710 North 2nd East. The new building would face East 7th North. A steel building does not meet Development Code Ordinance No. 1026 design standards requirements. Elevations were viewed. David Blodgett said the north and south elevations of the building are 40 feet in length. The west elevation of the building is 100 feet in length but would be interrupted by a truck canopy with 3 columns. The east elevation of the building is 100 feet in length. The applicant is proposing to put planters up against the building to help break up the wall length. They would use landscaping to help break up the length in lieu of jogging the building, as it is not easy to create jogs with a steel building. A canopy is not planned on the east side of the building. The developer would continue the boulevard strip along East 7th North that is currently in place for the existing Commercial Tire building. The site plan was viewed. The east side of the building will have a drive lane. A planter between the 2 overhead doors is planned. Natalie Powell asked if the 2 subject parcels would be combined. David Blodgett said not at this time. Currently the parcels are under the same ownership. He clarified that the new building would be serving larger trucks. Service trucks would also be here for offsite service calls. 2 Thaine Robinson said a main concern is ‘eyes to the street’. The Committee is most concerned with the south elevation which is visible as cars and pedestrians go by the property. Johnny Watson said street presence on East 7th North is the concern and very important. It is good to have the canopy relief on the south side. The existing landscaping on North 2nd East around the building adds to the attractiveness. David Blodgett said the metal awnings will also be over the large window in the new building. There would be upright evergreens, especially on the east side. He clarified that color variations will match the existing building, with grey-brown and white colors on the building, and red awnings. There was consensus of the Design Review Committee that the Committee is fine with the submitted elevations. Green space with more mature tall trees should be around the new building. The developer should match the existing boulevard strip green scape, continuing it along East 7th North in front of the planned building. Natalie Powell stated the Engineering Department concerns. There are 2 existing entrances to the property, and 2 more entrances are proposed. She stated the Engineering Department is requesting there be a total of only 2 entrances. It was suggested the developer could abandon the proposed entrance to the west and do a larger entrance in the middle. A revised plan should be submitted to engineering for review. David Blodgett said they could possibly get rid of the existing entrance on the east and make it into landscaping. He did not think 2 entrances would be doable because of the turning radius necessary for the large trucks that will be serviced here. This fleet center will have low traffic volume. To the east of the existing east entrance is an electrical sector box that feeds a transformer. It is cost prohibitive to move it. Mr. Blodgett felt 3 entrances could be doable. The Design Review Committee members stated they would defer to whatever is acceptable to the City Engineering Department regarding the entrances. Natalie Powell said Engineering’s second concern is the City well that is located northeast of the subject property. Engineering is requesting that storm drains flow away from the well. David Blodgett felt this would be doable. Natalie Powell stated that cleaning up the existing dumpster location would need to be addressed, including screening as per the Development Code requirements. She requested this issue be put on the final site plan for review. Jordan Busby also suggested cleaning up the east side of the existing building. It was suggested to put a buffer or screening around the outside storage that is kept here. David Blodgett will submit a revised site plan for review by staff. Thaine Robinson thanked David Blodgett for his willingness to work with the Design Review Committee.