4-C-24-DT

Level I: New Hotel

Approve As Requested

APPROVE Certificate 4-C-24-DT as submitted.

Case File

Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of Certificate 4-C-24-DT as submitted.

Applicant Request

Level I: Revisions to previously approved design

- Revisions to exterior materials and design elements from original submission (8-C-23-DT).
- Cladding material: initial proposal was for a composite metal panel; new application requests approval of a smooth-finished fiber cement panel (Nichiha Illumination).
- North elevation: the applicant proposes the removal of upper-story windows, and the removal of a section of brick veneer and the installation of a parking drive screening element on the ground levels. Proposed revisions to window patterns, with new black fiber cement panels with louvers between windows.
- South elevation: window patterns and designs are slightly modified from previous submission.

Property Notes / Work to be Completed

- The proposed revisions to siding materials and window placement exceed what could be approved administratively, so the project has returned to the Design Review Board.
- The guidelines encourage using "complimentary materials and elements, especially next to historic buildings." In the previous review, the Board discussed the proposed metal panels and faux-wood fiber cement's relationship to the nearby brick masonry structures such as the Daylight Building, the Pembroke, and the Kendrick Place rowhouses. The application was ultimately approved with the condition that brick cladding be applied to the east elevation, extending to a height comparable to the cladding on the west elevation.
- In the opinion of staff, the fiber cement panel, specifically the Nichiha Illumination product, will have a visual effect similar to the previously proposed metal panels. The Board previously discussed potential sun and light reflection off the white metal panel, which would be addressed with a different product. Finally, the siding material in question is primarily on the side elevations; only the left half of the south elevation is significantly visible from the street.
- The revisions to window patterns and designs on the north elevation are appropriate as the elevation closely adjoins the multi-story Langley garage. Due to the proximity of the garage, the north elevation will not be visible from the right-of-way on Walnut Street. The revised window designs on the south elevation are not a significant change from the previous approval.

Applicable Guidelines

Downtown Design Guidelines

- 1. Building Mass, Scale and Form
- 1b. Foster air circulation and sunlight penetration around new buildings. Buildings may be designed with open space, as allowed under existing DK zoning; or buildings may be 'stepped back' on upper floors with lower floors meeting the sidewalk edge.
- 1c. Use building materials, cornice lines, signs, and awnings of a human scale in order to reduce the mass of buildings as experienced at the street level.
- 1d. Divide larger buildings into 'modules' that are similar in scale to traditional downtown buildings. Buildings should be designed with a recognizable base, middle, and top on all exposed elevations.
- 1e. Avoid blank walls along street-facing elevations.
- 3. Building Materials
- 3a. Use complimentary materials and elements, especially next to historic buildings.
- 4. Architectural Character
- 4b. Enhance pedestrian interest in commercial and office buildings by creating a largely transparent and consistent rhythm of entrances and windows.
- 4d. Differentiate the architectural features of ground floors from upper floors with traditional considerations such as show-windows, transoms, friezes, and sign boards.

See Guidelines

Meeting Date