10-C-23-DT

Level II: Sunsphere Visitor Center

Approve As Requested

APPROVE 10-C-23-DT as submitted.

Case File

Recommendation

Staff recommends approval of Certificate 10-C-23-DT as submitted.

Applicant Request

Level II: New addition

- Exterior rehabilitation and new addition to the Sunsphere. New entry canopy over third-level entry stairs, to feature a steel canopy structure with a transparent roof system and extend to the northeast away from the Sunsphere base. New metal canopy to wrap around walkway on the third level.
- New addition at the third level of the Sunsphere's base, projecting to the southwest. The addition will project outward from the base, featuring a flat roof with rooftop solar panels, an exterior of metal wall panels, and a full-light storefront window system facing southwest. To accommodate the new addition and the new canopy, the metal roof and guardrail on the third level will be removed.
- A new mural will be painted on the existing CMU cladding on the second and third levels. New signage will be submitted separately.

Property Notes / Work to be Completed

- While the design guidelines are more easily applied to buildings and public improvements such as streets, sidewalks, and parking facilities than a structure such as the Sunsphere, the proposal meets the intent of the design guidelines. The addition will be located at the base of the steel truss structure, close to ground-level, and will not detract from the existing architectural design or shape of the Sunsphere. The addition is modest in size and the proposed metal and glass materials are compatible with the existing structure. New metal canopies will replace the existing metal canopies. The proposal also meets the guidelines by creating easier and more clear pedestrian access to the Sunsphere.

Applicable Guidelines

Downtown Design Guidelines

- B. PRIVATE REALM
- 1a. Maintain a pedestrian-scaled environment from block to block.
- 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
- 4a. Encourage first floor uses that draw walk-in traffic; businesses that do not require pedestrian traffic should be located on other floors.
- 4b. Enhance pedestrian interest in commercial and office buildings by creating a largely transparent and consistent rhythm of entrances and windows.
- 4c. Scale first floor signs to pedestrians.
- 4d. Differentiate the architectural features of ground floors from upper floors with traditional considerations such as show-windows, transoms, friezes, and sign boards.
- 4e. Design top floors to enhance the skyline of the block through cornices and details that are harmonious with adjacent architecture.
- 4f. Encourage the use of 'green roofs' and other sustainable practices, while minimizing the visual impact from the street.
- 5. GROUND FLOOR DOORS AND WINDOWS
- 5a. Use consistent rhythm of openings, windows, doorways, and entries.
- 5b. Orient primary front entrances to the main street; secondary entrances should be clearly defined and oriented to streets or alleys, as appropriate.
- 5c. Design entrances according to the proportions of the building's height and width.
- 5d. Consider corner entrances at the ends of blocks.
- 5e. All windows at the pedestrian level should be clear
- 5f. Recess ground floor window frames and doors from the exterior building face to provide depth to the façade