HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
STAFF REPORT
Project Manager: Lauren A. Hovde Report Date: November 5, 2008
Email: Ihovde@cstx.gov Meeting Date: November 14, 2008
For
City of College Station Northgate Public Restrooms (DRB) (08-00500283)
Zoning District: NG-1 Core Northgate
Location: Northgate Promenade, between Church Street and Patricia Street
Applicant: Andrew Hawkins, Hawkins, Holster&Associates, Inc.
Item Summary: The applicant is requesting to use decorative metal Northgate emblems on
the facility as an alternative to the NG-1 zoning district transparency requirements.
Item Background: The transparency requirements being discussed can be found in Section
5.6 of the Unified Development Ordinance, which states,
"For maximum pedestrian visibility of the non-residential use(s), non-residential
structures and the commercial portions of mixed-use structures shall be at least fifty
percent (50%) transparent between zero and eight feet above ground level of the
primary entrance façade and at least thirty percent(30%)transparent between zero
and eight feet on the façade fronting other rights-of-ways."
The applicant believes that the addition of transparent material to a public restroom is not an
appropriate choice of material. There is a concern that the transparent material may
encourage vandalism and increased maintenance for the City.
In addition to the large Northgate emblems to the facades facing Boyett Street and Patricia
Street, masonry work will be patterned and projected in such a way as to add visual interest for
pedestrians.
Issues/Items for Review: At this time, DRB is asked to consider the use of decorative metal
Northgate emblems as an alternative to meeting the transparency requirements. The DRB
does have the authority, according to the Unified Development Ordinance, to approve
alternatives to the requirements related to building transparency for new construction if the
alternatives substantially provide the same visual interest for the pedestrian.
Supporting Materials:
1. Application
2. Copy of elevations
3
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
STAFF REPORT
Project Manager: Lauren A. Hovde, Staff Planner Report Date: November 5, 2008
Email: Ihovde@cstx.gov Meeting Date: November 14, 2008
For
CORNER BAR(DRB) (08-00500192)
Zoning District: NG-1 Core Northgate
Location: 401 University Drive
Applicant: Barry Ivins, Business Manager
Item Summary: The applicant has requested approval of an alternative brick color for the
rooftop structure addition on the Sparks Building and the addition of a 42-inch high wainscot to
the structure, made up of a brick veneer that matches the stair tower brick.
Item Background: This item was first presented to the Design Review Board on March 24th and
again on April 25th of this year. At that time, the Design Review Board approved the proposed
plan to utilize the roof of the Sparks Building, located at the intersection of College Main and
University Drive,for a rooftop bar. The approval included a `brick veneer structure" on the roof.
The DRB stated during the discussion that the brick used for the roof addition should match the
brick previously used for the stairwell structure addition on College Main. The approved
elevations reflected that discussion.
Upon completion, it was apparent to staff that the brick used on the rooftop structure did not
match the stairwell structure, as required by the Design Review Board. The applicant indicated
that an alternative color was chosen to allow for the use of a brick veneer due to structural
issues with the matching brick's weight and that a matching brick veneer was not available. The
applicant then came back to DRB on September 12th to request that the materials used during
the actual construction of the fagade be approved. The DRB tabled the item, asking the
Applicant to return to the Board with plans showing additional architectural elements to tie the
two brick veneers together.
Issues/Items for Review: The Design Review Board is being asked to consider an alternate
brick color for the rooftop structure than was previously approved and the addition of a 42-inch
high wainscot to the rooftop structure of a brick veneer that matches the stair tower brick.
Supporting Materials:
1. Application
2. DRB minutes from September 12, 2008
3. Elevations
4. Brick samples (available at the meeting)
5. Photographs of the structure, as built (available at the meeting)