HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/23/2008 - Regular Minutes - Design Review Board MINUTES
CITY OF COLLEGE STATION DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
Planning 6 Development Servlea
Friday, May 23, 2008, 11:00 a.m.
Administrative Conference Room
College Station City Hall
1101 Texas Avenue
College Station, Texas
Members Present: Chairman John Nichols, Hunter Goodwin, Alan King, and Ward Wells
Members Absent: Nancy Sawtelle
Staff Present: Jason Schubert, Staff Planner; Molly Hitchcock, Planning
Administrator; Bridgette George, Development Coordinator
Visitors Present: Mark Lindley, Keith Malone, Natalie Ruiz
1. Call to Order
Chairman Nichols called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.
2. Consideration, discussion and possible action on Absence Requests.
• Nancy Sawtelle - May 14, 2008 meeting
Ward Wells motioned to approve the absence request. The motion was seconded by
Alan King and passed unopposed 4 -0.
3. Presentation, possible action, and discussion on a revised site plan, landscape plan,
and building elevations for The Lofts at Wolf Pen Creek, a mixed -use development
consisting of 8.34 acres, located at 614 Holleman Drive East in the Wolf Pen Creek
District. Case #07- 00500247 (JS)
Jason Schubert, Staff Planner, informed the Board that the applicant was proposing
some revisions to the site plan conditionally approved by the DRB in November. He
stated that one proposed change was moving the retaining wall further south, just
north of Manuel Drive with a 4 -foot wrought iron fence on top. The new proposal will
have the buildings all on one level instead of having a retaining wall step up in the
middle of the site. The second proposed modification includes several changes to the
building design. The applicant is proposing to change the flat roof to a pitched roof
for all but Building 3; changing a portion of the brick veneer to stucco and changing
some of the brick veneer and stucco to fiber cement siding; and the final building
design modification includes changing the parking garage from steel construction
with stucco panels to concrete construction painted like stucco. The third proposed
modification is changing the brick pavers to a stamped dyed concrete that would
match the brick pavers that were originally proposed and approved.
Mark Lindley, project developer, informed the Board about some of the challenges he
has encountered in developing the property and that the project was nine million
dollars over budget, and hence, the request for the proposed changes to the
approved site plan. He then reviewed the requested changes to the site. Mr. Lindley
was asked about the landscaping and informed the Board that no changes were
being proposed to the landscaping.
Keith Malone, Architect, also reviewed the proposed changes to the site plan stating
that some of the amenities will remain as originally proposed, but that the changes
being requested will look similar to the original design but will help reduce the cost of
the project.
Hunter Goodwin motioned for approval of the retaining wall being moved
further south just north of Manuel Drive. Alan King proposed an amendment
to the motion to include the 6 -foot wrought iron fence on top of the
retaining wall.
Mr. King voiced his concern over the small amount of room between the fence and
building and the possible drainage issues. Mr. Lindley stated that there would be
sufficient drainage on the site.
Chairman Nichols asked if all the units were one story or multi- stories. Mr. Lindley
stated that there were a few multi -story units, but that most of them were one story.
Mr. Goodwin amended his motion to include the 6 -foot wrought iron fence if
the fence was also serving as the security fence for the project. Ward Wells
seconded the motion, which passed unopposed 4 -0.
Mr. Schubert clarified that the main body of Building 3, the building facing the
Dartmouth Street and Holleman Drive intersection, as well as the townhome -style
units south of Manuel Drive, will remain with brick and stucco as previously
approved. Buildings 2, 5, and 7, and the portions of Building 1 facing Holleman Drive
and Building 6 facing Manuel Drive are being proposed to change from brick to
stucco. Building 4 and the portions of Buildings 1 and 6 that are not facing a ROW,
are being proposed to change from brick and stucco to fiber cement siding.
Mr. King motioned to approve the fagade materials as proposed, including
the material changes to the garage. Mr. Wells seconded the motion which
passed unopposed 4 -0.
Mr. King voiced his concern of allowing the modification from brick pavers to
stamped concrete in the Wolf Pen Creek District since there is such a difference in
the two materials. He stated that he understood the economic issues dealing with
the project, but still wanted to voice his concerns. Mr. King also voiced his concern
regarding setting the precedent in the area for stamped concrete instead of brick
pavers.
Chairman Nichols commented that the subject area is a signature corner in Wolf Pen
Creek and that the Board does not have to approve the modification request on this
item.
Hunter Goodwin stated that he did not feel that allowing this modification would set
the precedent for other development in Wolf Pen Creek.
Ward Wells and the rest of the Board discussed their concern of approving this
modification request without having any type of color samples or patterns to review.
Mr. King motioned to approve the modification of brick pavers to stamped
dyed concrete in the pedestrian plaza area and sidewalks, with the
condition that no permits be issued for construction of the plaza area or
sidewalks until the color samples and pattern details are brought back to
the Design Review Board for approval. Mr. Wells seconded the motion,
which passed unopposed, 4 -0.
4. Presentation, possible action, and discussion regarding recruitment and appointment
of new Design Review Board members. (MH)
Molly Hitchcock, Planning Administrator, distributed a list of recommendations which
suggested changes discussed by Councilman James Massey and the local AIA
Chapter of the proposed ordinance amendment regarding membership of the Design
Review Board. Ms. Hitchcock asked for further guidance on the recommendations.
Mr. Wells suggested removing the word "registered" because a person cannot call
themselves an "architect" unless they are registered.
Mr. King commented that landscape architects have licensing requirements similar to
architects; therefore this position should mirror the wording for architects.
Mr. Hunter asked whether members had to live in the City limits to serve on the
Board. Ms. Hitchcock informed the Board that it was preferred, but not required.
The Board discussed the importance of broadening the language regarding
developers or land owners in design districts to include business owners.
Ms. Hitchcock informed the Board that she would propose broadening the architect
member to include a previously registered architect, architect registered in another
state or Emeritus Architect. She stated that the developer /land owner member will
be broadened to include a business owner, resident, or individual employed within a
design district. Ms. Hitchcock also mentioned that she will be proposing to change
the language requiring that at least two members be owners of property or a
business within a design district to requiring that just one member being associated
with a business within a design district.
5. Possible action and discussion on future agenda items - A Design Review Board
Member may inquire about a subject for which notice has not been given. A
statement of specific factual information or the recitation of existing policy may be
given. Any deliberation shall be limited to a proposal to place the subject on an
agenda for a subsequent meeting.
No future agenda items were proposed.
6. Adjourn.
The meeting adjourned at 12:37 p.m. with no opposition.
A
John Nichols, Chairman
ATTEST:
k
Nicole Padilla, Staff Assistant