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SP-2002-08
Review the Site Plan for Andover Plaza signage revisions and canopy addition
in Plaza Shopping Center, 600 block of North Andover Road. At 6:12 p.m. David White, architect with Howard and
Helmer, retained by Transamerica Management, addressed the Committee
concerning the proposed canopy. He feels the canopy project is minor and
noted that the canopy will be placed in the center.
David
White further stated that the owner plans to come in and repair the stucco of
the building and to continue to upgrade the facility. Mr. White said the
canopy would be extended out between 7 and 8 feet. This will be placed over
the former Reflections Antique Shop.
Les
Mangus asked Mr. White if the paint colors would remain the same on the
building. Mr. White answered no, that the owner wants to select a terra cotta
and desert tan scheme. Charley Lewis asked Mr. White if the request for the
Committee tonight is only for the canopy part of the project. David White
answered yes. Mr. Mangus asked if the paint on the entire building was to
change. Mr. White said yes.
David
White explained the owners plans for the plaza is for a general
"facelift" which includes the entry canopy, new signage, new color
scheme for the exterior, re-stripe the parking lot, improved lighting in the
parking lot, and possibly widening the north drive, all being done for
marketing reasons.
Doug
Allison asked for more information about the materials that will be used in
this project. Mr. White stated they would be using split face masonry or
synthetic stucco that would come up to the peaked gable. Charlie Lewis asked
if there was a structural reason for putting a wall up behind the peak. There
was more general discussion about the canopy addition. Mr. White stated he is
working with the owners on the color scheme.
Doug
Allison asked the Committee if they had any further questions for Mr. White.
There were none asked.
Dave
Reilly spoke to the committee about the signage planned for the Plaza. He
stated that the wall signage would be 30" high with illuminated channel
letters that will simulate those of the Ace Hardware sign. The tenants will
have the freedom to choose the color and style of their lettering. He said
the signs should blend in with the background.
Dave
Reilly stated the owner wants to establish a uniform sign policy for existing
tenants. Les Mangus asked if all the signs would be 30" high. Mr. Reilly
answered yes, that the owner is hoping to avoid new tenants replacing sign
cabinets if the owners are in control. Charley Lewis asked why the owner
would allow the tenants to choose their own font and color of signage if the
owner's intent is for conformity in appearance of the property. Gary Israel
said his impression would be for the monument sign to be uniform, but to let
the tenant have some freedom with their tenant and directory signs.
David
Reilly stated there needs to be some tenant freedom in signage and
identification and should be better for recognition to drivers on Andover Road. Les Mangus asked if the signs will be proportionate with the length of the
name of the businesses, or will the character size be limited to fit a
maximum cabinet size Mr. White stated that there would need to be
adjustments.
Charley
Lewis asked if it would be a
requirement of the policy to only use George Lay Signs Mr. Reilly said no,
and that only the initial ones would be from this company and all tenants
would be given a copy of the owners sign policy. The Committee had general
discussion about the lighting of the sign, the timer system, and fire safety
issues concerning the lighted sign.
Charley
Lewis asked if the lettering for the
Plaza would be in metallic gold. Mr. Reilly said that yes it would be in
gold.
Doug
Allison asked if there would be special provisions for the tenant directory
sign. David Reilly answered that the sign would be 20 feet high and would be
placed on the east side of the median where Dr. Lemmons sign was.
Charles
Malcom let the Committee know there is no electrical service at the location
they are planning to construct the sign.
Dave
Reilly told the Committee that the owner wants the entry sign to be easily
read from the road. There was general discussion about the sign codes. Noted
by Mr. Reilly that the sign is to be placed 500 feet from the corner on Andover Road and 350 feet from the corner on Central. He further stated the other option is
to make 2 signs, but is concerned that the area is becoming too congested
with signage.
Les
Mangus informed the Committee that this would be a BZA issue due to the sign
exceeding maximum height limit and distance from the corner.
Doug
Allison asked the applicant if they have considered using a terra cotta trim
for the sign and if they have given any consideration to landscaping in the
entry sign area. Tony Utter, with Transamerica Management Company, answered
that they do plan to put it out for bids and that it will be an ongoing
process to upgrade the property. The owners are considering evergreens and
annuals underneath the sign. Mr. Allison asked what the time frame is for
completion of the project. Mr. Utter said they want to begin construction mid
to late August this year.
Doug
Allison asked the Committee if they have any further comments. Gary Israel
commented that it is nice to see someone wanting to upgrade the Plaza. He
suggested making a peak on the monument sign to match the building for more
repetition and continuity. Chairman Allison stated that this case would be
difficult to approve without the definite color scheme being chosen. Charley Lewis asked to see a print of the colors chosen and of the final landscaping plans.
Chairman
Allison stated there was the additional issue of the parking lot. Les Mangus
advised the Committee that if the fixtures in the parking lot lights were
changing, the plans would have to come before the Site Committee for
approval. Tony Utter stated that they can continue with their bid process
without knowing the color scheme and could have more information ready for
the August 6th meeting.
Charley
Lewis said she is not comfortable with
approving this case without documentation of final plans.
Chairman
Doug Allison stated the Committee needs to have a list of issues resolved for
the next meeting and is listed as follows:
1)
Accurate rendering of the front
elevation.
2)
Does not like being able to see
blue sky through the peak, and they would rather it was cream in color.
3)
Need material samples.
4)
Render out tile and color scheme
on the rest of the building.
5)
Sample of the metal on the roof.
6)
Details on the landscaping in
association with the signs.
7)
Lighting update plan for the
parking lot.
Tony
Utter's final comment was that the owner of the Plaza is planning to do
something with the vacant lots and that they will submit plans and will apply
for rezoning as necessary.
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