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r supported staff's recommendations and conditions of approval. He had empathy for Ms. Shapiro's emotional attachment to the building, and noted that the motivation of the PDA was to better the downtown and increase its vitality. He noted that the subject property is one of two prime retail corners in downtown, and would like to see a strong retail presence on those corners. He was the only member of the Design Committee who liked the neon stripe, but as a team player, he will go along with the Committee's opinion in that regard. He noted that the Board of Directors and the Design Committee voted 11-1 to lower the windows to enhance the retail viability of the store and keeping in spirit with the proposed design guidelines. He noted that he had critiqued the plans for the PDA. He believed that lowering the windows would enhance and improve a good building, and added that they were promoting a strong retail client in this site, not another bank. Charles Huff, 30 West Neal, Suite 200, project architect, noted that the issue was not the complete transformation of the building, and that the applicant was merely lowering the windows. He noted that there were no structural implications, and he was in favor of that alteration. He understood the emotional attachment to this building, but he did not believe the character of the building was being changed. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Maas, Mr. Huff noted that the applicant would continue to maintain the outdoor seating on the sidewalk. ,"'-' In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts, Mr. Huff confirmed that the cornice repair will occur. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts, Mr. Huff noted that the body of the building will be the lightest color, and will be accented by the middle color of the columns and the darker color of the windows. He noted that the applicant preferred the mauve color for the awnings rather than black because a black awning would indicate an expensive restaurant, not a family oriented establishment. Chairperson Maas noted that black awnings would fade and show dust as well. She did not object to the mauve color if it were color-coordinated with the other design elements. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Arkin, Mr. Huff noted that the neon tubing was meant to set off the building visually, and noted that staff would need to see how the other lighting options would blend with the rest of the building. He noted that the applicant was trying to achieve a refined look on the building exterior. He believed that staff and the applicant would be able to work together for a good lighting solution. Mr. Iserson noted that the sign blended well with the black awnings and the black background of the sign. If the awning color was changed, he believed that the sign colors may need to be changed as well. Ms. Shapiro noted that the bank had striped, roll-up awnings. She inquired whether Mr. Huffwas speaking as an employee of the applicant or as a historian. /" PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES October 23, 2002 Page 23