PC 011404 - Laserfiche WebLink

,,. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Sullivan on whether the neighbors had seen the most current plan, Ken Rodriguez, project azchitect, stated that the neighbors had seen the plans and that they had met many times with neighbors and staff. He noted that Commissioner Sullivan's perception that one design was "much more massive" than the other was not accurate and that the two designs were very similar in terms of scale and scope. He believed that the project was very appropriate for the area and that it took its cue from the building on the corner of Main and Ray Streets. He noted that the design had received many positive reviews from the neighbors and added that it was the result of ideas from staff, the neighbors, and their design firm. He added that the only changes made were a result of staff's review, including relocating the tree appropriately, scaling the bronze plaques at the front entry slightly differently, and dropping the carriage lanterns to seven feet in height from 8'h-9 feet. He stated that the neighbors had seen the revised elevations. In response to inquiries by Chairperson Roberts, Mr. Rodriguez replied that the changes were so minor that it did not seem appropriate to hold another neighborhood meeting. He advised that they would make every effort to make the ramps as attractive as possible. Commissioner Maas requested if the roof-line could be lowered a bit to reduce the massing of the wall. Mr. Rodriguez advised that there were construction considerations to keep in mind, such as fitting the air-conditioning equipment and piping between the first and second floors. He noted that the east elevation was set far back from the street and believed the perspective would be significantly reduced from the street. He noted that the average pedestrian would not see a massive building from the street; he did not wish to add windows when the neighbors had requested their removal for privacy. Chairperson Roberts noted that a model would be very helpful to determine perspective. Commissioner Maas noted that she was not completely convinced that a second story would be a positive addition so that addressing the roofline and stazk wall was very important. Mr. Rodriguez inquired whether ironwork or an oval window would be acceptable above the first story entrance. He acknowledged that it was a sensitive site and would like to study several alternatives. Commissioner Maas replied that would be an attractive addition. Commissioner Fox suggested that the windows be reduced to their original size lengthwise as shown in the neighborhood handouts given at the September 11 meeting. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Fox, Mr. Rodriguez replied that the roof-line could not be lowered by two feet because the residents requested that all the HVAC equipment be removed from the roof. The original design had equipment on the mansard roof; the roof was now designed to be a full gable file roof, which was unusual for contemporary designs. He explained that the ductwork is now lazger in the interstitial space between floors, which is the reason why each floor increased by one foot. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 14, 2004 Page 15 of 22