HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB202000090 Correspondence 2020-09-29DESIGN
DEVELOP
09/29/2020
Margaret Maliszewski, Principal Planner / County of Albemarle
Department of Community Development
401 McIntire Road, North Wing
Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Re: ARB-2020-04: Aldi at Albemarle Square (TMP: 06100-00-00-12300)
Dear Ms. Maliszewski,
Please find below responses to each of the following conditions. Please find attached with this
memo revised drawings addressing each of these conditions, revised ARB narrative booklet
and the Revised Application Submittal form.
1. Revise the design to eliminate the striped effect of the alternating bays on the west and
south elevations. Consider additional detailing and alternate distribution/division of colors to
relate better human scale and develop depth and layering. Pay additional attention to the
pedestrian experience between Aldi and the rest of the shopping center.
Response: In an effort to reduce the striped effect of the alternating bays, we took cues from
horizontal lines already established on the corner entrance: the horizontal entrance canopy
datum and the precast water table datum. We have introduced a band the same depth and
profile as the entrance canopy in between each Nichiha bump out on both the Rio Road and
Route 29 facade. This element is 10'-10" above the sidewalk, 24" deep, and projects from the
facade behind it, creating a dramatic shadow line and continuing the form of the entrance
canopy. The precast water table band is now found on both elevations in the areas of the
concrete masonry veneer, 48" above the sidewalk. These horizontal interventions reduce the
striped effect, limit areas of blankness on the concrete masonry veneered walls, and reduce the
scale of those facades to that of a more human orientation along the pedestrian connection
to the rest of the shopping center.
Additionally, the exterior wall sconces have been brought down to a more pedestrian oriented
level, and we've introduced two per bay to help further break up the wall panel.
Finally, horizontal transom windows have been added along the Route 29 Entrance Corridor
facade, providing the additional detailing and alternate distribution of materials to develop
the depth and layering along that facade, per staff's comments.
2. Provide a larger sample of the silver metal panels for review. Consider an alternate color
for the metal panels that is more consistent with the neutral shades of the shopping center
building and the roof screen.
Response: Previously, no metal panel sample had been provided, only a brochure with the
selected color in an image. We have provided a metal panel sample from the manufacturer.
The material is of high quality and is appropriate for this use, is in line with precedents found
418 EAST MAIN STREET, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
www.designdeveloplic.org • 434.804.8365
around other County Entrance Corridors, and falls within the Solar Reflectivity Index guidelines
established by the Albemarle County High School panel.
3. Clarify whether the paint color for the existing CMU is to match the Stanton Blend concrete
masonry veneer or the proposed mortar.
Response: The paint is to be the Sherwin Williams "Aurora Brown". The paint is to match the
concrete masonry veneer. Images have been provided on page 20 of the ARB narrative
booklet.
4. Revise the window glass note to read, "Window glass meets the following criteria:...."
Response: The note has been revised as requested.
5. Revise the mechanical screen colorto appearmore coordinated with the proposed building
colors while maintaining a background appearance. Provide pictures of proposed materials
next to the existing roof screen.
Response: Pages 16-20 of the ARB narrative booklet deal with the proposed color of the
mechanical screen. We have provided pictures of the proposed materials next to the existing
screen on page 20. Pages 17 and 19 show the screen rendered in colors to match either the
concrete masonry veneer ("Aurora Brown") or the Nichiha "Bark" color (screens painted a
Sherwin Williams "Van Dyke Brown").
6. Include the standard mechanical equipment note on the drawings.
Response: The standard note has been included on the drawings.
7. Revise the luminaire schedule to show the total lumens for each LED fixture and to indicate
the Top Cover Lens for the wall sconce. Provide a wall sconce cut sheet whose specs match
the catalog number provided in the luminaire schedule.
Response: The luminaire schedule has been revised per staff's comment. A wall sconce cut
sheet has been provided that matches the catalog number provided in the luminaire schedule.
8. Revise the luminaire schedule to identify the color temperature for the wall sconces.
Coordinate the color temperature of all fixtures to a single level between 2000 and 3000 K.
Response: The luminaire schedule has been revised per staff's comment to identify the color
temperature of the wall sconces. All fixtures have a color temperature between 2000 and 3000
K.
9. Add the standard lighting note to the plan: "Each outdoor luminaire equipped with a lamp
that emits 3,000 or more initial lumens shall be a full cutoff luminaire and shall be arranged
or shielded to reflect light away from adjoining residential districts and away from adjacent
roads. The spillover of lighting from luminaires onto public roads and property in residential or
rural areas zoning districts shall not exceed one half footcandle."
Response: The standard note has been added to the plan.
10. Specify the Top Cover Lens for the wall sconces. Revise the wall sconce location to limit
illumination of the wall and maximize illumination of the sidewalk.
Response: The top cover lens has been specified for the wall sconce, and the height has been
lowered below the horizontal canopy band to limit the illumination of the wall and maximize
the illumination of the sidewalk, per staff's comment.
418 EAST MAIN STREET, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
www.designdeveloplic.org • 434.804.8365
11. Revise the cabinet style sign to channel letters.
Response: Internally lit channel letters have been provided, in lieu of the internally lit wall
cabinet sign, which did not adhere to County sign regulations. The internally lit channel letters
are on an opaque cabinet, which is permissible per the Entrance Corridor Sign Guidelines. The
Aldi sign is well composed, well placed, of appropriate scale and size, and contain harmonious
colors. Page 21 of the ARB narrative booklet highlights the proposed channel letter on opaque
cabinet sign.
Thank you foryour time and assistance as this project continues through the process. Please do
not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments regarding this revised submission.
We look forward to the work session on October 5th.
Sincerly,
Design Develop, LLC.
418 EAST MAIN STREET, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA 22902
www.designdeveloplic.org • 434.804.8365