HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB202200083 Correspondence 2022-09-20 (2)SHIMP ENGINEERING, P.C.
Design F*cused Engineering
Forest Lakes Self -Storage — Final ARB Review Narrative
ProiectNarrative
Ja-Zan Limited Partnership is the Owner (the "owner") of tax parcel 46B4-3 in Albemarle County,
Virginia. Centennial American Properties LLC is the applicant (the "applicant") and seeks to create a new
self -storage facility within the Forest Lakes Planning Development Shopping Center. CAP is a national
development company, specializing in commercial retail and office developments. The applicant proposes
the construction of a modem self -storage facility within the existing Forest Lakes Shopping Center that
would serve the surrounding residences and businesses in the area.
The new self -storage facility is proposed as three stories, for a total of approximately 105,730 gross
square feet of self -storage uses. The self -storage building will feature two fagade treatments, have a
minimum of 6% transparency, and a minimum first floor ceiling of 12'. The structure includes an interior
vehicular drive -through, to allow for ease of loading and unloading.
The proposed building facade includes a variety of materials, textures, and patterns designed to represent
a modem office building, including brick, stone, aluminum, and EIFS. The self -storage office entrance
will include shade canopies to clearly distinguish areas of entry. These colors will be highlighted by the
branding colors of the end user, ExtraSpace Storage. The accompanying elevations and materials board
provide additional fagade details for the proposed structure.
Comoatibilitv with the Entrance Coff idor
The Project is located within the Forest Lakes Shopping Center, located near a major mixed -use area,
Hollymead Town Center. From HTC, Forest Lakes Shopping Center is northeast across the Entrance
Corridor Route 29 North. While the Shopping Center is directly adjacent to Route 29, the property itself
is located approximately 260' from Route 29, less the pipestem. This area of Route 29 is characterized by
retail and commercial services immediately abutting the corridor; residential development varies on the
western and eastern side of Route 29, with predominately single-family detached homes adjacent to the
Forest Lakes Shopping Center and higher density townhomes and apartments adjacent to Hollymead
Town Center. Additionally, North Pointe, a substantial mixed -use development, is located just north of
the site and will contribute a significant number of dwelling units over time. With the presence of strong
commercial nodes along the Route 29 corridor and the number of current and future homes surrounding
the corridor, a self -storage facility would support businesses, offices, and residents of the northern
Albemarle area. Furthermore, the proposed materials are compatible with the appearance of the existing
Forest Lakes Shopping Center. Because the proposed structure is set more than 250' from Route 29 and
proposes similar building materials as the existing shopping center, this new development would not
impact Route 29 Entrance Corridor. Due to the existing grade and landscaping along the Route 29
corridor, the building is not readily visible from the coff idor. Where the building may be seen from Route
29, the building would be a harmonious commercial development that aligns with the existing
commercial service fabric of the Highway Commercial corridor of Route 29 viewshed.