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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB200800107 Staff Report 2008-08-27ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #: Name ARB- 2008 -107: Airport Road Office Plaza Review Type Final Review of a Site Development Plan Parcel Identification Tax Map 32, Parcel 41E Location On the southwest corner of the intersection of Airport Rd. (Route 649) and Timberwood Blvd. Zoned Commercial Office (CO), Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner /Applicant Airport Road Office Plaza LLC Magisterial District Rio Proposal To construct a 60,710 sf, 3 -story office building with rear parking. ARB Meeting Date September 2, 2008 Staff Contact Brent Nelson SITE/PROJECT HISTORY • A site plan for this proposal has not been submitted to Current Development for review. • June 2, 2008: Airport Road Office Plaza, ARB 2008 -56, Final Review of a Site Development Plan. Comments were provided to the applicant for the benefit of their next application (Attachment A). • February 4, 2008: Airport Road Office Plaza, ARB 2007 -146, Preliminary Review of a Site Development Plan. Comments were provided to the applicant for the benefit of their next application. • February 5, 2007: Hollymead Gateway, ARB 2006 -144, Conceptual Review of a Site Development Plan. Comments were provided to the applicant for the benefit of their next application. The owner /applicant and proposal changed after this review. CONTEXT The proposed development is located on the south side of Airport Road, in the southwest corner of the intersection of Airport Road and Timberwood Boulevard. Most of the buildings along Airport Road are one and two stories, many predating the EC. Building setbacks vary greatly with some buildings close to the EC, while others have large setbacks. Building styles vary from the ultra - modern of the airport terminal, to the contemporary of Airport Office Center (intersection of Dickerson and Airport Roads, south corner), to the traditional of the 2 story office building at the entrance to Deerwood subdivision. VISIBILITY The proposed development will be highly visible from the Airport Road Entrance Corridor. The front (northeast) elevation and side (west) elevation of the building will be visible from the EC. The rear (southwest) and side (south) elevations will not be visible from the EC. Most of the parking, except for that directly behind (southwest) the building will be visible from the EC. PROJECT DETAILS The applicant is proposing to develop the site with an L- shaped building facing the intersection of Airport Road and Timberwood Boulevard, with the majority of the required 243 parking spaces located behind (west ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Final — Page 1 of) the building. Vehicular access to the parking area will be from Timberwood Boulevard. The L- shaped building will consist of 3 sections with the center section 3 stories (49.73') tall. The building section to each side of the center section is 3 stories (43.35') tall stepping down to a 2 story end section with a trellis covered roof terrace. A paved plaza with a water feature is proposed directly in front of the center section, facing the intersection of Airport Road and Timberwood Boulevard. Changes to the proposal since the previous review were largely in response to comments made by the Board (see Action Letter, Attachment A). ANALYSIS based on: Site plan drawings submitted: • Sheet C1 "Cover Sheet" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C2 "Existing Conditions Plan" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C3 "Final Site Plan" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C4 "Erosion & Sediment Control Plan" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C5 "Landscape Plan" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C5 -1 "Plaza Landscape Plan" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C6 "Landscape Details" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet C7 "Site Details" latest revision date 6/30/08 • Sheet 1 of 2 (Photometric Plan, no title) date 6/29/08 • Sheet 2 of 2 (Lighting Details, no title) date 6/29/08 • Site Plan Color Rendering "Airport Road Office Plaza, Plan View" received 7/14/08 Architectural drawings submitted: • Sheet A100 "Cover Page" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A401 "Floor Plans" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A402 "Floor Plans" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A403 "Floor Plans" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A404 " Floor Plans" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A501 "Elevations" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A502 "Elevations" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A505 "Sections" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A506 "Sections/Details" date 6/30/08 • Sheet A507 "Site Sections" date 6/30/08 • Architectural Perspective Renderings: • Northeast View from Airport Road. • Northeast View from Sidewalk. • North View from Airport Road. • Northwest View from Airport Road. • Architectural Color Rendering "Airport Road Office Plaza, Elevation View" received 7/14/08 Samples submitted: • Paint Sample: Benjamin Moore #2121 -40 Silver Half Dollar • Paint Sample: Benjamin Moore #OC -86 White Blush Architecture Issue: Pergola Colors/Railing Details and Colors Comments: The applicant was asked to revise the building elevations to indicate the proposed color of the pergola structures and to included details, including the proposed color, of the railing around the pergola. The ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Final — Page 2 applicant did provide paint color samples for the pergola, Benjamin Moore White Blush and Benjamin Moore Silver Half Dollar. The applicant's memo, accompanying this resubmission, indicates that the color White Blush would be used if the previously proposed EIFS Senergy Birch 3068, Fine Finish is used for the 3rd floor cladding. The color Silver Half Dollar would be used if the previously proposed metal panel Alucobond Champagne Metallic A3000 -DXLE is used. The proposed paint brand and color names do not appear on the drawings. Both colors are appropriate, blending with and complimenting the building materials they would be paired with. Details, including color, of the proposed railing around the pergola were not included with this submission. Recommendations: Revise the building elevation drawings to clearly indicate the brand name and color name of the 2 proposed color samples and the building materials (EIFS or metal panel) they would be paired with. Revise Sheet A502 Elevations by providing details, including color, of the proposed railing around the pergola. Issue: Rooftop Equipment/Method of Concealment Comments: The applicant was asked to revise the building drawings to show a method of concealing EC views of the rooftop mechanical equipment that integrates the accessory structures and equipment into the overall design of the building, displaying a compatibility with the architecture. The intent is for the architecture, not a rooftop screen, to conceal views of the rooftop equipment. Sheet A404 Roof Plan has been revised to show the location of the rooftop units and the surrounding screen shifted so as to be centered on the roof. Sheets A501 and A502 Elevation have been revised to show a metal panel or EIFS roof screen, matching materials that would be used for the 3rd floor cladding. The proposed roof screen can also be seen in the architectural perspective renderings provided with this submission. Sheet A505 Sections provides an enlarged sectional view of this proposed method of concealment. The roof screen is approximately 6' tall with the top of the screen located 8'/2' above the roof top, at the same elevation as the top of the mechanical unit it encloses. The bottom of the roof screen appears to be approximately F lower in elevation than the building cornice. Sheet A507 Site Sections has been revised to show distances at which the equipment screen would be visible to a pedestrian. These sections demonstrate that only the top section of the roof screen would be visible from the EC. The roof screens, as represented in the elevation drawings and perspective renderings have a compatible appearance with the architecture, appearing as an intended extension of the original building design, and not just a means of concealing views of the rooftop equipment. Recommendations: None. Site Development Issue: Flowering Ornamental Trees Comments: The applicant was asked to revise Sheet C5 Final Landscape Plan to show all proposed EC street trees at a maximum spacing of 35' on center, with flowering ornamentals interspersed amongst them. Sheet C5 has been revised to show the street trees Everclear Chinese Elm at a spacing of 35' on center; however, ornamental trees have not been interspersed amongst them. The EC trees do not extend in front (north) of the plaza area. The applicant has indicated this was done to make the plaza area a focal point and more open to the EC. This is an appropriate treatment in that it adds interest to the EC view of this site by emphasizing the plaza as a focal point. Ornamental trees, interspersed amongst the proposed EC street trees would help to further mitigate views of the large parking lot located only 20' south of the Corridor. Recommendations: Revise Sheet C5 Final Landscape Plan by showing flowering ornamental trees interspersed amongst the Everclear Chinese Elm EC street trees. Issue: Water Feature/Plaza/Details/Drawings Comments: Details of the proposed water feature were included in the applicant's memo accompanying this submission but were not indicated on the site plan drawings. The applicant has indicated that the water feature will consist of a brushed metal facing to compliment the building materials. The proposed water feature will be ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Final — Page 3 approximately 5' tall and 8' to 10' long, with water running down the face of the feature into a recirculation system. The lighting photometric plan indicates that the water feature will be externally lit by a pair of flood lights at each end of the rectilinear planter containing the water feature. Each fixture would contain 16 LED lights emitting 1,000 lumens. A detail of this planter, showing where the fixtures would be mounted, was not provided with this application. The lighting consultant has verbally indicated that the fixtures would be mounted on the inside of the planter walls. The applicant was asked to revise Sheet C5 -1 Plaza Landscape Plan to indicate all proposed materials and colors for the plaza. Details of the proposed plaza were included on the 20 scale plan view plaza rendering included with this submission but not on Sheet C5 -1 as requested. Details of the plaza include a brushed concrete surface, raised planters and seat walls in brick to match the building, black benches, and a 12" tall planter edge, in brick to match the building, along the south and west sides of the plaza. The water feature, as proposed, would have an appearance that coordinates with and compliments the building style and colors. Plaza details provided reflect an appropriate design that achieves a sense of place with a simple, understated design reflective of the architecture. Recommendations: Revise Sheet C5 -1 Plaza Landscape Plan to include all the plaza details shown on the rendered plan view of the plaza and the details of the water feature outlined in the applicant's memo. Revise the photometric plan to include a detail of the planter containing the water feature, clearly showing where the LED flood lights would be located. Issue: Revised Plaza — Sidewalk Connection Comments: The applicant was asked to revise the design of the sidewalk connection, between the proposed plaza and the existing sidewalk at the right -of -way, by incorporating a design using a radius connection at both ends. The end result was to be a sidewalk that provides a better transition of design between the plaza and the existing sidewalk. Sheet C5 -1 Plaza Landscape Plan, in the previous submission, showed two 5'wide sidewalks connecting the plaza with the radius created by the intersection of Timberwood Boulevard and Airport Road. In the current submission, these 2 sidewalks have been widened to 11' with a mirrored alignment that provides for a ninety degree connection with the sidewalks at Timberwood Boulevard and Airport Road. The additional sidewalk width and the new alignment provides a design that is substantially less awkward, eliminating the need for a radius connection at both ends. Recommendations: None. Issue: Photometric Plan/Luminaire Schedule Comments: The applicant's memo, accompanying this submission, indicates that all light poles, fixtures, and bollards will be black; however, this information does not appear on the luminaire schedule. Recommendations: Revise the luminaire schedule to indicate the color and finish of all proposed light poles and fixtures. Issue: Signage Comments: The applicant was asked to indicate possible sign locations to avoid conflicts with landscaping and architecture. Sheet C5 Landscape Plan shows the location of a free standing sign at the south side of the site entrance from Timberwood Boulevard. The sign does not appear to meet the required 5' setback and is not integrated with the adjacent landscaping. Final approval of the sign and sign location comes with the sign permit application and review. Sign details including lighting, if any, will require ARB review and approval. Sheet A501 Elevations shows a sign AIRPORT ROAD OFFICE PLAZA in the cornice of the portico at the main (east) entrance to the building. A note on the drawing indicates the sign is to be comprised of individual raised metal letters. Details of this sign, including dimensions, colors, and lighting, if any, were not provided with this submission. Since this sign generally appears to meet established sign guidelines and tenant signs are not proposed, the details of this sign can be reviewed and approved as a separate sign application. Recommendations: Revise the Sheet 5 Final Landscape Plan by adjusting the location of the freestanding sign to meet the required 5' setback, with the landscape design revised to integrate the sign with the planting. Final ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Final — Page 4 approval of the sign and sign location comes with the sign permit application and review. Sign details including lighting, if any, will require ARB review and approval. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. Rooftop equipment and the proposed method of concealment. 2. The plaza and water feature design. Staff recommends approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness pending staff administrative approval of the following conditions: 1. Revise the building elevation drawings to clearly indicate the brand name and color name of the 2 proposed color samples and the building materials (EIFS or metal panel) they would be paired with. Revise Sheet A502 Elevations by providing details, including color, of the proposed railing around the pergola. 2. Revise Sheet C5 Final Landscape Plan by showing flowering ornamental trees interspersed amongst the Everclear Chinese Elm EC street trees. 3. Revise Sheet C5 -1 Plaza Landscape Plan to include all the plaza details shown on the rendered plan view of the plaza and the details of the water feature outlined in the applicant's memo. Revise the photometric plan to include a detail of the planter containing the water feature, clearly showing where the LED flood lights would be located. 4. Revise the luminaire schedule to indicate the color and finish of all proposed light poles and fixtures. 5. Revise the Sheet 5 Final Landscape Plan by adjusting the location of the freestanding sign to meet the required 5' setback, with the landscape design revised to integrate the sign with the planting. Final approval of the sign and sign location comes with the sign permit application and review. Sign details including lighting, if any, will require ARB review and approval. ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Final — Page 5 ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Final — Page 6 COUNTY OF ALBEMARLE Department of Community Development 401 McIntire Road, Room 227 Charlottesville, Virginia 22902 -4596 Phone (434) 296 -5832 Fax (434) 972 -4126 June 18, 2008 NBJ Architecture c/o Neil Bhatt 11537 -B Nuckols Road Glen Allen VA 23059 RE: ARB2008 -00056 Airport Road Office Plaza Tax Map 32, Parcel 41 E Dear Mr. Bhatt: The Albemarle County Architectural Review Board, at its meeting on June 2, 2008, completed a preliminary review of the above -noted request to construct a 60,710 sf, 3 -story office building with rear parking. The Board offered the following comments for the benefit of the applicant's next submittal. Please note that the following comments are those that have been identified at this time. Additional comments may be added or eliminated based on further review and changes to the plan. 1. Revise Sheet C2 Existing Conditions, Sheet C3 Conceptual Plan, and Sheet C -4 Conceptual Erosion and Sediment Control Plan by labeling the existing and proposed tree lines. 2. Revise Sheet C5 Conceptual Landscape Plan to show all proposed EC street trees at a maximum spacing of 35' on center, with flowering ornamental trees interspersed amongst them. This would require the relocation of the 4 bays of parking shown adjacent to the Airport Road right -of -way, between the proposed Everclear Chinese Elm trees. 3. Revise Sheet C5 Conceptual Landscape Plan to consistently show trees 40' on center along the perimeter of the entire parking area. 4. Provide design details, clearly indicating proposed materials, colors, and dimensions, of the water feature. Drawings provided should clearly indicate whether or not the applicant is proposing to light the water feature. 5. Revise the building elevations to indicate the proposed color of the pergola structure. Provide a sample of the color. Revise Sheet A502 Elevations by providing details, including color, of the proposed railing around the pergola. The applicant indicated that the pergola would match the trim color (either the white colors if EIFS is used, or the grey colors if Alucobond panels are used). 6. Revise the title of all site plan drawings to state Final Site Plan. 7. Revise the drawing date on all architectural drawings to reference the year 2008. 8. Provide Sheet 2 of 2 of the Photometric Plan. 9. Revise all applicable site plan drawings to reference the correct building heights, as shown on the current ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Attachment A set of architectural elevations. 10. Revise all applicable site plan drawings to correspond correctly with all the information presented in the revised drawing Conceptual Plaza Landscape Design (received 5/12/08). 11. Revise Sheet C5 Conceptual Landscape Plan to include the proposed plant list. 12. Revise the building drawings to show a method of concealing EC views of the rooftop mechanical equipment that integrates the accessory structures and equipment into the overall design of the building, displaying a compatibility with the architecture. The architecture, not a rooftop screen, should conceal views of the rooftop equipment. 13. Clarify the building elevations to show that the color selection will be either a pairing of the grey colors or a pairing of the white colors. 14. Revise the design of the sidewalk connection, between the proposed plaza and the existing sidewalk at the right -of -way, by incorporating a design using a radius connection at both ends. The end result should be a sidewalk that provides a better transition of design between the plaza and the existing sidewalk. 15. Revise Sheet C5 -1 Conceptual Plaza Landscape Plan to indicate all proposed materials and colors for the plaza and water feature. Provide samples of proposed materials and colors. 16. Revise Sheet C7 Conceptual Details to indicate the color of the proposed gates to the dumpster enclosure; a color to blend with the brick of the enclosure or to match the grey of the building (if the grey color scheme is selected) is preferred. 17. Revise Sheet C7 Conceptual Details by showing the signature of the owner, or the owner's representative, on the Tree Conservation Checklist. 18. Revise Sheet C4 Conceptual Erosion and Sediment Control Plan to include a detail of the method of tree protection proposed. 19. Revise Sheet C5 Conceptual Landscape Plan to show the location of all proposed lighting, including pole lighting. Revise the pole lighting locations, as needed, to avoid conflicts with proposed trees. Add the following note to the drawing All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be allowed to reach, and be maintained at, mature height, the topping of trees is prohibited. Shrubs and trees shall be pruned minimally and only to support the overall health of the plant 20. Revise the photometric set of drawings to include a full size sheet displaying cutsheets of all proposed lighting. Make sure the cutsheets are legible. Revise the Luminaire Schedule to indicate the proposed color /finish of all fixtures and poles; black or bronze is preferred. Revise the lighting note on Sheet C1 Cover Sheet to state Each outdoor luminaire equipped with a lamp that emits 3,000 or more initial lumens shall be a full cutoff luminaire. The spillover of lighting from luminaires onto public roads and property in residential or rural areas zoning districts shall not exceed one -half foot - candle. 21. Revise the photometric plan by eliminating the use of the Tharos Light Column proposed in the plaza. Provide an alternate light fixture that meets full cutoff requirements, in a more conventional style, providing the needed transition in style between the modern appearance of the building and the traditional nature of the EC. A bollard style light is preferred as opposed to a tall lamp post. 22. Provide sections of the roof and equipment in relation to the Entrance Corridor. Provide all details, including colors and materials, for the proposed roof screening. 23. Indicate possible signage locations to avoid conflicts with landscaping and architecture. You may submit your application for continued ARB review at your earliest convenience. Application forms, checklists and schedules are available on -line at www.albemarle.org /planning. Revised drawings addressing the comments listed above are required. Include updated ARB revision dates on each drawing and an ARB approval signature panel. Please provide a memo including detailed responses indicating how each comment has been addressed. If changes other than those requested have been made, identify those changes in the memo also. Highlighting the changes in the drawing with "clouding" or by other means will facilitate review and approval. If you have any questions concerning any of the above, please feel free to call me. ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Attachment A Sincerely, Brent Nelson Landscape Planner Cc: Airport Road Office Plaza LLC 102 South First Street Suite 301 Charlottesville, Va 22902 ARB FILE ARB 6/2/2008 Airport Office Plaza, Attachment A