HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB200900027 Review Comments Miscellaneous Submittal 2009-05-08ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT
Project #: Name
ARB- 2009 -27: Charlottesville Health & Rehabilitation Center - Sign
Review Type
Certificate of Appropriateness for a Sign
Parcel Identification
Tax Map 45, Parcel 26A2
Location
On the south side of Rio Road West, approximately 800' west of
Woodburn Road
Zoned
Residential (R6), Entrance Corridor (EC))
Owner
H C M F XV, Medical Facilities of America Inc (W. Heywood Fralin,
Pres.)
Applicant
Jim Hill, Hill Signs
Magisterial District
Rio
Proposal
To construct a new freestanding monument sign.
ARB Meeting Date
May 18, 2009
Staff Contact
Eryn Brennan
SITE/PROJECT HISTORY
The current application is to construct a new freestanding monument sign. The previous freestanding sign
was approved by staff on November 26, 2007. The sign consisted of a concrete base and EIFS material
and was externally illuminated and surrounded by landscaping. The previous sign has been removed; the
proposed sign would be constructed in its place. The existing lighting and landscaping would remain.
Initially, the applicant proposed a printed brick pattern on a white vinyl material to be used for the base
and piers. After some discussion that this material would not be suitable in the EC, the applicant
resubmitted a brick veneer sample for the sign base and piers. Staff asked the ARB for direction on this
proposal at the May 4, 2009 ARB meeting. Regarding the sign design, it was the consensus of the ARB
that:
1. The letters are crowding the field and should be reduced in size.
2. The cap stone detail should be coordinated with the top of the sign detail.
3. EIFS is not an appropriate material for the finials or the decorative band above the panel.
Regarding the use of EIFS for signs generally, it was the consensus of the ARB that:
Synthetic stucco is acceptable for signs if mounted on a solid surface such as concrete block and if limited
to use as a flat surface as a background for lettering. Styrofoam backing is not acceptable.
The applicant was informed of this action but would rather have the ARB complete a full review of this
proposal.
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CONTEXT
The area is characterized by residential development to the south and west, commercial development to
the east, and wooded, undeveloped landscape to the north. The structure and business associated with the
sign, Charlottesville Health and Rehabilitation Center, is located in the southern portion of the densely
wooded lot, approximately 800 feet from the EC, and is not visible from the EC.
VISIBILITY
The freestanding monument sign is proposed to be located on the south side of the driveway set back 10'-
0" from the right -of -way.
PROPOSAL
Freestanding Sign
Type: Monument
Materials: Brick base and posts, expanded polystyrene sign panel and details, acrylic letters, aluminum
panel
Location: South side of driveway set back 10' -0" from right -of -way
Overall Size: 10'-0" W x 5'-7" H x 18" D
Sign Size: 7' -6" W x 3' -0" H x 9" D
Text: CHARLOTTESVILLE HEALTH & REHABILITATION CENTER
MEDICAL FACILITIES OF AMERICA
505 W. RIO
Graphics: None
Colors: Background: Egg
Letters: Black
Illumination: Existing 50 watt Halogen, black, ground mounted fixture (1 each side).
Landscaping: Existing
ANALYSIS (based on sign drawing dated 1/22/09, an EIFS material sample submitted March 20, 2009,
and a brick sample submitted 3/13/09)
Issue: EIFS Material and Decorative Sign Details
Comments:
EIFS is a material composed of a solid insulation board, a base coat with reinforced fiber mesh, and a
final coat of acrylic. Some systems use expanded polystyrene, but still require a solid substrate. As an
imitative material, EIFS does not support the EC Guidelines goal of compatibility with the historic
architecture of the area. The guidelines call for compatibility through appropriate form, scale, and
detailing, not through the use of imitative materials. With few exceptions, EIFS has been approved on
buildings and signs in only small quantities for primarily flat surfaces, such as cornices, sills, lintels, and
sign panels. Generally, EIFS is not an appropriate material for decorative elements on buildings or signs
because it does not crisply render the detail of these elements, for example, the profile of a molding or the
filigree of a finial. It is therefore not appropriate for this use on signs and buildings in the EC.
Recommendations:
Limit the use of EIFS to the flat sign panel that is the background for the lettering. If decorative elements
are proposed, provide them in traditional materials. Provide revised sign drawings that identify the revised
materials. Ensure that all elements of the sign are appropriately scaled and proportioned.
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Issue: Sign Lettering
Comments: The Charlottesville Health & Rehabilitation Center letters are crowded together in the
sign panel and appear overscaled for the overall sign.
Recommendations: Reduce the size of the sign letters so that they are not crowded together in the sign
field area and do not appear overscaled for the sign.
SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion:
1. The material proposed for the decorative elements of the sign.
2. The size of the sign letters.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends approval of the proposal with the following conditions:
1. The use of EIFS shall be limited to the flat sign panel that is the background for the lettering.
2. Any decorative elements in the revised sign design shall be executed in traditional materials.
3. All elements of the revised sign shall be appropriately scaled and proportioned.
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