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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201400141 Review Comments Major Amendment, Preliminary Plan 2014-12-29ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB- 2014 -141: Northridge Medical Building Renovation Review Type Amendment to a Certificate of Appropriateness Parcel Identification 059000000023BO Location 2955 Ivy Road, on the north side of Ivy Road, approximately 550' east of Kirtley Lane Zoned Commercial (C1) /Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner /Applicant University of Virginia Physicians Group /William B. Daggett and John Gorman Magisterial District Samuel Miller Proposal To replace the fagade of the Northridge medical building, including removal of the mirrored glass, and to undertake associated site and landscape changes. Context The Northridge medical building is located in the Northridge Medical Park, just east of the UVA Transitional Care Hospital (previously known as the Long Term Acute Care Hospital, LTACH). A mix of commercial buildings stands in the vicinity along the north side of the road. The south side of the road has a more rural character. Visibility The south and east sides of the L- shaped Northridge building are readily visible from the Rt. 250 Entrance Corridor. The existing glass wall of the drum at the southeast corner of the building is a primary visual feature along the corridor. The west end of the southern leg of the building is also visible from the corridor. The north elevations of the building, and the west wall of the northern leg of the building, are not visible from the corridor. ARB Meeting Date January 5, 2015 Staff Contact Margaret Maliszewski PROJECT HISTORY DATE APPLICATION RESULT 1987 -88 n/a The 1987 -88 construction of the Northridge building re -dates the establishment of the Entrance Corridors. 1 -7 -2009 ARB- 2008 -48 Certificate of Appropriate issued for the UVA Long Term Acute Care Hospital (LTACH). This approval The goal of the regulation of the design of development At the October work session, the ARB included landscaping around the Northridge building. 10 -6 -2014 ARB work session The ARB held a work session on the Northridge building renovation and made the following comments: samples for the EIFS and 1. The willow oaks will need to be replaced, but the building doesn't need to be screened. between the barrel and the wings of the cast stone. 2. Provide an argument for the use of the spandrel glass in a larger context. traditional architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the building. It may be valuable to look at 3. Consider making a distinction between the barrel and the wings of the building. It may be valuable to purpose of ARB review and of these Guidelines, that look at differentiation and breaking down the scale. 4. Other potential concerns noted were: visibility of roof equipment, alternate spandrel materials /colors, scale. " In response to this comment, providing samples of all proposed materials /colors. ANALYSIS REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION Structure design 1 The goal of the regulation of the design of development At the October work session, the ARB Provide material /color within the designated Entrance Corridors is to insure that said, "Consider making a distinction samples for the EIFS and new development within the corridors reflects the between the barrel and the wings of the cast stone. traditional architecture of the area. Therefore, it is the building. It may be valuable to look at purpose of ARB review and of these Guidelines, that differentiation and breaking down the proposed development within the designated Entrance scale. " In response to this comment, Corridors reflect elements of design characteristic of the the work session design has been significant historical landmarks, buildings, and structures changed to show the drum rising above of the Charlottesville and Albemarle area, and to promote the wings, and terminating in a simple orderly and attractive development within these corridors. EIFS coping. The third floor window Applicants should note that replication of historic design was also revised. The rhythm structures is neither required nor desired. created by the new window pattern 2 Visitors to the significant historical sites in the further distinguishes the drum from the Charlottesville and Albemarle area experience these sites as ensembles of buildings, land, and vegetation. In order to wings. accomplish the integration of buildings, land, and At the October work session, the ARB vegetation characteristic of these sites, the Guidelines require attention to four primary factors: compatibility also expressed concern about samples with significant historic sites in the area; the character of for all proposed materials /colors. the Entrance Corridor; site development and layout; and Samples have been submitted for the landscaping. brick, glass, and anodized aluminum. These materials and colors are 3 New structures and substantial additions to existing structures should respect the traditions of the architecture generally compatible with the historic of historically significant buildings in the Charlottesville architecture of the area. An EIFS and Albemarle area. Photographs of historic buildings in coping is proposed at the third floor of the area, as well as drawings of architectural features, the drum. EIFS cornice is proposed at which provide important examples of this tradition are the third floor of the wings. There is a contained in Appendix A. cast stone stringcourse at the top of the 4 The examples contained in Appendix A should be used as second story. The applicant is still a guide for building design: the standard of compatibility working to obtain EIFS and cast stone with the area's historic structures is not intended to impose samples. a rigid design solution for new development. Replication of the design of the important historic sites in the area is The removal of the mirrored glass and neither intended nor desired. The Guideline's standard of replacement with brick and more compatibility can be met through building scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is traditional vision glass result in a contemporary as well as traditional. The Guidelines allow design that is more reflective of the individuality in design to accommodate varying tastes as historic architecture of the area. The well asspecial functional requirements. design is expected to promote greater order along the corridor and, generally, 9 Building forms and features, including roofs, windows, doors, materials, colors and textures should be compatible a more attractive development. (See with the forms and features of the significant historic guideline 16 for additional discussion buildings in the area, exemplified by (but not limited to) on spandrel glass.) the buildings described in Appendix A [of the design guidelines]. The standard of compatibility can be met Mature trees are to be removed from through scale, materials, and forms which may be locations in front of the building to embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as accommodate the proposed renovation. traditional. The replication of important historic sites in Appropriate re- planting will be needed Albemarle County is not the objective of these guidelines. for a coordinated appearance on site and to re- integrate the development into the corridor. (See landscaping comments for additional information.) 5 It is also an important objective of the Guidelines to The proposed design is more None. establish a pattern of compatible architectural compatible with the nearby buildings characteristics throughout the Entrance Corridor in order than the existing building is due to the to achieve unity and coherence. Building designs should increase in brick, the removal of the demonstrate sensitivity to other nearby structures within mirrored glass, and the arrangement of the Entrance Corridor. Where a designated corridor is window forms. substantially developed, these Guidelines require striking a careful balance between harmonizing new development with the existing character of the corridor and achieving compatibility with the significant historic sites in the area. 10 Buildings should relate to their site and the surrounding context of buildings. 12 Architecture proposed within the Entrance Corridor should use forms, shapes, scale, and materials to create a cohesive whole. 11 The overall design of buildings should have human scale. The scale of the building is improved None. Scale should be integral to the building and site design. with the proposed design. The scale is broken down with a vertical window arrangement and brick divisions between the windows. 13 Any appearance of "blankness" resulting from building Blankness is not an issue with the None. design should be relieved using design detail or vegetation, proposed design. or both. 14 Arcades, colonnades, or other architectural connecting Buildings in the medical park are not None. devices should be used to unify groups of buildings within joined physically but are visually a development. connected with materials, colors and landscaping. 15 Trademark buildings and related features should be The proposal is not a trademark design. None. modified to meet the requirements of the Guidelines. 16 Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should not be In the proposed renovation, spandrel None. highly tinted or highly reflective. Window glass in the glass appears in each of the Entrance Corridors should meet the following criteria: windows /window groupings. At the Visible light transmittance (VLT) shall not drop below 40 %. October work session, the ARB Visible light reflectance (VLR) shall not exceed 30%• expressed concern about the spandrel Specifications on the proposed window glass should be materials /colors and said, "Provide an submitted with the application for final review. argument for the use of the spandrel glass in a larger context. " In response, the applicant has explained that using brick, stucco, aluminum or other materials instead of spandrel glass is not consistent with their attempt to eliminate the horizontal emphasis of the existing building, and it would not establish an appropriate appearance for the large window openings. Also, the spandrel glass allows for more consistent, more traditional proportions, and both the proposed vision and spandrel glass match the glass approved for the nearby LTACH building. Generally, spandrel glass does not meet the window glass guideline because it is opaque, heavily tinted and reflective. For these reasons, the approval of spandrel glass in the Entrance Corridors has been limited over the years, and many examples of spandrel glass that have been approved have not resulted in an appropriate appearance. Chief among these are the use of spandrel glass instead of vision glass in EC- facing storefront windows in strip style shopping centers and drug stores where the spandrel is used to hide interior uses that are better suited to non -EC- facing elevations. In the current proposal, spandrel glass is used in a more traditional architectural application between the head of the window in one story and the sill of the window in the story above, or in similar locations, in an office building. Given the building type, the proposed locations of the spandrel glass, the existing conditions of the building, the consistency of the glass with the neighboring building, and the overall improvement in the appearance of the building, the use of spandrel glass in this case appears to be appropriate. Accessory structures and equipment 17 Accessory structures and equipment should be integrated At the October work session, the ARB None. into the overall plan of development and shall, to the expressed concern about the visibility extent possible, be compatible with the building designs of rooftop equipment. The applicant used on the site. has indicated that no new rooftop equipment is proposed, existing rooftop 18 The following should be located to eliminate visibility from the Entrance Corridor street. If, after appropriate equipment is not visible, and the siting, these features will still have a negative visual parapet heights at the wings are not impact on the Entrance Corridor street, screening should changing. The drum rises almost 2' be provided to eliminate visibility. a. Loading areas, b. above the wings. Service areas, c. Refuse areas, d. Storage areas, e. Mechanical equipment, f. Above - ground utilities, and g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, razor wire, and similar security fencing devices. 19 Screening devices should be compatible with the design of the buildings and surrounding natural vegetation and may consist of a. Walls, b. Plantings, and c. Fencing. 20 Surface runoff structures and detention ponds should be No new stormwater features are None. designed to fit into the natural topography to avoid the proposed. need for screening. When visible from the Entrance Corridor street, these features must be fully integrated into the landscape. They should not have the appearance of engineered features. 44 Natural drainage patterns (or to the extent required, new drainage patterns) should be incorporated into the finished site to the extent possible. 21 The following note should be added to the site plan and The note does not appear on the plans. Add the mechanical the architectural plan: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment note to both equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be the site and architectural eliminated." drawings. Lighting No new lighting is proposed. None. Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines regarding landscaping The three large oaks fronting the south Replace the magnolia are intended to reflect the landscaping characteristic of wing of the building are to be removed with a tree whose mature many of the area's significant historic sites which is and replaced with three magnolia height is more consistent characterized by large shade trees and lawns. Landscaping stellata "pink stardust ". At the October with the other should promote visual order within the Entrance Corridor work session, the ARB said, "The landscaping shown on and help to integrate buildings into the existing willow oaks will need to be replaced, the plan. environment of the corridor. but the building doesn't need to be screened. " Although the building Revise the landscape 8 Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be obtained by planting different types of plant materials that doesn't need to be screened, the plan to show all utilities share similar characteristics. Such common elements allow proposed magnolia typically grows and easements. Ensure for more flexibility in the design of structures because only 10' -15' high. This is expected to that utility /landscape common landscape features will help to harmonize the appear too small and out of scale with conflicts are eliminated. appearance of development as seen from the street upon the building and the surrounding which the Corridor is centered. landscaping. A tree that grows to a Provide a complete plant 32 Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridor streets should include the following: taller mature height would be schedule on the plan. a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the appropriate. These trees also don't Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least 3% meet the 35' spacing requirement, but Revise the landscape inches caliper (measured 6 inches above the ground) and the proposed spacing is consistent with plans to make all plants should be of a plant species common to the area. Such existing landscaping. and notes fully legible in trees should be located at least every 35 feet on center. the black- and -white b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to the Dogwoods are interspersed with the printed copies. area should be interspersed among the trees required by magnolias. the preceding paragraph. The ornamental trees need not alternate one for one with the large shade trees. They may The plan includes no proposed plant be planted among the large shade trees in a less regular heights; there is no complete plant spacing pattern. schedule. c. In situations where appropriate, a three or four board fence or low stone wall, typical of the area, should align Utilities and easements are not shown the frontage of the Entrance Corridor street. on the plan. d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate the foregoing plantings and fencing should be reserved The landscape plans are difficult to parallel to the Entrance Corridor street, and exclusive of read. road right -of -way and utility easements. 36 Landscaping of buildings and other structures: a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along the front of long buildings as necessary to soften the appearance of exterior walls. The spacing, size, and type of such trees or vegetation should be determined by the length, height, and blankness of such walls. b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, buildings, and other structures; dumpsters, accessory buildings and structures; "drive thru" windows; service areas; and signs. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. 33 Landscaping along interior roads: Interior roads are not changing. None. a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior roads. Such trees should be at least 2%2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a plant species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 40 feet on center. 34 Landscaping along interior pedestrian ways: A sidewalk runs along the south side of None. a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to all interior the building. Shrubs and ground cover pedestrian ways. Such trees should be at least 2%2 inches are proposed between the sidewalk and caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should the building. Trees and shrubs are be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be proposed south of the sidewalk. located at least every 25 feet on center. 35 Landscaping of parking areas: No changes to parking areas are None. a. Large trees should align the perimeter of parking areas, proposed. located 40 feet on center. Trees should be planted in the interior of parking areas at the rate of one tree for every 10 parking spaces provided and should be evenly distributed throughout the interior of the parking area. b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph should measure 2'/2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground); should be evenly spaced; and should be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be planted in planters or medians sufficiently large to maintain the health of the tree and shall be protected by curbing. c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to minimize the parking area's impact on Entrance Corridor streets. Shrubs should measure 24 inches in height. 37 Plant species: The proposed plant species are found in None. a. Plant species required should be as approved by the the noted lists. Staff based upon but not limited to the Generic Landscape Plan Recommended Species List and Native Plants for Virginia Landscapes (Appendix D). 38 Plant health: The note does not appear on the plan. Add the standard plant The following note should be added to the landscape plan: health note to the "All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be allowed to landscape plan. 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." Development pattern 6 Site development should be sensitive to the existing The physical relationship of the See landscaping natural landscape and should contribute to the creation of building to the Entrance Corridor isn't recommendations. an organized development plan. This may be changing. accomplished, to the extent practical, by preserving the trees and rolling terrain typical of the area; planting new Significant natural features existing on trees along streets and pedestrian ways and choosing site include the three mature oak trees species that reflect native forest elements; insuring that to be removed. (See the landscaping any grading will blend into the surrounding topography comments for more information.) thereby creating a continuous landscape; preserving, to the extent practical, existing significant river and stream valleys which may be located on the site and integrating these features into the design of surrounding development; and limiting the building mass and height to a scale that does not overpower the natural settings of the site, or the Entrance Corridor. 39 The relationship of buildings and other structures to the Entrance Corridor street and to other development within 10 the corridor should be as follows: a. An organized pattern of roads, service lanes, bike paths, and pedestrian walks should guide the layout of the site. b. In general, buildings fronting the Entrance Corridor street should be parallel to the street. Building groupings should be arranged to parallel the Entrance Corridor street. c. Provisions should be made for connections to adjacent pedestrian and vehicular circulation systems. d. Open spaces should be tied into surrounding areas to provide continuity within the Entrance Corridor. e. If significant natural features exist on the site (including creek valleys, steep slopes, significant trees or rock outcroppings), to the extent practical, then such natural features should be reflected in the site layout. If the provisions of Section 32.5.6.n of the Albemarle County Zoning Ordinance apply, then improvements required by that section should be located so as to maximize the use of existing features in screening such improvements from Entrance Corridor streets. f. The placement of structures on the site should respect existing views and vistas on and around the site. Site Grading 40 Site grading should maintain the basic relationship of the There is no proposed grading that will None. site to surrounding conditions by limiting the use of be visible from the EC. retaining walls and by shaping the terrain through the use of smooth, rounded land forms that blend with the existing terrain. Steep cut or fill sections are generally unacceptable. Proposed contours on the grading plan shall be rounded with a ten foot minimum radius where they meet the adjacent condition. Final grading should achieve a natural, rather than engineered, appearance. Retaining walls 6 feet in height and taller, when necessary, shall be terraced and planted to blend with the landscape. 41 No grading, trenching, or tunneling should occur within Tree protection fencing will be needed Show tree protection the drip line of any trees or other existing features for the landscaping to remain on the fencing on the grading, designated for preservation in the final Certificate of east and south sides of the site. landscaping and E &S 10 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. The use of spandrel glass 2. The replacement trees Staff offers the following comments on the proposal: 1. Provide material /color samples for the EIFS and cast stone. 2. Add the mechanical equipment note to both the site and architectural drawings: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated." 3. Replace the magnolia with a tree whose mature height is more consistent with the other landscaping shown on the plan. 4. Revise the landscape plan to show all utilities and easements. Ensure that utility /landscape conflicts are eliminated. 5. Provide a complete plant schedule on the plan. 6. Revise the landscape plans to make all plants and notes fully legible in the black - and -white printed copies. 7. Add the standard plant health note to the landscape plan. "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." 8. Show tree protection fencing on the grading, landscaping and E &S plans. 11 Appropriateness. Adequate tree protection fencing should be shown on, and coordinated throughout, the grading, landscaping and erosion and sediment control plans. plans. 42 Areas designated for preservation in the final Certificate of Appropriateness should be clearly delineated and protected on the site prior to any grading activity on the site. This protection should remain in place until completion of the development of the site. 43 Preservation areas should be protected from storage or movement of heavy equipment within this area. SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. The use of spandrel glass 2. The replacement trees Staff offers the following comments on the proposal: 1. Provide material /color samples for the EIFS and cast stone. 2. Add the mechanical equipment note to both the site and architectural drawings: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated." 3. Replace the magnolia with a tree whose mature height is more consistent with the other landscaping shown on the plan. 4. Revise the landscape plan to show all utilities and easements. Ensure that utility /landscape conflicts are eliminated. 5. Provide a complete plant schedule on the plan. 6. Revise the landscape plans to make all plants and notes fully legible in the black - and -white printed copies. 7. Add the standard plant health note to the landscape plan. "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." 8. Show tree protection fencing on the grading, landscaping and E &S plans. 11 TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Drawing Name Date C0.0 Cover 11 -21 -14 C1.0 Notes & Details 11 -21 -14 C2.0 Existing Conditions Plan 11 -21 -14 C3.0 Erosion & Sediment Control Notes & Details 11 -21 -14 C3.1 Erosion & Sediment Control Plan — Phase 1 11 -21 -14 C3.2 Erosion & Sediment Control Plan — Phase 2 11 -21 -14 C4.0 Layout & Utility Plan 11 -21 -14 C5.0 Grading Plan 11 -21 -14 C6.0 Stormwater Management Plan 11 -21 -14 L1.0 Landscape Plan 11 -21 -14 L1.1 Landscape Notes & Details 11 -21 -14 L2.0 Landscape Plan - Demolition 11 -24 -2014 L2.1 Landscape Plan — New Work 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Pro' Attach 1 Aerial view of Ivy Road 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Pro' Attach 2 Existing Building from Southeast on Ivy Road 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Pro' Attach 3 Existing Building from Southwest on Ivy Road 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Proj Attach 4 Existing Building Entrance 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Pro' Attach 5 Proposed Design from Southeast on Ivy Road 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Proj Attach 6 Proposed Design from Southwest on Ivy Road 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Pro' Attach 7 Proposed Building Entrance 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Proj Attach 8 Early Facade Study Using Non -glass Spandrels 11 -24 -2014 Facade Replace't Pro' Attach 9 UVA Transitional Care Hospital — Vision and Spandrel Lites 11 -24 -2014 A101 First Floor 11 -24 -2014 A102 Second Floor 11 -24 -2014 A103 Third Floor 11 -24 -2014 A201 Elevations — North & South 11 -24 -2014 A202 Elevations — East & West 11 -24 -2014 A900 Exterior Perspectives 11 -24 -2014 Material samples Old VA Brick Montpelier Colonial series modular; clear anodized aluminum; vision glass: 1" AGC Pure Gray /AGC Clear IG VLT 40 %, VLR 7 %; spandrel glass: 1" AGC pure gray /AGC ceramic fit spandrel IG (E -159 Harmony graylite); EIFS Sto 20001 ITS White, limestone texture (photocopy); Seaboard Concrete Products Co., cat stone, French Ivory 9122 (photocopy) 12 a