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HomeMy WebLinkAboutARB201500045 Staff Report 2015-05-11ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD STAFF REPORT Project #/Name ARB -2015-45: CVS at Rio/29 Review Type Initial Site Plan and Special Use Permit for a drive-thru Parcel Identification 061000000123FO and 061000000123GO Location At the northwest corner of the intersection of Rt. 29 and Rio Road Zoned Highway Commercial (HC)/Entrance Corridor (EC) Owner/Applicant 29 Rio XRoad LLC/Cooper Planning (Ashley Cooper) Magisterial District Rio Proposal To construct a CVS pharmacy with a drive-thru and associated site improvements. Context The subject parcel is located at one of the county's busiest intersections, surrounded by a mix of commercial development, some of which predates the establishment of the Entrance Corridors. Jefferson Coin (previously Pizza Hut) is located to the north. Hardee's is located across Rio Road to the south. The West Rio Center is located to the west. Albemarle Square Shopping Center is located across Rt. 29 to the east. Visibility The subject parcel is located at the corner of two Entrance Corridor streets, so all sides of the building and the site will be visible from the ECs. Due to topography and the proposed layout of the site, some lower portions of the south and west elevations of the building will not be readily visible from Rio Road. ARB Meeting Date May 18, 2015 Staff Contact Margaret Maliszewski PROJECT HISTORY DATE APPLICATION/REVIEW TYPE RESULT 3/2/2015 Work session See Attachment A for a list of ARB comments made during the work session. 4/6/2015 Work session See Attachment A for a list of ARB comments made during the work session. ANALYSIS Gray highlight = means the guideline can't be reviewed at initial site plan stage, but recommendations can be provided for final Yellow highlight = means the guideline can only be reviewed for location/configuration at the initial plan stage Regular text = means the guideline can be reviewed at initial plan stage, can be made a condition of initial plan approval, and can be the basis for denial REF GUIDELINE ISSUE RECOMMENDATION Structure design 1 The goal of the regulation of the design of Informal work sessions were held in March and None at this time. development within the designated Entrance April on the CVS proposal, including the Corridors is to insure that new development within architectural design. Architectural designs were the corridors reflects the traditional architecture of the included in this initial plan submittal only to area. Therefore, it is the purpose of ARB review and illustrate the drive-thru proposal. Guidelines of these Guidelines, that proposed development relating to architectural design will be addressed within the designated Entrance Corridors reflect when the full architectural design is submitted Elements of design characteristic of the significant for a formal review. historical landmarks, buildings, and structures of the Charlottesville and Albemarle area, and to promote orderly and attractive development within these corridors. Applicants should note that replication of historic structures is neither required nor desired. 2 Visitors to the significant historical sites in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area experience these sites as ensembles of buildings, land, and vegetation. In order to accomplish the integration of buildings, land, and vegetation characteristic of these sites, the Guidelines require attention to four primary factors: compatibility with significant historic sites in the area; the character of the Entrance Corridor; site development and layout; and landscaping. 3 New structures and substantial additions to existing structures should respect the traditions of the architecture of historically significant buildings in the Charlottesville and Albemarle area. Photographs of historic buildings in the area, as well as drawings of architectural features, which provide important examples of this tradition are contained in Appendix A. 4 The examples contained in Appendix A should be used as a guide for building design: the standard of compatibility with the area's historic structures is not intended to impose a rigid design solution for new development. Replication of the design of the important historic sites in the area is neither intended nor desired. The Guideline's standard of compatibility can be met through building scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional. The Guidelines allow individuality in design to accommodate varying tastes as well as special functional requirements. 9 Building forms and features, including roofs, windows, doors, materials, colors and textures should be compatible with the forms and features of the significant historic buildings in the area, exemplified by (but not limited to) the buildings described in Appendix A [of the design guidelines]. The standard of compatibility can be met through scale, materials, and forms which may be embodied in architecture which is contemporary as well as traditional. The replication of important historic sites in Albemarle County is not the objective of these guidelines. 11 The overall design of buildings should have human scale. Scale should be integral to the building and site design. 13 Any appearance of "blankness" resulting from building design should be relieved using design detail or vegetation, or both. 14 Arcades, colonnades, or other architectural connecting devices should be used to unify groups of buildings within a development. 15 Trademark buildings and related features should be modified to meet the requirements of the Guidelines. 16 Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should not be highly tinted or highly reflective. Window glass in the Entrance Corridors should meet the following criteria: Visible light transmittance (VLT) shall not drop below 40%. Visible light reflectance (VLR) shall not exceed 30%. Specifications on the proposed window glass should be submitted with the application for final review. 5 It is also an important objective of the Guidelines td Architectural designs were included in this initial None at this time. establish a pattern of compatible architectural plan submittal only to illustrate the drive-thm characteristics throughout the Entrance Corridor in proposal. Guidelines relating to context and order to achieve unity and coherence. Building compatibility will be addressed when the full designs should demonstrate sensitivity to other nearby architectural design is submitted for a formal structures within the Entrance Corridor. Where a review. designated corridor is 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. Accessory structures and equipment 17 Accessory structures and equipment should be A dumpster is proposed in the northwest corner Show how the visibility of integrated into the overall plan of development and of the site. Oak leaf holly trees and a mix of rooftop equipment will be shall, to the extent possible, be compatible with the, shrubs are proposed around the dumpster eliminated. Provide site Pudding designs used on the site. enclosure. The dumpster is nearly aligned with the entrance into the site from Rt. 29, with the sections and details on the proposed method of 18 The following should be located to eliminate visibility from the Entrance Corridor street. If, after appropriate dumpster doors opening out towards Rt. 29. screening the rooftop siting, these features will still have a negative visual Given the other features of the site and equipment. impact on the Entrance Corridor street, screening surroundings, the dumpster location is not should be provided to eliminate visibility. expected to have a negative impact on the EC. a. Loading areas, b. Service areas, c. Refuse areas, d. Storage areas, e. Mechanical equipment, f. Above- Oak leaf holly are proposed at the west end of ground utilities, and g. Chain link fence, barbed wire, the northern property line and a mix of shrubs is razor wire, and similar security fencing devices. proposed east of the hollies. This landscaping will help mitigate the view of the drive-thru lane 19 Screening devices should be compatible with th4 design of the buildings and surrounding natural and the dumpster for southbound traffic along vegetation and may consist of: a. Walls, b. Plantings, Rt. 29. and c. Fencing. The work sessions held in March and April included discussion about rooftop mechanical equipment. It was noted that the rooftop equipment would require screening beyond the parapet wall of the building, particularly from Rio Road due to the elevation of Rio above the building. Details on the proposed method of screening and site sections will be needed to confirm the level of visibility of the rooftop equipment. 20 Surface runoff structures and detention ponds should There are no stormwater management ponds None. be designed to fit into the natural topography to avoid proposed on site. the 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 plan. Add the standard the architectural plan: "Visibility of all mechanical mechanical equipment equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be note to the plan. eliminated." Lighting No lighting plan has been submitted at this time. None at this time. Landscaping 7 The requirements of the Guidelines regarding Sufficient width to accommodate required Provide a copy of the landscaping are intended to reflect the landscaping plantings has not been provided. Utilities and VDOT easement characteristic of many of the area's significant easements occupy the space between the Rt. 29 document. With the next historic sites which is characterized by large shade right-of-way and the adjacent parking row. ARB submittal, provide trees and lawns. Landscaping should promote visual VDOT, existing sanitary sewer, new water, and information from VDOT order within the Entrance Corridor and help to existing overhead electric lines or easements are outlining the types and integrate buildings into the existing environment of shown. (The VDOT easement runs along both sizes of landscaping the corridor. EC frontages. The applicant has indicated that the easement document will be provided as soon allowed in the easement. 8 Continuity within the Entrance Corridor should be obtained by planting different types of plant materials as it is available.) It appears that a very narrow Shift the new water line to that share similar characteristics. Such common (1'- 2') gap, approximately 50' — 60' long, is provide planting area for elements allow for more flexibility in the design of present amidst the easements, although the trees along the Rt. 29 structures because common landscape features will overhead electric line is nearby. Clarification of frontage. help to harmonize the appearance of development al VDOT's requirements on the types of seen from the street upon which the Corridor is landscaping allowed in this easement would be Revise the plan to clearly centered. helpful. (In some cases, VDOT can approve the use of small trees less than 4" caliper at label all utility lines and the width of each 32 Landscaping along the frontage of Entrance Corridol streets should include the following:_ maturity.) Better labeling of the utility easements easement. Indicate on the a. Large shade trees should be planted parallel to the and indication of the height of the overhead plan the height of the Entrance Corridor Street. Such trees should be at least electric line would help clarify the planting overhead electric line. 3'/z inches caliper (measured 6 inches above the situation. Shifting the new water line might also ground) and should be of a plant species common td provide additional space for trees. Provide landscaping the area. Such trees should be located at least every consistent with the EC 35 feet on center. Given the length of the frontage, 9 EC street guidelines to the extent b. Flowering ornamental trees of a species common to trees are required along Rt. 29 and 6 are required allowed by the VDOT and the area should be interspersed among the trees along Rio Road. Two trees are proposed on Rt. utility easements. required by the preceding paragraph. The ornamental 29 and 6 are provided on Rio. One of the Rt. 29 trees need not alternate one for one with the large shade trees is proposed at 2%" caliper instead of 3%2". Provide the Rt. 29 trees. They may be planted among the large shade trees Ornamental trees are interspersed along Rio frontage trees at 3'/z" in a less regular spacing pattern. Road, but not along Rt. 29. caliper at planting. c. In situations where appropriate, a three or four board fence or low stone wall, typical of the area, The landscape plan has been provided at 1" = Provide the landscape plan should align the frontage of the Entrance Corridor 25' which makes it difficult to review and at a standard scale of 1" _ street. coordinate with other plans in the set. 20'. d. An area of sufficient width to accommodate the foregoing plantings and fencing should be reserved parallel to the Entrance Corridor street, and exclusive of road right-of-way and utility easements. 33 Landscaping along interior roads: A sufficient quantity of trees is proposed along Increase the size of the a. Large trees should be planted parallel to all interior the west side of the site, running along the trees along the entrance roads. Such trees should be at least 2'/2 inches caliper entrance drive from Rio Road, but the trees are drive on the west side of (measured six inches above the ground) and should be provided at 1'/2" caliper instead of the required the site to 2'/2" caliper at of a plant species common to the area. Such trees 2'/2" caliper. planting. should be located at least every 40 feet on center. 34 Landscaping along interior pedestrian ways: Sidewalks are located along Rio Road and Rt. None. a. Medium trees should be planted parallel to all 29, so the frontage tree requirement would also interior pedestrian ways. Such trees should be at least 2'/2 inches caliper (measured six inches above the ground) and should be of a species common to the area. Such trees should be located at least every 25 feet on center. address this guideline. 35 Landscaping of parking areas: Six trees are required for the 57 proposed Provide all shrubs at a a. Large trees should align the perimeter of parking parking spaces. Six trees are provided at 21/2" minimum planting height areas, located 40 feet on center. Trees should be caliper. of at least 24". planted in the interior of parking areas at the rate of one tree for every 10 parking spaces provided and Shrubs are proposed along both the Rt. 29 and Significantly enhance the should be evenly distributed throughout the interior of Rio Road frontages. Of the 9 shrub species shrub planting along the the parking area. proposed, only one is provided at the required Rt. 29 frontage to better b. Trees required by the preceding paragraph shoulJ minimum height of 24". compensate for the lack of measure 21/2 inches caliper (measured six inches shade and ornamental above the ground); should be evenly spaced; and If the requirements for frontage and perimeter trees. should be of a species common to the area. Such trees trees cannot be met, enhancing the shrub should be planted in planters or medians sufficiently planting along the Rt. 29 parking row is large to maintain the health of the tree and shall be appropriate. Possible methods for enhancement protected by curbing. include, but are not limited to: multiple rows of c. Shrubs should be provided as necessary to shrubs, with taller -growing plants located minimize the parking area's impact on Entrance towards the parked cars and lower growing Corridor streets. Shrubs should measure 24 inches in plants on the street side; increased shrub species; height. less regular distribution of shrubs (avoid single straight rows); planting sizes greater than the minimum requirement. 36 Landscaping of buildings and other structures: No landscaping is proposed at the building. A None at this time. a. Trees or other vegetation should be planted along determination regarding the need for such the front of long buildings as necessary to soften the planting, and the type and quantity required, appearance of exterior walls. The spacing, size, and would be made in conjunction with the review of type of such trees or vegetation should be determined the architectural design. That review will occur by the length, height, and blankness of such walls. with a future submittal. However, it should be b. Shrubs should be used to integrate the site, noted that no space has been reserved for such buildings, and other structures; dumpsters, accessory planting along the building, should the planting buildings and structures; "drive thru" windows; be needed. service areas; and signs. Shrubs should measure at least 24 inches in height. Oak leaf holly trees and a mix of shrubs are proposed at the dumpster. Oak leaf hollies are proposed at the west end of the northern property line and a mix of shrubs is proposed east of the hollies. These appear to be sufficient to integrate the dumpster and drive-thru. 37 Plant species: The plant species appear on the various lists. None. a. Plant species required should be as approved by the Staff based upon but not limited to the Generic Landscape Plan Recommended Species List and Native Plants or 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 health note to the plan. plan: "All site plantings of trees and shrubs shall be A total of 355 shrubs are proposed. allowed to reach, and be maintained at, mature height; Approximately 33% of these are abelia. To help Adjust the quantities the topping of trees is prohibited. Shrubs and trees ensure the health of the plants, no single species and/or species of plants so shall be pruned minimally and only to support the should exceed 25% of the total proposed. that the number of overall health of the plant." proposed plants for any one species does not exceed 25% of the total proposed for that plant type. Development pattern and site grading 6 Site development should be sensitive to the existing The subject parcels were developed prior to the Based on the location and natural landscape and should contribute to the establishment of the Entrance Corridors. No minimal design of the creation of an organized development plan. This may natural landscape or open space remains and drive-thru, staff be accomplished, to the extent practical, by none of the existing landscaping will remain. recommends no objection preserving the trees and rolling terrain typical of the to the request for the area; planting new trees along streets and pedestrian The layout of the site appears generally special use permit. ways and choosing species that reflect native forest organized. The building is oriented parallel to the elements; insuring that any grading will blend into the Rt. 29 EC. The building's corner entrance is Revise the plan to make surrounding topography thereby creating a continuous oriented towards the intersection. Sidewalks will the retaining wall a landscape; preserving, to the extent practical, existing remain on Rio Rd. and Rt. 29. sculptural element in the significant river and stream valleys which may be landscape, closely located on the site and integrating these features into Grading around the building will be similar to coordinated with the the design of surrounding development; and limiting the existing topography. The southeast corner of planting. the building mass and height to a scale that does not the site will have a different appearance in the overpower the natural settings of the site, or the new development. A consistent slope is proposed Indicate on the site plan Entrance Corridor. down from 510' at the Rio/29 intersection to the material and color The relationship of buildings and other structures to the Entrance Corridor street and to other development within 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 should maintain the basic relationship of the site to surrounding conditions by limiting the use of 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 497' at the parking area, over 70' of grassed area that includes utilities and landscaping. A drive-thru window is proposed on the northwest, angled corner of the building. Portions of the architectural elevations have been submitted to describe the appearance of the drive-thru. They show a simple canopy supported by two wall brackets over a simple two-part window. Given the location on the angled corner of the building, the drive-thru is not expected to have a negative impact on either EC. From southbound 29, the north end of the canopy may be seen, but it is not expected to be noticed, and vehicles in the drive-thru lane will be visible. Given the topography of the site, the drive-thru is not expected to be visible from Rio Road. Two terraced retaining walls are proposed along the west and south sides of the site. The lower wall is almost 300' long. The upper wall is approximately 175' long. The walls do not exceed 6' in height. Shrubs are proposed between the walls, along the eastern half of the Rio side of the upper wall, and along the eastern end of the parking lot side of the lower wall. Trees are proposed along the western half of the upper wall. Information on the material and color proposed for the walls was not included in this submittal. Specific comments from the work sessions regarding the retaining walls included the following: The retaining wall has to be handled as a in terms of proposed for the retaining walls. Provide a manufacturer's cut sheet and color sample. Provide specific information showing that the proposed wall type and material allow for the planting that is shown. 10 necessary, shall be terraced and planted to blend with materials or forms, maybe it is a more the landscape. sculptural element. If the site is so limited, all the other design elements must be "pulled up". (March 2, 2015) The Rio Road landscaping is an improvement, but it should be associated with something. Make the retaining wall a sculptural element related to the landscaping. (April 6, 2015) The retaining wall design hasn't changed since the April 6 work session. Although shrubs follow the lines of the walls, the walls still don't appear to be a sculptural element tied to the greater landscape of the site. Changes made since the work session include the addition of ground cover at the east end of the upper wall and in the space between the lower wall and the southern parking row. 41 No grading, trenching, or tunneling should occur within There are no existing trees to remain. None. the drip line of any trees or other existing features designated for preservation in the final Certificate of Appropriateness. Adequate tree protection fencing should be shown on, and coordinated throughout, the grading, landscaping and erosion and sediment control 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. 10 SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS Staff recommends the following as the primary points of discussion: 1. Drive-thru: location, visibility, general character 2. Landscaping along Rt. 29; VDOT and utility easements 3. Retaining walls: integration with the landscape of the site 4. Dumpster location and screening 5. Potential need for landscaping adjacent to the building Regarding the Initial Site Plan: Staff recommends that the ARB forward the following recommendations to the Agent for the Site Review Committee: Regarding requirements to satisfy the design guidelines as per § 18-30.6.4(2), (3) and (5): 1. Provide a copy of the VDOT easement document. With the next ARB submittal, provide information from VDOT outlining the types and sizes of landscaping allowed in the easement. 2. Shift the new water line to provide planting area for trees along the Rt. 29 frontage. 3. Revise the plan to clearly label all utility lines and the width of each easement. Indicate on the plan the height of the overhead electric line. 4. Provide landscaping consistent with the EC guidelines to the extent allowed by the VDOT and utility easements. 5. Provide the Rt. 29 frontage trees at 3!/2" caliper at planting. 6. Increase the size of the trees along the entrance drive on the west side of the site to 21/2" caliper at planting. 7. Provide all shrubs at a minimum planting height of at least 24". 8. Significantly enhance the shrub planting along the Rt. 29 frontage to better compensate for the lack of shade and ornamental trees. 9. Revise the plan to make the retaining wall a sculptural element in the landscape, closely coordinated with the planting. 10. Indicate on the site plan the material and color proposed for the retaining walls. Provide a manufacturer's cut sheet and color sample. Provide specific information showing that the proposed wall type and material allow for the planting that is shown. Regarding recommendations on the plan as it relates to the guidelines: None. Regarding recommended conditions of initial plan approval: A Certificate of Appropriateness is required prior to final site plan approval. 1. Show how the visibility of rooftop equipment will be eliminated. Provide site sections and details on the proposed method of screening the rooftop equipment. 11 2. Add the standard mechanical equipment note to the plan: "Visibility of all mechanical equipment from the Entrance Corridor shall be eliminated." 3. Provide a copy of the VDOT easement document. With the next ARB submittal, provide information from VDOT outlining the types and sizes of landscaping allowed in the easement. 4. Shift the new water line to provide planting area for trees along the Rt. 29 frontage. 5. Revise the plan to clearly label all utility lines and the width of each easement. Indicate on the plan the height of the overhead electric line. 6. Provide landscaping consistent with the EC guidelines to the extent allowed by the VDOT and utility easements. 7. Provide the Rt. 29 frontage trees at 3V2" caliper at planting. 8. Provide the landscape plan at a standard scale of 1" = 20'. 9. Increase the size of the trees along the entrance drive on the west side of the site to 21/2" caliper at planting. 10. Provide all shrubs at a minimum planting height of at least 24". 11. Significantly enhance the shrub planting along the Rt. 29 frontage to better compensate for the lack of shade and ornamental trees. 12. Add the standard plant health note to the 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." 13. Adjust the quantities of plants and/or species so that the number of proposed plants for any one species does not exceed 25% of the total proposed for that plant type. 14. Revise the plan to make the retaining wall a sculptural element in the landscape, closely coordinated with the planting. 15. Indicate on the site plan the material and color proposed for the retaining walls. Provide a manufacturer's cut sheet and color sample. Provide specific information showing that the proposed wall type and material allow for the planting that is shown. Regarding conditions to be satisfied prior to issuance of a grading permit: None. Regarding the Special Use Permit: Staff recommends that the ARB forward the following recommendation to the Planning Commission: The ARB has no objection to the request for the Special Use Permit for a drive-thru window. 12 TABLE A This report is based on the following submittal items: Sheet # Drawing Name Drawing Date Sheet # Drawing Name Drawing Date CA -100 Cover Sheet 4/3/2015 CS -501 Construction Details 4/3/2015 CA -101 General Notes 4/3/2015 CG -101 Grading and Phase 2 E&S Plan 4/3/2015 CV -101 Existing Conditions 4/3/2015 CG -201 Stormwater Profiles 4/3/2015 CV -102 Interim Existing Conditions 4/3/2015 CG -301 Stormwater Management 4/3/2015 CE -101 Phase 1 E&S Control and Demo Plan 4/3/2015 CU -101 Utility Plan (b/w & color 11x17) 4/3/2015 CE -501 Erosion and Sediment Control Details 4/3/2015 CU -201 Utility Profiles 4/3/2015 CS -101 Site Plan 4/3/2015 CU -501 Utility Details 4/3/2015 CS -301 CVS Specs 4/3/2015 CP -101 Site Landscape Plan 4/3/2015 CS -302 CVS Specs 4/3/2015 CP -501 Landscape Notes and Details 4/3/2015 - Color perspective showing CVS as viewed southbound on Rt. 29 - - Partial elevations showing drive- thru window and canopy - 13 r110KTIN:1uID.1r:1 ARB comments from March 2, 2015 CVS at Rio/29 work session 1. What is the relationship between the travelway and the parking? From curb to building measures approximately 65'. 2. What is the square footage of buildings to be demolished in comparison to the proposed building? 3. Theoretically, a smaller building would allow for a landscape buffer along the row of parking. 4. From Rio, we'll be looking at a building 13' below grade and looking at the roof. The cornice will be at knee height. That's an issue. That will be an amazing presentation on Rio Road. 5. There is concern about the visibility of rooftop equipment, particularly from the Rio Road corridor. Sections from both directions are needed to clarify visibility. 6. On what basis do we say a building is appropriate from an EC when it is sitting in a 13' hole, with no landscape buffer (as viewed from Rt. 29) and there is parking right on the ECs. 7. It would help to have a view traveling east on Rio Road to see what the building looks like, traveling towards 29 with the building on the left. It would be helpful to see how it looks in the landscape. 8. I think we need to consider whether or not this building at this size with this required parking could ever be considered appropriate for this corner. We need to cross that threshold first. We may need those sections to determine that. 9. The existing building feels like a building on the ground. The proposed building tucked back into the retaining wall, with the wall obscuring the building, will have a different feel. 10. The architecture will have to "do something" on Rio Road — maybe a taller piece that gives some sense of the building being there. Maybe the roof has to do something. 11. At the very least, reduced landscaping puts additional emphasis on the (Rt. 29) architectural elevation. In the other direction it puts a lot of emphasis on the landscape because you do have space on the Rio side. 12. Is there a version with a taller corner turret? 13. This is a very difficult site arrangement. 14. Evaluating buildings along this project, and the way buildings present themselves to the corridor, is going to be very different than anywhere else along the corridors. 15. A 3D model would help determine what is an appropriate building next to the interchange. 16. There may be an advantage at looking at this as a more urban setting with the landscape taking a more urban approach than elsewhere. 17. We have addressed urban setting somewhat at Stonefield. For me, that is where I would need to get to on this. If I was just looking at this on its own merit, I couldn't support because it is an example of overdevelopment; it is not an appropriate building for the site. It doesn't do anything we typically do. The only way to support would be to acknowledge that the building is fully visible from Rt. 29, so whatever the design is, it is with the acknowledgement that you have no screen, so it needs to be a pretty appropriate building from Rt. 29, as in blank walls need to be addressed, finishes, detailing, windows, pedestrian access, scale, all the things we typically look at get more emphasized because it is so visible as is. 18. On the other side, a retaining wall is not site sensitive but it is all you've got to make this work. If we accept the "urban condition" we can be flexible but acknowledge that landscaping is possible on that side. However, landscaping isn't the be all and end all, and we would need to see site sections to get a sense of what the view is from both directions on Rio, the roof, equipment on the roof, and it can't look like a fake mansard. All of those things need to be taken into consideration. 14 19. What about windows on the 29 side? This won't be an out-of-the-box CVS design. This has got to be a design that responds to it being a frontage building in an urban setting, with no foreground. 20. The development may not fit the landscape guidelines, but it still has to meet the Entrance Corridor appearance standard. So it must compensate with other elements to meet the standard. 21. The retaining wall has to be handled as a compelling landscape feature, in terms of materials or forms, maybe it is a more sculptural element. If the site is so limited, all the other design elements must be "pulled up". 22. The retaining wall will be visible from Route 29. So it will have to be attractive. 23. If you took an approach that said we've got this really rare kind of setting for the building, we're cutting this site out, making this flat area, within that area we're going to make a nice environment. Whether it is the way the wall is built, the caps and maybe some brick in the wall, even the way the curbs and sidewalks are done, and the rhythm and texture and the detail that are on the building, you could make a nice environment out of that setting without street trees. But it is the foreground for the building. You might see that as an opportunity, but it isn't going to be just your regular old CVS in the middle of an asphalt parking lot. It is going to have to have some other kind of approach that compensates and balances out and says this is not up at Forest Lakes or Stonefield. 24. I don't think the relationship of the building to the road and retaining wall is going to be similar to the existing. It will be much more severe. 25. Coming down Rio Road, how will you know the CVS is there? You might downplay the building and work the retaining wall into a site wall with a "CVS" sign. 26. Whatever is done on that corner needs to look like it is part of the building. 27. It would help in the evaluation of this building to see images of what the intended streetscape is, to know what the context is going to be. 28. You could accomplish scale and texture through pilasters and cornices and facade elements. I'm not sure it has to be windows. Something will need to be done to break down the scale and blankness. 29. We've allowed green screens on some buildings, Fresh Market which is set back and Stonefield when perpendicular. It is hard to say without seeing what the building looks like if green screens are appropriate. The design needs human scale, not shopping mall scale, not parking car scale, integral to the building design. Shapes, scale and materials need to create a cohesive whole. Blankness must be relieved. Trademark designs must be modified to meet the guidelines. 30. The pediments need some work. They are sliced off and flat and are backgrounds for signs, not architecture. ARB comments from April 6, 2015 CVS at Rio/29 work session on the revised conceptual design 1. The Rio Road landscaping is an improvement, but it should be associated with something. Make the retaining wall a sculptural element related to the landscaping. 2. Provide a view(s) of the building as seen headed south. 3. The revised design breaks down the scale more effectively. 4. The landscaping is an improvement. 5. The awnings appear to be higher than pedestrian scale. 6. It appears that the rooftop equipment will need a screen in addition to landscaping to eliminate visibility from Rio Road. 15