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April 3, 2017 — Meeting Minutes

These are the minutes of the City Plan Commission/Architectural Review Board meeting held April 3, 2017. The excerpts record attendance, approval of the March 27, 2017 minutes (with typographical corrections), and consideration of architectural/site-review matters for a proposed multi-story residential/commercial development at 135 N. Meramec Avenue including streetscape, parking, bicycle storage, pedestrian connections to the Forsyth MetroLink station, sustainability/LEED interest, and public art. The excerpts also record public comments opposing the project, concerns about density, access, height and setbacks, and note that the applicant withdrew the proposal; a separate note records PAAC approval of an art piece for the Vanguard project pending further approval.
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McGuire replied “no”, stating he is only using the southern portion. Kevin Govero, owner of Strand Salon (adjacent space) asked to see the layout of their space and questioned how these changes will interfere with his business.

4 Mr. McGuire indicated that it won’t impact his business at all. He stated that he does believe the property owner plans to change out the glass but that’s not part of this request.

Chairman Lichtenfeld confirmed that this application and space is separate from his.

Joanne Boulton asked Mr. MGuire to share his project with his neighbor tenant.

Mr. McGuire said he absolutely would do so.

Josh Corson stated that the proposed changes look great.

Joanne Boulton asked when he hopes to open.

Mr. McGuire stated that he wants to be open late June/early July.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to approve as requested. The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and unanimously approved by the Board.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT – TRU FUSION HEALTH CLUB – 7447 FORSYTH BOULEVARD

Due to a conflict of interest, Scott Wilson recused himself. He left the member table and did not participate in any discussion or vote with regard to this proposal.

Joe Goldberg, business owner, was in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that the property, owned by Washington University, contains a 272,118- square-foot commercial building with multiple tenant spaces. Current tenants include the Wine and Cheese Place, the St. Louis Artists’ Guild and Washington University offices. The TruFusion franchise proposes to occupy approximately 17,015-square-feet of the building for use as a group fitness and wellness center with an accessory use of a health bar/restaurant. The proposed hours of operation are 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The business will provide fitness and yoga classes including Hot Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Barre, Pilates, boxing, spinning and bootcamps. A child care room, massage rooms and a small retail section will also be available. The health bar will provide food to facility members. Food will be prepared off-site by Revel Kitchen {conflicts with statement made by business owner during his presentation}. Shared parking for the building is provided by a surface parking lot and a parking garage. The lease provided by the applicant outlines a parking agreement where the landlord will provide a minimum of 68 spaces for use by the applicant. Proposed exterior renovations shown on the plans are not being considered at this time. The proposed outdoor dining area will be reviewed for compliance by staff when an Outdoor Dining Permit is applied for. Training activities will take place indoors during normal business hours. The proposed fitness studio will provide group classes. Director Istenes continued by stating that due to the

The minutes were then approved, as corrected, after having been previously forwarded to each member. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS – COMMERCIAL BUILDING – 135 NORTH MERAMEC AVENUE

2 Due to a conflict of interest, Josh Corson recused himself and left the member table. He did not participate in any discussion or vote with regard to this project.

Terry Dawdy, project architect, was in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that the applicant proposes replacing the existing window system on all elevations with a new bronze color window system that will create a smooth façade appearance. The proposed changes will upgrade the building’s appearance by providing a more modern façade that will complement new construction projects found elsewhere in downtown Clayton. The proposed design appears to include quality materials, consistent with other existing applications. North Meramec Avenue does not have modern commercial buildings with high percentages of glass on existing facades; however, the proposed alterations will act as a connection between the existing building and the area’s more modern commercial buildings. The proposed change will not increase the massing of the building. Based on the architectural drawings and renderings provided, staff is of the opinion that the proposed material and alterations are compatible with existing structures and recommends approval as submitted.

Mr. Dawdy informed the members that since the bank acquired the property, the interior has been modernized and upgraded and that a new energy-efficient HVAC system has been installed as well as new plumbing and electric. He added that as part of the building upgrades, the building will be sprinklered and will be brought up to ADA standards.

Mr. Dawdy began a PowerPoint presentation. A slide depicting the proposed revisions to the east and west elevations was presented.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the vertical fins are being removed.

Mr. Dawdy replied “yes”. He added that removing them will make the job easier and that once they are removed, he doesn’t believe they will be salvageable. He added that the building will be power washed and tuckpointed as part of the project.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that it is a unique building and that it’s good to see updates.

Ron Reim asked if the fins on the east side restrict access to the curtain wall.

Mr. Dawdy indicated that they do make access more difficult.

Ron Reim commented that this building a classic mid-60’s architecture and his concern of modernizing it; however, he understands why it’s being done.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve as proposed. The motion was seconded by Ron Reim and unanimously approved by the Board.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve as proposed. The motion was seconded by Ron Reim and unanimously approved by the Board.

3 Josh Corson returned to the member table.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – EXTERIOR ALTERATIONS – COMMERCIAL/ RESTAURANT – 706 DEMUN AVENUE – LOUIE’S

David Ferguson, project architect, and Matt McGuire, restaurant owner, was in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that the applicant proposes removing the existing wood door and window system and installing a new wood door and an aluminum-clad folding window system with transoms and pilasters. Wood trim is proposed on the pilasters and on the knee wall below the window system. The applicant is proposing a warm grey color for the entire exterior façade including the door and window trim. The applicant is also proposing an internally illuminated 0.67-square-foot perpendicular white translucent acrylic wall sign with grey graphics just south of the entry door. The sign will display the name of the tenant “Louie’s” and the building address “706.” The City’s sign code allows a tenant to have one perpendicular sign with the business name measuring 6-inches by 24-inches or 1-square-foot. The proposed sign is under the maximum allowed square footage. Director Istenes stated that the proposed changes will upgrade the building’s appearance and accent the different tenant storefronts of the building. The proposed design appears to include quality materials, consistent with other existing applications along DeMun Avenue. The color schemes and appearances of the façades along DeMun Avenue vary, but are generally subtle with similar brick tones and accent colors provided by the window trim, doors and awnings. The proposed window system and pilasters with wood trim are an updated version of a common storefront design found in this area. Based on the architectural drawings and paint color provided, staff is of the opinion that the proposed materials and grey color are compatible with existing structures and recommends approval as submitted.

Mr. Ferguson presented a sample of the proposed paint color. He explained that the windows will fold all the way back and that there will be a small recessed light above the doorway.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if a separate sign permit will be needed for the sign.

Anna Krane replied “yes”; noting that it could be administratively approved, but is included in this report as it was included on the submitted plans.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked the owner if his restaurant occupies the entire space that was used by Jimmy’s.

Mr. McGuire replied “no”, stating he is only using the southern portion.

Kevin Govero, owner of Strand Salon (adjacent space) asked to see the layout of their space and questioned how these changes will interfere with his business.

The proposed fitness studio will provide group classes. Director Istenes continued by stating that due to the

5 nature of the proposed business, staff does anticipate an increase in vehicular traffic volumes. However, based on the parking provided on the property, existing traffic flow and site accessibility, staff is of the opinion that the potential increase in traffic volume will not be detrimental to the surrounding area. The applicant is required to provide off-street parking at 1 space for each 300 square feet of gross floor area for a total of 57 parking spaces. The applicant’s lease allows use of the surface parking lot and parking structure associated with the property. The lease agreement states a minimum of 68 parking spaces will be provided, which is above the City’s requirements. Staff is of the opinion that parking provided on site will be sufficient to meet demand, that the proposed health club meets the requirements contained in the regulations governing conditional uses, that the proposed use is compatible with surrounding uses, that staff does not believe that noise associated with this use will be disruptive to the surrounding properties and that the on-site parking provided in the lease agreement will be sufficient to meet demand and as such, staff recommends approval of the Conditional Use Permit to the Board of Aldermen.

Mr. Goldberg informed the members that some food will be prepared on-site.

Joanne Boulton asked about exterior modifications.

Anna Krane indicated that the outdoor dining will be reviewed and considered by staff at a later date.

Jeff Fiorini, owner of 7544 Maryland Avenue, asked if this is new construction.

Chairman Lichtenfeld replied “no”, stating that this is the old Famous Barr building.

Hearing no further questions or comments, Ron Reim made a motion to recommend approval of the Conditional Use Permit to the Board of Aldermen as requested. The motion was seconded by William Liebermann and unanimously approved by the members.

Joanne Boulton asked when he plans to open his business.

Mr. Goldberg indicated that he hopes to open in September.

SITE PLAN REVIEW/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – NEW CONSTRUCTION – SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENCE – 209 NORTH BEMISTON AVENUE

Lauren Strutman, project architect, and Kevin Goffstein, owner, was in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that the proposed project consists of the demolition of an existing two- story home and the construction of a 2-story, 5,030-square-foot (excluding the garage) single- family residence. The height of the proposed residence is 34-feet 7.5-inches as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof. The proposed HVAC units are located along

The height of the proposed residence is 34-feet 7.5-inches as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof. The proposed HVAC units are located along

6 the southern elevation of the home and screened by a wood fence. Trash will be stored in a 40- square-foot trash enclosure located under the front porch adjacent to the garage. The existing total lot impervious coverage on site is 54 percent. The new plans decrease the total lot impervious coverage to 44.4 percent, which is below the maximum allowed impervious coverage of 55 percent. However, the proposed plans have a front yard impervious coverage of 49.8 percent, which is above the 45 percent maximum allowed for front yard coverage. The PC may approve up to 5 percent additional impervious coverage beyond the maximum allowed. The applicant is requesting that the PC approve the additional impervious coverage stating, “Due to the narrow lot size of 50-feet and the need for a front entry garage, we request an increase in the front yard coverage limit from 45 percent to 49.8 percent.” The existing stormwater runoff, according to the MSD 15 year, 20 minute calculation, is 0.52 cubic feet per second (CFS). The proposed runoff is 0.46 CFS, which represents a decrease in 0.06 CFS, and therefore on site stormwater mitigation is not required. Downspouts from the home will be piped to either the drywell system in the northwest corner of the lot or the French drain along the southern property line. A pop-up emitter in the front yard will be connected to the drywell system. The Public Works Department has reviewed and approved the stormwater management plan. It is the opinion of the City’s contracted landscape architect that the landscape plan provides an attractive planting design of trees, shrubs, perennials and groundcover. The existing canopy coverage on site is 2,513-square-feet.The proposed plan removes 2,513-square-feet of canopy coverage, but provides a surplus of 5,819-square-feet of canopy coverage. The proposed plans exceed the native tree requirement at 41.2 percent. Two existing street trees will be removed and replaced. Final species and specifications of the replacement trees will be coordinated with the City’s Department of Public Works. Three large shade trees are proposed in the rear yard. It is the opinion of the City’s contracted landscape architect that the quantity of large shade trees in the rear yard should be reduced to provide room for growth of the proposed trees and avoid overcrowding of existing trees on neighboring properties. This can be addressed with revised plans submitted prior to the issuance of building permits. Exterior lighting is proposed at all doors and the garage. All exterior lights will be 75 watts or less. Director Istenes commented that the proposed home is compatible with surrounding homes in the neighborhood. Stormwater will be adequately managed on site and the landscape plan provides for an attractive design with a variety of trees, shrubs and perennials that are suitable for the area. The project meets the setback and height requirements of the R-3 Zoning District. The applicant is requesting that the Plan Commission approves an additional 4.8 percent of impervious coverage in the front yard. Staff is of the opinion that the project meets the criteria for site plan approval and therefore recommends approval with the following conditions, to be approved by staff prior to the issuance of a building permit:

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