following methods, to be approved by staff prior to the issuance of a building permit: a. Lower the level of the basement floor by increasing the slope of the driveway to 12 percent with appropriate transitions at each end; and,

7 b. Lower the first floor elevation by 1 foot, thereby reducing the floor‐to‐ceiling height of the basement.

Susan informed the members that Tim Busse with H3 Studio was in attendance this evening.

Ms. Strutman presented a color rendering and material samples to the Board. She presented samples of the tan brick, architectural shingle (harbor slate color) roof, tan stucco, and tan window. She indicated that plans for this home have been turned in to the City three times. She stated that the first floor of this residence is 1.8-feet higher than that of the home to the south and 3.5-feet higher than that of the home to the north; noting that North Central Avenue slopes toward the south and this property is on the crest. She stated that for a home of this quality, it is not typical to lower the garage height. She presented elevation drawings, noting that much of the home is 1 or 1 ½ stories in height; not 2. She added that in addition, a 12% driveway slope is not safe.

Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the driveway has an ice melt system.

Lauren Strutman replied “no”. She informed the members that Dave Volz has stated that cars can “bottom-out” on a driveway with a 12% slope in such a short distance.

Mr. Volz indicated that he always tries to keep driveway slopes below 10% and that at 12%, it would need to be heated.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that he’s okay with the 8% slope as proposed; noting that they took care lowering the roofline.

Ms. Strutman commented that the roofline’s been lowered since the original submittal.

Chairman Lichtenfeld stated that it appears that this property is at the peak of the hill. He reiterated that he’s okay with the driveway and floor heights.

Sherry Eisenberg stated that she is curious about driveway slopes of neighboring properties.

Mr. Volz indicated that he didn’t know; adding that when they develop a design, they always avoid a 12% slope.

Ron Reim asked for an explanation of how the roof was lowered prior to this proposal.

Ms. Strutman stated that the bearings were lowered. She reiterated that the entire house is not 2 stories. She added that there is not a 6-foot difference in floor levels, either.

Louis Clayton noted that the numbers came from H3.

She added that there is not a 6-foot difference in floor levels, either. Louis Clayton noted that the numbers came from H3.

8 Mr. Busse indicated that the analysis was made measuring the first floor from the sidewalk.

Ms. Strutman stated that a licensed surveyor conducted their measurements and they believe it to be approximately 3.5-feet.

Chairman Lichtenfeld commented that it is a steep street that contains structures with varying heights; many due to the driveway. He stated that in his opinion, the proposal here should not be changed.

Mark Winings indicated that it has been noted that the owners of 159 & 146 North Central Avenue support this proposal. He asked the applicant if they had anything from the owners of

The motion was seconded by Mark Winings and unanimously approved by the Board. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW - EXTERIOR RENOVATION/ADDITION – COMMERCIAL – 21 NORTH MERAMEC AVENUE

Jay Schoessel, project architect, was in attendance at the meeting.

9

Susan Istenes explained that the subject property is 3,500 square feet in size, located on the west side of North Meramec Avenue between Maryland Avenue and Forsyth Boulevard, has a zoning designation of HDC High Density Commercial District and is located in the Downton Overlay Zoning District. The site contains an existing two-story, 3,505-square-foot commercial building which was constructed in 1961. A surface parking lot containing three parking spaces is located at the rear of the building and is accessible from a public alley.

In addition to an interior remodel of the building, the applicant proposes the following:

The west (rear) elevation of the rear addition will be brick to match the building. New windows and a new building entrance are also proposed. The north elevation will be stucco to match the existing building. The existing elevator shaft will be extended to the roof to a new 400-square-foot elevator lobby. The exterior of the lobby will be clad in grey EIFS. A canopy will extend from the lobby to the east, partially covering a private rooftop terrace with seating and a bar area to be used by the building tenant(s). The canopy will be constructed of steel tube supports and clad in grey EIFS. The seating area will be surrounded by planter walls on the north and south and a glass railing on the front. Mechanical equipment is located on the roof behind the new lobby, and will be screened by an EIFS mechanical screen. The building height will measure 35 feet 10 inches to the top of the elevator lobby and canopy. The Downtown Overlay Zoning District Regulations require buildings in excess of 2.5 stories provide a 10 foot step-back at the third story level. The roof top lobby will be set back 29 feet from the front of the building, and the canopy will be set back 16 feet in conformance with this requirement. No changes to the surface parking lot are proposed. The total size of the structure, including the additions, is +/- 4,605 square feet.