ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – SIGNAGE/SIGN MODIFICATION – COMMERCIAL – 8020 FORSYTH BLVE (BARRY WEHMILLER)

Bill Behrens, sign contractor, was in attendance at the meeting. Also in attendance was Sandy Phelps, representing Barry Wehmiller.

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Susan Istenes explained that the applicant is proposing the addition of a wall sign on the north elevation for the building owner and tenant, Barry Wehmiller. The wall sign is constructed of aluminum channel letters with acrylic faces. The proposed sign is 21.5 square feet in area and will be internally illuminated. The proposed sign location is above the second floor windows. Based on the tenant’s location within a multi-tenant office building, the following sign is permitted by the Sign Code: “Ground floor office tenants with a substantial glass wall or window area and street frontage may erect a wall sign 12 square feet in area, but not more than 2 such signs shall be permitted for each building frontage.” The proposed sign would be the fourth sign on the north elevation. There is a Barry Wehmiller sign above the building entrance. Midwest Bank Centre currently has a wall sign located just east of the proposed new sign and a sign at the bank entrance. The existing Midwest Bank Centre sign located above the second floor windows recently replaced a sign that had previously been approved for that location. The proposed sign is located above the first floor ceiling height and is also larger than the 12 square feet allowed, both of which require a Sign Modification. The building is setback from the street more than most buildings along Forsyth Boulevard creating a unique courtyard with planting areas. The proposed location of the wall sign is more visible from the street than the existing entry sign due to screening from the existing trees. The location is also consistent with the existing bank sign. Staff supports the proposed sign location above the second floor windows. The proposed size of the wall sign is larger than the code allows and larger than the existing bank wall sign, which is 10 square feet. Staff believes a 12 square foot wall sign that meets the City’s code will be more compatible with the building. Barry Wehmiller occupies adjacent and connected buildings to the west, which also have wall signs that are highly visible from the street. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed sign, revised to meet the 12 square foot maximum area, is compatible with surrounding buildings and wall signs in terms of design and material and therefore, recommends approval with the condition that the sign be revised to be a maximum of 12 square feet.

Ms. Phelps introduced herself and explained that Barry Wehmiller is a multi-billion dollar company with over 300 locations and over 100,000 square feet right here in Clayton; 8020 Forsyth being their corporate office. She stated that the proposed sign will meet their needs.

Mr. Behrens began a PowerPoint presentation. Slides depicting photos of the building were shown as well as an aerial view slide. Mr. Behrens indicated that landscaping obstructs the view of the building and the existing sign is virtually invisible from the street. He noted that their entrance is off Forsyth Boulevard; not Brentwood Boulevard.

Slides depicting the building from various locations were shown. Mr. Behrens indicated that if they are held to a 12 square-foot sign, they won’t put one up.

A slide depicting an accurate rendering of the building with a 12 square-foot sign and with a 25 square-foot sign was shown.

Behrens indicated that if they are held to a 12 square-foot sign, they won’t put one up. A slide depicting an accurate rendering of the building with a 12 square-foot sign and with a 25 square-foot sign was shown.

3 Chairman Lichtenfeld suggested dropping the tagline “building a better world” to reduce the size of the sign.

Mr. Behrens stated that the tagline is needed and a 12 square-foot sign is simply too small.

William Liebermann agreed; noting that the sign is set back from the street 65-80 feet.

Joanne Boulton agreed that the tagline is not readable.

After much discussion, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve the sign/sign modification as requested/proposed. The motion was seconded by William Lieberman and received the following vote: Ayes: Ron Reim, Joanne Boulton, William Liebermann, Scott Wilson and Brian Maguire; Nays: Chairman Lichtenfeld.

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – NEW CONSTRUCTION – 3-CAR DETACHED GARAGE (SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE) 6367 ELLENWOOD

Tyler Stephens, project architect, and Dennis Upshaw, owner, was in attendance at the meeting.

Susan Istenes explained that the proposed project consists of demolition of the existing detached garage and the construction of a 927 square foot, 3-car detached garage. The height of the proposed garage is 15 feet as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof. All 3- car detached garages are required to go before the Architectural Review Board for review prior to obtaining a Building Permit. The surrounding neighborhood features many properties with detached garages or accessory structures. The proposed garage location is further north, into the rear yard, than the existing garage location. The garage is a minimum of 5 feet from the side and rear property lines, in conformance with setback requirements for accessory structures. The proposed location is screened from the east by the neighbor’s detached garage. The proposed garage is similar in style to the existing house. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed detached garage is compatible with the neighborhood character. Total lot impervious coverage is limited to 55 percent in the R-1 Zoning District. The proposed project will increase impervious coverage on site from 31.4 percent to 38.5 percent, which remains below the maximum allowed. Accessory structure footprints are limited to 35 percent of the required rear yard. The proposed detached garage footprint covers 16.8 percent of the required rear yard. The primary building material of the proposed garage is red brick to match the existing house. White cement board siding is proposed as the accent material for the gable roof ends, which also matches the existing house. The proposed roof is clad in antique slate architectural shingles. White double hung windows and white garage doors are proposed. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed design and materials are compatible with the existing house and neighborhood character. The existing shared driveway will remain along the east property line and will be extended north to the new garage. There is an existing solid wood fence along the north property line. The applicant is proposing to extend the 6 foot tall wood fence along a portion of the east property line, adjacent to the proposed garage. The applicant is proposing a 4 foot tall wrought iron fence along the west edge of the driveway with an electric gate