Citation in context
September 5, 2017 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Anna Krane explained that the proposed project consists of the installation of a green and red striped awning along the DeMun Avenue frontage above the entrance to the laundromat. The applicant originally applied for a Building Permit to construct the awning on August 6, 2017 and during Administrative Architectural Review, staff determined that the proposed project requires
2 review by the Architectural Review Board due to the historic character of DeMun Avenue and the potential impact of the awning. The proposed awning is located just above the storefront windows and will project approximately 3.5 feet from the building face. The fabric awning will not feature signage; however, it will attract significant visual attention with the red and green stripes. The stripes will add color to building and differentiate the tenant space from the other storefronts on the block. Many of the storefronts along DeMun Avenue have awnings; however, the most common fabric color is black or another solid color. While the red and green stripes are unique, the pattern will in a way create the same visual pull that the signage found on nearby awnings does. The green stripes will also match the color of the existing storefront trim. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed fabric color will not negatively impact the neighborhood character. The awning will provide screening for the existing A/C unit located at the top-right corner of the storefront. While the awning will also screen unique transom windows from view, the main architectural features of the building will remain visible. The awning will also provide covering and an area of refuge for pedestrians that is currently lacking on the block and bring new life to the building corner. Planner Krane stated that staff believes that the proposed awning is compatible with the neighborhood character and storefront designs found along DeMun Avenue and recommends approval as requested.
Mr. Hinckley distributed actual fabric color swatches (samples) to the members. He informed the Board members that the colors as shown on the electronic submittal that was previously submitted were very bright and not accurate.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if there were any questions or comments. He stated that the sample fabric color is much better; it is subdued.
Scott Wilson asked if there is a neighborhood association.
Craig Owens replied “not for commercial”.
Joanne Boulton commented that it’s great that it’s covering the AC unit. She asked if there was an awning there previously.
Carrie Green replied “yes”.
Hearing no further questions or comments and hearing none from the audience, Ron Reim made a motion to approve as submitted. The motion was seconded by Scott Wilson and unanimously approved by the Board.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION TO THE SIGN ORDINANCE – WALL SIGN – CHRISTNER, INC.
Daniel Kirchhoff with Engraphix, sign contractor, was in attendance at the meeting.
MINUTES
CITY PLAN COMMISSION/ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
SEPTEMBER 5, 2017
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
The City Plan Commission/Architectural Review Board of the City of Clayton, Missouri, met on the above date at 5:30 p.m. Upon roll call, the following responded:
Present: Steve Lichtenfeld, Chairman Joanne Boulton, Aldermanic Representative Craig Owens, City Manager Ron Reim Scott Wilson Brian Maguire
Absent: William Liebermann
Also in Attendance: Kevin O’Keefe, City Attorney Anna Krane, Planner
Chairman Lichtenfeld welcomed everyone to the meeting and asked that all cell phones be turned off and that conversations take place outside the meeting room.
MINUTES
There were no minutes to be approved this evening.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – PROPOSED INSTALLATION OF AN AWNING – 726 DEMUN AVENUE
John Hinckley, contractor, and Carrie Green, owner, were in attendance at the meeting.
Anna Krane explained that the proposed project consists of the installation of a green and red striped awning along the DeMun Avenue frontage above the entrance to the laundromat. The applicant originally applied for a Building Permit to construct the awning on August 6, 2017 and during Administrative Architectural Review, staff determined that the proposed project requires
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW – REQUEST FOR MODIFICATION TO THE SIGN ORDINANCE – WALL SIGN – CHRISTNER, INC. Daniel Kirchhoff with Engraphix, sign contractor, was in attendance at the meeting.
3 Anna Krane explained that the property is zoned C-2 General Commercial District and contains a multi-tenant office building. The property currently features a monument sign with four tenant panels. The applicant is proposing the addition of a tenant aluminum wall sign to depict the name of one building tenant, “Christner,” in white and grey letters. The proposed sign is 24.65 square feet in area and non-illuminated. The proposed sign will be located approximately 20 feet above grade and bracket-mounted to the brick facade. The proposed location is above the first floor windows. The applicant originally applied for a Sign Permit on August 1, 2017. During Administrative Architectural Review, staff determined that the proposed sign requires review by the Architectural Review Board. Based on the unusual design of the building, the determination of first floor ceiling height leads to a sign location higher above grade than similar wall signs on the block. The block also features many buildings without wall signs. The proposed wall sign would be the only one on the subject building. A multi-tenant building is permitted one wall sign 12 square feet in area or 5 percent of the wall area up to a maximum of 25 square feet, when no other wall signs are installed. The building owner has provided the tenant, Christner, permission to install the wall sign. Christner will not have a tenant panel on the existing monument sign. While the proposed sign will be located higher above grade than most wall signs, this is typical for some of the larger office buildings in the Downtown area. Buildings that feature large atrium entryways with high first floor ceilings lead to signs placed further above grade. Staff determined that the building being raised out of grade to accommodate two parking levels results in a similar condition. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed sign location will not have a negative impact on the street character. The proposed sign is constructed of a high quality material and the proposed color is featured on many buildings along the block. The scale of the building in terms of height and width is much larger than some of the buildings on the west side of North Meramec Avenue. This leads to a larger sign area allowed; however, the scale of the sign in relation to the wall area remains similar to smaller buildings. Therefore, staff is of the opinion that the proposed sign is compatible with surrounding buildings and wall signs in terms of design, material and size and recommends approval as submitted.
Mr. Kirchhof advised the members that the letters are actually stainless steel; not aluminum.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the colors are white with a gray outline.
Mr. Kirchhof replied “yes”.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if the “C” is three separate pieces.
Mr. Kirchof replied “yes” and the “S” is two.
Joanne Boulton stated that she likes the sign.
Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed.
Joanne Boulton stated that she likes the sign. Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed.
4 Hearing no further questions or comments and hearing none from the audience, Scott Wilson made a motion to approve as requested. The motion was seconded by Ron Reim and unanimously approved by the Board.
PLAN COMMISSION – CONSOLIDATION PLAT – 7600 & 7620 FORSYTH BOULEVARD AND 14 SOUTH HANLEY ROAD
Josh Barcus with Stock & Associates representing Centene was in attendance at the meeting.
Anna Krane explained that the proposed plat will consolidate the lots addressed 7600, 7606 & 7620 Forsyth Boulevard; 14 South Hanley Road; and a portion of vacated Forsyth Boulevard right-of- way. The vacation of City rights-of-way requires separate approval from the Board of Aldermen. The consolidated lot will measure 113,758 square feet (2.612 acres). Planner Krane noted that staff is of the opinion that the lot is consistent with the lots located in the immediate area with regard to size, frontage and arrangement and recommends approval of the plat to the Board of Aldermen with the following conditions: