To approve an alternative approach, the Planning Commission or Architectural Review Board must find that the proposed alternative approach accomplishes the intent of the urban design standards equally well or better. The Clayton Road Urban Design District (CRUDD) establishes development standards to maintain a visually

13 appealing gateway for the City of Clayton and the adjacent neighborhoods. The CRUDD limits primary building materials to brick and stone as traditionally found within the district and adjacent residential neighborhoods. All materials shall be similar in color, texture and scale as those traditionally found along Clayton Road and in the adjacent Hi-Pointe/DeMun Historic District. Typical building materials include:

1) Decorative terra cotta tile (either red unglazed or green glazed) and slate roof accents; 2) Decorative brick patterns; 3) Cut stone foundations and accents; 4) Varied, but muted, brick colors including greens, tans, yellows and browns; 5) Varied brick textures ranging from smooth faced to heavily textured; and 6) Varied mortar colors including brown, red, light gray and sand, but with black being predominate.

The applicant proposes to paint the existing EIFS and brick building navy, tan and brown. Reclaimed wood is proposed as an architectural element above the storefront. An aluminum screen and band will wrap around the front and east side of the building above the entrances. Three orange awnings are proposed on the front façade. The EIFS, reclaimed wood and aluminum are not listed as permitted building materials and therefore alternative compliance is requested. The orange awnings are not similar in color as traditionally found in the district, and also require alternative compliance. According to the applicant, the proposed color palette of navy, brown, and tan is a lighter hue than current Qdoba finishes and has been chosen to better blend with its local surrounding context materials. The reclaimed wood was chosen for its compatibility with surrounding materials, including patio fencing recently install across Clayton Road. Staff is of the opinion that the proposed color palette is muted and consistent with adjacent properties, and will improve the appearance of the building. Staff supports the request for alterative compliance to repaint the existing EIFS, and to use reclaimed wood as an accent material. The proposed aluminum screen and band is not an existing element, and there is no precedent for the design, scale and material in the nearby area. The orange accent color of the awnings, signage, and umbrellas is a trademark of the Qdoba brand; however, it is not similar in color as traditionally found in the district. The applicant has not submitted an explanation and/or justification for staff to evaluate the request for alternative compliance. The CRUDD requires retaining walls to be constructed of materials similar in color, texture and scale as the primary building materials. Wood ties, Keystone, Windsor, or similar modular block wall systems are not permitted. A 1.5 to 3 foot tall concrete retaining wall is proposed along the front façade adjacent to the sidewalk. Concrete is not a permitted retaining wall material and therefore alternative compliance is required. According to the applicant, the retaining will be sandblasted with Meramec sand and gravel to give it a softer and warmer tone. Due to the high visibility from Clayton Road, staff is of the opinion that concrete is not an acceptable retaining wall material and is inconsistent with past approvals for similar projects. The proposed signs are in conformance with the Sign Ordinance. Free standing wood screens are proposed on each elevation. Any future installation of artwork, murals, advertising or signage onto the wood screens will require a sign permit. Louis noted that the overall design is reflective of the adjacent buildings in terms of materials and colors, with the exception of the

Any future installation of artwork, murals, advertising or signage onto the wood screens will require a sign permit. Louis noted that the overall design is reflective of the adjacent buildings in terms of materials and colors, with the exception of the

14 aluminum screen and band, orange awnings, and concrete retaining wall. The applicant has not provided an explanation and/or justification to explain how these elements are compatible with the surrounding area; they do not seem to be reflective of the surrounding area or consistent with Clayton Road Urban Design District standards. Staff’s recommendation is to approve with the condition that the applicant revise the aluminum screen and band, orange awnings, and retaining wall materials to be compliant with the CRUDD standards, or, submit an explanation and/or justification for the requested alternative compliance for consideration by the Architectural Review Board.

Ms. Schindler presented a sample board to the members. She stated that they tried to reflect Qdoba in a toned-down pallet; noting that orange is Qdoba’s brand color and that the aluminum finds were added for color and texture.

Mark Winings asked about the retaining wall.

Mr. Novak stated that it’s not tall at about 1.5 feet to 3 feet and they felt concrete was the best material and one that is used throughout the City.

Mark Winings asked staff to comment about the wall.

Louis Clayton indicated that this is the only UDD that affects commercial properties and that concrete is a material commonly used for low walls.

Acting Chairman Liberman commented that it seems as though Qdoba is having trouble meeting the UDD requirements. He informed the applicant that because there are only four members in attendance this evening three favorable votes are needed for approval. He asked the applicant if they want to take that gamble.

Louis Clayton announced that applications that are denied cannot be re-submitted for a period of one year (same or substantially similar application).

Mr. Lopez (Qdoba’s construction manager) asked what the specific issues are.

Acting Chairman Liberman indicated that he realizes Qdoba’s brand includes orange and blue, but the metal is tough to swallow, not to mention the proposed site plan. He offered the applicant the opportunity to continue consideration to a future meeting.

Mr. Lopez stated that they want to do what’s right for them and for Clayton and that he would rather come in with something that everyone can be happy with, but he doesn’t see the colors getting any more muted; if those colors are taken away, it won’t be Qdoba anymore.

Acting Chairman Liberman stated that his hunch is that it needs to be toned down significantly, but that this Board cannot design it for them.

The applicant now proposes the following amendments to the design and materials that were approved by the Architectural Review Board on July 1, 2013:

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