DRB RECOMMENDATION - WATERS AND BROWN Salem
Redevelopment
Authority
Design Review Board Recommendation
281 Derby Street
Waters and Brown Fagade Improvements
Meeting Date: March 27, 2019
Members Present: Paul Durand, Chair, David Jaquith, Glenn Kennedy,Catherine Miller, J.
Michael Sullivan
Members Absent: Christopher Dynia, Helen Sides
Decision: At a regular meeting of the Design Review Board (DRB), upon a motion duly made
and seconded, it was unanimously voted to recommend approval of the proposed fagade
improvements at 281 Derby Street, Waters and Brown, as designed and conditioned herein.
Referenced Plans and Documents
1. Plan Set titled 'Waters A Brown Exterior Renovations', prepared by Derby Square
Architects, 10 Derby Square, Salem, MA 01970, dated 3/12/19.
2. Massachusetts Inventory Form B, 281 Derby Street, form number SAL.2241, June 2017.
3. Staff Comments dated 2/21/19 and 3121/19.
Conditions of Approval: The DRB recommends incorporating the following conditions:
1. Consistency with Approved Design/Plans: Should the applicant determine that the
restoration project may not be completed as presented and conditioned herein,
he/she/they shall return to the DRB to review proposed modifications prior to making any
changes in the field.
Findings—the Board found that the fagade improvements are consistent with the pertinent
design standards and guidelines as follows:
1. The painting of all trim work and the cornice black will complement the existing black
signage and create a visual cohesiveness to the building.
2. The primary, Derby Street, fagade will remain unchanged and consistent with the flat
fagades of the neighboring structures. The restoration of the blade sign and its
installation on the existing bracket is an in-kind replacement of the former sign.
3. The modifications on the rear fagade will create a more welcoming entry point from the
parking lot, which is where many of the business'customers enter.
4. The black, galvanized steel pergola compliments the brick fagade of the commercial
structure and will complement the new loading dock door and exterior trim work
throughout the building.
5. The SRA Sign Manual does not speak to signage on a rear fagade that functions as an
additional main entry to a business. The Board found that the signage on the rear
fagade is acceptable since the total are of the two wall signs does not exceed half of the
allowed front fagade signage. The Board also found that signage on the rear fagade is
desirable since it helps to identify the business from the parking lot.
Signature of the DRB: By the signature below, I certify that this recommendation accurately
reflects the actions of the Desiieview Board.
Paul Durand Date
Chair