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2004-10-27 SRA MinutesDRB Minutes October 27, 2004 Page 1 of 3 DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 27, 2004 A regular meeting of the Salem Design Review Board (DRB) was held in the third floor conference room at the City Hall Annex, 120 Washington Street, on Wednesday, October 27, 2004 at 6:00pm. Members Paul Durand, Chris Greene and David Jaquith were present. Tania Hartford, Economic Development Planner and Valerie Gingrich, Clerk were also present. Minutes Minutes from the September 22, 2004 meeting were reviewed and approved. New Business 1. 193 Washington Street (Bank of America) – Review of the proposed signage at 193 Washington Street. Ms. Hartford explained that the proposal includes the installation of two internally illuminated wall signs XXXX. Mr. Greene commented that the internally illuminated band should have a darker background color. Mr. Durand stated that the existing Fleet sign has a darker background with lighter letters and this sign should have the same. Mr. Durand and Mr. Greene agreed that the white background is unacceptable and the lettering should be smaller. They suggested that the applicant look at the Fleet or Bank Boston signs for guidance and resubmit. 2. 284 Essex Street (YMCA) – Review of the proposed Schematic Design Plans for the renovation of the storefront at the YMCA. Mr. Durand recused himself. Ms. Hartford explained that the YMCA would like to renovate their storefront on Essex Street. She stated that the applicant will have a complete sign package when they come back for final design approval. Ms. Hartford introduced Deb Amaral, Executive Director of the YMCA, Mark Meche and Robin Abraham of Winter Street Architects. Mr. Meche explained that the goals of the project are to improve the storefront, locate the Children’s Museum in the first floor retail space of the building, and regain control of the central entrance by negotiating with the Salem Housing Authority. He stated that if the YMCA is able to swap space with the Housing Authority, they will remove the exterior DRB Minutes October 27, 2004 Page 2 of 3 entrance ramp, internalize it, and patch the storefront. He explained that if there is no swap, the ramp will stay and they will patch the storefront as much as possible. Mr. Meche stated that they would like to get rid of all of the little niches and create a uniform sidewalk treatment along Essex Street. He added that the project will not be a complete restoration of all of the windows because the YMCA has a limited budget. Mr. Greene stated that his initial response is that the proposal looks too much like a modern storefront and it does not go with the style of the building. He stated that the all glass doors do not give a period appearance. He added that the second level of divided lights should have thicker mullions and spandrels, more like the upper windows. Mr. Meche explained that the original windows have large single pieces of glass and the proposal was derived from the original. Mr. Jaquith commented that the proposal is very continuous. He suggested that the applicant look at the transom light. Mr. Greene asked about the material for the double rows of lights. Mr. Meche stated that it may be and FCO finely finished aluminum, but that has not been determined. Mr. Greene commented that the inlets are most likely the original concept and he suggested that they recess the storefront slightly to create more shadow. He stated that the members are too thin and he would like to see wood and wooden doors. Mr. Greene commented that the uses of a museum and daycare do not necessitate big sheets of glass. Mr. Meche commented that it is better to seem as retail/active as possible for the streetscape. Mr. Greene stated that the most important thing is that the project be consistent with the building and in order to restore the integrity of the façade. Mr. Meche stated that they are trying to figure out the side of the building as well and they are looking at an eight over one window. Mr. Greene commented that he would like to see a site plan showing the trees, curb and sidewalk. Ms. Hartford asked the members if they want to recommend approval with the changes mentioned. Mr. Greene stated that he would like to see the revised proposal prior to recommending it to the SRA. He added that the applicant should also submit the concept for the railings of the ramp, should it remain. 3. 289 Derby Street (former Coastal Gas Station) – Continued review of the Final Design Plans for the redevelopment of 289 Derby Street (Coastal Gas Station) into a mixed-use building. DRB Minutes October 27, 2004 Page 3 of 3 Ms. Hartford introduced the design team and stated that they will be presenting their final design plans. She explained that the project is currently being reviewed by the Planning Board and Conservation Commission. Ms. Hartford explained that the project has also started the process of Chapter 91 review. She stated that the board will have a series of meetings to review the project before recommending the project to the SRA. Ms. Hartford explained that they will be looking at site issues tonight and introduced Scott Grover, the attorney for the project. Attorney Grover introduced the project team and stated that they have been working on site design. He explained that they are hoping to get site plan approval from the Planning Board at the next meeting and they expect approval from the Conservation Commission tomorrow night, September 23, 2004. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned