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2004-08-25 DRB MinutesDRB Minutes August 25, 2004 Page 1 of 3 DESIGN REVIEW BOARD MEETING MINUTES AUGUST 25, 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, August 25, 2004 at 6:00pm. Members Chris Greene and Paul Durand were present. Tania Hartford, Economic Development Planner was also present. Minutes Minutes from the July 21, 2004 meeting were reviewed and approved. Old Business 1. 266 Essex Street (Barking Cat) – Review of changes to the sign bracket. Ms. Hartford explained that the owner installed the approved sign, but during installation, there were some problems with the bracket. The sign company put a large metal box on the building to attach the bracket. Mr. Durand commented that the connection to the building should be decorative. Mr. Greene questioned why the box was constructed. Ms. Hartford stated that the box was a field change by the sign maker and was not approved. She explained that the architect for the building, Mike Lutrzykowski, suggested changing it to wood to match the building. Mr. Durand commented that it should look like an extension of the bracket rather than an extension of the building. Mr. Durand suggested that it could be a plate and should not be so heavy. The members agreed. Ms. Hartford stated that she would talk to the owner and the sign maker and get some options to fix the bracket. Mr. Greene suggested that a new bracket be made, which would adapt to the molding. He suggested that the applicant go through the façade improvement program. Ms. Hartford stated that the applicant is already using the program and she will have the applicant submit options for the board’s review. New Business 2. One Salem Green (Salem Five Cents Savings Bank) – Review of proposed signage. Mr. Durand recused himself. DRB Minutes August 25, 2004 Page 2 of 3 Ms. Hartford explained that the proposed signs are not allowed by the SRA Sign Manual, but the SRA approved a waiver to allow the signs. Ms. Hartford stated that Robin Abraham and Amy Powers were present from Winter Street Architects were present and Ms. Abraham will go through the proposal. Ms. Abraham explained that the proposal includes three identical signs below the second story windows. The signs are proposed to be located along Cervoni Way, Church Street and One Salem Green. Mr. Greene questioned whether the drawings show the same size signs and stated that the drawing showing the smaller sign is preferable. Ms. Abraham commented that the intent is that the signs are the same size. Mr. Greene stated that the signs are great, but they are a little too big. Mr. Greene asked the dimensions of the sign. Ms. Abraham stated that they are 2.5 feet high and 8.5 feet long. Mr. Greene suggested that the signs be 2 feet and three inches high with the length proportionally reduced. Mr. Greene asked the type of letters that will be used. Ms. Abraham stated that they will be one inch thick metal letters one inch off the building. Mr. Greene suggested that the letters be ½” thick located ½” off the building. Mr. Greene recommended approval with the changes. 3. 17 Central Street (Old Police Station) – Review of the amendment to the approved Final Design Plans for the redevelopment of the Old Police Station. Ms. Hartford introduced the applicants, Bill Luster and Jack Finch. Ms. Hartford explained that the developers had to demolish one of the wings of the Old Police Station because of the oil they found. She explained that the SRA told the developers that they had to build the new wing according to what was there before, however the developers are proposing two changes to the plans. Mr. French explained the changes to the Charter Street elevations with the addition of windows and changes to the tower. Mr. Luster explained the history of the project and explained that the oil cleanup costs were substantial and they are now facing a loss of $200,000 to $300,000. He explained that the Peabody Essex Museum is not being reasonable at this point. Mr. French explained that they would like to substitute semititious clapboards for the brick on the back elevation of the reconstructed wing. Mr. Greene stated that he is concerned about what happens at the corner of the building where clapboards meet brick, but the clapboard elevation is nice. Mr. French explained how they would treat the corners. Mr. French stated that he will submit the material samples and color samples to Ms. Hartford. Mr. Greene asked about the roof of the passageway. Mr. French stated that it will be water resistant drywall. Mr. Greene stated that it was at one time a barrel ceiling with a light hanging down. Mr. French stated that they could install crown molding and raise the ceiling to install a pendant light. DRB Minutes August 25, 2004 Page 3 of 3 Mr. Greene asked why the tower is shorter. Mr. French explained that the first floor is now shorter. The members agreed to recommend approval of the amendments with the changes. 4. 247 Essex Street (Elite Physical Therapy) – Review of proposed signage. Ms. Hartford explained that the SRA wanted the DRB to look at Mr. Harding’s sign again. Ms. Hartford explained that the SRA was mostly concerned with the colors. Ms. Hartford explained the context of the sign. Mr. Harding presented several options for color changes and stated that the SRA was fine with the design. Mr. Greene stated that the letters should be slightly smaller. He suggested that Mr. Harding submit the dimensions of the existing letters and then the members can recommend a size. Mr. Durand suggested 4.5 inches for the letters. Mr. Harding proposed a dark color for the background of the sign. Mr. Durand suggested more of a pastel color. The members suggested that the applicant submit a full size mock up of the sign for approval. Mr. Greene stated that all caps letters are fine when there is enough space around the letters. Ms. Hartford stated that the mock up should be submitted by the end of the week. 5. 289 Derby Street (Coastal Gas Station) – Review of the Final Design Plans for the redevelopment of 289 Derby Street (Coastal Gas Station) into a mixed-use building. Ms. Hartford explained that the applicant requested to be continued to the next meeting. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned