2004-11-17 DRB MinutesDRB Minutes
November 17, 2004
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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
NOVEMBER 17, 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, November
17, 2004 at 6:00pm.
Members Paul Durand and David Jaquith were present. Tania Hartford, Economic
Development Planner and Valerie Gingrich, Clerk were also present.
Minutes
Minutes from the October 27, 2004 meeting were reviewed and approved.
New Business
1. 193 Washington Street (Bank of America) – Continued review of the proposed
signage at 193 Washington Street.
Ms. Hartford explained that the sign maker, Rick Berk, is present to explain the proposal and
answer questions. She stated that at the last meeting, the board recomme nded that the
applicant look at the old Bank Boston sign for guidance for the new sign. Ms. Hartford
stated that the proposed sign color is champagne.
Mr. Berk added that he shrunk the lettering proportionally.
Mr. Durand asked if the red and blue symbol is the company’s logo. Mr. Berk stated that it
is.
The members agreed to recommend approval of the sign to the Salem Redevelopment
Authority.
2. 284 Essex Street (YMCA) – Continued review of the proposed Schematic Design
Plans for the renovation of the storefront at the YMCA.
Mr. Durand recused himself.
Ms. Hartford explained that at the last meeting, the board commented that the proposal was
too modern and requested thicker mullions, a site plan and conceptual signage. She
introduced Mark Meche and Robin Abraham of Winter Street Architects.
Mr. Meche explained the changes to the conceptual plans. He explained that historically, the
building had large glass pieces with tiny mullions. Mr. Meche stated that they are pushing
back in that direction. He explained that the proposed awning is reminiscent of the one in
an old photograph. He stated that they would like to do signage on the sign band, awnings,
windows and blade signs.
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November 17, 2004
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Mr. Jaquith commented that the awning should be tilted more. He stated that they need to
have blade signs.
Mr. Meche stated that they are looking at slight frosting on the windows for privacy. He
explained that they are looking at a product called Lumisty.
Mr. Jaquith stated that the proposal looks fine.
Ms. Hartford stated that Chris Greene is looking at the plans and she will let them know if
he has any comments. Mr. Meche stated that Mr. Greene can call him if he has any
questions.
Ms. Hartford stated that she will send a letter regarding what is re quired for the final design
approval.
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.
Ms. Hartford introduced the design team and stated that they will be presenting some new
materials at the meeting.
Attorney Scott Grover introduced the applicant, George Belleau and the architect, Craig
Douglas of Martins Construction. He commented that they have been productive and will
show their progress.
Craig Douglas reviewed the changes to the site, which included thinning out the landscaping,
adding hanging plants to the garage ramp and changing the shape of the plaza to an “L”
shape. Mr. Douglas explained that they are proposing Arriscraft for the base of the building.
He presented a sample to the board. He stated that they would like to use a precast
oversized brick paver for the plaza. Mr. Douglas stated that they added awnings to the first
floor windows. He stated that the upper windows will be double hung aluminum-clad wood
window. He explained that they do not know which manufacturer they will use at this point.
Mr. Durand asked when they will know the exact window that they will be using. Mr.
Douglas stated that they will decide at the pricing stage. He added that they are looking at
using Eagle windows and presented a sample.
Mr. Durand stated that they will need to know which window they will be using before they
recommend approval of the project. He added that they want to know the exact window.
Mr. Douglas stated that he will have a sample at the next meeting. Mr. Durand stated that
they will need to review all of the details, mullions, etc.
Mr. Douglas stated that they will not be using mullions in the windows and added that they
are proposing mallard green as the color.
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November 17, 2004
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Mr. Durand asked what the material will be for the top of the building. Mr. Douglas stated
that they are proposing stucco to match the Ariscraft on the bottom. He explained that the
middle of the building will be brick and he presented a sample.
Mr. Jaquith stated that they will need to review a detail of the window arch on the top of the
building.
Mr. Belleu stated that all of the parking is now under the building on both levels.
Mr. Douglas stated that the wall against the ramp will have a high seat back so that no one
falls.
Mr. Durand asked about the material of the sills. Mr. Douglas stated that they are brick.
Mr. Durand asked if the roof is proposed as metal. Mr. Douglas stated that it is and they
would like the color to be hemlock green, which is a grey-green.
Mr. Durand asked if the arched window is fixed. Mr. Douglas stated that it is. Mr. Durand
asked if the windows are in the residential units. Mr. Douglas stated that they are.
Mr. Jaquith asked if the windows will open. Mr. Douglas stated that they will be sliding
doors on the other side of the building.
Mr. Jaquith commented that the residents may want to open the windows.
Mr. Durand commented that the top need articulation, more detail. He questioned whether
the look is too Spanish/Floridian. Mr. Douglas stated that the intent was a 1920s look
(more of a classic look). The members agreed that that is the look they should go for.
Mr. Durand asked if it will be an aluminum storefront. Mr. Douglas stated that it would and
added that they will proposed blue awnings.
Mr. Durand commented that they need to look at signage for the retail spaces and provide
space for it.
Mr. Jaquith added that they should think about what type of signage they want to do.
Mr. Durand asked why they eliminated parking spaces for the ground floor parking level.
Mr. Douglas explained that they were able to rearrange the parking layout on the subsurface
level and move the spaces down to create a better view.
Mr. Durand asked if they will provide a railing at the parking garage ramp. Mr. Douglas
stated that it will be forty-two inches off the height of the seat. Mr. Durand suggested that
they angle the top of the wall to discourage sitting and walking on it.
Mr. Douglas explained that they are proposing black or dark green aluminum railings on the
balconies. Mr. Jaquith commented that they should look at both options. Mr. Durand
stated that black goes with anything.
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November 17, 2004
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Mr. Durand asked about the cornice. Mr. Douglas stated that it will be efface.
Mr. Durand asked if they have a name for the building. Mr. Belleau stated that they will call
it Harbor view place.
Mr. Durand stated that they need to look at signage, lighting, window details, cornice details,
colors and materials. He stated that he liked the materials shown at the meeting. He added
that they should look at the upper windows and consider movable planters for the plaza.
Mr. Durand stated that if they will be doing banners, they should include those in the
submittal. He also asked for a section of the railing and planter at the ramp wall.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned