2003-10-22 DRB MinutesDRB Minutes
October 22, 2003
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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 22, 2003
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
22, 2003 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 September 24, 2003 meeting were reviewed and approved.
Project list
Salem Five (One Salem Green) – Schematic review of Concept Plans for a proposed sky
bridge between One Salem Green and 210 Essex Street.
Mr. Durand recused himself and Ms. Hartford informed the applicants that Mr. Jaquith will
comment on the proposal and the Department of Planning & Community Development
would decide if more comments are needed before being sent back to the SRA for final
Schematic Approval.
Attorney George Atkins stated that the applicants will be integrating proposed signage into
the package for review.
Mr. Mark Meche, of Winter Street Architects, described the project to Mr. Jaquith. Mr.
Meche explained the location of the proposed bridge and described the elevations as
transparent, well light, low profile, made with glass and aluminum. Mr. Meche explained
that they are currently looking at a truss system instead of the 30’ beam. He also stated that
they are still working on the energy code for the bridge. Mr. Jaquith suggested that they not
heat the bridge. Mr. Meche replied that the applicant would like to heat the bridge and also
cool it.
Mr. Meche summarized the project as the link from modern building to modern building.
Mr. Jaquith stated that he had no problem with the concept of the bridge.
Mr. Meche commented that they may look into using columns with a truss structure. Mr.
Jaquith stated that he would have no problem with using columns and that it may actually
look better with a more interesting pedestrian route below.
Mr. Jaquith stated that the concept is good and that the applicant should continue with the
design. Ms. Hartford stated that she would be in touch with the applicant regarding the next
step in the process.
DRB Minutes
October 22, 2003
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Soular Books (285 Derby Street) – Review of proposed sign revisions.
Ms. Hartford introduced the project as one, which was sent back from the SRA because they
did not approve of the color and font. The DRB recommended a change in awning color
and font. The current proposal has been changed to include no awning and a different color
sign background.
Mr. Durand commented that when reviewing signs, the Board members need the context of
the sign, including the adjacent signs and facades. He also inquired as to whether the
proposed sign is the largest the applicant is allowed. Ms. Hartford stated that the proposed
sign is as large as allowed by the sign ordinance.
Mr. Durand stated that the sign looks out of proportion, and Mr. Jaquith agreed stating that
the sign should be longer. Mr. Durand commented that the color and the font are good.
Mr. Jaquith commented that the loss of the awning is regrettable, the typeface is fine, but the
sign needs to be stretched. Mr. Durand stated that making the sign narrower and longer
would be worse and the board is trapped by the constraints of the sign guidelines.
Mr. Jaquith suggested using two white panels on both sides of the sign to keep the sign from
looking like it is floating. The members of the board suggested spacing the panels two
inches apart from the sign.
Mr. Jaquith also commented that the wording “Books & Gifts” is stretched out too much
and the letters need to be compressed, but not the words. The members of the Board stated
that the panels should be the same material as the sign and they should be approximately
four inches from the side of the building with two inches between the panels and the sign.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned