Riverview planning bd narrative 10-24-18ARC HITECTUR
E516
LANNIN
O'SULLIVAN
ARCHITECTS INC
October 16, 2018
City of Salem
Planning Board
Salem, MA
Re: Riverview Place
Dear Board Members:
We have revised the submittal for the Planning Board for a minor amendment to our approved plans
for Riverview Place on Mason and Flint Street in the North River Canal District which was approved
on April 17, 2009. As part of this review we went back to DRB for their additional input. Attached are
plans for your review depicting the fine tuning of the townhouse building portion and landscaping of
the Riverview project. The DRB was fine with the changes to site plan and Buildings 1 & 2 as
presented except for placement of the townhouse building.
Per the feedback from the DRB and planning board we have moved the 8 unit townhouse building
forward and revised the footprint so the end two townhouses project forward of the middle four
townhouses. The ends of the building have a brick face and raised cornice to accent the ends of the
building. We have also done a recess at each entry on Mason Street of 2 feet and provided a canopy
projecting out from face of building 2 feet to provide cover for the entries and visual interest to the
front fagade. We have also in added brick base to the rear of the building at each end. These brick
elements will help tie the townhouse building to the two larger buildings on site.
From a site/landscape perspective we have moved closer to Mason Street, reducing the distance to
street to about 10' (previously distance to street was approx. 18'.) This leaves less room for use of
this space as a functional outdoor space and will read as more of a front garden space. The planting
plan includes a mix of ornamental trees and shade trees, with the shade trees located at the areas
with the most space between building and street. The walkways from front doors are edged with
plantings/shrubs. This accents the front walks as access to and from Mason Street while
discouraging access to grass areas. Remaining areas are planted with trees and shrubs along the
foundation of the building. The tees & shrubs remain within the planted islands along the rear of the
building between driveways. The driveways are now longer to provide better driveway parking.
See plan for revised planting/building layout for clarification of new drives/walks layout and exterior
refinements.
O'SULLIVAN ARCHITECTS, INC. • 606 MAIN STREET, SUITE 3001 • READING, MA 01867
VOICE: 781-439-6166 • FAX: 781-439-6170 • WWW.OSULLIVANARCHITECTS.COM
ARCHITECTUR
ESIO
LANNIN
O'SULLIVAN
ARCHITECTS INC
At the DRB meeting we also provided updated samples of siding, brick and colors of proposed
buildings and renderings updated showing streetscape. We will return to DRB for our commercial
signage and wayfinding package for the site.
We believe these refinements improve the project and we welcome the opportunity to discuss this
amendment with the Board. If youave any questions feel free to call this office.
Sincerely,
___)
,--.-7'
David H. O'Sullivan, AIA
President
O'SULLIVAN ARCHITECTS, INC. • 606 MAIN STREET, SUITE 3001 • READING, MA 01867
VOICE: 781-439-6166 • FAx: 781-439-6170 • WWW.OSULLIVANARCHITECTS.COM