1700 Lee Highway/Colony House (SP #423) Site Plan Review Committee Meeting (#4) February 21, 2013 Meeting Notes PC members in attendance: Suzanne Klein, Brian Harner, Karen Kumm Morris, Inta Malis Meeting Agenda This was the fifth SPRC meeting for the proposed rezoning, GLUP amendment and site plan for 1700 Lee Highway. The purpose of the meeting was to review changes to the proposed façade that had been made since the last SPRC meeting on July 30, 2012. Suzanne Klein, chair of SPRC review for 1700 Lee Highway, provided introductory remarks. Staff provided a brief update on the status of the application, and the applicant then provided a presentation on the façade changes. The meeting agenda focused on building architecture with some discussion of other outstanding items at the end of the meeting. Revisions included: • Changes to the façade to simplify and improve the building architecture and incorporate Art Deco design elements • Changes and further refinement of building materials • Revisions to the porte cochere • Signage is no longer proposed concurrent with the site plan SPRC Discussion Building Architecture • Comments were generally favorable towards the revised building design. The design is simplified and gives the building a distinct identity, and the eastern tower portion will act as a landmark. • The two-story parking appendages (portions of building with terraces above) could be better integrated with the design of other parts of the building. • One commissioner asked about the color differentiation between the precast and brick colors. • One commissioner inquired about the detailing and façade differentiation of the north façade as compared to the south facade. The applicant commented they would like to keep the Lee Hwy façade simpler. • Ensure that non-parking areas (laundry, elevator lobby) on the ground floor along Lee Highway are well-lit and provide pedestrian interest. • Concern regarding the blank retaining wall along Quinn Street. This wall is not as developed as the rest of the façade and could benefit from more articulation and human-scale elements. The applicant noted that public art is being considered for this wall, but this commitment has not yet been made. • Concern regarding lighting fixture types in garage and their visibility from the sidewalk. What will the pedestrian see? • Why are doors to the loading dock set back from the sidewalk? Will this be a dark area? What is the façade material on the return wall before the door? The applicant noted the setback is proposed for improved vehicular maneuvering. The areas will be lit and the façade material will be similar to adjacent materials. • One member noted that uplighting on the building would enhance its ability to serve as a landmark and gateway to Rosslyn. • One member suggested utilizing the column elements from the porte cochere in other parts of the building (ends of building at the base).
SP #423 SPRC Meeting #5
Other Comments • The plantings along Lee Highway sidewalk should be low to provide a safe pedestrian environment. • Some members expressed interest in off-site plantings along I-66 retaining wall. The applicant and staff should explore this further and discuss with VDOT whether vines or other plantings would be feasible. • Some members expressed safety concerns about the elimination of the acceleration lane. Next Steps • The application is likely to go before the Planning Commission and County Board in April or May.