Agenda - Council - 09/23/2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PACT Charter School - Site Plan September 12, 2003, Revised September 19, 2003 Page 4 of 8 In reviewing the architecture for the proposed building, Staff has used the latest draft of the Town Center Development Guidelines. The following comments relate to the design elements contained in the Guidelines. TC-3 Building Design, Character, and Expression: The Guidelines state the buildings in the TC-3 District should emphasize transparency at the street level and have a high level of interest at the upper levels. The north elevation appears to do this with the different uses of materials and the presence of large amount of glass on the first and second level. The Guidelines also state that large, cOntinuous facades should be avoided. Once again, the north elevation has several elements that add architectural interest to the width of the thgade. The south, east, and west fa9ades have diversity by the articulation of the building, the inclusion of ground and second floor windows, and the use of canopies above the entryways. The Guideline's statement about distinct architectural features at street intersections is hard to apply in the school's case since the building will not be located right on a street corner. After discussion with Staff, you have moved the monument signs for the school to the intersections of Peridot St. and East Ramsey Parkway and the intersection of Ramsey Blvd. and East Ramsey Parkway. These signs will need to receive a sign permit prior to construction. Finally, the Guidelines state that facades should express recessed doors and windows. The addition Of the canopies provides the appearance of recessed doors and windows. After discussion with Staff, You have added "eyebrow" canopies over the window to give the appearance of recessed windows. This solution is acceptable to Staff. TC-3 Street Presence: The Guidelines state that the architectural element should emphasize the street experience for the pedestrian. Staff feels that the north elevation, whi~ch would have the majority of pedestrian interface, meets this goal.' It should also be noted that all of the entryways have canopies which will engage the pedestrian and/or visitor. The Guidelines require that all service entrances and loading facilities should be hidden from street view. This is accomplished by locating these areas on the southern part of the building, away from the public streets. Finally, the Guidelines state that the faCade along primary streets should have at least 60% transparency. The School has frontage along two primary streets, Ramsey Parkway and Ramsey Blvd. Along Ramsey Parkway (north elevation), this requirement is being met. It does appear to staff that the frontage along Ramsey Blvd. (east elevation) is below this 60% threshold. However, a mitigating factor is the distance of the building from Ramsey Blvd. (205 feet to the right-of-way) and the presence of the playground equi. pment and a parking lot Therefore, Staff feels that the Guidelines regarding transparency should not apply to the eastern elevation. TC-3 Windows and Doors: The Guidelines require that at least 40% of each faCade be comprised of windows, which this plan meets. The final Guideline from this section that applies to the school regards the material used for windows at the street level. The Guidelines state that the window glass should be clear when located on the ground level. You provided information to the City that indicates the ground level will have clear glass in the windows. TC-3 Materials: The Guidelines state that street orientated facades should be comprised of durable, high quality materials, which this plan appears to meet. The Guidelines also forbid the use of vinyl, metal, or lap board siding. The school is not using any of these materials on the exterior. Finally, the