Agenda - Planning Commission - 12/02/2004

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Architecture Ove~.~iew Buildings in the Mixed Use Core v,/ill piay a major role in defining the overall character of the Town Center. The proposed mix of uses ior this signature destination suggests the potential for a varieb/of' building ~pes, demanding creativibj and innovation to highlight unique arcl]itecture, while knitting the entire subdistrict together as a coherent whole. 0veratl building design is an important consideration, but emphasis on first floor fagade treatments is essential to encourage street-ievei activib/and enhance the pedestrian experience. Architecture to be '4-sided' at all locations visible to public areas. Emphasis to be on great design along public street frontage. Architecture guidelines include the following: TCl Building Design, Character and Expression · Provide a variety of building types and st/les, expressed both in large scale (overall building) and small scale (design details) · Emphasize transparency at street level to encourage bvo way viewing - Doth window shopping and 'eyes on the street' · Promote interesting, animated architectural features without being thematic or artificial - faux decorative elements are discouraged · Avoid large, unarticulated fac, ados Emphasize important intersections and other nodes by placing distinctive architectural elements or interesting fa.cedes at these prominent !ocations Provide a variety of front elevations for rows of buildings along any given block Tgl Scale, Proportion and Building Height · Provide a variety of building heights along any given block, perhaps related to changes in use or at demising walls · Articulate front fa,cades with proiections and recesses · Encourage increased building height, higher density and larger scale buildings adiacent to the Civic Square and Downtown Commons · Promote multiple stories as the norm in this sub-district, but occasional singte story buildings are acceptable; single stop/buildings should not dominate any street frontage and should be a minimum of 20 feet to the roofline TC1 Street Presence · Emphasize pedestrian experience with architectural features at street level- canopies, decorative eight fixtures andmaterial detaii · Encourage variety of color, texture and materials to complement other streetscape elements · Conceal service entries, loading facilities and mechanical services fromview along public streets · Create a continuous building edge along street frontage, visually connecting adiacent buildings·with complementan/fagade treatments i~i Ramsey Town Canter 3eveiopmen[ GdideJines 58