01/11/2006 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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YMCA, page 3 design standards was a major issue. Considering the nature of the structure (large gymnasium / pool areas) as *ell as the funding mechanisms used for construction, staff understood that meeting the specifications of the architectural design standards would be difficult. This led to the site being moved from a more prominent location directly on the streetscape, to the currently proposed location. This allowed not only interaction with the county park land, but also for the large wall expanses to be built away from the public eye. This approach was continued as staff worked with the applicant in addressing the comments made by the Planning and Zoning Board. The single story elements of the building received the utmost attention, as did the north elevation since it was highly visible from Village Drive. Revisions to the elevations have brought an improvement to the architectural appearance of the building. The base of the single story structure is differentiated clearly by color and material finishes. The top is also defined with a crowning element in the form of either a metal cornice or cast stone coping. While the Architectural Review Committee had specifically stated that their preference was for the elimination of the metal siding, the architect has explained that the building requires a tertiary architectural finish that will provide a greater contrast to the concrete panels. Using EIFS or stucco adjacent to the panels would be detrimental to the architect's attempts to clearly differentiate between the two -story and single -story portions of the structure. The architect has proposed an alternative metal product that staff feels provides a higher degree of surface texture and a finish will eventually weather to a more organic appearance than that of a painted metal product. (A photograph of the weathered appearance of the product is included in the attachments.) The applicant has also taken steps to improve the visual appeal of the concrete tilt -up panels proposed for the two -story elements of the building. The swimming pool portions of the panels are adorned with columns &windows, and the north elevation embraces an adaptation on that columnar element with decorative metal panels capped by a large window (a theme repeated else where on the elevations). Random vertical expansion joints help deconstruct the rigid appearance of the panels. The applicant has also supplied to color options as was requested, and will be brining samples to assist in the determination of a preferred color. Due to the setback from the right -of -way for the building, the primary entry is being placed on the parking lot side of the building. While this is atypical for an urban development like Legacy at Woods Edge, the location of the building was always intended to be setback further from the street to take advantage of the natural amenities of the site. The main entrance is connected to both Town Center Drive and Village Drive via pedestrian walkways through the parking areas. Previous comments regarding the strength of the entry canopy have been addressed by the architect with the provision of a vertically enlarged entry structure, an entry canopy with greater mass, and a screen wall to provide shelter from the elements. Larger windows were added throughout the elevations to provide both more daylighting opportunities and also to break up the monotony of the wall planes. The design standards require a reveal of at least 2 inches from the exterior trim to create shadow for visual interest rather than windows and trim flush with the building. A condition is included with staff s recommendations to require a minimum two inch thick exterior trim be applied to all windows of this building or a two inch recess be provided. The proposed structure has integrated a number of climatic response devices that meet the design guidelines. Daylighting of the interior space is being provided by the additional windows provided and a substantial shelter for patrons is offered by the new entry canopy and screen wall. 41/Staff has included a recommended condition requiring the screening of all ground level and roof mounted equipment; and a condition regarding the trash enclosure.