HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-08-08-DAC-MIN
LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes:
August 8, 2006
Present:
Colin Smith (Chair), John Frey, Ginna Johnson, Timothy Lee, Bahig Kaldas,
Wendy Manz, Parker Hirtle
Scribe:
Colin Smith
Call to Order:
The Meeting was called to Order at 7:30PM.
Approvals:
Minutes of the July 11th meeting were approved with minor corrections.
Presentations/Review:
727 Marrett Road- Starwood Hotels
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The DAC was presented with modifications to the PSDUP for 727 Marret Road, by
the Starwood development team. The PSDUP was approved at Town Meeting in
April of this year. It should be noted that the DAC remains concerned about the larger
issues of “1. Scale/Intensity of Use”, and “2. Natural Site Features & Proposed Site
Utilization”, summarized in its letter dated April 2, 2006.
The meeting focused largely on the minor modifications the developer has made to
the PSDUP that was approved in April. Those modifications with DAC comments are
as follows:
Site Design:
1. “Village Green” was developed to include a “formal” system of paths, bus stop
and paving materials to create the sense of a common space. The DAC
recommends the width of the “Village Green” be maximized and its paths be
reworked to enhance the notion of this space as destination and to improve
circulation between the two buildings. A sketch was created (attached) during the
meeting that addressed these comments. The additional space (3’-4’ in width) for
the “green” shall come out of the landscape buffer space in front of each building.
2. Two types of pavers and colors were introduced between the two buildings to
create a better sense of place. Along with the “Village Green” design, it was
discussed to minimize the extent of paving along with the types and colors
employed. The pavers shall be removed from the rocky knoll “turnaround”, and
one type of paver used for vehicular circulation routes and the color of pavers
shall be integral to the material and not painted on.
3. The lighting in and around the “Village Green” shall be more of a decorative 12’
high (pedestrian scale) fixture in lieu of the 25’ high parking lot fixtures specified.
4. The photometric lighting plan was reviewed and found to be acceptable.
Building Design:
5. In general, the DAC found several improvements to the building design of both
buildings (ESW & aLoft). The floor plans, façade elevations, materials and
lighting have been thoughtfully improved over the previous design, some of
which were in response to previous DAC comments.
6. Two building materials that we recommend undergo further study are the brick
for the aLoft building (DAC prefers the brick color shown in the renderings
versus the red sample presented) and that the stone veneer specified be indigenous
to the stone of the site. In fact, the DAC believes the proposed design should
make use of the stone being blasted from the site.
7. Light fixture cut sheets should be provided for all sign lighting and the blue strip
light box that appears on the aLoft building façade (it’s important that remain a
subtle accent feature on the façade).
Signage:
8. The DAC reviewed the proposed signage for the building and site and found their
locations and size to be acceptable. The DAC requests a final review of the sign
package once the following comments are considered.
9. The freestanding signs at each entrance should employ a more durable base (i.e.
weed wacker comment) and the removal of the ball finial. The finial cap should
be metal in lieu of wood to avoid splitting/cracking.
10. The “map/directional sign” proposed for the “Village Green” should be
reconsidered in its entirety. The DAC likes the concept of providing a
decorative/artistic element to increase the awareness of important tourist sites, but
it feels the current design is not yet as effective as it should be in displaying this
information in an artistic & memorable method.
The Design Advisory Committee recommends this project be approved with the
above-mentioned comments. As this project develops, we hope that Starwood
Hotels gives serious consideration to implementing “Green Design” elements
whenever possible for this significant project.
7 Hartwell Ave.- Freestanding Sign
The DAC reviewed the revised submission for a freestanding sign at 7 Hartwell
Ave. Previous DAC comments focused largely on the quantity of information on
the sign, its size and the proposed materials. The quantity of information and
overall size of the sign has been reduced to the DAC’s satisfaction.
Regarding the proposed vinyl material and the reasons for its use, the DAC
continues to advise the applicant to consider the use of a wood sign. Vinyl signs
and their applied lettering can fade over time and peel. The DAC recommends
this sign be made of a quality materials for the reasons explained in its letter
dated 9/7/05. A site plan showing exact location of the sign and lighting (if
proposed) needs to be submitted.
Other Business:
None.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:30PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Tuesday September 5th @ 7:30PM.
Cc:
Board of Selectmen
Wendy Manz, Planning Board Liaison