The Architectural and Design Review Commission reviewed several developmental permits and previewed a three-story retail building during its April 16 meeting. After a slight delay and considerations on architectural review approvals for various business signs, the commission’s first somewhat lengthy point of conversation related to a lifestyle graphic on a construction barricade for Logan Hollowell Jewelry.
Commissioners acknowledged that the “edgy” image of a female model was consistent with the store’s branding and advertising, but some didn’t consider the large-scale image appropriate for the city.
“There’s something that feels inappropriate about this,” Commissioner Jeffrey Daniels said. “If this were an image of a man with a similar kind of pose, I think people would be instantly repelled.”
Ultimately, as the panel could only regulate time and placement rather than signage content, they requested that the applicant consider other images for review, but didn’t enforce the alternative.
The meeting shifted toward discussion of two adjacent property developments, although both projects were evaluated as separate proposals. Commissioners first invited comment on a requested R-1 Design Review Permit for the construction of a two-story, single-family residence at 1000 Ridgedale Drive.
Assistant Planner Ally Majka outlined the contemporary international-inspired design in a staff report, emphasizing the smooth stucco, natural light-colored stone and horizontal roof lines, in addition to a “substantial” landscaping element.
As public comments were opened, resident Nancy Clavin signaled her approval of the design, but she remained worried about parking availability on the narrow street during construction—set to begin in mid-June. After Jeff Bezos purchased a property on the other side of the roadway a few years ago, she attested that there often hadn’t been room for her, her kids, gardeners or guests.
“I wrote a letter, I took pictures […] I kept calling the city to say, `Can you do something about the parking?'” Clavin said. “That [space] had 13 acres and a parking area; I don’t know what you have for your construction workers.”
Commissioner Tim Devlin was complimentary toward the house’s design, but he suggested that a middle layer was missing from the landscaping plan between grasses and trees. Vice Chair Rebecca Pynoos put forth a similar sentiment, suggesting that something was needed to “achieve more screening from the street.”
In the end, commissioners unanimously agreed to a conditional approval, provided that revised landscape plans were later approved by an ad hoc committee and the applicant provided further details on how honeysuckle would be attached to part of the exterior.
The commission also passed a resolution approving the same permit for the nearby two-story residence at 1728 Chevy Chase Drive. The staff report made note of the cantilevered overhangs and use of natural light, stone cladding and dark metal-framed glass.
Daniels noted similarities with the previous proposal, with one directional difference, compared to the other house “gesturing towards the view to the north.” Even with the “odd layout,” he said the smaller-scale rooms were more typical of others in the neighborhood, but he raised analogous concerns about the landscaping.
Devlin had praise for the sculpted land form, but he expressed similar concerns with the landscaping and also requested additional information on the hardscaping.
“We need to know more about what the material is and what the finish is,” he said.
Commissioner Terri Smooke elaborated on the landscaping issue, saying that higher hedging would create a more harmonious integration.
“Even though [the Chevy Chase property] is much smaller, the monumentality of the project dwarfs the adjacent home,” Smooke added. “It would be very nice to have more separation.”
Speaking last, Chair Evan Meyer recommended applying the same ad hoc committee step to this property. As the same conditions were set forth, all five commission members voted to approve the permit.
Two other orders of new business related to facade remodels and business identification signs were next on the agenda. Commissioners were largely positive toward the renovations at William Morris Endeavor and Anta, noting award-winning designers behind both projects.
The commission’s last order of business was a preliminary review on a proposed three-story Cartier flagship store at 370 North Rodeo Drive. The project had already been conditionally approved by the Planning Commission in February.
Architectural representatives spoke about the building’s metal canopy, glazed awning, curved corner and horizontal bands with LEDs concealed in the triangular exterior patterns. They asserted the white, gray, bronze and beige color scheme matched the city’s character.
“It will be nice for the pedestrian experience,” Pynoos said. “We look forward to this.
