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Euclid Corridor Design Review Case Report

FORD / HESSLER DEVELOPMENT

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Project Information

Euclid Corridor Case #  EC 2021-005

Address: 1975 Ford, 1981 Ford, 11300 Hessler
Company:
Architect: SA Group
Description:
Notes:  

Committee Actions/Submissions

Date: February 25, 2021
Committee: Staff
Action Type: Initial Plan Submission
Conditions/Notes:  
 
Date: March 4, 2021
Committee: Local Design Review Committee
Action Type: Tabled
Conditions:  

Many concerns were brought forward that reflected the community's comments. To consolidate comments, they were categorized into 12 sections:

  • zoning / parcel configuration / setbacks / variances
  • parking / screening / Ford garage
  • cultural / historic district
  • UCI - organization history / communication
  • infrastructure
  • 1975 - 1981 amenities / exterior colors
  • 11300 Hessler - micro-units / amenities
  • new building materials, design
  • greenspace / trees / /plant materials
  • developer's reputation / property mgt / rents
  • timeline / construction management

Although the applicant applied for Schematic Review, Planning & Landmarks staff considered it most appropriate to be reviewed for Conceptual Approval.

The development team showed the new building on what appears to be a parcel that would have been reconfigured (given the new Hessler Road address), a parcel map with dimensions was not provided. This made it difficult to determine if they would have sideyard and rearyard setback issues.

A great deal of commuinty voice was expressed about the congestion, need and lack of parking in the area and questioned the impact of adding 24 new housing unitsin the area. The new building will remove some existing parking even though their plan creates additional parking to the new building's rear.

Specific comments related to the building design and materials included 1) the east facing wall; that it was very monolithic without windows, and the design should be further studied. 2)Hardy board (was stated to be used) is a brand that does not have through-body color and there was a concern that the material's color will fade over time. Developer was asked to identify a material with through-body color.

There are valid community concerns regarding infrastructure; both the Hessler Road surface in its current condition, stormwater events and the degree it is captured, and whether the new development will exacerbate problemts with stormewater runoff. An additional point was made regarding whether the electrical infrastructure will be able to service the extra load considering the existing transformer is shared by multipe buildings on aging wires. The greatest concern expressed about infrastructure was with the road itself, the condition and whether large scale construction equipment would further errode the wooden paved street.

There were significant community concerns regarding the impact of the removal of landscape material and trees, particularly with the development of Uptown Phase 2. The additional parking lot behind the development will reduce the opportunity to re-integrate meaningful screening with landscape material.

Councilman Griffin was present and required the development team to continue engaged conversations with the community.

 

The project was tabled due the the outstanding number of issues that still needs resolve.


Date: April 7, 2021
Committee: Staff
Action Type: Revised Plan Submission
Conditions/Notes:  
 
Date: April 15, 2021
Committee: Local Design Review Committee
Action Type: Conceptual Approval
Conditions:  

Conceptual approval is with conditions including:

1) Add more detail along property edges, facia at top of gable & material under soffit;

2) At center gable, provide more articulation of band above windows;

3) At building rear, include additional windows;

4) Reconfigure HVAC units

5) Prefer elevation B as final facade style

6) Add tressises on east and west side of building

Date: April 28, 2021
Committee: Staff
Action Type: Revised Plan Submission
Conditions/Notes:  
 
Date: May 6, 2021
Committee: Local Design Review Committee
Action Type: Disapproved
Conditions:  

Issues that were conditions before the vote:

- Provide a permanent easement for parking instead of a lease

- Add windows to west facade

- Place AC units in roof gable

- Provide landscape plan

- Provide lighting plan