Simsbury, CT - Design Review Board Minutes

Kevin Gray, Secretary, called the Regular Meeting of the Design Review Board to order at 5:49 p.m. in the Main Meeting Room of the Simsbury Town Offices. The following members were present: Charles Stephenson, William Gardner, Linda Kennedy, John Stewart, Matthew Koch and Scott Barnett. Also present were: Leonard Tolisano, Town Planner, and other interested parties.

Andrew Dragat, architect, presented the site plan. He described the proposed facade and reviewed the steps for completion of the project. He stated that the new facade, foundations, removal of 3 buildings, re-grading and landscaping would be completed in the first building season. He stated that Phase 2 would include the construction of the shells and Phase 3 would include the renovation. Mr. Dragat discussed the refurbishment of the Inn and addressed the access points.

Dean Johnson, landscape architect, stated that the building which housed the wallpaper store will be demolished. He noted the paved terrace area which will be constructed at the corner of the plaza and will relate to Apollo’s Restaurant. Mr. Johnson stated that a 2.5 foot high fieldstone wall surround the corner and he noted the entablature which will be constructed. Mr. Johnson stated that the upper level will include a wood deck at the same elevation as the banquet room. He pointed out the upper and lower terraces. Mr. Johnson stated that London Plain trees will be planted along Plank Hill Road and Hopmeadow Street and maple and birch trees will be included within the development. He noted the location of 3 foot rhododendrons along the corner of the terraced area.

Mr. Johnson stated that the Simsbury Center bench will be used and a less expensive version of the Simsbury Center themed light will be included in the development. Mr. Johnson pointed out the difficult grading at the site and noted the location of a 3.5-4 foot timber wall at the back of the parking lot. He stated that instead of installing a railing along the wall, hanging junipers or a hedge could be used to soften the look.

Mr. Dragat presented the elevations for the site. He stated that the Inn will be wood shingled with shudders. He noted that a new main entrance to the Maple Tree will be constructed so that patrons do not have to go through the bar area. Mr. Dragat described the entrances to the Maple Tree. He pointed out the clapboard siding to the right of the Maple Tree and the lattice below. He stated that gooseneck old fashioned light fixtures will be used on the plaza and there will be a sign on the building. Mr. Dragat pointed out the elaborate moldings proposed for the Inn. He presented a palate of the color samples and requested leeway in making minor adjustments to the color as deemed appropriate. He suggested that two colors be used to breakup the length of the building.

Mr. Gray questioned how the proposed architectural style was chosen. Mr. Dragat noted that the plaza includes an old building with additions which were constructed at different time periods. He stated that the proposed architect stays within the New England character of the area and avoids having the plaza look like one large building.

Mr. Gardner questioned the visual effect of the promenade and the entablature. Mr. Dragat stated that these features give a sense of enclosure without a visual block. Mr. Stewart suggested that the pergola over the second patio be eliminated in order to simplify the design. Mr. Dragat expressed concern with the plaza becoming unbalanced if the architectural features at the corner are eliminated. Mr. Johnson agreed that removing the second level above the deck should be considered.

Mr. Koch raised concerns with the parking in the front of the building and suggested that one lane of parking be eliminated and greenspace be added between the road and the shops. Mr. Dragat noted that the State owns the land to the sidewalk.

Mr. Stewart suggested that the front area be signed for short term parking so that patrons eating at the restaurant park elsewhere. Mr. Gray noted that there is no entrance to Apollo’s from the back of the plaza. Mr. Stewart suggested that the subject of the timber wall be reconsidered, as it may not be a good long term solution.

Mr. Stephenson suggested that a depiction of the project, as seen from 45 degree angles, be rendered. He requested drawings which include the location of the kitchen mechanicals. He suggested that the proposed front entrance be reviewed to assure that it meets the fire code. He noted that members of the board have suggested that the colonnade entrance be simplified. Mr. Gray questioned the use of the columns and stated that he prefers brownstone for the stone wall. He questioned the use of a canopy at the entrance. Mr. Johnson stated that they will use lighting to create hidden space and use umbrellas on the patio for ambiance.

Mr. Stephenson reviewed the requests of the board: (1) perspective views of the project, (2) views of the mechanical equipment, (3) removal of one or two pergolas, (4) removal of one or two colonnades, (5) check on whether the fire code is met in the front of the building, (6) information on the color of the awnings, and (7) the phasing plan for the project.