Design Review Board Minutes 06/15/2020
Simsbury Design Review Board
Town of Simsbury
Regular Meeting Minutes - Subject to Approval
Monday, June 15, 2020 at 5:30 P.M.
The public meeting was web-based on Zoom at:
https://zoom.us/j/2574297243
Meeting ID: 257 429 7243
PRESENT: Steven Antonio, Anca Dragulski, Polly Rice, Katherine Beal
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Glidden, CFM CZEO, Director of Planning and Community
Development
Jackie Battos, Board of Selectman
Bob Crowther, Economic Development Commission
Laura Barkowski, Land Use Specialist
I. CALL TO ORDER- Chairman Antonio called the meeting to order at 5:37 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPLICATIONS
1. Discussion and Possible Action:
a. 416 Hopmeadow Street - Mitchell Automotive Group - Review of façade improvements
Mark Mitchell opened the presentation by reviewing the history of the property and explained the situation precipitating the requested changes to the façade. The Chrysler brand will be moving to the Canton location of the automotive group and the Volkswagen brand will be moving from the Canton location to Simsbury. Volkswagen has certain changes they would like made in order to conform to the facility to the brand requirements.
Mark Mitchell explained that they are not proposing any changes to the footprint of the building, the car counts will remain the same and interior renovations will be made to showroom, bathrooms and service departments. The exterior changes proposed concern the building façade. Volkwagen brand submitted plans. Volkswagen would like to cover the existing wood section with a metal material, which they would stain it white. The signage would be a separate package. Mr. Mitchell prefers to keep the brick, wood and keep the entry way on the side, where Volkswagen would prefer a more modernize appearance.
Ms. Rice inquired if the drawings presented are the final proposed look or is Mitchell Auto Group still in discussion with Volkswagon over the appearance of the building. Steve Mitchell clarified that one plan is what Volswagen is proposing; however the look they would like to have is more consistent with the look of the Town. Mr. Mitchell stated that they would prefer a similar appearance to the Volvo building.
Chairman Antonio clarified that Mitchell Automotive prefers the plan that includes the brown color, two foot façade being painted white, as to continue the look of the Volvo building and to be consistent with the appearance of Route 10. It was further mentioned that the total glassfront that Volkswagen is proposing is urban looking and may stick out where the Mitchell’s would like to maintain an overall more conservative look in keeping with the character of Weatogue Village.
Ms. Dragulski expressed that she prefers the look that the Mitchells are presenting. The front elevation depicting the glass does not fit with the Simsbury style. Ms. Dragulski is in favor of the aesthetics of the Volvo building and would like this building having a similar look.
Mr. Mitchell indicated that it would helpful if they received written feedback from the Board expressing preference for a more conservative look keeping more with the design that was approved in 1987 and indicating preference to staining the façade rather than covering it in metal and keeping the brick pillars
Chair Antonio stated that it seems the Board is in agreement in its preference to the more conservative look and requested guidance from staff as to the next steps
Mr. Glidden suggested that Board could offer a recommendation indicating preference the wood paneling remain, that it could be stained or painted white to keep with the theme of the other buildings on the site and that this recommendation is strictly for the façade and that any sign package will be submitted separately.
Staff indicated that they could generate correspondence indicating the same.
Chair Antonio made a motion that approve the right elevation and to continue it to the front elevation with the following recommendations:
1. the wood paneling remains and to be stained white to keep with the cues from the other building,
2. This approval would be strictly for the façade and a sign package would be submitted separately.
Motion was seconded by Ms. Rice. Unanimously approved.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Upon review of the meeting minutes and discussion Ms. Rice made a Motion to approve the Minutes of March 16, 2020 with a change on line 31 with a change from mad to made. Seconded by Ms. Dragulski Unanimously Passed.
V. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn made by Ms. Beal. Seconded by Ms. Rice. Unanimously Passed.
Respectfully Submitted,
Laura Barkowski
Acting Clerk