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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-Application ReviewK C I T Y 0 F M I A M I • PLANNING A N D ZONING DEPARTIENT PRE -APPLICATION DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS MAJOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT SUBSTANTIAL MODIFICATION COUSINS PROPERTIES INC. (COLUMBUS OFFICE TOWER SITE) 50 N BISCAYNE BLVD. 6-22-2004 The following comments represent the unified vision of the Pre -Application Design Review Committee, which consist of all staff members in the Urban Design and Land Development Divisions. COMMENTS: The following comments are being made in an effort to develop projects to their highest potential and make a significant contribution to improving the quality of our built environment with great architecture and urban design. Architectural Design • The Burle Marx paving pattern is not appropriate as an aesthetic device to be applied to the building's elevations, columns and pool deck. It is an appropriate idea to incorporate the Burle Marx paving pattern from the public sidewalk into the private realm of the building by continuing or abstracting the paving pattern within the building's lobby, if so desired. However, the committee does not find it appropriate to continue the paving pattern within the loading and vehicular entry areas. • Consider collaborating with the Burle Marx form, based in Rio De Janeiro, in order to receive their input on the possible application of their design ideas into this project. The Planning and Zoning Department can supply contact information for the firm, if requested. • The proposal provides a good amount of retail and lobby frontage on Biscyane Boulevard, Flagler and NE 2nd Ave., while minimizing the amount of space for vehicular entry. • The idea of having an opening through the building on the pool deck level is appropriate and provides a large amenity deck for building residents. Submittal • Provide elevation drawing details, showing all of the building's lower elevations at the street level, at a scale no less than 1/8"-1', in order for the committee to review the building's impact on the pedestrian realm. • Provide an indication of colors and materials on all of the elevation drawings in order for the committee to provide a complete set of comments regarding the building's appearance. • Provide an elevation drawing of the north side of the building. This drawing was not included in this submittal. • Because this project constitutes a substantial modification from the previously approved Major Use Special Permit for this site, the project will be required to go back to the Large Scale Design review committee for review. If any significant changes in the proposal result from this meeting, the project may be required to be seen again by the Urban Development Review board. It is our intention with these comments to aid in expediting Special Permit applications with your voluntary efforts in making the necessary changes; thereby, avoiding any preventable delays particularly prior to a project's submission to the Large Scale Development Committee or the Urban Development Review Board. Loading • • It is inappropriate to provide loading access which requires reversing off of NE 1" St. Incorporate the required loading spaces so that they are accessed from within the garage and loading vehicles do not have to reverse to or from the public right of way. Garage • Because of the importance of this at the intersection of Flagler St. and Biscayne Boulevard, please modify the garage podium to include liner program with a minimum of 15' of habitable living or working space for at least the first three floors on all street sides. This will create a more active and attractive facade, and provide eyes on the street. • The committee appreciates the concept of incorporating an artistic treatment for the upper part of the garage facade that will not contain liner program. However, consider an alternative solution to the one currently proposed, or consider collaborating with the Burle Marx firm to work on the facade design, as mentioned earlier. • It is critical that parked cars and mechanical systems within the garage be hidden from view. Where parking garage facades will be adjacent to streets, provide details of the materials proposed to cover the garage openings, and indicate how all vehicles and vehicular ramps will be concealed from public view. Landscaping • Submit a landscape plan that specifies the species (common and botanical names), sizes (height x spread and/or container size) at time of planting, quantities, and proposed locations of all plant materials, existing and proposed. The landscape plan shall include planting details and planting specifications. It is our intention with these comments to aid in expediting Special Permit applications with your voluntary efforts in making the necessary changes; thereby, avoiding any preventable delays particularly prior to a project's submission to the Large Scale Development Committee or the Urban Development Review Board. 2