HomeMy WebLinkAboutPre-Application CommentsC 1 Y 0 F M 1 A M
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MAJOR USE SPITCTAT. PF:RVI11
LOFTS AT MAYFAIR PHASES I & II
3339 VIRGINIA ST.
4-6-2004
The following comments represent the urufied 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.
Urban Design
• The committee would like to commend the applicant on the successful resolution of the parking and
loading area. Positive urban design characteristics include the fact that the loading bay access and
service components are placed in the alley, there is only one curb cut for garage access, located
adjacent to the alley, and all parking is located on the basement level, not visible from the street.
• Consider providing vehicular access to the garage from the alley, if the alley width permits this.
• If this is not possible, relocate the beginning of the ramp's descent into the basement further within
the interior of the garage, as far away from the sidewalk as possible.
• The SD-2 zoning district requires ground floor retail uses. Confirm with the Zoning Department
about this requirement and the possibility of pursuing an exception for ground floor residential use.
• The scale of the building is appropriate for the site.
Alley Usage
Verify with the Zoning and Public Works Departments about the possibility of creating the proposed bridge
over the alley and connecting the parking garage underneath the alley.
Architecture
• The building has an appropriate appearance, and a good amount of transparency through glass,
louvers and balconies. Clarify what materials are proposed for the building, including the louvers and
balcony railings.
• Please provide sections of the building for the next submittal, in order for the committee to further
understand the proposed layout of the project.
Unit Layout
• The committee appreciates the redesigned units within the Phase I portion of the proposal. The units
on the north side of the pool are provided with more appropriate means of access and egress.
I-Iowever, confirm the floor levels of these units as compared to the other units on the second floor.
It is difficult to tell whether they are at the same elevation level as the pool terrace, or the same
elevation level as the other units.
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.
• The exercise .n to the south of the pool represents a more a, .prtate use of this area, rather than
the unit proposed for this space in the previous proposal.
• The units in the Phase II portion of the proposal which face the alley are inappropriate. The first
floor terraces of the units are directly opposite service elements such as the trash room, FPI, vault and
loading bays. The units shall be re -oriented so that they front on the courtyard, and their "service"
elements, such as the kitchen and bathrooms face the alley, which is the case of the units in the Phase
I Parcel. This will create a more active courtyard, because of the additional balconies and windows
which will be provided in units fronting on the courtyard.
• The two ground floor units in the Phase II portion of the project, which front on the alley, opposite
the loading bay, which do not open onto the courtyard, may not be appropriate for residential use.
These units could be utilized as storage or additional residential amenity areas.
Landscaping
Provide a landscape plan, tree survey and a tree disposition plan indicating which trees are to remain, be
removed or be relocated. The tree disposition plan shall illustrate the location of any overhead or underground
utilities, the location of the proposed new construction, and the new locations of existing trees to be relocated
on site.
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.
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