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PLANNING D E P\ R T M E N T
PRE -APPLICATION DESIGN REVIEW COMMENTS
MAIOR USE SPECIAL PERMIT
URBAN RIVER
NV' 7TH S.?'. & NW 7TH AVE.
2-15-05
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.
The committee would like to compliment the applicant for your cooperation during the design review process,
and your willingness to adjust the project in order to comply with the Special Permit design guidelines. The
committee finds the project to be substantially improved over the previous version of the project submitted for
review.
Context
The committee appreciates the submittal of the survey and the aerial and street -level site photographs,
in order to understand the project's relationship to its surroundings.
Urban Design
• The new layout and site planning of the project is appropriate, as the following design elements have
been successfully incorporated:
1. the provision of residential units and retail space fronting all four streets with units lining the
entire garage height (except the portion adjacent to the cell phone tower to remain on the site),
2. the use of only one vehicular entrypoint for access to the project,
3. the internalization of loading functions within the garages,
4. the provision of an open garden fronted with townhouse units and loft units above within the
center of the block (however, consider providing access to the garden which allow access for
residents without having to cross vehicular traffic areas)
• Please provide more information regarding the existing transmission tower to remain on the site.
Pursue the possibility of relocating this tower to the roof of the tallest portion of the building on the
site, once the building is completed. This would enhance the project, and allow for more building
frontage on the street, while still maintaining a transmission location within the site.
• The addition of bollards within the vehicular entry plaza off of NW 7'I, St. in order to separate vehicle
and pedestrian spaces and allow direct pedestrian connection from the sidewalk to the lobbies of the
building is appropriate.
Architecture
• In the next submittal, please include all window and door operungs in the floor plans, and indicate all
building materials on the elevation drawings.
• Provide paint chip samples of the proposed colors in order for the committee to better review the
actual effect of the proposed color scheme for the building. Consider the addition of some color to
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 building elevations, as in the previous submittal. A highlight or accent color would be an
appropriate addition to compliment the shades of white and grey in the current elevation drawings.
• Provide an elevated ground floor level for the townhouses, incorporating stoops within the design,
which enhances the level of privacy for these units and is more appropriate for the townhouse
architectural typology.
• If the relocation of the transmission tower is not possible, and a portion of the garage will remain
exposed on the north elevation, it is critical to provide garage openings which conceal all vehicles and
mechanical systems from view. Provide details of the proposed materials to cover the garage
openings.
Landscaping
• Please coordinate the landscape plan and the ground floor plan, and remove the continuous shrub in
front of the townhouse units facing the streets, allowing for direct access between the sidewalk and
each townhouse unit. A decorative fence and gates (with visual transparency above 42" in height)
may be provided for security purposes.
• Pursue with the Public Works Department the possibility of locating the street trees at the edge of
curb in the public right of way. This will provide a better buffer between vehicular and pedestrian
traffic.
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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