HomeMy WebLinkAboutDR-03-06 - Decision - 0150 Dorset StreetCITY OF SOUTH BURLINGTON
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING & ZONING
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW BOARD
DORSET SQUARE ASSOCIATES — 150 DORSET STREET
DESIGN REVIEW #DR-03-06
FINDINGS OF FACT & DECISION
Michael Dugan, hereafter referred to as the applicant, is requesting design review
approval for the Dollar Stop Store at 150 Dorset Street. Specifically, the applicant is
proposing to: 1) covert the store front to empty space, 2) remove the automatic doors on
the south elevation, 3) install re -used swing doors on the south elevation, 4) fill-in the
area on the west elevation where doors have been removed, and 5) match all finishes to
existing buildings. The subject property falls within Design District 1 of the City Center
Design Review (CCDR) Overlay District. The South Burlington Design Review
Committee reviewed the proposal on September 22, 2003. The South Burlington
Development Review Board reviewed the proposal on October 7, 2003.
Based on testimony given at the above mentioned meetings and on the plans and
supporting materials contained in the document file for this application, the Development
Review Board finds and decides as follows:
FINDINGS OF FACT
1. The applicant is requesting design review approval for the Dollar Stop Store at
150 Dorset Street. Specifically, the applicant is proposing to: 1) covert the store front to
empty space, 2) remove the automatic doors on the south elevation, 3) install re -used
swing doors on the south elevation, 4) fill-in the area on the west elevation where doors
have been removed, and 5) match all finishes to existing buildings.
2. Dorset Square Associates is the record owner of the property.
3. The subject property falls within Design District 1 of the City Center Design
Review (CCDR) Overlay District.
4. Pursuant to Section 11.01(C)(1) of the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations, buildings in this district should uphold the highest quality of design. The
buildings should consist only of natural, indigenous materials (brick or stone) and should
relate directly to the public street.
5. Pursuant to Section 11.01(D)(1)(b) of the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations, the addition or alteration of an exterior wall of a building or structure shall
be subject to design review by the Design Review Committee (DRC) and the
Development Review Board (DRB).
6. The Design Review application was reviewed under Section 11.01 of the South
Burlington Land Development Regulations.
DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA
Design plans for properties within Design District 1 shall comply with the following design
criteria:
(a) Consistent design. Building design shall promote a consistent organization of
major elements; and decorative parts must relate to the character of the design. All
sides of a building shall be designed so that they are compatible in terms of material,
window treatments, architectural accents, cornice/parapet design, etc. The design of
a building should consider the design features of other structures in the area so as
not to be harshly discordant with other nearby buildings.
The building design is not changing as a result of this proposal. The design of the building is
harmonious with those is the area.
(b) Materials used. High quality, attractive materials shall be used on all buildings.
Natural, indigenous materials of stone and masonry are highly encouraged, if not
required. Other materials may be used as an architectural accent provided they are
harmonious with the building and site.
The building materials of the existing building are not changing through this proposal. The
applicant has stated that all finishes will match the existing building, which is harmonious
with the other buildings in the area.
(c) Colors and textures used. The color and texture of the building shall be
harmonious with the building itself and with other buildings on the site and nearby.
Colors naturally occurring from building materials and other traditional, subdued
colors are encouraged. More than three (3) predominant colors are discouraged.
The building is primarily blue and white. The colors will not change through this proposal, as
the applicant has stated that all finishes will match the existing building.
(d) Windows and doors. Window and door treatment shall be a careful response to the
buildings interior organization as well as the features of the building site. The
treatment of windows and doors shall be in a manner that creates a rhythm that
gives necessary order and unity to the facade, yet avoids monotony. For sides of
buildings that face or front public streets, the majority of the first floor's fagade area
shall consist of see -through glass in order to promote pedestrian activity, however,
the windows and doors should be of human scale, so as to welcome pedestrians.
The applicant is proposing to replace the automatic door on the south elevation with a swing
door. This is not a major alteration and staff feels it is in compliance with this requirement.
The Design Review Committee and the Development Review Board feel the building should
contain appropriate windows along the wall facing Dorset Street.
(e) Roofs as a design element. Roofs shall be part of, or define, the style of a building.
They shall be used creatively to break up long facades and potentially long roof lines.
For one-story structures, the minimum and maximum slope of a pitched roof shall be
8 on 12 and 12 on 12, respectively. For structures of two (2) or more stories, the
minimum and maximum slope of a pitched roof shall be 5 on 12 and 12 on 12,
respectively. Only a small portion of roof area may be flat provided it is not visible
from the public street, existing or planned, or does not detract from the overall design
and harmony of the building. Where portions of a roof are flat, architectural elements
such as cornices and parapets shall be included to improve the appearance and
provide interest. Large, low -slope (i.e., less than 5 on 12) gable forms are
discouraged.
No changes to the existing roof are proposed.
(f) Orient buildings to the public street. Buildings shall be designed in a manner that
relates the building to the public street in order to protect the integrity of city blocks,
present an inviting street front and promote traditional street pattems. New buildings
shall be built to the street property line. For existing buildings undergoing renovation,
improvements shall be done to relate the building better to the public street. Such
improvements could include installation of doors and windows facing the public
street.
The building is existing and already oriented to the public street. However, the applicant is
proposing to remove the existing door that faces Dorset Street and fill the space. The
Design Review Committee and the Development Review Board feel this is not in
conformance with this requirement.
(g) Conceal rooftop devices. Rooftop mechanical equipment and appurtenances to be
used in the operation or maintenance of a structure shall be arranged so as to
minimize visibility from any point at or below the roof level of the subject structure.
This criterion is not affected by the proposal.
(h) Promote energy efficiency. Where feasible, the design of a building should
consider solar energy and the use of natural daylight by capturing the sun's energy
during the winter and providing shade during the summer.
This criterion is not affected by the proposal.
DECISION
Motion by , seconded by
to approve design review application #DR-03-06, conditional upon the following
conditions:
1. The door on the side of the building facing Dorset Street shall be replaced with a
window, in accordance with Section 11.01(d) of the South Burlington Land Development
Regulations.
Chuck Bolton —yea/nay/abstain/not present
Mark Boucher —yea/nay/abstain/not present
John Dinklage —yea/nay/abstain/not present
Roger Farley —yea/nay/abstain/not present
Michele Kupersmith —yea/nay/abstain/not present
Larry Kupferman -yea/nay/abstain/not present
Gayle Quimby —yea/nay/abstain/present
MOTION CARRIED by a vote of -_
Signed this day of October, 2003, by
John Dinklage, Chair