HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes COM 11-07-19 • There is a side entrance with a little stoop and covered bracketed support roof.
• Only one can light is under the roof that is being added.
• We are doing virtually nothing on the site.All the utilities are existing and will remain within the existing
curbs.
• Signage is remaining the same.
• Landscaping has been approved after a few changes were suggested by the Urban Forester. Most
landscaping remains the same,except new plantings around the new addition.
• A trash enclosure is included.There are just three trash cans.A picture can be found on page six of the
Submitted Packet. It is basically just a cedar fence painted white.It will be 60"tall and cover the trash
cans without being too obtrusive.The railings on page six will used for the new stoop.
Department Report: Rachel Keesling:
• The petitioner touched on everything.The owner originally did want to fill in the wrap around porch.The
rear addition,we can approve. It fits with the character of the existing building. It is a Character Building
per the Unified Development Ordinance(UDO)and it is important that any additions do match the design
of the original building.This addition could look as if it has always been there.
• No landscaping, sidewalks,or parking will be altered.The petitioner is simply filling in a grassy area with
the addition.They are not at risk of exceeding lot coverage. Everything meets the UDO requirements.
• Staff recommends approval.
Committee Comments:
Joshua Kirsh:
• Is this a final voting authority?Rachel Keesling: Yes.
Joshua motions to approve Docket#19100006.
John Adams:
• I have one question. Will the addition have an entrance on the west side?William Brosius: The north
side.This is the employee entrance only.The customers will enter from the front.John Adams: There is
a sidewalk extension?William Brosius: Yes, it is only 7' long from the parking lot to the entrance.
Rachel Keesling: The walk for the customers is on the south side of the property.John Adams: That will
be marked for the customers?William Brosius: I think so.Joshua Kirsh: I think it is currently marked
right now. William Brosius: There is a sign hanging inside the door that says"Employees Only."
John seconds,4-0.
4. Docket No. 19050014 DP/ADLS: Avid Hotel
5. Docket No. 19050015 V: ZO Chapter 5.07(D)(3)—Meridian Corridor Architectural Standards,
Massing requiring two principal buildings on a lot with over 300' in width,requesting one principal
building
The applicant seeks site plan and design approval for a new hotel(90 rooms)and mixed use building(up to 7
first floor tenants)on 1.23 acres.The building will be 51,518 sq.ft.,4 stories/55' tall,and will have 97+
parking spaces provided(shared parking with CMC Office).The site is located at about approximately 13300
Illinois Street(NW corner of Main Street and US 31).The site is zoned MC/Meridian Corridor and is not
within any overlay zone. Filed by Jim Shinaver and Jon Dobosiewicz of Nelson&Frankenberger on behalf of
Jim Jacob of Saamrajya,LLC.
Petitioners: Jim Shinaver&Jon Dobosiewicz of(Nelson&Frankenberger)and Jimchacko Jacob& Sam Patel
(Saamrajya,LLC)
Jon Dobosiewicz:
• This petition was last in front of the Plan Commission(Commission)on July 16,2019. Subsequent to that
the project appeared in front of the BZA on July 22,2019 for a Use Variance request(19050016 UV)to
allow a certain component of the hotel use on the first floor.A hotel is a permitted use,by right,but only
on the second floor and above. We asked the BZA for consideration to allow the lobby and laundry
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 3
facilities to be located on the first floor. The request was denied and we took a few months to readjust.
The petitioner decided to move forward with the use on the second floor and above.
• A couple of items on your agenda are different from the actual proposal.The agenda lists the building
height as 155', it is approximately 55' in height. Previously there was 102 rooms and is now reduced
down to 90 rooms. Square footage,as revised, is 51,518.
• A couple of the items that came up at the Commission that we were asked to address with regard to the
building: On page 11 and 12 of the Submitted Packet are the building renderings.Because of printer
calibration or otherwise,you can see the red appears to be very vibrant.
• Jon presented a brick sample(Building Materials 11-07-19).
• The red is more of a muted brick(page 3 of Building Materials 11-07-19).(Page 2 of Building Materials
11-07-19)is the darker of the two shades. Tan brick represents the lighter of the two shades(page 1 of
Building Materials 11-07-19). Lastly,the there is a small blue band under the awning. That color is
similar to the light blue sticky note attached to the light brick sample(page 1 of Building Materials 11-
07-19).
• The lobby and common services of the hotel are located in the space behind the second floor windows
(page 11 of the Submitted Packet). If one enters the building from there they are taken to a vestibule and a
stairway to the right will lead one to a bank of elevators and then there is a second bank of elevators and
stairs further removed from the entrance.There is an elevator that goes to the second floor and a second
elevator that goes from the first to fourth floor. Everything else, identified as commercial, is further
removed to the right are all other uses that will occupy the first floor space with direct access to the
outside from the north.
• Other exhibits that were requested can be found under tab 5 (page 14 of Submitted Packet).This image is
taken from someone standing on the US 31 and W. Main St. interchange.This is someone standing on the
sidewalk overlooking the retention pond.This is not from a vehicle because a driver would have to look
behind their right shoulder.
• Page 15 is traveling northbound on Illinois St.
• Page 16 is looking due east into the property from the entrance along Illinois St.There is a neighborhood
entrance on the west side of Illinois St.which lines up with the development entrance.You can see the
proposed building behind a single story office building.
• Page 17 is further north on Illinois St.traveling southbound.The existing CMC building is brown and the
proposed building is to the right. It is planned and approved for a pad and future building in the
foreground.
• Under tab 6(page 18)are the updated building elevations.
• Tab 7(page 21)contains the floor plans.
• Tab 8(page 26)provides the landscaping plan. One outstanding issue was identified in the Department
Report for landscaping. This regards tree protection fencing detail. It is not that the fencing isn't
specified, it is that there is not a detail on the landscape plan.This is an item we confirmed with Staff that
can be addressed between now and the Commission meeting or even after.
• There were two other outstanding comments.If you turn to tab 9(page 29).This is the lighting plan. We
had not provided that previously.
• Jon passed around the light fixture specifications(titled Lighting Fixtures/Specs).
• The lighting fixtures will match across the parking lot.
• Lastly,we needed Engineering approval. We have confirmed that this is regards to specification
standards. It is not for site layout or plan.
• We are requesting positive approval to the Commission meeting of November 19,2019.
Department Report: Rachel Keesling:
• Page 10 of the July 7,2019 Commission Packet(Packet PC 07-16-19)shows what the building looked
like before the Use Variance request was denied.
• The northwest corner of the proposed building has been brought up and now has more of a presence,with
larger windows.This breaks up the facade and looks better than the previous proposal with the addition of
the lights and windows.
• The petitioners have addressed all of the concerns with the exception of the three outstanding items listed
in the Department Report. The petitioner reviewed these. I wanted to know about building access lighting.
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 4
It looks like there are can lights underneath the second story awning. Some of the drawings had red access
lights at the top of the red tower and I had some additional questions.The overall lighting plan meets the
foot-candle requirements.
• This is a pad ready site in the overall CMC development.Another building can be built across the parking
lot.
• Staff wanted to see what color the bricks would be because the renderings were not as representative as
they could be.Having the samples here helps us understand the brick won't be as bright as depicted.
• The petitioners also provided views from the adjacent roads so Staff could better understand the building
as one drives by. It appears we won't be seeing very much from Illinois St. It is setback and there are
plenty of trees in the right-of-way and along the street and entrance.Jon Dobosiewicz: There are three
intervening buildings,two offices at the entrance and the church,which is further removed from the
south,with an area where the church plans to extend to the north of the existing building.
• With the Use Variance denied they had to move everything to the second story. It took some time for the
petitioners to decide how the project could proceed. Commercial tenants will be present on the first floor.
The building will be mixed-use,which is what the UDO requires.
• This project now meets the requirements for the MC/Meridian Corridor zoning.
• Staff recommends this is sent to Commission with favorable recommendation subject to the three
outstanding comments being worked out.
Committee Comments:
Laura Campbell:
• Why was the Use Variance not approved?The hotel is an approved use,but this is not a walkable area for
commercial uses on the first floor.This is set so far back.Jon Dobosiewicz: I can speak on that.Not to
speak for the BZA,Alan Potasnik sits on the BZA and he may be able to elaborate also.There was
remonstrance from surrounding property owners and generally they did not want the hotel use on the
property. It was not whether or not it was on the first floor or second floor only and above. I believe that
may have contributed to the decision that was made by the BZA. Laura Campbell: To me it seems like
an odd location to have a mixed-use building. What type of commercial uses do you see for the first
floor?Jimchacko Jacob: Originally we wanted just a hotel and not mixed-use. Because it did not work
out we are searching for accountant offices,medical offices,and more service related businesses
compared to sales. Like you said there will not be much foot traffic. Laura Campbell: You don't
necessarily anticipate a restaurant?Jimchacko Jacob: Unless something arises that meshes well. Sam
Patel: The corner section would be a great fit for a restaurant use,which faces the water.
• I am glad you explained the color difference. It seemed really bright.The"AVID"name on the sign; is
the color the brick red or bright red on the renderings?Jimchacko Jacob: It is more of the brighter red.
Sam Patel: It is a brand color.
Alan Potasnik:
• Under tab 5,when you look at the foot print of the hotel(page 14),that is the east side?Jon
Dobosiewicz: This faces the southbound ramp off US 31.You will never see this view if you are on US
31.Alan Potasnik: My concern is that you would see this view from US 31,but you are saying you
won't?Jon Dobosiewicz: Because the ramp sits higher one is unable to view the front end of the office
buildings because of the retaining wall.Alan Potasnik: It is not a pretty view and does not necessarily
reflect Carmel,but if you can't see it then it doesn't make a difference.
• What is the red line on the south elevation?Jon Dobosiewicz: That is a red access band. It will be the
brick red color.Alan Potasnik: It is not a light?Jon Dobosiewicz: Yes.
• In the sign,the word"AVID"is not the same color as the brick?Jon Dobosiewicz:No.Alan Potasnik:
The sign will be lit?Jon Dobosiewicz: It will be internally illuminated letters.
• You mentioned that you can access the building on the first floor. Will a person staying there have to use
the stairs to access the second floor?Jon Dobosiewicz:No,there are two different elevators; one as you
enter the vestibule. There is a stairwell immediately to the right and an elevator that accesses the second
floor. If one proceeds down the hallway,there is an elevator that accesses all four levels of the building. If
you are a quest at the hotel you do not have to go through lobby to access the rest of the rooms.Alan
Potasnik: But if you are coming off the second floor,there is no escalator that is a stairway?Jon
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 5
Dobosiewicz: You walk into the vestibule and there is a stairway,as well as an elevator that only goes to
the second floor.There is another set of elevators that will access all the floors.
• Because of the configuration change the number of rooms has changed from 102 to 90?What were the
other changes?Sam Patel: It was originally 120+.Rachel Keesling: The height is 55' not 155'. That was
a typo. The revised square footage is 51,518.
John motions to forward Docket#19050014� to Plan Commission with positive
recommendation,Laura seconds,3-0,Absent Kirsh.
6. Docket No. 19090002 ADLS Amend: Firestone—Exterior Color Change
The applicant seeks approval to paint the entire building two shades of grey and update signage. The site is
located at 1314 S. Range Line Rd. It is zoned B-1Business and is within the Range Line Road overlay zone.
Filed by Chris Nagy of BFRC,on behalf of the owner.
Petitioner: Brock Long(Firestone):
• I am the area manager for Firestone representing Bridgestone.
• I was told the brick was painted when it was not supposed to be. Currently the paint is being removed.
We are hoping to have that done by the end of next week or the week after based on the weather.Alan
Potasnik: So the paint is being removed?Brock Long: Yes.Alan Potasnik: What will it be replaced
with?Brock Long: The original brick.John Adams: How are you removing the paint?Brock Long:
They are using a chemical on the paint and then power washing. I have a photo of the removal(titled
Paint Removal Photo 10-07-19).
Department Report: Nathan Chavez:
• I spoke with Chris Nagy at Bridgestone and he informed me the brick would be removed and I would be
updated when completed. I just found this out earlier this week and the reason this item is still on the
agenda is because the item cannot be removed from Committee unless fully withdrawn.
• Since the paint is being removed Staff's issue is resolved.
• Brock Long: It is a little bit of a long process unfortunately. Laura Campbell: How long does it take?
Brock Long: They started on Tuesday and have only finished part of the rear facade.
Committee Comments: Alan Potasnik:
• This will have no effect on signage or outside storage?Rachel Keesling: If the brick is removed then we
can proceed with Nathan's approval.Nathan Chavez: One sign is proposed,which fits within the
Spandrel Panel and two incidental signs,which are 3 sq. ft.or less,are being refaced.The light and dark
grey on the upper fascia will remain,which Staff is in support of.
• Nathan Chavez: Staff amends their recommendation for Committee to approve the item tonight.John
Adams: What are we approving again?Nathan Chavez: We are approving a change in the sign, painting
of the upper fascia to light and dark grey,and removal of the paint from the brick.
John motions to approve#19090002 with the condition that the paint is removed from the brick,Laura
seconds,3-0,absent Kirsh.
7. Docket No. 19100009 ADLS Amend: Ritz Charles-Renovations
The applicant seeks site plan and design approval for exterior renovations including but not limited to
modified entry into the site,new sidewalks, landscaping islands, outdoor gathering areas,drop off areas,etc.
The site is 7.95 acres in size. It is located at 12156 N. Meridian Street. It is zoned MC and is not located
within any overlay zone. Filed by Corrie Meyer of Innovative Planning, LLC, on behalf of Bill Nicholls
with the Ritz Charles.
Petitioners: Corrie Meyer(Innovative Planning, LLC)&Bill Nicholls(Ritz Charles)
Corrie Meyer:
• We are updating the property, including increasing the Ritz Charles' presence on Illinois St.The primary
focus is to enhance the entrance experience,while keeping up with building types.Additionally,we
wanted to bring more sunlight into the building.
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 6