HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes COM 11-07-19 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agenda is because the item cannot be removed from Committee unless fully withdrawn.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
• The scope of work includes landscaping,creating a drive aisle drop off area on the west side of the
building with pavers, similar to what exists outside Anthony's Chophouse.On page 3 of the Submitted
Packet is a rendering of the drop off area.As you drive up to the drop off area there will be a new asphalt
111 drive with landscape islands.
• We plan on screening the loading dock area. It will become its primary function;a loading docket only.
• Just to the east we will create a brand new courtyard.
• Currently, one is able to drive all the way through the property. This project will close the south drive and
create a new courtyard experience on the south,which will open up to a brand new ballroom.This will no
longer be a thru drive,but a lawn. Currently paving stepping stones leads people around the chapel to the
reception area.A new walk will connect those two spaces.
• The primary entrance is still the two Illinois St.entrances. We want to encourage the drivers to turn and
drop off at the northwest corner of the building.As they come around we want them to be forced to turn
around. We are proposing moving the existing entrance along Meridian St.be moved south.
• We are not making any improvements to Meridian St.
• The new Lauth hotel is to the north.Lauth will be installing a new walk all the way down. Staff asked us
to include a walk across the landscape island.This addition has been made and we are happy to add
sidewalks in the landscape islands to connect the building to the Illinois St. sidewalks. There are existing
sidewalks in those landscape islands. We will meet the existing width on those sidewalks.
• We are removing the drive aisle just to the south of the building.
• Another courtyard is proposed on the northeast corner of the building. It will have access to another
ballroom. Some parking will be lost as a result.The primary walk is to the side entrance or you can be
dropped off at the front entrance.
• A nice landscape hedge will surround the north courtyard, so users will not see the drives.Just to the east
is the new drop-off area. String lights will be present,as well as airy trees.The courtyard will include
seating,cocktail tables, or however the end-users plan to utilize the space.
• The south courtyard will include art elements,especially a light feature meant for Instagram moments.
These courtyards accomplish this.
• We will be seeking a sign variance for a floating letter signs.This is near the main drop off facing west.
• Page 11 and 12 of the Submitted Packet are precedence pictures we drew inspiration from.The proposed
light fixture is similar to the image titled South Courtyard Light Art.The light fixtures will be shorter and
won't have the large structure on the top.
• The courtyards will have a combination of sidewalk and crush stone to create a soft space.
• The type of screen wall we wish to create is in the image titled Screen Wall(page 11 of the Submitted
packet).
• We will introduce mixed materials on the site instead of all brick and asphalt.
• The images titled Ballroom Window Walls(page 12)is our primary precedent photo for the ball rooms.
Natural light will be further used in these spaces. Folding doors can be utilized to further increase the
lighting while creating an indoor-outdoor space.
• Another key element is that the brick will be painted a lime wash finish to brighten and soften it up.The
precedent image titled Exterior Paint is the color we are aiming for.Additional landscaping will be added
to balance all the materials on site.
• Staff did ask for a lighting photometric plan.We shared with Staff the light rings and not the foot-candles.
We will turn over a new lighting plan to show that we are not over the property line.
• Staff also asked about the loss of parking.Currently the property has adequate parking over what is
required. 340 spaces are required. We are losing,with the new courtyard,32 spaces.Because the
landscape islands we are losing an additional 16 spaces. With those loses we are still providing 352
spaces.The Ritz Charles has expressed many times that they are not concerned with the loss of parking.
Department Report: Rachel Keesling:
• The petitioner touched on the major changes.The Committee recently approved the Lauth hotel and
office building to the north(19060018 DP)and discussed shared parking between the two developments.
I was a little concerned with parking,but am excited about the changes and the experience for users. I
spoke with the petitioner about valet parking as an option,which is why it is mentioned in the Department
Report. We spoke the possibility of valet parking in the loading area.The petitioner will look at this as
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 7
they need to. The idea being out there makes me feel better.There is still enough parking for their
required usage. Are you all still comfortable with the parking even with the parking agreements?Bill
Nicholls: Yes. I'm sure several people at this meeting have visited during the ten peak days a year at the
Ritz Charles. Yes people were required to walk quite a distance to reach the building,but out of the 365
days over the last 30 years this is not that much. Over the past two months the parking lot has been at its
fullest because the Hyatt Place hotel has asked to use our parking for their construction workers.The
north flank has been used by IU Health during their construction of the new cancer center.Typically these
flanks sit fallow. We are confident that even with the Lauth buildings we will still be in good shape.
• Outstanding items I included in which the petitioner provided to me via email are the photometric plan. I
am not worried about this and the foot-candles should be down to 0.3 at the property line. The Urban
Forester approval is good to go except for one tree. I asked for before and after images of the lime
washing. We saw this tonight. I asked for a larger site plan showing the sidewalk connections. I asked for
one last connecting piece along from Illinois St. sidewalk to the landscape islands.
• I like how the sign is going to be redone along the Illinois St. entrance.The ballrooms are unique. The
light exhibit is artwork and is permitted.
• The signage does need a variance and will need to go through the BZA. It's unique and is tastefully done,
especially with evergreen trees in the background.
• Staff is in support of the project. I originally recommended the petition be continued to the next
Committee meeting because of the number of outstanding items. Since all the items have been provided
to Staff,we are amending our recommendation to approval pending the updated site plan with new
sidewalk connections,photometric plan,and Urban Forester approval.
Committee Comments:
Laura Campbell:
• I am excited for this petition.This will freshen up the Illinois St.view.
• The outdoor pavilion,will there be any covered connection?Bill Nicholls:No. We are not really
modifying it in any way. In a different phase of this project we may end up doing so because there is a
demand for ceremony space.
• For the courtyards,what size crowd could it accommodate?Bill Nicholls: We have designed them so that
we end up with three private events at the same time.One wedding may use the wedding chapel to the
garden pavilion.Then a second wedding will use the south courtyard with rooms A, B,and C. Room E
will be used with the north courtyard for a third wedding. Room D would sit fallow. Everyone will feel as
if they have their own area. We are also excited about turning the back door into a front door.
• I am glad you talked about the parking spaces. That is always a concern. Even with all the events are you
confident?Bill Nicholls: Yes.The goal is to grow the business to the point where more parking is
required.
Alan Potasnik:
• Since you all are committed to sharing parking,how would a user for the new Lauth building access that?
Corrie Meyer: We did not include the whole Lauth site plan. A drive is planned and will extend north
into their property. We have accommodated for that in the parking space counts.
• Can you please go over the loading dock area?Will the trucks remain there?Corrie Meyer: The trucks
are visible today. We are adding a screen wall across the west side of the loading area.As you enter you
will not see the loading area and trucks.There is adequate space for the truck to navigate and turn around.
The dumpster will also be behind the screen wall.
• The south dining room area,next to the south drive aisle,will be knocked out?Corrie Meyer: All the
building edges will remain the same. We are punching in windows on that south elevation.Alan
Potasnik: That will remain a ball room?Corrie Meyer: Yes.Bill Nicholls: We are trying to make it all
glass. Corrie Meyer: The south façade will be all windows all the way across.The drive aisle will
become a courtyard and is about the same size as the south ball room.Alan Potasnik: You won't be able
to drive around the building at all. Corrie Meyer: From the south no,but from the north yes.Bill
Nicholls: Because of the configuration of the thoroughfares, I am paranoid about drivers on the south
drive aisle as a motor speedway. We installed speed bumps for our workers sake. Laura Campbell: I
think it does improve the flow.Alan Potasnik: This will make a huge difference.
• The north drive aisle will remain?Corrie Meyer: We are shifting it to the south.Alan Potasnik:
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 8
Individuals won't be able to access from the north?Corrie Meyer: That entrance will remain.Bill
Nicholls: We are hoping to have a separate entrance for a private event. The façade adjacent to the north
courtyard will be replaced with window,folding door,and the limestone wash.
• Having those hotels on either side are going to be an asset for you. Bill Nicholls: The corporate side of
the Cannel base will be an interesting part of the future. We are excited.
Laura motions to approve Docket#19100009 with the conditions of Urban Forester approval,updated
photometric plan,and updated sidewalk connection is submitted to Staff,John seconds,3-0,absent
Kirsh.
8. Docket No. 19100007 ADLS Amend: Penske Honda&Pre-owned buildings—Exterior Renovations
The applicant seeks site plan and design approval for exterior renovations to the Penske Honda building and
the Pre-owned building. Renovations include new signage and exterior façade materials. Combined,the sites
are 11.25 acres in size.The buildings are located at 4140 E.96th Street and 4100 E.96th Street.The sites are
zoned B-3 and are not located within any overlay zone. Filed by Matthew Hoener of TGD Architects on
behalf of the owner.
Petitioners: Matthew Hoener(TGD Architects):
• We are doing required updates to the building,required by Honda corporate.The biggest change is the
cylinder where the Honda logo is in the center of the 4140 E. 96th St,building. Currently,the cylinder
stops and is open below.The new design is a full cylinder with open windows where you can walk under.
The current site has 40' of canopy before one reaches the doors.
• We are also proposing a new glass vestibule underneath the existing canopy to provide a weather break
before one walks into the showroom.
• There is an accent tile band that goes along the perimeter of the wall and roof line. This is being replaced
with ACM metal panels.The blue is the same color,but is being updated.
• All the EIFS will be fixed,repaired,and repainted.
• The white metal coping will be replaced with silver metal coping.
• The exterior pillars will have a new block base to match the Honda Express Service building,the old
Harley Davidson building,we renovated last year(Docket#18020001 ADLS Amend). Some of those
details will be used on this proposal, like the grey block base.
• The wave will stay and will be refreshed with metal panels.New signage is proposed and we will be seen
by the BZA on November 25th,2019(Docket#19100011 V).
• For the pre-owned building,(4100 E. 96th St.)other than signage,a blue band is being added across the
building,a block base on the columns is proposed,and EIFS will be repainted.
• The EIFS is off yellow and will be white to match the Honda Express Service building.
• The Express building renovation was completed at the beginning of this year.
• Rachel Keesling: What happened to the service sign?Matthew Hoener: It was removed.All service
signs were removed because all service is now at the Express building.Any quick service will be there.
Any long-term service will take place at the Sales building(4140 E.96th St.). In the rear is long-term
service for engine,transmission,or anything of that type of repair.
• Behind the pre-owned building is the body/collision shop.
• The old service area is now for new car delivery.
Department Report: Rachel Keesling:
• I have been to this site before to test drive a car.The building is set back.There is an awning and steps up
to the building. Matthew Hoener: It is about 3' from grade to the sales floor. We will be redoing the
steps.
• The changes they are making are in line with what exists in the area,but with a fresh look.The building
will be white to match the Express Service building.That is a positive.
• The new cylinder element is more modern and gives the building a fresh look.
• Signage has to be seen by the BZA.By separating them it becomes two signs."Penske Honda"is one
sign and by separating them they are two separate signs.This becomes a total of three signs.
• The changes for the pre-owned building changes are simple and a refresh.
Commercial Committee Minutes 10-01-19 9