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Carmel Plan Commission
COMMERCIAL COMMITTEE
Tuesday, August 1, 2023 Department Report
3. Docket No. PZ-2023-00140 ADLS Amend: Aloft/Element Hotel design revisions.
The applicant seeks design approval for the rebranding of the Aloft hotel to a Tribute by Marriott (Tallison Hotel).
The design of the Element hotel remains the same. The site is located at 10200-10210 Pennsylvania Pkwy. It is
zoned MC/Meridian Corridor and is not located within any overlay districts. Filed by Mark Eriksson of CSO on
behalf of the owner.
Project Overview:
The Aloft/Element Dual-brand Hotel was originally approved in January 2019 under Docket Nos. 18100015 DP/ADLS,
18100016-19 V, and 18110003-4 V. The proposed changes are to the exterior design of the Aloft (or western part of the)
Hotel. The Element hotel remains unchanged. North of this site is the Comfort Inn, also zoned MC/Meridian Corridor. To
the southeast of this site is the Methodist Medical Plaza, also zoned MC/Meridian Corridor. Please see the Petitioner’s
Information packet for more details.
Site Plan, Engineering, and Landscaping: No changes are proposed.
Architectural Design:
The main modification to the previously approved building design and cause for Committee review is the changing of
hotel brands, thus altering the exterior design of the building. Previously, under the Aloft brand, a large, swooping bar or
band of multiple colors was the primary feature element for the southwest exterior corner of the building. The new feature
element is a much smaller “cornice” type, with exposed structural wood beams and a wood (or wood-look) ceiling. Up
lights would shine to provide a nighttime focal view.
A second change with the removal of the multi-color band is to the overall height of the building. The new parapet height
without the multi-color band is nearly 10’ lower than previously approved. The top of the parapet is now 75’1 3/8”, when
it was previously 84’6” (to the top of the multi-color band). The main level vehicular drop off/entry has been modified as
well.
Lighting:
The project under review does not propose any additional lighting. Building accent lighting is lessened compared to the
original approval. The main Aloft branding component – the large, swooping, multi-colored branding stripe over the
signage and cutting down “through” the south façade of the building – is being removed. A smaller accent element is
proposed for the top southwest corner of the building. It will be lit from the below, with light aimed to highlight the
stained wood exterior ceiling.
Signage:
The Petitioner proposes new signage simply to reflect the new brand name: The Tallison. Details around the proposed
signage specifications have not yet been provided. However, the general style shown in renderings matches the originally
approved design in style and color. The Petitioner will apply for a sign permit prior to installation, as is required.
DOCS Remaining Comments/Concerns: none.
Recommendation:
The Department of Community Services recommends the Commercial Committee votes to Approve this item this
evening.