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Building sign gives nod to city planner
(by Mike Klimko - September 17, 2008)
Building sign gives nod to city planner
BY MIKE KLIMKO
The area of the new Car Quest building under construction at Bainbridge and Solon roads in Solon's historic commercial district was tagged Sept. 10 with special name recognition.
The lot at the northeast corner of the intersection was named "Franklands Corner," for city Planning Director Robert S. Frankland, commercial developer Greg Warner said.
The sign with the new name was placed without a permit on the south side of the building on Sept. 10, Mr. Warner said. He declined to provide an explanation for the sign.
Mr. Frankland, architectural consultants and other members of the planning department are charged with the review of the design of the building, following the disbanding earlier this year of the architectural board of review.
Mr. Frankland said he did not want to comment on the sign.
Fire destroyed the previous Car Quest store in 2007.
Mr. Frankland summarized plans for the new building in August 2007 for the planning commission.
"As this proposed building reconstruction would be located at one of the most visible and prominent intersections with the historic business district, it is incumbent that increased scrutiny be given to the design of this structure," Mr. Frankland said in a report.
Plans approved by city officials before construction was begun included a variance of 12 feet less than the required 20-foot setback from Solon Road and two additional parking spaces, because the new building is 390 square feet larger than the original building.
Mr. Frankland rated the color of the building and design of the facade facing Solon Road as two significant issues for review by the planning commission, according to planning department records.
"The applicant has proposed, and the ABR has approved, a light-colored brick for this building," Mr. Frankland said. "I would suggest that the commission instead consider a deeper brick red for the building, as it will be both in closer context with other significant buildings on this block and will be otherwise more aesthetically appealing," he said.
"The applicant is proposing that the Solon Road elevation of the building be somewhat modest in appearance. Included in this design are two potential punch-outs for the future placement of overhead service doors," he said.
"As the Solon Road frontage of this building is the prominent elevation of the structure, the proposed design is arguably inadequate, and certainly is not consistent with goals of the historic district, nor is it consistent with good design in general to provide overhead doors on this elevation," Mr. Frankland said.
"In work sessions with the planning department, it had been suggested that windows be placed along the span of this elevation to provide for a more appealing and appropriate appearance."
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