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Plans for office in historic district applauded
(by Sue Reid - June 22, 2011)
Plans for office in historic district applauded
By SUE REID
Solon's planning commission approved a site plan and a series of zoning variances last week associated with the conversion of an existing residential structure in the city's historic business district into an office to be used by a financial planner.
This type of use is "perfect" for the district and for the property, Solon Planning Director Robert S. Frankland said. "This is the type of business we want in the historic area."
Property owner Matthew Puflea and his architect, Stephen Ciciretto, presented plans to the commission to convert the residential property at 33505 Solon Road to an office.
"In the end, we wanted the building to look like a single-family residence," Mr. Ciciretto said. The uses for the building would be very light, he noted, and, at most, four people would occupy the building.
The proposed project includes an almost 400-square-foot addition to the rear of the existing structure in order to provide bathroom space and an Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant entryway. The addition would be consistent with the architectural features and building materials used on the existing structure.
Mr. Ciciretto said he would like the building to be an example for other similar uses in terms of how sensitive the property owner is handling the addition.
"A good addition is one you don't even know was put on," Mr. Puflea said.
Mr. Frankland said Mr. Puflea is interested in maintaining the character in the area.
Mr. Ciciretto proposed relocating and reusing existing historic windows on the house.
"It will be owner occupied and look better than it does now," Mr. Puflea said.
Arborvitae will be planted along the parking area, as suggested by the city's landscape architect. The architect had suggested landscape buffering on the entire side yard and rear as the proposed office would abut residentially used land along the entirety of the western side property line. However, Mr. Ciciretto suggested instead more low foundation plantings on the side of the property to better promote the residential integrity in the area. The planning commission agreed to that change.
Also approved as part of the project was a four-space total parking variance. The code requires nine spaces, and only five would be provided.
"It should be noted that most of the parking lot and access-related variances associated with this project will likely be required in association with any attempt to convert this property to commercial use," Mr. Frankland said. "As it is one of the purposes of the C-1 zoning district to promote the conversion of residential structures to commercial use, it would seem that some degree of leniency is warranted -- so long as the approved site conditions are in accordance with minimum standards for public health, safety and welfare."
Mr. Frankland said that a professional office, such as a financial planner, is likely to have a lesser impact on the site and the general area as would any other use that is permitted within the C-1 zoning district.
Another example of a residential structure converted to a business in the historic area is the Swirl Wine Bar, at 33325 Bainbridge Road, slated to open this summer.
The residential preservation area includes the properties around the intersection of Bainbridge and Solon roads.
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