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Solon Square update applauded but tabled
(by Sue Reid - July 18, 2012)
Solon Square update applauded but tabled
By SUE REID
Although the Solon planning commission responded favorably last week to the concept of updating a portion of the Solon Square Shopping Center on Aurora Road (Route 43), it tabled proposed alterations to the building facade.
Representatives of Mid-America Management Corp., which owns the plaza, went to the commission with a proposal to modify the west wing, which has been vacant since a Tops store closed there in 2005.
The proposal details three new storefronts that would be created immediately south of the former Stein Mart space. Stein Mart, which moved into the space in 2007, closed this May. A new glass storefront and a new light and dark brick pattern are proposed for that area.
In addition, the south building elevation, facing Aurora Road and the new Huntington Bank property, would get a new facade in light and dark brick, and spandrel glass windows would be added.
Matt Majeed, of MCG Architecture, of Independence, said Mid-America Management Corp. would like to add up to three retail tenants in the renovated space. "We didn't want to continue the original design of the plaza," he said. "It is slightly dated."
While it's a "good move" to improve the marketability of the shopping center, commission member William M. Mazur said, "we are not ready to approve this." He said one issue is that part of the section that would be refurbished is right on the south property line, which is the new Huntington Bank building.
A new man door and awning is proposed in that area. Solon Planning Director Robert S. Frankland told the commission it appears that the awning would project across the southern property line of the lot and a side-yard setback variance. Approval from Huntington Bank, the adjacent property owner, would be needed, he said. With the proposed man door opening onto and being accessed via Huntington Bank's lot, authorization and perhaps an access easement would be required, he said.
Mr. Frankland said it is his understanding that Huntington Bank is reviewing the documents associated with an easement.
Solon Prosecutor Lon Stolarsky said, from a legal standpoint, he would prefer that the commission see the signed easement document before granting any approvals.
The commission also asked to see color samples of the brick that would be added to the building and expressed some concern whether the new facade would be compatible with the balance of the plaza. Elevations illustrating the modified area and remaining building areas in context were requested.
Commission member Eugene Macke Bentley asked if plans are to expand the improvements throughout the shopping center.
Mr. Majeed said they tried to make the new facade complement the rest of the plaza, but it is "tough," because the shopping center was built more than 30 years ago.
In addition, the commission requested drawings associated with improvements to the parking lot in front of the remodeled portion and the Stein Mart space.
"It doesn't make sense to do improvements without fixing the parking lot," commission member Roger C. Newberry said.
"This issue needs tabled," Mr. Mazur said. "The plan is not quite ready to have the t's crossed and i's dotted."
"I have no objection with what is being presented, but it's not quite complete in terms of what is before us," Mr. Newberry said.
"It is a significant improvement with what is there," Mr. Mazur said of the plans.
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