WELLESLEY DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SEPTEMBER 24, 2008
REGULAR MEETING
GREAT HALL, TOWN HALL
Members Present: |
Robert Skolnick, Ingrid Carls, Ed Hand, Sheila Dinsmoor, and Ethan Parsons |
Also Present: |
Jason Pavillo, Edward Levitan, Katherine Babson, Michael Eby, Suzy Newman, Suzy Littlefield, Cynthia Westerman |
Mr. Skolnick brought the meeting to order at 7:30 pm.
1. |
7:30 pm |
RBC Wealth Management |
380-386 Washington St. |
Awning (2) |
DRB: 63-08, 64-08 |
Mr. Jason Pavillo of Back Bay Sign came before the Board for review of two awning signs to be located at the offices of RBC Wealth Management at 380-386 Washington St. The applicant is requesting the replacement of text on two existing awnings. The wording on the signs would be changed from “RBC Dain Rauscher” to “RBC Wealth Management”. The dimensions of sign A would remain 12’ by 2’ with 7 and 1/16” white letters on a green background with a logo and red stripe. The dimensions of sign B would remain 5’ by 2’ with 2 and 13/16” white letters on a green background with a logo and red stripe. The signs would not be illuminated.
The Board felt signs should be made consistent by centering the words and correcting the scale of the logos. The applicant noted that the supporting artwork distorts the text and that he would clear the matter up with the business owner prior to final construction.
The Board, after a brief discussion, established the proposed awning signs meet the by right requirements of the Sign Bylaw and Design Guidelines and moved, seconded and voted unanimously to:
“Recommend the Building Inspector approve the proposed awning sign to be located at 380-386 Washington Street to read “RBC Wealth Management” as presented.”
2. |
7:35 pm |
Visions Medical Center |
170 Worcester Street |
Wall (2) |
DRB: 61-08, 62-08 |
The applicant came before the board after being absent from the previously scheduled meeting to request two new wall signs for their 170 Worcester Street location. Sign A would measure 96” wide and 24” high. The letter height would be 5.4”. The sign would be made of aluminum and consist of the colors: white, blue and black. The sign would read: “Visions Medical Center: A Complete Approach to Health”. Sign B would measure 48” by 48”. The letter height would measure 4.75” and consist of the colors: white, blue and black. The sign would read: “Visions Medical Center: A Complete Approach to Health”. Neither sign would be illuminated.
The Board, after a brief discussion, expressed that they would prefer the words “A Complete Approach to Health” be removed from the sign or replaced with the words “Health Care” because superlatives are not allowed. The applicant promised to decide which of the two alternatives he favored and submit to the Board his decision. The applicant requested permission to add an arrow to Sign B pointing visitors in the direction of the main entrance. The Board approved this request.
The Board, after a brief discussion, established the proposed signs meet the by right requirements of the Sign Bylaw and Design Guidelines and moved, seconded and voted unanimously to:
“Recommend the Building Inspector approve the two wall signs proposed to be located at 170 Worcester Street to either read “Visions Medical Center” or “Visions Medical Center/ Health Care” and to approve the addition of an arrow on Sign B (48” x 48”)”
3. |
7:45 pm |
Permanent Building Committee |
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High School Project |
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The members of the School Building Committee (SBC) introduced themselves. Mr. Eby explained that the presentation was a preliminary showing of the design, and that the architects and SBC are anticipating approval from the Massachusetts Building Authority in order to proceed with a more detailed design. The project poses considerable constraints due to the site and the budget. Overall the project is fairly conservative for these reasons.
Mr. Pitkin of SMMA presented a slide show of what the SBC has received. The design is still in a schematic phase and will remain so until Town Meeting approves of the budget. The building will have a traditional form, using materials such as red brick and stone on the façade. The building is designed to last 50+ years. The academic wings have good solar orientation and take advantage of the quiet, wooded side of the site (south and west). Mr. Pitkin explained the circumferential path is a requirement of the Fire Department. Toward the north the building will have public exposure, with the civic uses located to the north, such as the auditorium and the gymnasium. There will be a common area inside the building, with access to a courtyard on the westerly side and strong axial
corridors running through the wings. The schematic design attempts to be economical and tries to foster a positive learning environment for the students. Mr. Pitkin noted that the schematic design takes many of the most positive elements from the Whitman-Hanson model school and incorporate them into the Wellesley design.
Mr. Pitkin discussed several of the sustainable elements of the new high school, noting that the Massachusetts School Building Authority offers incentives for meeting certain sustainable criteria. In general, the compactness of the building and the efficient use of space are intended to reduce energy consumption. A green roof is proposed for two sections of the roof on the northern side, above the auditorium. Photovoltaic panels are proposed for two sections of the roof on the southerly side of the building. Ms. Babson noted that the photovoltaic panels might light 26 classrooms. The SBC and SMMA are also experimenting with geothermal technologies, rainwater harvesting and low-impact stormwater management systems.
Mr. Hand expressed some concern over shadows cast on the green roof since it is proposed to be located on the northerly side of the building. Mr. Pitkin responded that it is possible to pull the garden back from the façade, to plant shade and drought tolerant plants and that a small amount of soil can accomplish a successful garden. Mr. Pitkin noted that there would be controlled access and the plans were merely a diagrammatic illustration.
Mr. Skolnick expressed some concern over the location of the gymnasium on the second floor. In particular, he questioned the ease of access from the main entrance to the gym up the stairs. Mr. Pitkin responded that due to the site constraints it is a space-saving attempt, that it is not an uncommon strategy. Furthermore the gym would reach to the roof and therefore have an increased amount of light from large windows. Ms. Carls asked how the windows would be configured. Mr. Pitkin responded that they are still working out the details of the windows to resolve issues of interior and exterior rhythm and interest, cost and interior glare. Mr. Pitkin noted that overall the building materials on the façade can resemble those on the library. The architects are experimenting with
cornices, materials, facades, scaling, glass, the canopy and other detailed elements.
Ms. Carls expressed that she liked the design, especially the circulation and the centralized parking. She would like to emphasize the clock tower. Mr. Hand asked whether the plans could change after the state approves of the project. Mr. Pitkin and the SBC noted that many elements could change with the exception of the cost and the square footage.
The conversation turned toward scheduling future meetings with the DRB. There will be two more PBC meetings before Town Meeting in October. Mr. Hand would like to see changes as they are made and as time allows for their presentation. A model will soon become available. The DRB would like to see the model. Dates of further meetings will be discussed.
The Board carried over the minutes to the September 24, 2008 meeting.
The Board adjourned at 9:20 pm
Ethan Parsons
Planner
Minutes Approved: 10/8/08
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