Town of Wellesley, Massachusetts

Mr. Charles Nardone returned to the Board for review of the minor construction project located at 458 Washington Street. Mr. Jim Zigurtis, an architect from MZO accompanies Mr. Nardone. Mr. Broder gave a recap of the last meeting for Mr. Grissino. Ms. Robertson noted the Board's outstanding review points were that they wanted more consistency and coherence between the windows and proposed panels.

The applicants noted the revisions to the proposed plans. Mr. Broder noted the description of the front gable indicated that the clapboards would be flush and ship lapped. Mr. Broder questioned which technique would be used. Mr. Zigurtis stated all of the gables would be ship lapped with a 1 x 6 exposure.

Ms. Robertson noted the goal has been to introduce consistent elements, and she felt the proposed windows did not have any consistency. She noted there are too many different types of windows. She suggested setting the front façade off by removing the three-part window located on the right side of the elevation.

Mr. Broder questioned if the large Aztec panels would have joints. Mr. Nardone stated the joints would be hidden. Mr. Grissino and Mr. Broder both felt the panels would look better with the joints. Mr. Grissino noted the joint would be an aesthetic feature which would add appropriate scale to the facade. Mr. Grissino stated the panel would appear as a raised panel with a ¾" reveal. Mr. Grissino and Mr. Broder recommended breaking the panels with a 1x 4 trim.

Mr. Grissino questioned why there were 4 columns on the left side of the left side elevation. Mr. Zigurtis stated the idea was to try and frame the window. Ms. Robertson questioned if an additional column could be added. Mr. Zigurtis stated everything proposed would be applied to the exterior and the contractor was trying to stay away from breaking away the bricks. Mr. Grissino asked if the brick could remain exposed between the two columns.

Ms. Robertson asked if there was an alterative to the three part windows. Mr. Grissino questioned if the windows were fixed. Mr. Zigurtis stated the windows were fixed and were simulated divided lights.

The Board after a brief discussion requested a final plan be submitted for the record, and established the proposed minor construction project meets the Design Review Guidelines and moved, seconded, and voted unanimously to:

"Recommend the Building Inspector approve the proposed exterior renovations at the Needham Cooperative Bank located at 458 Washington Street as presented subject to the replacement of the three part windows with double fixed windows, the retention of brick between columns located on the left side elevation, and the inclusion of a joint in the proposed Aztec panels to create the appearance of two recessed panels."

The applicants presented the Board with several standing sign suggestions for the bank. The Board stated they would like to see a clock retained on the site in some fashion. Mr. Skolnick recommended keeping the sign and clock consistent between all of the bank branches. Mr. Broder also recommended the parking lot lights match the proposed lights for the sign.

Mr. Tim Sullivan returned to the Board for review of the signage plan proposed for the Linden Square Development. The signage plan includes various signage location areas either on the building, on the canopy of the building, or on awnings.

The Board began the review with 161 Linden Street. Mr. Broder began the discussion by questioning if the colors represented in the submittal for the signs and awnings were arbitrary. Mr. Sullivan noted the colors were for presentation purposes only and the actual colors would depend on the tenant. Mr. Skolnick stated the variation would give the buildings a lot of character.

Mr. Grissino questioned if the signs were all at a fixed size for the various buildings and locations. Mr. Sullivan stated the examples in the submission show the maximum height of the signs, but the width of the signs would vary depending upon the name of the business.

Mr. Grissino questioned if the buildings would have building numbers. Mr. Sullivan stated the idea of building numbers has been discussed, but has not been finalized. The current concept is to keep building numbers just enough to satisfy the Fire Department. Mr. Skolnick noted the post office might want small numbers placed on the doors of the tenants. Mr. Sullivan stated each tenant would have a small address number on the door, but it would not be fancy.

The Board noted Linden Square has a new logo with Federal Realty and that the previous logo, the Linden Leaf, has been removed. Mr. Grissino felt the new logo was less friendly than the leaf. He noted the Board might need to look at the logo in terms of its presence on the 165 Linden Street's tower with the large logo. Mr. Sullivan stated the logo was used to balance the clock on the 165 Linden Street building.

Mr. Hand noted on some of the 165 signage locations there were options in the sign location. The tenants could place signs on the wall or on the edge of the canopy. Mr. Hand questioned if the intent of the duel locations is for the Board to decide, which they prefer, or for the tenants to have two options. Mr. Sullivan stated the tenants would have the option. Mr. Grissino questioned if there was a difference in size of the sign depending on the location. Mr. Sullivan stated there might be a small width difference.

Mr. Skolnick noted all of the signs would be reviewed by the Design Review Board prior to installation, once installed future tenants would probably locate their signs in the same location. The locations over time would become logical.

The Board discussed the 180 Linden Street building. Mr. Grissino questioned why on the one story portion of the building why the signage is one the wall not on the canopy. Ms. Sullivan stated the entrance door is located under the sign and the sidewalk is narrow. If the sign were on a canopy it could not be directly read. Mr. Grissino noted he preferred the sign to be on the canopy. Mr. Sullivan stated the canopy on that section of the building would have a backing, which the letters would be applied to, rather than individual letters being suspended as they are on other signs.

The Board discussed the 190 Linden Street Building. Mr. Sullivan noted the entire top floor of the 190 building would be occupied by a spa. Mr. Sullivan stated the tenant would have signage at the entrance. Mr. Sullivan noted the sign proposed for the building would need a variance for exceeding the 20 foot maximum height requirements. Mr. Grissino noted he did not think the building appears that high and that the sign location and scale seemed appropriate. Mr. Grissino stated visually he didn't have a problem with the 2nd floor sign, but was concerned with setting a precedent and that the issue needed more discussion.

Mr. Grissino noted the medallion signage proposed for 200 Linden have added a circle with the new Linden Square logo. Besides the logo the Board was fine with the medallion signage. Mr. Grissino stated if the Board wanted to retain the logo, they would need to revisit the design.

Mr. Skolnick raised a question on the awnings proposed for the 162 Linden Street building. Mr. Skolnick noted the signage has been moved from over the entrance door to over the windows. Mr. Skolnick stated currently there are two tenants in the building, but the building could hold 3 tenants. He was curious why the location was chosen. Mr. Sullivan stated the wall sign could be placed over either the door on the display window.

Mr. Sullivan stated he had a minor modification to the 190 building. The Board had previously voted to remove several of the pediments. One pediment remains on the eastern corner of the building. Mr. Sullivan had two proposals for modifying the corner. He suggested, instead of a pediment, a flat top with down lights be installed on the corner. Mr. Broder felt the design alternative was fine. Mr. Grissino stated he would have liked to see some height retained at the corner, but felt the design was OK. Mr. Skolnick suggested decorative lights down either side of the corner, like those lights on the 8 Grove Street building. The Board agreed with Mr. Skolnick's suggestion.

Mr. Sullivan also informed the Board that a proposal is being made to slightly alter the large brick standing signs. The alteration would include a change from brown brick to red, and would remove some curvature from the top of the signs. A flat cap would be used over the middle of the sign. Mr. Broder stated the new proposal looks more commercial. He felt the previous design was gentler. Mr. Sullivan stated the brick would match 180 and 200 Linden Street. Mr. Grissino noted the sign language has slightly changed and that the new sign would read "Linden Square, Wellesley, Massachusetts". Mr. Grissino noted the location, Wellesley, Massachusetts, should be removed from the sign. The Board stated the modification to the standing signs was in keeping with the previously approved signs.