City of Salem Massachusetts
Public Meeting Minutes
Board or Committee: Design Review Board, Regular Meeting
Date and Time: Monday July 1, 2013 at 6:00pm
Meeting Location: Third Floor Conference Room, 120 Washington Street
Members Present: Paul Durand, Helen Sides, David Jaquith
Members Absent: Glenn Kennedy, Ernest DeMaio
Others Present: Andrew Shapiro
Recorder: Jennifer Pennell
Paul Durand calls the meeting to order.
Urban Renewal Area Projects Under Review
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- 45 Federal Street (Cornerstone Court LLC): Continuation of discussion of proposed window and siding replacement.
The submission under review includes a letter, samples, cut sheets, and photos of the proposed window and siding replacement.
Sides commented that the larger exposure has a nice aesthetic. Hardyboard should be 7 1/4” and have no fluting. Vinyl located on the rear of the building should contrast with the front façade. Sides noted that one of the post heights needs to decrease and should align with the surrounding posts. Sides commented that if the height must remain the base and head condition will require a trim providing more of a definition. Posts should be pressure treated and wrapped with a white finish. Sides questioned what the rear fire escape stair would be replaced with.
Applicant Ingemi commented that a white vinyl stair with white spandrels, newel posts, and handrails would be kept simple and small.
Durand: Motion to approve with the following conditions as presented:
- silver plate sterling grey hardyboard
- 7 ¼” hardyboard exposed
- No fluting on any trim
- Contrast rear of building with vinyl siding.
- Windows in front half of building will have glass panes replaced. Windows will replace the 6 over 6 with a 2 over 2 grid.
- White trim
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 3-0.
- 302 A/B Essex Street (North Shore Children’s Theatre): Discussion of proposed signage.
The submission under review includes a letter, samples, cut sheet, and photos of the proposed signage.
Sides questioned whether the font will remain the same and if it will have shadow lettering. Sides noted that the “center for performing arts” needs a smaller font so that it becomes more legible. Sides commented that the white background should be more subdued.
The representative commented that shadow lettering would be used.
Durand commented that the background signage color should be off white without a glossy finish and become 75% of the signage. The remaining existing signage should be painted maroon so it appears as something separate. Window decals would unite the building and should be 8”. Durand noted that white letters are hard to read, they should be outlined or a solid maroon color.
Durand: Motion to approve with the following conditions as presented:
- Lettering size should be about 75% of the proposed signage.
- Off white color for building sign that will be placed above the right-hand storefront
- Window lettering will be 8” and the same maroon color.
- Paint the remaining existing signage band maroon (above left-hand storefront)
- Total square footage of signage shall conform to no more than 80 sq/ft.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 3-0.
- 30 Church Street (Nick’s Firehouse): Discussion of proposed signage.
The submission under review before the DRB includes a letter, cut sheet, and photos of the proposed signage.
Shapiro commented that there are two proposed blade sign options.
Sides commented that she would like to see the second option used.
Durand agreed.
Durand: Motion to approve Option #2
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 3-0.
- 83 Washington Street (Melita Fiore Cakes):
Discussion of proposed outdoor seating and topiaries.
The submission under review before the DRB includes a letter, drawings, and photos of the proposed outdoor seating and topiaries.
Shapiro commented that 2 tables and 4 chairs are being proposed. 2 spiral topiaries with built in solar lights will be located on both sides of the door.
Sides: Motion to approve.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 3-0.
- 191-211 Washington Street/ “The Hawthorne Building” (RCG, LLC): Discussion of proposed façade improvements, awnings, and signage.
The submission under review before the DRB includes a letter and photos of the proposed façade improvements, awnings, and signage.
Sides commented that the dental molding should not be different than the cornice, otherwise it will appear thin and less noticeable. Sides commented that balusters and rails should be a lighter color. Paint colors are ok.
Durand commented that he is ok with the paint colors. Durand noted that the text should only be located on either the awnings or the blade signs.
Shapiro commented that a standardized blade sign would be approved. Individual businesses will need to come in to get their 36” x 36” signage logos approved. Each business is allowed 2 blade signs.
Sides commented that blade signs would not be as apparent from the street. The signage would be more of a pedestrian experience. Sides noted that the proposed lighting looks ok.
Durand: Motion to approve.
- Waters and brown paint in Hunter Green, Sand, Dark Black, Dark Tan
- More information regarding signage square allowances and exact sign design should be provided for review by the Planning Department.
Seconded by: Jaquith, Passes 3-0.
Minutes
Approval of the minutes from the May 22, 2013 regular meeting.
Durand: Motion to approve.
Seconded by: Sides, Passes 3-0.
Adjournment
Jaquith: Motion to adjourn,
Seconded by Durand. Passes 3-0.
Meeting is adjourned at 7:04 pm.
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