ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES
June 18, 2015 5:45 p.m.
Members present: Marshall Montana, Dave Goslin, John Scheib, Sue Larsen
Staff present: Michele R. Lipe, Director of Planning
The meeting was called to order at 5:45 p.m.
Appl. 15-32P, Town of South Windsor Orchard Hill Elementary School – request for a special exception to Table 3.1.1.A and site plan of development for a new 75,600 sf elementary school, on property located on the easterly side of Foster Street, westerly side of Arnold Way to be known as 380 Foster Street, A-30 zone
Mr. Scott Wooden of DRA Architects and Mr. Ben Wheeler of Design Professionals, Inc. presented the application for a 77,500 square foot elementary school.
Mr. Wheeler described the interconnection between Gray Road and Foster Street and traffic circulation on three loops. One will circulate around the building and will be closed off during daytime hours. The loop for traffic circulation in front of the school will allow for thirty cars to be stacked. A third loop will serve the Pre-K program and those with special needs. Service and loading areas are located to the rear. Entrances on the sides of the buildings will provide access from the parking areas.
Berms will be up to 12’ tall. Two berms will be along Foster Street and one behind the building. Mr. Wheeler described plantings around the building. Two detention basins are proposed to be 10’ deep.
Decorative elements on the paving surface were described. Site lighting seemed low in some parking areas and will be reviewed.
Mr. Wooden went over the general layout of the building describing the classroom wing separated from the gymnasium / cafeteria wing. Simulated views from Foster Street and other perspectives were shown. Pedestrian circulation across the school frontage was described. The Committee asked if any provisions had been made for bike paths. Mr. Wooden replied none had been planned.
Site signage was described as located at the curve and on the building.
Questions were asked about the detention basins and how readily they will hold rain.
Bidding will take place in January, 2016. Construction is proposed to begin in the winter of 2016.
A site overview was shown. Split face masonry block with bands to break the surface was shown. The Committee requested the shade of green chosen for roof areas to be reviewed.
The entry was described as having a lot of glass and daylight. The entry way will have a tight control point for security with offices facing outward for added security.
Two mechanical rooftop units have finished enclosures and three others will be hidden behind gables.
The design of the building lends it to the use of natural light. There will be cathedral ceilings in the cafeteria and media center. The Committee asked questions about the design and glass used. Mr. Wooden described the glass as non-reflective, clear or grey in color, with dark bronze frames. Mr. Scheib had further comments about the views shown and setbacks from the road. A green roof should be reconsidered for the project.
The Committee discussed the proposal and considered a favorable review to be forwarded to the PZC.
The committee adjourned at 6:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted:
Michele R. Lipe, AICP
Director of Planning
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