HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRB 2014-10-21 #2CITY OF ate_
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Community Development Department — Planning Division
Meeting Date: October 21, 2014
Case Numbers: ED14-082
Project Planner: Sarjit S Dhaliwal-- (415) 485-3397
Agenda Item:
REPORT TO DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
SUBJECT: 1599 Francisco Blvd. E. (Sonnen BMW) — Environmental and Design Review Permit for
a 1,621 -sq. ft. ground level building addition and a modification to the fagade of an
existing auto sales building including installation of revised building wall signs; APN: 009-
320-50; Planned Development (PD1895) District; Christian Oakes, Applicant; Mark
Blackshere, Owner; Canal Neighborhood.
PROPERTY FACTS
Location
General Plan Designation
Zoning Designation
Existing Land -Use
Project Site:
LI/O
PD1895
Auto Sales
North:
LI/O
PD1895
Offices
South:
P/QP
P/QP
Sanitation plant (across the
Freeway 1-580)
East:
LI/O
PD1895
Auto sales
West:
LI/O
W -WO
Wetlands
SUMMARY
The subject project is being referred to the Design Review Board for review of major amendment to
the design of an existing commercial building, as required pursuant to San Rafael Municipal Zoning
Code Section 14.25.040.B.1.g. Staff has concerns with the simplification of the building canopy.
However, staff supports the introduction of the original canopy details into the new signage. The
Board's recommendation will be forwarded to the Community Development Director. Staff requests
that the Board review this report and provide a recommendation on compliance with all pertinent
design criteria, specifically the following:
Whether the revised design results in the creation of interest in the building elevation,
provision of a sense of entry, and whether materials and colors are consistent with the
context of the surrounding neighborhood.
BACKGROUND
Site Description & Setting:
The 2.53 -acre site is part of the Shoreline Master Plan and is bordered by Kerner Blvd on the
north, Shoreline Parkway on the east and Francisco Blvd E. on the south. The property is a fairly
level lot and developed with an autosales/service building and associated parking and landscaping.
An office building is located to the north and Marin Honda is located to the east of the site.
History:
The City Council approved the Planned Development District for the Shoreline Center in
September, 1993 and was amended to its current form in May 2011. The Planned Development
District permits light industrial uses; research and development; professional, administrative and
general offices; retail sales of home improvements goods and supplies, home furnishings and
equipment, and office supplies, equipment and furniture; other specialty retail and region -serving
specialty retail uses; motor vehicle sales and service and the sale of motor vehicle parts and
accessories; warehousing, storage and distribution; ancillary employee serving restaurants and
service businesses; contractor storage yards compatible with adjacent uses; food and beverage
service establishments; and parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities (both indoor and
outdoor) associated with temporary uses.
In 1998, the Sonnen BMW Auto Dealership project was approved by the City Council for 1599 E.
Francisco Blvd . A subsequent Environmental and Design Review Permit approval in 2003 allowed
an expansion of the building. The ground floor of the building consists of showroom area, client
waiting area, offices, parts department, service bays and miscellaneous areas such as a receiving
room, employee lunch room and rest rooms. A covered display area is located in front of the
building outside the showroom area. The second floor is located on the western portion of the
building and consists of storage area, mechanical equipment, parts area and training/lunch,
computer, conference and rest rooms.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The project proposes the following improvements:
Facade modification:
In order to comply with the required corporate design standards, the applicant is proposing to
modify the existing building fagade. The submitted plans provide details of the new fagade
design and a written justification for building design change and a picture of the existing fagade.
Building addition: The proposal includes expansion of the ground floor area by 1,621 sq. ft.
within the existing footprint of the building and a compensatory relinquishment of 1,621 sq. ft. of
storage area on the upper level.
Sign modification: The proposed project includes installation of new revised building frontage
signs.
ANALYSIS
Zoning Ordinance Consistency:
Facade modification:
San Rafael Municipal Zoning Code Section 14.25.040.B.1.g. establishes standards for building
design. The proposed plans are attached along with pictures of the existing building. Staff has
concluded that the existing building details are well designed and will be compatible with the
new proposed building signs. The revision to simplify the building appears to reduce the
architectural qualities of the building.
Building addition:
The existing development on the property is built to the maximum allowed Floor Area Ratio
(FAR) of 0.32. For the proposed addition of 1,621 sq. ft. on the ground floor, the applicants are
relinquishing 1,621 sq. ft. storage area by walling off the storage area on the upper floor.
Therefore, the project would not change the FAR. Additionally, the added square footage on
the ground floor would be within the existing building footprint.
Sign modifications:
Signage on the site is regulated by a Sign Program pursuant to Section 14.19.046 (Sign
Programs) of the Sign Ordinance. Sign Programs may permit signage which does not comply
with the Sign Ordinance in order to achieve aesthetic compatibility of signs within a project,
allow design creativity, simplify the review process for individual signs in a complex and allow
flexibility in number, size, and the placement of signs.
The existing signs on the building frontage would be replaced with new high quality signs that
are considered to be consistent with the approved Sign Program. Therefore, the Sign Program
amendment application required initially is not being processed.
Staff asks that the Board review the proposed fagade modification and comment on the following:
• Whether the proposed design results in the creation of interest in the building elevation,
provision of a sense of entry, and whether materials and colors are consistent with the
context of the surrounding neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD CORRESPONDENCE
A courtesy notice for the Design Review Board meeting was mailed to all property owners,
occupants within a radius of 300 feet of the subject property and Marin Villa -Canal Housing
Alliance within 15 days prior to the Board's meeting. A public notice sign was each posted in front
of the subject property. During the public review process for the project, no one contacted staff with
any questions regarding the proposed project.
CONCLUSION
Staff requests Board's direction on the issue raised in this report.
EXHIBITS
1. Vicinity/Zoning Map
2. Applicant's Letter
Full size and 11 "x17" plans have been provided to the DRB members only.
cc: Mark Blackshere, Sonnen BMW, 1599 E. Francisco Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901.
Mark@sonnenbmw.com (email only)
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10 OCT 2014 FPLA WNIRS
Sonnen BMW — Planning Submittal
JUSTIFICATION: Building Design Change
Sonnen BMW, although well -composed and constructed, no longer fits BMW's
corporate image program primarily due to its low, tinted glass storefront and curved silver
accent elements. In 2013, BMW began implementing a global initiative to create a welcoming
and engaging retail environment for the BMW consumer. This exceptional customer
experience is characterized by a clean, minimalist building design aesthetic. BMW has drawn
from their German roots, looking to the Bauhaus for inspiration, combining simple precision
with captivating dynamics —an innovative engineering vision matched by fascinating aesthetic
appeal. The uniform, recognizable vision of the BMW dealership is consistent from store to
store, while still allowing each space -to remain unique to the community it exists within.
Sonnen BMW is a prime example of how an existing dealership can be renovated to engage
the consumer while displaying BMW's valued brand identity. These minimal but impactful
changes are a sustainable option, eliminating the need to completely reconstruct this
functioning building.
A new canopy at the storefront provides shade for browsing and keeps the interior
cool. The exterior finish is refreshed with smooth, clean white finish systems. Rectilinear white
columns replace the round silver columns with clean, sharp lines. The taller, clear glass
storefront places the focus on the prominent display of the wide array of new models and
introduces natural light into the expansive showroom, where the majority of the Sonnen BMW
update is focused. An open dialogue between the customer and a BMW -trained client advisor
maintain the transparency in the buying process BMW has implemented, seamlessly flowing
inside and outside the building. New finishes on the walls and floors are upgraded to
complement the new exterior. The premium experience is highlighted with the addition of
custom furniture, created specifically to suit the needs of BMW customers. Together, these
proposed upgrades create the clean, minimal appearance BMW desires.
JUSTIFICATION: Sign Program Amendment
Sonnen BMW features exclusive boutiques for the premium M -brand and I -brand, BMW's new
environmentally friendly electric automobile. From the street, a visitor will be able to identify
these brands and the store's specific name. Signage now more clearly indicates the site entry
point for service to ease the flow of traffic and prevent the congestion that is currently an issue
for Sonnen BMW. Collectively, the two signs required per BMW corporate identity standards
do not exceed the allowable sign square footage per linear foot on the frontage.
TWM Architects + Planners TEL 415.472.----
1011 C Street FAX 415.472.
San Rafael CA 94901 www.twmarch Exhibit 2