HomeMy WebLinkAboutHOWES/CANYON MIXED-USE (CORTINA) - PDP - 45-02 - CORRESPONDENCE - HISTORIC PRESERVATION1 Bob Barkeen - LPC comments re: Canyon/Howes Project Page 1 ,
From: Karen McWilliams
To: Bob Barkeen; Carol Tunner; Gregory Byrne; Joe Frank
Date: 5/15/03 4:38PM
Subject: LPC comments re: Canyon/Howes Project
The LPC last night gave a complimentary review of the Canyon/Howes Mixed Use Building, also referred
to as the Cortina Project. Overall, the response was supportive. There were comments about it being
"new" design, contrasting with others in the area, and not being just another repetition of old town
architecture. The height was perceive as being good - generally respectful of the nearby historic. There
was a concern that the project maxed out the site and was "overpowering" for its location. One issue that
had the full support of the Commission was the issue of the zero setback. Pulling the building right up to
the street was thought to be too extreme a change, compared not only to the next -door historic buildings'
20 foot setbacks, but to the setbacks of the other commercial in the area. The Commission
recommended that the setback difference be split between the existing buildings' setbacks and zero, or at
least made to be more like the other commercial in the vicinity, i.e. have a grass strip and/or plantings
between the sidewalk and building face to "soften" the building and make it more pedestrian friendly.
There were a few comments that the building appeared to be a different architectural style at each level,
but also favorable comments (by the same individuals) about the appearance of the ground level "base"
and roof.
The sense I got from the meeting is that, other than the zero setback, (and a wish for a better choice of
architectural style than "Italian"), the project is not only acceptable, but far better than what the
Commission expected.