HomeMy WebLinkAboutAMIGOS AT SHIELDS PRELIMINARY PUD - 47 90A - CORRESPONDENCE - STAFF'S PROJECT COMMENTS (2)Develol ?nt Services
Planning Department
July 30, 1990
Mr. Bob Pennock
1712 Deweese Drive
Fort Collins, CO. 80526
During our phone conversation last Thursday, July 26, 1990, during which we
discussed Amigos Restaurant on South College, I made several references to the
existing store at Riverside and Lemay. Since these comments may have
significant impact on future planning for the South College site, I thought it
would be more helpful to expand on my comments in a more constructive
fashion. I would like to place an emphasis on constructive nature of the
following comments since the South College site will. be subject to the P.U.D.
review by the Planning and Zoning Board.
1. The Planning Department would be concerned that a blank wall not face
College Avenue. Large expanses of blank wall should be broken up with
interesting design features, larger glass areas, architectural relief, or
effective landscaping.
2. It would be expected that the free-standing sign be mounted on pedestal
made of material to match or compliment the building's exterior.
3. Staff suggests that the parapet wall, designed to screen the roof top
mechanical equipment, be raised to totally block the equipment from view.
The present store does not do this.
4. The front entry would benefit from foundation shrubs to provide a
transition from horizontal plane to the vertical wall.
5. Similarly, the drive -through and pick-up lane provides no relief along the
foundation wall. Pick-up windows can be built to extend out allowing a
shrub bed to be placed next to the wall.
6. Small, polygon -shaped windows should not appear to be placed in a
haphazard fashion but should be matched in pairs, rows, or used to frame
a design element. There appears to be no symmetrical reason for
placement of such windows. Further, any design objective of these
windows is destroyed by the hanging of fluorescent posters.
7. Similarly, the front entry, with its attractive use of glass, is marred by
bright, fluorescent red and green window posters. These posters detract
from the overall appearance of the site. Perhaps this form of
advertising could be placed inside the building, on menu inserts, or in
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print or electronic media. It is Staff's feeling that window posters will
be evaluated very carefully on the South College site.
8. Electrical transformers, gasand electric meters, and other utility structures
should be screened with effective landscaping or fencing.
9. A site on South College would require "mixed -use points on the point
chart of the Land Development Guidance System. As part of a mixed
P.U.D., Staff would ask that the . project be tied with architectural
compatibility among the various structures. The Amigos organization is
encouraged to investigate possible design elements that could be
transferrable to other commercial structures. Certainly, the red tile roof
makes a strong impression and could be carried through the entire project. .
The point is that the first user, a fast food restaurant, will establish the
character of the project. The restaurant should not be so unique that its
design elements cannot be used elsewhere in the project. An example of
compatibility is how Burger King blends in with both Raintree Shopping
Center and The Market Place Center (Phar-Mor). The restaurant should
not appear to "stand-alone" as this resembles strip commercial development.
10. The menu board must be screened from view from the property line or
the public street.
11. The final comment is one that we pass along to all fast food restaurants
with drive -through lanes. The building should not be considered to have
a service side but rather four sides that are visible. The building should
not become an island surrounded by asphalt. Please consider generous
landscaping, setbacks from parking areas, foundation shrubs, berms, screen
material, etc.
It is our hope that these comments are useful in planning for the South
College site and submittal through the P.U.D. process. Of course, a conceptual
review meeting will be required where comments from other affected agencies
will be provided. Our offices are available for any further questions or
comments that you or your client may have. Please do not hesitate to call.
-- - -- - Sincerely:
T:-;We -4
Ted Shepard
Project Planner
cc: Mr. William K. Strickfaden, 125 Palmer Drive, Ft. Collins, CO. 80525