Title
Special Recognition - Design Review Board Awards of Merit
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
The City of Olympia Design Review Board seeks Council approval of the recommended award recipients, and special recognition of the recipients, for Design Review Board Awards of Merit.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to recognize and approve the Design Review Board recommendations for Design Review Awards of Merit.
Report
Issue:
As part of the Design Review Board’s Award of Merit Program, over two dozen projects were considered and reviewed for recognition of exemplary architecture, sustainability, and lasting community value. Three projects rose to the level of distinction and merit. The Board asks the Council to approve their recommendations for the award.
Staff Contact:
Catherine McCoy, Associate Planner, Community Planning and Development, 360.570.3776
Presenter(s):
Leonard Bauer, Director, Community Planning and Development
Roussa Cassel, Architect, Design Review Board Member
Background and Analysis:
Proposed in 2007 by Design Review Board volunteer members, the Design Review Award of Merit Recognition Program acknowledges projects that exemplify the intent of the Design Review requirements and guidelines and embody the City’s Comprehensive Plan vision for a walkable, accessible, vibrant City.
Since 2007, the Design Review Board has recognized numerous projects ranging from a small private remodel to a large public downtown project - the LOTT Administrative Building. To be eligible for the award, project applicants (and design teams) typically demonstrate the following:
The Process:
• The project team did not just comply with the Detailed Design Review or Combined Design Review process but went well beyond expectations of submittal and Code requirements.
• The project adheres to the most substantive, if not all, of the Board’s recommendations.
• The project has received a Certificate of Occupancy (CoO) since the last round of DRB Awards of Merit, between 2014 and 2016.
The Site:
• Creates a harmonious, pleasing, and easily accessible pedestrian atmosphere.
• Provides pathways that are logical, safe, and visually contrasting (e.g., a crosswalk with colored pavers instead of standard paint lines).
• Allows for adequate vehicular traffic and parking without becoming the dominant element.
• Incorporates smaller elements such as bike racks in an integrated fashion, rather than as an afterthought.
• Includes landscaping that is regionally and site appropriate.
The Building:
• Accentuates the site rather than dominates it, to lessen visual and physical impact.
• Consists of a variety of materials and modulation that is appropriate for the building mass and the level of human activity.
• Uses truly enduring materials.
• Employs colors and features that complement the immediate environment. For projects that have marginal context, such as the downtown Intercity Transit transfer station, the project would be judged on its qualities based on its function and role as a public facility.
• For projects in the downtown area, provides openness and transparency that draws pedestrians for shopping, browsing, walking, and gathering.
• Shows a level of distinction that is appropriate for its surroundings, its neighborhood, and its use. It should also reflect its place in time and culture with contemporary elements, though not required.
This year, the Board recommends three projects receive recognition from the Mayor and Council:
1. The Easterly Apartments - Project Applicants: Aaron & Molly Angelo
2. Views on 5th Mixed-Use - Project Applicant: Ken Brogan
3. The Olympia Intercity Transit Expansion - Project Applicant: Eric Phillips
If the Mayor and Council approve the nominations, the awards will be delivered directly to recipients.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
An accessible and vibrant City is of interest to all community members.
Options:
1. Move to recognize and approve the Design Review Board recommendations for Design Review Awards of Merit.
2. Do not move to Move to recognize and approve the Design Review Board recommendations for Design Review Awards of Merit.
3. Move to recognize and approve the Design Review Board recommendations for Design Review Awards of Merit at another time.
Financial Impact:
Costs of administering the Design Review Board Awards of Merit Program are included in the City operating budget.
Attachments:
None