Lakewood Board of Building Standards/Architectural Board of Review/Sign Review Meeting - June 13, 2024

The Lakewood Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review (ABR), and Sign Review Board held a joint meeting on June 13, 2024, starting at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall (12650 Detroit Avenue, Auditorium). The board approved the minutes from the May 9, 2024 meeting and addressed a full docket of sign and building applications, including a major mixed-use development at the former Barry Buick site.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the May 9, 2024 meeting were approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Barry Buick Development (Docket 06-57-24): Multiple residents spoke during public comment, expressing concerns about inadequate parking (124 units with 148 spaces vs. visitor parking), traffic flow, pedestrian safety crossing Detroit Avenue, placement of parking lot lights potentially shining into adjacent homes, trash removal logistics, and the need for a traffic study. One resident supported the project and urged maximum parking, noting the site's long-vacant status. The Lakewood Alive design group submitted comments recommending study of the pedestrian experience, ground-floor activation, and signage for the retail space.
• Sacred Hour Spa (Docket 06-55-24): Representatives from St. James parish (property neighbors) voiced concerns about the proposed courtyard fence (treated wood vs. stone/terracotta building) and requested more time to review the design, though they welcomed reuse of the building. The applicant clarified they own the property and intend high-quality work.

Discussion Items

• Sign Review Cases:

  • Docket 06-47-24 (Birdietown, 12501 Madison Ave.): Applicant proposed LED rope signs for a mini golf bar. Board approved with conditions to paint raceways to match brick and that any future window graphics require board approval.
  • Docket 06-48-24 (Comfort Dental, 17500 Madison Ave.): Initially had full-coverage window graphics; revised plan reduced to within code (approx. 52 sq ft allowed vs. 31 sq ft, including monument sign). Board approved, noting the revised design meets requirements.
  • Docket 06-49-24 (Doc Lanky's, 15607 Madison Ave.): Summary approved in applicant’s absence; board added condition that future window graphics need approval.
  • Docket 06-50-24 (Cloud City Smoke Shop, 13302 Detroit Ave.): Applicant reduced window sign size to meet square footage limits. Approved with condition that any window graphics come back for review.
  • Docket 06-46-24 (Hippie House, 17609 Detroit Ave.): Initially no applicant present; later returned. Board approved with conditions: sign centered over entry door, raceways painted to match brick, and future window graphics require approval.

• Architectural Board of Review Cases:

  • Docket 05-44-24 (17401 Edgewater Dr.): Applicant revised front porch design (hip roof with shingles) to better match existing architecture and preserve brick face. Approved unanimously.
  • Docket 06-51-24 (1114 Forest Rd.): Applicant requested design feedback only; board deferred (tabled) to allow further study.
  • Docket 06-52-24 (18097 Clifton Rd.): Applicant amended modern addition to better harmonize with existing home (columns, siding, roof). Board approved with conditions: materials (window trim, siding, column style) to match existing house, closed gable end on porch, and submission of updated drawings for administrative review.
  • Docket 06-53-24 (2164 Brown Rd.): Applicant proposed to rebuild front porch with square columns, railing, and screening. Board approved with condition that column capital and base detailing must be proportionate (base larger than capital) and that materials match existing trim.
  • Docket 06-54-24 (2215 Wascana Ave.): Applicant proposed replacement front porch with vinyl lattice, AZEK trim, pre-fabricated railing. Board approved with conditions: provide updated drawings showing flat ceiling under porch, closed side gables, columns with base and capital details matching porch design guidelines, stair widened to full bay, and all materials/colors to match existing home.
  • Docket 06-55-24 (Sacred Hour Spa, 17514 Detroit Ave.): Applicant proposed light exterior renovation: paint windows/dormers (Sherwin Williams “Seal Skin”), add screen walls for equipment, create patio enclosure with treated lumber fence. Board approved, noting the design respects the building’s historic character and that a Section 106 review found no issues. The fence material (painted treated wood) was accepted as appropriate to recede.
  • Docket 06-56-24 (15726 Lake Ave.): Applicant proposed new attached garage with breezeway at rear, using black standing-seam roof and black windows to complement existing brick house. Approved unanimously.
  • Docket 06-57-24 (Barry Buick Development, 16000 & 15801 Detroit Ave.): Major discussion on site plan, massing, parking, pedestrian circulation, and ground-floor residential uses (controversial on Detroit). Board provided extensive design feedback, particularly on the south building’s buffer zone, pedestrian paths, and activation at street level. Overall massing was deemed appropriate, but further study needed on parking layout, landscape buffer, and loading/trash areas. Board deferred to next meeting.
  • Docket 06-58-24 (Irene & Donald Ave. Residential Development): Applicant requested design feedback only; board tabled.

Key Outcomes

• Approved with conditions: Dockets 05-44-24, 06-47-24, 06-48-24, 06-49-24, 06-50-24, 06-46-24, 06-52-24, 06-53-24, 06-54-24, 06-55-24, 06-56-24.
• Deferred/Tabled: Dockets 06-51-24 (design feedback only), 06-57-24 (deferred to next meeting for further refinement), 06-58-24 (tabled for future design feedback).
• Pubic comment letters were received and noted for applicable cases.
• The board emphasized ongoing coordination with the Planning Commission for the Barry Buick development regarding conditional use (ground-floor residential) and parking variances.