Lakewood Board of Building Standards/Architectural Board of Review/Sign Review Meeting - July 11, 2024

The meeting was held on July 11, 2024, at 5:30 PM in the City of Lakewood Auditorium. It covered multiple dockets including old and new business for the Architectural Board of Review, Board of Building Standards, and Sign Review. Key decisions included approval of the Barry Buick mixed-use development, modifications to a home on Edgewater Drive, several sign applications, and additions to Lakewood High School and residential properties.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the June 13, 2024 meeting.
• Summary approved sign for Neo Pets and Working Dog (Docket 07-64-24).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Beth Hefner, 1412 Rosewood Ave., expressed support for the Barry Buick development and raised concerns about pet relief areas, noting they can cause disease. She also complimented the design.
• Jeff Ashby, 1601 Robinwood Ave., spoke about the Lakewood High School addition, questioned the fume extraction system and utility work, and expressed general support for the investment.
• Matt Hills, 17612 Riverside Dr., objected to the 17620 Riverside Dr. expansion, citing loss of light and views from his kitchen window. He also questioned the scale of dormers, column detailing, and door style. He asked about tree removal and noted the expansion is within zoning.
• An audience member at 1115 Wilbert Rd. questioned the use of stucco in the gable rather than brick, suggesting brick all the way up would be more cohesive.

Discussion Items

• Barry Buick Development (Docket 06-57-24): Presented by Denver Brooker of Vocon. Mixed-use development at 16000 + 15801 Detroit Ave. with ground-floor retail and elevated residential units. Updates included reduced parking lot entrances, continuous site wall, adjusted lighting (17.5 ft poles with zero light trespass), and added bollards at pedestrian paths. Material samples included red brick, two metal sidings, and black vinyl windows. Board praised the pedestrian improvements and architectural detailing. Conditions included modifying the Cranford parking entrance and painting pedestrian markings in the north building parking area.
• 17428 Edgewater Dr. (Docket 03-13-24): Return for modifications. Homeowner Nathan Chavez explained the change from stone to horizontal siding (Hardie shiplap) and removal of stucco to avoid oil-based insulation and achieve a cleaner look. Board debated contextual fit but approved with conditions on material samples (Millboard shadow line in antique oak and Hardie siding color to match sample).
• 17879 Lake Rd. (Docket 07-59-24): Board of Building Standards item. Applicant Mark Reinhold proposed a front porch addition with railings at 36 inches, but noted a dip to lower height. Building official Mr. Wagner noted that first-floor porch railings are often treated as less hazardous in historic context. Board approved, citing precedent.
• Sign Review Items:
  • Wine Dive (16918 Detroit Ave., Docket 07-60-24): Reskin of existing blade sign and pillar panels. No window graphics. Approved.
  • Carol Lynn's Salon (15516 Madison Ave., Docket 07-61-24): Reskin of existing band sign. Slightly over square footage but acceptable as replacement. Approved with condition that window graphics require future approval.
  • Cleveland Vegan (17112 Detroit Ave., Docket 07-62-24): Reskin of existing blade sign and new door graphics. Approved with condition to provide total square footage of all signage on site.
  • Body Fit Training (16400 Detroit Ave., Docket 07-63-24): New freestanding monument sign, 10 ft high, internally illuminated. Board noted concern about future signage for the building but approved with condition that any other signs for the tenant must return to the board.
• Lakewood High School Addition (14100 Franklin Blvd., Docket 07-65-24): Presented by Chris Bader of GPD Group. Two-story, 6,400 sq. ft. addition for welding program. Design matches existing D building with vertical banding. Board requested roof overhang detail and window alignment to match banding. Approved with conditions to provide a white band at top and raise window on east elevation to align with banding; updated drawings to be submitted for administrative approval.
• 2105 Lincoln Ave. (Docket 07-66-24): New detached garage. Materials match house. Approved.
• 17620 Riverside Dr. (Docket 07-67-24): Two-story addition, renovation, and new detached garage. Added dormers and front porch gable. Board approved with conditions to provide cut sheets for front door style and column details.
• 1115 Wilbert Rd. (Docket 07-68-24): Addition for master suite with open gable and stucco infill. Board encouraged brick all the way up as an alternate. Approved with condition to raise the second-floor window sill to align with other windows, and with brick all the way up as an acceptable alternate.

Key Outcomes

• All dockets were approved, many with conditions.
• Barry Buick development: Approved with conditions including parking modifications and pedestrian markings.
• Lakewood High School addition: Approved with conditions on roof banding and window alignment.
• Residential Design Standards were approved by Planning Commission on July 9, 2024, as noted by the chair.
• Meeting adjourned after all business.