Lakewood Board of Building Standards & Architectural Board of Review Meeting - October 9, 2025

The Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review Board held a joint meeting on October 9, 2025, starting at 10:45 AM. The meeting covered several dockets including new construction, signage, porch enclosures, and attic renovations. Public comments were heard on the View on Detroit East project. Multiple items were approved with conditions, while others were deferred or tabled.

Consent Calendar

• Docket 108325 (15729 Madison Ave., The Wandering Lantern): Approved with condition that the wall sign be reduced to 30 inches in height proportionally. Revised drawing submitted.
• Docket 108425 (15729 Madison Ave., The Wandering Lantern): Approved with no conditions.
• Docket 108525 (15000 Detroit Ave., Batter): Approved with condition that the wall sign fits inside the existing sign band and window signage is approved separately by the board prior to installation.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amy Martin (1432 Parkwood) expressed concern about the wooden fence proposed for the View on Detroit East development, requesting a sturdier vinyl fence for privacy. She also noted the long battle since 2018 regarding the project's size.
• Unnamed speaker (1521 Parkwood) objected to the scale of the View on Detroit East project, calling it a "behemoth" and urging the board to reconsider its size.
• Julie Nichols (1432 Parkwood) asked about lighting in the back of the development, citing past issues with light intrusion from the former Wingstar building.
• Naureen Prem (1201 Ramona) questioned the long-term durability of the proposed buildings compared to century-old structures along Detroit Avenue.
• Peggy Jones (1521 Parkwood) raised concerns about traffic, safety, and the impact of additional cars on Parkwood Street, especially for families with children.

Discussion Items

• Old Business – Docket 08725 (View on Detroit East, 15000 Detroit Ave.): The applicant, D Geronimo Companies, presented updated landscape plans, material samples, and a photometric lighting plan. The board discussed the fence material, planter locations, and lighting. The applicant noted that the site plan and height had been approved by the Planning Commission. The board made a motion to approve with two conditions: a detailed plan showing masonry planter dimensions, and signage to be submitted separately. Motion passed unanimously.
• Pre-Review – Docket 108925 (17879 Lake Rd., garage addition): The applicant presented a final phase of renovations including an attached and detached garage. The board requested clarification on existing conditions, setbacks, driveway relocation, roof plan, colored elevations, and fence alignment. The item was deferred to allow the applicant to submit additional information.
• Old Business – Docket 09725 (11730 Detroit Ave., North Coast Apartments): The applicant requested a deferral due to scheduling conflicts; the board moved to table the item.
• New Business – Sign Review – Docket 108225 (13376 Madison Ave., High Hopes Barbershop): The applicant proposed a blade sign centered over the door and window graphics. The board approved with condition that window graphics be submitted for administrative approval with dimensions.
• Architectural Board of Review – Docket 108625 (1293 Matthews Ave., porch enclosure): The applicant requested approval to permanently enclose 70% of the front porch. The board explained that permanent enclosure violates guidelines and encouraged compromise (e.g., partial enclosure, reduced depth). The applicant agreed to explore revisions; the item was tabled.
• Docket 108825 (1029 Homewood Dr., porch addition): The applicant presented revisions for a front porch and eyebrow dormer. The board approved with conditions that columns have a painted finish, no arch brackets, and material samples submitted to staff for administrative approval.
• Docket 109125 A & S (1182 Detroit Ave., Easy Out / Ohio Inn): The applicant proposed a new awning, blade sign, and two neon window signs. The board approved the awning, neon signs, vinyl signage on the entry door, and the blade sign as presented. Two separate votes were taken for the architectural and sign dockets.
• Board of Building Standards – Docket 109225 (2150 Arthur Ave., attic renovation): The applicant requested approval for an attic renovation with a new bathroom and stair improvements. The board noted that the headroom and ceiling height requirements were not met. The applicant proposed a bathtub instead of a shower and a dormer for stair headroom, but the overall ceiling height remained below code. The board expressed safety concerns and inability to grant a variance. The item was tabled.
• Docket 108725 (17514 Detroit Ave., Sacred Hour): The applicant did not appear; the board tabled the item due to insufficient information and lack of presentation.

Key Outcomes

• Approved with conditions:
  • Dockets 108325, 108425, 108525 (signs).
  • Docket 08725 (View on Detroit East) – condition for detailed planter plan and separate signage submission.
  • Docket 108225 (High Hopes Barbershop) – condition for window graphic dimensions.
  • Docket 108825 (1029 Homewood Dr.) – condition for material samples.
  • Docket 109125 A & S (Easy Out) – awning, neon signs, blade sign, and vinyl signage approved.
• Deferred: Docket 108925 (17879 Lake Rd.) – applicant to submit additional information.
• Tabled: Dockets 09725 (North Coast Apartments), 108625 (1293 Matthews Ave.), 109225 (2150 Arthur Ave.), and 108725 (17514 Detroit Ave.).
• Motion to adjourn passed unanimously.