Lakewood Architectural Review Board Meeting - November 13, 2025

This meeting of the Lakewood Architectural Review Board (ARB) covered a range of items including summary approvals, a contentious denial of a brick painting proposal, and several approvals for additions, signage, and site improvements. The board deliberated on design standards, historic preservation, and neighborhood character.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: Unanimously approved.
• Docket 119425 – 181 Sloane Avenue (Tessero Gas Station): Summary approval for a pole sign and columns. Conditions: repaint pole sign and columns, window signage must be approved by the board before installation, and any alterations to the existing building require board review. Approved unanimously.
• Docket 195251 – 15701 Detroit Avenue (Decent Shape Strength and Wellness Studio): Summary approval for signage. No conditions; under total allowed square footage. Approved unanimously.
• Docket 119625 – 13320 Madison Avenue (Vital Bean Cafe): Summary approval for vinyl graphics in the front window. No conditions; under square footage allotment. Approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Brian Warren (1375 Lakewood Avenue): Commented on the brick painting case (Docket 104251) and the roof replacement case (Docket 119925). He asked about the finished appearance of the brick painting and noted that the awnings at his apartment are functional, providing rain protection, and expressed a desire to keep them.

Discussion Items

• Docket 104251 – 1284 Cove Avenue (Apartment Building): Applicant Jesse Hauser and Jasmine Letter proposed painting the brick exterior without prior approval. The board strongly opposed, citing that painting healthy brick is not acceptable, violates design standards, and harms the character of the neighborhood. The board noted that the painting continued after being asked to stop. Public comment from Brian Warren. The board voted to deny the case. (Motion: deny, seconded, unanimous).

• Docket 065125 – 1070 Rosalie Avenue (Addition): Applicant Lee presented a revised design for a north-side addition. The board praised the improvements, including the dormer and roof pitch matching. Discussion included removal of shutters, window patterns, and the need for a street elevation with context. Approved with conditions: remove shutters on the lower level addition, revise the street elevation and site plan, submit landscape plan for administrative approval, and consider a bay window in the middle section.

• Docket 108925 – 17879 Lake Road (Addition and Detached Garage): Applicant Mark Ryan presented a proposal for a mudroom, attached garage, and detached garage. The board appreciated the renderings and massing. Only concern was non-functional shutters on the new structures. Approved with condition: remove shutters on the proposed addition and garage.

• Docket 197251 – 14414 Detroit Avenue (Marlowe Exchange Building – Comprehensive Sign Package): Applicant David Minet proposed a comprehensive sign package. Discussion focused on blade sign location, removal of existing window graphics, and updating renderings. Approved with conditions: remove ETHLets window graphics, locate the Maverick blade sign per elevation S4, and provide a clean set of updated drawings.

• Docket 119825 – 18240 Detroit Avenue (Chelsea Apartments – Revised Dumpster Enclosure): No applicant present. The revised enclosure meets code requirements. Approved as presented.

• Docket 119925 – 1375 Lakewood Avenue (Roof Replacement): Applicant Robert Podicar and Shane Brennan proposed replacing a flat roof with a hip roof. The board supported the roof but required removal of existing awnings to maintain design coherence. Public comment from tenant Brian Warren. Approved with condition: remove awnings. If the applicant wishes to keep them, they must return for review.

• Docket 100251 – 17415 Northwood Avenue (St. James Corporate Building): Applicant Sean Nugent and architect Jeremy Smith proposed four projects: roof hatch, entrance canopy, chimney repair, and storage closets on existing balconies. The board found the proposals appropriate for the historic building. Approved with condition: any changes to the canopy require resubmission for administrative approval.

• Docket 110125 – 13406 Harlan Avenue (Garage Replacement): No applicant present. The new garage is an improvement. Approved with no conditions.

• Docket 110225 – 1321 Bunts Road (Addition, Covered Patio, New Garage): Applicant Brian Lincoln proposed a large rear addition, a covered breezeway, and a new garage. The board discussed massing, roof intersections, and site plan details. Approved with conditions: submit new light fixtures and exterior materials for administrative approval, expand the site plan to include street and sidewalk, and maintain the existing fence.

Key Outcomes

• Denied: Docket 104251 (brick painting at 1284 Cove Avenue) – unanimous.
• Approved with Conditions: Dockets 065125, 108925, 197251, 119825, 119925, 100251, 110125 (no conditions), 110225.
• Withdrawn: Docket 1110325 (155 Madison Avenue parking lot) – withdrawn by applicant.
• Next Steps: Applicants for approved items with conditions must submit revised materials to staff for administrative approval where specified. The brick painting denial requires the applicant to stop painting and seek rehearing if desired.