Lakewood Board of Building Standards, Architectural Board of Review, and Sign Review Board – February 12, 2026

The joint boards convened on February 12, 2026, to review several sign and architectural applications, including new construction, renovations, and signage. The meeting featured public testimony, detailed design discussions, and votes on approvals, deferrals, and a tabling.

Consent Calendar

• Minutes from the January 8, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously.
• Opening remarks were read by the chair.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 1114 Forest Road (new home): Tara Caravan (1116 Forest Road) argued approval would violate the principle of protecting property value and appearance, stating that the structure would diminish the architectural importance of her home and Clifton Park. She highlighted the removal of trees and the lot’s unsuitability. James Rummer (1126 Forest Road) submitted a historical survey showing the original lot was 3.5 times larger; he said the Board of Zoning Appeals granted variances that placed an impossible task on this board. John Pike (Clifton Park) noted the property is within the Clifton Park South Historic District (National Register) and argued the proposed design does not complement the district's architecture, calling it an “ugly duckling.” The applicant, Jason Leon, responded that trees on his property may need removal due to lot size and referenced ongoing litigation over a neighbor’s fence encroachment.
• 1374 West 117th Street (Norton Industries): Tricia Ray, the owner, explained the building’s industrial use, the need for vehicular access to the warehouse, and the challenges of interior geometry. She stated that she has no intention of selling the property and that a garage door is essential for tenant access.

Discussion Items

• Sign Review

  • 1340 Madison Avenue (docket 021326): Approved with condition that QR code and phone number are reduced to match scale of logos on glass doors.
  • 1580 Detroit Avenue (Cleveland Clinic, docket 021526): Approved with condition based on updated elevations.
  • 2035 Quail Street – Birdtown Brewing (docket 011026): Approved with condition that the B sign on the light-colored masonry be removed. The board noted the unique orientation and tucking of signs behind the building justified approval.

• Architectural Review – New and Renovation Projects

  • 1173 Detroit Avenue – North Coast Apartments (docket 09725): Deferred. The applicant presented revised elevations with restored brick, new windows, balconies, and metal siding. Board members raised concerns about oil canning in the thin metal siding (recommended heavier gauge), the use of vinyl windows at large scale (requested cut sheets), and the need for detailed trim around windows on the metal siding facade. Balconies were suggested to be simplified. The motion to defer passed unanimously to allow the applicant to provide material cut sheets and clarify details.
  • 1114 Forest Road – New Residential Construction (docket 1214): Approved. The applicant (Jason Leon) addressed previous comments by adding a Colonial-style trim, a dovecote, a full brick chimney, and a landscape plan. Public comment was opposed, citing historic district character and lot size. The board found the design commendable and consistent with the eclectic neighborhood, noting the Clifton elevation resembles typical streetscape conditions. The motion to approve passed with a second.
  • 15501 Madison Avenue – Vital Pilates and Wellness (docket 010726): Deferred. The applicant presented a rear addition with arched covered patio, structural details, and revised windows. Board members asked for equalization of arch spacing, alignment of second-floor windows, improved window relationships on the east elevation, and centered lighting in alcoves. The board also requested product cut sheets for all exterior finishes. The motion to defer passed.
  • 1374 West 117th Street – Norton Industries (docket 021626): Deferred. Extensive discussion centered on the proposed overhead garage door and fiber cement lap siding. The board acknowledged the need for vehicular access due to the building’s industrial use and upcoming lot division, but raised concerns about pedestrian friendliness and commercial design guidelines (blank walls, curb cuts). The applicant offered to consider a recessed glass overhead door and a flat-panel siding to address concerns. The board did not reach consensus; a motion to defer passed to allow revised designs.
  • 1654 Waterbury Road (docket 021726): Tabled at the applicant’s request to revise designs.
  • 1337 Edenola Avenue (docket 021826): Deferred. The applicant (Tim Bennett) presented updates with better-aligned windows, a raised porch, and a landscape plan. Board members praised improvements but requested further breaking up of the long left side facade through dormer adjustments, widened gable proportions, or stepped walls. The applicant agreed to study options. The motion to defer passed.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals:
  • Sign for 1340 Madison Avenue (approved with conditions on logo sizing).
  • Sign for 1580 Detroit Avenue (approved with condition).
  • Sign for 2035 Quail Street – Birdtown Brewing (approved with removal of one sign).
  • New home at 1114 Forest Road (approved with conditions? The transcript indicates approval without additional conditions beyond those already met).
• Deferrals:
  • 1173 Detroit Avenue (North Coast Apartments) – return with material cut sheets and design clarifications.
  • 15501 Madison Avenue (Vital Pilates) – return with refined window and arch spacing, product information.
  • 1374 West 117th Street (Norton Industries) – return with revised garage door (glass, recessed) and flat-panel siding.
  • 1337 Edenola Avenue – return with further massing articulation on the left facade.
• Tabling:
  • 1654 Waterbury Road – tabled for redesign.
• Public Comments: The board received extensive testimony on the Forest Road project; all letters and photos submitted were made part of the record. For Norton Industries, the owner clarified industrial needs and the board acknowledged utility constraints.
• Next Steps: Applicants for deferred items will appear at a future meeting with revisions. The board encouraged use of the city's Storefront Renovation Program for 1374 West 117th Street.