In a recent government meeting, commissioners discussed proposed modifications to a historical building originally constructed in 1932, located in Williamsburg, Virginia. The modifications include changes to the building's shutters, doors, and windows, which were generally deemed acceptable by several commissioners. They emphasized that the alterations align with the building's architectural style and are modest in nature.
However, significant concerns were raised regarding the visibility of rooftop mechanical equipment. Commissioner Goldblum highlighted that the amount of visible air conditioning units is unprecedented for a building of this type, suggesting that some equipment should be relocated indoors or redesigned to minimize visibility. Other commissioners echoed this sentiment, urging the applicant to collaborate with staff to explore options for reducing the bulk and visibility of the rooftop installations.
The discussion also touched on the building's energy efficiency, with Commissioner Ginsburg advocating for LEED certification and the replacement of windows to enhance energy performance. The color of the shutters was debated, with some commissioners preferring to retain the original white shutters for historical accuracy, while others suggested darker options might be more visually appealing.
Overall, while there was support for many of the proposed changes, the commissioners unanimously agreed that the rooftop mechanical equipment requires further study and redesign before any action can be taken. The meeting concluded with a decision to revisit the application once the applicant has addressed these concerns.