The Planning Commission on July 28 approved building elevations for a proposed Jay Alexander's restaurant at 100 Marketplace Boulevard, with a condition that staff and Commissioner Halverson work with the applicant on suggested design refinements for the canopy color and corner materials.

Staff told the commission the site is zoned GC (General Commercial) and lies within the Georgia 54 West Corridor overlay, and that proposed changes respond to the overlay's design guidelines on materials, massing and breaking up long wall expanses. "Staff feels the proposed colors and materials are substantially the same as those listed in the design guidelines," the planner said, noting that changes include adding stone veneer accents, repainting, and replacing some brick areas with EIFS.

The design will replace some front brick with painted EIFS, reducing primary-material coverage on the front facade from 80% to 77%. Staff said the two corner columns under the canopy will be stone and that the rear and side facades remain 100% primary material. The presentation compared proposed materials (Coronado stone in a Texas cream tone and STO-brand EIFS in soft white) with the overlay's design-guideline samples.

Matt Raleigh, construction manager for Jay Alexander's, told the commission the design team kept the brand aesthetic while meeting city guidelines: "I think our design team did a fair job of presenting, you know, some new elements that were in line with the overall brand while still meeting the guidelines of the city." Commissioners praised the reinvestment in the property and suggested minor refinements. Commissioner Halverson raised aesthetic and waterproofing concerns about stone corner elements and suggested a rainscreen or alternative detailing; Halverson asked staff to work directly with the applicant to identify faster, cleaner solutions that achieve the same look.

The commission moved to approve the elevations with a condition that staff and Commissioner Halverson meet with the applicant to discuss canopy color and tower/corner materials; the motion passed by voice vote. Staff and the applicant indicated they will continue to refine construction documents as they pursue permits.

(Ending) Signage shown on the elevations will be reviewed under a separate sign-permit process and will be subject to overlay signage requirements and any future clarifications from the previously initiated sign-ordinance amendment.