Delray SPRAB denies Wells Fargo’s proposed dark exterior palette at two branch sites

The Delray Beach Site Plan Review and Appearance Board on July 23 denied two separate color-change applications from Wells Fargo, finding the bank’s proposed dark exterior palette inconsistent with surrounding development and the city’s appearance standards.

City staff elevated both Level 1 administrative applications to board review under LDR authority after concluding the proposed palettes — part of a national Wells Fargo refurbishment program — contrasted sharply with neighboring, lighter-toned buildings. Staff presentations cited LDR section 4.618(b) (architectural elevations and aesthetics) and the director’s authority to elevate administrative reviews (LDR section 2.1[b]/2.11[b]). The two addresses under review were 14743 South Military Trail (file referenced in staff submittal as 2025185 and in the recorded motion as 2025-189) and 530 Linton Boulevard (file and motion references varied in the record). Staff noted the branches were built in 2018 and described the sites (0.74 acre / 4,477 sq ft at South Military Trail; 0.37 acre / 2,450 sq ft at Linton Boulevard).

Agent Jason Kaus (presenting for Franklin Contractors on behalf of Wells Fargo) described the bank’s nationwide repaint program to remove the existing yellow-and-red scheme and introduce a “minimalist dark color palette” with Sherwin-Williams colors the applicant listed as Dovetail (trim), Dorian Gray (base), Original White (soffits), Gauntlet Gray (exterior soffits) and Black Magic (storefront frames). He said the darker hues were intended as accents in some locations but acknowledged the palette was used consistently across multiple sites.

City staff recommended denial in both cases, saying the proposed palette “contrasts sharply with the tropical light color tones nearby” and “fails to appropriately reflect the Delray Village by the Sea aesthetic.” Board members, after viewing elevations and existing adjacent buildings, largely agreed. Board member Christina Morrison said, “I agree with why staff elevated this to the board,” and Chair Annette Graham and others said the elevations read heavier and darker in the renderings than they anticipated.

On the South Military Trail location the board voted to deny the application (motion to deny recorded as the prevailing motion; roll call: Robert Lewis, Wenske Villanue, Christina Morrison, Jose Alvarez and Annette Gray — all voting to deny; Linda Perdue and Cynthia Lloyd absent). On the Linton Boulevard location the board also voted to deny the color-change application (final roll: Wenske Villanue, Christina Morrison, Jose Alvarez and Annette Gray voting to deny; Robert Lewis voted no to the denial). Recorded motions found the proposals inconsistent with the comprehensive plan and not meeting the LDR aesthetic criteria.

In discussion members noted two recurring concerns: the depth and scale of the darker color across the larger wall planes, and compatibility with nearby plaza and storefront colors (greens, reds and lighter tones). Board members asked whether adjacent property owners had submitted any repaint or coordination plans (staff said none were known), and members also asked the applicant whether signage color would remain red; the applicant said signage programs were handled separately but likely would remain red, possibly toned down.

Both denials were rendered as board findings that the proposed color palettes did not meet the city’s LDR criteria for harmony, appearance quality and visual compatibility. Staff and board members said the applicant could return with revised palettes that more closely incorporate local context elements or lighter tones to harmonize with the surrounding shopping centers.

Less critical details: staff emphasized the board’s role under SPRAB authority, and several board members described the denial as a missed opportunity to find a middle-ground palette that modernized the bank’s image while respecting Delray Beach’s local character.