Alton Place changes approved after commissioners ask for added architectural detail

Commissioners voted 5–0 on July 10 to approve proposed architectural revisions to Commercial Building D in Subarea C7 of Alton Place, while attaching a staff condition asking for refinement of east and west elevations to ensure comparable architectural quality. Staff described changes to the originally approved plan that reduce the number of tenant entrances and replace arched windows with squared openings and board-and-batten siding in some locations because the building is now designed for two tenants instead of six. Staff cited the Alton Place text requirement that architectural quality be maintained on all building sides and recommended conditions requiring revisions where the new materials reduce visual relief. Applicant Carter Bean of Bean Architects explained the revisions are driven partly by tenant needs — two dental practices will occupy the building — and by cost and constructability issues for the custom arched window systems. He said the proposed fiber-cement siding and panel inserts will provide visual interest and that additional trim could replicate the rhythm of the original facade. Commissioners and staff discussed options including paneled insets or graphics to maintain the intended cadence of openings. The commission approved the modified final development plan with three staff conditions and the direction that staff coordinate with the applicant to recover architectural rhythm on the east and west elevations.