Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parking Structure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Historic zoning panel approves Factory parking structure after material debate
Summary
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission approved a new parking structure at the Factory at Franklin with staff conditions, after discussing brick construction methods and requiring traditional brick per staff condition.
The Franklin Historic Zoning Commission on June 9 approved a certificate of appropriateness for a new multi-level parking structure at 230 Franklin Road on the Factory at Franklin campus, subject to staff conditions and a requirement for traditional brick construction. The commission discussed construction methods and material compatibility before voting to require traditional brick consistent with on‑site precedent.
Staff planner Emily Clindon summarized the application and recommended approval with conditions, noting two construction options for the primary wall material: traditional brick or thinset (brick panel) construction. Clindon told the commission that “the use of a traditional brick meets the guidelines as that is what is seen historically on the factory campus.”
The applicant’s team said the thinset brick panels would reduce site impacts and improve constructability in tight conditions adjacent to occupied historic buildings. At the meeting an applicant spokesperson described the panels as a way to avoid mortar and debris on adjacent, occupied buildings and to improve safety during construction. Architect Gina Emmanuel, Centric Architecture, said the thinset vendor “can really customize this brick in a way that makes it appear as close as you can to everything else out there.”
Commissioners pressed on visual precedent and durability. Several commissioners said the guidelines specify brick that is compatible in size, profile and detailing with historic materials and raised concerns about setting a new precedent for thinset panels. A public commenter, James Blair, urged the commission to permit a compromise or combination but noted a preference for traditional brick.
After discussion the commission approved the project with staff conditions and adopted the staff-recommended requirement for traditional brick (staff condition #2). The record reflects that the commission considered construction logistics and asked the applicant to provide mockups and samples so staff and the commission can verify how the selected brick and mortar will appear in context. The applicant and staff also agreed to manage details such as mortar profile and mockups prior to permit issuance.
Commission action: approval with staff conditions; final material selection to conform to the commission’s requirement for traditional brick and to the staff review process.
The project will next proceed to building permit review consistent with the approved COA conditions; the applicant committed to producing on-site mockups and material samples for staff approval before major façade work begins.
