Norfolk Casino developers present materials, bird-safety and lighting plans; ARB recommended approval with conditions

At a Planning Commission preview, project representatives for the proposed Norfolk Casino at 200 Park Avenue presented detailed exterior-materials selections, bird-strike mitigation plans, garage screening, EIFS panelization, and programmable exterior lighting. The Architectural Review Board (ARB) met earlier in the week and voted unanimously to recommend approval with conditions requiring additional materials and renderings.

The project team identified glazing, metal panels and lighting as the principal public-facing elements. "I'm the project manager for the Norfolk Casino and a principal at HKS Architects," said Britney Gore, who led the presentation to the commission. Gore described a multi-glass strategy to create a subtle color shift across the hotel tower, plus a fritted bird-glass option for lower elevations. "GLO 1, 2, and 3 are the color shifts… GLO 4 is a representation of what our frittered bird glass will look like," the team said during the presentation.

Key elements presented: - Glazing and bird-safety: The team proposes a circular frit pattern at a two-inch spacing for the lower podium and other areas in the defined high-impact zone. The architects said most bird collisions occur within the first 40 feet above finished grade and that roughly 90% of the building façade within that zone should be treated to meet American Bird Conservancy guidance; project designers said the porte-cochere would not be fritted because deep overhangs and lack of visible daylight reduce strike risk. - Metal and soffit materials: Silver metallic metal panels will form the horizontal "slab edge" bands; a darker basalt gray metal and a wood-look metal soffit will be used at the porte-cochere to create a warmer entry experience. - Parking garage screening: A metal screening system is proposed to visually screen cars while preserving ventilation; in-ground fixtures will wash the lower portion of the screen and can be RGB-programmable. - EIFS panelization: The team showed joint details and agreed to standardize joint widths across aesthetic and deflection joints so panelization yields consistent shadow lines. - Exterior lighting: The project proposes programmable RGB linear lighting nested at slab edges and a crown that can be lit as white or color if programming requires it. The team described the effect as a "subtle" linear movement of light rather than an arena-style display. "We're not looking for this to be Vegas," Gore said. "This is very subtle light movement in a linear fashion across these lines."

ARB conditions and public visibility: ARB asked for additional materials and night renderings, including views from the south side of the Elizabeth River and the Elizabeth River Trail. Commissioners and residents expressed interest in understanding the nighttime effect from across the river; the design team agreed to provide renderings showing the project’s lit appearance from that vantage point. The applicant also reported discussions with the city about the Elizabeth River Trail; the city’s staff contact said the trail and the flood wall sit on city property and the city will coordinate related work.

Review outcome and next steps: ARB voted unanimously to recommend approval with conditions including (per the ARB discussion) additional exterior-lighting details and night renderings, material samples for color/finish review, and review of any DHR/NPS-related changes if applicable. The presentation to the Planning Commission was a preview; staff and the applicant will return with requested renderings, material samples and refined details for subsequent reviews.