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Design Review Board grants final approval to Fort Moneu renovation, conditions tree‑care plan review
Summary
The board granted final approval for a rehabilitation project at East Fifth North Street, conditioned on submission of a tree care plan and other staff items; the board asked the applicant to consider aesthetic comments from members.
The Design Review Board on Feb. 27 granted final approval to the Fort Moneu project on East Fifth North Street, conditioning site disturbance permitting on completion and town review of a certified tree care plan and related arborist documentation.
Summerville planning staff said the applicant had addressed several earlier comments, including adjustments requested by the fire marshal and architectural refinements. However staff recommended that the town withhold site disturbance permits until the applicant submits a full tree survey and a certified tree care plan reviewed by the town arborist; if the plan requires further action under Tree Protection Board rules, that approval must also be resolved.
Architect Ben Wittenberg told the board the team updated exterior finishes and removed an existing shed; the design includes added trim work, new canopies and masonry detailing. Board members suggested additional windows to break blank facades, mullion treatments for existing glass, and continued use of brick to better integrate the building with surrounding structures.
Board member Jared moved to grant final approval subject to staff comments and the tree care plan condition. The motion carried by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded.
Staff noted signage questions: multi‑tenant signage in the UCMX zoning district requires a DRB action. The board and applicant discussed replacing an existing freestanding sign; the board approved project changes but deferred action on any freestanding monument sign until confirmation of right‑of‑way and SCDOT approval. The board advised the applicant to return with the sign design if the location is within the state or town right‑of‑way.
For permitting, staff listed outstanding requirements including confirmed water and sewer updates, a final dumpster/enclosure detail and a final photometric and landscaping plan. The project team indicated they will bring those final details — and the tree care plan — before the town prior to site disturbance work.
