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Planning board narrows design choice for 325 College Ave.; favors non‑recessed streetscape option
Summary
Developers of a mixed‑use project at 325 College Ave. presented several design alternatives including streetscape set‑backs and sidewalk approaches; the board favored "Design Alternate 1" that keeps the facade aligned with Dryden Road while preserving pedestrian space and a stronger streetscape connection.
Developers presented revised design studies for 325 College Ave. and sought guidance on street‑level treatment, materiality and sidewalk configuration at the Jan. 28 Planning and Development Board meeting.
Presenters said they had submitted material samples and refined viewpoints to address board comments. The team described multiple schematic options: (1) pull the facade back 4 feet on College Avenue to match the College streetscape; (2) maintain a straight facade on Dryden with additional glazing and a story‑and‑a‑half expression to align with adjacent buildings; and (3) a pulled‑back option that creates a sunken patio area. The applicant also said it has been negotiating with a restaurant tenant who would take a long lease and whose needs were informing sidewalk and outdoor seating options.
Board members discussed pedestrian circulation, durability of selected materials and how the building should relate to adjacent buildings in College Town. Member comments focused on the width of sidewalks, the value of continuous street frontage for pedestrian flow, and the balance between outdoor dining and accessible sidewalks. Several board members praised the applicant for bringing multiple options and material samples.
By a clear board consensus the members favored the option referred to in the meeting as "Design Alternate 1," the non‑recessed option that aligns the facade with the street while creating a coherent streetscape and better continuity with neighboring buildings. Board members said that option improved the pedestrian experience on Dryden and preserved flexibility for the ground floor retail and the restaurant user. Members asked for further detail on first‑floor loading and servicing, tree‑box and bench opportunities on College Avenue, dimensioned window‑detail sections and continued coordination on construction staging and lane closure plans during build‑out.
The board asked the applicant to return with additional details including a sill height confirmation for second‑floor windows along Dryden and a light‑well/window‑well plan. Members also encouraged increased indoor bike parking capacity and asked for more information on how trash and loading operations would function with the proposed grades.
No formal vote was taken other than the board stating a strong design preference. The applicant said it would return with updated drawings and further responses to the board's detailed material and streetscape comments.
