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Commission says revised Southside Plaza medical building elevations align better with Mount Airy design goals
Summary
After a committee-level review the planning commission reported that revised exterior materials for two medical buildings at Southside Plaza moved the design from stark white EIFS to stone veneer and gray EIFS surrounds, and asked the architect to submit final construction elevations for staff sign-off.
The Mount Airy Planning Commission reported Aug. 25 that revised exterior elevations for two medical buildings planned at Southside Plaza have moved toward the town’s preferred palette and textures. A three-commissioner review team worked with the project architect and the planning director to refine the elevations from a largely white EIFS appearance to a design using gray EIFS panels, stone veneer on the first floor and consistent metal window surrounds.
Commission context and action At a previous meeting commissioners conditionally approved the site plan pending changes to exterior materials. A committee of three commissioners — led in the discussion by Commissioner O’Malley — held remote sessions with the architect to identify specific changes. Planning Director John confirmed the architect agreed to change the EIFS panels from off-white to a gray tone to better match the stone veneer called “storm cloud vantage 30” proposed for the first floor. The architect also agreed to make the first-floor window surrounds consistent with the second floor on the north elevation that faces the adjacent plaza.
Why it matters Commissioners said the changes were intended to maintain visual harmony with nearby buildings and the town’s character while allowing the medical facility — which will provide Alzheimer’s and dementia-related services — to proceed. Ralph Ghent, the commission chair, described the work as an effort to avoid “a white, ultra-modern” look that would not fit the town’s character.
Next steps The architect will submit revised paper plans and millwork/material details to the planning director. Once staff confirm the revisions meet the commission’s direction, the chair will sign off on the plans and the project will move forward to permitting and final construction review.
Ending Commissioners said the process — using a small working group to negotiate elevations with the applicant — achieved the town’s goal of protecting streetscape character without blocking a medical use the commission saw as needed for the town’s aging population.
