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Board approves exterior alterations for new tenant at Real High Street storefront
Summary
The design review board approved exterior alterations and storefront work for a new tenant taking part of the former Wendy's building at Real High Street, including painted brick, new storefront, single-door entry and ACM panels; a mural with a strawberry motif will be handled as signage/variance later.
The University District Design Review Board approved exterior alterations for a new tenant in the former Wendy’s building on Real High Street, accepting staff’s recommendation that the alterations meet University District guidance for storefront transparency and material quality.
Staff summary and proposal: city staff presented the application describing removal of an existing built-out insert in the storefront to improve visibility, painting selected brick on the west and south elevations, replacing the storefront system to match adjacent storefronts, replacing an existing double-door entry on the west elevation with a single door for security reasons, and replacing red panels with new light-blue ACM panels. The submittal included existing-condition photos, elevations, material specifications and tenant space plans. Staff said the proposal is consistent with the University District plan’s recommendations for ground-floor transparency and material quality and recommended approval without condition.
Applicant comments: the tenant’s representative told the board they plan to occupy roughly 3,000–3,100 square feet of the former 4,600-square-foot Wendy’s shell and that the proposal removes the obstructive inset in the storefront to increase visibility into the retail space. The applicant said a painted mural that includes a strawberry motif is part of their branding; staff noted that a design element with a branded fruit motif could be considered signage and that a variance might be required for that mural if it is read as a logo. The applicant said they will return with any required signage details if necessary.
Board discussion and action: board members asked about lighting and confirmed the existing downlighting will remain. Multiple board members praised removal of the storefront inset and the lowered visual obstruction from the windows. A motion to approve the exterior alterations carried; the motion on the record was made by Mister Sondag and seconded by Mister Smanski, and recorded “yes” votes included Miss Parker, Mister Reeves and Mister Silva. The motion carried.
What’s next: the applicant may return with a separate sign-variance request if the mural is treated as signage; otherwise the approved storefront and material changes may proceed through the usual permitting process.
