Design review grants conditional approval to Bentall Brothers office at 12 Reed Street; committee requires landscaping, lighting and materials details

On May 13, 2025, the Evansville Design Review Committee granted conditional approval to Bentall Brothers’ proposal for a new two‑story office building and updated parking at 12 Reed Street in the Jacobsville redevelopment area, subject to follow‑up documentation on landscaping, lighting, north‑elevation treatments, garage‑door materials and masonry details.

Kevin Lasher and Rio Tang of Morley presented the proposal and said the project would replace an existing gravel parking lot with a new office and parking to support Bentall Brothers’ operations nearby. Lasher said the applicant had discussed site placement with staff and retained the building toward the north of the lot for operational reasons (overhead doors and access to operations across the street).

Committee members asked for changes to improve the street edge: additional planting beds at corners, perimeter hedging, and stronger entrance treatments (for example stone columns) along Division Street. Members also suggested separating first‑ and second‑floor planes with contrasting colors where windows are not practical; Lasher said Bentall provided color samples (including a midnight blue and a pearl accent) and the team would share additional masonry or stone samples.

On the north elevation, the committee and applicant discussed security concerns that led to a minimal ground‑level opening. Staff suggested adding upper‑level windows and/or a separation band or color change between floors so the façade does not read as a blank wall. The committee also requested a lighting plan for the building and parking area and a sample for the overhead garage door. One committee member with basement restoration experience cautioned that thin veneer stone can have a shorter life cycle than full‑bed depth masonry and encouraged full‑bed depth where feasible.

A committee member moved to approve the project conditionally pending the requested materials and plans; the motion was seconded and carried with no opposition recorded. Staff said the applicant could submit the required follow‑up documents to the committee members and, if those documents address the conditions, staff will administratively approve the project without returning to the full committee. The applicant reported they will start construction after receiving CDR release and estimated a one‑to‑two‑year construction duration.

Next steps: applicant to submit a landscaping plan, lighting plan, north‑elevation refinements (windows or color/plane separation), garage‑door material sample and masonry/stone sample; staff will review submissions and may administratively clear the conditions if all items are addressed.