Architectural Review Board backs casino landscaping and dynamic parapet lighting with conditions

The Architectural Review Board recommended approval of the landscaping, site furnishings and a dynamic parapet lighting scheme for the proposed Norfolk casino, but with conditions to slow the LED color change and to study lighting intensity and signage.

Planning staff told the commission the applicant’s revised plans include a curving planting bed at the front entrance, ornamental trees and shrubs phased in after construction, granite pavers near the lobby, and a consistent palette of benches, bollards and trash receptacles. "What they're proposing for their landscaping plan is ... a really nice front landscape bed with a curvy linear path connecting Park Avenue with the site itself," staff member Elizabeth said.

On building lighting, staff described a proposed parapet and horizontal band lighting with programmable linear LED strips that would produce a two-second color wash. "The applicant is proposing to have the parapet lit, and each of those individual horizontal bands between each of the stories lit... The applicant is proposing a dynamic LED that will change color," Elizabeth said. Staff reported the applicant had not provided photometric values for the lighting and compared the visual effect to contained color washes such as those on the Wells Fargo building, saying the lighting is “contained against the building and up.”

Board members and staff raised several concerns: the two-second change rate, the potential for spillage or glare, the interaction between lighting and future illuminated signage, and whether the scheme meets dark-sky principles. "It is not compliant from that perspective," a board representative said about continuous parapet illumination being on all night; the board asked the applicant to re-examine intensity and how the lighting would interact with signage before signage is approved.

The Architectural Review Board voted 7-0 to recommend approval on the presented landscape and site components, and on the lighting concept with conditions. The recorded recommendation included slowing the dynamic color change (no specific interval was mandated) and directing the applicant to provide additional information on intensity and signage when the sign package is submitted for review.

Staff said the applicant intends to program primary colors (blue and white) and will retain the ability to change colors for events (for example, red/white/blue for holidays). Because the lights are proposed to operate overnight to match 24-hour operations, the board asked for a slower transition speed and additional intensity controls. Staff also noted there were no photometric values provided and that those values will be required for final review.

The board asked the applicant to return with the sign package and more detailed photometric and intensity data before final approval of illuminated signage and the precise lighting intensity. The applicant will also phase planting work because of construction sequencing.

The board’s action was an advisory recommendation to the city’s review process; staff will continue to work with the applicant as sign details and photometric analyses are completed.