Planning commission grants final site plan approval for Southside Plaza medical buildings after design-elevation revisions

The Mount Airy Planning Commission voted unanimously to grant final site development plan approval for two proposed medical-service buildings at Southside Plaza (1508 and 1510 South Main Street), contingent on revised architectural elevations and standard permitting conditions.

The project, which proposes two new buildings for medical offices and a rehabilitation center for patients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, previously received a variance from the Board of Appeals in October 2023 to allow one building to exceed a 5,000-square-foot parcel limit. Commissioners had earlier raised concerns about stark white exterior materials and requested revisions so the design would better harmonize with nearby businesses. Tonight the commission approved final plan application S220037 after the applicant agreed to submit revised elevations that portray a brick-like appearance on the current EIFS panels and to address town and county comments.

During the session, commissioners focused extensively on exterior materials, colors and the project’s visual impact as a prominent view when entering town from the south. Several commissioners asked for masonry elements or other architectural treatments to soften the EIFS (synthetic stucco) panels; the applicant’s representatives said the design mirrors nearby buildings and that site-level fire protection elements would be addressed during the building-permit review. The Mount Airy Volunteer Fire Company provided an adequacy statement and requested fire-protection measures including firefighter turn-around area and possible sprinkler/standpipe connections available at building permit review.

The Planning Commission’s approval included these conditions: resubmission of architectural elevations that portray a brick-like appearance on the proposed EIFS panels and review of those revised elevations by the town zoning administrator in consultation with three commissioners; all town and county comments must be addressed before the town approves any building permit; execution of a public works agreement and receipt of required bonding before issuance of building permits; and verification of fire protection design and required signage and striping to keep the access road clear for emergency apparatus. The motion, made by a commissioner and seconded, carried by unanimous voice vote.

Town staff said the revised elevations will be reviewed by the zoning administrator in consultation with designated planning commissioners rather than bringing a further full commission meeting solely for architecturals; if additional matters remain, the project may return to the commission. The applicant and town staff were asked to finalize agency comments and provide the necessary bonds and agreements before building permits are issued.