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Architecture Review Board finds 975 Lordship Boulevard largely matches approvals but landscaping, signage and façade articulation remain concerns
Summary
The Architecture Review Board reviewed post‑construction photos of 975 Lordship Boulevard and concluded the project generally followed ARB recommendations from July 2021 but questioned the maturity of plantings, whether the parking relocation created effective roadway landscaping, and whether the proposed internally illuminated sign is installed.
The Town of Stratford Architecture Review Board reviewed completed elevations and site photos for 975 Lordship Boulevard on Oct. 10, 2024 and found the development largely followed the recommendations made when the project appeared before the board in July 2021. Staff presented site photos and the list of prior ARB comments, which included improving landscaping along Washapula Wood and parking areas, moving Lot 3’s parking to allow landscaping along the road, adding articulation on the north‑facing facade on Larchie Boulevard, decorative fencing by the loading dock and an internally illuminated sign at the parking entrance.
“Overall, I think it fits in the context of the industrial area of the town,” Speaker 3 said while presenting the photos, but noted that daytime pictures made it unclear whether the proposed sign is illuminated at night. Speaker 3 also said the applicant followed most recommendations but that the building’s warehouse function and limited side windows leave relatively blank elevations.
Board members focused on site features more than the building envelope. Speaker 1 asked whether Lot 3’s parking had in fact been relocated to permit roadside planting; Speaker 3 said there is noticeably more landscaping than shown in the original plans but the newly planted trees are not yet mature and do not provide the intended visual screening. The uncertain sign illumination and immature trees led members to recommend staff supply the approved drawing package and a direct link to the town’s land use page so the board can compare the approved materials to what was built.
Members used the review as an example of why the board may need clearer, more specific guidance. “When you say articulate the facade, it’s pretty general. If you say ‘articulate using fake windows or different molding or a contrasting color,’ that’s more specific,” Speaker 3 told the group. Several members said they would like to develop suggested, more prescriptive options for future reviews so recommendations are easier to implement and enforce.
Next steps: staff will circulate direct links to the application materials on the Planning & Zoning land use page and follow up at a future meeting if outstanding items (sign illumination, parking configuration or planting maturity) require further board action.
