Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Façade Alternatives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission approves façade exception for 229 S. Knobloch; requires added upper window
Summary
The Stillwater Planning Commission approved an alternative compliance request to remodel 229 South Knobloch Street into a Bank of Oklahoma branch with an ATM and night drop, adding a condition that a high window above the ATM be installed to restore façade symmetry (5-0).
The Stillwater Planning Commission on Jan. 6 approved an alternative compliance request to remodel 229 South Knobloch Street into a Bank of Oklahoma branch, stipulating the applicant add a high window above the ATM to improve the street-facing façade’s symmetry.
Henry Bibelheimer of Development Services told commissioners the site is in the transect-6 form-based code area and that the code generally requires symmetrical, transparent street facades. "Tonight, we're looking at an alternative compliance request for 229 South Knobloch Street," Bibelheimer said, explaining staff’s review under section 23-4-49 that allows the commission to permit alternative design where appropriate.
Architect Austin Drum, representing the applicant, said the project converts the former marble-slab creamery into a Bank of Oklahoma location and includes an ATM and night-drop next to the primary entrance. Drum said placing the ATM in an enclosed vestibule would "eat into a lot of the interior space," reduce the bank’s planned student-study hospitality area and create circulation and ADA complications. "One of the program items that the bank wants to do is give space to the students of OSU to come, and use this space throughout the day, for their clientele," Drum said.
Commission discussion focused on maintaining an active, non-blank façade while accommodating the ATM and night-drop. Commissioners asked whether a transom or spandrel window above the ATM could restore visual balance; staff and the applicant confirmed an upper window was feasible even if moving the ATM laterally was constrained by an interior fire-department connection and clearance issues.
Commissioner (Speaker 5) moved to approve the alternative compliance "with the stipulation of adding a window above the ATM to match the symmetry of the other side," and Commissioner (Speaker 7) seconded. The motion passed unanimously, five to zero.
The action closed the item on the agenda; staff will record the condition in the commission’s findings and proceed according to standard follow-up procedures.
