ARB and staff press bank applicants to preserve a true Main Street entrance, scale back branded feature

Summary

After receiving projects remanded from BZAP, the ARB urged designers for two East Main Street bank projects to reduce the scale of a branded "yellow" entrance feature, retain or reactivate a pedestrian entrance on Main Street, clarify brick/awning details and add planting; the board tabled both items to March 12 to allow revisions.

Two related Main Street projects involving bank renovations (addresses in the transcript: 2680 and 2690 East Main) returned to the ARB Feb. 12 after referral from the Board of Zoning & Planning. Presenters explained changes including revised piers, reduced massing for a two-story element and a branded entry treatment.

Board members expressed broad support for activating the corner and adding a bench and plantings but repeatedly pushed back on the proposal to create a dominant, non-operable branded "entrance" element in front of the building if it is not a true pedestrian entrance. Several members said Main Street policy and the public realm aim to encourage real front-door pedestrian access rather than an architectural gesture that would be locked or nonfunctional. Members recommended softer, less saturated color choices for the branded wall, reducing the size of the yellow wedge, and adding planting and a scaled bench to activate the corner. Staff confirmed samples had been provided and advised applicants to submit updated renderings and material samples for the March 12 meeting. The board voted to table the projects to March 12 and asked staff to consolidate comments for the applicant team.