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Blythewood BAR approves new brick building at 702 University Village Drive
Summary
The Town of Blythewood Board of Architectural Review approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new brick building at 702 University Village Drive after the applicant revised materials and detailing to address previous BAR concerns.
The Town of Blythewood Board of Architectural Review on Feb. 10 approved a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new brick-and-mortar building at 702 University Village Drive, concluding the applicant had sufficiently revised the design to align with the Town Center District standards.
Staff described the project as a two-parcel development (tax map R15200-01-2630) and noted the BAR’s prior requests for changes. Applicant Mike Ziegler and architect Josh Bridal presented updated renderings that eliminated exterior insulating finish system (EFIS), wrapped the façade in brick, reduced prominent black elements, introduced soldier-course brick banding to break up flat facades and revised awning and rooftop screening details.
"We did away with the EFIS," Ziegler said, "we addressed it and wrapped it completely in brick." Bridal showed stepped soldier-course projections and additional soldier-course details above and below windows to create horizontal lines across elevations. The applicant also said rooftop HVAC units would be screened and that interior roof ladders and a landlord room would contain utilities.
Board adviser and members praised the responsiveness but asked for additional detail work to ensure the building reads as a gateway feature compatible with nearby structures. "You're looking at a building that's going to look quite some like the existing structure in the shopping center," the adviser said, and encouraged the architect to provide clearer brick-color and detailing options.
A board member moved to approve the presentation as presented with the chair and the technical adviser authorized to finalize contract and title language; the motion carried by voice vote.
The board's approval does not substitute for required permits; the applicant must still secure building permits and comply with the Town Center District design standards and applicable sign ordinances (wall signs limited to 20 square feet per ordinance). The applicant said there will be no monument sign; all signage will be building-mounted and conform to the sign code.
Next steps: the applicant will provide final elevations with additional brick detailing for the BAR’s files and proceed with permit submission.
