Committee conditionally approves Homestead Activity Center exterior renderings; requests revised gable options

The Mendon Visual Arts Committee on Monday conditionally approved exterior renderings for the Homestead Activity Center, asking the project team to supply revised options for the west gable end before the design is finalized.

The committee’s decision followed a presentation describing the activity center’s program and siting just north of the crater. Michael, the staff presenter, said the building will include meeting rooms, changing rooms, a sauna, a fitness area overlooking the golf course and pickleball courts, and that exterior design decisions fall within the committee’s purview while interior layouts do not.

Brandon, the project presenter, described the architectural approach as “understanding, respecting the past architecture” and said the design intentionally blends older stone elements with more modern glass connections. He emphasized that rooftop mechanical equipment will be screened: “We definitely…do a good job of making sure you can't see those,” he said.

Discussion focused on a gable-end detail that incorporated half-timbering. Brandon said the property owners asked that the half-timber be removed because they were not satisfied with how it read; he agreed to email the committee “a couple of options” for revised gable treatments within the week. Committee members moved to approve the overall exterior with the condition that the applicant submit the alternate gable renderings for committee review before final sign-off. The motion was made and seconded and members indicated assent; specific vote tallies were not specified in the transcript.

Committee members also asked whether new wayfinding or directional signage would be necessary given a planned breezeway that routes visitors toward the activity center instead of directly to the crater. Michael and Brandon said the resort would use small wayfinding signs and that an external desk inside the crater would no longer be necessary once operations consolidate at the activity center.

Presenters confirmed materials—stucco, stone, and a new natural wood siding—are consistent with other Homestead buildings. Brandon noted the wood siding is the principal new material on this structure and that other facade treatments are consistent with the development’s existing palette.

The committee’s conditional approval directs the project team to submit the revised gable-end renderings to staff for distribution to committee members; the transcript indicates Brandon agreed to provide those renderings by email.