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Developers of new AutoZone-style store get design guidance from Collierville DRC
Summary
Planning staff and the commission reviewed a proposed 7,381-square-foot auto parts store; commissioners urged brick or compatible accents, recommended breaking up large facades with windows or scored lines, and discussed signage illumination limits. Applicant agreed to provide darker Hardy-board samples and additional accent details.
Planning staff presented a proposal for a 7,381-square-foot auto parts store on the east side of Southeastern Avenue south of Winchester Boulevard and asked the Design Review Commission for feedback on elevations and exterior materials. Staff said the site is currently vacant and that the city’s design guidelines call for new structures to be compatible with adjacent brick-and-stone buildings.
The applicant team, represented by regional project manager Wade David Selma, described a design that departs from a standard corporate prototype, saying it would use an earth-tone brick base and painted cement-fiberboard (Hardie board) for siding. "We're proposing an earth tone brick and stone base and then the Hardie boards that is painted buff color," Selma said, adding the owner wants a quick close and the team is trying to fast-track decisions.
Commissioners and staff pressed the applicant on material durability and appearance. Planning staff noted adjacent buildings are predominantly brick and stone and suggested brick above the entrance instead of siding; commissioners recommended using spandrel or punched windows, adding score lines or soldier-course brick accents to break up monochromatic expanses, and considering EIFS or stucco at the storefront as an alternative. Joel Parker, who identified himself as the project's landscape architect, noted the south-facing wall will be less visible due to dense buffering but urged consistency with the surrounding context.
The commission also discussed signage. Staff reiterated the city does not allow internally illuminated cabinet signs in multi-tenant centers; halo-lit or externally illuminated signage would be acceptable. The applicant said the brand orange would remain but they could explore a muted background and darker siding samples.
Commissioners stopped short of formal approval — this was a feedback session — but signaled general support for heavier masonry accents, additional facade articulation, and submittal of darker siding samples and refined accent details for staff review.
Next steps: the applicant will provide additional material samples and refined elevations for administrative review or a future DRC submittal, per staff guidance.
