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Commission presses for penthouse screening and façade articulation on proposed Dublin Methodist tower
Summary
Commissioners expressed concern that the enclosed mechanical penthouse and massing for the proposed six-story tower would read as an additional story and appear visually prominent; they asked the applicant and staff to seek design revisions to minimize perceived bulk, integrate materials, and add articulation before the AFDP returns.
Multiple commissioners told the applicant and staff that the proposed mechanical penthouse and large metal screening risk making the new tower appear as a taller, monolithic element on the campus unless the penthouse is better integrated into the building architecture.
Commissioner comments emphasized the need to break up blank wall surfaces, repeat campus material cues and add articulation that ties the new massing into the existing towers. "Anything we can do to reduce the amount of metal" and to "integrate the penthouse so it does not read as a separate, tall box" were themes in deliberation.
Staff explained the PUD development text permits mechanical penthouses to extend beyond the six occupied stories but recommended conditions requiring the applicant to explore options that reduce perceived mass, such as varying paneling, adding fin articulation, or using brick or other materials to better relate to existing buildings. The applicant agreed to return with options and asked the commission to table the AFDP so the team and staff can develop responsive designs.
