Hekemian & Co., Wire Gill, NV Homes, BCT Architects, Mahan Rykiel Associates and Walter L. Phillips, Inc.
On Monday evening, the Beauregard Design Advisory Committee (BDAC) hosted its the final meeting to discuss Phase 1 of the Upland Park development project, giving approval to the plans to build a new townhome community.
Representatives from Hekemian & Co., Wire Gill, NV Homes, BCT Architects, Mahan Rykiel Associates and Walter L. Phillips, Inc. presented revisions to townhouse and park designs based off of feedback from the BDAC and City staff.
Matt Renault, with Mahan Rykiel Associates, discussed proposed revision to the park design. One of the main features of the park is a curbless street also known as a woonerf, that will separate the large grassy area from the townhouses. In response to some previous concerns, he explained that there would be a number of seating elements, pavers, planters, lighting and bollards in order to mark a clear separation between park and street.
More details for the playground area of the park were also revealed at the meeting and could include a vertical play structure as well as less traditional natural play elements like boulders and hillsides that will allow a wider age range of kids to enjoy the space.
Scot Foster with BCT Architect presented changes to the design of the townhomes. More color was used to differentiate the buildings and give them a more residential look. The brick ends were redesigned with less height to better align with the height of the sloped roof while still retaining a chimney like motif of more traditional homes. A Hardee panel was added to break up the brick façade below the fourth floor balconies on some of the buildings.
A few members of the public voiced concern over the potential of the project to exacerbate existing traffic issues in the area. They wanted to make sure that this was being studied as part of the project. Maya Contreras, with the City’s Department of Planning and Zoning ensured that traffic conditions as well as pedestrian safety would be considered. They are considering a four way intersection at Fairbanks Avenue and Seminary Road but that it depends on the results of a study for an ellipse in the area.
Members of the BDAC enthusiastically supported the changes to the designs. They unanimously voted to allow the proposed amendments to the Beauregard Small Area Plan and CDD as well as recommended the necessary changes to the Beauregard Urban Design Standards and Guidelines.
The Upland Park project will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council sometime between February and April of 2021, according to Contreras.
