The Design Review Commission (DRC) met again yesterday, September 28, to discuss and determine the proposed Walgreens redesign to the former Petco building, new awnings for Which Wich, and an update to Island Fitness.
The meeting was partially a continuation of the September 14th meeting, at which Chairperson Todd Shallan suggested to reconvene to give the architect the opportunity and time to make revisions to the Walgreens design.
After much discussion and review of the updates, the DRC unanimously approved the updated redesign for Walgreens.
Walgreens’ original design proposal
Revised, approved design proposal
Revisions include:
- “W” sign on northern side reduced by 20% to four by five feet
- Reduced height of building and white “banner” on top of storefront
- Increased height of front window panels
- Driveway entrance from Orange Avenue will be closed off and replaced with greenery (to provide safety and additional parking spaces) per request of DRC
- Revised right portion of building between Walgreens and Pizza & Greek Grill (the goal was to make this part of the building appear to be a separate entity, thus making Walgreens seem smaller)
Only one resident spoke during the public comment’ segment, and stated that the redesign was “much improved” but could still use more work.
Though the design has been approved by the DRC, Walgreens will still need to gain approval from the city’s Planning Commission in order to obtain a ‘Minor Special Use Permit’.
Also on the agenda was Which Wich, a forthcoming sandwich shop at 926 Orange Avenue (former home of Chance Bistro). The proposal was to change the area’s current burgundy awning to a yellow awning with black lettering (pictured below) and add patio furniture, which was also approved unanimously by the DRC.
Though it is a guideline that all awnings for buildings should match, the DRC has approved awning changes several times in the past. Just glancing around Coronado, you’d see that this “guideline” does not appear to be enforced.
This design proposal caused a bit of debate about the color. Two people spoke during the public comment, one of which stated that the color scheme lacks “visual harmony” and clashes with the building’s current awning.
However, the importance of a new business being able to visually stand out and attract customers was mentioned many times (by the applicant and several DRC members), which likely influenced the new awning’s approval.
The final item up for discussion was Island Fitness, who replaced their fabric roof prior to approval from the DRC. There was a very brief discussion, in which Chairperson Shallan reminded the applicant to not make changes without first gaining DRC approval. The change to Island Fitness earned another unanimous approval by the Commission.
“Meeting adjourned!”
What are your thoughts on the plans for Walgreens and/or Which Wich? Let us know in the comments below
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