Title
Design Review Application PLN15-0468 to Construct a New Commercial Building for the Bank of Marin on a 5,000 sq. ft. Site at the Southwest Corner of the South Shore Center, 523 South Shore Center. The Environmental Impact Report for the expansion of the Alameda Towne Centre, certified October 7, 2008, satisfies environmental review for this project under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Body
To: Honorable President and
Members of the Planning Board
From: Deborah Diamond
Project Planner
BACKGROUND
On January 11, 2016, the Planning Board held a study session and provided comments on the architecture of Bank of Marin's proposed new building at 523 South Shore Center. Based on the Board's guidance, the applicant, Jamestown L.P., with architect Lev Weisbach, has finalized the building design and is now requesting Design Review approval for the project as a whole, including architecture, pedestrian and bicycle improvements, and landscaping. The draft resolution for approval is attached as Exhibit 1 and revised plans, including pedestrian and bicycle improvements, and landscaping, are attached as Exhibit 2. The staff report for the study session, which contains background information describing how this project is consistent with the 2009 South Shore Center development plan approval, is attached as Exhibit 3.
ANALYSIS
Architecture
At its study session, the Board provided input on three variations of a building design that generally shared the basic design concept of an elevated facade afloat over glass storefronts that wrap the corner, and two darker and smaller masses flanking the main structure. Although there was no consensus on a preferred design option, the Board discussion revealed common preferences for building massing, materials, and color palette. There was general support for a 12-foot high storefront. A majority voiced a preference for the ATM wall to be lowered and recessed. The grey color palette se...
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