16 ADR Submittal_Narrative
March 20, 2020
Community Development Department
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave, Suite 102
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: McMillan Independent Senior Living
Administrative Design Review - Narrative
The facility is designed in a Modern Farmhouse style. All facades of the clubhouse and apartment wings
use a variety of forms such as recesses and projections, and gable and shed roofs to emphasize
building entries and create visual interest at balconies. The building materials are comprised of fiber
cement lap siding, vertical board & batten and manufactured stone veneer. The colors were chosen to
reflect a light and contrasting character. The use of stone veneer as an accent material at the base of
the buildings helps anchor the building and variations between lap and board and batten siding
articulate large building facades. The siding material within the gables is Hardie board and batten,
accented by decorative and structural outriggers at gable ends to help create focal points and provide
prominence in large façade masses. Windows and doors are surrounded by fiber cement trim to
transition and accent the surrounding siding materials. Transom windows are incorporated on the first
floor and provide enhanced visual interest while bringing a proportional look to the building facades.
Hardie clad columns support the decks above, covered on the fourth story by overhangs and gables.
The surrounding accessory structures share similar building materials and roof forms to complement
the primary buildings. HVAC equipment is completely hidden behind roof wells which also serves to
direct sound upwards.
The complex is comprised of a central clubhouse and two residential wings. The clubhouse is anchored
by a porte co·chère entry that utilizes stone clad columns, standing seam roofing and decorative up
lighting to create a prominent and unique feature. The Clubhouse offers residents several amenities
including a lobby with a bistro, lounge, indoor pool with sauna and steam r ooms, full commercial
kitchen; formal, casual and private dining areas; fitness center; wellness center with an exam table and
salon, art room, multipurpose room, library and a 20-seat theater. The residential wings are comprised
of various unit configurations including studios, one Bedroom and two Bedroom combinations. These
wings are made up of Hardie lap siding using two colors to break up the mass into visually appealing
elements. The orientation of the buildings forms a centralized courtyard the connec ts the clubhouse
and indoor pool to the outdoor open space. Exterior amenities include outdoor dining areas, patio and
plaza spaces with shuffleboard, outdoor checkers, a fire pit, dog park, bocce ball and pickleball courts,
putting green, and gardens with an enclosed year-round greenhouse.
Though the site plan provides more than adequate parking within the requirements for a multi -family
development most residents do not drive as the facility provides a shuttle service for residents and their
guests. Site lighting has been selected to promote the visual appeal and accent the building façade
materials uses. Interconnected pathways throughout the site connect the clubhouse and apartment
wings to form convenient access to amenities, parking, and surround neighborhood and commercial
areas by pedestrian connections at Milano Drive and Cortona Way.
Thank you for your consideration and support.
Sincerely,
Bernardo Wills Architects
Erik Nelson
Project Manager