_Design Narrative
February 28, 2020
City of Meridian
Planning Department
Meridian City Hall, Suite 210
33 East Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Re: Design Review Application
Project – Pine 43 Retail Shops
2325 East Fairview Avenue
Meridian, Idaho
Project No. 20019.000
Dear City Planner:
The following is a project narrative for the construction of one-story retail shops and associated site
work located at 2325 East Fairview Avenue.
The construction of the project will take place on parcel: R7104250566T which is currently zoned (C-G)
General Retail and Service Commercial, which permits this type of use. The building size is
approximately 7,162 square feet with only the building shell planned for construction, the tenant
improvement plans will be submitted at a future date. The related site work will be newly constructed
for the use of the retail shops and future building pads.
The building’s exterior has been designed to meet current City design standards. The material that gives
the building its character consists of the aluminum metal siding that showcases the look and beauty of
wood fir siding but eliminates the maintenance that would otherwise be required- this ensures the look
of building remains intact over time. Timber members are used to tie-in with the look of the wood metal
siding and provides additional support to the shed roofs. Dark gray corrugated ‘M’ siding and black
anodized metal--on the storefronts, canopies, and trim--are juxta positioned to provide contrast to the
warmth of the wood. A brown and tan stone is used to provide visual anchoring and accents for the
overall building design. A natural colored concrete wainscot similarly grounds the masses of the
building.
The front façade of the building consists of the main entries to the future shops. Black metal canopies
are located over the entry to bring the scale of the building to the pedestrian level and provide relief
from the elements. The building massing is broken up by the rhythm of alternating metal siding and
corrugated metal with the portions of the building protruding vertically and horizontally to give
hierarchy to the shed roof elements. This same design language is used throughout the other elevations
to provide a consistent massing on all façades. On the west and north elevation, a tower element is
designed as the cornerstone of the building to create a visual focal point for pedestrian and vehicular
City of Meridian
Page 2
February 28, 2020
traffic from a distance. The tower is accentuated by the earth tones of the stone against the corrugated
siding and timber members. The north elevation is the rear of the building which affronts the road;
however the design language is kept consistent with the front façade. The exception is the stone
wainscot which is consistent with the design elements of the tower. The east elevation has a
continuation of the metal wood siding and stone wainscot to create further cohesion.
The design intent with mechanical is to have it serve the building without being obtrusive. Mechanical
equipment and units will be placed on the rooftop with parapets to screen, preventing vision of the
units from the ground.
Signage and surrounding landscaping at the northwest corner of the site is planned to create a
welcoming experience for the visitor. An outdoor space is planned at the southwest corner of the
building to accommodate outdoor dining and relaxation. This addition will further enhance the
pedestrian accessibility and promote a more inviting atmosphere.
Asphalt will be used for drive access from the existing road (N. Webb Way) and parking within the site.
The total number of parking spaces provided will be twenty-eight for the proposed shops building with
additional parking on site allocated to future building pads. The surrounding area of the buildings and
parking lot will be landscaped to create an inviting area for visitors; similarly, the trash enclosure area
will be screened. LED lighting is placed throughout the site to ensure visibility for pedestrians after
daylight has ended.
Thank you for reviewing our application for Design Review approval. Please contact us if you have any
questions or require further information.
Sincerely,
CSHQA, Inc.
Jose Gallegos
JG:pk