DR-3 - NARRATIVE LETTER1525 E. Douglas Wichita, KS 67211 T 316.265.9367 architects@glmv.com www.glmv.com
Narrative Letter
This submission to the City of Meridian, Idaho Community Development, Planning Division is for the
request for design approval for a new building located near the northwest corner of N. Eagle Road and
E. Franklin Road intersection, Section 3N, 1E, 08. The intended Project is for the construction of an
Oakwood WaterWalk Hotel. Oakwood WaterWalk is a corporate lodging provider focusing on the extended
stay needs for today’s business traveler.
The proposed building will be a four-story, “L” shaped design with wood-frame-construction hotel with
courtyard amenities on a 5.18-acre lot. This lot is currently vacant and undeveloped. The main entrance
will be located on the west side of the building facing N. Olson Avenue, and the courtyard will be located on
the east side of the main entrance wing.
The exterior wall finishes include a combination of stacked stone and cement board siding with the stone
finishing at different elevations. Multiple color variations are proposed which include Classical White, Sage
and Roycroft Bronze for the cement board siding and Slate Gray for the stacked stone. The varying colors
and different finish elevations for the materials helps to break up the vertical façade and incorporates visual
and physical distinctions in the design. The roof will have a flat TPO single-ply system with a variable-height
parapet wall screening the mechanical systems. Additional mechanical condensing units on the ground will
be screened with a wall that will have the same design principles as the building. The total building height,
including the parapet wall, is approximately 50 feet; however, there are many design elements that promote
pedestrian connectivity. These elements include building canopies, landscaping, wainscot building
material around the entire building (stacked stone) and the guest amenities in the courtyard.
Several guest amenities are included such as firepits, grills, pergolas and pet areas to ensure we cater to
most of our corporate traveler’s needs. These amenity spaces are tied into the building and parking with
sidewalks. Exterior lighting will conform to the City Code of Meridian, Idaho, Chapter 13, Section 11-3A-11
(Outdoor Lighting) to set forth parking lot lighting, as well as landscape lighting around the property.
Signage will be visible from the north, east and west sides of the building utilizing the Oakwood WaterWalk
standard signage. A monument sign will be located on the south entrance to the property off N. Olson
Avenue. Parking has been strategically positioned on all four sides of the building to allow guests the
greatest flexibility to be located close to their rooms and utilize one of several entrances.
This Project has been closely designed in accordance to the Architectural Standards Design Review
Checklist, Non-Residential and the Unified Development Code obtained from the City of Meridian, Idaho
Planning Division. Following these standards, this Project offers a visually aesthetic pleasing building that
incorporates design principles that promotes pedestrian scale and has a character that is unique but also
contextual when compared to the surrounding buildings in the area resulting in a cohesive project. We are
excited to be a part of the future growth of this area.