Cherry Design Rev Narrative U space architecture LLC.
european inspired, environmentally responsible design
1108 N 7th St, Boise, Idaho 83702 hubic@UspaceArch.com 1 208 577 0869
Narrative Letter for Design Review
1108 N 7th St, Boise ID 83702, (208) 577 0869, hubic@UspaceArch.com
26th Oct, 2020
City of Meridian, Planning and Zoning Department
33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102,
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: Wellpoint Dental, Office Building, 2750 Cherry Lane, Meridian, Idaho
Dear Design Review Staff,
The applicant, Ben Richeson of RNR Custom Homes, requests an Administrative Design Review for the
construction of a 3420 square foot dental office building on 0.6 acres of land in the Cherry Lane Center.
The site is located at 2750 W. Cherry Lane.
Since the development is in the L-O zoning district the following narrative addresses how the proposed
design meets the intents and goals contained in the City of Meridian Architectural Standards Manual and
the Unified Development Code (UDC).
1. Architectural Character:
a. Cohesive Design
The design incorporates architectural features on the façades of the building, facing interior site
amenities. It is compatible with existing adjacent land uses and enhances the appeal of the open spaces
nearby.
b. Building Scale:
In general, the design addresses appropriately the issue of building scale in relation to adjacent
development. The tower entrance feature accentuates the sense of arrival and helps to frame the public
space while incorporating elements that are pedestrian in scale. It relates in height to the adjacent single
story built forms. There is consistent incorporation of two architectural features: repeated pattern
banding in the vertical siding and fenestration patterns.
c. Building Form
The building addresses the Architectural Standards Manual’s form intents, keeping in mind the pedestrian
nature of the surrounding development. Massing is single story with a hipped pitched roof of mostly 20ft.-
2in. in height. There is appropriately scaled variation in the ridgeline height across the roof. The eaves
height articulates at the entry to address the exterior central public circulation space located to the south
of the building. The ridge also changes height on the West Elevation to address the building next door.
The wall planes project on the West and South Elevations by 1ft. 6in. for stretches of 20ft. or less. Roof
eave overhangs are deep, and the façade materials change frequently, to modulate and break up the
building mass. Fenestration establishes a visual connection that relates the waiting area to the exterior
public spaces.
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1108 N 7th St, Boise, Idaho 83702 hubic@UspaceArch.com 1 208 577 0869
d. Architectural Elements
The design uses proportional architectural elements and detailing to articulate facades. The detailing uses
the local vernacular of brickwork and siding patterns, both horizontal and vertical, as well as banding, to
emphasis pedestrian scale. The siding, composite asphalt shingles and brick veneer used for the building
are the local architectural palette. To enhance the visual interest and support activity near ground level
the building has a porch or vestibule. This focal element at the public entry is accented with a change in
texture, symmetric entryway lighting and modulation of the walls and roof.
e. Materials
The design makes use of a variety of materials. The base under the window sill is in red brick veneer which
visually anchors the building on the ground and is the accent material. The upper section of the walls is in
lapped horizontal composite cementitious fiber board siding (Hardie Board). The neutral grey/taupe field
wall color has been selected to reflect contemporary taste and to fit in with the other Medical Office
Buildings on the development. The entry way is detailed with vertical batt and board siding. The roof is
dark grey architectural asphalt composite shingle which is also in keeping with the other adjacent
structures.
f. Signs and/or Lighting
Energy efficient architectural lighting is associated with predominant architectural features. Lights are
located either side of the entrance and at intervals round the rest of the building, as symmetric elements
either side of fenestration and entry doors.
2. Parking Lot
The parking is already provided in accordance with the Certificate of Zoning Compliance, Oakwood
Enterprises LLC on April 24 2003. There are 17 stalls, 1 disabled stall with a loading zone and 2 bicycle
stalls by the main entry.
3. Pedestrian walkways and facilities,
The building pad is also provided with existing sidewalks according to the Certificate of Zoning Compliance
given to Oakwood Enterprises LLC on April 24, 2003. These have been extended to connect with the
building at the main entrance and employee entrances.
I hope this description meets your requirements. Please feel free to contact U Space Architecture with
any further requests for information or comments.
Respectfully yours
Helen Ubic,
Director of U Space architecture LLC, Licensed Architect AR-984851,
LEED AP BD+C, Certified Sustainable Building Advisor