Narative Letter 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
16th April, 2021
City of Meridian, Planning and Zoning Department
33 E Broadway Ave, Suite 102,
Meridian, ID 83642
RE: Mint Dental, Office Building, 3809 E. Amity Rd, 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 0.5 acres of land.
Since the development is in the C-N 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 being of similar scale and height. The brick entrance feature accentuates the sense of arrival
while incorporating elements that are pedestrian in scale. There is consistent incorporation of two
architectural features: repeated stucco banding and fenestration patterns.
c. Building Form
The building addresses the Architectural Standards Manual’s form intent, keeping in mind the pedestrian
nature of the surrounding development. Massing is single story with a flat parapet roof of up to 18ft. in
height. There is appropriately scaled variation in the parapet height around the perimeter. The parapet
height articulates at the entry. Brick wall planes project on the West and South Elevations by 2ft. for
stretches of 20ft. or less. 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
brickwork and stucco, as well as banding, to emphasis pedestrian scale. These materials are the
surrounding architectural palette. The focal element at the public entry is accented with a change in
texture to brick from stucco, symmetric entryway lighting, a contemporary canopy and modulation of the
walls and parapet-line.
e. Materials
The base under the windowsill 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 painted grey stucco. The neutral grey field
wall color has been selected to reflect contemporary taste and to fit in with the other Medical Office
Buildings on the development. The repeated black metal canopies contribute to a cohesive building
design.
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, There are 17
stalls, 2 disabled stalls with a loading zone and 3 bicycle stalls by the main entry.
3. Pedestrian walkways and facilities,
The building pad is provided with existing sidewalks.These have been extended to connect with the
building at the main 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