DR-3 - NARRATIVE LETTERNarrative 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 4-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 stone and brick masonry finishing at different elevations
with EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing System). Multiple earth-tone color variations of EIFS are
proposed which include Benjamin Moore 977 Brandon Beige and Benjamin Moore HC-104 Copely Gray.
The colors for the Brick is El Dorado Tundra Latigo and the Stone is Marquee 24 Dove Tail. 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 to serve as wall screening of 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 48 feet; however, there are many
design elements that promote pedestrian connectivity. These elements include building canopies,
balconies, juliets, landscaping, horizontal banding, wainscot building material around the entire building
(brick and stone) and the guest amenities in the courtyard.
Several guest amenities are included such as a bicycle racks, lounge seating, firepits, grills, shade sails 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) set forth for 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.
1525 E. Douglas Wichita, KS 67211 T 316.265.9367 architects@glmv.com www.glmv.com