UPDATED: Citizens Can Have The Last Word Designing Our Buildings And Villages

The developer's rendering of his twin-tower commercial / residential project.

This massive structure (two 9-story towers) will be built on the old post office site 

across the street from Hancock's Bakery and a block from the fire station.

Opinion:  For years now, residents have complained about the dull earth tones, "box-like" construction, and absence of brick and wood materials in our new Downtown 6-story buildings. Council often joked of their fatigue with the "browns and mustards" - Councilmembers Hank Myers and Kim Allen in particular. But nothing was done. 

In June of 2017. I went to the Design Review Board (DRB) meeting where "Color Options" were being reviewed for the 9-story twin tower building proposed at the old post office site...in the Town Square District.  The Town Square District is envisioned as high density, 6-8 story buildings, including office, entertainment, retail and residential use.  The towers are a signature building setting the stage for the design of future development in the District. Thus, what comes out from this Design Review will impact "look and feel" of the entire Town Square District for years to come.  

I was the only citizen that showed up for the twin-tower meeting and was given a wonderful opportunity to comment on color before the Board and applicant made their decision.  After looking at color schemes presented by the developer's architect, Board and DRB manager Steve Fischer, I recommended teal (blue) over red.  During our nine months of grey weather the blue will remind us of our sunny blue sky days of summer. The red scheme was eclectic and rich with too much pop.  

The Board and applicant decided to go with blue and a small amount of green at the street level. Oscar, the diminutive,.likable project manager said blue was more sophisticated and red shouts.  DRB Chair David Scott Mead -- very influential -- jokingly said he'd see the red from his house, summarizing the review with a blue-green "Go Seahawks!" cheer. Yay!  Watch the video.  Next step:  Oscar will meet with city staff to fine tune the color scheme.  He made it known he doesn't like "Northwest Moss" green wanting color with little more punch.  Yay again!  

The Board proceedings were very interesting. Unfortunately, participation by the Board was weak. One member was absent and the other barely said a thing.  I'm grateful to the developer's architect for reaching out to me and genuinely thanking me for my input. She made me feel I made a difference. I admire this developer and his commitment to form and aesthetics.  

I'm very unhappy with the city's severe lack of transparency with this body.  Though several times Councilmember Stilin advised the public to look into the DRB, it was only by luck that I learned the public can comment.  Without public comment the "look and feel" of our Downtown buildings are left up to just 7 citizens and  powerful staff - many not living in our city. "Design damage" has already done to the downtown core, though opportunity remains to get it right -- with public input -- during the Town Square District build-out and development of Marymoor Village.   

The Board meets on the first and third Thursday's of the month at 7PM, City Hall.  Their approval is the last action required before the land use permit is issued so your comments can significantly influence project outcomes.  To learn what's on the DRB agenda click this link and go to "Agendas Summaries" for 2017.  They don't make it easy! 

Bob Yoder, June, 2017

No women are members of the DRB.

https://redmondcity.blogspot.com/2017/06/design-review-board-brings-welcome.html