07-26-22 Architectural Review Committee MinutesMINUTES
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMITTEE
DATE: Tuesday, July 26, 2022 2022 @ 7:30 AM
Kalispell City Hall, 201 1st Ave E
MEMBERS PRESENT: John Hinchey; Julie Pierrottet (Chair); Robin Spear; Mark Pirrie,
Sarah Turner, Susanne Wigginton
OTHERS PRESENT: City Staff – PJ Sorensen
# Of Guests: 7, 3 via Zoom
Hear the Public: None
Approval of Minutes: Mark moved to approve the July 12, 2022, minutes; John seconded
(approved 6-0).
New Business:
Signs: Raleigh House – 1860 Hwy 93 N - freestanding, new sign face -PJ
presented plans. Mark moved to approve the plan, John seconded
motion, approved (6-0).
Jersey Mike’s – 2415 US Hwy 93 N - multi-tenant signage – PJ
presented plans. Sarah moved to approve the plan, Robin
seconded, approved (6-0).
Buildings:
Meridian Court Apartments Pavilion – Meridian Ct; pavilion – PJ presented pavilion
plans. Aaron from Montana Creative was present to answer questions. Julie requested
material information. Susanne moved to approve, John seconded, approved (6-0).
Eagle Valley Ranch Apts – Bldgs E,F,G,H – Jefferson Blvd; new apartment buildings –
PJ presented site plans; the buildings and landscaping are continuations of previously
approved apartments. Jackola presented material samples. Julie likes the open space and
curve of the driveway but suggested using landscaping to screen utilities. Sarah would
like to see the roofline broken up. Susanne likes the dark in the rendering. Sarah asked for
trash enclosure location and materials; Jackola stated that they will be the same as the
other buildings on site. Susanne moved to approve subject to screening the utilities and
matching the trash enclosures to existing ones; Robin seconded, approved (6-0).
The Charles (formerly Fairbridge Inn) – 1701 US Hwy 93 S; renovation from hotel
rooms to apartments – PJ presented plan and potential naming conflict. The Conditional
Use Permit (CUP) includes some street and landscaping improvements. Susanne asked
for status of cabins on 3rd; the CUP requires that they will not stay as is. Patrick from
Jackola stated that the project is planned in 2 phases; the north building would be the first
phase. Plans include the outside to be repaired/refurbished. The second phase would be
interiors then the south building/remaining property. Pending assessment, the log and
pool buildings may be removed. The drive through area will be used as an amenity area.
There will be a commercial element. Valerie from Jackola presented material samples.
Patrick stated that perforated metal is more maintainable for the utility screens; color
would match the lower metal roof. Upper roof would be dark asphalt shingle. Sarah
encouraged more windows, more metal in the south building to tie into the north
building. She is disappointed with the proposed design. Patrick stated that there aren’t
opportunities to put in more windows. Susanne stated it is too dark and that the rusted
perforated panels are too close to the rust-colored roof. Julie stated that there is too much
grey and would like them to rethink the colors to mitigate the grey from since the site is
in a “sea of asphalt.” With the north building as the start of the project, Julie
recommended adding interesting outdoor space to give it presence. Susanne stated that
the plan lacks trees. Julie wants the north building to look like a mini version of the south
building. The pool building assessment will be done this week according to Patrick and
that they are looking to get a “jump start” on the north building. Julie would like to see
windows on the east side. Susanne commented that the plans are a little too preliminary
and would like to see an updated version. Robin motioned to table; John seconded,
approved to table (6-0). Julie offered to call for a point of information if Patrick would
like.
Flathead County Courthouse West – 935 1st Ave W; inmate transfer –Shawn from
Cushing Terrell presented the plan and brought sample materials that closely matches the
existing buildings. Julie would like to see more landscaping/trees. Susanne moved to
approve the structural component only, subject to landscaping plans back through
Architectural review; John seconded, approved (6-0).
Old Business:
Blue Duck – 130 2nd St E; new paint on building – Property owner John presented a
revised rendering that accurately reflects colors with 2 sign options (LED panels or Golf
Ball Bulbs). Julie would like to see natural wood tone of the structural components. Sarah
likes the new rendering. Mark moved to approve with either sign, John seconded,
approved (6-0).
Other Discussion:
Parkline Towers - PRELIMINARY COMMENTS
PJ presented a brief history of the site plan changes and advised they are working through
some geo-tech issues. Aaron with Montana Creative presented revised plans with
buildings placed on the outside, less parking to allow for landscaping and recreational
amenities, a central corridor, and material types. He is still trying different colors and
materials but presented current renderings. Sarah and other board members agreed that
the current design does not resemble any towers. Sarah noted that she understood the
parking space layout. Julie would like to see more trees in the parking lot. PJ stated that
there is more landscaping in the updated plans that were presented in the 7/21/22 Site
Plan Review meeting. Aaron stated the developer wants as many parking spaces as
possible. Sarah noted that the trash spaces were not defined and that they would likely
take away some of the green space shown on the plans. PJ stated that they may work with
adjacent property owner (Head Start) for Stormwater and Trail Access. Julie suggested
changing the colors to give more depth. Susanne is disappointed with the current plan
since this location acts as a gateway to the City. She also feels that the buildings are
iterations of other buildings throughout the City (Eagle Valley Ranch, Two Mile,
Meridian). She envisioned more height and gave the Silos as an example of obtaining a
conditional use permit to build taller. Aaron stated that the developer’s overall goal is
more “work force” housing and is not looking to build high end condos. Julie remarked
that the project is bigger than the site can gracefully handle. Susanne suggested building
parking below and get a more tower-like effect and views. She also reiterated that it is not
serving the community as a gateway to the city. John and Julie would like to see the
buildings broken up visually. Susanne has seen this design 10 times in the city and this
site needs to be different. Susanne stated that the color blocking has been used too much
within the city. Julie stated the buildings look like boxes. Susanne suggested sliding the
lefthand building to the right so residents aren’t looking at Bitney’s roof and that they
need to change the name since the buildings are not towers. Julie stated something more
needs to be done with the roof. Mark understands that the developer wants market rate
housing instead of something more grand. John stated that the board will push back hard
on the current plan. PJ, Susanne, and Julie discussed breaking the buildings into smaller
buildings to attain visual interest. Susanne stated that the current plans are not taking
advantage of the natural views. Julie stated this great site should have a great building on
it.
Meeting Adjourned @ 9:15 AM