The intent of these regulations is to create building facades that are varied and articulated to provide visual interest to pedestrians and passing vehicular traffic, while providing a unique design to the West Des Moines community.
A. Architectural Concepts: On file in the city are illustrative examples of the architectural concept for the first building to be constructed on the western parcel (identified as lot 1 on the specific plan drawing on file in the city). Although it is understood and preferred that not all buildings within a development be identical, each building within the development should however implement architectural components and building materials found on other buildings within the site to create a visually cohesive development and carry through an established theme. The development of additional buildings within any property included in the Jordan Creek Crossing II specific plan area are required to implement a building that is cohesive in design and materials with any previously established or approved buildings.
1. Whenever possible, all buildings shall implement the following basic design components:
a. Fenestration (door and window openings) shall be sized to the scale of the building and detailed appropriately to the pedestrian theme. Use of repeating window patterns and details are encouraged to unify the design.
b. Entrances into buildings should be easily identified through the use of building design and detailing. Projected or recessed entryways, higher rooflines, awnings or changes in building material are examples that can create this effect.
c. Reflective glass or mirrored glass is discouraged. Efforts should be made to use clear glass to promote a connection between the interior and exterior of buildings.
d. In order to provide delineation and hierarchy, materials should change with the change in building planes; however, all material should complement the chosen theme.
e. All sides of all buildings should be treated to a level of architectural style and detail appropriate to how open to public view the wall plane is (i.e., 360 degree architecture).
f. Trim and structural elements such as posts or columns shall be proportionately sized to the scale of the building and detailed appropriately to the theme. When used, masonry materials shall have the appearance of three-dimensional elements.
g. Corporate franchise design where the building functions as a trademark is prohibited. Components of the corporate architecture shall be permissible if they can be integrated into the building design while still incorporating established architectural components from other buildings within the development. The building design must be visually compatible with the overall theme and uniqueness of the development in which it is located; achievement of compatibility will be at the discretion of the director of development services.
2. On file in the city is the architectural concept for the building to be located on the western parcel of the Jordan Creek Crossing II area (identified as lot 1); no conceptual drawings are included at this time for the proposed building for the eastern parcel (identified as lot 2). Any future building located within the eastern parcel (lot 2) shall incorporate similar flat roof elements, trim details, and at least one of the building materials as that is shown in the concept packet. Final building design approval for all building within the Jordan Creek Crossing II development (both lots 1 and 2) shall be administratively approved as part of the site plan approval after a review and comment period by both plan and zoning commission and city council members.
B. Materials: The use of brick, acceptable natural stone or masonry shall be incorporated into the building architecture on all sides of the structure, unless the director of development services determines that the use of alternate building materials enhances the physical appearance and accomplishes a compatible structure with the overall development. Smooth faced concrete block, tilt-up concrete panels, or prefabricated steel panels are prohibited as the predominant exterior building materials. (Ord. 1739, 3-26-2007)