By Mark Baratelli
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In November 2016 the City of Orlando's Appearance Review Board approved a substantial change to the existing façade of the building at 617 W. Central Ave (MAP) which was built in 1925. The project name at the time was Tubbs Brewery. The ARB also approved the design, layout and structures for an outdoor bar with bocce courts and an entertainment area associated with site.
The proposed façade changes are actually a good step back. The applicant is proposing to preserve the original design of the 90-year old façade, open the previously boarded up window areas, and add a new contemporary storefront design and glazing that compliments and rejuvenates the façade. Also part of the proposed changes in a name change from “Tubbs Brewery” to “Big Squeeze.”
The change to the façade is the only element in the owner's application that the ARB members are reviewing.
ARB Staff supports the new façade design. But the proposed design is substantially different than what the ARB members previously approved in November of 2016 and therefore staff believes that the board should have the opportunity to review and decide if they wish to endorse the new design as well.
However, staff is not completely satisfied with this proposal. While staff generally approves of the proposed “Mondrian-style’ storefront design, the symmetrical 2 over 2 mullion pattern of the outer most windows on both ends of the façade do not prop- erly finish the new storefront design. ARB staff believes the mullion pattern of these two windows should be altered to match the irregular mullion pattern of the other windows.
The project goes before ARB December 21, 2017.
Listen to Orlando Opinions podcast
In November 2016 the City of Orlando's Appearance Review Board approved a substantial change to the existing façade of the building at 617 W. Central Ave (MAP) which was built in 1925. The project name at the time was Tubbs Brewery. The ARB also approved the design, layout and structures for an outdoor bar with bocce courts and an entertainment area associated with site.
The proposed façade changes are actually a good step back. The applicant is proposing to preserve the original design of the 90-year old façade, open the previously boarded up window areas, and add a new contemporary storefront design and glazing that compliments and rejuvenates the façade. Also part of the proposed changes in a name change from “Tubbs Brewery” to “Big Squeeze.”
The change to the façade is the only element in the owner's application that the ARB members are reviewing.
ARB Staff supports the new façade design. But the proposed design is substantially different than what the ARB members previously approved in November of 2016 and therefore staff believes that the board should have the opportunity to review and decide if they wish to endorse the new design as well.
However, staff is not completely satisfied with this proposal. While staff generally approves of the proposed “Mondrian-style’ storefront design, the symmetrical 2 over 2 mullion pattern of the outer most windows on both ends of the façade do not prop- erly finish the new storefront design. ARB staff believes the mullion pattern of these two windows should be altered to match the irregular mullion pattern of the other windows.
The project goes before ARB December 21, 2017.
