For the week of September 17 - 23, 2003

Colors focus of Hailey P&Z review

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By MATT FURBER
Express Staff Writer

The Hailey Planning and Zoning Commission Monday, Sept. 15 approved two applications for design review, one for a large administrative building for Emmanuel Episcopal Church and another for a new office building proposed by Sun Valley Title Co.

Commissioners debated colors for the Episcopal church addition, which planners hoped would match the chapel built in the 1870s. Representatives of the church were fairly sure the church would have been painted white with the least expensive materials available, like a white wash used by Tom Sawyer.

The architectural plan indicated that the church would be Navajo White and have natural cedar shingle accents with some red trim.

Commissioner Kristin Anderson did not feel the natural cedar was appropriate. Commissioner John Seiller approved. In the initial debate it seemed clear that the compromise was tending toward an all white pair of buildings linked by a short covered hallway.

In public comment, church members and Rev. Jennifer Anttonen pointed out that at least one red door is an important part of the Episcopal tradition in America.

"There was a red door because that meant sanctuary," she said. "I would like you to consider the significance of a red door for people. It means safety for all who enter there."

The commission approved the application for design review with red doors; optional paved and parking for the handicapped; for a structure in the transitional zoning district, and a gabled roof to help protect an emergency exit from snow slides.

The 36-by-55 foot peaked roof addition will hold a rector’s office, the church administration office and two classrooms for Sunday school.

The second approved application by Sun Valley Title is for a 30-foot tall office building covering two city blocks on the corner of Walnut Street and River Road. The building follows a design more frequently seen in Ketchum with a second story walkway that goes around the entire building. It has a parapet roof line to hide mechanical equipment and the broad flat roof.

After dealing with parking and garbage storage issues, the committee approved the design review application with little hesitation.

"It is a gorgeous building," Seiller said.

The new structure includes brick arches over the windows and doors; copper caps on the roofline; a skylight over an atrium; metal railings; low wattage inset lighting; pre-cast concrete components, and entryways accented with cement paving stones.

The reduced lighting was intentional since the building faces residential housing.

Representing Citizens for Smart Growth, Christopher Simms, the acting director in his first visit to the commission, voiced his approval and support for the project.

"We are very impressed with the building," he said, suggesting that his organization planned to address other upcoming projects in the public forum. "I wanted to introduce myself on a non-controversial issue."

Finally, in old business, city planners and the commission played an enforcement roll requiring the owner of Cari’s, a hair salon, to complete the painting of two adjacent buildings. They will be colored green.

 

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