DRB Meeting 3/4/2026

Updated about 3 hours ago

The Design Review Board (DRB) generally meets each month's first and third Wednesdays at 2 p.m.

This volunteer board of the Town of Vail is responsible for reviewing development plans to ensure compliance with the town design guidelines and development standards. The Design Review Board (DRB) generally meets each month's first and third Wednesdays at 2 p.m. Participants may attend in person or virtually.

Chapters

Call to Order (00:00:00)
The meeting is officially started by the chairperson.

The design review meeting is called to order by the chairperson. The meeting is now in session.
Roll Call (00:00:08)
Attendance is confirmed for board members Raleigh, Kit, Herb Roth, Tony, and online participant Molly.

Roll call is conducted to confirm the presence of board members. The members present are Raleigh, Kit, Herb Roth, and Tony. Molly confirms her presence online.
Introductory Review of an Addition (00:00:31)
The board conducts an introductory review of a proposed addition to a single-family home by Neo Era Incorporated, with detailed presentations and discussions on design and material choices.

The planner, Cole Michelson, introduces the project, an addition to a single-family home in the Gore Circle neighborhood. The applicant, represented by Neo Era Incorporated, presents updated renderings and details about the proposed changes, including roof form modifications, material selections, and site context. The board discusses various design aspects such as material cohesion, garage door design, and landscaping plans. Concerns are raised about the proposed fence due to local regulations against fencing.
Public Comment for Wagner Residence (00:25:04)
The floor is opened for public comment on the Wagner residence project, but no comments are made.

The chairperson opens the floor for public comments regarding the Wagner residence project. There are no comments from the public, either online or in the meeting room.
Motion to Table Wagner Residence Review (00:25:36)
The board moves to table the Wagner residence review to a future date selected by the applicant.

A motion is made to table the review of the Wagner residence to a future date chosen by the applicant. The motion is seconded and passes unanimously with all members in favor.
Introduction of Alleged LLC Residence (00:25:50)
Introduction to the Alleged LLC residence project for a final review of an addition, which is to be tabled.

The Alleged LLC residence project is introduced for a final review of an addition. It is noted that the applicant has requested to table the review, and staff suggests tabling with the condition that staff can approve once all comments are met.
Motion to Table Alleged LLC Residence Review (00:26:06)
The board motions to table the Alleged LLC residence review to a future date, pending necessary changes.

A motion is made to table the review of the Alleged LLC residence to a future date if the necessary changes are made by the applicant. The motion is seconded and approved by all members.
Recusal for Red Lion Building LLC Review (00:27:17)
A board member recuses themselves from the discussion about the Red Lion Building LLC project.

Before the review of the Red Lion Building LLC project begins, a board member recuses themselves from the discussion to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
Decks and Patios Discussion (00:31:25)
Discussion on the integration of decks and patios with the building and pedestrian ways.

The meeting discussed the design guide plan's emphasis on integrating decks and patios with the building structure and pedestrian ways. The plan outlines an ideal setup with some variations, aiming to create a vibrant interaction between the street activity and the architectural elements of the building. The integration of decks and patios should enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the space.
Design Guide Plan and Accent Elements (00:32:24)
Review of the design guide plan's accent elements including signage, lighting, and plantings.

The design guide plan includes accent elements such as signage, lighting, and flowers to enhance the architectural vibrancy of the village. Recent plans by the applicant have incorporated these elements, adding an extra layer of information to the design, making the space more inviting and visually appealing.
Site Plan and Landscaping (00:33:01)
Review of the unchanged site plan and landscaping features to enhance pedestrian and retail spaces.

The site plan remains unchanged from its conceptual application, with landscaping acting as an intermediate between pedestrian ways and retail spaces. The northwest side features outdoor patios and landscape elements, providing a pleasant environment for pedestrians and patrons alike.
Building Material Consistency (00:34:01)
Discussion on maintaining consistency of building materials and trim colors for aesthetic cohesion.

The materials used for the building will match existing ones to ensure consistency in appearance. Any residential-level materials that need refreshing due to weathering will be painted for cohesion. Trim colors will be consistent across residential and new commercial spaces for a unified look.
Proposed Changes and Renderings (00:34:31)
Presentation of proposed changes and renderings showing the updated building facade and patios.

The meeting reviewed existing views and proposed renderings of the building. The design focuses on creating a vibrant restaurant space with large windows facing a fountain. The patio spaces are designed to integrate with the landscape, providing a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Retail Space Conversion (00:35:39)
Plans to convert existing restaurant spaces into retail with added landscaping and entrances.

The discussion covered converting restaurant spaces into retail, adding landscaping, and creating recessed entrances. The design includes new bay windows and roof overhangs to enhance the retail frontage and blend with the existing architectural elements.
Red Lion Building Application (00:38:00)
Introduction of the Red Lion building application focusing on commercial spaces and street-level changes.

George Ruther presented the application on behalf of Jeff and Charlie Selby, owners of the Red Lion building. The focus is on street-level commercial spaces, with no substantial changes to residential units. The application aims to comply fully with architectural design guidelines and urban design considerations.
Design Review Board Compliance (00:40:02)
Details on compliance with Design Review Board criteria, focusing on pedestrian level improvements.

The application complies with criteria from the Design Review Board, with improvements focused on the pedestrian level. The streetscape enhancements are designed to align with the architectural guidelines and contribute to the village's vibrancy.
Landscaping and Outdoor Activities (00:42:03)
Balancing landscaping with outdoor activities, ensuring compliance with landscape requirements.

The landscaping plan meets town requirements, balancing the need for vibrant street activity with landscape elements. The proposal includes seasonal hanging baskets and permanent planters to add color and vibrancy without obstructing views into retail spaces.
Architectural Features and Roof Forms (00:44:31)
Discussion on maintaining architectural features like chimneys and updating roof forms for compliance.

Architectural features such as the existing chimney will remain unchanged. New roof forms replace flat roofs, aligning with design guidelines while enhancing architectural interest. The updates ensure compliance with the master plan and improve the building's integration with the village's aesthetics.
Discussion on Project Compliance (01:02:28)
Discussion on whether the project complies with the necessary criteria and comments were made on the amendments since the last meeting.

Members discussed the compliance of the project with necessary criteria, noting that they believe it complies with each criteria. Questions were asked about any amendments since the last meeting, and it was noted that there haven't been many amendments. The discussion includes appreciating the efforts of the applicant in taking an aging building and improving it.
Public Comments (01:02:59)
Opening the floor for public comments to assess any concerns or support from the public regarding the project.

The meeting opened the floor for public comments to see if there are any comments from the public either in the room or online. It was noted that there were no hands raised either in the room or online, indicating no public comments were made at this time.
Questions on Project Details (01:03:57)
Questions were asked about specific areas of the project such as patio areas and service details.

The board asked questions regarding the service of patio areas and how certain areas are served from the restaurant. Clarifications were given on how the service is currently managed and what the proposed changes are. The discussion also covered the response to earlier comments and how the project has evolved.
Motion to Approve Project (01:04:17)
A motion was proposed to approve the project with findings that it meets several sections of planning and building requirements.

A board member expressed readiness to push forward with a motion to approve the project, referencing the findings that the project meets various sections of the planning and building requirements. The motion was seconded, and votes were taken.
Vote on Project Approval (01:04:55)
Voting took place on the motion to approve the project, resulting in a 3 to 1 in favor of approval.

The board voted on the motion to approve the project. The vote passed with a majority of 3 to 1, indicating approval of the project despite some reservations expressed by a member who felt the project lacked vibrancy and alignment with urban guidelines.
Introduction to New Agenda Item (01:13:03)
Introduction to the next agenda item focusing on the Memorial Landscaping project for final review.

The meeting moved on to the next agenda item, which is the final review of the exterior alteration landscaping for the Memorial project. The landscape architect for the town, Kim, was introduced to present the details of the project.
Presentation on Memorial Landscaping Project (01:13:11)
Presentation on the proposed improvements for the Memorial area to enhance accessibility and aesthetics.

Kim, the landscape architect, presented the goals and purpose of the Memorial Landscaping project. The focus is on improving the durability of the surface, enhancing vegetation, and ensuring accessibility for people with mobility issues. The project aims to better the area by incorporating historic elements into the design.
Discussion on Design Details and Feedback (01:15:00)
Discussion and feedback on the design details of the Memorial Landscaping project, including the use of emblem and materials.

The board discussed various aspects of the design, including the use of the emblem in the paving, the choice of materials, and the overall impact of the design. Suggestions were made to simplify the material palette to enhance the visual impact of the emblem. The landscape architect was open to considering these changes.
Public Comment on Memorial Landscaping (01:25:28)
Call for public comments on the Memorial Landscaping project, with no public comments made.

The meeting called for public comments on the Memorial Landscaping project, both from those present in the room and online. There were no public comments or hands raised, indicating no additional input from the public at this time.
Board Discussion and Decision on Memorial Project (01:26:23)
Board discussion on potential revisions to the Memorial Landscaping project's plans and the decision on how to proceed.

The board discussed the possibility of revising the Memorial Landscaping project to address comments about the material use and design. Options included tabling the decision for revisions or approving with conditions for staff to review changes. The landscape architect was encouraged to explore adjustments and return with updated plans.
Discussion on Bench Design (01:33:02)
The council discussed the design of a bench, considering whether it should have a back.

The discussion focused on the type of bench to be used in a public space. Some members preferred a backless bench to allow for viewing in multiple directions, while others considered benches with backs. The plans currently include a backless bench.
Vision Memorial Landscaping Discussion (01:34:45)
The landscaping plan for Vision Memorial was tabled for future discussion.

The council discussed the Vision Memorial landscaping plan. Due to differing opinions and lack of clear direction, it was suggested to table the item for a future meeting to allow for further review and refinement based on comments received.
Update on Design Review Board Terms (01:35:23)
Members were reminded of the upcoming expiration of terms and application process.

The meeting included an update on the expiration of terms for members of the Design Review Board. Members were reminded to submit applications for another term or to recommend others to participate. Information is available on the board's webpage.
Follow-up on Landscaping Application (01:35:45)
The landscaping team contacted Harry T for feedback on the linear design and path.

A follow-up on the previous landscaping application was provided. The landscaping team reached out to Harry T for feedback and are working on adjustments, including straightening the pathway near the patio as previously suggested by the council.
Adjournment (01:36:18)
The meeting was formally adjourned after a motion was passed.

The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and passed unanimously by all members present. The meeting was officially adjourned.

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