Mentor Planning Commission Approves Amending Architectural Design Standards for Old Village

The Mentor Planning Commission Thursday unanimously approved an amendment that loosens the city’s architectural design standards, which will mostly likely pave the way for the opening of a on Mentor Avenue.

In February, the planning commission met with representatives who discussed a proposal to open an Audi dealership at the former Honda dealership.

However, the proposed Audi dealership would feature glass and aluminum in its design, a contemporary look that differs from the traditional look that the city is trying to cultivate in the Old Village neighborhood through its architectural design standards. The dealership’s contemporary design  is required by Audi's international branding standards.

“We modified the language in the design guidelines and we took out any mention of any types of architectural design styles,” said Mentor’s Planning Administrator Ric Spence. “If a new use is going next to something it needs to be harmonious with what it is adjacent to. In the case of the proposed Audi dealership, there’s a concrete block building next door and on the other side an auto repair shop. I think that would (make the Audi dealership) harmonious (with adjacent structures).”

Penske indicated it may also open an Infiniti dealership at the Mentor Avenue site sometime in the future.

In other action, the planning commission approved a preliminary site plan for Enterprise Welding and Fabricating Inc.  to construct a 62,467-square-foot addition to its existing 39,000-square-foot building at 9281 Pineneedle Drive. Enterprise manufactures core components parts for major equipment manufacturers.

The commission also approved architectural plans to renovate the Classic Cadillac dealership on Tyler Boulevard. The project will include a new entrance into the sales area on the northwest face of the building. A new concrete walkway and grand staircase will lead to a new entrance doorway with two, 4-foot wide by 8-foot wide glass bi-parting doors. The façade of the building also will be remodeled, and a new sign will be installed.

The commission rejected by a 4 to 3 vote architectural plans of a proposed façade parapet for an unnamed retail tenant at the Great Lakes Plaza shopping center, 7900 Plaza Boulevard. Judson A. Kline of Herschman Architects in Cleveland proposed to reconstruct the retail space between Michael’s and Shoe Carnival. The project would have included a new parapet wall above the existing canopy to provide visibility and presence for the new tenant.

“I do have a problem with the design element,” said commission member Katherine Cimperman. “I don’t think it will look aesthetically pleasing. I don’t think it balances well between Michael’s and the Shoe Carnival.”