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June 2024 DRC Recap: Modifications Intended For Two Sites

6/18/24 

Two applicants presented cases at the June Midtown Development Review Committee (DRC). The Woodruff Arts Center proposed improving their campus with exterior hardscape and landscaping work intended to enhance accessibility and aesthetics. Next, the team for Sivas restaurant at 794 Juniper Street presented site and building alterations including a second level dining area. Read more about these two proposals below: 

1280 Peachtree Street – Woodruff Arts Center 

The DRC appreciated the effort to modernize the Woodruff Arts Center campus between the Memorial Arts Building and High Museum. The specific proposal includes a new deck with seating around the existing Ginko tree and additional pedestrian connections with stairs, ramping and seat walls. The DRC shared the applicant concerns to maintain the prominent specimen Ginko tree as part of this work and provided detailed comments on this and accessibility as follows: 

DRC Recommendations: 

  • Confirm that the proposed wood decking surrounding the tree and terraced area approaching Peachtree St. provides sufficient porosity and root growth opportunity to maintain the Ginko’s vitality. 
  • Eliminate or redesign the new north stairway to minimize potential tree impacts. DRC suggestions included either relocating, realigning, or bifurcating the stairs to provide less overlap with the tree’s critical root zone. 
  • Identify the species of plantings along the proposed terraced and sloped areas would be small and not provide a visual impediment to and from Peachtree St. 
  • Maintain a greater amount of the existing useable raised lawn by reducing the size of the planting area. Include a greater variety of vibrant plants concentrated along the High Museum’s south and southeast façades.  
  • Along the relocated planting edge, modify the serpentine walkway to provide a more linear or gently curving walkway to offer closer access to Rodin’s ‘The Shade’ sculpture and Lichtenstein’s ‘House III.’  At the current walkway termination point, provide a more consistent connection from Peachtree St. to the rear including adjacent to the ‘decomposed granite paving.’ 

Next Steps:The committee expects to receive updated info for electronic review to confirm that these minor recommendations are addressed. 

794 Juniper Street  – Sivas Restaurant 

The DRC reviewed alterations on the unpermitted addition to the existing Sivas restaurant at the northwest corner of 5th  St. & Juniper St. The current plans include reducing the footprint of the building to meet minimum Midtown setback and sidewalk standards along with a new second level dining area. The DRC comments focused on resolving inconsistencies in the plans as detailed below: 

DRC Recommendations: 

  • Extend the clear sidewalk along Juniper St. to 15’ from the curb to the building face. Begin to taper this sidewalk area at the NE corner of the building to minimize impact to the existing nearby tree.  
  • Introduce a green landscaped vertical element along the Juniper St. facing façade below the windows to soften it from the sidewalk. 
  • Enclose the upper-level dining area with fixed walls & windows, except for one door to access the ‘open rooftop garden.’ 
  • Relocate the proposed bike rack further east to avoid conflict with the existing tree near the NW corner of the building. 
  • Submit for a replat or lot consolidation to incorporate the area of the ADA ramp (and landing areas) at the northwest portion of the site. Also, relocate the screened dumpster eastward to be fully located on the lot.  

Next Steps:The committee expects to receive updated info for electronic review to confirm that these recommendations are addressed. 

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