Planning 2017-06-22 Item 4 - Foster High School Expansion and Birth to Kindergarten - Attachment E: Design Review Staff Report for Original Foster High School (8/25/1989)

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STAFF REPORT to tk_ 8; -SPE, 89 -7 -DR, 89 -1 -CUP: Planning Commission FOSTER HIGH SCHOOL Page 8 The bus load areas are separate from the parking (therefore not disrupting traffic movement in the parking areas) and located off - street and convenient to the buildings. c. Height, scale Due to the variety of facilities contained within the proposed high school com- plex, the (2) structures vary in height. The applicant has placed those taller portions of the structures away from the perimeter of the site where possible. The facades of the (2) structures (particularly those portions along the street frontage) and the proposed exterior materials are compatible with adjoining residential development. Although the exterior walls facing both public streets are straight with no offsets (approximately 225 feet along 42nd Avenue SE and a 255 foot section along 144th Street SE), the texture of the brick and the proposed design of the brickwork together with the supplemental landscaping soften the appearance of the two-story structures. 2. Relationship of Structure and Site to Adjoining Area a. Harmony on texture, lines and masses is encouraged. b. Appropriate Iandscape transition to adjoining properties should be pro- vided. c. Public buildings and structures should be consistent with established neighborhood character. d. Compatibility of vehicular pedestrian circulation patterns and loading facilities in terms of safety, efficiency and convenience should be encour- aged. e. Compatibility of on -site vehicular circulation with street circulation should be encouraged. A high school is a unique use which is permitted in residential zones subject to Design Review and receiving a Conditional Use Permit. The needed floor area has been provided using two separate structures instead of a large, single struc- ture. The proposed design also includes both the use of brick on the exterior as well as the peak roof form help to soften the appearance of the large building facades. In addition, the two structures are setback an additional (12) feet (along 144th Street SE) and (18) feet (along 42nd Avenue SE) and utilize landscaping to provide transition from the street to the buildings. The main entrance (pedestrian) to the proposed high school is through a large landscaped entry court at the southwest corner of the site. The wide pedestrian concourse separating the two buildings leads the students from the entry court at the intersection of the two public streets into either building. The use of the wide concourse also provides another viewpoint to residents and others pass- ing by from which to view the structures adding additional visual variety. 118