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 tr( 8, ,•SPE, 89 -7 -DR, 89 -1 -CUP: Planning Commission FOSTER HIGH SCHOOL Page 9 The main entrances to the gymnasium and auditorium facilities have been located near the east parking area where most the participants will be arriving. 3. Landscaping and Site Treatment a. Where existing topographic patterns contribute to beauty and utility of a development, they should be recognized, preserved and enhanced. b. Grades of walks, parking spaces, terraces and other paved areas should promote safety and provide an inviting and stable appearance. c. Landscape treatment should enhance architectural features, strengthen vistas and important axis, and provide shade. d. In locations where plants will be susceptible to injury by pedestrian or motor traffic, mitigating steps should be taken. e. Where building sites limit planting, the placement of trees or shrubs in paved areas is encouraged. f. Screening of service yards, and other places which tend to be unsightly, should be accomplished by the use of walls, fencing, planting or combina- tion. g. In areas where general planting will not prosper, other materials such as fences, walls and and paving s of wood, brick, stone or gravel may be used. h. Exterior lighting when used, should enhance the building design and the adjoining landscape. Lighting standards and fixtures should be of a design and size compatible with the building and adjacent area. Lighting should be shielded, and restrained in design. Excessive brightness and brilliant colors should be avoided. The applicant has proposed the addition of London Plane trees to match the existing street landscaping and reinforcing the unity of the character of the (2) public streets (42nd and 144th). The proximity of the parking area (east of the library) and the appearance of structures and the activities as seen from the adjoining residential development on the north perimeter of the site are softened by the use of landscaping (trees, shrubs, and ground cover). The proposed massing of landscaping (trees, shrubs, ground cover, lawn) at the southwest corner of the site reinforces the entry's importance in the overall site design. In addition, this area at various times of the day will be an area of heightened activity so that the massing of the trees will create a pleasing transition for both students approach the walkway to enter either of the tall structures and resi- dents walking past this area. A focal point has been created at the end of the walkway (to the northeast) by the landscaping along the exterior walls and that which is massed at the outdoor gathering area. The third area where landscaping has been appropriately massed is near the vehicular and pedestrian entrance to the east end of the activities building which houses both the auditorium and the gymnasium, both very "public" facilities which will be utilized often in the evenings. 119