New commercial building wins raves from Crown Point commission
By Carrie Napoleon Post-Tribune correspondent March 16, 2013 10:48PM
Updated: April 18, 2013 6:47AM
CROWN POINT — Developers of a new commercial building in the Superior Corporate Center on the southwest corner of Summit and Broadway received a rare thumbs-up in their first try at meeting the standards of the Williamsburg design corridor.
However, Plan Commission members want a few more specific details on the materials that will be used and the design of the sign before staff issues permits.
Plan Commission members have grappled with defining a specific set of guidelines for an acceptable Williamsburg-style design for buildings. Some projects, such as Speedway, have appeared before the panel numerous times before commissioners and developers ironed out design specifications. Most projects appear before the panel at least twice.
“First of all, architecturally you are right on the money. That’s dead on,” planner Dan Rohaley said, adding that changes would have to be made to the sign to bring it more in line with the Williamsburg-design style and brickwork would have to be from traditional brick, not a veneer.
“Let me say it right out loud, CMU (concrete masonry units), the new term, is not allowed,” planner Laura Sauerman said.
Doug Homeier with S & H Engineers and Surveyors of Merrillville, who was representing the project owner, said the building when complete will be 12,980 square feet. He said the owner is willing to comply with whatever design specifications are required.
