This site plan amendment is for modification to the exterior walls of the former Gumbo’s restaurant building (Pad P in the original site plan) located near Best Buy within Shops at the Galleria mall.  This site plan amendment proposes addition of decorative awnings on each side of the building. “Plate by Dzintra” is the new restaurant tenant.   Shops management approved the proposed changes with the condition that the tenant shall maintain the awnings.  

Last September, owner applied for changing colors of the exterior wall which was approved administratively.  That revision work also included changing existing doors, storefront window system etc.  Exterior painting work (Main wall– Dover White, Trim –Tricorn Black) is ongoing.  Also, the indoor extensive remodeling work is ongoing.

The recording of the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting (12/05/2017) is available here . This particular item started at 34th minute and ended at 39th minute. Owner, Ms. Dzintra Dzenis attended the meeting and talked in front of the commission.  She will be attending the City Council meeting too to answer any question you may have.  Attached is a file from the owner about the restaurant.  Also, the presentation slides from P&Z meeting is attached as reference file which has exhibits depicting the location of proposed awnings and approximate appearance with color. 

There are multiple PDD Ordinance (i.e., Original and amendment) for Shops Galleria.  PDD Ordinance # 07-10-09-B has a provision - “The placement of awning-type covers shall be permitted over any, or all, Sidewalk Dining Areas and Patio Dining Areas.”

PDD Ordinance # 04-04-13, Exhibit ‘C’ has language saying buildings will have architectural elements which provide shadow lines and visual depth.

City Code has exterior architectural standards requiring variation on each side of the building and awnings is one of the mentioned option to achieve such variation. 

In the past, building's exterior amendment with this type of scope was formally processed through P&Z Commission and City Council.  One relevant example is exterior elevation change by installing shade canopies for Maudie's restaurant within Shops mall (under the same PDD ordinances) at the City Council meeting on 03/13/2012. 

Awnings:  Awnings will be installed on all sides of the building.  On the front side, it will be over the front door and windows.  On the east/ pond side, it will provide shading over the doors and windows but will not extended to provide coverage for the patio dining area. On the other two sides (north and west), it will be over windows.  The proposed awnings on these two sides are exclusively for aesthetics purpose. There is no sidewalk dining area on these two sides.  Awnings will be of “Show Stopper” color.  The proposed color appears bright red on the screen, but its in the range of colors we have or would approve for signage.  P&Z Commissioners did not express reservation about the color.  

Signage: The applicant will need apply separately for signage permit.  Signage (/Lettering) would only be allowed on the main entrance awning per the Shops Galleria sign agreement.  

The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval. Staff recommends approval with the condition of payment of review fee.