by Amanda Harnocz
Reporter
Tallmadge -- The fourth side of the building, the awning colors, the creme color for the "Sintra cup" and the bright pink and orange colors for the Dunkin' Donuts building on the Circle was approved by a 3-2 Heritage Commission vote April 29.
Now, with all aspects of the project approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals and the Heritage Commission, construction is expected to start by late spring.
Jim Evans, of James D. Evans Architect, said the building will be an improvement to the former Wally Waffle site, 196 Tallmadge Circle.
"Look at what is not happening around the Circle," Evans said. "I'm very excited about this project."
All of the commission members agreed the building is a definite improvement, but Commission President Fred Wybenga and Commission member Darrel Ayers felt the colors were not appropriate for the historic district. Wybenga and Ayers were the two votes against the colors for the project.
Wybenga stressed the importance of following the commission's guidebook with acceptable colors for the historic district, and is worried the approval of this project will bring others in to bend the rules. Acceptable colors include a burnt orange color and no pinks, according to Wybenga.
"We've wiped out 15 years of progress since we approved this," Wybenga said.
Evans said during the meeting that he helped do the research and write the commission's guidebook but stressed the importance of branding the national chain.
"We're not here to do something bad for this community," Evans said.
Wybenga said he is in strong disagreement with the project moving forward and is looking into ways to possibly appeal the decision by the commission.
Mayor Christopher Grimm mentioned the commission has the option to change all of the color elements to the building, as well as shingle size and color, brick color and any of the aesthetic options to the building.
However, the commission voted for the project as it was presented by the architect, without altering any of the colors.
E-mail: aharnocz@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3911