While we’re talking design and land use, the Seattle PI’s Real Estate News blog somewhat over-dramaticizes the situation — Big changes planned for lot in Pike/Pine neighborhood — but does point out that the project in the Precision Auto lot at Madison and 13th has received the Design Review Board’s blessing and can now move forward.

We covered a design review meeting back in June when the plan was sent back to the drawing board:

In the end, a divided board did not grant its recommendation despite saying much in praise of the project. But concerns over the 13th/Madison corner compelled the board to request the developers address that aspect of the design and present an update at a future public hearing. Specifically, the board didn’t like the concave entry and asked the developer to look at more asymmetrical and different shapes.

Other issues the developers need to address include the auto entrance on 13th Avenue as well as how that entrance interacts with services such as garbage pick-up. And the board requested the developers reexamine the materials used and shape of the concrete awning above the main entrance (see to architect’s graphic and note the awning above “1222”).

From the Capitol Hill Review Board’s decision, attached, here are the changes the developer made to their designs based on the community feedback and board input:

The architect showed how the corner architecture was changed to a simpler form from sidewalk to parapet. The notched form and large awning is now a squared-off form with several levels of small awnings. The glazing remains a dominant feature of the element in contrast to the heavy framework of the rest of the facades. The framework façade grid is offset, one façade to the other, with the corner element acting as a sort of knuckle. The result is a nuance in form that shapes and frames the interior uses and presents a well-ordered exterior.

Commercial entrances are located on 13th and Madison, but no corner entrance is proposed.

The two residential uses on the second floor were troublesome to the Board. They are now removed and the 13th Avenue retail base is now higher along that façade. The residential entry on 13th had been moved back to create a small entry. The awning over the entry will be different than the awnings over the rest of the commercial areas along 13th and Madison. This may be a difference in form and materials to mark the residential use.

The north façade has been simplified. The orange colored grid has been removed.

Now to keep an eye on actual demolition and construction process. As we’ve seen recently, design approval doesn’t necessarily mean these projects get built as economic fits mean challenges for financing and making these plans reality.