Item 9B Demonstration Demonstration
Please demonstrate that the following conditions are applicable to the requested sign variance:
1. That a literal enforcement of the sign regulation will create an unnecessary hardship or practical
difficulty on the applicant.
-The Starbucks exterior facade was designed with the drive-thru art in mind, adding interest
to the muted color palette of the building.The addition of the drive thru arts breaks up the
consistency of the brown brick facade by infusing tasteful,earth toned colors into the design.The addition of the drive
thru art allows for this Starbucks location to have a unique design element not found in other nearby locations.
-The drive-thru order point screen utilizes the latest drive thru ordering technology available and enhances the cus-
tomer experience by personalizing the interaction between the barista and a patron in the drive thru. Starbucks is n
longer installing standard speaker posts in their locations and as more stores are updated,the ability to service the lder
speaker posts would not be easily available.
2. That the situation causing the unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty is unique to the affected
property and is not self imposed.
The construction of the existing Starbucks building is the most current development in this shop-
ping center, making it unique due to age. The design of the building and architectural elements for
this site, including the drive-thru art were made thoughtfully with the intent of allowing the building
to have cohesion with the existing center, while allowing for the incorporation of muted modern
touches. The practical design difficulty is not self imposed as the installation of the art was planned
with the full incorporation of the spirit of the City of Southlake design and master signage codes.
3. That the variance will not injure and will be wholly compatible with the use and permitted
development of adjacent properties.
-Approval of the variance will not cause harm to the adjacent properties as none of the adjacent properties are
residential and are similar in use to the Starbucks property.All neighboring tenants are commercial businesses,
many of which have existing variances allowing for increased letter size and expansion of allowable wall signage.
The variance will be compatible with the existing use of all properties and will not affect permitted development of
existing or future tenants currently allowed in the C-3 Commercial zoning district.
-The drive thru order point screen, once screened with the suggested landscaping,will offer a modern drive thru
experience to patrons,while causing no harm to other adjacent properties or traffic flow along 1709.
4. That the variance will be in harmony with the spirit and purpose of the sign ordinance.
Approval of this variance will be in harmony with the design goals of Southlake's Master Sign Plan Or-
dinance by helping to provide a "sense of place" and creative design for this development.
The complimentary muted earth toned color scheme of the art and incorporation into the exterior fa-
cade design of the drive thru wall allows this art to be an architectural compliment to the building
rather than just an element adhered to the building that distracts from the overall aesthetic.
The drive thru order point screen further helps to create a sense of place and a feeling that customers
are receiving the Starbucks barista experience by bringing the barista to patrons without having to
leave their vehicles. The drive thru order point allows for the drive thru to be part of the cafe experi-
ence rather than making customers feel they are having just another standard quick service experi-
ence.
Revised: January 2016