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Community Corner

Commission Greenlights Walgreens' Proposal

The drugstore chain's design for the old Petco building passes muster, but still must be reviewed by the Planning Commission.

Walgreens is a step closer to setting up shop on a prime spot on Orange Avenue.

The Design and Review Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved the exterior design proposed by architect John Ziebarth for the building on Orange at 9th Street.

The drugstore chain has rented a space previously occupied by retailer Petco and Bank of America. Other than the trees in the parking lot and the mosaic in front, it’s a building that has inspired more derision than admiration.

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Commissioner Polly Jones called it “a statement of incompatibility—large, flat, uninteresting and not friendly to the residents of Coronado.” 

Ziebarth tried to make his design community friendly. He met several times with members of Coronado MainStreet and appeared before the commission twice, listening to and incorporating advice offered by both groups. 

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The final design includes “features added to create balance and details to add depth,” he told the commission. 

These include windows framed by arches, and a projected canopy on the side facing Orange. The side facing 9th has a rounded entry and a side wall will have plants rising on a trellis.   

The plans met with the commission's general approval, with one caveat: The mesh used on the canopy must be approved before it is installed. 

The panel also recommended that the Planning Commission – Walgreens' next step in the approval process – consider closing the Orange driveway entrance for safety reasons. 

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