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1 <br /> completed. The minor changes we are discussing are a normal and unavoidable part of the process of <br /> finalizing the building design. In our opinion, none of the changes are so great that they substantially <br /> alter the overall impression or character of the approved building design. <br /> 1) Replacing Metal Panels with Stucco <br /> The exterior of the building has always been about 75%stucco. About 25%of the exterior was <br /> designed as metal panels to provide locations of contrast and to break up the overall mass of <br /> the building. These metal panels were of a much darker color palette to provide contrast. As <br /> part of the pre-construction meetings,the contractor suggested that the entire building be built <br /> with stucco. The architect agreed since the contrast he was seeking was already provided by the <br /> originally approved colors and the difference in appearance between metal and stucco would be <br /> minor. Touchstone,as owner,accepted this change since it did not seem significant to the <br /> appearance of the building,would not alter the quality of the building,and would,according to <br /> the contractor,be easier to construct and simpler to detail and maintain quality control during <br /> construction. Thinking of the overall life of the building,stucco is easier to maintain and address <br /> damage since spot repairs can be made,and has the advantage of being more easily repainted <br /> as part of normal maintenance. It is also easier to change the color of stucco in the future,if <br /> that need arises. The stucco system has been upgraded from a standard system to include <br /> additional water management features that provide a high quality, long-lasting building skin. <br /> 2) Eliminating the"Eyebrows" <br /> Removing the eyebrows was another suggestion from the contractor that was readily accepted <br /> by the architect. The reasoning was that the eyebrows created a place for birds to sit and dirt to <br /> collect. Rain would then create unsightly streaks down the side of the facade as the <br /> accumulated mess on the eyebrows was washed down. This could become a significant <br /> maintenance issue. Since the eyebrows served no purpose other than aesthetic(and in some <br /> minds made the appearance worse instead of better),Touchstone accepted the architect's <br /> recommendation to make what everyone considered to be a minor and appropriate change. <br /> 3) Putting in Room Vents for HVAC <br /> in the time since the original design of the hotel,Marriott has changed to a new type of <br /> mechanical system for the guestrooms. This system,which was approved with the mechanical <br /> permit,includes individual units in each room that in turn require vents on the exterior wall of <br /> each room. The vents will be more than 30 feet above the ground,and will be painted to match <br /> the surrounding walls and so will be inconspicuous. <br /> 4) Shortening the Elevator Enclosure <br /> The height of the structure around the elevators has been reduced by eight feet because the <br /> elevator system selected for construction does not require all of the over-run height planned in <br /> the original design. This part of the building exists only as an enclosure to hide the mechanical <br /> equipment above the elevator cabs in the center of the building. It serves no other purpose so <br /> building it higher than necessary serves no purpose. This does not change the height of the <br /> main roof(other than for this elevator over-run and two other areas where mechanical <br /> equipment screens have been similarly lowered). This simply varies the final dimensions slightly <br /> due to final construction detailing,as is allowed under the project design criteria. <br /> 2 <br /> 3 <br />