McDonald’s and the Condition 19 appellants have agreed to a design solution for the remodel of the Martell McDonald’s restaurant. Both McDonald’s and the appellant group were impressed and moved by the Amador County public's overwhelming support for a design that better suited our local community and traditional Mother Lode building. The revised design incorporates traditional elements such as horizontal siding, earth –tone colors and pitched metal roof structures as well as key elements of McDonald’s corporate branding: yellow horizontal fascias and a prominent yellow arch.
“We were pleased that McDonald’s chose to work with us,” said Keith Sweet. “Their cooperation proves that responsible national corporations will consider local concerns rather than force a national, anywhere-USA design on our community. We’d especially like to thank Craig Schrader of McDonald’s of San Joaquin County, the owner of the local franchise, and Margaret Trujillo of McDonald’s USA,LLC for taking time to meet with us and for their earnest good efforts at cooperation. They clearly want to be good neighbors who are responsive to local concerns.”
Mr. Schrader has also contributed the financial support for including historical photos of the Foothill Region for the interior decoration of the renovated restaurant. Phil Giulani and the Amador Historical Society will be coordinating and guiding the selection and reproduction of appropriate images.
While gratified to have reached an agreement with McDonald’s, the appellants recognize that resolving their appeal is only one step toward protecting and restoring local community character. “Even though we’re glad we reached agreement, it’s clear to us that the county really does need clear commercial design guidelines,” Sandi Baracco said.
“Design guidelines are better for the community, and provide the certainty business owners need before they build or remodel. Design guidelines save everyone time and money. Since we had no guidelines, we were forced to go back-and-forth with design ideas, which took a lot of time and likely raised McDonald’s costs,” Brian Jobson said. “We hope that after our appeal is decided, the county will move soon to approve commercial design guidelines that are clear, easy-to-follow, and as objective as possible.”
The original November appeal hearing was continued by the Board of Supervisors to allow McDonalds and appellants to work out a solution. The parties met in early December and toured the existing McDonald’s. They continuously exchanged alternative designs until an agreement was reached. The Board of Supervisors had continued the hearing on the appeal until Tuesday, January 10 at 10:30 am. at which time the new design will be reviewed.
“We urge everyone who cares about protecting community character to come to the hearing,” Renee Chapman stated. “We need to make sure our elected officials know we care about the visual quality of the county.”
