Project Narrative

City of Glendale — Regular Meeting (2023-09-28)

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Stephen Shaw
ADN Architects
Armet Davis Newlove & Associates
1330 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404 
Cell: 310-773-7772     Fax: 310-450-4742     Email:steve@adnarch.com     www.adnarch.com 
Ultra Clean Express Car Wash 
SR22-0381 
8250 W. Glendale, 85303 
PROJECT INTENT/NARRATIVE 
Armet Davis Newlove Architects is working with a new business establishing car washes 
throughout the Western United States.  They have selected a site in Glendale as one of the early 
desired properties.  My name is Steve Shaw and I handle permitting in the office.  I work with 
Tom Fitzpatrick who manages construction.  Both of us will be working with the city on 
entitlements and plan review. 
We are submitting the application for the CUP and Design Review submittals.   
The total site is approximately 59,800 square feet.  The previous gas station use and the 
proposed car wash are similar automotive uses.  The proposed hours for the car wash are 7 a.m. 
to 9 p.m.  The hours of the previous gas station are unknown.  Based on other gas stations in the 
area it was likely open more hours of the day. 
The existing structures and hardscape would be demolished for new structures, hardscape, and 
landscaping.  The new project would cover the full lot.  Approximately 6,000 square feet of 
existing structure would be demolished.  It would be replaced with an approximately 4,660 
square foot, rectangular car wash building running north and south, placed towards 83rd 
Avenue.  The ends have towers at 31’-6” with the main building height to parapet at 21’-6”.  As 
shown in the elevations the building is designed to hide the washing mechanisms and is painted 
in neutral, desert colors. 
The surrounding area is mostly developed, with heavy commercial uses around the stadium and 
towards the 101, as well as many residential areas.  Car washes are common, neighborhood 
uses, and are particularly in demand in dryer, desert environments.  Our client only selects a site 
after careful research and when they feel their product will be of service to the surrounding 
area, and will provide a benefit to attract paying customers.   
At peak times car washes can queue 22 cars with an additional 3 to 4 cars inside the wash.  
Thirty parking/vacuum spaces are also provided.  UCE  has several sites already open and is  
 
 
Received May 23, 2023

Stephen Shaw
ADN Architects
Armet Davis Newlove & Associates
1330 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404 
Cell: 310-773-7772     Fax: 310-450-4742     Email:steve@adnarch.com     www.adnarch.com 
 
comfortable with the number of cars that can be accommodated at this site.  The key to a 
successful car wash is keeping the cars moving.  They are very careful about being able to 
handle any expected customer load.  Water and any chemical uses are also important 
considerations.  Washing a car at an automated wash facility saves water over home cleaning 
and all runoff is filtered prior to going to the sewer.  Home washes use more water with oil and 
dirt going into the storm drain with no filtration.   
Construction would start shortly after entitlements and plan check are complete.  As these 
processes can take a varied amount of time we will be updating the owner with our progress 
and they will plan to start construction as soon as possible after the building permit is obtained. 
 
Sincerely, 
 
 
Stephen Shaw