A rendering shows the proposed expansion of the Lloyd Hotel on Hamburg Avenue.

The Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront, formerly a Best Western, has sought city approval for a four-story, 20-room addition.

The 69-room hotel, which is under the umbrella of Choice Hotels International, sits on Hamburg Avenue next to the Port of Astoria along Youngs Bay. The expansion would be added on to the west end and includes an exterior made up of white and gray fiber cement, reclaimed wood, windows and balconies.

At a city Design Review Commission meeting Thursday night, commissioners took issue with plans for a large mural of two sea lions on the southeast wall that would be visible from U.S. Highway 101.

Commissioners were concerned the mural was being used in lieu of meeting the required window percentage.

“It may be stated that it was not an afterthought, but it kind of reads that way, unfortunately,” Commissioner Ian Sisson said, adding that he does not think the design fits in with the character Astoria is aiming for.

“We have these architectural design standards, and we’re kind of known for a town that has high standards for building design. And this really does feel like abrogating from those because it’s difficult the way the floor plan is laid out and instead putting a mural where there should be articulated architectural details and windows.”

The commission voted to continue the review of the project to later this month and directed the applicant to redesign the southeast façade to meet the criteria for window percentage.

The proposed expansion of the hotel is considered a conditional use in a commercial zone, according to the city, so the project will also have to go before the Planning Commission if it clears design review.

Jeremy Cogdill, of Portland-based Open Concept Architecture, which submitted the application on behalf on the hotel, was receptive to the commission’s feedback, but maintained that the mural design was intentional.

He said the team felt sea lions are uniquely Astoria.

“A lot of us who have been to Astoria really enjoy the sea lions and see them above the surface,” Cogdill said. “And what the mural is about is that moment before they get to the surface of the water. And just trying to explore the other parts of that experience and bring that to life in a way that feels unique and helps to activate that side of the building.”