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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-07-11- HSPB minutes 1 City of Palm Springs HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD Minutes of Regular Meeting of Tuesday, July 11, 2000 Studio B, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California Call to Order: 8:15 a.m. by Karen Pirozzi, Chairperson Roll Call: Members Present: John Harrell, Tracy Conrad , Hal Meltzer Karen Pirozzi, Carl Prout Members Absent: Staff Present: Hope Sullivan, Principal Planner Anita Graves, Secretary Posting of Agenda: The agenda was posted in accordance with state and local procedures on July 7, 2000 Public Comment: Paula Summers - Safari Furniture , 800 N. Palm Canyon, (formerly, Old El Paseo Building) interested in designation as a national historical site, beneficial for grants and tax benefits. She expressed any help from the Board in making the submission for such designation. Vice Chairperson Prout commented that the Board is supportive of the master plan and to make Class 1 designation more Auser friendly@ in the case of Ms. Summers and others who may be interested in coming forth from the community in an effort to bring to the attention of the Board such historically significant sites. Ms. Summers was reminded that State designation 2 must come before national, but that the Board would be as helpful as possible. It was also suggested that she work with an architect in developing a master plan for this designation. Chairperson=s Report: Chairperson Pirozzi read a note from member Young in which she resigned from the Board to pursue other endeavors, however she is available to the Board at any time. Chairperson Pirozzi publically thanked her for work on and support of the Board. Chairperson Pirozzi reported on her meeting with the Mayor. The issue of the two open positions was discussed. The application process is open, members were encouraged to go to the public and find interested, dedicated people to become applicants. The Commission agreed this was a good way to proceed. Suggestion was made to wait for positions to be filled before election of officers. The Cabinet Council meeting is scheduled for July 12, 2000. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Application by the Cape Ann Chapter of the National Society of Colonial Dames XVII Century, to designate a portion of Easmor Circle, formerly utilized during World War II as a tie down - as a Class I Historic Site. Staff member Sullivan described the historic significance of the site. She stated that she had met with Dave Barakian, City Engineer, who confirmed that there is no harm to the roadway system as a result of a proposed designation. Jane Brown, Treasurer, (accompanied by Mary Faith Crips, member) stated that she had contacted Tom Kiley, who was here in 1941. In a letter from him, he described the significance of the tie downs. In a review by Mr. Paul Payne, Colonel, in charge of the command during cold war ( 50's and 60's), reported that this would allow planes to land at these tie-downs. Staff person Sullivan referred to a copy of a letter which referred to the designated tie downs as the only ones left in the United States used by the Army in WWII. This tie-down is in good condition, in need of cleaning only. 3 The area will be cleaned and the plaque would be placed next to the tie downs. Member Prout reported that resident, Buzz Waltz , was supportive of the idea during his term on the Board, some years prior. Board member Prout stated that the probable date of the tie downs is 1942. Public Comments: Mrs. Bernie Crampton, 230 Lynn Circle, stated that she is in favor of the historical recognition and asked as to whether or not other streets that were used as tie - down areas, i.e. the cul-de-sac are also considered for inclusion in designation? Staff member Sullivan commented that areas, such as the parking lot north of the Fire Station in El Cielo, however no other sites were as well preserved as Easmor. Terry Milton Woolston, 2719 E. Claymore, property owner just behind the side expressed concern about street maintenance and the need to even out the street grade. Public hearing regarding this application was closed. Board member discussion followed. Board member Harrell commented that he is in favor of the request for designation taking into consideration some caveats: the need to know just how the Aplaqueing@ was to take place; the need for an implicit resolution; agreement on the need for attention to street maintenance, but not at the expense of defacing the tie downs; that the designation include all points of tie downs; where to look for evidence of other tie downs in general; the need for a very thorough and explicit explanation of the reason for this request.. Board member Prout asked if Buzz Waltz and The Legion were contacted by the applicant as this was a source of past records on this issue; was the Air Museum talked to and had no idea of the existence of the tie -downs; suggested that the Dames interact with the Legion Post as they may have additional records. Board members were impressed that the time was taken by this group to research and request this designation. Motion was made to approve the request for designation by Board member Meltzer and seconded by member Harrell. Vote was 5 - 0 in favor of the applicant=s request for Class 4 1 designation Applicant Brown commented that they would pay for the marking. It was further discussed as to the layout of the plaque, particularly as to where the applicant=s logo would appear in relation to the official plague. Board members commented that this subject is a significant part of history of Palm Springs. Staff member Sullivan added that additional information was obtained from the Pentagon regarding Palm Spring=s involvement in the war effort and this information is on file in the Planning Department. 2. Application by Tracy Conrad to designate the O=Donnell House above Muesum Dr., as a Class I Historic Site. Board member Conrad abstained from the application process as the applicant. Staff member Sullivan commented that this site was designated as a Class II in 1986, at the request of the property owner so as to have flexibility. She read the staff report, page 2, and then circulated the file from the 1986 application. The applicant commented that this application is to take steps to correct what should have been done before and will preserve this historical site for posterity. No public comments. Public comments were closed. The Board discussed briefly issues such as: interior elements not included in the designation; if there was any way to address the full impact of the restoration; the designation applied to exterior only since this is privately owned; the acknowledgment of the interior aspects, since the interior elements are becoming priceless; any reference regarding the interior, made by the applicant regarding this is for the record, only; photographs will be made of the interior are available if any one is interested. The motion was made by Board member Prout to approve the application to designate the subject property as a Class I from a Class II, seconded by member Meltzer; the vote was 4-0 -1; Conrad abstained. Staff member Sullivan will draft a resolution. It was suggested that this site be included in a field trip by the board members. 5 AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Kalura Trattoria (formerly Louise=s Pantry), 124 S. Palm Canyon Drive - Architectural Review. (Part of the Plaza, a designated Class 1 site) Mr. Don Long, designer , and Mr. John Wessman, Owner presented the proposed plans to the Board. The have made the plans to restore the property to its glory ( originally was Gordon=s Cafe). Board members asked questions regarding the tile, railing; entranceway ramp location in relation to the out door dining, windows and doors.. Board members suggested a need for accurate period statement, i.e post modern. Other concerns were addressed. Mr. Long and Mr. Wessman answered questions and discussed how they propose to restore and match existing and related features. Board members requested that the windows that are to be replaced match the original; the tile to be matched with a hand painted one; hand rail to be compatible with original design; the theater sign is remaining, however, the marque is to be removed; the existing facade will be changed to a compatible design. Discussion between the Board and the applicant continued. The Board requested a more realistic rending of conditions as proposed. The summation of changes and modifications of conditions were as follows: a. Door elevation on the south would mimic the style of the existing b. Decorative tile to be used will be changed to be consistent with the existing tile c. Hand rail is to be similar to one at the Mercado d. Walls will be one tone e. Green dado and chair rail effect will be stucco in color not two - tones. f. Over all finish is to be as is - one tone g. Columns will be removed h. Rail will be simple wrought iron - old wrought look i. Lattice to be painted same color as building j. The entrance to the theater looked at completely, not just as related to the outdoor dining area. Board members asked to see the complete proposed sketch and design for 6 the entrance to the theater and regarding the columns, keep front unpretentious. Mr. Wessman stated that there are to be no roof changes and that the wrought Iron rail fencing would have that forged old world look, but simple in appearance. Mr. Wessman stated that he will bring a hand painted tile that is close to that which is proposed. Applicant will do a mew color elevation that reflects approval of the Board to be stamped for the file. Staff member Sullivan stated that the points suggested by the Historic Site Preservation Board will be incorporated in the application to the Planning Commission; Board requested that if the Planning Commission makes notable changes, they would like to see them. Motion was made by Hal Meltzer and seconded by John Harrell to approve the application with the agreed upon changes and modifications as outlined. Vote was 5 - 0. 2. Proposed Sites for APlaqueing@ - Chairperson Pirozzi read the list of those sites that have already been designated for Aplaqueing@. They are: The Valley Station, Lowey House, Palm Springs City Hall, Carey - Pirozzi House, The Willows. (Frey House #2, Tramway Gas Station, Fire Station #1 have just recently been designated) At present $5,000 is available for these already designated sites. Members discussed the need for consistency in the Aplaqueing@ process such as who pays for the plaque. In Motion made by Member Meltzer and seconded by member Harrell to proceed to complete the Aplaqueing@ of the five aforementioned, already designated sites. Vote was 5-0 in favor. The Board expressed thanks to the City Council for the funds made available. 7 Staff member Sullivan will obtain the necessary information to create a document for keeping accurate records of the properties already designated and plaqued Including the date, picture, renderings, so that it is open to the community. This listing will include: those properties that have been designated, but not have a plaque, and those properties waiting for designated and for a plaque. 3. Historic Site Survey Update File cabinet that houses the survey has been brought to City Hall which contains records of sites that that have been surveyed, designated, and/or Aplaqued@. Kira Klatchko is entering survey information into database to be linked to Landbase to indicate historical interest. Also letters are being sent to the Board of Architects, coalitions of neighborhoods, HSPB. Historic Society and other varied individuals to get suggestions of the ATop Ten@ sites that warrant historic significance recognition. It was suggested by Board that this letter be sent to every City board and commission, the Historic Foundation and the Tribal office, to as for suggestions of properties of historic significance. Further suggestion that a list of properties already designated be sent along so as not to incur duplication of effort. 4. Member concerns: Board member Conrad requested update on the restoration of the Frances Stevens School that was partially destroyed in a recent fire. The main concern is that it be restored with the proper roof tile work, beams, etc. . Staff member Sullivan reported that Risk Management is working with the insurance company in the restoration and is aware that this is a Class I designated site and that she is in contact with that department regarding the need to be contacted if any problems arise that preclude proper restoration. Member Prout suggested that a letter and list of the designated properties go to the Desert Sun and Palm Springs Life. Member Meltzer expressed concern that of the 10 Boards on the City roster 8 and 120 volunteers, Historic Site Preservation Board is one of only two boards that has had a long time vacancies (at present two vacancies) Member Harrell asked Chairperson Pirozzi to make a strong plea to the Mayor to fill the vacancies on the Board. `` There is still a concern over Frey House #2 - painting of the roof - other than original color has occurred. The City departments need to review procedures so that Historic Site Preservation Board is final authority on Class I site changes or renovations. Board members suggested Frey House #2 be included in a tour. Janice Lyle is to be contacted regarding the color of the roof. Member Harrell suggested a work study session for the month o f August to discuss what is to be done in the month of August and beyond. The Board members agreed that August 1 is the best day to meet for this session. 5. Report on the Historic Society and Historic Foundation - Board member Prout reported that the Board has decided that the next social and educational event is a AAlexander Weekend@ - there are 2200 houses built by Alexander Construction . This will be a 2-day educational event for architects, owners, families. It is scheduled for sometime in the spring of next year. Regarding the Museum of Modernism, which needs a site, Councilmember Deyna Hodges has suggested that Fire Station #1 be made such a museum of modernism site. ________________________________ ___ Hope Sullivan MEETING ADJOURNED - Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 a.m. by Chairperson Pirozzi. 3. 9