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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-05-14- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting Tuesday, May 14, 2002, 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California ROLL CALL Hal Meltzer, Chairman Tracy Conrad Jim Isermann, Vice Chairman Carl Prout John Harrell Present This Meeting X X X X Present Year To Date 2 4 4 4 3 FY 2002-2003 Excused Absences To Date 2 1 STAFF PRESENT: Doug Evans, Director of Planning and Building Jing Yeo, Assistant Planner Cathy Thomas, Senior Secretary * * * * * * Vice Chairman, Isermann called the meeting to order at 8:35 a.m. * * * * * * REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: Agenda was available in accordance with state and local procedures for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of Planning & Building counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 9, 2002. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: Ron Chespak, operates Exclusive Galleries and the Children Museum. He has major concerns about the Palm Springs Historical Preservation. Since he applied many months ago to the HSPB board, he feels that Palms Springs is featured in a negative light and has feeble preservation laws. He feels that the HSPB needs a complete board with no vacancies. He is upset about current efforts in demolishing Palm Springs History. Mr. Chespak referred to a couple articles written April 11, 2002 and April 28, 2002 by the Los Angeles Times regarding demolition of the Neutra house in Rancho Mirage. Mr. Chespak feels the City is poorly managing historic preservation in Palm Springs. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting May 14, 2002 Παγε 2 οφ 7 * * * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES: There was not a required quorum to adopt the March 12, 2002 minutes. Board Member Conrad requested the approval of minutes be postponed until the next meeting on June 11, 2002. * * * * * * CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: 1. Board member Harrell read the following statement: I will not participate in the Historical Site Preservation Board meetings or business after the June 11, 2002 meeting. At the end of June, I will have volunteered my time and energy for an entire year beyond my appointment and feel that is more than ample time to allow a replacement to be appointed. I do not consider this a resignation. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve my City and have enjoyed serving with each of you. * * * * * * PUBLIC HEARINGS: None * * * * * * ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: 1. Case No. 3.1198, 800 North Palm Canyon Drive, application by Paula Summers to replace un-repairable front doors with the color to match existing, Zone C-1, R-3, Section 10. Planner Yeo explained Ms. Summers requested a door replacement for the un-repairable door at 800 North Palm Canyon Drive. Planner Yeo informed Ms. Summers she could put a temporary door up for security purposes until approval was received for the permanent door. The location is a Class I site. Ms. Summers explained that she could not get her door locked therefore, she installed and painted the proposed permanent door without HSPB approval. Board Member Conrad reiterated what a fabulous building Ms. Summers has and encouraged her to re-due to facade on Palm Canyon. Board Member Conrad felt it was unfortunate that the door Ms. Summers installed and painted is a twelve divided light window, instead of a three or four light window, or something closer to the original door. Board Member Conrad felt the cost would not have been a factor and lamented the fact the work was completed prior to input and approval by HSPB. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting May 14, 2002 Παγε 3 οφ 7 Board Member Prout felt through the years the building has been drastically changed. He stated there is considerable expense in restoring the building. Board Member Prout felt Ms. Summers has improved the corner immensely and sympathizes with her to do the best she can. Board Member Prout stated he wanted to remind people that while buildings have been recognized as historical sites, with various classifications, there is a process for owners to have the classification removed by the City Council. Board Member Prout feels that Ms. Summers has been very active up town and has been active in renovation and restoration. Board Member Isserman requested the history of the building designation. Board Member Prout explained that the building was one of the first buildings sited at the very beginning of the creation of the HSPB. Board Member Harrell explained he has toured the building with Ms. Summers three or four years ago. Board Member Harrell explained there are a lot of elements of the original building still in place. Board Member Harrell and Ms. Summers at the time of the tour talked about enhancing and in some cases returning the original appearance, i.e. the balcony on the side of the building. Board Member Harrell encouraged the applicant to review the notes made at the time of the tour. Board Member Harrell stated each change can carry the building closer to its original appearance. Board Member Prout stated he didn’t recommend, he just mentioned that is possible to have a historic site removed. Director Evans stated there are two photographs in the Palm Springs Brief History and Architectural Guide of the building being discussed. The pictures show the style of the original doors and if there had been an opportunity to review this before the change was completed it could have been a simple door change back to almost the exact original door as shown in the photograph. Director Evans stated the building was built in 1926 or 1927. Over time it could be restored, not to exact conditions, but close to it. The approval resolution included the standard requirement that no permit for exterior alternations of the building be granted without prior approval of the HSPB Board. Alterations shall tend towards restoration of the site and shall be plaqued. M/S/C (Conrad/Harrell 3-1) The door alteration not be approved and a replacement door to have a similar number of lights as the original. Ms. Summers asked if she had the option of changing the historic classification. Director Evans explained that staff would go over the process with her. Board Member Isserman stated that designations are written with the owners involvement and approval and that every designation is specific to the particular building. Anything the board is Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting May 14, 2002 Παγε 4 οφ 7 asking was agreed to when the building was designated historic site. Board Member Harrell had a conversation with the owner at the time the building was being purchased. He informed them of the historical designation and what that implied. To characterized the process as punitive or difficult is ignoring past history. The owner is well aware of the importance of this building and of the existence of the HSPB. The HSPB would have been very helpful if Ms. Summers would have followed proper procedures. To threaten to remove and important building from designation is uncivic. Ms. Summers stated she did not care if Mr. Harrell felt it was uncivic or not. Ms. Summers further stated that what really happened was she was doing a retrofit to the building in the amount of $140,000. She got a call from her realtor that the HSPB was going to shut down her project because the board did not like her tile. Ms. Summers stated there is federal funding to get the historic buildings back into shape but the board did not want to fill out the paperwork. Her feeling is that she can’t get her building taken off the Historic Class I site soon enough. * * * * * * AGENDA ITEMS: 1. Carey/Pirozzi House, Mills Act Agreement Director Evans stated this is an existing Class I Historic designation. Planning has been working with the Pirozzi family regarding the Mills Act Agreement. The terms and conditions are similar to the Coffman house agreement with the Mills Act agreement being reviewed each year. The City may cancel the agreement in accordance with Section 5. Any changes require review by the HSPB along with inspections by the City, County Assessor and State Board of Equalization. Landscaping completed and maintained with a view corridor. The existing plaque has been placed on site but a relocation has to be worked out with the owner in order to minimize the public from walking on the site to find the plaque. Property insurance is required to maintain the site in a historic fashion. Planning recommends approval of the agreement subject to review by the City Attorney. If the City Attorney proposes any changes it will be brought back to HSPB for discussion. M/S/C (Conrad/Prout 4-0) to approve the Mills Act Agreement with the Carey Pirozzi House. 2. Designation of Racquet Club discussion. Owner requested the designation of the Racquet Club discussion be removed from the agenda. Director Evans stated he will get a written request from the property owner prior to placing it on a future agenda. 3. Plaquing of the Wexler Steel Houses. Director Evans stated that the balance of the plaques are completed. Director Evans requested direction from the board as to whether they would like to participate in selecting Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting May 14, 2002 Παγε 5 οφ 7 installation locations for the plaques or if staff should meet with each individual property owner. Board Member Harrell suggested that Director Evans designate a committee of one to complete the plaque installation locations. Board Member Conrad suggested that staff decide with owner the plaque installation location. Board consensus was for Director Evans will decide with owners the plaque installation location. 4. Citywide Historical Survey. Director Evans explained he is working on an RFP for the Citywide Historical Survey. The draft RFP will be placed on the June 11, 2002 agenda. 5. Future template for HSPB plaques. Director Evans wanted to make sure the board was in concurrence with the historic site plaque format. There was general discussion and consensus by the board that there should be a consistent format and size for the plaques. Director Evans stated he will write up a policy so it is clear regarding the plaque size consideration relating to the size of the building. 6. Palm Springs Brief History and Architectural Guide. Director Evans reported that all the guides have been sold. Five hundred more will be ordered. Board Member Conrad noted that she had some minor revisions and/or additions to the guide. She felt that the revisions and/or additions could be updated inexpensively. There was general discussion regarding an addendum sheet and what should be added and deleted. Board Member Conrad will bring in her editorial changes and/or additions and meet with the Print Shop prior to the printing of a new batch. Board Member Harrell state he would like the diversity, variety and inclusivity of the guide be preserved in the future. 7. Plaquing of Albert Frey Structures - Director Evans stated that Planning is continuing to work with the property owners. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS - 1. Neutra Grace Lewis Miller House at 2311 North Indian Canyon Drive Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting May 14, 2002 Παγε 6 οφ 7 Director Evans stated that a Public Hearing will be set for June, 2002. 2. L’Horizon Garden Hotel at 1050 East Palm Canyon Drive. Director Evans explained that staff has contacted applicant regarding Planning resources available for assistance with the project. Board Member Isserman requested that staff contact applicant again to help them with the application process. 3. Our Lady of Solitude Catholic Church. Director Evans explained that the Office of the Bishop in San Bernardino sent a formal request to have the Class I Historic site removed from the historic site list. Director Evans stated he will put this item on the next HSPB agenda, June 11, 2002. Board Member Prout requested that the reason for the removal of the historic site be read into the record as follows: “As the Roman Catholic Bishop of San Bernardino, I would like to formally request that Our Lady of Solitude be removed from the Historical Register. The reason for this request is pastoral in nature and related to the ver changing needs of our parishes. Many times the needs of serving our local community can clash with the need to maintain historical presence.” Board Member Isserman requested a letter be sent to all Class I site owners reminding them of what is involved when owning a Class I Historic site. Board Member Prout was in agreement and felt a letter should be sent to the Palm Springs Board of Realtors and a copy to every Realtor in Palm Springs or every Real Estate Office in the City of Palm Springs. The letter should include the historical sites and addresses. Board Member Harrell wanted to make it clear that Ms. Summers and the Realtor involved at the time of the purchase was aware of the Class I Historic Site restrictions and requirements of the historic site at 800 North Palm Canyon. This was not a question of lack of information today, this was a question of conflict of intent. Board consensus was to get letters out to the historic site owners of their responsibilities as Class I Historic Site owners. The meeting was adjourned at 9:34 a.m. and reconvened at 9:35 a.m. Director Evans requested an added starter be added to the agenda. Director Evans requested a 10 minute recess. Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting May 14, 2002 Παγε 7 οφ 7 Vice Chairman Isserman called a 10 minutes recess at 9:35 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 9:50 a.m. Director Evans explained that the added starter applicant has a business and pending lease under some time constraints. This came to Planning after the posting of the Agenda on Friday, May 17, 2002. The applicant has some changes that require HSPB approval prior to the next meeting. In lieu of a special meeting, staff recommended an starter be added as follows: El Mirador Garage, a Class I Historic Site at 1090 North Palm Canyon Drive, application by Bill Cochran and Bob Bransfield for an architectural approval to install awnings and signage. MSC (Conrad, Prout 4-0) to approve the added starter for the El Mirador Garage at 1090 North Palm Canyon Drive. Director Evans explained that the applicants would like to add two awnings that would be attached to the building without structural changes and increase the signage. Applicant proposed installation of awnings with signage. Color to be toupe awning with white letters painted on the awning. Conrad applauded the applicants proposal as being historically accurate to the building. Board Member Conrad was in favor of a low profile wooden plaque in order to alleviate penetrations to the building. Harrell would like to see the awnings mounted inside the masonry opening. Member Harrell pointed out that the letters were painted on the masonry as shown in the historic pictures of the El Mirador Garage. MSC (Conrad/Harrell 4-0) Approve the architectural amendments to include awnings that fit inside the existing openings and a signage program that is minimally invasive to the building as possible with staffs approval. * * * * * * ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chairman Isermann adjourned the meeting at 10:08 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Doug Evans Director of Planning and Building