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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-05-11- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, May 11, 2004, 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 ROLL CALL Present This Meeting Present Yea-to-Date FY 2003-2004 Excused Absences To-Date John Williams, Chairman X 8 1 Shevlin Rush, Vice Chair 6 3 Lee Bledsoe 7 2 Ron Chespak X 7 2 James Hayton X 8 1 William Scott X 8 1 Jim Isermann X 8 1 STAFF PRESENT: Jing Yeo, Principal Planner Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary Doug Evans, Director of Planning & Zoning Kathy Marx, Associate Planner * * * * * Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 8:16 a.m. * * * * * * REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda was available and posted in accordance with state and local procedures for public access at the City Hall exterior bulletin board and the Department of Planning & Zoning counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 6, 2004. * * * * * * PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments. * * * * * * APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M/S/C (Hayton/Isermann) (5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstention) to approve the April 13, 2004 meeting minutes as presented. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: The meeting on April 23 to introduce the Historic Site Survey Resources to the public was very successful, there was a tremendous turn-out, with positive comments from all property owners on the survey. As a follow-up to last meeting, Member Scott and Chairman Williams toured the Palm at Palm Springs project which is now in escrow and moving forward. Member Isermann, Chairman Williams, and staff member Kathy Marx will be meeting today with the new owners of L’Horizon Garden Hotel, a William Cody building, to go over their plans. Chairman Williams spoke with Nickie McLaughlin who has met with Curt Watts of Economic Development and Liz Perkowitz, Manager of the Visitors’ Center, to coordinate resources for improvements there. Ms. Perkowitz has promised to keep the HSPB advised. Councilman Chris Mills, Mayor Ron Oden, and Chairman Williams are interviewing 16 candidates for the four open positions on this HSP Board this coming Thursday, April 15. All four of the current Board Members have re-applied. PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: Case 3.0869 - Application by John Baker to replace roll-up door with windows on the “Gallery Building” at 1090 North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C1, Section 10. Planner Kathy Marx reported that the Board packet contained all information about this property, and briefly explained the application for this Class 1 Historic Site. Removal of metal roll-up doors is being requested on the rear elevation. The installation date is not known, but the doors are obviously not part of the original structure. They will be replaced with three metal-framed, divided light windows to match existing structure. Color photos were passed around to the Board. Staff does recommend approval of this minor architectural application. Robert Young from Lyle Commercial Realty, representative of the owner, introduced himself and answered board member questions. He is active in managing and marketing this property. There is one 12'x12' (approximate) roll-up door on the back-side of the building. Not sure if the new windows are casement style windows, but the owner’s intent is to make them as similar as possible to the existing. Intent future is to also replace the existing rear door and make that presentation more of a “front” door type of aspect versus the solid metal door. Previous owners used that portion of the building as storage - hence the roll-up door. The major tenant in the building, Physicians Health Billing Services, is expanding and a storefront approach would let more light into that part of the building that will be used as office space. The Board requested the original designation for review and staff member Kathy Marx left the meeting to get the documents. Member Scott commented that it looks light a sensitive renovation and wants to be sure that the new type of windows will match the existing in all details and color. Chairman Williams asked if all the windows were the same thru-out the building - - photos were passed around. He further asked the board members if they wished to approve the replacement of the back door, if and when the owner wants to do this, so that they do not have to come back to this Board for approval. When replaced, the door should adhere to all the fire and other applicable building codes. Awnings were approved some time ago by HSPB, but they were never installed. Mr. Young advised there are three spaces being currently marketed. The intent is to continue with office space functions. Staff Member Kathy Marx returned to the meeting with documents showing original approval by the City Council on January 17, 1990, and read a brief background about the structure: “It was opened in 1929, about a year after the debut of the El Mirador Hotel, as the El Mirador Garage. Owned by Ted Fulford, who developed the Pasadena Rose Bowl and Palm Springs Tahquitz Estates with co-owner Pop Gorham. The nomination talks about the El Mirador Hotel, then an architectural detail that the garage is an “example of Spanish Eclectic architecture in a commercial setting” composed of two parts -- office, garage, and fuel pump area. It is a two-story building of stucco-finished wood frame construction fronting Tachevah Drive and currently houses gallery space with apartment studios on the second floor.” The file was passed around for board review. Chairman Williams explained that the applicant has indicated they eventually plan to replace the back door, and although that is not part of this application, it is suggested the Board approve the change of the roll-up HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 Tuesday, May 11, 2004 doors to windows and as part of the motion, perhaps include the change of the back door - - provided the property owners works with staff for approval. M/S/C (Scott/Hayton) (5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) that the application by John Baker to replace the roll-up door with windows on the “Gallery Building” at 1090 North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C1, Section 10 be approved and that future alterations to the rear door (somewhat shown in the distant proposed change) be allowed to be developed by the owner with Planning staff approval. AGENDA ITEM #1: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER RUSH No report. AGENDA ITEM #2: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATED - MEMBER RUSH - Planner Jing Yeo reported that: The Cork ‘N Bottle property owners have been sent a letter asking if they are interested in having their property plaqued, but staff has not heard back; awaiting for comments on the language for the Ingleside Inn plaque; in the process of ordering plaques for The Willows, O’Donnell House, and the Fire station No. 1; and looking at different companies to make the plaques and asking for bids, so it might take a while longer. Chairman Williams stated that the Visitors’ Center plaque has been installed, and asked about the Carey-Pirozzi and Kaufmann-Harris Houses, and if they have they been contacted? Planner Yeo advised that staff is still working with the Pirozzi’s regarding their Mill Acts Contract, and they will not be contacted until that is resolved; the Edris house is awaiting installation but here is no installer as yet; and the Visitor’s’ Center plaque was installed by the City’s Facilities Department. As mentioned before and in previous conversations with Facilities they are extremely busy with City projects and don’t have the ability to do these installations at this time. Staff will continue working to find an installer. Member Hayton asked if sign companies, such as Best Signs, or other sign companies might be able to install these plaques? They should have everything necessary to do that competently and may only need to be approached, they might also do it at a very reasonable cost. Planner Yeo advised that we are looking at different options and the plaque companies we’ve contacted have their own installers - - this might be an option rather than having to get additional contracts for separate installations. Chairman Williams summarized the plaque situation: The Willows, O’Donnell House, Fire Station No. 1 plaques are in the process of being ordered; the Edris and Grace Lewis-Miller Houses are awaiting plaques being installed; the Visitors’ Center is now plaqued; a letter has been written to the Cork ‘N Bottle; Carey- Pirozzi’s Mills Act issues being dealt with; and the Kaufmann-Harris house is plaqued but the plaque is not visible and needs to be moved to a visible location. Director Evans advised that when that plaque was originally delivered, they were not very happy that it was “bronze.” Staff will contact them to determine if they wish to order a different plaque. They have always had a concern that so many visitors come to the house and anything that increases traffic is a challenge, but part of their agreement under the Mills Act is that their plaque be visible to the public. The Cork ‘N Bottle opposed the designation originally, not sure it’s the same owner, a plaque was never really pursued because of their original opposition. There is some value now, and maybe the owners will see a benefit to the property being plaqued. Member Scott will email Jing Yeo the person to contact relating to the Kaufmann-Harris house. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 Tuesday, May 11, 2004 AGENDA ITEM #3: HISTORIC SITE SURVEY UPDATE - STAFF Chairman Williams indicated that the survey talked about several different designations, and in each case the report said there is none in Palm Springs. But, the Frances Stevens School should show a designation.. Also, on page 2 it reports that the population of Palm Springs is 48,000, but it’s actually about 44,500 according to today’s newspaper. Principal Planner Jing Yeo reported that staff has advised the consultants about the Frances Stevens designation along with other updated information, such as the Ship of the Desert being designated since this process started. Chairman Williams asked for other comments, also advised that he would appreciate receiving a copy of Appendix C, the current list of designated properties, and asked if the HSP Board needs to take any action regarding this survey or is it strictly a City Council process? Member Isermann asked about the Ship of the Desert being on both the 50 and the 100+ list. Director Evans explained that once the report is in a final form, it will be brought back to this Board for recommendation to the City Council that they approve the survey. After the City Council has reviewed and approved, it will be available to the public. Chairman Williams asked about the DPR’s and if those are available to the public? Once the survey is released, if any property owners wish to do more research on a particular property, they can contact the City Planning Department. Planner Yeo advised that they are available to the public, they are in draft form at this time with many edits contemplated, but if anyone wants to review these, they are available. AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSSION OF THE CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), Duties, Activities No report. AGENDA ITEM #5: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION BOARD - MEMBER SCOTT No report. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER BLEDSOE No report. AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER WILLIAMS Chairman Williams reported that the Mod Com will be meeting this Saturday, May 15 at Modern Way at 10 a.m. The website has been updated, check it out at www.psmodcom.com. AGENDA ITEM #8: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL - PALM SPRINGS DESERT MUSEUM - MEMBER ISERMANN The last of the Museum’s lecture series is Saturday, May 22 at 6 p.m. Speakers are Katherine Petrin and Bridget Maley-Cannon from Architectural Resources Group, the HSPB survey team who will talk about the Historic Survey for the City and will present more images than shown at the April 23 meeting. Tickets are $5.00 for non-members of the ADC. Lists of the 200 - 250 properties can be available at this lecture. AGENDA ITEM #9: APA CONFERENCE - HISTORIC TOUR DATE AND INFORMATION. HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 Tuesday, May 11, 2004 Jing Yeo advised that the Historic Tour will be about 2 - ½ hours on Monday afternoon, October 18, 2004. Chairman Williams reported that he spoke with Robert Imbers of Modern Tours and a meeting with him, Director Evans, Planner Yeo, and Chairman Williams needs to be set to go over the details. How much narrative involvement will be needed from Mr. Imbers? Director Evans indicated that the tour will be one full-size bus (35 to 45 people) and there is a lot of interest. Between 900 to 1000 people will be attending this APA Conference. If Mr. Imbers would be willing to conduct and narrate the tour, staff will assist with on and off-loading of the bus, answer city-wide questions, etc. Transportation is included and it is the hope of APA that whoever leads the tour will volunteer their services. Chairman Williams will contact him again next week to set up a meeting and let everyone know. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Board Member Scott asked about the change in development and service fees and if any property owners wants to have their property listed as a historic site, are there any fees involved? Planner Yeo stated that no fees are involved in this particular application. Director Evans added that if a deluge of requests for historic designations were received, the Council may have to look at a fee program to help with staff services, but at this time the Council’s position is to encourage and not discourage historic site listings. Chairman Williams asked for additional business. There being none, the meeting was adjourned at 8:50 a.m. Next meeting will be Tuesday, June 8, 2004, at 8:15 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Douglas R. Evans Director of Planning and Zoning :ldm HSPB Minutes, May 11, 2004