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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-10-11- HPSB minutes Παγε 1 οφ 9 CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, November 14, 2005 at 8:15 a.m. Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 ROLL CALL Present This Meeting Present Year-to-Date FY 2004-2005 Excused Absences To-Date James Hayton, Chair X 2 0 Sidney Williams, Vice Chair X 1 1 William “Bill” Scott X 2 0 John Williams X 2 0 Jim Isermann X 2 0 Jade Nelson X 2 0 STAFF PRESENT: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary Jing Yeo, Principal Planner * * * * * Chairman Hayton called the meeting to order at 8:17 a.m. Turn cell phones off. * * * * * * REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: The Revised 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 Services counter by 4:00 p.m., Thursday, October 6, 2005. PUBLIC COMMENTS: NONE APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M/S/C (SCOTT/ISERMANN 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve the October 11, 2005 Minutes as submitted. NOTE: Audio Cassettes and DVDs of HSPB Meetings are available for review. Cassettes will be kept for six months and then discarded. DVDs of the meetings will be kept indefinitely. Minute format is more action related than verbatim. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: Chairman Hayton reported on an article about recycling houses/building that are to be torn down (residential and commercial structures) and that there are actually tax benefits and opportunities for recycling of the doors, windows, toilets, sinks, tiles, etc. PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E ARCHITECTURAL APPROVALS: 6. CASE 5.1052-PD-323/TTM 33334 -APPLICATION BY PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, MICHAEL MUELLER, TO CONSTRUCT 63 ADDITIONAL UNITS, RENOVATE EXISTING UNITS, OPERATE RESTAURANT, COMMERCIAL USES, AND SPA FACILITY AT 2743 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE R2, SECTION 3. Παγε 2 οφ 9 Staff reports this Board had seen the application when first discussed with this Board (2-8-05 Minutes), it is now back to the Board for an update, copies of Mueller Design’s Racquet Club of Palm Springs Business Model describing the project were distributed to Board (copy attached). The Board is being asked to review this application and make a recommendation to staff. Norm Canchola, Planner on the Project, reported there will be 63 additional units, will keep the restaurant, pool, and spa the same. Will remove a couple of bungalow units. The developer met with the community and there is great excitement for this project to be completed, especially the restaurant. Staff has received between 75 to 100 favorable letters from residents. New condo units will be constructed, the engineering problem was resolved, renovating older condo units, restoring and renovating seven bungalows, pool, and spa. From a zoning standpoint, the restaurant does not meet the General Plan, there is no zoning for commercial facilities at this location. Two bungalows re being removed in the restaurant area since there can’t be commercial facilities there. The restaurant (commercial) can be kept since it is existing and historical. Mike Mueller and Scott Jones, owners and architects, reported the project includes 63 new units, seven bungalows, the Albert Frey (Schiff) house, keeping one tennis court, two of the existing townhouses, the restaurant (Bamboo Room), the Charlie Farrell house which will become a conference, banquet, and gym center for the residents. Will add one additional large pool in the townhouse area, each of the bungalows and the loft units will have own swimming pools. Lots of water features and there will be three distinct gardens: Modern Garden in the “loft” area, White Garden in the townhouse area, and the Mission Garden in the bungalow area. There will be walking paths thru-out the garden areas for the residents. Staff member Yeo advised that this Board is to review the application with respect to the historic integrity and significant features of the property that are identified in the historical report. Part of that could be argued ... such as what makes the Racquet Club historically significant...is it location, does adding more units affect the historical significance? In this case, clearly the historic significance is through the re-building of the restaurant, bungalows, Frey house, large pool - - the historic features identified in the historical report. Board Member Scott asked the owners to describe the existing materials of the bungalows and condos and what is now being proposed. Also, what is being proposed for the Bamboo Room? Are the bungalows being removed designed by Frey? Mr. Mueller explained that they have held off on the exact designs of the Bamboo Room until they have a restauranteur. Now trying to get through the planning process, just went through the Architectural Advisory Committee review. According to the report, when the bungalows were built, Albert Frey added patios on the front and had a hand in each of the structures on site except for the restaurant and the Charlie Farrell house. Frey also added the pool at what is called the Albert Frey house is really the Schiff house. The materials will be concrete/porcelain masonry (CMU) (not a rough-saw concrete), with stucco and exterior will be prefab wood texture of industrial finish being applied to the exterior of the balconies with stainless steel brise-soleils HSPB Meeting Minutes 10.11.05 Page 3 of 6 Παγε 3 οφ 9 that are used for sun exposure. The townhouses will mimic the exact elevations of the Albert Frey townhouses, will be constructed of stucco, the same exterior wood discussed above, and will depict the mid-century modern look already existing on the site. The existing buildings are an off-white stucco with mauve painted trim - - these are not original colors. New colors will be a clean linen color for the stucco, the wood will be a chocolate brown, and wrought iron will be in stainless steel. The loft spaces will be grey tone with linen color stucco. All of this will tie-in the colors and scale, but each area, including the three gardens, will be distinct in their own ways. All are two-stories and the loft space alternates (one-bedroom, two-bedroom, one bedroom, two-bedroom, etc). The townhouses are all two-bedrooms. The Frey three-bedroom bungalows are currently set-up as a hotel original to the site. These will convert into two-bedroom single-family houses by adding a kitchen and creating a livingroom. The Schiff house (called the Albert Frey house) is actually a large bungalow with an exterior enclosed pool and will become a three-bedroom house that already has a kitchen, and will be remodeled back to original tiles and look. It has really deteriorated over the years and has been abused by users. The area is completely gated with three entrances. There will be 24-hour valet/concierge service. Residential area will be completely walled so the public cannot ramble through the area. Public traffic for the restaurant will be valet-served with admission through front entry No walls will divide the bungalows; however, there will be walls around the pools areas. Public diners will be able to view the main existing pool. Photos of the wall along North Indian Canyon Drive photos were shown to Board. Applicant has learned through the Architectural Advisory that there is a potential plan of widening North Indian Canyon Drive. If that goes through, the wall surrounding the Racquet Club property would have to be taken out and pushed back, but this is a historical wall, it has plaques on it and Indian Canyon is wide enough. Owners want to keep the original wall to original height, plaqued, etc., but it will be double-landscaped so that structures within will not visible from North Indian Canyon Drive. The Architectural Advisory Committee recommended that this project be kept as planned. This will be taken to the Planning Commission for their determination. Members asked if the Bamboo Room project will come back to the Board when it gets underway since that is one of the most historical structures on that property? It was expressed that this is an excellent example of showing how a historic structure and site can be saved and integrated with interesting new architecture. It is hoped that other developers will do similar work in Palm Springs. HSPB Meeting Minutes 10.11.05 Page 4 of 6 Παγε 4 οφ 9 Staff member Jing Yeo indicated that it could come back to the Board; but typically, the Board does not look at the interior of a building. This is, however, what makes this site historical so it will come back. Applicant agreed that they would be happy to keep everyone in the loop, but the Bamboo Room has been severely damaged and very tired, needs a complete overhaul and gutting to bring it back to the “Bamboo Room”...will probably give it more of a today’s look of bamboo, perhaps bamboo floors to keep it “bamboo”. Originally this was a very small piece of what is now known as the Bamboo Room which is the important piece of the property. The bar will probably be kept in the same location and the perks that go along with the room. Chairman Hayton asked if the public would have access to view the Frey building and other historic properties in this project based on the entrances and security planned? Mr. Mueller advised they it will probably be impossible to view since they will be privately owned single-family residences. Like other famous historical privately owned properties here ... there could possibly be tours agreed to by the owners. Can’t imagine that whoever buys the Schiff/Frey house would not want to show it to those interested in historical preservation and sites. There is no way these sites will be open to the public because of security and being privately-owned. It (Schiff/Frey house) is listed in the History Resources Survey, but is not a Class 1 site. Historic photos will be displayed in the Bamboo Room area so guests will be able to get a little sense of the history of the property. Board members congratulated and thanked Mr. Mueller and Mr. Scott for their excellent adaptive re-use of this great property and are anxious to see this through to completion. M/S/C (J. Williams/S. Williams - 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve changes in project application Case 5.1052-PD-323/TTM 33334 by the Palm Springs Racquet Club, Michael Mueller and Scott Jones, owners/architects, to construct 63 additional units, renovate existing units, operate restaurant, commercial uses, and spa facility at 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive as presented. AGENDA ITEM # 1 : DEMOLITION OF CLASS 3 STRUCTURE (GARAGE) AT 438 MERITO PLACE - STAFF Staff member Jing Yeo presented the application to demolish an old garage on the northwest corner of Merito Place and Mission Road. Site plan was displayed for Board review. The Board is reviewing this today HSPB Meeting Minutes 10.11.05 Page 5 of 6 Παγε 5 οφ 9 because it was constructed in the 1930's, and according to the Preservation Ordinance the Board is to review any demolition of structures built before 1945. Architect Lew Bishop passed around photos of the entire property and structure, explaining that Mr. Clock’s parents built the property in 1934-35 and wants to restore. The particular structure (garage) was built in the 1930's without any concept of attaching it architecturally to the other structures. It is in very poor condition, was not built adequately at time of construction, and was used for gardeners and other service staff. Building has not been used in 25 years. The purpose of the application is to remove the “garage” entirely, restore the grounds in that area, construct a guest house on the east corner of the property, and do other needed repairs. The property is about one acre in size. The original house was built with a southerly garage that has a special tile roof and other details similar to the house. Subsequent to the original owners moving in, workmen came in and built the old garage for workers’ use. M/S/C (Scott/Isermann - 6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve the demolition of the Class 3 structure (garage) at 438 Merito Place as presented. AGENDA ITEM #2: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER JOHN WILLIAMS. Nothing to report. AGENDA ITEMS #3: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - STAFF Northing to report. AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES, ETC. Nothing to report. AGENDA ITEM #5: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - VICE CHAIR SIDNEY WILLIAMS. Vice Chair S. Williams reported that the Foundation is planning a tour on November 12 of Stewart Williams’ homes and properties and distributed a brochure card, invitations will be in the mail shortly. AGENDA ITEM #5: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MEMBER JIM HAYTON HSPB Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 11, 2005 Παγε 6 οφ 9 Chairman Hayton reported that the Pioneer Picnic is being held November 13 at the O’Donnell Golf Course and recommends the Board and to the Public that this is a great opportunity to meet and talk with former Mayor Frank Bogert and others. Bogert’s new book will be available. A special event will be in recognition of Mexican families and their contributions to the Palm Springs. There will be a raffle, great Mexican food, and a chance to see the O’Donnell Golf Course. For those interested, contact the Palm Springs Historical Society. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER JOHN WILLIAMS Board member J. Williams reported that ModCom held its annual achievement awards last Saturday, October 1 in the Coachella Valley Savings Bank building #2. Several awards including interior, exterior, commercial restoration, and most importantly a Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Stewart Williams. Saturday, October 15, the ModCom will hold its annual House Tour. This tour is sold out. Contact the ModCom at www.psmodcom.com. AGENDA ITEM #7: ARCHITECTURAL & DESIGN COUNCIL-P.S. ART MUSEUM - MEMBER JIM ISERMANN Board member Isermann reported that the first lecture of this year’s series is October 15 at 5 p.m. in the Annenberg Theater at the Palm Springs Art Museum. David DeLong, Professor of Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania will talk about the desert works of Frank Lloyd Wright. Open to the public at $5.00 for ADC members and $10 for general admission. Vice Chair Sidney Williams advised that the Museum is now known as Palm Springs Art Museum for those who were not aware of the name change from Palm Springs Desert Museum. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Board Member Scott asked that future Agendas include on-going projects, such as the Colony Palms Hotel and the Horizon Hotel. Would like to see the Agendas reflect updates and perhaps sub-committee reports as long as the projects are active. Staff member Jing Yeo suggested these be presented as progress reports under the Staff Report section. HSPB Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 11, 2005 Παγε 7 οφ 9 Board member John Williams asked for an update on the Colony Palms. He is under the impression they were going to keep the first floor, but it is not there any longer. Director of Planning Services, Craig Ewing, advised that since the project is not listed on the Agenda, it cannot be reported on or discussed today. Staff reporting is a time to discuss policy questions, issues related to Historic Preservation Ordinance, but when dealing with specific projects, those need to be listed on the Agenda and posted in advance so that the general public will know in advance that a particular site or project will be discussed. Board member Jim Isermann explained that in the past staff has reported on projects in terms of following-up. There were a couple of issues at the last meeting that were left open and he asked for an update on them. Director Ewing indicated that staff could communicate via email or phone calls, but when discussing in open forum, project/property must be on the Agenda in advance. If Board wants an update at the meeting, get back with a staff member so it is included on the Agenda and can then be discussed. Applicants or property owners really need to know their property is being discussed so they have the opportunity to attend. Chairman Hayton asked that all on-going projects be agendized in future meeting agendas. Board member John Williams asked about appointing the seventh member of this Board, it is now posted through the City Clerk’s office, and when will it be completed? Board member Nelson indicated he was surprised to receive the Agenda without any mention of the GTE building at 369 North Palm Canyon Drive since a sub-committee of John Williams, Bill Scott, and Jim Isermann was formed to determine the colors. The building color was mentioned as being white, but it has now been painted a color that is not white. He asked that this be followed-up but a month from now is not timely. HSPB Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 11, 2005 Παγε 8 οφ 9 Board member Jim Isermann expressed disappointment that the sub-committee was never contacted to review and/or make a decision about the colors. Member John Williams also expressed his concern since white was selected as the color, but it is now painted some other color than white. Director Ewing advised that this cannot be discussed at this meeting and staff will report back. This is a State law and under the Brown Act, staff must follow it’s dictates. Timely follow-up can either be done by written correspondence and/or email - - it is not something that can be discussed today. Chairman Hayton again requested that all on-going projects be included in the Agenda until they are completed, and asked staff to follow-through. It is vital for this Board to follow the projects as they move through stages of renovations, restorations, demolition, etc. There appears to be a dis-connect here, as the Board believed it would be given updates and status of this building specifically, but all projects in general through completion. Updates on the various projects need to be on the Agenda, emails and phone contacts are fine, but not sufficient. Having these projects on the Agendas also helps the general public who view this meeting on television be aware of projects status. Director Ewing suggested that a draft Agenda be shared with the Chair and responsibilities of such items be shared between staff and Board members, so that when it is posted it includes items from Board members as well who should make their request to the Chair. Individual concerns need to be channeled to the Chair, the Chair in turn is the link with staff. Staff can communicate to the Board members, but if individuals have questions they need to call staff. Members talking to each other about projects is where the Brown Act might come into place. Not saying don’t do it, but members discussing projects over which they may have a decision and then start communicating with each other, they must be sure not to cross into a majority. Board member Jim Isermann commented that if sub-committee members are empowered to make decisions and are so concerned about not impeding the progress of projects, then the sub-committee is not contacted - - it may be two months or more before the issue(s) can be HSPB Meeting Minutes Tuesday, October 11, 2005 Παγε 9 οφ 9 addressed by this Board. This is the opposite of expediting a decision. The Board might think twice about empowering sub-committees if they are not going to be activated. STAFF REPORTS AND UPDATES: NONE There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 a.m. The next meeting will be November 8, 2005 at 8:15 a.m. in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Loretta Moffett Recording Secretary Attachments: Racquet Club of Palm Springs Business Model