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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-01-10- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING *CORRECTED - Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, January 10, 2006 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 2005-2006 Excused Absences To-Date James Hayton, Chair X 6 0 Sidney Williams, Vice Chair X 5 1 William “Bill” Scott X 6 0 John Williams X 6 0 Jim Isermann X 3 3 Jade Nelson X 6 0 Harold “Bud” Riley * X 1 0 STAFF PRESENT: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Senior Secretary Jing Yeo, Principal Planner * * * * * Chairman Hayton called the meeting to order at 8:20 a.m. He introduced new Board Member Harold “Bud” Riley who will serve out the term ending 6-30-2007 created when Kenny Cassady resigned. * * * * * * 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, January 5, 2006. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Peter Moruzzi, President of Palm Springs Modern Committee, presented to Board and staff a document from ModCom’s attorneys - Chatten-Brown & Carstens (copy attached for reference) outlining proposed revisions to the Historic Preservation Ordinance that deals with the Historic Resources Survey that add those properties identified as significant on the Survey (approx. 53 properties) as getting the same type of review by the Board that Class 1 Historic Sites receive. Please agendize this for the next meeting so that it be discussed in public. For the proposed revision, it means simply adding a sentence under Section 8.05.180 Approval Required...”No person may under take any of the following within or upon a Class 1 historic site or a site found to be historically significant by the Historic Resources Survey without a certificate of approval from the Historic Site Preservation Board.” Proposed penalties for illegal demolitions or going beyond the scope of what the demolition permit allows are also outlined in this, such as what is going on at the Colony Palms (formerly Howard Manor) would deter attempts to demolish historic properties. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Correction on Page 4 of the November 8, 2005 Minutes where Board Member Bill Scott asked for clarification about issues on the Orchid Tree Inn, he and Jim Isermann...should be Jim Hayton who is the second member of the sub-committee who toured the site. Vice Chair Sidney Williams correction needed on page 5, last paragraph..”The nice detailing in the Tower has been completely boxed and this is being reconstructed based on old photographs....correction should be the “wooden exterior treatment is being reconstructed” based on old photographs. M/S/C (S. Williams / B. Scott - 5 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 1 Abstention-new member B. Riley who was not on the Board at that meeting) to approve the November 8, 2005 Minutes as corrected. The December 13, 2005 Minutes will be carried forward to the February 14, 2006 for review and approval. NOTE: Audio Cassettes and DVDs of HSPB Meetings are available for review. Cassettes will be kept for six months only. DVDs of the meetings will be kept indefinitely. Minutes format is more action related than verbatim except where special interest or special meetings are involved. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: The architectural elements of Palm Springs make up a important part of our visitor-serving community. There are so many styles to choose from, but the early “primitive stone” construction evidenced in the Andreas Canyon Club area where homes are built out of stone in the mountainside create another architectural style that could be included with the Mid-Century, Spanish Colonial, etc. PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL: CASE 3.917 - APPLICATION BY DIANA DIAMICO OF TYLER’S HAMBURGERS TO REPLACE EXISTING STEEL FRAME AND CANVAS CANOPY WITH A NEW 2" STEEL PIPE AND CANVAS TO MATCH EXISTING COLORS AT 149 SOUTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD, SECTION 15. Continued from November 8, 2005 HSPB meeting. (La Plaza Class 1, Historic Site #22) Staff reported a change in architects., who are now working on revisions as the Board requested at their November 8 meeting. It is now requested that this be continued to the February 14, 2006 meeting. At this point, a sub-committee might be appointed to meet with staff and the applicant/ architect before the February meeting. M/S/C (B. Scott / S. Williams - 6 Yes, 0 No, 1 Absent, 0 Abstention) moved that this application be continued to the February 14, 2006 meeting and a sub-committee of Jim Hayton and Bud Riley be appointed to represent the Board in this project. AGENDA ITEM # 1: CASE 5.1019-CUP/TTM 31104 - NEJAT KOHAN OF THE SPANISH INN APPLYING FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONVERSION OF HOTEL TO CONDOMINIUMS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONDOMINIUMS AT 640 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE 53, SECTION 11 - UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ONLY Moved to later in the meeting until applicant arrives. AGENDA ITEM #2: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER J. WILLIAMS. No report today, but pleased to see a member of the Press in the audience. AGENDA ITEMS #3: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - STAFF Nothing to report. AGENDA ITEM #4: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05 PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES, ETC. HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 3 of 8 Staff indicated no update, but will take a look at the proposed revisions presented by ModCom’s attorneys - Chatten-Brown & Cartsens, as part of the public comments and will report back at the next meeting. Board requested that this be on the February 14, 2006 Agenda for discussion. AGENDA ITEM #5: P.S. PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - VICE CHAIR S. WILLIAMS. Vice Chair Sidney Williams reminded everyone of the Modernism Show with the Preservation Foundation reception/opening at the Convention Center on Friday, February 17. AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Chairman J. HAYTON Re-upped for another year with the Historical Society and urged Board and public to show visitors the Historical Society buildings – if anyone has questions about the history in Palm Springs, this is a great resource. AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER J. WILLIAMS Member J/ Williams reported that the Modern Committee will hold its first meeting of the year January 14, 2006 at 10 a.m. at the Smoke Tree Ranch in a private home designed by Albert Frey. Only current members may attend this particular meeting. It is by reservation only. For info go to the web site of www.psmodcom.com. AGENDA ITEM #8: ARCH. & DESIGN COUNCIL-P.S. ART MUSEUM - MEMBER J. ISERMANN Board Member Sidney Williams reported in behalf of Member Isermann that the next lecture is January 28 and is the opening of the Jack Lenor Larsen Exhibition. He will lecture on his fabric designs, weaving, etc. AGENDA ITEM #9: ON-GOING PROJECTS UPDATES - STAFF & SUB-COMMITTEES (A) - Colony Palm Hotel - Case 3.0619 at 572 North Indian Canyon Drive: They have applied for a Conditional Use permit because of the demolition of the restaurant building and the non-conforming status of the restaurant. They are continuing work on the part of the site that was not demolished and have submitted plans for plan check for re-construction of the north wing. It is essentially the same elevation for the north wing and the courtyard as before. At the time the building was demolished, they had proposed a plaque be installed on the new structure indicating that this is not the original building, but is a reconstruction of what was originally built on this site. HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 4 of 8 Board Member J. Williams reported visiting the site, noticed the tiles from the front building are stacked on the roof, but did not see any roof tiles that were to be saved. The restaurant building has been completely leveled and the basement is a hole in the ground with a covering – concern is for the mural that the Board directed applicant to preserve. All the windows are out of the building - concern about using the old windows or replacing with new? Commitment was made to keep the original bannister on the newer wing on the south side, which is now gone – is this project coming back? Will this come back to this Board? It was not to be torn down, but now that it has been, it should come back to this Board. Board Members requested that this come back to this Board and that plans and elevations are to meet what was originally approved by this Board at the November 8, 2004 meeting. The mural in the basement is critical to the project and it is unknown how this is being preserved by simply covering the hole in the ground. There are several very important issues this Board is concerned about on this project. Staff indicated they will check out Board concerns and report back. The windows, bannisters, roof tiles, etc. were to be removed, stored, and then re-installed during construction. If there have been changes, it would have come back to this Board, but elevations and plans are essentially the same as this Board approved. Director Ewing indicated that as long as the applicant/developer is operating under the current approval and Ordinance and building in accordance with the plans that were approved, there is no authority to bring it back. It is preferred that the applicant come back and discuss it with the Board, but to accomplish things this Board wants to, after building permits have been issued, a change needs to be made to the Ordinance. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Peter Moruzzi, ModCom, indicated that recreating what was demolished is troublesome, because what was originally approved was the removal of the roof/ceiling of building 1 and the north wing of building 1. Now the entire building has been demolished, so it will be a re-creation and all the historic fabrics have been completely lost. Don’t understand how staff can say that they are following what this Board approved in terms of the building permits. What was approved has nothing to do with re-creating a building that is now gone. There has to be another level of review and report back to the Board to discuss what is now appropriate. The Secretary of Interior Standards do get very specific as to how reconstructing historic properties with guidelines to follow. There is a formal process for dealing with this kind of situation – this Board should ensure HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 5 of 8 that this occurs, because this was illegally demolished. In discussing this with the Building Department Director, there are plans to invoke a minimal fine and since the letter from Jones & Stokes (consultant) claimed the appropriate remedy is to put up a plaque – that does not explain or justify the fact that an important historic resource was demolished. This needs clarification as to how the reconstruction of a demolished property is in any way consistent with what this Board approved which only involved removal of the ceiling. Building 3 - called the restaurant building - was not considered by this Board, but it was also completely demolished. Does not believe the mural is being properly protected – covering by plastic is not a good approach for something painted on plaster. There are lots of issues to be dealt with on this project - urges the Board to take further action and discussion. Board requested having oversight on the reconstruction of project. The approval process has been de-railed by the demolition of the buildings – which was not approved. The mural is considered a very important part of Palm Springs fabric and someone from the Museum or another expert should inspect it and be sure that it is being protected so it will be incorporated into the new building. A site visit by J. Williams proved there is no back building and the basement is filling up with water, a piece of plastic and plywood is not sufficient to protect this. The Board needs assurance that the architectural detailing of the stairs, railings(bannisters) windows, mural, roof tiles are preserved. Sidney Williams joined as the third member of the sub-committee. She and Bill Scott will meet with the developer and staff while J. Williams is out of town and then report back at the next Board meeting. Director Ewing explained that this goes back to the authority granted by the Municipal Code and the City Council, staff will review this and report back. The sub-committee for the Colony Palms Hotel is John Williams, Bill Scott, and Sidney Williams. They will meet with the owner/applicant between now and the next meeting, invite them the attend the next meeting, and the status approval of the project will be investigated in light of the changes and will report back to this Board at the next meeting. AGENDA ITEM # 1: CASE 5.1019-CUP/TTM 31104 - NEJAT KOHAN OF THE SPANISH INN APPLYING FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO ALLOW THE CONVERSION OF HOTEL TO CONDOMINIUMS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONDOMINIUMS AT 640 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE 53, SECTION 11 - UPDATE AND DISCUSSION ONLY Staff reported that the applicant wanted to update this Board on the project status. There is no approval process or recommendations required today. This has been approved by HSPB, AAC, Planning Commission, and City Council. HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 6 of 8 Board originally approved “....to renovate the Spanish Inn hotel, convert the hotel to condominiums, and construct a new condo building at 640 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 1, subject to reconsidering the homogenization of the existing buildings with respect to detailing and restudy the mass and height of the tower and new structure. (5 Yes , 0 No, 1 absent) (April 12, 2005 Minutes) Skip Goodell, architect, reported on the three components of the project - Complex A, B, & C. Complex C is totally new, A & B were shown to the board at the April 12, 2005 HSPB Meeting.. Drawings passed around and displayed on the walls. Working drawings are almost complete and being brought back as promised. Complex A needs new stairs, railings, and balconies; B needs all new stairways. All Architecture to be sympathetic to existing. The tower has been re-worked as Board requested, and is now 28 feet (from 37 feet) in height, ceramic tile roof in a mural mosaic type color/design. Added more work related space for management/staff in Complex A. There is now a two-story entrance. Solar panels will be on the roof out of sight to reduce energy costs. Complex A handrail is the only existing metal work - full leafy type design – small children could go right thru it...it’s too open for safety so will be re-designed. Exposed wood will be brown, stucco will be white, ref roof tiles, canterra stone work, ironwork may be black. Funding is finalized, project is ready to go when all plans, permits and approvals are in place. Board member asked if the roof tile color was approved by AAC, Planning Commission and/or City Council? The mosaic now being suggested is not in keeping with the Spanish Colonial style and wonder if AAC would or will approve it. Board is concerned that new structures in this project will mimic the existing buildings - not appropriate. Sub-committee may need to be appointed to work with staff and applicant/developer. Original colors were white stucco with red tile roof, The Mirador Tower, a few blocks away, has colored roof tiles - board does not want this project to copy that. First choice by Board would be for a red tile roof (clay type). Board does not want to delay the project, but needs see the colors, the tower, tile work, and how it impacts the color of the project. Board suggested that the applicant/developer come back with a color board and color renderings either through a sub-committee or at a future meeting. Staff indicated that applicant is to give Board details of any changed made from what was presented and approved at the April 12, 2005 meeting. If it is determined that the changes are far beyond HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 7 of 8 what had been approved, it will be taken back to the AAC and Planning Commission. In terms of HSPB approval, it appears that the Board was prepared to move the project along subject to the homogenization of the buildings and the massive height of the tower - almost deferring it to some future review. Not sure the understanding was that it would be brought back to the Board. Construction documents have not been submitted as yet and are now being prepared. Returning to AGENDA ITEM #9: ON-GOING PROJECT UPDATES - STAFF & SUB-COMMITTEES (B) HORIZON HOTEL: 1050 Est Palm Canyon Drive: Staff reported the are re-striping the parking lot and working on landscaping in accordance with approved plans. No opening date determined. This will stay on the agenda until project is complete and certificate of occupancy has been issued (C) GTE BUILDING: 360 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #26): Staff reported no update. Sub-committee of Bill Scott and John Williams - asked if applicant/developer is going to re-paint the building. Applicant has indicated to staff that the building will be re-painted an off-white color similar to the original color. A written notification will be sent to the applicant/developer/owner to advise that the approved color was an off-white and not the beige/tan they used. (D) SEE BURG BUILDING, 1081 North Pal Canyon Drive: Staff reported the building has been renovated per the HSPB approval- it is almost completed, Exterior is done, interior is being done now. Submitted plans have been submitted for the rear carports - very close to completion. Sub-committee of James Hayton and Bill Scott indicated that this could be taken off the Agenda since it is a completed project. (E) VISITORS CENTER AMPHITHEATER, 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #33): Staff did not have an update. Member John Williams reported construction is in progress. (F) ATM Shelter at Washington Mutual Bank, 499 South Palm Canyon Drive: Staff had no update. Sub-committee Jade Nelson and Sidney Williams reported they are waiting to hear back from the regional manager of the bank. Jade, Sidney, and Peter Moruzzi will be meeting with them shortly. Board member John Williams suggested that the general public who bank at Washington Mutual and feel as the majority of the HSP Board do - that the ATM shelter is not an appropriate addition- write letters to the president of the bank letting them know your feelings. If enough people express dissatisfaction with it, it might get changed. One board member did not agree. (G) OASIS HOTEL/TOWER, 121 South Palm Canyon Drive (Tower is Class 1 Historic Site #10): Staff reported this has gone to AAC after HSPB recommended approval of the changes and re-design of the stairway at the December 2005 meeting. The environmental document is in process. Board member Bill Scott and John Williams were contacted last week by Planning Services saying the owners had applied for a demolition permit for the back two buildings. Pressure is being applied to Planning to issue the permits...read from November 14 meeting...”staff member Jing Yeo explained that the Board is being asked to consider the project as a whole which is the rehabilitation of the Oasis building and the demolition of the west rear buildings.” The Board does not want the rear buildings demolished without the approval and indication that the front buildings will proceed with the development. Staff HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 8 of 8 indicated that this is being applied in conjunction with a PD and the environmental document has not been started as yet- advise to staff member at time they contacted me was that a permit cannot be issued until the CEQA process is completed. Board member John Williams reported meeting with David Ready, City Manager, who indicated a demolition permit would not be issued until it had all gone as a package to the Planning Commission. Staff indicated this is the appropriate process. (H) PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive: Staff reported the Planning Commission at their December meeting recommended this project for approval contingent upon scaling down the proposed two-story building on the north end of property to one-story. The project will be scheduled for City Council hearing, no date known. Applicant is agreeable, project is moving forward. (I) GRACE LEWIS MILLER (NEUTRA) HOUSE, 2311 North Indian Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Site #45): Staff reported that this pertains the guest house addition to the building. Staff approval was based upon of the original plans. The Board also approved the construction of what was shown on the original plans. The guest house was shown, but was never built. The owner has Neutra’s original plans for the property including the elevations. The guest house is being constructed exactly as shown on the plans, but re-engineered to meet modern building codes and standards. The project was looked at by the Board when designated in June 2002 and at that time the owner had requested additions be allowed to go forward. The landscaping and carport portions were brought back to the Board. At time of designation, the Board agreed that the project could go forward without bringing back if continued as approved. Board asked who in Planning or Building checks the plans to be sure the details are the same as originally approved. Planning looks at the exterior architectural details. Board felt that any Class 1 designated site project should be looked at by the current HSP Board so they are comfortable that it meets the originally approved plans. Board requested these plans be brought back to this Board. Staff reported current Boards are often subject to the decisions of previous boards. Board members feel that materials proposed 60 years ago and materials available now are vastly different. Current Board should review materials, plans, elevations, etc. of Class 1 designated sites when alternations are being proposed and should insist that these types of projects come back to the Board for review. Working committee may be needed to work with applicant/owners in such situations. Staff explained that this project owner and contractor has worked very closely with the Building department to be sure that the original design shown on the Neutra plans could be accomplished without any of the original design being compromised and still meet current safety, energy, and other codes. This was reviewed by Planning staff December 15, 2005 and will contact owner to come back to the next week in February. MOTION FROM the June 11, 2002 Minutes state: M/S/C (Conrad/Prout, 4-0, Meltzer abstain) To approve the Neutra Grace Lewis Miller House at 2311 North Indian Canyon drive as a designated Class 1 Historic Site. The owner is required to maintain and replace the plaque if it is lost. There is a required 25% view corridor and that any alteration or proposed permit to this site come back before Design Review and Historic Site Preservation, including the landscaping Plans. (Copy attached for complete review- see paragraph 1 page 2.....”a guest house had been added in which the owner desires to include as part of the Class 1 designation.”) HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 9 of 8 It was suggested that a commendation or award program be established by the Board to honor property owners such as Catherine Meyler for the preservation interest they take in their properties. (Ms. Meyler did receive such a recognition during the past year from another source.) BOARD AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS: Board member Sidney Williams referred to the November 14, 2005 Minutes that mentioned scheduling a workshop for the Secretary of the Interior Standards, which has been discussed several times - can we move forward on scheduling this workshop? Staff will discuss and determine an appropriate time based on staff and resources. Board members are concerned that the newly approved downtown development guidelines do not protect historic resources in downtown Palm Springs. J. Williams passed around a list of 29 properties based on Class 1, Class 2, and Historic Survey sites in the downtown development district that are considered to be historic. Concerned that in the South Palm Canyon project that there is no discussion about a survey building at 458-464 South Palm Canyon (commercial building) that is planning to be demolished as part of that project. So far the HSPB has had no role at all in the discussion of the downtown guidelines as pertaining historic properties. There are four Class 2 sites downtown at 196, 232, and 262 North Palm Canyon Drive and the Desert Fashion Plaza. In the Ordinance it says ...”a Class 2 site is a site qualified for city designation may be qualified at the federal, state, or county level architectural file will be maintained.” If there is a file on the Class 2 sites, this Board should look at those properties and sites – those may also be Class 3 sites because they were all constructed before 1945. This should be included in the workshop or in the coming meetings – there are 29 separate buildings in that development area...possibly more. Board member Bill Scott sat on the Downtown Committee as a representative of the HSPB and asked if members had read the document. It does include several pages relating to the historic sites. In the case of the South Palm Canyon project where a commercial building is involved, it’s unknown if this Board can take any action until the developer comes to the Board and asks for permission to tear the building down. It could be that the developer will not need to come to this Board. Staff stated building is listed in Historic Survey and staff needs to work with developer. An EIR is being done so the potential demolition has to be analyzed as part of the EIR. As to whether it gets brought to this Board, the Ordinance currently does not require survey property planned for demolition come before the Board. Bill Scott stated that any building on a major thoroughfare listed on the Survey a discretionary approval would require them to come before this Board in the event of a demolition. The bowling alley building (Modern Gallery) on North Palm Canyon, just south of Alejo, is also a concern as it is being considered for demolition. Many people in the community feel strongly that this building should be preserved. The Interim Downtown Guidelines have been adopted do contain some strong statements related to this. These Guidelines can be downloaded off the web site at www.psplan.org, click on Library then scroll down to Downtown Development click Interim Downtown Urban Design, then click of Get/View” – it should be read by everyone on this Board. What is the role that the historic buildings play in downtown Palm Springs in maintaining the character of the “village” atmosphere - there should be some very strong guidelines about any potential demolitions. This Board needs to be made aware when these projects become known. Board asked if there is an archival file on the Class 2 sites? Staff explained that HSPB is used in this type of situation for consultation purposes. There needs to be a clear Ordinance or guidelines as to the exact process. Right now, it is just tied to CEQA and a consultation with this Board. The Survey is a start in the right direction, even through there are only 200 identified properties that list will grow. Unfortunately there is no ordinance that addresses what is to be done with those certain properties. Staff will look for the Resolution about the Class 2 sites. HSPB Meeting Minutes, January 10, 2006 10 of 8 PUBLIC COMMENT: Peter Moruzzi, ModCom, spoke regarding the Saks Fifth Avenue building which was not identified as a historic site or potential site and is not on the Survey. In the case of the Town and Country Center, it too would not come forward to this Board under the current Ordinance. Just because a property under the CEQA, whether the property is eligible for ministerial review or special interview, that does not mean it would come to this Board - it just means that the environmental process involves some consultation with staff. The building in the South Palm Canyon project would not come to this Board at all under current Ordinance. Board Member Bud Riley asked if this Board works with the State Historic Preservation office and if not, why not? Why not invite one of them to attend the upcoming workshop, at their own expense, they can provide more information and detail (at no cost) than could probably be used. An invitation should be sent for their Coachella Valley delegate to attend ths workshop when it’s scheduled. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS: Reported under other sections of these Minutes. STAFF REPORTS AND UPDATES: NONE There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m. The next regularly scheduled meeting will be February 14, 2006 in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Loretta Moffett, Recording Secretary