HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-14- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, February 14, 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 7 0
Sidney Williams, Vice Chair X 6 1
William “Bill” Scott X 7 0
John Williams X 7 0
Jim Isermann X 3 4
Jade Nelson X 7 0
Harold “Bud” Riley * X 2 0
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Senior
Secretary
Ken Lyon, Association Planner
* * * * *
Chairman Hayton called the meeting to order at 8:17 a.m. Tuesday, February 14, 2006.
* * * * * *
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, February 9, 2006.
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 Hayton asked that cell phones be turned off so they don’t interfere with the audio part of this
meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: 3 minute time limits
William Kopelk, AAC Member, Preservation Foundation of Palm Springs member, and Palm Springs resident
spoke in support of the Grace Lewis Miller (Catherine Meyler application) (Neutra) House remodel and asked
everyone to support the Modernism Week that will start February 17, 2006.
Richard M. Begay introduced himself and his association with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
where he is historic preservation officer, and indicated he looked forward to working with us in the future.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: M/S/C (Scott/S.Williams - 5 Yes - 1 Absent - 1 Abstention) to approve the
December 13, 2005 Minutes as presented.
Board Member Jade Nelson arrived at 8:18.
Board Member Bud Riley asked for a correction, he is a new member and his name was not listed on the
Board list shown at the top of page 1 of the Minutes. M/S/C (Hayton/Riley - 6-yes, 1 Absent - 0 Abstention)
to approve the January 10, 2006 Minutes as corrected.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: N O N E
PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL:
6. Case 3.917 - Diana DiAmico of Tyler’s Hamburgers for a canopy remodel at 149 South Indian Canyon
Drive,
Zone CBD, Section 15, (Class 1 Historic Site #22 - La Plaza) (originally submitted at November 8, 2005
HSPB Meeting) Sub-committee: Bud Riley and James Hayton
Associate Planner, Diane Bullock reported this project was passed to her from Jing Yeo. The current issue is
that this Board asked for a re-study and re-work of the plans submitted at the November meeting. A new
architect was hired to re-design the awnings. Plans were posted for review.
The sub-committee of James Hayton and Bud Riley met to review this, suggested changes, and recommended
approval of the project being submitted today.
(While plans were being posted, Director Ewing introduced a new Planning staff member, Ken Lyon, who will
now work with this Board and the General Plan that will be discussed later in the meeting.)
Peter Blackburn, from O’Donnell & Escalante Architects, explained the new design and simplification of the
awnings for Tyler’s Hamburgers whose purpose is to shield dining patrons from the sun and rain over the
entire outside seating area, reduce the “clutter” and things blowing over during heavy winds, and to simplify the
color pallet. Existing umbrellas will be removed. Owner of La Plaza, Mr. Pitts, has been given copies of new
design and his approval is being sought.
BOARD CONCERNS:
- Colors and drops - sand color canvas and paint.
- Pipe supports will be wrapped with canvas.
- Attachment to building, arch support, pole and strut locations.
- One Board member expressed favor of keeping the umbrellas to continue the “Spanish style” setting.
- Has the owner, Mr. Pitts, approved this design?
M/S/C (Riley/Hayton - 6-Yes - 1 Absent - 0 Abstentions) to approve the new design and colors for the
awnings at Tyler’s Hamburgers as presented.
7. Case 3.2098 - Catherine Meyler to convert garage to living space and construct a new free-standing 440
s.f.
carport at 2311 North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone R2, Section 03, (Class 1 Historic Site #45 - “Grace Lewis
Miller (Neutra)” home). Addition per original plans and approval as part of HSPB designation on 6-11-02.)
(originally submitted for remodel 12-15-05)
Applicant Catherine Meyler read brief background from the time she bought the property in 2000 - from it’s
derelict condition where no bank would extend a loan to...pictures passed around to show progress from time
of purchase using original plans and original photographs. Applicant searched out architect Jay Kent Walker
who had studied this house and wrote part of his final thesis on this house - 30 years ago. The pool
proportions will reflect existing proportions in the house to present a cohesive project and maintain the view
corridor of the house. Neutra designed this in 1937 and provided a complete set of plans and elevations to
Mrs. Miller and those plans are being used in this remodel. Structural engineer was hired to ensure that
everything is engineered to meet current standards. All utilities to the property enter from Via Olivera. There
is no storage space in the current house, the kitchen is so tiny there is no room for a dishwasher, freezer, etc.
Carport design was taken from the original house and roof line will be exactly like the house roofline down to
the corrugated aluminum finish. A four foot wall was approved to allow a view corridor thru the gates and over
the wall for the 25% viewing requirement.
BOARD CONCERNS:
- Carport blocking the 25% view corridor into the property.
- Side walls of carport.
- Public view point will be over a moving gate through the driveway was questioned.
- Board complimented Ms. Meyler for all the work and dedication in restoring this property.
STAFF: Does not know setback that will effect the location of the carport from the front yard and that will be
checked to resolve zoning compliance issues, which may relocate carport further into the property from Indian
Canyon Drive.
M/S/C (Scott/ Riley - 6-Yes, 1 Absent, 0 Abstentions) to approve Case 3.2098 as presented subject to
resolution of zoning compliance.
AGENDA ITEM #1: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMMITTEE UPDATE - MEMBER J. WILLIAMS. No report today.
AGENDA ITEMS #2: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - STAFF Nothing to report. Staff is preparing budget for fiscal year 2006/2007 and costs estimates need to be
discussed at the next meeting. Board asked that the budget include funds for staff to attend meetings and
conferences specifically related to historic issues. A Survey was completed a couple years ago showing
locations of plaques, Class 1 sites that did or did not have plaques, what plaques needed to be ordered, etc.
Board requested staff to update this survey and report back at the next meeting. Staff reported that the
Board member who originally did that survey had resigned from the Board and staff time availability has been
limited. Staff reported there are seven plaques to be installed: The Willows, Fire Station #1, Ingleside Inn,
O’Donnell House, Ship of the Desert, Raymond Loewy, and Catherine Meyler (client has plaque); two plaques
need to be ordered: Cork ‘N Bottle plaque (if new owners will allow a plaque); and (2) Neel House #47.
Language on both has to be finalized.
AGENDA ITEM #3: DISCUSSION OF CITY’S HISTORIC PRESERVATION ORDINANCE (Chapter 8.05
PSMC), DUTIES, ACTIVITIES, ETC. Staff indicated no update, and reported a letter dated January 9, 2006 received from attorneys in Santa Monica
in behalf of Palm Springs Modern Committee in regard to protection of sites suggesting language changes to
the code section. With staff transition there has been no time to review or spend time on the update of the
Historic Ordinance in order to determine if this is the direction to go.
BOARD CONCERNS:
- In light of the Colony Palms demolition this is definitely needed.
- Does this have to go to the City Council?
- Protection of the properties listed in the Survey is important.
- Penalty fees for inappropriate structural changes or demolitions need to be revised.
- Lack of protection of unique features at properties listed in the Survey.
- Asked for clarification about a building that is constructed prior to 1945 automatically being designated as
a Class 3 Historic Site and the Board would have jurisdiction over that site - exterior for private residences
and interior for public buildings.
- Confusion pertains to “does any alteration to a Class 3 site” have to come before this Board?
- Asked that staff request the City Attorney look at the Municipal Code for a determination of the HSPB’s
purview over Class 3 properties and report back at the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Peter Moruzzi, President of the P.S. Modern Committee, explained the issues that generated this letter (1) use
of Historic Survey and should properties listed in that Survey have all or some of the same protection that
Class 1 Historic Sites have; (2) issues related to inappropriate alterations of historic sites without proper
permits and demolition of historic buildings or parts thereof without proper permits. There are no sufficient
penalties in current Ordinance to deal with these changes, alterations, and demolitions. Passed around the
list of resources (53 out of 200) listed in the Historic Site Survey that are identified as “significant”. These are
not Class 1 properties and do have BSO (Building, Structure, and Object) forms. He referred to pages 6, 8, 9,
10, 11 and 12 of the Jan. 9, 2006 letter. The items in “bold” are suggested changes and additions to the
existing Palm Springs’ Historic Preservation Ordinance (Refer to copy of letter and list as provided at meeting.)
The question of whether all the owners have to be notified will be referred to the ModCom attorneys for their
opinion and he will report back at the next meeting as to any alternatives. Requests that staff return to the
original suggestion that historic assessments be required rather than going through CEQA.
STAFF: Advised that any change or proposed changes to the Ordinance would have to go before the City
Council. The Council would initiate any formal procedure to amend the Ordinance. There is a formal
procedure in the Municipal Code for designating Historic Sites or Historic Districts with a notice to each
property owner prior to designation. While the addition of a few words to the Ordinance is a simple act, it has
an effect casting a wide net (53 properties). To actually designate a property as a Historic Site, each property
owner must be properly noticed.
Staff cited Municipal Code Section 8.05.195 and 8.050.125 that talks about Board actions regarding historic
features and Class 3 sites (copy of Ordinance attached for reference) . Appears that a stay order for
alteration or demolition is available to the HSPB only upon the initiation for designation of a historic site or
district.
Board Member John Williams explained that the City of Palm Springs has designated this Board as the Board
to review historical sites, buildings, etc. in the City. There are three ways to look at the buildings - Class 1,
Class 3, and the Survey. It is imperative this Board reviews all categories of Historic buildings when they are
subject to demolition or renovation. There are two disasters that happened because this Board did not have
either the authority or the oversight of those properties. The question to staff is now “how does this Board go
about getting some “teeth” in this Ordinance so it has some control over these valuable and irreplaceable
sites? Is it appropriate for this Board or a sub-committee to meet with Council during one of their study
sessions to discuss why the Board thinks this is important? It is important that members of this Board meet
with Council.
Staff indicated that the proposed language in the letter presented by Mr. Moruzzi and ModCom is one means
and the possibility of adding 53 properties to the list of protection plus looking at tightening of Class 3 are ways
to strengthen the Ordinance. This is a question for the Council to decide - - how much protection
authorization they want to give this Board and it is something that needs to be taken up with Council for a
determination.
Vice Chair Sidney Williams stated that this is a critical situation right now and there have been some issues
this Board is not happy with. Palm Springs is getting built-out, there is very little open land, people are looking
at historic and old properties as ways of redeveloping – there is a real need for protection of some of these
properties. The urgency is here and it needs to be resolved quickly before any other disasters occur.
BOARD SUGGESTIONS:
- Obtain SHPO or Sacramento’s Ordinances and information for a comparison - there appear to be lots of
“holes” in our Ordinance that need to be fixed. Board should be fully prepared before meeting with
Council.
- A joint-voice between what Planning staff recommends and what HSPB recommends to City Council.
Also suggested Planning staff’s recommendations be discussed at the next meeting - then make a joint
application to the Council.
- Mr. Moruzzi be included in this session and that a certified letter be delivered to the Colony Palms that the
HSPB has serious concerns.
Peter Moruzzi of ModCom volunteered to be a part of any sub-committee to work with staff and study session
to prepare and present the concerns and issues to City Council.
BOARD:
- Agreed with some recent comments that the Board is not doing their part of “facing” the Council with
recommendations, personal visits, emails, letters to let them know there are lots of urgent issues at hand.
- Board needs to move forward and address the sense of urgency.
- Asked the procedure of making them more aware of these issues?
- Write to the Council outlining concerns and the urgencies at hand.
Members Sidney Williams and Jade Nelson volunteered to write the letter and bring back to the Board.
STAFF:
Explained that the City Council has study sessions and staff will meet with the City Manager and submit the
HSPB request for a study session with the Council. Will report back in terms of a schedule and will do that via
email.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
William Kopelk, Palm Springs Preservation Foundation, asked if the definition of this group is that the City
Council looks to this Board for recommendations in terms of historic site preservation? If so, it’s up to this
Board to form an opinion and give those recommendations to Council.
STAFF:
Read from the Municipal Code at 8.05.135.... “Investigation and study” (see code for reference). The survey
has been done, there is now a list of 53 properties with survey information. The Board can now initiate to the
Council this designation process by identifying whatever the Board wants (53 or 5) and hold public hearings
and recommend to Council. A Public hearing has to be held before designating a property. It is important
this Board review and understand this Historic Preservation Code. This Municipal Code is online and a full
copy will be provided for review and inclusion in your Board notebook. There is a process in place for the
Board to initiate the designation of a historic property. Once the hearing has been held, a recommendation
can be adopted that goes to Council to be heard prior to designation. That is the process available to this
Board today. A Minute Motion can be adopted expressing whatever this Board wishes to express and staff
will convey this Minute Motion to Council. If the Board wishes to prepare a letter as opposed to a Minute
Motion, bring it back to the Board for review, approve, and it can be forward to Council. If the Board wants to
take action on a letter, it needs to be on the Agenda. If staff can get the draft letter, it will be included in the
next packet for early review, Board to finalize and then froward it to Council. Meantime, staff will work on
getting HSPB on the Study Session calendar. Staff stated that the Survey does not offer the level of
protection that a Class 1 designation does, but when a project goes under architectural review being listed in
the Survey will be recognized and considered.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mr. Moruzzi proceeded to read from the January 9, 2006 letter as to Penalties - see pages 9 thru 12 for
recommended revisions and additions to existing Ordinance that outlines fines and penalties to deter illegal
demolitions or alterations.
BOARD:
- Discussed some of the fines and penalties - one concern was having a property sit vacant for five years -
what would be the purpose in that type of penalty and what if the property owner did not know the
provisions?
- Commented that in discussions with some council members, the perception is that this Survey does offer a
degree of protection to certain buildings, but the Board needs to be sure the Council understands that
under the Code it does not.
Mr. Moruzzi explained that these provisions would be given to the applicant by staff at time of application, also
a five-year no development penalty would certainly be a dis-incentive for any property owner to proceed
without appropriate permits and authorizations. Current penalties are minimal.
AGENDA ITEM #4: 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. There will be a star dedication for Julius
Shulman outside the Santa Fe Federal Savings & Loan building. That block will have stars for architects and
his is the first one there. Week is full of lectures - and the 90-minute film of “Desert Utopia” - mid-century
architecture in Palm Springs in the Annenberg Theater, a full week of various functions concluding with an
Albert Frey Symposium on February 25 at the Museum. Information passed around. Contact information is:
web site is www.pspf.net and the Museum box office is taking reservations for the events.
AGENDA ITEM #5: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Chairman J. HAYTON The Society really has a lot of history about Palm Springs, the older buildings, and names associated with
them. They are an excellent source for those who are interested.
AGENDA ITEM #6: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER J. WILLIAMS ModCom is presenting a slide lecture ”Desert Holiday” with the help of Peter Moruzzi featuring “vintage
postcards from Palm Springs to the Salton Sea” on Wed., February 22 at 10:30 a.m. in the Camelot Theatre,
2300 East Barista Road. The public is invited and it is offered at no cost. CD’s will be available.
AGENDA ITEM #7: ARCH. & DESIGN COUNCIL-P.S. ART MUSEUM - MEMBER J. ISERMANN Board Member Sidney Williams reported in behalf of Member Isermann that this was mentioned in the
Modernism week.
AGENDA ITEM #8: ON-GOING PROJECTS UPDATES - STAFF & SUB-COMMITTEES (A) - Colony Palm Hotel - Case 3.0619 at 572 North Indian Canyon Drive:
Sub-committee Member Bill Scott reported that he and Sidney Williams visited the site with staff. The entire
north building has been torn down, the central spa and restaurant building was torn down without permits from
the City or application thru this Board. Construction work is progressing, roof tiles have been saved. The
metal railings from the Stewart Williams’ designed building have been saved, locked up, and will be re-used.
Applicant went before Planning Commission on February 8 and P.C. approved the re-building of the main
restaurant and spa building per plans and instructed the applicant to preserve the mural in place (see excerpt
from Minutes below). The applicant will also go before City Council on the rebuild of the restaurant building.
They assured everyone the two buildings will be built per the original plans. The mural in the basement is
protected (not able to see it) by wood and plastic. Concern is if rain or water seeps through the back wall,
the mural could be damaged more than it has been. The owner indicated he has no extra money, there has
been extra expenses not planned, to restore the mural. Board suggested relocating it to a public area for
access so that it could bettered protected and offered suggestions about restoring, rather than having it in a
basement that offers little or no protection and no public access. Work on the remainder of the building is
going full speed, electrical and plumbing work is all in. All windows will be replaced with appropriate similar to
what was there. Restoration is a very large expense. One Board Member prefers that the mural be restored
in its current location - it’s a unique feature of Palm Springs.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Peter Moruzzi reported it is unclear who painted the mural, but it was done on behalf of Al Worthheimer (the
mobster) and original owner of the Colonial House (former name) and operated as a mural within the illegal
casino activities in the basement-built in 1936. It is irreplaceable significant and should remain in the
basement. To move into a public space would take away from the original purpose. The ability to pay for
the restoration has to be considered but cutting that whole concrete foundation apart and lifting it up and not
damaging the mural might be as costly as restoring it in place. Recommends that this mural restoration be
carefully monitored and identified when the project goes before Council. Suggests that the sub-committee
and/or staff attend the City Council and be much more specific about what is done with this mural - a new
building built above it could destroy it entirely.
BOARD: It’s important to retain whatever fragment is left. This is a very early part of the clandestine
activities and early gambling here in the Valley and needs to be preserved.
EXCERPT FROM P.S. MINUTES OF FEB 8 MEETING:
RE: Planning Commission approval of Colony Palms Project: Exhibit A, Case 5.1093-CUP (also 3.0619) 594 North
Indian Canyon Drive, February 8, 2006 - Conditions of Approval...Project Specific Conditions 4. “The mural in
the basement of the reconstructed Spa Building is to be protected throughout the construction phase and
is to remain preserved in the basement of the building.” (Copy attached)
(B) HORIZON HOTEL: 1050 Est Palm Canyon Drive: Staff reported no update. Chairman
Hayton commented that the project looks terrific
(C) GTE BUILDING: 360 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #26):
Staff reported no update. John Williams - asked about the re-paint status. Staff will
research and report back.
(D) SEE BURG BUILDING, 1081 North Pal Canyon Drive: Staff reported no update. Chairman
Hayton stated he had seen several public comments on the beauty of the newly renovated
building.
(E) VISITORS CENTER AMPHITHEATER, 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic
Designation #33): Staff did not have an update. Sub-committee of James Hayton and Jim
Isermann did not have report.
(F) ATM Shelter at Washington Mutual Bank, 499 South Palm Canyon Drive: Sub-committee
Jade Nelson and Sidney Williams are to meet with regional manager, George Swanson, this
Thursday to discuss the importance and significance of the building and to present an
alternative to the shade structure on the east side of the building that was added without
Board review or Planning department recognizing that it is listed on the Survey. Hope to
have a very friendly discussion.
(G) OASIS HOTEL/TOWER, 121 South Palm Canyon Drive (Tower is Class 1 Historic Site #10):
Sub-committee member Bill Scott attended the Planning Commission meeting on February 8,
it was approved unanimously approved. The next step is to go before city Council.
(H) PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive: Staff reported it is
scheduled for the February 15 City Council meeting. Will report back after that meeting.
(I) Spanish Inn - Case 5.1019-CUP / TTM 31104 - Nejat Kohan of the Spanish Inn for a
Conditional Use Permit to allow the conversion of hotel to condominiums and construction of
new condos at 640 North Indian Canyon Drive. (Survey listed property). Staff reported that
City Council asked about this project at their recent meeting and when will the City take
action on the time schedule for this project? Both the Spanish Inn and Colony Palms are
under a time schedule as part of their approvals, but both of the schedules are triggered by
events that have not happened as yet. The final map has not been recorded in the Spanish
Inn project. It’s only after the final map is recorded that other time schedules for taking a
building permit, beginning and including construction happens. There is are fairly large open
window for recording the final map before the rest of the project moves forward. That is
outside the HSPB purview.
BOARD AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Board member Bill Scott asked for two items on the Agenda for the March 14 meeting: 1. The
Potter Clinic, 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive and the Strebe Building in the 400 block of North Palm
Canyon Drive. Just heard a Historic Site Assessment is being done for the Strebe building
(originally the Strebe Theater). Would like to know what is happening regarding the applications to
the City and What steps the Board can take to ensure the proper preservation of these buildings
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?
Board Member Jade Nelson reported he had been in touch with the person who was hired to do the
Historic Assessment for that entire block. Found a rendering of the Strebe building as built and will
be sending it to him. The building today is not as shown in the rendering, the architecture was quite
stunning. Will report back to the Board at the next meeting. Further reported that a delivery truck
backed into the wood-beam and brick piers (arcade type) canopy of the Indianoya Building at
230-234 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class #2 Site #16). The canopy was quickly removed after
being destroyed - would like to know what steps will be taken to rebuild it or ensure that it is returned
to its original condition. The property at 529 West Arenas Road (formerly McManus residence) now
the Arenas Gardens Hotel has been undergoing an add-on like a new wing or new building over the
last couple months. Not sure of the historic class of that site, but it’s quite an old property. That is
listed on the Historic Survey as a significant property.
Staff will research and report. But concerned about putting them on the Agenda without an
application for Board action. The applicant has to be noticed whenever their property is listed on
the Agenda so they have an opportunity to be present. Staff will communicate outside the meeting
on status issues and bring applications on the Agenda.
Board comment: The owners may need to be noticed if they are not aware of any historic
classifications.
Board Member John Williams asked staff to keep the Board “in the loop” as the Chino Cone Plan
progresses. Planning Area 5 A or B has dense development proposed around the Tramway Gas
Station (Visitors Center). Not sure how the Board can be involved in this process, but dense
development may impact that Historic Site (Class 1 Historic Site - #33). Could the Board make
recommendations in regard to this as this project proceeds.
Staff indicated that the formal process by which the Council will decide an issue such as Chino Cone
and that is by an Amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that goes to the Planning Commission and
Council. The HSPB does not have an official role in the approval of zoning amendments, but the
Board can comment on a designated site. Recommendations can be forwarded by Minute Motion
or by letter to the Council....similar to the Ordinance discussed earlier in this meeting.
Staff member Ken Lyon was re-introduced with a short bio and his role in the HSPB was outlined.
Handouts are for Board information.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m. The next regularly scheduled
meeting will be March 14, 2006 in the Large Conference Room at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Loretta Moffett, Recording Secretary