HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-04-11- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, April 11, 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 9 0
Sidney Williams, Vice Chair X 8 1
William “Bill” Scott X 9 0
John Williams X 9 0
Jim Isermann X 5 4
Jade Nelson X 9 0
Harold “Bud” Riley * X 4 0
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Senior
Secretary
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner
* * * * *
Chairman Hayton called the meeting to order at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 11, 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, April 6, 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.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 minutes) N O N E
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Item 7 and Item #12 (ATM Shelter) need clarification in the March
Minutes. Minutes carried forward to May meeting.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: N O N E
PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL:
GTE Building Sign Permit 06-025 at 369 North Palm Canyon drive - Proposal for installation of (1)
exterior canvas canopy sign; and (1) illuminated exterior wall sign.
Staff reported two applications for signage on the GTE Building, Class 1 Historic Site #26 - one from
Best Signs and the other from Sign-A-Rama.
Presentation board depicting an exterior sign as shown. Surface mounted electric conduit is
proposed will painted the same color as the building that will require drilling of one 7/8-inch hole.
Board concerns:
(1) Sign not in keeping with the historic nature of the building
(2) Surface mounted conduit
(3) Neon lighting re the new Downtown Guidelines that call for “no illuminated” signs does not
meet the criteria of the Downtown Guidelines - neon would not be allowed in these Guidelines.
(4) There appears to be two signs: Alibi and Azul - only Azul is being presented at this time.
(5) Asked applicant to consider following the Downtown Guidelines and have a lighted sign as
opposed to an illuminated.
Staff explained that those Interim Guidelines had not been adopted as policy as yet. The City
recently approved by AAC exposed neon signs (Dale’s Lost Highway) at the center of town, so
exposed neon has been allowed. The Board still has the latitude to approve the sign the Board
believes to be well-designed.
Color renderings of the awning-sign were passed around – that awning faces North Palm Canyon.
Applicant’s sign company explained that it will be much for applicant’s business have the sign
illuminated rather than an overhead light, which would require additional holes drilled, running
additional electrical raceways, overflow lights onto other structures, etc.
Staff suggested rather than close the application that this item be continued, allow the applicant to
work with staff and AAC on design issue and then come back. If the Board denies the project, it
could move quickly to appeal to City Council. It makes better sense to keep the application open.
M/S/C (Scott/Nelson) moved that the Board approve the sign proposed for the awning and
request a re-submittal for the sign on the building. 6 Yes, 1 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions.
AGENDA ITEM #1: DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS IN 400 BLOCK OF NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
AND INDIAN CANYON Rael Development presented the project and discussed findings of cultural resources survey. Mr.
Doug Hudson, Architect, discussed the computer-generated drawings and display new structures
and restoration of parts of the Strebe building. The new Downtown Design Guidelines have to do
with building heights. This project takes in many of these suggestions and guidelines. The other
element of the existing building being recreated (referred to as the “belvedere”) has never been a
significant gathering space although it provides access to the upper level office suites. There will be
a new mid-block street connecting Palm Canyon and Indian Canyon Drives. The Strebe building is a
very heavy masonry building and many features are not of prime quality. Pressures on the site
make retention of the building very difficult. The success of the building is one of scale and
proportions and that can be recreated - -the wood canopy is deteriorating, roof is leaking, etc. The
rebuilding of this in finer details respecting the original building is the appropriate way to go on this
project. It will be rebuilt in the same location. There will be 135 residential condo units ranging in
size from 700 to 1500 sq. ft., retail space along Palm Canyon will range from 25,000 to 30,000 sq. ft.,
heights will be two-story with inner building between four and five-stories. The parking is
underground.
Mr. Bai Tang, Principal Investigator for CRM, summarized historical information regarding the
existing buildings detailed in his report. The present study concludes that none of the buildings in
the project area meet CEQA’s definition of a “historical resource”; however, the Strebe Building and
the Monte Vista Hotel complex retain a community level of historical interest and it is suggested that
(1) their local historic value should be recognized through on-site commemorative displays within
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Tuesday, April 11, 2006
the project; and (2) since the Strebe Building retains some basic characteristics of Frey and Clark’s
original design, selected features of the building should be incorporated into the architectural design
of the proposed project. No further procedures are recommended.
CRM Tech was formed in 1993, based is Riverside, and have conducted 1600 or more historic,
cultural and archeological surveys and studies. Have completed several surveys in Palm Springs,
among those being the Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive, a late 1950's commercial
building at 600 South Palm Canyon Drive, the Spanish Inn, and many other archeological studies.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
(1) Ms. Emily Williams, representing the estate of John W. Williams (a 1919 settler and a primary
founder of Palm Springs), advised that the small building that sits in front of the Monte Vista
Hotel was the Grand Studios - a well-known artist. President Eisenhower took art lessons
there, and that should make the building historical. The Strebe Building was a farmers
market for many years and was remodeled after a fire.
(2) Ms. Sheryl Hamlin spoke in agreement of the report for the Rael project historic report, but
disagrees with the conclusions. That report listed “historical superlatives” - the oldest
single-family residence in Palm Springs, first open-air market, first architects who lived in
Palm Springs (Clark and Frey), and oldest continual operating hotel in Palm Springs. This is
a historical compound - it’s difficult, but not impossible to re-hab these buildings. Tourist do
not come to historic Palm Springs to see plaques, emulations, and recreations.
(3) Mr. Frank Tysen, 175 South Cahuilla Road, commended Mr. Rael in going back to the
drawing board after the large community meeting last October. He has no problem with
in-fill, as long as it protects the historic “Village” fabric. Pleased to see recognition for the
Strebe building, but disappointed that the eclectic character Palm Springs may not survive if
the project follows presentation made today. Concerned about the loss of Monte Vista
Inn...the oldest in Palm Springs. Palm Springs is losing hotel space, has lost about 400
hotel rooms in the last 18 months. Tourists come to Palm Springs for it’s historical value and
climate, some of the best looking storefronts are in this block and interesting stores that have
character. Palm Springs is losing its old Spanish buildings more rapidly than most people
realize. Hate to see this block become a “nice homogenized block.”
(4) Mr. Peter Moruzzi, 1066 San Lorenzo Road, President of Palm Springs Modern Committee,
stressed that the significance of the Strebe Building and Monte Vista Hotel is its historic
associations with personages within the City. The Strebe Building’s use as a farmers market
needs to be recognized, its association with Earl Strebe cannot be minimized because he
was a mid-century pioneer in Palm Springs. The association with Albert Frey and John
Porter Clark needs high recognition. The Monte Vista Hotel is the last remaining old hotel in
the downtown area. Recreations and reconstructions do not substitute for original historic
fabric. Adaptive re-use is the way many cities are approaching historic buildings, but the
true possibilities of adaptive re-use in this project is not being fully considered. The Strebe
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Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Building and Monte Vista Hotel are highly reflective of the economic development of Palm
Springs during a very important period in its history and need greater consideration.
(5) Mr. Charles Sachs, 335 West Mariscal Road, explained that there are remnants of Palm
Springs’ historic past that have survived and these elements must be treasured -- it’s very
important to preserve what can be preserved in this City and in this complex so the real
remnants are there. Let’s incorporate parts of the past into the present so some of the “real
thing” is preserved.
(6) Mr. Robert Imber, Tour Owner/Operator, commented that people come in quadrupling
numbers each year for the primary purpose of visiting, viewing, appreciating, and buying the
architecture of Palm Springs. Urges consideration and recommends retention of our historic
properties, values, archeological, and cultural history.
Staff explained that there is no action for this Board today since no demolition application has been
submitted on this project. Staff recommends that this report be ‘received and filed’ and at such time
an application is submitted to the City, staff will advise what actions are available for the Board to
consider.
Board member Bill Scott stated that this is such an important property that the entire Board should
schedule a meeting to walk the property and site with Mr. Tang, the historical consultant, and the
owner, Mr. Rael. The public would be invited.
Chairman Hayton commented that this Board would not be “preserving” if it approves a complete
tear-down and recreation. Feels this has to go back to the drawing board.
Staff advised the Board that their authority on a Class 3 is limited by the Ordinance and the Board
may issue a “stay of any demolition” - which would be effective for no more than six months and is
intended to afford time for necessary studies, hearings, and determinations whether such site should
be designated as a historic site - Class 1 or 2.
Board member Jim Isermann asked if a “stay of demolition” was needed if there was no demolition
application submitted.
Board Member Bud Riley restated his motion...”that this Board receive and file the CRM report,
the Board to meet on site, and invite the public as quickly as possible.
M/S/C/ (Riley/J.Williams) 7 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions to approve motion as restated.
AGENDA #2: REVIEW & DISCUSS POTENTIAL HISTORIC DESIGNATIONS OF 53 PROPERTIES LISTED
AS “SIGNIFICANT” IN THE 20-04 HISTORIC RESOURCES SURVEY The Board has been struggling what to do - as a Board - with that Survey. The Board does not
suggest making them all Class 1 Historic Sites. The Ordinance needs to be changed so that when
one of the 53 significant properties in the Survey comes into the Planning or Building department for
modification or review - then it would come before this Board.
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Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Board Member Bill Scott corrected the following: Property #8 at 150 South Belardo Road has
already been demolished (Oasis Building); #14 at 1995 South Camino Monte was designated Class 1
Historic Site (Ship of the Desert); #21 at 572 North Indian Canyon Drive (Colony Palms Hotel) has
already gone through this Board’s procedures and is under re-construction; and #30 at 1050 East
Palm Canyon Drive has also been re-constructed (Horizon Hotel).
Staff reported that the land use agreement between the City and the Tribe stipulates that the Tribe
processes its own projects. The City does not exercise land-use control on Tribal-owned properties.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
(7) Ms. Laura Ramstead, representing 1350 Ladera Circle - “House of Tomorrow” and “Elvis’
Honeymoon Hideaway” and in behalf of the owners, need to know what they have to do to
have this property designated. Thought everyone was here to vote on it today, so
misunderstood the information. Dennis Roberts and Laura Ramstead invited everyone to
come to the Honeymoon Weekend on May 6 & 7. Palm Springs would very wise to promote
Elvis’s Honeymoon Hideaway.
(8) Mr. Charles Stumpf, 252 East Ocotillo Avenue, #26 on list, emphasized the importance of
historical designations. He found out the historic value os his property several years ago
when he learned that it had been published in the Architectural Guide of Southern California.
(9) Ms. Christie Eugenia, 370 West Arenas Road, #4 on list of 53, “Hideaway” formerly the Town
and Desert Hotel indicated her appreciate of the intent and the process and feels this is
important. She asked about the Class 1 and Class 2 designation process.
(10) Mr. Marty Newman, representing Dr. Jane Smith, 928 Avenida Palmas (Cary Grant Estate).
Dr. Smith wanted entered into the record as an attachment a more accurate accounting of
the special architectural details and references associated with the structure and grounds.
Board members encouraged Mr. Stumpf and Dr. Smith to apply for Class 1 Historic Site
Designations.
(11) Mr. Peter Moruzzi, President of Palm Springs Modern Committee, and stated that what the
HSP Board is attempting is admirable. Discussion of a clarification letter to the property
owners is extremely important for those who couldn’t attend today’s meeting, for those who
called, and for those who sent letters – they need to know what the Board is trying to
accomplish. Encouraged that the Board request staff obtain other city’s ordinances and
procedures to review and see if they would work for this Board’s needs. Mod Com will assist
if needed.
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Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Board members asked staff to obtain those copies for the next HSPB meeting in May, and to contact
the Architectural Resources Group since they have done surveys in Pasadena and may have
recommended ordinances.
(12) Mr. Frank Tysen, 175 South Cahuilla, Casa Cody, indicated that Los Angeles has 19 Historic
Districts. The LA Conservatory has frequent tours and suggested the Board and others take
one of those tours. He is pleased that Casa Cody is on this list and supports the Survey.
Very concerned to hear that Palm Mountain is considering tearing down and replacing with a
six-story condo project, especially when they have several Wexler structures on the property.
One issue that needs clarification is that property values have now outpaced hotel values
and the only realistic way to may a transfer of a property is to add something to it.
Example...one small hotel owner has vacant land in the back of the property and if six condo
could be built on that vacant land, buildings that would fit in with current architecture he could
then make the place valuable without giving up any of the historic buildings. If the Board
could address that concern, there may be more property owners interested in applying for
historic designations.
(13) Mr. Richard Begay, Agua Caliente Historic Preservation Officer, wanted to be sure the Board
had received the letter about the Spa Hotel, 100 North Indian Canyon Drive, and also to let
everyone know that they are willing to work with HSPB on any building preservation issues.
Mentioned using the Section 1.06 process under the National Historic Preservation Act.
Board was very encouraged by comments and a sub-committee was recommended to work with the
staff for an informational packet to send all owners on the 53 property list. Board would like a cover
letter to accompany this information. John Williams and Jim Isermann offered to draft the letter.
Board asked that the Planning Department suggest procedures for this Board to establish.
AGENDA ITEM #3: HISTORIC SITE DESIGNATION OF HAMRICK HOUSE, 875 CHINO CANYON
ROAD - SUB-COMMITTEE/STAFF
Staff reported that the owners want to have their home (a 1941 Clark & Frey design) considered for
a Class 1 Historic Site. Sub-committee members Jade Nelson and Sidney Williams and Staff
member Ken Lyon met with the owners, toured the home, and have documented historic research
that has been done on the property.
Board member Bud Riley pointed out that this Board does not designate interiors and the Board is
not to concern itself about interiors. Another Board member explained that there are no interiors
currently designated; however, if the property owner had an important interior and wanted to have it
listed in the designation, the Board could approve that.
Property owner, Mark Puopolo, discussed aspects of their renovations and interest in having this
property designated a Class 1 Historic Site.
Staff reported that public hearing notices will go out to surrounding property owners as the process
moves along. There is no action requested from this Board today, but once an application has been
filed the process will move forward and brought back to the Board for action.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
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Tuesday, April 11, 2006
(14) Peter Moruzzi explained that having to notice the neighbors is a bureaucratic element of the
Ordinance that needs to be removed. Suggest staff review and streamline the application
and process to make it easier for property owners.
AGENDA ITEM #4: HSPB WORK PROGRAM 2006/2007 FINAL Staff reported that this will go forward as part of the budget review for Council.
AGENDA ITEM #5: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMTE UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER J. WILLIAMS No report.
AGENDA ITEM #6: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER BUD RILEY
- STAFF No report. Chairman Hayton reported he has not been able to contact the Cork ‘N Bottle owners re
their plaque. Will keep trying and report back when there is information.
(A) Plaquing Indianoya Building - Board suggested approaching the owner about having it
plaqued as well as replacing the canopy that was damaged by a car and then removed.
AGENDA ITEM #7: DISCUSSION-CITY’S HISTORIC PRES. ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 8.05
PSMC, DUTIES, ACTIVITIES - STAFF Staff read from Section 8.05.195 that speaks to Board actions restricted to exterior features..”Historic
Site Preservation Board shall consider and pass upon only the exterior features of a structure and
may not consider the interior arrangement of the structure except in the case of public buildings.” If
Board members have suggestions or issues that come up outside the meeting, ideas for the
Workshop, etc. please email to Ken Lyon who will keep a running list on which to base the topics
and work plan for the Workshop.
Board reiterated that the Ordinance needs revision. During the Workshop, the Board needs to get a
handle on the Ordinance, how to develop procedures for the designated sites listed in the Survey,
and incorporate the procedures recommended by ModCom’s attorney. Board would like staff to
request copies from SHPO or other cities that have good ordinances. Based on comments from the
Board letter to the Council, it appears the Council does have interest in clarifying the Survey and
how it is to be used. Board requested the Workshop be coordinated as quickly as possible.
AGENDA ITEM #8: PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - VICE CHAIR SIDNEY
WILLIAMS No report.
AGENDA ITEM #9: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Chairman J. HAYTON No report.
AGENDA ITEM #10: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER J. WILLIAMS No report.
AGENDA ITEM #11: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN COUNCIL-P.S. ART MUSEUM - MEMBER J.
ISERMANN No report.
HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 8
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
AGENDA ITEM #12: ON-GOING PROJECTS UPDATES - STAFF & SUB-COMMITTEES (O) Colony Palm Hotel - Case 3.0619 at 572 North Indian Canyon Drive: Construction is
continuing per the approved project.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
(15) Peter Moruzzi, ModCom, asked about the preservation of the mural.
Staff will investigate the building progress and mural protection and report back at the May meeting.
(B) HORIZON HOTEL: 1050 Est Palm Canyon Drive: No report, project is essentially
complete. Recommend this be removed from the Agenda. Board approved.
(C) GTE BUILDING: 360 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #26):
Staff reported meeting with George Hessinger on March 30 and sub-committee members
John Williams and Bill Scott to review the color of the building. A MOU is included here
resolving this issue.
(D) VISITORS CENTER AMPHITHEATER - CASE NO. 5.0942, Landscaping, mini-amphitheater,
and signage at the Palm Springs Visitors Center at 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive. (HSPB
Designation #33). Board is concerned about the number of plaques at this site. A copy of
the Rotary Club Plaque was handed out before the meeting. Board asked what kind of
material this Rotary plaque is made of - staff will find out. Board suggested a specific area
for all plaques. Sub-committee of James Hayton and Jim Isermann to work with installers
for appropriate placement of all plaques. Staff suggested Plaquing standards be included in
the revised Ordinance.
(E) ATM Shelter at Washington Mutual Bank, 499 South Palm Canyon Drive: Sub-committee of
Sidney Williams and Jade Nelson reported a meeting scheduled for April 18 with WMB
facilities, Don Wexler, and Phillip Smith on site to discuss potential options. Will report at the
May meeting.
(F) OASIS HOTEL/TOWER, 121 South Palm Canyon Drive (Tower is Class 1 Historic Site #10):
Staff reported that the demolition of the two west buildings has occurred and a permit to
construct a temporary parking lot has been issued.
(G) PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive: Staff had no report,
recommended removal from Agenda. The renovation to the restaurant “Bamboo Room”
which is one of the main historic features should come before the Board. This is one of the
53 significant properties from the Survey.
(H) 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). Mr. Kohan filed
an application for designating this property to a Class 1 Historic Site and want to mention that
a full report has been completed.
(IX) Tyler’S Hamburgers, 149 South Indian Canyon Drive, Part of La Plaza Historic Class 1 Site
#22. This project went before the Architectural Advisory Committee April 10 and the
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Tuesday, April 11, 2006
changes in the canopy design have been to clean-up, clarify, streamline the structural clutter
of the previous design. AAC approved the re-submittal.
(J) Catherine Meyler - Case 3.2098 convert garage to living space and construct 440 s.f. carport
at 2311 North Indian Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Site #45 - Grace Lew Miller (Neutra)
Home. AAC reviewed the carport applications and they recommended some design
improvements. Ms. Meyler and her architect are preparing a response, they did not agree
with some of the AAC recommendations.
BOARD AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS: N O N E
STAFF REPORTS AND UPDATES: N O N E
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:12 a.m. The next regularly
scheduled meeting will be May 09, 2006 in the Large Conference Room at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner