HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-05-09- HSPB minutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING
Minutes of Regular Meeting -Tuesday, May 9, 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 10 0
Sidney Williams, Vice Chair X 8 2
William “Bill” Scott X 10 0
John Williams X 10 0
Jim Isermann X 5 5
Jade Nelson X 10 0
Harold “Bud” Riley * X 5 0
STAFF PRESENT:
Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Senior
Secretary
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner
* * * * *
Chairman Hayton called the meeting to order at 8:16 a.m. Tuesday, May 09, 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, May 4, 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)
Frank Tysen, 175 South Cahuilla Rd, Palm Springs, talked about the Rael “One Palm Canyon”
project and preserving the Strebe Building, Monte Vista Hotel, the little house which will be a
restaurant, and all the 50+ year old buildings in Palm Springs that are not designated or registered
as Class 1 or 2 buildings. Suggested an emergency declaration from this Board that all old
buildings need to be protected because the historic texture of the City is being lost.
Scott Kennedy, Palm Springs Mod Com, presented two written items to the Board from ModCom’s
attorney, Chatten-Brown & Carsen: (1) The Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive - urging
P.S. to comply with the mandates of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and prepare a
full EIR prior to consideration of the demolition permit to adequately evaluate the significant impacts
of the project at the site. (2) Use of Historic Surveys in other jurisdictions. ModCom previously
requested that the City of Palm Springs revise its procedures regarding historical resources and to
provide adequate protection of resources determined to be historically significant in the 2004 Historic
Survey and preserve Palm Springs’ cultural heritage. (Items attached for review).
Roxann Ploss stated that there are many buildings worth saving that are not in the Survey. The
Survey needs to be re-visited, refined, and additional properties added. The re-design of the Rael
project is much better, but still looks too large, too massive, and too dense. Spoke in behalf of saving
what is here now. Core and essence of downtown is vital to preserve.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 14, 2006 Item 7 and Item #12 (ATM Shelter) were corrected and
re-stated.
M/S/C (Scott/Riley - 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstention) to approve the March 14, 2006
Minutes as corrected.
April 11, 2006 Minutes: M/S/C (Riley/J.Williams - 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstention) to
approve the April 11, 2006 Minutes are presented.
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT: N O N E
PUBLIC HEARING: N O N E
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL: N O N E
AGENDA ITEM #1: PLACEMENT OF ARTWORK “LAWN CHAIR” AT THE PALM SPRINGS VISITORS
CENTER (TRAMWAY GAS STATION, CLASS 1 #33 HISTORIC SITE - MICHAEL STERN, PUBLIC ARTS
VICE COMMISSIONER / JENNIFER HENNING, COMM. & EC. DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
Michael Stern presented information relative to the placement of artist Blue Wright’s “Lawn Chair”
sculpture is proposed to be placed in a “desert” area between the walkway and back wall facing back
to the Visitors Center, but set-off from the building. .
Board Concerns:
(1) Maintenance and care of the piece - artificial grass may have to be replaced, the steel may
have to be oiled, painted, etc. (Maintained by the Public Art Fund)
(2) Will more sculptures be located at the Visitors Center? (Public Arts Commission has not
addressed this, but there are vacancies at the location.)
(3) This site is the premiere architectural element in Palm Springs and it is getting “plaqued” a
lot, Board would not like to see the site become a “sculpture garden” which would detract
from the building. Will there be a plaque and where? (Adjacent to the sculpture on a small
post)
(4) Could piece be relocated? (Yes)
(5) Roofline is the signature of this site and nothing should draw away from the historic nature of
the site.
(6) Interesting piece of art and the fact that it can be moved will not have a permanent effect on
the building.
(7) Preference is to see the site left empty and suggested locating this piece at the Convention
Center or someplace else.
(8) Felt the staff at the Visitors Center should have reviewed this before presenting to this Board
for their consideration and objectives.
(9) Questions this particular piece of art because the color is such a bright green and is very
much in contrast to the building and desert landscape. This piece may become a focal point
when the building should be the focal point.
(10) Prefers the Art Commission reconsider this, select a different piece of art, and come back to
the Board.
Staff explained that it is brought to the Board for information and would be helpful to the Art
Commission if this Board would offer their comments and recommendations. There is no actual
required action.
Staff advised that the Board could take action by resolution or motion to offer its opinion to the Art
Commission who could take that into consideration. Ordinance 8.05 in the Purpose and
Authority...looking at this for the architectural worthiness of the building, its hard not to look at the
site and building as two different things. It’s reasonable for the Board to express an opinion as to
what’s happening on that site. In reviewing Ordinance 8.05.180 - Discussion of what may be done
to a Class 1 site. This is a piece that has footings and exists as an element on a site. If the Board
wishes to look at it in that approach, the procedures to follow would be to make an application to the
Planning Department with a series of factors for granting the approval. The application would then
come before the Board.
Summary of the Board:
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Tuesday, May 9, 2006
- it is not in favor of this sculpture;
- maybe there is another sculpture that is more appropriate;
- the sculpture is too bright, too strong for that location
- not sure the Board likes the idea of a sculpture at all;
- Board feels that the open space should be kept open; and
- Board is comfortable with the Art Commission bringing back a different piece more sympathetic to
the site and building.
M/S/C (J. Williams/Scott - 5 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent, 0 Abstentions) moved that the Board advise
the Art Commission that it does not support this sculpture at the Visitors Center, but invites
the Art Commission to bring back an alternative suggestion.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Case 5.1085 CUP TTM 34019 an application by Pali-Palm Springs LLC. to
sub-divide one lot for development of 34 residential condo units, one commercial condo unit
comprised of a nine-room hotel, and one commercial condo unit comprised of a bar for accessory
use to hotel, The proposal includes some demolition and renovation to a Class 3 Historic Site,
formally known as The Orchid Tree Inn, Cultural Study completed, 261 South Belardo Road, listed in
the 2004 Historic Survey. (originally brought before HSPB June 14, 2005) DELETED FROM THIS MONTHS AGENDA AND WILL BE BROUGHT BACK TO THE BOARD
NEXT MONTH. APPLICANT COULD NOT ATTEND TODAY.
Public Comment:
Frank Tysen, 175 South Cahuilla Road, stated that this is a very sensitive issue for the Tennis Club
neighborhood. Asked for better and broader notifications. There have been three community
meetings with the developer. There are several buildings on this property that do not necessarily
have a historic history, but they are part of the fabric of Palm Springs - - funky, fun, unusual. There
are buildings that could be moved and saved...one is a 1915 bungalow. The design for this project
is industrial-looking. Neighborhood feels there should be continuity to other structures in the area.
Sub-committee for this property (James Hayton and Bill Scott) feels this property is so important that
a public meeting should be held at the site, but need to hear the developer’s revised presentation
first. Minutes of the meeting where it was originally presented are in the Board packet for review.
Board reviewed for information purposes and gave the developer feedback.
AGENDA ITEM #3: MEDIA OUTREACH SUB-COMTE UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER J. WILLIAMS No report.
AGENDA ITEM #4: HISTORIC SITE PLAQUE SURVEY UPDATE - BOARD MEMBER BUD RILEY
No report in general.
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Tuesday, May 9, 2006
A. Plaquing Indianoya Building - Jade Nelson - no report
B. Cork ‘N Bottle - Left two message for the new owner - no response - will continue
AGENDA ITEM 10 - ON-GOING
J: Potter Clinic Building, 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive. Issue: potential demolition
Steve Tappan, owner, had a historic evaluation prepared, wants Board and staff to know
that he really is not a developer, family is primarily investors, buy properties that need
TLC, turn them around. There are six parcels in this project, Sorrentino’s restaurant, the
old apartments behind, and two or three vacant parking lots. Some buildings were
red-tagged, those have been demolished. The only structure left on the contiguous part
is the Potter Clinic, it has not been designated historic.. It was originally designed by the
Williams family, but it’s an open question as to the value of preserving and restoring since
it has been significantly modified since being built. It’s on the edge of the parcels, so it
can be self-sustaining or can be incorporated into the grand plan as an added attraction.
Requests Board’s help and recommendations if the path forward is to restore this
building.
Mr. Tappan showed a primary plan that conforms to the height, parking, etc. standards
and codes. Twelve units would face North Palm Canyon with the bottom being retail and
the upper floor being residential. Units on North Palm Canyon would be three-stories,
and those on Indian Canyon Drive would be residential on both floors. This plan
includes the demolition of 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive. The first economic analysis
without changing the zoning, the density, requesting variances, etc. has been done with
the Potter Clinic being demolished. The lower northen portion of the property was
occupied by an art studio and is still okay, the remainder of the building is truly shot.
Board member Jade Nelson reported that the Potter Clinic was built in 1946 by E. Stuart Williams.
The true upper floor was inhabited by E. Stewart and wife Mari Williams and the lower floor was lived
in by Dr. Potter and his wife. The entire property is fully documented by original black and white
photos taken by Julius Shulman, that could be used to re-recreate to its original condition.
Board Concerns:
(1) The building is significant enough that it was placed on the Historic Survey
(2) The architect is well-known
(3) Suggests from an economic view is to preserve the building, incorporate it into the project,
Board will be happy to work with project owner to prepare some adaptive re-use plans.
(4) Board feels it is important to try to save the building at all costs
(5) Suggested there are some tax advantages to restoring the Potter Clinic thru the Mills Act
(6) Restored building could be the “focal” point of entire project
Staff explained that this property owner has done exactly what needs to be done in contacting
Planning, coming before this Board, etc.
NO ACTION TAKEN.
AGENDA ITEM #5: DISCUSSION-CITY’S HISTORIC PRES. ORDINANCE (CHAPTER 8.05
PSMC, DUTIES, ACTIVITIES - STAFF Staff gave quick intro and referred to a “pink” form called “Futures List for Workshop” in the Board
packet to capture items that need to be revised, improved, fixed, etc. This is a start to address
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Tuesday, May 9, 2006
issues of the Ordinance. In the packet included a memo regarding other cities’ ordinances,
examples of Long Beach, Pasadena, and some Los Angeles are included. Board asked to review
carefully – this may help to organize the list for the Workshop.
Board member Bud Riley volunteered to help re-write the revised Ordinance. Board members
offered several suggestions for the list and asked staff to get a copy of Santa Cruz’s Ordinance.
There will be changes on the Board at the end of June, so perhaps the Workshop should be held in
June. Might be better to start the new year with this Workshop.
Staff requested that the Board read the full Ordinance carefully and see if any portion needs edits,
revisions, and ask “what is the purpose and intent” of this section or that section, etc. Worth
keeping in mind is understanding th importance of preservation within the context of the Council’s
decision making and needs. There is always a concern of how Council views preservation so the
Board can work together with them and understand where they can or cannot support this Board.
Staff suggested the next meeting Agenda include “Discussion of Priorities” for the Workshop and
Ordinance revision. Key for staff is to know the Board’s priorities and from there staff and Board
can determine which is the best way to proceed.
AGENDA ITEM #6: P. S. PRESERVATION FOUNDATION - VICE CHAIR SIDNEY WILLIAMS Board member absent - no report.
AGENDA ITEM #7: PALM SPRINGS HISTORICAL SOCIETY - Chairman J. HAYTON No report.
AGENDA ITEM #8: PALM SPRINGS MODERN COMMITTEE - MEMBER J. WILLIAMS Modern Committee has been very active, submitted two letters today to this Board. Slide Show
“Desert Holiday”, a one-hour presentation of photographs of postcards was held at the Camelot
Theatre, very well done, available on DVD and can be ordered on the web site
www.psmodcom.com. There is a newly formed organization called Friends of the Town and
Country, web site is www.FriendsofPC.com
AGENDA ITEM #9: ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN COUNCIL-P.S. ART MUSEUM - MEMBER J.
ISERMANN Board Member Scott reported that the final lecture will be May 20 by artist, Pae White, 6:30 p.m. at
the Annenberg Theater.
AGENDA ITEM #10: ON-GOING PROJECTS UPDATES - STAFF & SUB-COMMITTEES (G) Colony Palm Hotel - Case 3.0619 at 572 North Indian Canyon Drive: Staff has not had time
to visit the site for mural status. Board member Scott reported that the construction
continues on the existing building.
(B) GTE BUILDING: 360 North Palm Canyon Drive (Class 1 Historic Designation #26):
Staff reported the sub-committee, staff, and the owner need to select the paint colors
appropriate for the building, keep them in file for the next time the building is painted. If
there are any buildings in Palm Springs that are now painted the appropriate color, that could
be a starting point. Board member Scott suggested the Santa Barbara Office of
Preservation (building or planning department) currently has recommended colors for
Spanish Revival buildings. The sign permit for the sign on the side of the building was
continued for re-study, but the awning sign on the front was approved. The applicant
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Tuesday, May 9, 2006
informed staff they are abandoning the sign on the building and will work with the awning sign
which is complete.
(C) 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). The material of the Rotary plaque is bronze and was installed in the
seating area of the amphitheater.
(D) ATM Shelter at Washington Mutual Bank, 499 South Palm Canyon Drive: Sub-committee of
Sidney Williams (absent) and Jade Nelson reported meeting April 18 with two regional
managers for Washington Mutual, Phillip Smith, Chairman of the Architecture Design
Council, and Don Wexler, Architect. Discussed two or three alternatives. The Bank asked
for the most cost-effective solution that would meet everyone’s standards and criteria. The
Bank would then review and advise if workable for the Bank.
(E) OASIS HOTEL/TOWER, 121 South Palm Canyon Drive (Tower is Class 1 Historic Site #10):
No report.
(F) PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, 2743 North Indian Canyon Drive: Staff had no report,
recommended removal from Agenda. Board pointed out that the renovation to the
restaurant “Bamboo Room” is one of the main historic features and should come before the
Board. This is one of the 53 significant properties from the Survey.
(G) 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 a Class 1 Historic Site. Staff has begun work on
the application. Application is on hold until a response has been received from the owner
that the permitted work is in conformance with the Secretary of the Interior Standards. There
are neighborhood concerns of no activity on the site. Owner does have a period of time
stipulated by Council approvals. The key is the recording of the final map and until that map
is approved, none of the deadlines are effective. The deadline is September 2006 for
recording the final map.
Board member John Williams asked ... Assuming the applicant produces the final map and it
is approved, the project moves forward. Assuming they don’t submit the final map, then it is
no longer an approved project...are these assumptions correct? Then if this does become a
Class 1 Site, (1) does it affect what is already approved; and (2) would it affect what would be
approved in the absence of that final map?
Staff responded that the designation of Class 1 has requirements as contained in the City’s
Historic Preservation Ordinance. If it becomes a Class 1 Site, it should not affect what was
previously approved. The project schedule could be given an extension if Council believes
applicant is showing good faith efforts to move the project forward.
(H) 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
changes in the canopy design have been to clean-up, clarify, streamline the structural clutter
of the previous design. AAC approved the re-submittal. Sub-committee member Bud Riley
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Tuesday, May 9, 2006
passed around a new design, Board felt this final design was a good improvement over the
first presentation.
(IX) 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 Lewis Miller (Neutra)
Home. AAC reviewed the carport applications and they recommended some design
improvements. Ms. Meyler and her architect did not agree with some of the AAC
recommendations for adding more columns to the carport, locating the columns on the
outside of the wall carrying them down to the ground plane. Applicant again submitted
photos to staff of Neutra’s other projects from the 30s and 40s that depicted considerable
spacing between columns with less spacing between window mullions, basically arguing that
the AAC suggestions was not as appropriate. Staff reviewed those photos, agreed with
applicant, and approved the carport with the original four columns, but with the modification
that the columns would carry down to the ground and set-apart from the wall plane. An
interesting compromise that should yield a building that is consistent with original home and
Neutra’s work thereby allowing the project to move forward.
(J) Potter Clinic Building, 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive – reviewed and discussed earlier in
this meeting.
(K) Rael “One Palm Canyon” project - 400 block of North Palm Canyon Drive / North Indian
Canyon Drive. Staff will schedule a special meeting for May 23 at the site and reconvene at
City Hall. Noticing will be coordinated so that persons who prepared the historic assessment
can be present.
11. Work Shop Topics - covered earlier in meeting.
BOARD AND SUB-COMMITTEE REPORTS: Board member Jade Nelson reported that he
attended the California Preservation Conference “Finding Common Ground.” Offered copies of
informational literature obtained. The conference stressed “Heritage Corridors and Tourism” and
indicated that 43% of travel is dedicated to historic sites.
STAFF REPORTS AND UPDATES:
Staff pointed out two articles that were in the Board packet (1) P.S. designated as one of the top
dozen destination cities in the USA; and (2) Article on Windmills.
One Board position will become vacant due to Jim Isermann’s term expiring. There are applications
and informational sheets available at the City Clerks office and handed out to each of you at today’s
meeting.
1. Sign-In for Public Speakers- Staff introduced Sign-In Sheet for future speakers.
2. Agenda Format Revisions - Staff suggested a new format that would include an Old Business
section followed by a New Business Section. Board wants to keep on-going projects on Agenda
for status and updates and agreed to review the suggested new format and report back at
another meeting.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:22 a.m. The next regularly
scheduled \ meeting will be June 13, 2006 in the Large Conference Room at City Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
HSPB Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 7
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Ken Lyon, Associate Planner