Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-03-13- HSPB minutes CITY OF PALM SPRINGS HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD MEETING Minutes of Meeting -Tuesday, March 13, 2007 Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, California 92262 BOARD MEMBERS Present This Meeting Present Year-to-Date FY 2006-2007 Excused Absences To-Date Sidney Williams, Chairperson X 10 0 Jade Nelson, Vice Chair X 8 2 James Hayton X 9 1 John Williams X 9 1 Harold “Bud” Riley X 10 0 Brian Strahl X 8 0 STAFF PRESENT: Craig Ewing, Director of Planning Loretta Moffett, Administrative Assistant Ken Lyon, Associate Planner * * * * * 1. The HSPB regularly scheduled meeting was called to order at 8:175 a.m. on March 13, 2007 by Chair Sidney Williams. 2. ROLL CALL: Present: S. Williams, J. Nelson, B. Riley, B. Strahl, J. Hayton, J. Williams 3. REPORT OF POSTING OF AGENDA: This 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, March 8, 2007. 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. 4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 13, 2007 Vice Chair Nelson asked for correction of page 3 of 3 under Section 12 – Board Member Comments – first sentence is not complete and has two different ideas in one sentence. Needs clarification. M/S/C (Hayton/Riley) moved that the February 13, 2007 Minutes be approved as corrected. (6 Yes, 0 No, 0 Absent) 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS: (3 minutes) : William Kopelk, President of P.S. Preservation Foundation, spoke in behalf of the Foundation and support of HSPB voting in favor of the Class 1 Historic designation of the Santa Fe Federal Bank Building at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive. Robert Firth, real estate broker representing the owner of the property at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive, the former Potter Clinic, explained that the owner is neither in favor of or against this property being designated as a Historic Site. Roxanne Ploss, spoke in support of preserving the property at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 2 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting 6. REPORT FROM THE CHAIR: Chair S. Williams stated she feels that it’s important the Board move forward with the discussion of the Santa Fe Federal Bank Building and the Potter Clinic and that the Board is moving forward with additional properties for potential Historic Site Class 1 designations. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS: A. Santa Fe Federal Bank Building, 300 South Palm Canyon Drive Application for Designation to Class 1 Historic Site #54 Staff member Lyon reported that the Staff Report has been revised since being mailed out in Board packets and the revised report handed out today is the correct report to refer to during this discussion. Board member Strahl asked for clarification as to what can be declared historic -- the existing building vs. the new project now being proposed. Staff member Lyon reported that the owner has filed a development application with the City and if this designation and recommendation to Council goes forward and Council approves the historic recommendation prior to when the development application comes before Council. That development application would then be subject to governance of Section 8.05, the Historic Site Preservation Ordinance and would then come before HSPB for approval of the building permit. It is the “site” that will come under this Section 8.05 – designations are related to an APN number and the site of the property. Planning Director Ewing directed HSPB to the “Findings” in the staff report. The Ordinance does identify historic resources as “sites”; however, in the past Council has adopted a more narrow protection on various sites where only certain buildings or certain portions of buildings have been granted protection. There is a basis for the Board to protect less than a site if that is the Board’s direction to Council. Staff gave the Oasis Hotel as an example...the Tower is the designated site within this property. Board member Hayton spoke in favor of saving the area around the existing building to maintain view corridors and spirit of the original development. The buildings now being considered by HSPB were developed with the entire site area in mind, not just the structure. Board member J. Williams read from the report that ...”In 1969 the Inland California Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture awarded a special citation to the firm Williams and Williams for the design”...and asked if a copy of this citation is available? (It is not) Nine years after the building was completed, it was already recognized as significant building – it is important to have a copy of that in the file. Board member J. Williams read from Section 4, Item #3 that states...”No permit for the alteration of the exterior, including any and all of the defining elements and characteristics shall be issued.” and asked if that should not further state...”shall be issued without Historic Site Preservation Board approval?” He asked that this be added. Vice Chair Nelson asked if the Staff Report could be to protect the entire site -- not just the structure. Director Ewing stated it is important that the Board identify what the Board concludes are the historic characteristics to be identified and preserved. If the Staff Report has not identified them Historic Site Preservation Board Page 3 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting as the Board believes, then they should be put in the Findings and the Conditions of Approval as the Board requests. The Board needs to focus on what facts are believed to be relevant, this is not a growth control ordinance, it is a Historic Preservation Ordinance. He referred to and read Section 4, Item #2 in the Staff Report relative to “exterior modifications.” Staff member Lyon referred to page 2 of the revised Staff Report regarding “setting.” It is within the Board’s authority to make an argument about what is the key characteristic of “setting” in this case. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Nicki McLaughlin, Vice President of the P.S. Modern Committee, spoke in behalf of the entire membership of Mod Com (400+) to encourage the Board to vote 300 South Palm Canyon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site. Michael Braun, representative of Wessman Holdings, the owner of the Santa Fe Federal Building at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, stated that they object and oppose the listing of this building as a Class 1 Historic Site for several reasons ... (read from a statement --attached for reference) William Butler spoke in favor of the nomination including the entire site. PUBLIC COMMENTS CLOSED Staff member Lyon noted that the Baristo Lofts project was reviewed by the Architectural Advisory Committee and sent back for a second restudy after this Staff Report was written. Board member Nelson advised that prior to this building being there, it was the site of the Hotel Del Tahquitz – one of the first hotels in Palm Springs, which makes the site even more historically significant, richer, and more valuable. Board member Hayton encouraged everyone to support for this historical designation. Chair S. Williams referred to the article written in The Public Record when Mr. Williams received his FAIA award... it indicates that this was one of his favorite buildings. An earlier speaker commented there were other buildings more significant. Board member Strahl agreed that this building is unique and it being shy of the 50 year standard is not relevant. The Santa Fe Federal Bank building is unique in its own characteristics and it should be preserved. Board member Nelson feels that because of this building’s uniqueness it is probably the single most important commercial building in the valley. Board member J. Williams agreed -- it is one of the most significant buildings in Palm Springs. Board member Strahl stated that he is very pleased to see members of the public coming out to support this building. Staff member Lyon asked the Board to clarify the issues on the “setting” when making a motion related to this project. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 4 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting Vice Chair Nelson moved to recommend to the City Council the designation of 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, formerly known as Santa Fe Federal as a Class 1 historic site with the stipulation that the entire setting aka “site” be designated a Class 1 Historic Site without any future alterations, modifications, or development to the APN in its entirety. Seconded by Board member James Hayton Board member J. Williams recommended adding...”without Historic Site Preservation Board’s approval.” The motion was amended to read: Vice Chair Nelson moved to recommend to the City Council the designation of 300 South Palm Canyon Drive, formerly known as Santa Fe Federal as a Class 1 historic site with the stipulation that the entire setting aka “site” be designated a Class 1 Historic Site without any future alterations, modifications, or development to the APN in its entirety without the Historic Site Preservation Board’s approval. Staff member Lyon stated that this is also amending Item #3 of the Draft Resolutions. Planning Director Ewing stated there needs to be more discussion on the Findings in this Resolution to provide guidance for the reasons the Board wants to capture the entire site. Before voting on the motion, Board needs to clarify the key issues of the “setting”. Board member Strahl suggested this be done in the Staff Report to Council – page 7 by adding 4. “g.” One of the things that makes this building important to HSPB is it’s partial floating pavilion style on its open setting with nothing crowding around it. Change the Staff Report to add the additional Finding “g.” that HSPB feels it’s important the building remain in its “open setting” on all four sides including the parking lot. Wants to call out the “openness on all four sides” – this is important. Planning Director Ewing read from his notes.... ”partial pavilion style on open setting with nothing crowding around it on all four sides, including the parking lot on the open side of the building. The idea is there is open space on all four sides of the building, including those sides facing the parking lot.” VOTE: M/S/C (Nelson/Hayton – 6 yes, 0 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstention) to nominate designation of 300 South Palm Canyon Drive (Santa Fe Federal Bank Building) passed unanimously. Motion stated above. 8. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUESTS: N ON E 9. OTHER BUSINESS: A. The Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon drive ACTION: Initiate process to recommend designation as a Class 1 Historic Site Board member J. Williams asked about the historic building evaluation’s “Conclusions and Recommendations” (page 12) and asked if this is a typical conclusion for a building that only qualified for local designation? One of those options was comprehensive documentation if demolition was being considered. Staff responded that similar recommendations are coming through on some of the other buildings, particularly around the Monte Vista Hotel, Orchid Tree, and the Racquet Club reports. It is a language consistent with buildings that don’t have a high level of defined significance. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 5 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting Board member Nelson read Recommendation Option 1, and stated if restoration came about then that would make it eligible for start and if a local Class 1 Historic Site designation was successful, then it will most likely become eligible for California designation once someone has gong through the process of preserving, restoring, and bringing it back to an original state. Chair S. Williams commented that there have been many alterations on this building and it is in dilapidated condition. Board member Hayton visited the building and site over a year ago, the condition has deteriorated since, but current development is headed in the direction of mixed-use and if the second-story apartments could be restored – it would be an ideal mixed-use project with incredible views. It’s important to look through the decrepit condition and move forward with designating this property. Board member Nelson voiced his support of the broker trying to sell the building as an adaptive re-use project. The recent issue of Dwell Magazine has a cover story on former buildings being adaptively re-used – restaurants, offices, etc. This building could be brought back to all of the greatness that Stewart Williams designed and it needs to be saved. Demolition by neglect is not acceptable. Staff member Lyon referred to page 11 of the Evaluation where it states in part...”The relatively simple design of the former Potter Clinic demonstrates the typical characteristics of Williams’ trademark style, but would not be considered an important example of Williams’ large body of work. The report suggests that the building’s significance is the fact that Williams was the architect. The Board needs to be very clear on what is there that is making this building important and is there enough here to warrant the research and investigation for a designation process. Board member Strahl commented that if it didn’t have Stewart Williams’ name attached to it, it probably would not be here now. Don’t know if it’s a fine example of his work, in this particular case, the building is probably not worth saving and feels staff’s energy should be focused on other buildings. Board member J. Williams’ concern is if HSPB does not take action to initiate the designation process that the Board is in fact making the decision now that this building does not qualify and the Board does not have information to make a decision yet. There is only the historic assess- ment, there is no staff report, and there has not been much work done on this. Also feels that if the Board does not move ahead, it is saying that the building is not worth saving. He feels it warrants an investigative process so a determination can be made. Board member J. Williams moved that the Board initiate a process to recommend designation of the Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive as a Class 1 Historic Site. Seconded by Board member Bud Riley. Board member J. Nelson pointed out that there are lots of options. The building is well documented and it should be saved. Staff member Lyon commented on the references used by CRM Tech to prepare this assessment and asked if the Board takes action to initiate study, since CRM has reviewed a multitude of sources – where else can we go for additional information? Chair S. Williams stated that there are no plans or other documents in the archives – there are Historic Site Preservation Board Page 6 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting Shulman photos primarily of the upper apartments. The Board needs to focus it’s energies on buildings that are in danger but also in a condition that it’s reasonable to protect them. Staff member Lyon stated that if the Board wishes to protect the building while the investigation is being conducted, a separate motion is needed for a “stay of demolition” on the building per 8.05.170. After much discussion, it was M/S/C (J. Williams/Nelson 5 Yes, 1 No, 0 Absent, 0 Abstentions) that the Board initiate the process to determine whether the former Potter Clinic at 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive should be classified as a Class 1 or Class 2 Historic Site based on the fact that the CRM report suggests as Option 1... “the building be rehabilitated, restored, and incorporated into a project design compatible for adaptive re- use” and to follow in order after the five properties already in process. Board member J. Williams asked that the next Agenda include a Stay of Demolition on the 1000 North Palm Canyon Drive property. Planning Director Ewing stated that in the event a request for demolition is received – staff will consult with the Chair of HSPB and call a special meeting with a 72-hour notice. The Board could then take action to issue a Stay of Demolition within a reasonable period of time. Staff will watch for this. 9. B. Public Arts Commission – Report from Michael Stern re Art & Historic Site Map Joint Efforts William Butler, Vice Chair, reported that PAC has a very old map that needs updating. The Commission thought it might be good to combine the efforts of PAC and HSPB. Their original map had some advertising slots, but the Commission wants to keep this one free of any commercial involvement. A City staff member reported the City web site is being updated as well as some of the “branding” of the City. The Commission’s understanding of this is that it may encompass everything that the City publishes which may impact the design of all printed materials. No time frame has been discussed. The end result should be a good map that is appealing to a very broad audience. The PAC Visual Outreach Subcommittee is working on this. Chair S. Williams indicated the HSPB budget proposed for 2007/208 includes educational materials, maps, etc. and perhaps this might work out for both groups. Board member Strahl asked about the splitting of costs. Staff member Lyon asked if a subcommittee from HSPB would be appropriate. Board member Nelson asked about reaching out to a philanthropic organization that might assist with the expense of this project, and he volunteered to help. Mr. Butler is chairman of the fundraising subcommittee and reported having other organizations suggested a combined effort from both groups to raise these funds from outside organizations. They have also identified a number of grants available at state and federal level. The Board agreed that it would work with the Public Arts Commission in this project. Agenda re-arranged to accommodate waiting speakers. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 7 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting 11. B. Palm Springs Historical Society – Presentation of Available Services and Resources Jeri Vogelsang, Assistant Curator, explained the services offered by the Historical Society to the community. The Society was founded in 1955, resides the two oldest buildings in Palm Springs – McCallum Adobe and the Cornelia White House on the Village Green at 221 South Palm Canyon Drive. The Adobe museum is now the depository for over 25,000 photos and documents, articles, artifacts, and P.S. memorabilia that have been donated or collected over the years. Some are on display and all are available for research purposes. The museum is open to the public October thru May five days per week, and they do annual research for authors, television, movies, the media, and for people searching for historical information. Reproductions of all photos are available for sale at $35 per photo, scanned to a disk or 8 x 10 prints with a museum quality printer. Sanborn maps are also available. Research fees are $50 per hour. The Society is a non- profit organization with about 400 members. Memberships start at $30 per year, and operating costs come from admissions, research fees, memberships, and donations. The museums are manned entirely by volunteers, the phone is 760-323-8297, and the web site is www.palmspringshistoricalsociety.org. There is someone there seven days per week. A fundraiser at the Camelot Theatre will be Thursday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. with a showing an original feature length film on the Historic Smoke Tree Ranch in the 1930’s and 40’. It’s a new film, never been seen before and is comprised of old stills, home movies that were taken at Smoke tree Ranch during the 1930’s & 40’s. Tickets are $10 in advance through the Historical Society at 323-8297. Tickets at the door will be $12. Will check to see if this movie will be available on DVD. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS AND SPECIAL PROJECTS: A. Media Outreach - John Williams No Report B. Historic Site Plaques Update - Bud Riley Members were asked to review the Draft Rules & Procedures for Markers distributed this morning and submit questions or comments at the next meeting. Staff member Lyon pointed out that the Ordinance states that plaques are submitted to the Planning Commission review and approval. Planning Director Ewing suggested a model residential plaque and a model commercial plaque to present to Planning Commission for their approval, attach HSPB’s procedures, and get it all approved to fulfill this section of the Ordinance so there is protocol and approved designs for plaques. Board member J Nelson volunteered to help locate and take photos of all plaques. Board member B. Strahl asked about the installation status of the plaques. Staff is preparing to get these installed within the next month or so. C. HSPB Brochure Project - Jade Nelson It is done and can be taken off the Agenda. It was also suggested that a copy be sent to all the 53 owners of the properties identified from the Survey as being significant, and to use any funds in the budget at the end of the fiscal year for more brochures. Thank you letter was sent to designer Clara Nelson on behalf of HSPB. D. P.S. Preservation Foundation - Jade Nelson Modernism Week was extremely successful and the Preservation Foundation increased its Historic Site Preservation Board Page 8 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting membership. Details can be found on www.pspf.net Staff member Lyon suggested inviting representatives from these organizations to speak at HSPB meetings to inform the public of the services and informational resources available. Vice Chair Nelson suggested William Kopelk, President of the Preservation Foundation, and a licensed landscape architect and will invite him for the April meeting. Will let staff know if he will be speaking. E. P.S. Historical Society – Sidney Williams No report today. F. P.S. Modern Committee - John Williams P.S. Modern Committee Modernism Week was probably the most successful in the history of the City and raised awareness of the mid-century architecture in P.S. All the events were excellent. G. Architecture & Design Council - Sidney Williams The next lecture is Jennifer Siegal, a L.A. architect specializing in pre-fabs, at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 25 in the Annenberg Theater. Tickets are available at 323-4490 and are $10 to the public and $5 for the A&D members Further details can be obtained at www.psmuseum.org. H. Production of Palm Springs Map of Public Art & Significant Architecture – Joint Proposal between PS Art Commission and HSPB – Sidney Williams________________________ Already discussed with Mr. Butler from the Arts Commission. 11. STAFF & OTHER REPORTS: A. 2007/2008 Budget Submitted to Council Planning Director Ewing reported that the HSPB budget was included in the Planning draft budget and submitted to the City Manager. 12. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: Board member Nelson reported that the California Preservation Foundation’s annual conference in Hollywood is May 3 - 5, there is a schedule in the Board packets. Early bird registration is by April 2 for the discount. There is a CEQA & Historic Resources Workshop on March 30 at the P.S. Art Museum. Four Board members and two staff members are registered to attend. (8:30 to 5 p.m.) Board member Nelson referred to the February 27 Memo related to page 2 second paragraph about the ....”60 hours of staff time to process each nomination for historic designation....” He urged each Board member to take one of the sites for research and investigation. Those researching sites are: J. Nelson – Bank of America B. Riley – Invernada Patrick McGrew – Oasis Commercial Building S. Williams – Santa Fe Federal (completed) S. Williams – Washington Mutual Planning Director Ewing commented that the 60 hours is inclusive of all staff and a lot of people are involved. The volunteer work is important and helps a great deal. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 9 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting Board member Nelson asked for clarification of Memo Item #2 “Changes to Penalties for Violations Related to Non-Permitted Demolition.....” Planning Director Ewing advised there is no absolute number, and the violations are a limited number. The issue of what is palatable in the community. Board member J. Williams expressed concern about Item 1 – “Changes to the Ordinance Regarding the 2004 Survey...” He has heard several Council members say they thought properties listed in the Survey had protection, and he’s not sure that everyone understands that there is no protection. Feels this must be communicated to those concerned and involved. Board member Nelson asked for the status on the Channel 17 captioning of the historic photos being shown. Staff reported that members J. Williams and Hayton will work with staff to complete this project. Chair S. Williams asked abut the progress of the Oasis’ Loretta’s Hideaway restaurant. Director Ewing reported they have all their entitlements, it’s a matter of where they are in the plan check process to obtain a building permit. Staff will get an update and report back. Board member J. Williams asked for an update on the Orchid Tree project. Staff will get and report back. Staff member Lyon reported that the two tenants and owner of the La Plaza business have been notified about the colors and awning –appropriate applications are forthcoming. The Kalura restaurant paint question – they will re-paint to match the existing color. Board member Strahl asked how the owners or tenants could not know about the process if they own or occupy a historic property, and if there is mechanism of informing them. Planning Director Ewing agreed that notification could be developed, it would have to be on-going. 13. ADJOURNMENT: It was moved, seconded, and unanimously passed that the meeting be adjourned at 10:59 a.m. Next meeting will be at 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2007 in the Large Conference room at City Hall. Respectfully submitted, Ken Lyon, Associate Planner Attachment: 1. Michael Braun Statement Historic Site Preservation Board Page 10 of 10 Minutes from the March 13, 2007 Meeting Historic Preservation Board March 13th 2007 My name is Michael Braun and I am representing Wessman Holdings, the owner of the Santa Fe Federal building, which is on your agenda today: As the property owner we object and oppose the listing of this building as a Class 1 Historic Site for the following reasons: 1) There is no event or individual of historic significance associated with this building 2) It was built in 1963 according to the city’s own survey, which makes it short of the 50 year benchmark that is typically used in establishing federal or state historic designations 3) This building - although beautiful - is not unique in the city as the architect Stewart Williams was quite prolific having designed the Oasis office building, several other bank buildings, the La Plaza Shopping Center and most notably, the Desert Museum. 4) In designating buildings historic this commission and the City Council must balance the need for preservation, but also recognize the threat of the economic vitality of such buildings in Palm Springs. The city demands not only preservation, but also progress and redevelopment. Given the buildings location and the fact that Stewart Williams has better examples of his work, we do not believe that the Santa Fe Federal Savings building warrants a historic Class 1 designation and that such designation ultimately will be harmful to the building, the site and more important to the city’s efforts to revitalize that section of downtown.