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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-05-13- HSPB Minutes HISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014 LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER: Chair DeLeeuw called the meeting to order at 9:01 a.m. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Chair DeLeeuw, Vice-Chair Johns, Board members Burkett, Ploss, Williamson. ABSENT: Board member Hays ALSO PRESENT: Director Wheeler, Associate Planner Lyon. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: No changes. PUBLIC COMMENT: TRACY CONRAD had concern regarding Welwood Murray. She felt the color was ok, but the ornamentation was unnecessary. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and does not need a decorative stamp on every glass. ROBERT IMBER agreed regarding excessive ornamentation at Welwood. He commended all, and thanked everyone for planning the May 17 Preservation Month event. DAVID CAREY requested approval of Welwood interiors. RON WILLIS, Chair of Welwood subcommittee, said they have spent much ti me on the interior architecture. He hopes the board will approve as proposed. RENEE BROWN from Palm Springs Historical Society thanked all board members for being supportive of the Cornelia White House. She pointed out that a new roof is being installed. Vice-Chair Johns thanked Renee Brown for the great articles she writes for the Desert Sun. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 2 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: MINUTES FROM THE APRIL 8 2014 MEETING. Chair DeLeeuw had changes on pages 3 & 2. Approve as amended M/S/C Williamson/Johns (4-1) Ploss 2. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2.A. BRANDENBERG OASIS, LLC, FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE OASIS COMMERCIAL BUILDING, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE AT 101-121 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD, (CASE 10 -001 SP AMND, HSPB #55). Associate Planner Lyon gave Architectural Advisory Committee comments on the application. Chair DeLeeuw had a question regarding the signs that were approved last year that staff confirmed did not meet the sign program. Board Member Ploss questioned the need for guidelines since Starbucks already has two signs. Vice-Chair Johns had a question regarding the Gyoro signage. ANA ESCALANTE, applicant’s representative, summarized the sign program. Chair DeLeeuw pointed out the four issues to be approved; 1) two signs if there are two street fronts, 2) signs on Palm Canyon to have cutout letters backlit only, 3) prohibit A-Frame signs, 4) 16 inches for the first letter height and 14 inches for the rest with logo. Director Wheeler indicated that temporary signs are handled by a separate permit. Chair DeLeeuw suggested one height for all letters, like the original aluminum letters. Vice-Chair Johns said the Architectural Advisory Committee comments are key because it is more of an architectural issue. Board Member Ploss said she would have less of a problem if no letter exceeded 16 inches. Any logo should be within the same height limitation. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 3 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting Chair DeLeeuw summarized the key points as conditions: 1) S igns should be on the same horizontal center line: agreed. 2) No accessories or cabaret signs: agreed. 3) Open/closed signs per code: agreed. 4) No service signs: agreed. 5) Menu boards, hours, and days per code: agreed. 6) New second floor signage prohibited: agreed. 7) Umbrella may have business name only: agreed. 8) No awnings on building: agreed. 9) A-frame signs per code: agreed. M/S/C Johns/Ploss (5-0) Approved the conditions as noted. 2.B. EL PASEO HOLDINGS, LLC FOR AN AMENDMENT TO THE SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE EL PASEO BUILDING, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE LOCATED at 800 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD; (HSPB #27 JOHN CROSS, applicant’s representative, presented the project. Chair DeLeeuw said existing blade sign is not approved, and after looking at a picture of the second blade sign, he felt they did not complement one another. Board member Ploss said the blade sign is one more thing that totally detracts from a beautiful building and emphasized real estate is not a walk-in trade business. Board member Burkett recommends that second floor tenants have no signs. Board member Williamson believed signage programs will help to set parameters. He questioned what would be the appropriate size and scale. Chair DeLeeuw said the sign is ok on Palm Canyon Drive next to the passageway as is blade sign on Tamarisk. M/S/C Ploss/Burkett (4-1) Denied. Break- 10:45-10:55 2.C. CONSIDERATION OF CLASS 1 DESIGNATION OF THE PALM SPRINGS RACQUET CLUB, LOCATED AT 2745 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE R-2 (HSPB #83) Associate Planner Lyon summarized the project and noted the owner would prefer not to pursue designation at this time. M/S/C Johns/Ploss (5-0) Table. 2.D. A CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR RENOVATION OF THE INTERIOR SPACES AT THE WELWOOD MURRAY MEMORIAL LIBRARY, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE, LOCATED AT Historic Site Preservation Board Page 4 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting 100 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD, (CASE 3.1032 MAA, HSPB #3). AL SMOOT, Project Administrator, said that he has reviewed the project with five committees before today and each committee has unanimously approved the proposal. MICHAEL THOMAS, designer, presented the proposal. Vice-Chair Johns said the HSPB has a subcommittee for the Welwood Murray also. Was there another design scheme rejected? Were there other proposals that went to these groups? He asked which five committees were approached by Mr. Smoot. MR. THOMAS said he had sufficient data input and put his ideas into the design. Vice-Chair Johns said it was overly decorated and ornamented, and hopes to work with Mr. Thomas to eliminate some things. The lighting feature combined with the circle in square feature is over-ornamented. He would like it to have an original institutional feel. As of now it has more of a 1999 feel not 1940’s. Board member Burkett said the difference between restore and redesign is important. It was barebones back in the 40’s. The acoustical wall cover is not in character and the colors are not understandable. Board member Williamson said the use of space is done very well. He did not find the design choices, especially the use of medallions, incongruent with the building and its design. Board member Ploss highlighted that John Porter Clark designed clean lines and clerestory windows. The computer station desk looks more like New York City not Palm Springs. The layout is fine, but the style of i nterior is not Palm Springs. The medallions, chandelier and use of color do not have the same intent as the original building. The overuse of medallions is not appropriate. Chair DeLeeuw said he was disappointed that the HSPB subcommittee was not involved, because Mr. Thomas was not given the correct direction. We need to preserve our building. We all agree the layout is ok and the colors are generally ok. The medallions are a problem as is the front desk. The PSPF volunteered to have built a replica of the original desk which is iconic, but unfortunately the gift was denied. Motion by Vice-Chair Johns, second by Board member Ploss with conditions: 1) Remove all medallions. 2) Explore gift from PSPF to replicate the original desk. Desk to be original size, style and shape. Amendments were proposed and accepted. 3) Candlestick lights to be removed. 4) W all covering behind be removed. 5) Single stem chandelier. 6) The new table lamps shall reflect 40’s Historic Site Preservation Board Page 5 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting Palm Springs and return to HSPB. 7) Wood style chairs be return to HSPB for review. M/S/C Johns/Ploss (5-0) Approved with conditions. Board member Williamson said he would vote for it without conditions. 2.E. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT FOR MODIFICATIONS TO THE WEST FAÇADE OF THE PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE, LOCATED AT TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY AT EL CIELO ROAD, ZONE A (HSPB #70). TOM NOLAN, Palm Springs Airport Executive Director, said no construction work has been done. When any work is proposed, the board will be involved every step of the way. MR. NOLAN expressed that moving the façade westward would help to increase functionality, a very small piece that affects the master plan. Chair DeLeeuw asked if there could be any way around enclosing the covered front entry porches. MR. NOLAN said if there was any way around it, then they would consider it. The airlines do not want a longer counter. They will look at a separate kiosk off the ticketing area, and expose the original columns and use existing materials. Board Member Ploss pointed out that losing a lane of traffic would be better than losing the overhang and covered entry. Board Member Williamson said the overhang is charming and functional. Making the sidewalk narrower may just increase congestion. Vice-Chair Johns would like it to stay as is. He felt there has to be another way. It may be unnecessary in the future. He suggested taking the stucco off of the columns, as well as moving the car agencies out before anything is changed to the façade. MR. NOLAN replied yes to his recommendation. GRANT WILSON, LSA Consultants, said should the area expand, it will stop short of columns. Restoring them would be part of any such project. Mr. Nolan concurred. M/S/C Johns/Ploss (5-0) Approved. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 6 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3.A. CONSIDERATION OF HISTORIC DESIGNATION NOMINATION FOR CASE HSPB 90, THE TOWN & DESERT APARTMENTS, LOCATED AT 370 WEST ARENAS ROAD. Continued to next meeting. 3.B. A CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY BANK OF AMERICA FOR ADA UPGRADES AND EXTERIOR REHABILITATION AT THE CITY NATIONAL BANK BUILDING, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE LOCATED AT 588 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE ZONE C-1 (HSPB 52). Director Wheeler reviewed the Architectural Advisory Committee comments and action. She instructed the Historical Site Preservation Board to act or send back to the AAC for additional comments. KARL KELLOGG and STEVE HAMILTON, applicant’s representatives, said it is a beautiful building that they want to preserve. Board Member Williamson felt it was wonderful that the bank is willing to do these improvements and supports everything they are doing. Board Member Ploss asked questions regarding the choice of planting. Chair DeLeeuw complimented the design. Vice-Chair Johns recommended replacing the sun screen some day in the future. M/S/C Ploss/Williamson (5-0) Approved. Board Member Williamson left at 12:30pm. 3.C. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY PACIFICA 39 LLC, OWNER, FOR APPROVAL OF AN ENTRY PORTICO AT THE TRIADA HOTEL & SPA, (FORMERLY THE SPANISH INN) A CONTRIBUTING STRUCTURE (CLASS 1) IN THE LAS PALMAS BUSINESS HISTORIC DISTRICT (HD-1), LOCATED AT 640 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE (HSPB 49). CAREY ALGAZE, applicant’s representative, indicated that they want the sign to be backlit. She discussed the infill of the arches. She agreed to fill archway to top and bring back the metal gates. The Board agreed the sign being backlit was acceptable. Board Member Ploss recommended just bringing the gates back and retaining the open arches. The owners could weld the wrought iron gates shut. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 7 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting Board Member Burkett agreed. Vice-Chair Johns said the train has left the station. It is in a historical district not a historical building. He suggested adding a window at the top of the arch. Chair DeLeeuw was ok with closing the arch. Motion to approve by Chair failed to get second. Vice-Chair Johns moved to approve with a condition to fill in the archways per application with windows and that wrought iron be re-installed. Failed to get second. M/S/C Ploss/Burkett (2-2) Approve with conditions to reinstall gates, remove wall. Motion failed. M/S/C Ploss/Burkett (3-1, Johns) Approve with conditions that walls at the entry to be removed, re-install wrought iron gates, and install clear glass within the archway. Board Member Ploss preferred the shorter, original canopy. Vice-Chair Johns preferred original lengthened archway. Chair DeLeeuw concurred with the shorter canopy, with Vice-Chair Johns’ preference as a second choice. Board Member Burkett said a longer trellis is more in scale. M/S/C DeLeeuw/Ploss (5-0) Approve short trellis canopy if moving forward now. Approved long canopy with wall if moving forward in the future. 3.D. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY RAMLA USA, INC. ON BEHALF OF BRANDENBURG OASIS PLAZA, LLC TO RETAIN AN EXISTING MISTING SYSTEM ON THE EXTERIOR SOFFIT OF THE OASIS COMMERCIAL BUILDING, A CLASS ONE HISTORIC SITE LOCATED AT 105 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD (3.1289 MAA, HSPB #55). YUJI UENO, applicant, apologized for not having been in attendance personally at previous meetings. He asked for approval to allow the existing misting system to remain, given the restaurant is mainly exterior. He wants to target the locals just as much as the tourists and feels a misting system in the summer months is crucial. He presented pictures of the existing misting system. Board Member Ploss said she does not like misters, but she understands the Historic Site Preservation Board Page 8 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting need. Director Wheeler explained that removal of the existing misting system is in previously approved conditions of approval. Vice-Chair Johns thanked Mr. Ueno for coming and asked about column damage. MR. UENO indicated this was being corrected. Board Member Burkett said it was a valid request and agreed to go ahead and approve misters. Board Member Ploss was concerned about possible damage that the misting system could cause. Chair DeLeeuw questioned if maintenance would be enforceable. Director Wheeler said yes. M/S/C Johns/Ploss (5-0) Approved with condition: Improve the misting system by encapsulating the round tubing with rectangular covers. 4. REPORTS: 4.A. PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR UPDATE TO THE CITYWIDE HISTORIC RESOURCE DATABASE Director Wheeler provided a brief update. 4.B. 2014 NATIONAL PRESERVATION MONTH EVENT - MAY 17, 2014. The Board discussed dates of May 2nd or 3rd for the event next year and also briefly mentioned potential locations. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: Vice-Chair Johns discussed the proclamation from City Council that he accepted on May 7 th and displayed it framed for the board. Board member Ploss thanked Associate Planner Lyon for agreeing to serve as a tour guide and asked for the Charlie Farrell estate to be brought up. STAFF COMMENTS: Director Wheeler discussed an up-coming field trip. Historic Site Preservation Board Page 9 of 9 Minutes from the May 13, 2014 Meeting ADJOURNMENT: The Chair adjourned the Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting at 1:09 p.m. The Historic Site Preservation Board will adjourn to its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, June 10, 2014 at 9:00 a.m., in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. __________________________ M. Margo Wheeler, FAICP Director of Planning Services