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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-10- HSPB MinutesHISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 10, 2014 LARGE CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL CALL TO ORDER: Chair DeLeeuw called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Chair DeLeeuw, Vice-Chair Johns, Board members Burkett, Hays, Ploss, Williamson. ALSO PRESENT: Director Wheeler, Associate Planner Lyon, and Intern Salzer ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: M/S/C (Johns/Hays, 6-0) PUBLIC COMMENT: NONE 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: MAY 13, 2014 MEETING. Approve as amended M/S/C Ploss/Williamson (6-0) 2. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2.A. CLASS 1 DESIGNATION APPLICATION BY WAHOO CAL HOTELS, LLC (OWNER) AND THE PALM SPRINGS PRESERVATION FOUNDATION FOR THE SITE KNOWN AS THE TOWN & DESERT APARTMENTS, LOCATED AT 370 WEST ARENAS ROAD, ZONE R-3, GENERAL PLAN: SMALL HOTEL, (HSPB 90) STAFF MEMBER LYON summarized the staff report. RON DUBY, APPLICANT, spoke on behalf of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation in regards to the rehabilitation of the Town and Desert Apartments. BOARD MEMBER PLOSS reported that she inspected the site the morning of June 6, 2014 and felt that the site was very meticulous and beautiful. She believed the private back gardens are an important feature of such small hotels. As a whole she felt the owners have done a great job in maintaining and restoring the site. Historic Site Peservation Board Minutes from the June 10, 2014 Meeting Page 2 of 6 VICE-CHAIR JOHNS was duly impressed after taking a tour of the property with Board Member Burkett. He felt it catapults Herbert Burns into a new category and he is 100 percent in favor. BOARD MEMBER BURKETT expressed his hopes in the City granting Class 1 status, that it will further acknowledge the work of architectural designer Herbert Burns. He voiced his opinion in regard to the architectural features, particularly the use of the low wall mounted outside lights. VICE-CHAIR WILLIAMSON felt the application clearly put the building in a social and cultural context. BOARD MEMBER HAYS thanked the PSPF for the amount of research that was done. CHAIR DELEEUW expressed his excitement for the Burns property. M/S/C Ploss/Hays (6-0) Approve staff’s recommendation for Class 1 designation. 3. NEW BUSINESS: 3.A. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR REHABILITATION OF THE EXTERIOR OF THE CORNELIA WHITE HOUSE, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE LOCATED AT THE VILLAGE GREEN PARK, 225 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD AND A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA (HSPB 4). ASSOCIATE PLANNER LYON summarized the staff report and recommended approval. APPLICANT RUEL YOUNG, architect, summarized the project. He recommended a second skin by sheathing over the existing walls so that there was a weather barrier, rather than using a piece by piece method. He emphasized that the existing caulking at the base of the wall traps water and needs to be removed. He described the three wall types in the building, and reminded the board that the building has been moved twice. BOARD MEMBER PLOSS asked what part of the building’s exterior will remain. She was concerned that the proposed approach is akin to building a replica versus preserving the existing building. MR. YOUNG said covering and protecting the existing structure is what is proposed, but the whole building will remain. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS asked if the work being done can be undone at a later date. Historic Site Peservation Board Minutes from the June 10, 2014 Meeting Page 3 of 6 MR. YOUNG said yes. BOARD MEMBER HAYS had questions regarding page 5 of the plans. He asked if the original beltcourse plank that sticks out can be dimensionally maintained. MR. YOUNG said yes. ASSOCIATE PLANNER LYON added that is the recommendation of the staff report. BOARD MEMBER BURKETT asked if the sheathing will be enough protection from weather damage and mold. MR. YOUNG said the new skin is separate from the old skin so the air can get between the two, this provides air circulation to reduce further damage. He stated that the mold situation could perhaps be stabilized with chemicals. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS asked if there was a second proposal. ASSOCIATE PLANNER LYON stated that a proposal in 2012 did not go forward due to budget constraints. BOARD MEMBER PLOSS had concern about heavy periods of rain damaging the building further. MR. YOUNG said the weather barrier and the weep screed are what are intended to prevent mold and water damage. BOARD MEMBER BURKETT added that it is vital that landscaping be discussed. BOARD MEMBER WILLIAMSON had concern with the building ending up as a replica. MR. YOUNG expressed that there has already been repairs done to the building. The porch has been completely rebuilt as well. DIRECTOR WHEELER requested that Mr. Lyon review proposed conditions. ASSOCIATE PLANNER LYON reviewed the proposed conditions. He stated that this proposal is a very competent effort in recreating the White House, and the original materials will not be destroyed. He confirmed that Architect Young is taking a very careful approach in preventing further deterioration in fixing the problems. Historic Site Peservation Board Minutes from the June 10, 2014 Meeting Page 4 of 6 MR. YOUNG articulated his firm’s desire to design and reconstruct the building repairs similar to its original condition, he concluded by saying the building will appear very similar to its original appearance. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS believed it was a good approach but could not support it. He expressed that this board should insist on a total restoration. He was afraid the second skin will be too similar to the Carnell Building, which was a faux solution. He does not want this period of our architecture to be lost, and felt that if this is a financial issue; the money must be found somewhere. BOARD MEMBER HAYS expressed his absolute support of the project. He stated that the piece by piece method is not a guarantee and at some point we will have to revisit this issue of rehabilitation. BOARD MEMBER PLOSS said she puts faith in what Mr. Young does and the way he works, but just fears the word replica. BOARD MEMBER BURKETT believed we should at least look at the piece by piece method. He asked if the wood could be replaned in any way. MR. YOUNG emphasized the fact that 90 percent of the boards are water damaged, but some could possibly be cut off and reused. CHAIR DELEEUW asked if whatever is proposed can be reversed if money becomes available for a full restoration. MR. YOUNG said yes. CHAIR DELEEUW believed it is important to stabilize and protect what is there. He supports Young’s approach. BOARD MEMBER WILLIAMSON expressed his concern about the money. CHAIR DELEEUW stated that it is not the board’s responsibility to worry about the money. Motion by VICE-CHAIR JOHNS to table in order to explore piece by piece option more to authentically restore the building. Second by BOARD MEMBER WILLIAMSON amend by BOARD MEMBER BURKETT that the irrigation and desert landscaping be incorporated into the proposal. M/S/C (3-3) Ploss/DeLeeuw/Hays, motion failed. M/S/C Hays/Deleeuw (2-4) approved with staff recommendations, motion failed. Historic Site Peservation Board Minutes from the June 10, 2014 Meeting Page 5 of 6 M/S/C Ploss/Williamson (6-0) approved to move recommendation to implement 2012 landscape plan. M/S/C Johns/Ploss (6-0) continue to next meeting to consider piece by piece proposal. 3.B CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY THE PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM FOR EXTERIOR MODIFICATIONS AT THE SANTA FE FEDERAL SAVINGS & LOAN BUILDING (NOW THE EDWARDS HARRIS ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN CENTER), A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE LOCATED AT 300 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD AND A CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION PURSUANT TO CEQA (HSPB 54). STAFF MEMBER LYON summarized the staff report. APPLICANT SIDNEY WILLIAMS summarized the project. CHAIR DELEEUW asked if the area of the proposed outdoor terrace was originally parking. MS. WILLIAMS responded yes. BOARD MEMBER PLOSS said it was a lovely use of space, but would have to vote no because the Olive trees are not indigenous. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS asked if the olive trees will be growing naturally or will they be pruned to look a certain way. He wondered if Palo Verde trees could be put in place of the Olive trees. MS. WILLIAMS expressed that the Olive trees were in the original landscape plan. CHAIR DELEEUW stated that Palo Verde trees are very messy, and has no problem with the Olive trees. M/S/C Hays/Johns (5-1) Ploss. Approved with conditions by staff. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: BOARD MEMBER PLOSS noted: 1) The estate on the corner of Miraleste and Tamarisk, with the gate with an “H” on it, was Spanish revival and has been sitting empty for years, has had no changes made to it and may be worthy of classification. 2) Charlie Farrell must get on the agenda. 3) Lack of first name in minutes. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS was disappointed that the City Council appealed Welwood-Murray decision and voted to overrule all but one condition. He prefers City Council rely less on personal taste and instead accept HSPB recommendations. Historic Site Peservation Board Minutes from the June 10, 2014 Meeting Page 6 of 6 BOARD MEMBER BURKETT thanked the entire board for work on the National Preservation Month event on May 17th and distributed the surveys filled out by attendees from the May 17th symposium . He was very proud of the buzz that was created throughout the city. Thanked the local organizations, said the event would not have been so successful without them. He thanked Margo and Staff for their commitment and expressed the desire and ability to increase the numbers for next year’s symposium. CHAIR DELEEUW emphasized the need to follow up with code enforcement review of the blade sign on The El Paseo Building that he believed was not approved. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS expressed his sincere pleasure in serving as the Vice-Chairman to Chairman DeLeeuw. STAFF COMMENTS: DIRECTOR WHEELER introduced Lanay Salzer the intern that will be documenting the HSPB meetings. Reminded all of the field trip on June 17th and added that she hasn’t heard from everyone yet. She reminded that the board members are allowed no more than two absences for any reason July-June. Reminded the Board there will be an election next meeting for new officers. Mentioned a possible 7/23 workshop with the Planning Commission. VICE-CHAIR JOHNS read the Proclamation for Chair DeLeeuw. ADJOURNMENT: The Historic Site Preservation Board adjourned to its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, July 8, 2014 at 9:00 a.m, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall. ________________________ Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services