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Home My WebLink About2014-11-18- HSPB MinutesHISTORIC SITE PRESERVATION BOARD CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA Large Conference Room, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 www.palmspringsca.gov MINUTES CALL TO ORDER: The Chair called the meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. ROLL CALL: Chair Johns, Vice-Chair Ploss, Members Burkett, Hays, La Voie, Dixon ABSENT: Member Williamson ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.A. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: OCTOBER 12, 2014 MEETING. Board members provided correction comments to staff; M/S/C Dixon/Hays 4-1-1- (Ploss opposed, La Voie recused). To approve the October 12, 2014 minutes as amended. 2. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2.A. CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL REQUEST BY RICHARD WEINTRAUB OF NEW CHURCH II, LLC, FOR CASE 5.1345 PDD 372 CZ; THE ORCHID TREE RESORT AND SPA (ADAPTIVE REUSE OF THE COMMUNITY CHURCH, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE (HSPB 23) LOCATED AT 284 SOUTH CAHUILLA ROAD AND THE ORCHID TREE INN, A CLASS 1 HISTORIC SITE (HSPB 72) LOCATED AT 271 SOUTH BELARDO ROAD, ZONE R-3 (HSPB 23, HSPB 72 AND CASE 5.1345 PDD 372 CZ). Staff member Newell summarized two staff reports, both dated November 18, 2014 and explained aspects of the project that were modified by the applicant subsequent to the Boards’ last review of the project in October. November 18, 2014 9:00 AM REGULAR MEETING Historic Site Preservation Board Agenda November 18, 2014 Page 2 of 6 Board members expressed concern about the extent of the changes in the project since their October review and the limited time with which they had to review the new materials. Chair Johns asked the applicant to clarify how the proposed project impacts the historic resources on the site. Board member La Voie asked for clarification on the repair and restoration of the windows. He expressed concern about the relocation of the historic stone arch, the bulk, height, and scale of the project and noted that the mitigation measures on material impacts on the historic resources do not seem to be adequately described. The applicant RICHARD WEINTRAUB summarized the changes in the project since the October presentation. Chair Johns stated the project did not feel pedestrian-friendly. He confirmed with the applicant that the bell tower and south façade of the church will be retained and restored and asked about outreach to the Tennis Club Neighborhood Organization. Board member Dixon expressed concern about the project’s density being inconsistent with the neighborhood and that the project should be not greater than three stories. Board member Burkett expressed concern about the project scale overwhelming the historic resources on the site and suggested a site visit by the board. The applicant explained that the west façade of the existing church is proposed to be preserved in its entirety. He clarified that the new spa building is proposed to be constructed in roughly the middle of the area where the roof of the nave of the church used to be. Board member Hays expressed serious concern about the bulk of the proposed project being out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood. He suggested the applicant explore subterranean parking. Staff member Lyon suggested the applicant produce more 3 -dimensional images of the project to help board members better understand the parameters of the project. Board member La Voie felt the proposed spa on top of nave of the historic church is an inappropriate response to a Class 1 historic resource and suggested demolition of the 1940’s era addition to the church would not be objectionable because it is not the defining element or contributing feature of the historic church. He suggested the applicant should further study the transition of the low- Historic Site Preservation Board Agenda November 18, 2014 Page 3 of 6 scale bungalows to the larger new structure, make it more pedestrian-friendly along the streets, and break up the massing of the propos ed new buildings to better relate to the scale of the adjacent neighborhood and historic structures on the site. Chair Johns agreed with board member La Voie that removal of the non - contributing 1940’s addition may open up more of the site for new devel opment, including possible relocation of the spa. Board member Ploss expressed concern with the bulk of the proposed project, but spoke positively about the architectural style of the proposed new building. She expressed concern that views of the steeple from Palm Canyon Drive would be obscured. She expressed positive opinion about removal of the 1940’s addition to the church - that it may provide an opportunity to move the spa element off the sanctuary / nave of the church. Board member Dixon asked staff for clarification about the extent of the Board’s review responsibilities. Chair Johns invited public comment and Mr. FRANK TYSEN summarized the neighborhood’s concerns about height, views, and scale . Mr. MIKE GUERRA spoke about the project relative to the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines. Board member La Voie, asked questions about review of the project under CEQA. M/S/C (Dixon/Ploss) (6-0-1, Williamson absent) to continue to the next meeting with direction to the applicant: 1. That the size, bulk and scale be diminished, 2. That the spa area be relocated elsewhere on the site, to not be over the existing nave or near the tower, 3. That views of the tower from the southeast not be impaired. 4. That the applicant produce a three-dimensional massing study/rendering/ model of the project to include human scale and demonstrate how it fits into the neighborhood. 5. That the 1940’s addition be considered “expendable” to better arrange the uses on the site and avoid adverse impacts on the nave, sanctua ry, perimeter site wall, and bell tower. 6. Review the mitigation measures as they relate to the historic resources and clarify or expand upon the mitigation measures regarding aspects of the project that may materially impair the historic resources on the site. Historic Site Preservation Board Agenda November 18, 2014 Page 4 of 6 7. To study and enhance the spatial relationships created between the historic resources and the proposed new structures, such as the bungalow courtyard, open space around the church, viewsheds and the project’s integration into the neighborhood. 8. That the bay parking along Belardo should be re-studied to be less of an adverse impact at a pedestrian level, perhaps locating it below grade. 9. That the applicant consider stepping back the taller portions of the project from Cahuilla Road to better relate to the scale of the adjacent neighborhood. 10. That the roof of the nave be reconstructed / restored to its pre-fire appearance. 3. NEW BUSINESS: (None) 4. DISCUSSION: 4.A. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE ON PLANNING FOR MAY 2015 NATION AL PRESERVATION MONTH EVENT. (Subcommittee Ploss, Dixon, Burkett) Director Fagg noted that the City has agreed to allocate $2,000 for the event. He noted private sponsorships are not permitted for City bodies that have entitlement decision-making responsibilities. Director Fagg asked the subcommittee to identify the printing resources it might desire, so he can determine what staff and departmental resources may be available. 4.B. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE ON CC/HSPB STUDY SESSION ORDINANCE REVISIONS (Subcommittee Ploss, La Voie) Staff member Lyon summarized the three initiatives on which the subcommittee is working: (1) refine the definition of “site”, (2) clarify what aspects of the interior of public buildings are proposed for evaluation by the HSPB, and (3) listing of defining characteristics for all City-owned Class 1 buildings. Board member La Voie noted a written and photographic record of the defining characteristics of each building would be developed for Board review and recommendation to City Council. Board member La Voie requested a floor plan or map of City Hall of staff to identify the proposed interior spaces that should be subject to HSPB review. Staff member Lyon noted the end product of the subcommittee’s efforts would be a report or summary with its proposed text revisions and documentation of the defining characteristics of each city-owned Class 1 site. Historic Site Preservation Board Agenda November 18, 2014 Page 5 of 6 4.C. UPDATE ON CORNELIA WHITE HOUSE PROGRESS ON FORENSIC STUDY. Staff member Lyon reported the consultant’s efforts to augment their team with forensic specialists. Chair Johns reported that Jeri Vogelsang of the Historical Society noted interior repairs and “patches” were ongoing at the building. He asked that staff provide the Board with ongoing updates on the city’s efforts to stabilize and restore the building. 4.D. SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE ON THE LAS PALMAS BUSINESS HISTORIC DISTRICT. (Subcommittee Ploss, Burkett, Hays) – Review list of potentially contributing sites. Staff member Lyon summarized the staff memo. Following board discussion, Board member Ploss agreed to conduct outreach to individuals who she believes were involved with the creation of the district to: 1. Identify what the prior Board may have had in mind when it proposed the district, 2. Identify why the district was created and why the boundaries were set as they are, 3. Identify the criteria that the prior board used in selecting “contributing” structures. The Board agreed that next steps could include 1. Identification of the defining characteristics that the contributing sites have in common. 2. Identification of the period(s) of significance for the district. 3. Review the appropriateness of the District’s design guidelines that are used by the Board to evaluate proposed new development in the district. The Board directed staff to request that HRG make the LPBHD a priority in its field reconnaissance and survey efforts. 4.E. HSPB PARTICIPATION AT FEBRUARY 2015 MODERNISM WEEK EXPO. The Board agreed by consensus that an unmanned HSPB booth and presence would be appropriate at the Modernism Show with a photo display, brochures, handouts, and information about Preservation in Palm Springs. Staff will bring proposed material back in December for Board consideration. Historic Site Preservation Board Agenda November 18, 2014 Page 6 of 6 4.F. PALM SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT MASTER PLAN – Discussion of pending capital projects. Staff member Lyon provided an update noting the City Council received a presentation from the airport director at a recent meeting and the Council expressed that it did not like the scheme involving modification of the historic west façade of the building. Director Fagg updated the board on an ongoing private effort to nominate a collection of Albert Frey sites to the National Trust for Historic Preservation Register. Staff member Lyon reported on his trip to Sacramento to receive the City’s resolution from the California Commission on Historic Preservation on Certified Local Government. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS: Board member Hays asked about recent restoration efforts taking place at the Bank of America building noting he did not recall it coming before the board for approval (Staff clarified that the Board did review and approve the B of A work). Vice-Chair Ploss repeated her concern about deteriorated conditions at the Cork n Bottle Building. STAFF COMMENTS: Staff member Lyon summarized the efforts of HRG on the Citywide Historic Resource Survey and passed out information about the “Historypin.com” website for public participation in the survey process. ADJOURNMENT: The Historic Site Preservation Board will adjourn to its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 2014 at 9:00 A.M, in the Large Conference Room at City Hall.