HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-06- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262
Minutes of April 6, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fauber called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Committee Members Present: Cassady, Hirschbein, Purnel, Secoy-Jensen, Song
and Chair Fauber
Committee Members Excused:. Vice -Chair Fredricks
Planning Commissioner Present: Doug Hudson
Staff Present: Flinn Fagg, Glenn Mlaker, David Newell and Edward Robertson
REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: The agenda was available for public
access at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning
Department counter by Thursday, April 2, 2015.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
M/S/C (Secoy-Jensen/Cassady, 6-1, Fredricks absent) Accept the agenda, as
presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: MARCH 23, 2015 MINUTES.
(M/S/C Secoy-Jensen/Purnel, 6-1-1, Fauber abstained, Fredricks absent) Approve, as
submitted.
NEW BUSINESS:
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
April 6, 2015
2. NEW CHURCH II, LLC. FOR RENOVATING THE EXISTING HISTORIC
CHURCH AND ORCHID TREE BUNGALOWS FOR ADAPTIVE RE -USE AND
DEMOLISHING PORTIONS OF THE SITE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW
BANQUET HALL AND THREE-STORY HOTEL ON A ROUGHLY 3.1-ACRE SITE
LOCATED AT 222 S. CAHUILLA ROAD (CASE 5.1345 PD-372 / CUP / HSPB 23 /
HSPB 72 13.0678 MAJ). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project.
Member Hirschbein asked if discussion could include historic structures
Member Secoy-Jenson inquired if there is support from the Tennis Club Neighborhood
Association for this project.
Chair Fauber requested an explanation of the diagram submitted with letter from Mr.
Kasper (dated 3/15/15).
RICHARD WEINTRAUB, applicant, provided details in reference to feedback from the
neighborhood, visibility of the steeple, parking exposure, hotel entrance, cottages,
facade material and density.
Member Hirschbein requested the applicant describe the relation of functions on the
ground floor of the site; and had questions about the spa space.
Chair Fauber asked about the size of the banquet space. (100 - 125 people)
Member Hirschbein inquired about the travertine on the Cahuilla elevation.
Member Song asked for further clarification on:
1. The hedges and enclosure from neighborhood;
2. Use of trees along Belardo;
3. Elevation at parking spaces;
4. Hardscape materials;
5. Design of courtyard of cottages;
6. Screening of mechanical equipment. (No equipment on roof - ground
mounted.)
Chair Hudson asked the applicant to provide colored site plan to show functions on
ground floor.
Member Purnel asked how will the hotel guest know to use the Belardo entrance?
(Through signage and promotional materials.) He requested greater description of how
the modern addition will fit with historic church.
Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes
April 6, 2015
Member Hirschbein questioned the screening of the exterior walkways on the north side
of the building and lighting spillover to the abutting property.
Chair Fauber asked about the hardscape material, size of pavers and the landscape
plan.
Member Secoy-Jensen had questions about the glass enclosed area at church lobby
and spa facilities on 2nd floor.
Member Cassady questioned the traffic patterns from the valet areas to the
underground parking.
Public Comment:
TIME ERKINS said the project has come a long way from 5-stories to 33 feet; however,
he's concerned about the valet parking on Cahuilla.
ROD CALLAHAN, Desert House Inn (Cahuilla and Arenas) said owner is unhappy with
3-stories adjacent to him; concerned about the shading and project is still too big.
MARIO URSESEU, concerned that the height will block the view to the mountains and
with the parking.
JOHN NANOS, concerned about the entry and valet on Cahuilla Rd.
SAMMY RAFAEL, concerned about staff parking in addition to the banquet, restaurant
and spa uses.
LARRY KRAMER (Vineyard) said the project is beautiful, but parking and circulation is
a concern.
FRANK TYSEN said that the developer has worked with the neighborhood; however,
concerned with parking, height (relative to 1-story properties in the neighborhood) and
how modern meshes with historic.
Member Secoy-Jensen said she is struggling with 2 distinct forms and styles coming
together (where spa meets church). She would like to see additional study of this area;
and needs more information on the plans.
Member Purnel said the scale is now more appropriate. He likes the combination of
architectural styles; however, is concerned with the integration of spa and church. He
suggested the entries need to be better defined. He is looking forward to seeing a
more detailed landscape plan that includes gray water usage. He expressed concern
with the hedges obscuring the historic building on the Cahuilla elevation.
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Member Hirschbein said the spa element is awkward. He asked how much roof is
exposed versus new volume - the westerly portion needs additional attention and
detailing. He said the entry on the west side needs to be more significant architecturally
and noted concern with privacy and lighting spillover from the exterior walkways on the
north side.
Member Cassady concurs with comments about integration of spa and church. He
appreciates the input of residents and how developer has worked with the
neighborhood. He said additional parking is needed.
Member Song said more site sections are needed to understand how buildings
integrate. She suggested Planning Commission should consider parking plan for the
neighborhood.
Chair Fauber encouraged the use of recycling and gray water. He said the city should
assist in solving parking concerns.
M/S/C (Secoy-Jensen/Fauber, 6-1 absent Fredricks) Approve with conditions
• Parking and circulation issues;
• How spa meets with church - additional details are needed;
• Entries need to be better defined; especially architectural detail at Belardo entry;
• Detailed landscape/gray water plan prior to building permit;
• Concern with hedges obscuring historic building;
• Privacy/lighting spillover on north side;
• No equipment on rooftops.
3. FRANK M. HOMES INC, REQUESTING A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPROVAL FOR A 2,913-SQUARE FOOT HOUSE ALONG A MAJOR
THOROUGHFARE AT 2700 NORTH SUNRISE WAY, ZONE R-1-C (CASE 3.3849
MAJ). (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed project.
Member Purnel questioned if this will require DWA approval. He asked if the AAC
should review the interior landscape or only the landscape outside of wall.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked if any responses from the neighbors were received.
FRANK MOAYEDI, applicant, provided additional details for the proposed project.
Member Hirschbein asked which wall will align with adjacent properties.
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Member Secoy-Jensen asked what materials will be used for the vehicular and
pedestrian gate. (Wrought iron and painted black.)
Member Purnel questioned the concept behind the landscape plan and asked about the
landscape materials.
Member Song asked about the materials used for fascia, roof form, location of
mechanical ducts (verified ducts will not be exposed), size of pilasters at wall openings
and use of decorative cap. She expressed concern with the wall design on Sunrise.
Member Cassady said the canopy on the west windows should be deeper for shade.
Member Song said the vehicular and pedestrian gates need more detail. She
expressed concern with the landscaping in front of the wall on Sunrise - the wall needs
to be consistent.
Member Purnel expressed concern with the following -items:
1. Italian Cypress used with the desert landscape;
2. Lack of proportion/scale of frontage landscaping;
3. Grouping/clustering of plant material - should be "sweeping" - break up
groupings;
4. Design of wall and how it matches the character of the house.
Member Secoy-Jensen said she would like to see the wall/gates developed and the
mechanical equipment on the ground.
Chair Hudson spoke in reference to safety issues and the sidewalk on the east side of
Sunrise.
Member Song said she needs more details on the sidewalk.
M/S/C (Fauber/Hirschbein, 5-1-1 Song opposed, Fredricks absent) Approve house only
and submit wall and landscaping (and vehicular setback) at a later date.
4. FOUR SEASONS HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION FOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPROVAL OF ROUGHLY 37,000-SQUARE FEET OF LANDSCAPE
IMPROVEMENTS ALONG SUNRISE WAY AND AT BOTH WESTERLY AND
EASTERLY ENTRIES FROM SUNRISE WAY, 3800 FOUR SEASONS BOULEVARD,
ZONE PD-267 (CASE 3.2962 MAA). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project.
Member Purnel asked if this was reviewed under the new landscape guidelines.
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Chair Fauber asked for clarification on the changes made to the plans and phasing of
the project.
JIM RUSH, Four Seasons, general manager, provided additional details on the
proposed landscape improvements.
MALACHI RAMOS, Valley Crest Landscape Maintenance, explained the changes to the
new plan and provided further details.
Member Purnel asked why change the Sunrise landscape when most of it is already
drought tolerant. (The applicant responded to freshen the landscape and remove the
remaining turf). Member Purnel also questioned the reason for retaining the mow curb.
(To distinguish different types of groundcover.)
Member Song questioned the width of landscaped areas where the turf is being
removed.
Member Purnel recommends removal of the concrete mow strips and blending in the
rock materials. He said the entry areas are chaotic - materials compete with each other
and there is no sweeping organization of planting areas - parkway areas are better
organized. He is not in support of the proposed changes and made the following
suggestions:
• Need to look at how materials are combined and arranged and how
textures and materials complement each other;
• How do palm trees and shade trees fit with the rest of the plantings i.e.
Lavender Cotton does not do well in the desert and Blue Glow Agave
needs shade.
Chair Fauber made the following comments:
• Consider Design Guidelines;
• Small areas of parkway;
• Remove mow strip;
• Address entry areas with reduced number of varieties of planting;
• More sweeping mass of plantings;
• Reconsider the Lavender Cotton and Blue Glow (for shade)
M/S/C (Purnel/Song, 6-1 Fredricks absent) Table and resubmit plan with modifications.
5. J.R. ROBERTS FOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL OF BUILDING REPAINT
LOCATED AT 1111 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 (CASE 3.0936 MAA).
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(DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed building repaint.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked why was work performed before the AAC granted
approval.
Member Secoy-Jensen complemented the palette; noting that it is better than before.
However, she expressed concern with the conduits and wires at the back of the
building.
Member Song questioned if there are plans to have a signage program for the other
tenants.
M/S/C (Fauber/Hirschbein, 6-1, Fredricks absent) Approve, as presented
6. AGUA CALIENTE BAND OF CAHUILLA INDIANS FOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPROVAL OF COMPLETE PARKING LOT RECONSTRUCTION, INCLUDING NEW
LANDSCAPING, IRRIGATION AND PARKING SHADE STRUCTURES, LOCATED AT
901 E. TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY, ZONE REO (CASE 3.0226 MAA). (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed parking lot reconstruction.
Member Hirschbein questioned if they have purview as the tribe is the applicant. (Land
is owned by allottee.) And do they have purview over existing landscaping?
Member Song requested clarification on staffs requirement for peripheral planters.
Member Purnel asked for clarification on the size of landscape fingers (6' wide)
DAN MALCOLM, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, senior planner, provided
details on the proposed parking lot reconstruction.
Member Hirschbein asked if solar panels will be a part of the project. (Will have solar
on the two southern structures.)
Member Song questioned the placement of solar panels and use of trees for shading.
Member Purnel suggested combining the landscape island for greater effect while
allowing for solar.
Chair Fauber suggested offsetting the landscape requirement with combined landscape
areas to soften the parking lot and not impact solar access.
M/S/C (Fauber/Secoy-Jensen, 6-1, Fredricks absent) Approve, as submitted.
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7. GANDO PROPERTIES FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL TO
CONSTRUCT AN APPROXIMATELY 118,726-SQ. FT. RV STORAGE FACILITY AND
A 2,090-SQ. FT. OFFICE SPACE ON AN APPROXIMATELY 4.8-ACRE PARCEL
LOCATED AT AIRPORT CENTER DRIVE, ZONE M-1, (3.3838-MAJ) (ER).
Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed project to construct a storage
facility.
ARIEL VALLI, Valli Architectural Group, provided project details and committed to
additional articulation on west and north sides of the building.
Member Song questioned conformance to Energy Code based on west facing glazing
on office structure.
Chair Fauber confirmed the applicant's commitment to modify the west and north
facades to provide additional articulation.
Member Song questioned discrepancy of landscaping on rendering versus site plan.
Member Purnel commented on the lack of detailed landscape plan.
Member Secoy-Jensen questioned if this will still go before the Planning Commission if
a variance is unnecessary. (Yes)
Member Hirschbein said the wall is unrelenting - it is nicely detailed but there are ways
to address the design through the landscaping. He hopes the plan is to increase the
landscaping at the south side of the building.
Member Purnel support's Member Hirschbein's concerns, the landscape could unify
project. He said it needs to play off style of architecture and account for retention area.
Less is more in the right placement of plantings.
Member Secoy-Jensen said she supports the design and it's moving forward but they
still need to see the north and west elevations and design of vehicular gate.
Member Song said it may need additional recess on the south fagade and should take
into account the scale of the office building.
M/S/C (Fauber/Secoy-Jenson, 6-1, Fredricks absent) Table for resubmittal.
• Redesign of the planting diagram and wall elevations.
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April 6, 2015
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS:
Member Purnel noted with the water restrictions in place, more landscape plans will be
coming before them and discussed having a stronger set of guidelines specifically for
this city.
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS:
No comments.
ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 6:17 pm to the
next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on Monday, April 20, 2015,
Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs.
Fzz�-t 7)
Flinn Fagg, AICP
Director of Planning Services
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