HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-21- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262
Minutes of September 21, 2015
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fredricks called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm.
ROLL CALL:
Committee Members Present: Fauber, Hirschbein, Purnel, Secoy-Jensen, Vice -
Chair Cassady and Chair Fredricks
Committee Members Excused: Song
Planning Commissioner Present: Kathy Weremiuk and Randy Lowe
Also Present: Flinn Fagg, Ken Lyon, 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 10:00 am on Thursday,
September 17, 2015.
ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA:
Member Secoy-Jensen requested item 4 pulled from the Consent Calendar for
separate discussion.
Chair Fredricks proposed Item 6, 8, 10 and 9 be heard first in order.
The agenda was unanimously accepted in the proposed order.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Chair Fredricks open public comments:
FRANK TYSEN, expressed concern with the height and setback of the hotel under
construction at the Downtown project and questioned approval of these dimensions.
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September 21, 2015
There being no further appearances public comments was closed.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Chair Fredricks requested Items Items 2, 3, 4 and 5 pulled from the Consent Calendar
for separate discussion to be heard at the end of the agenda.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 8, 2015
MISIC (Hirschbein/Pumel, 5-1-1 abstained Secoy/Jensen, absent Song) Approve
minutes, as amended.
2. VILLA CABALLEROS HOA FOR A TURF REMOVAL 1 DROUGHT TOLERANT
LANDSCAPE RENOVATION AT THE VILLA CABALLEROS HOA LOCATED
AT 233 SOUTH AVENIDA CABALLEROS (ZONE HDR) (CASE 3.0788 MAA).
(KL)
3. SUNDANCE HOA FOR A TURF REMOVAL 1 DROUGHT TOLERANT
LANDSCAPE RENOVATION LOCATED AT THE SUNDANCE
CONDOMINIUMS LOCATED AT 982 SOUTH SUNDANCE CIRCLE (CASE
3.1335 MAA). (KL)
4. DIANE STEWART OWNER, FOR AN ART MURAL APPLICATION FOR AN
EXISTING MURAL ON THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 2481-2483 N. PALM
CANYON DRIVE (CASE 15-003 MUR). (GM)
5. SAGEWOOD HOA FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO
CONVERT APPROXIMATELY 19,745-SQUARE FEET OF TURF AREA TO
DESERTSCAPE LOCATED AT 1400 NORTH SUNRISE WAY, ZONE: R-1-B
(CASE 3.1355 MAA). (ER)
MISIC (Hirschbein/Fredricks, 6-0-1 absent/Song) Continue Items 2, 3, 4 and 5 to the
meeting of October 12, 2015.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
6. WOODBRIDGE PACIFIC GROUP ON BEHALF OF PALM CANYON 65, LLC
FOR THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL SITE TO
CONSTRUCT A MIXED -USE PROJECT ON 12.4-ACRES CONSISTING OF
(60) SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES ON LOTS AVERAGING 5,136-SQUARE
FEET IN SIZE AND (20) ATTACHED LIVEMORK UNITS LOCATED AT 777
SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (CASE NOS. 5.1378 PD-379, ZC 3.3876 MAJ
AND TTM 36914). (DN)
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Associate Planner Newell provided an overview of the proposed mixed -use project.
Member Hirschbein questioned the size of the plaza at the northeast corner of the site
and the ownership of the commercial space.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked if the design of the recreation building was provided.
Chair Fredricks asked if the landscape plan would return for review.
TODD CUNNINGHAM, Woodbridge Pacific Group, provided details on the revisions
made to the project in response to the AAC's comments.
Vice -Chair Cassady said he appreciates the effort done on the comer space and asked
how the folded plate roof on the commercial building turns around on the corner.
Member Fauber commented that the folded plate details are clumsy; and prefers an
articulated version of the patios on the north side of the development.
Member Secoy-Jensen prefers the 12' landscape buffer instead of separate patios on
the north side and she agrees that the roof at the northeast corner of the mixed -use
building still needs to be better resolved.
Member Hirschbein said the roof detail needs to be resolved (at the northeast corner);
he prefers the 12' open -space with variation in material of continuous wall.
Member Pumel said it's desirable to have open -space at the north side and the wall is
redundant.
Members Secoy-Jensen and Purnel said they are fine with capturing the open -space
and it's a good trade-off.
MISIC (Fredricks/Fauber, 6-0) Approve with conditions:
• Northeast corner treatment is a continuation of the overhang on South Palm
Canyon Drive.
• Option A is used to provide 12' of open -space at the north property line (no
private patios).
• One gate on Belardo (instead of 2 vehicular gates).
• North wall include some variation in material.
NEW BUSINESS:
7. SUNRISE LANAI #1 HOA FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO
CONVERT APPROXIMATELY 9,520-SQUARE FEET OF TURF AREA TO
M
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September 21, 2015
DESERTSCAPE ALONG SUNRISE WAY AND TACHEVAH DRIVE FOR THE
COMPLEX LOCATED AT 1701 TO 1749 TACHEVAH DRIVE, ZONE R-1-C
AND PD-30 (CASE 3.1280 MAA). (DN)
M/S/C (Hirschbein/Fredricks, 6-0-1 absent/Song) Continue Item 7 to the meeting of
October 12, 2015.
8. DESERT MODERN, LLC, REQUEST FOR A PLANNED DEVELOPMENT
DISTRICT (PDD), CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) AND MAJOR
ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL (MAJ) APPLICATIONS FOR THE
DEVELOPMENT OF 50 TWO-STORY SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCES
LOCATED AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF ALEJO ROAD AND N.
SUNRISE WAY, ZONE R-2, SECTION 14 (CASE 5.1366-PDD 377). (ER)
Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed subdivision as outlined in the staff
report.
Member Hirschbein verified the zoning of the site.
CHRIS PARDO, project designer, provided an overview of the housing designs,
driveways and landscape buffers.
Member Hirschbein requested clarification on the distance between the privacy wall and
sidewalk on Sunrise Way.
Chair Fredricks asked if there is a requirement for guest parking.
Member Fauber verified the location of the entrance to each unit and questioned
lighting for the interior streets.
Member Secoy-Jensen made the following comments:
• It has a "cookie cutter" feel, especially along the west side of the development.
• Needs more open -space and landscaping.
• Increase the guest parking.
Chair Fredricks made the following comments:
• Lack of open -space.
• No interior sidewalks or shade trees.
• Insufficient guest parking.
• A reduction in the number of units would gain more open space.
Member Hirschbein commented that the lot coverage is more than twice as dense as
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September 21, 2015
Section 14 Specific Plan requirement and needs more open space.
Member Fauber suggested considering party walls to create more space between the
units. He said the guest parking is inadequate and it needs to be increased and
distributed.
MISIC (Fredricks/Secoy-Jensen, 6-0) Resubmit with AAC comments:
• Introduce more open space.
• Provide more guest parking.
• More landscaping and sidewalks.
• Study the west units to have a variety of unit types.
10. PALM SPRINGS PROMENADE, LLC FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL
APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A 6-STORY, 112,862-SQ. FT. RESORT
HOTEL CONSISTING OF 142-ROOMS, MEETING ROOMS, RESTAURANTS,
SPA AND FITNESS CENTER ON BLOCK "B-1" OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM
SPRINGS PROJECT LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF
BELARDO ROAD AND MAIN STREET, ZONE CBD (CASE 3.3908 MAJ). (DN)
Planning Director Fagg provided background information.
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed resort hotel as outlined in the staff
report.
Member Fauber asked about the status of the AC Marriott and the height of the hotel.
(70' is height shown on Sheet A2.3; elevator penthouse.)
Member Secoy-Jensen requested staff verify the changes made to the Specific Plan.
Planning Director Fagg provided details on the original and proposed amendment to the
Specific Plan.
JOHN WESSMAN, applicant, provided details about the project.
CHRIS PARDO, project designer, provided an in-depth description of the proposed
hotel.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
AFTAB DADA, PS Resorts, chairman, spoke in unanimous support of the Specific Plan
amendment.
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HAROLD MATZNER, spoke in support of the hotel project,
JUDY DEERTRACK, noted that the Specific Plan Amendment has not been provided
for their review and requested this be required and the environmental review is missing.
FRANK TYSEN, spoke on behalf of the small hotels of Palm Springs, said 97% of
visitors do not like this type of hotel; it is too dense when there is only 55% hotel
occupancy.
MICHALE VON WHITNAH, spoke in support of the project, confident that the design
will complement the city.
Member Hirschbein questioned the framing of the cantilever balconies.
Member Fauber verified the window design.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked the applicant why not build a 3D model of the downtown
project.
Chair Fredricks commented that Market Street does not support the pedestrian
experience.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked about the status of the Hyatt facade.
Member Fauber questioned what the people's cafe is on the east first floor - (employee
restaurant). He said that there is not much of an activity generator on the ground floor.
Member Secoy-Jensen said vehicular and pedestrian circulation, hardscape and
landscape and open space of the entire downtown is needed. She feels duped that it's
been a shell game but is pleased with what is coming forward and would like to see
more of this design in context with the rest of town. The scale does matter and it needs
to be aware of the bulk and mass.
Vice -Chair Cassady commented that the hotel turns its back to downtown and worried
about the canyon corridor effect.
Chair Fredricks said he likes the hotel; it is well -designed but would like to see it in
context with what else can be built - a model. He thinks there is a missed opportunity
on Market Street - it should include more retail or restaurants.
Member Secoy-Jensen said she would like to see a landscape plan.
Member Hirschbein suggested more public uses on the paseo - particularly the
northeast corner. He would like to see the paseo continue through building to connect
to Market Street and felt that hotel building is two stories too tall.
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Vice -Chair Cassady recommends the height be brought down.
MISIC (Fredricks/Fauber, 6-0-1 absent Song) Resubmit with changes:
• More contexts (model) of what could come next (as well as adjoining blocks).
• Open up to more pedestrian activity on Market Street.
• Step building back or reduce height.
A recess was taken at 5:55 pm. The meeting resumed at 6:04 pm.
9. RANDY PURNEL ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A
TURF REMOVAL AND DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE CONVERSION
AT THE TAHQUITZ CREEK GOLF COURSE, ZONE " O" (CASE 3.0064 MAA).
(KL)
Member Purnel recused himself due to a business related conflict of interest. He
would not be participating in the discussion and vote.
Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed drought tolerant landscape conversion
as outlined in the staff report.
Member Fauber questioned what will be the condition of the irrigated/non-irrigated
portion of the course.
Chair Fredricks requested clarification of staff condition #2.
Brandon Alexander, Tahquitz Creek Golf Course, general manager, provided details on
their plans for water conservation/reduction and the areas that will be affected. He was
available for questions.
Member Secoy-Jensen spoke in support of the project.
Chair Fredricks said plant material, spacing and land use is very appropriate.
MISIC (Fred ricks/Hirsch bein, 5-1-1 abstain/Purnel, absent Song) Approve, as
submitted.
Member Purnel re-entered the Council Chamber at 6:04 pm
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS:
The AAC requested limiting the number of projects on the agenda to 6 items. Director
Fagg agreed and noted that items placed on the Consent Calendar are projects that
staff determine only minor review is required.
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September 21, 2015
STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: No comments.
ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 3:25 pm to
October 12, 2015 at 3:00 pm, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon
Way, Palm Springs.
EC:
Flinn Fagg, AICP
Director of Planning Services