Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-12- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of October 12, 2015 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fredricks called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm_ ROLL CALL: Committee Members Present: Fauber, Hirschbein, Lockyer, Purnel, Vice -Chair Cassady and Chair Fredricks Committee Members Absent: Secoy-Jensen and Song Planning Commissioner Present: Lyn Calerdine Also Present; Ken Lyon, Glenn Mlaker, David Newell and Edward Robertson REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: The agenda was posted at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Department counter by 12:00 pm on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 21, 2015 MISIC (Fred ricks/H irschbein, 6-0) Approve, as amended. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2. VILLA CABALLEROS HOA FOR A TURF REMOVAL 1 DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE RENOVATION AT THE VILLA CABALLEROS HOA LOCATED AT 255 SOUTH AVENIDA CABALLEROS, ZONE HDR (CASE 3.0788 MAA). (KL) Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes October 12, 2015 Associate Planner Lyon provided an overview of the proposed desertscape conversion. ABEL HERNANDEZ, provided details and answered questions pertaining to the plant materials and design. Member Hirschbein questioned if all the trees would remain - (yes). Member Purnel had questions pertaining to the river rock and contrasting color. Member Fauber spoke in favor the project and appreciates that the trees will remain. MISIC (Fredricks/Fauber, 6-2 absent Secoy-JensenlSong) Approve, as submitted with conditions. 3. SUNDANCE HOA FOR A TURF REMOVAL 1 DROUGHT TOLERANT LANDSCAPE RENOVATION AT THE SUNDANCE CONDOMINIUMS LOCATED AT 2901 NORTH AVENIDA CABALLEROS, ZONE R-1-C (CASE 3.1335 MAA). (KL) Associate Planner Lyon provided an overview of the proposed desertscape conversion. ELISE HAMILTON, Sundance HOA, board member & chair of perimeter landscape renovation committee, provided details pertaining to the drought tolerant landscape design and plant materials. Chair Fredricks verified how many trees would be removed and the sizes. ELISE HAMILTON stated that 7 large, mature ficus trees would remain but smaller bottle trees along the perimeter and dead pine trees would be removed. She indicated they would be replaced with a variety of Palo Verde and Sweet Acacia in 24" box size. Member Purnel commented that the Angelita Daisy and Damianita plant shrubs do well for a short time and would prefer not to see large quantities of these. MISIC (Purnel/Fauber, 6-2 absent Secoy-JensenlSong) Approve, subject to review by subcommittee (Fredricks/Purnel). • Consider alternate plants for the Angelita Diasy and Damianita. • Remove painted over graffiti (paint patches) or paint "edge to edge" to avoid "patchy appearance" along San Rafael Drive. • Consider skinning existing robusta trunks to a consistent elevation. • Mix the Palo Verde and mesquite tree in 24" and 36" box sizes. 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes October 12, 2015 4. 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-1-13 (CASE 3.1365 MAA). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed desertscape conversion. ELVIS ARANDA, Grand Mark Landscaping, commented this is a desertscape that has a lush backdrop with well -spaced plants and a variation of colors and assortments. The rubble and boulders will provide a good contrast. Member Purnel noted that the plan should include the size of the cobble rock (3" - 6") and boulders (3' to 4') and verified that the desertscape would be integrated with the new design. ELVIS ARANDA indicated that the existing landscaping would be made consistent with the new layout and the trees would remain. Chair Fredricks verified that the existing olive and palm trees would remain and if additional shade trees would be considered in open -areas. ELVIS ARANDA responded that he would consult with the Homeowners Association Board on the addition of 5 trees but sees no problem. MISIC (Fredricks/Purnel, 6-2 absent Secoy-Jensen/Song) Approve with conditions: • Add 5 (five) 24" box Palo Verde trees along Sunrise Way • Add a mixture of ground cover plants. 5. SUNRISE LANAI #1 HOA FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO CONVERT APPROXIMATELY 9,520-SQUARE FEET OF TURF AREA TO 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) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed desertscape conversion. Member Lockyer said the landscape plan does not meet the intent of the guidelines and is inadequate. Chair Fredricks suggested adding 3 shade trees. Member Purnel said some areas are too small to support as many plants as shown on Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes October 12, 2015 the plan. He suggested that plant sizes are too small and need to be larger than 1 gallon. Chair Fredricks and Member Lockyer agreed that the plant sizes presented are too small. M/SIC (Fredricks/Purnel, 6-2 absent Secoy-Jensen/Song) To continue with direction to the applicant to consider the following changes: • Simplify plant palate. • Add 3 shade trees to be at least 24" box. • Barrel Cactus to beat least 10" diameter. • Red Yucca to be 5 gallon_ • Ocotillo height to be at least 6' with multiple canes. 6. DIANE STEWART OWNER, FOR AN ART MURAL APPLICATION FOR AN EXISTING MURAL ON THE COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 2481-2483 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE (CASE 15-003 MUR). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlaker provided an overview of the existing mural. He stated that Member Secoy-Jensen sent an email suggesting that: the overspray from the mural onto the aluminum window framing is removed. Member Fauber said he likes the mural but prefers to keep the mural on the L-shaped wall instead of building with the screen. Member Hirschbein spoke in support of the mural. He likes the colors and what it does to this corner. Vice -Chair Cassady and Member Purnel spoke in support of the mural. M/S/C (Fredricks/Cassady, 6-2 absent Secoy-JensenlSong) Approve, as submitted. 7. 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 SPACE, RESTAURANTS, SPA AND FITNESS CENTER ON BLOCK "13-1" OF THE DOWNTOWN PALM SPRINGS PROJECT LOCATED AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF BELARDO ROAD AND MAIN STREET, ZONE CBD (CASE 3.3908 MAJ). (DN) Associate Planner Newell summarized the project modifications as outlined in the staff memorandum. 4 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes October 12, 2015 CHRIS PARDO, Chris Pardo Design, project architect, described the major changes at the exhibits and provided a PowerPoint presentation of the proposed hotel in relation to future surrounding buildings. Public Comments: FRANK TYSEN, spoke in opposition of the scale and density of the project. KEVIN MILLER, Orbit Inn, believes the residential units will become vacation rentals and will disrupt the balance to the small charming village feel. CRAIG BLAU, Chase Hotel, expressed concern with the low occupancy rates in the State. FELIPE CASTENEDA, Los Arboles Hotel, commented that small boutique hotels are already suffering due to competition from B & B's and vacation rental houses. DAVID SHAHRIAR, Villa Royale Inn & Europa, commented that this development will no longer be the destination of small boutiques and old town Palm Springs. ELISE HAMILTON, Sundance, said this project has no relation to the charm of Palm Springs. MICHAEL BRAUN, noted that none of the public testimony spoke about the architecture which is under review and responded to public comment. Member Purnel commented that the architecture is very well done but questioned if the mass could be scaled down and while still attracting the hotel brand. Chair Fredricks said he felt misled and at a great disadvantage by having to review this project on a piecemeal basis; however, given that most of the development has been approved he understands some of the reasoning in having an urban dense core but would rather see the height concentrated in one area. Member Fauber appreciates that the ground floor experience has been improved; however, he thinks the hotel is too tall and would like to see a 3D model of the entire development and how it relates to downtown and the abutting properties. Member Hirschbein said architecturally he likes the building and conceptually it's not too tall; however, it's located on a place where they would like to have more open -space. He questioned where else in the future can they reduce height so that there is less density and avoid the corridor as much as possible. Member Hirschbein said he is not comfortable approving this project unless they have a Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes October 12, 2015 3 dimensional model. He does not feel there is enough material to evaluate this particular building in context to the rest of the development downtown and the park. MISIC (Fredricks/Purnel, 4-2-2 opposed Hirschbein/Lockyer, absent Secoy- JensenlSong) Recommend approval subject to: 1. The future proposed building on parcel adjacent to parking structure is no more than half of the height of the Park hotel; and site to the north of subject hotel be no more than 50 feet. 2. AC Marriott remained undeveloped until 2021. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: Chair Fredricks requested that meetings not be held on holidays (Columbus Day) and preferred to meet on Tuesday. Member Hirschbein reported a large political banner sign on the building at corner of South Palm Canyon Drive and Mesquite Avenue. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Staff discussed items on the agenda and rules of procedure. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments the Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 6:03 pm to their next meeting on Monday, October 26, 2015, at 3:00 pm, Council Chamber, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. FPnn agg, A1CP Director of Planning Services 6