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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-12-22- ARC MinutesCity of Palm Springs ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, California 92262 Minutes of December 22, 2014 CALL TO ORDER: Chair Fauber called the meeting to order at 3:01 pm. ROLL CALL: Committee Members Present: Cassady, Hirschbein, Purnel, Secoy-Jensen, Song, Vice -Chair Fredricks and Chair Fauber. Committee Members Absent: None Planning Commissioner Present: None Also Present: Planning Director Fagg, AICP, Assistant Planner Mlaker, Associate Planner Lyon, Associate Planner Newell and Principal Planner Robertson. REPORT OF THE POSTING OF AGENDA: The Agenda is available for public access at the City Hall bulletin board (west side of Council Chamber) and the Planning Department counter by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted, as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: DECEMBER 8, 2014 M/S/C (Fredricks/Pumel, 7-0)Approve, as amended. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: 2. PS MODERN LLC, FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO CONSTRUCT A 4,225-SQUARE FOOT SINGLE-FAMILY HOME ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 818 W. STEVENS ROAD, ZONE R-1-A (CASE 3.3798 MAJ). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed project and noted the changes from the last meeting. Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 Member Secoy-Jensen questioned a real estate sign at the site that says the property is for sale with approved plans. DAVID WEISS, PS MODERN, APPLICANT, clarified that the property is not for sale and is under construction; the sign needs to be removed by the real estate company. MANUEL FRAUST, PS Modern, APPLICANT, provided details on the type of materials. Vice -Chair Fredricks asked if there will be additional landscaping where the ficus hedge ends - bordering the street. The applicant responded there will be a retaining wall on the back part. PUBLIC COMMENT: DAVID LEE, commented that there are architecturally significant houses in the neighborhood; please scrutinize carefully. He is not in opposition but encouraged sensitive design. JIM SELLERS, would like to make sure the house fits into the neighborhood and questioned how the front wall will connect to his wall. Member Song asked for clarification on the details of the frameless door (all glass pivot door), and also asked about the roofing material and how the detail terminates from the roof surface to the fascia detail. Member Cassady asked questions about the retaining wall and how it matches to the adjoining property (applicant will align). Member Purnel asked for clarification on: • The 2 palms at the east property line and placement; • Placement of Mesquite tree in front; • Verify height of wall in front of house. Member Song commented that the windows are inconsistent in the header height and should be aligned. Vice -Chair Fredricks expressed concern with the upper slope planting. He said it would be nice to see more screening (Lantana species or Myoporum groundcover) and irrigation if possible. Member Purnel suggested alternatives to Verbena and Myoporum on hillside; entry statement needs to be improved. There is no description of groundcover (DG); and Page 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 palm placement should be rethought Member Secoy-Jensen said the front wall and landscape is important and wants to see how the wall aligns on the west side; also alignment of window headers. Member Song expressed concern about the sloped roof in the back in composition with the overall design. M/S/C (Fauber/Fredricks, 7-0) To approve, subject to return to subcommittee for review of the following issues: 1. Design of windows - alignment of the header heights; 2. Provide more planting on slope at rear (small shrubs); 3. Substitute Myoporum and purple Verbena; 4. Lack of interest at entry - use plantings to make a statement; 5. Color and type of ground cover not specified; 6. Questioned fan palms at far east property; 7. Explanation of sloped roof; 8. Detail of west wall at Edison box; and 9. Explain roof detail and flashings. Subcommittee to consist of: Fauber, Purnel and Song NEW BUSINESS: 3. MR LYONS INC. REQUESTING A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW FOR PARKING LOT RENOVATION INCLUDING NEW LANDSPACING, GABION WALL, AND OUTDOOR PATIO DINNING AREA LOCATED AT 233 EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 (CASE 3.364 MAA). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed project. Member Hirschbein asked if parking conforms to code requirements. Staff responded BRENT KANBAYASHI, APPLICANT, responded to questions from the AAC. Member Hirschbein questioned if they have selected the fixtures and if there are any decorative light fixtures. Member Secoy-Jensen asked what the design concept is and how the gabion walls fit with the overall concept. Member Cassady asked how the patio space will be more inviting and will there be additional openings for connection between indoors/outdoors. Page 3 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 Vice -Chair Fredricks asked if the hedge will be Ficus or Pittosporum; the size of cactus; and height of the palm trees. Member Purnel questioned where will the white rock groundcover will be used and color of gabion stone. Member Song suggested beefing up the landscape at the street front and asked if additional parking spaces could be removed. What is the spacing of the gabion walls at the front of property? Member Secoy-Jensen said she supports simplifying the building and appreciates the new elements. Vice -Chair Fredricks said he also supports the direction of the project. Chair Fauber commented that this is a very legitimate approach. Member Hirschbein expressed concern that the landscaping is not lush enough. Member Purnel said he likes the contrast of formal elements; the hedging material will create 'lushness" and feels it is a good balance. Member Song questioned if there are any site furnishing or design elements at the street such as the use of the gabion wall that could relate back to the building entry. M/S/C (Fred ricks/Secoy-Jensen, 7-0) Approve, as submitted 4. JOHN HALDERMAN, OWNER OF CANYON CLUB RESORT FOR A BUILDING REPAINT AND FAQADE REPAIRS AT 960 N. PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 (CASE 3.2753 MAA). (GM) Assistant Planner Mlakes presented the proposed architectural improvements to the building. Member Secoy-Jensen wanted to verify that a total of 3 colors will be used for the entire building - staff confirmed it would. Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned if landscape improvements could be suggested - staff responded that it is not a part of this application. VICTOR PINSON, GENERAL CONTRACTOR, commented that the awnings are the original ones and are eroded; the owner is looking to renovate the building. Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned if there is conduit on both side elevations of the building and how will it be handled. He asked about verification of the design elements Page 4 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22. 2014 at the entry. Chair Fauber questioned if the access door on the north elevation will be painted. Member Cassady questioned the overall color scheme for the building and how it relates to other buildings in the district. Member Secoy-Jensen questioned if lighting will be used to highlight the building features. Will all the windows be framed in and covered with stucco, and if the wall will be smoothed out. VICTOR PINSON responded to questions from the AAC. Member Song wanted to verify if the framed over window openings will be flush with the existing surface. Member Purnel questioned if all the windows will be removed and framed in and stuccoed over. Vice -Chair Fredricks said the proposed colors may be dated; he suggested an updated color scheme. Member Secoy-Jensen requested details of in -filled windows and needs justification on why rope lighting makes sense. She would prefer to see a different color scheme. Member Purnel said he needs details on the size of chase for enclosing cables attached to the wall; and needs conceptual plan for landscaping. Member Song commented that the intensity of paint hues is the same - needs variation in the intensity of the colors. Vice -Chair Fredricks commented in reference to the color, the applicant should look for contextual inspiration along street. M/S/C (Cassady/Fredricks, 7-0) Table for further review. 1. Color selection is dated; use more muted colors (provide justification for color selection); 2. No use of rope light; 3. Details of EFIS panels; and for furring out the cables on the sides of the building. 5. RODNEY DREW, OWNER FOR A MINOR ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW OF A 648-SQUARE FOOT FREESTANDING CARPORT ON A HILLSIDE LOT LOCATED AT 985 VIA LIVORNO, ZONE R-1-B (CASE 3.3799 MAA). (GM) Page 5 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposed project. Chair Fauber questioned the 14 foot distance between the garage and the carport; and if the lattice would be aluminum too. Vice -Chair Fredricks asked if it will be an exact match to the existing shade structure on the property. Member Secoy-Jensen questioned if there would be adequate space for vehicles to maneuver under the carport. Member Purnel asked if posts will be in planters or in front of the planter wall. He questioned how the design of the carport matches the design of the house - it is architecturally disconnected. He discussed the use of a valance to simulate details of the house. Chair Fauber suggested that the color of the structure could tie into the house. M/S/C (Cassady/Song 7-0) Approve with condition: Indicate post locations on plans, and properly dimension all plan elements. 6. CITY OF PALM SPRINGS FOR A PRE -APPLICATION TO MODIFY THE SOUTH BUILDING ELEVATION OF THE HYATT HOTEL LOCATED AT 285 N. PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE CBD. (DN) Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project. Member Hirschbein questioned if the City is funding the improvements. Also, what is the distance between the Hyatt and Wessman buildings? JOHN RAYMOND, Director of Community & Economic Development, provided information in reference to the Hyatt Hotel building elevation that ties into the Downtown Project Vice -Chair Fredricks questioned if there is space for a planting bed adjacent to the fagade. Member Song questioned if the entry is desired by the Hyatt Hotel on the south side of the building and if all four clerestory windows are needed. Member Secoy-Jensen asked if it is possible to recess the entrance to the building. Member Purnel questioned how the entry aligns with the paseo. Page 6 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 Chair Fauber commented that the door needs to be recessed. Vice -Chair Fredricks commented that there needs to be a view from the paseo, and a view up the paseo from Palm Canyon; the design needs plant material to relieve the starkness of building. Member Secoy-Jensen said site plans, and floor plan sections are needed; she would like to see more movement (recessed entry). Member Hirschbein commented that it is not very pedestrian friendly; perhaps a pergola structure at the entrance to bring it down to a pedestrian scale - creating a plane at 12' - 14' above would mitigate issues. Member Cassady agrees that entrance needs to be visible from Palm Canyon; needs more articulation. Member Song commented that a flat roof projecting over entry (cantilevered) would help announce the entry and will enhance visibility from Main Street, making the entrance more appealing to pedestrians. Chair Fauber said he needs to see it in context, and the material similarities; the design lacks a sense of scale. 7. MIDTOWN PALOMINO FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPROVAL TO CONSTRUCT THE FINAL PHASE OF PALOMINO PROJECT CONSISTING OF 6 TWO-STORY CONDOMINIUM STRUCTURES AT THE EXISTING PALOMINO DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 401 AVENIDA CABALLEROS, ZONE HR-IL, SECTION 14 (CASE 3.3790-MAJ). (ER) Principal Planner Robertson presented the proposed project. LAURIE KIBBY, CBI Ventures (representing the owner), provided an overview on the changes made in the reduction of density to open up the view corridors throughout the project;- updating of the colors (working with the HOA committee) and desert landscaping. CHRIS PARDO, Chris Pardo Design, (project architect) provided details on the colors, height, massing, entry -way and replacement of landscaping. Chair Fauber asked if the entire complex would be repainted to match the new scheme. CHRIS PARDO responded yes the entire development would be repainted to match. Member Secoy-Jensen said this is an improvement and is in support of the project. Page 7 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 M/S/C (Secoy-Jensen-Hirschbein, 7-0) Approve, as submitted. 8. BUREAU OF INDIAN AFFAIRS FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO DEVELOP A 32-UNIT CONDOMINIUM COMPLEX AND TWO LIVE WORK UNITS LOCATED AT 262 SOUTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE, ZONE LSC/C-1AA & C-2, SECTION 14 (CASE 5.1358 CUP). (ER) M/S/C (Fauber/Hirschbein, 7-0) Table indefinitely. 9. 750 LOFTS, LLC. FOR A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION TO DEVELOP A FOUR STORY MIXED USE HOTEL WITH RESTAURANT, SPA, RETAIL SPACES, PARKING AND OPEN SPACE LOCATED AT 750 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 / R-3 / PD104 / RESORT COMBINING ZONE / THE LAS PALMAS BUSINESS HISTORIC DISTRICT (HD-1) (CASE 3.3795 MAJ / 5.1350 PDD-374 / GPA / CUP). (KL) Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed project and outlined the changes made to the landscape, articulation of the driveway and sidewalk. Member Secoy-Jensen commented that previous conditions included a parking study and story -poles. She questioned if this has been done. Staff responded that the draft parking study was reviewed by staff and requires revisions prior to review by the City Engineer. Story poles or equal will be scheduled at the site at a later time. JAMES CIOFFI, architect, provided an overview on the changes, addressed the lifts and parking study. Member Hirschbein asked if the artwork shown in the illustrations is specific and if the location of "sky bridge" is on the plan. JAMES CIOFFI noted the artwork was schematic and denoted the "skybridge" on the exhibits. Member Purnel made several comments pertaining to the landscaping` I 1. Likes the organization; 2. Minimal use of plant material; 3. Connection to Alcazar - and if paving materials have been decided. Member Song questioned if the artwork on Indian Canyon will be part of the project. WILLIAM KOPELK, landscape architect, explained the selections and locations of plant material within the proposed project. Page 8 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22, 2014 Member Secoy-Jensen stated that overall this project is well done. Vice -Chair Fredricks commented that the color change is more harmonious with the surroundings. M/S/C (Cassady/Fauber, 7-0) Approve as presented. Member Cassady left the Council Chamber at 5:30 pm for the remainder of the meeting. 10. BEST SIGNS ON BEHALF OF ROGER STOKER FOR A SIGN PROGRAM FOR THE MULTI TENANT BUILDING LOCATED AT 1001-09 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, ZONE C-1 / R-2 / RESORT COMBINING ZONE / THE LAS PALMAS BUSINESS HISTORIC DISTRICT (HD-1) (CASE SP14-009). (KL) Associate Planner Lyon presented the proposed sign program. Member Secoy-Jensen noted an error in the staff report on page 5. JOHN CROSS, representing BEST SIGNS, commented that their goal is to keep it simple. Member Hirschbein said he appreciates push -through letters; however, expressed concern about the size/height of monument sign, signage on windows in the back is overkill - would rather see wall signs similar to the front. Member Secoy-Jensen questioned the existing sign material - (plywood - temporary sign); and agreed with the concern of the vinyl window letters. She noted a good point is that the letters are not illuminated (minimal impact). Member Song noted the building is Spanish style and questioned the modern shape of the signage. Member Secoy-Jensen said she likes the simple contemporary sign; and spoke in support of this concept. Member Purnel said he supports Member Song's comments - likes the simple Spanish building and feels the vinyl signage is too much. The cabinet seems foreign to the architecture of the building. M/S/C (Hirschbein/Fredricks, 6-0-1 absent/Cassady) Approve subject to conditions: 1. Sign box shall not have a border treatment; 2. Sign box to match color of existing stucco (face and sides); Page 9 Architectural Advisory Committee Minutes December 22. 2014 3. No vinyl letters (cabinet on back elevation); 4. Tenant name (south elevation) - limit to reverse lit channel letters and acrylic/non- illuminated faces. COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS: None. STAFF MEMBER COMMENTS: Director Fagg suggested one meeting for the month of December 2015; the AAC agreed and the Public Meeting Schedule will be amended accordingly. ADJOURNMENT: The Architectural Advisory Committee adjourned at 6:02 pm to the next regular meeting at 3:00 pm on Monday, January 12, 2015, Large Conference Room, City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, preceded by a tour of the redevelopment progress of the Museum Market Plaza Specific Plan / Palm Springs Downtown Renovation project at the 2nd floor of the parking structure located at Belardo Road and North Museum Drive, Palm Springs. Flinn Fagg, AICP Director of Planning Services Page 10