HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-19- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 19, 2012
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Harlan called the meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD
Present:
#
Absent: #
Total
William Kleindienst, Chair
16
X 5
22
James Harlan, Vice Chair
X
21
1
22
William Fauber
X
21
1
22
Gary Fredricks
X
17
6
22
Susan Secoy-Jensen
X
19
3
22
Randy Purnel
X
20
2
22
Paul Ortega
15
X 7
22
Dan Thompson
X
14
N/A
(Attendance record begins on January 2012 through the meeting of November 19, 2012.)
Planning Commission Members Present: Hudson
City Staff Present: David Ready — City Manager
REVISIONS TO AGENDA:
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Three (3) minute time limit per person on matters within the
jurisdiction of the Architectural Advisory Committee.
There were no public comments.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Case 5.1290 PDD-361 — Downtown Palm Springs
Wessman Development — A Planned Development District and three Major Architectural
Applications for development of the Downtown Palm Springs project located at 123 North
Palm Canyon Drive / northwest corner of W. Tahquitz Canyon Way and N. Palm Canyon
Drive, Zone Museum Market Specific Plan; Section 15. (CE)
Vice Chair Harlan invited members of the public to speak regarding the Downtown Palm
Springs Plan.
Harold Meyerman — representing the Palm Springs museum supports the plan.
Helene Galen — representing the Palm Springs Museum supports the plan.
Aftab Dada — General Manager of the Hilton Palm Springs and Chair of Palm Springs
Resorts supports the Kimpton Hotel proposal and the plan.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 19, 2012
Harold Matzner — On the Board of Directors of the Palm Springs Art Museum stated that the
Board voted unanimously to support the proposed plan.
Robert Stone — stated that he likes the street grid system and the exterior finishes. The level
of architecture is mediocre with no curvilinear elements. Does not support the height of the
hotel. He stated that the Museum Market Specific Plan does not support buildings over 60'
in height. The hotel should have an orientation of east -west not north -south.
Tee Jones — local resident supports the plan.
Chris Brookes — speaking on behalf of Valley builders and contactors supports the plan.
Jerry Keller— owner of Lulu's restaurant supports the plan.
Andrew Starke — President of the Palm Springs Chamber supports the plan and likes the
courtyard concept.
Jim Gazan — supports the plan, however the hotel design is not unique and he presented
several possible design concepts to the AAC.
Gary Johns — stated that the review process has been rushed. The new main street will
benefit the museum; however the tall hotel will block views of the museum.
Frank Tyson — requested that the architecture be improved; height be reduced; eclectic
architecture should be used. The process is rushed.
Richard Clifford — supports the plan.
Planning Director Ewing stated that the new plan before the AAC includes a new street
alignment of Market Street. He directed the AAC's attention to the Staff Report for
suggested guidelines.
Vice Chair Harlan asked for clarification on page 5 of the Staff report regarding the proposed
height of the hotel. Was an alternative plan proposed that met this goal?
Director Ewing responded by saying that other options were reviewed, however when a 180-
room hotel came into play the height was driven by the design. He continued with a more
detailed description of the project; a discussion on Block A; and the intent of the museum
market plaza specific plan (MMSP).
Member Thompson asked if the hotel messaging on the elevator tower was part of the plan.
In reference to building height in the Planning Commission report on page 8 of 10;
clarification regarding the building height chart.
Member Fauber stated that he was not clear on what is considered non -conforming
conditions and encroachments. The MMSP references blocks, do these blocks correspond
2
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of November 19, 2012
to the current submission. He asked for an explanation on the proposed time limit on
development on Block E — open space. Are there material boards?
Director Ewing responded by stating that material boards are available for viewing. A
separate sign package will be submitted at a later date. He stated that the City is in
negotiations with the developer to hold the public event space for ten years from the
completion of the project.
Member Fredricks — asked if there is a time line for construction on the parcels other than
Block C-1.
Director Ewing responded by stating that no specific time line has been devised, however the
MMSP does allow phasing for a project.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked if the AAC should review each of the blocks separately.
Vice Chair Harlan stated that the Planning Commission staff report discussed possible uses
in the new development and referred to 1s chart on page 8 of 11.
Member Thompson asked if the AAC will review final plans at a later date.
John Wessman provided detailed background information followed by a presentation by the
architect.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm.
and O. Robertson
Principal Planner
W