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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-11-26- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 26, 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 6 23 James Harlan, Vice Chair X 22 1 23 William Fauber X 22 1 23 Gary Fredricks X 18 6 23 Susan Secoy-Jensen X 20 3 23 Randy Purnel X 21 2 23 Paul Ortega 15 X 8 23 Dan Thompson X 15 N/A (Attendance record begins on January 2012 through the meeting of November 26, 2012.) Planning Commission Members Present: Hudson City Staff Present: David Ready, City Manager, Craig A. Ewing, AICP, Director of Planning Services, Edward Robertson, Principal Planner and Glenn Mlaker, AICP, Assistant Planner 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) Planning Director Ewing presented the Staff report and pointed out revisions to the submission from the last meeting. He stated that four actions will need to be taken for Block A; Block B; Block C; and Block C-1. Member Purnel asked if there were architectural details for Blocks A, and B. Member Fauber asked for clarification on the changes from the last review. Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2012 John Wessman presented the plan and stated that the development is meant to be an urban setting not suburban low rises. He stated that he held a meeting with Kimpton Hotels and revised the hotel design to eliminate 4,000-square feet of space on the rooftop and pavilion. In addition, eight hotel rooms have been eliminated. The height of the building along Tahquitz Canyon Way has been reduced by pulling back elements of the top floor. He stated that a re -orientation of the hotel is not on the table and the height will not be reduced beyond this resubmission. Mark Philp, project architect, stated that changes from the last AAC review include removal of wall graphics on the elevator tower. A video presentation and animation of the proposed plan was shown and discussed. Member Secoy-Jensen discussed the height of the hotel. Project Architect stated that the overall height of the hotel has not changed, however several elements of the building have been pulled back away from the building edge. Member Fauber asked for clarification on the material of roof top elements. Member Fredricks asked if all exterior signage has been removed. Vice Chair Harlan asked if the building materials have changed from the last meeting. He asked for clarification on the sidewalk width along Palm Canyon Drive at Block A and an explanation on making it one-story. Will the store front renderings remain similar to presented drawings. Member Thompson asked if the balcony railings will be cables, glass, or stucco. Public Comment Aftab Daba, general manager of the Hilton Palm Springs, and a member of the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Chamber Board unanimously approved the project. He stated that this hotel would be the first hotel built in Palm Springs in 25 years. He supports the entire project. Tony Marchese owner of Trio Restaurant stated that the City needs a good downtown and supports the proposal which will bring jobs and the hotel will help support the convention center. Nick Ronkowsky manager of a downtown hotel supports the project and the associated jobs and TOT taxes. John Theinman — discussed a Staff memo issued on 11126/12. He does not support the tall buildings. Structures should be spread out over land west of Belardo Road. 2 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2012 Bob Elway — Citizen Advisory Report supports the project. He supports the hotel height. The east — west orientation will not work and supports north — south. Jeff Pickles — Construction Estimator stated that the domino effect from the new project will help the downtown. Jacquelyn Bennis — likes the'village feel and downtown needs to move forward and supports the changes. Dr. Michael La Fair, architect stated that downtown needs to move forward. Frank Tyson — owner of Casa Cody hotel stated that the project review process is rushed. The proposed architecture has no uniqueness and the new project could lead to more vacancies in the City. Harold Metzner — Vice Chair of the Palm Springs Art Museum stated that the Board unanimously supports the project. David Barron — supports the downtown grid system and downtown feel. Pamela Laverdy — stated that she does not support the proposal. Citizen — asked that the information be placed on the City web site. The project needs to be more exciting. AAC Member Comments Member Thompson thanked the applicant for making revisions. He stated that he likes the removal of the tower billboard and the increased setback from the streets. He is somewhat concerned about material selection. Member Secoy-Jensen thanked the architect for revisions. She stated that the process is rushed and believes that the condensed scheduling does not allow for adequate review. Today's presentation including photo simulations and animation was helpful. The use of balloons and story poles could be useful. She supports Block A. Block B appears to be moving in the right direction. She stated that the recommended condition that plans return to the AAC at 90% complete is too far developed and drawings should be reviewed at 50%. Member Fauber stated that he likes the revisions to the plan including the roof profile. He likes the bridge connection between the hotel and Block C. He understands the economics and the need for height. The presented animation was very helpful in understanding how the entire project relates. Sustainability needs to be discussed. Member Fredricks thanked the applicant for making revisions and stated that the new glass along Berlardo helps in reducing the massing of the hotel building. He is concerned with K Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26. 2012 building materials. The animation was very helpful and the use of balloons and story poles can help understand the height. He is concerned with the rushed review process and the shading of the hotel courtyard area. The use of shade trees in the courtyard is important. Vice Chair Harlan thanked the applicant for revisions and stated that the hotel is too tall and bulky. He sees no substantial change in the project redesign. He presented an aerial photo of the downtown area showing the corridors of Tahquitz Canyon Way from the Airport to downtown and Belardo Road. The visual aid marked all hotels along Belardo Road. He stated that the future of Palm Springs is the old part and the new hotel should be similar to other hotels along Belardo Road. Member Purnel stated that this project is needed in downtown however he is not convinced that height is an issue. He wants the project to be successful. He is not concerned with the use of cables for balcony railings or glass. The landscape plan will be a large part of the project. David Ready — City Manager stated that timelines are based upon the finance agreement with Wessman Development. Discussion on Block A Vice Chair Harlan asked for clarification on what portions of Block A is existing and new construction, also discussion of vehicular circulation. He stated that he is concerned that drawings will only be reviewed at 90% complete. Member Secoy-Jensen stated that plans should be reviewed twice and by working with the applicant a good project will emerge. Member Fauber stated that two reviews at 40% and 70% complete with an option at 90% would be preferable. Member Purnel stated that landscape and hardscape elements should be included in the staged reviews. Case 3.3605 Block A ACTION: M/S/C (Secoy-Jensen / Harlan, 6-0) To recommend approval for Block A to the Planning Commission with the following conditions: 1. Review by the AAC of exterior elevation details at 40% and again at 70% construction drawings, including the following additional information: a. All proposed colors, materials, finishes and building lighting; b. Those portions of existing building to be removed and all new construction; and C. Details on building interface with Hyatt Hotel building and lobby. 2. Review by the AAC of conceptual landscape plan at time of 40% construction drawing 4 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2012 review, with AAC review of detailed plans to follow. 3. Review by the AAC of exterior elevations for all individual tenancies. 4. Review by the AAC of landscape, lighting and hardscape plans, including all street furniture, subject to the following a. Seek expansion of landscaping areas from proposed 10% of site, and b. Use a variety of plant materials in landscape palette. 5. Review by the AAC of street paving plans, and traffic movement patterns. 6. Submission and review by AAC of a sign program for Block A. Discussion on Block B Case 3.3606 Block B ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Thompson, 6-0) To recommend approval for Block B to the Planning Commission with the following conditions: 1. Building B-1 not approved, but continued for redesign. 2. Review by the AAC of exterior elevation details at 40% and again at 70% construction drawings, including the following additional information: a. All proposed colors, materials, finishes and building lighting; b. Trash areas to be re -studied. 3. Review by the AAC of conceptual landscape plan at time of 40% construction drawing review, with AAC review of detailed plans to follow. 4. Review by the AAC of exterior elevations for all individual tenancies. 5. Review by the AAC of landscape, lighting and hardscape plans, including all street furniture, subject to the following a. Use a variety of plant materials in landscape palette. 6. Review by the AAC of street paving plans, and traffic movement patterns. 7. Submission and review by AAC of a sign program for Block B. Discussion on Block C Case 3.3607 Block C ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Fauber, 6-0) To recommend approval for Block C to the Planning Commission with the following conditions: 1. Review by the AAC of exterior elevation details at 40% and again at 70% construction drawings, including the following additional information: a. All proposed colors, materials, finishes and building lighting. 2. Review by the AAC of conceptual landscape plan at time of 40% construction drawing review, with AAC review of detailed plans to follow. 3. Review by the AAC of exterior elevations for all individual tenancies. 4. Review by the AAC of landscape, lighting and hardscape plans, including all street furniture, subject to the following 5 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2012 a. Use a variety of plant materials in landscape palette. 5. Review by the AAC of street paving plans, and traffic movement patterns. 6. Submission and review by AAC of a sign program for Block C. Discussion on Block C-1 Vice Chair Harlan asked in light of project revisions has Staff's concern changed regarding the proposed plan not complying with the MMSP. Case 5.1290 PD 361 Block C-1 Motion is to not support a hotel on Block C-1 due to proposed height and bulk. ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Thompson, 3-3) To recommend denial of plan as submitted. Motion Fails Continued Discussion on Block C-1 Member Purnel stated that the architectural style is not in keeping with Palm Springs, better design could compensate for height. Member Thompson stated that he is not opposed to the hotel height, however better architecture is needed. Member Fredricks is concerned with the proposed hotel design. Story poles and balloons could be helpful. Vice Chair Harlan stated that he is concerned with the proposed hotel height. Planning Director Ewing summarized the discussion to include that the proposed design does not meet the expectations of the AAC. ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Thompson, 6-0) To go on record to not recommend the proposed design for Block C-1. The AAC made the following comments: 1. Plan should emphasize on sustainability design concept. 2. The architecture of the hotel is not the same caliber as the rest of the project. 3. Unique architecture is encouraged. CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS: None. 0 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of November 26, 2012 ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m. Ed and O. Robertson Principal Planner 7