HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-08-20- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF AUGUST 20, 2012
CALL TO ORDER: Vice -Chair Harlan called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD
Present:
#
Absent: #
Total
William Kleindienst, Chair
11
X 5
16
James Harlan, Vice Chair
X
15
1
16
William Fauber
X
15
1
16
Gary Fredricks
X
12
5
16
Susan Secoy-Jensen
X
14
2
16
Randy Purnel
X
15
1
16
Paul Ortega
X
12
4
16
Dan Thompson
X
10
0
N/A
(Attendance record begins on January 2012 through the meeting of August 20, 2012.)
Planning Commission Members Present: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of August 6, 2012.
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Secoy-Jensen, 5-0-2, abstain Ortega, Fredricks) To approve the
minutes of August 6, 2012.
REVISIONS TO AGENDA: None.
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 5.0666 MAA — Escena
Escena Development proposal for revised landscaping at the entry and the Clubhouse areas
located at 1100 Clubhouse View Drive, Zone PD 231, Section 6. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the plan that includes revised landscaping at two vehicle
entry points at the corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino. The proposal will include the
transplanting of several palm trees, the addition of citrus trees and the addition of plants to
increase density. Planter pots are to be added at the Vista Chino entry round -about.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 20, 2012
LJ Edgcomb representing the property owner discussed the proposal stating that the revised
landscape plans will increase site lines and enhance existing planter areas. He briefly
discussed the three proposed landscaped areas.
Member Fredricks stated that the submitted plans do not show a plant legend with sizes and
quantities. Mr. Edgcomb responded by stating that all plants will be no less than 5 gallon in
size. Mr. Fredricks suggested that a sub -committee be set-up to review revisions.
Sustainable plants that can withstand wind and sun should be used.
Member Ortega stated that the Agave plant choice within pots may not be appropriate.
Clarification on this plant type will be needed. He supports a sub -committee; however he
does not support the use of citrus trees in the round -about at Gene Autry entry. More
sustainable plantings should be used.
Member Purnel stated that the container size is an issue for the proposed plant. He supports
an alternative to the use of citrus trees.
Member Fauber asked if the existing palm trees in the median islands will remain along with
existing statues.
Member Secoy-Jensen supports the proposed plans for the corner landscaping.
Vice -Chair Harlan stated that he supports a more structured modernist approach to the
landscape design.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
2a. Applicant to submit plant palette (legend) with sizes, species, and quantities.
2b. Indicate container size for pots at Vista Chino round -about.
2c. Specify Agave plant type.
2d. Discussion on the use of citrus trees at Gene Autry round -about.
2e. AAC sub -committee to review above.
ACTION: M/S/C (Ortega / Purnel, 7-0) To recommend a sub -committee of Purnel,
Ortega, and Fredricks to review requested items.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 3.1063 MAA — Denny's Restaurant
Denny's Restaurant proposing to repaint building at 1201 North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-
1, Section 10. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that the applicant proposes to paint the existing Denny's
Restaurant one shade of yellow with red accents.
Laura Lestana representing Denny's Restaurant was present and stated that the proposed
paint scheme has been used at other Denny's in the Valley.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 20, 2012
Member Fredricks asked the applicant if the proposed color scheme could be toned down.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked if the roof would be painted and clarification on the color of
handrails and window frames. She opposes painting the roof red and suggests that the
handrails be painted a separate color from the main building.
Member Purnel stated that the south side of the building which contains the service area is
unsightly with older fences and landscaping touching the roof eaves. He suggests that the
color scheme be toned down.
Member Fauber stated that the parking lot perimeter wood fence is deteriorating. He also
stated that the AAC understands corporate color scheme, however the proposed colors need
to be muted.
Member Thompson stated that the color scheme is too bold and should be muted.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
3a. Colors to be more muted.
3b. Handrails, and doors to be painted a different color than the main body.
Windows to be remain existing color.
3c. Remove overgrown landscaping touching the roof eaves and sides of building.
3d. Service area on south side to be maintained.
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Fauber, 7-0) For re -study.
Member Ortega recused himself from agenda items #4 and 5 due to conflict of interest, and
left the Chamber.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case 3.2706 MAA — Palm Springs Unified School District
Palm Springs Unified School District for the repaint of Vista Del Monte Elementary School to
multiple colors located a 2744 North Via Miraleste, Zone O, Section 2. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented this plan to repaint the Vista Del Monte School multiple
colors according to submitted plans.
Greg Shoemaker and Kathy Davis representing the school district gave an overview of the
scope of work. Ms. Davis stated that the color scheme was developed with the school
principal to provide a learning environment. She used surrounding homes as the inspiration
for the proposed colors.
Member Secoy-Jensen is concerned about the proposed painting of the decorative block to
two colors. She struggles with the preservation aspect of the proposal but supports the
repaint, however does not support the two colors on the block wall.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 20, 2012
Vice Chair Harlan asked if the applicant could verify the name of the original architect. He
asked if the buildings are metal with sand stucco finish.
Citizen Sidney Williams stated that the building was designed by Wexler and Harrison and
that any proposed paint scheme should be sensitive to the original.
Member Fauber thanked the design team for blending the proposed color scheme with
neighboring properties.
Member Fredricks stated that the proposed color scheme is a good use of color.
Member Thompson is concerned about the proposed painting of the decorative block wall.
Member Purnel supports the proposals.
Vice -Chair Harlan stated that the proposal uses too many colors and he cannot support the
application.
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Fredricks, 5-1-1, against Harlan, abstain Ortega) To
recommend approval of paint scheme with the decorative block wall painted one color.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case 3.963 MAA - Palm Springs Art Museum — Edward Harris
Pavilion
Palm Springs Art Museum / Edward Harris Pavilion for review of final landscape plan at the
former Santa Fe Savings Building a Class 1 historic property located at 300 South Palm
Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented this plan and stated that the HSPB had previously
reviewed the exterior rehabilitation and renovation of the building to include a conceptual
landscape plan. A more detailed plan has been submitted as part of the formal plan check
process and Staff seeks input from the AAC. The Staff report includes a detailed description
of the project. The new landscape plan will remove several non -original hardscape features
to be replaced with plants.
Sidney Williams representing the Palm Springs Art Museum stated that the project will
restore the original 1961 bank fagade to its original condition. Most architectural features
return to their 1961 designs.
Member Purnel stated that the proposed plant palette is acceptable. A maintenance
schedule should be developed for pruning and trimming. He is concerned with the proposed
density of the plants.
Member Fredricks supports the proposal.
Vice -Chair Harlan stated that he believes that the landscape plan fights the building and
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 20, 2012
would like to see a more formal planting design that would be more symmetrical instead of
informal clustering and grouping.
Member Fauber is in favor of the proposal.
Member Secoy-Jensen stated that the landscape plan should respect the geometry of the
building.
ACTION: M/S/C (Fredrick / Fauber, 6-0-1, abstain Ortega) To recommend approval.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Case 3.1404 MAA — Commercial Building Repaint
GLS Architecture Group for a front fagade repaint and new awnings at the commercial /
apartments located at 140 Via Lola, Zone C-1 & R-2, Section 10. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that the applicant proposes to repaint the mixed -use building
one main body color and with orange fabric awnings and handrails. Staff does not support
the proposed removal of four existing tiki heads.
Jorge Septien from GLS Architecture representing the property owner provided a detailed
description of the project.
Citizen Gary Johns was present and stated his support for the restoration of the five tiki
heads.
Member Secoy-Jensen asked for clarification on the tiki heads. She supports the repaint but
not the removal of the tiki elements.
Member Fauber supports saving the tiki heads and does not support the removal of the
shake roof.
Member Thompson agrees with keeping the tiki heads and the shake roof, but is concerned
with the proposed plexi glass panels not being consistent with other site features.
Member Purnel supports keeping the tiki heads.
Vice -Chair Harlan asked the AAC if they had a concern with the building not being
completely painted. He stated that the shake roof should be removed to expose the original
detail of the building.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
1. Repair and paint existing five tiki heads. Paint to coordinate with building.
2. Second -story balcony hand rail should remain as is with panels painted to match
awning.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 20, 2012
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Secoy-Jensen, 7-0) To recommend approval, subject to the
above -noted comments.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Case 5.1160 PD 341 AMND B / TTM 35989 — Nexus Development
Nexus Development (O & M Tahquitz, LLC) for an amendment to a previously approved
Planned Development application for a mixed -use project consisting of a 132-unit assisted
living facility and retail, office & restaurant buildings on approximately 9.9 acres at the
northwest corner of Hermosa Drive & Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone RA, Section 14. (DN)
Member Ortega and Member Fredricks left the Chambers due to the lateness of the meeting.
Associate Planner Newel presented the proposed project. This is a second amendment
request to an entitled project. The previous amendment was denied by the Planning
Commission. The proposal includes minor deviations to the off-street parking requirements
and may be corrected with slight modifications to the parking lot layouts.
Cory Adler, President of Nexus Development, described the project and explained the
differences from the prior amendment. He provided a brochure showing another facility in
Newport Beach that will be similar to the proposed facility. The assisted living facility units
will be rented, not sold.
Public comment was made by Mr. Gary Jones. He felt the applicant should consider
including a dog park in the project.
Vice Chair Harlan felt that the Tahquitz Canyon Drive frontage wasn't pedestrian friendly.
Storefronts along Tahquitz needed additional windows. Better pedestrian access between
the commercial buildings and assisted living facility should be incorporated to the main
driveway.
Diagonal pedestrian entry from the street corner (Tahquitz Canyon Way & Hermosa Drive)
should be wider. More parking lot shading is needed.
Member Jensen agreed with the Vice Chair. She supported the overall project and liked the
idea of including a dog park area on site for the assisted living facility. She felt additional
detailing on architecture is necessary though (e.g. balconies, overhangs, etc.)
Member Fauber expressed concerns of access to individual units from parking areas. He
believed that additional access needs to be provided to each unit on the easterly side of the
assisted living facility. The retail space is too flat and should have additional articulation.
Parking lot shading should comply with City standards.
Member Thompson felt the east elevation needs more articulation.
Member Purnel mentioned no concerns with the plant palette. He suggested that the
applicant minimize planting in planter islands.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of August 20, 2012
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Fauber 5-0-2, absent Fredricks, Kleindienst & Ortega) To
recommend approval, subject to the following comments:
7a. Consider incorporating dog park into assisted living facility amenities;
7b. AAC to review final plans with additional details, dimensions, etc.;
7c. East elevation to be enhanced;
7d. Revise the parking layout to comply with City standards;
7e. Provide additional parking lot shading;
7f. Retail along Tahquitz Canyon Way to be more pedestrian -oriented;
7g. Ensure landscaping is pet friendly;
7h. Remove fence around unit courtyards from plans since no longer proposed;
7i. Provide better pedestrian access between assisted living facility and commercial
buildings.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
b
FD I
Edward 0. Robertson
Principal Planner
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