HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-20- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF JUNE 209 2011
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Kleindienst called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD
Present:
#
Absent: #
Total
William Kleindienst, Chair
X
8
0
8
James Harlan, Vice Chair
X
8
0
8
William Fauber
X
8
0
8
Gary Fredricks
X
6
2
8
Susan Secoy Jensen
X
8
0
8
Randy Purnel
X
7
1
8
Pierre -Andre Monney
X
7
1
8
Donald Wexler
0
N/A
Paul Ortega
0
N/A
(The attendance record is from January 2011 through the meeting of June 20, 2011)
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Klatscko
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of June 6, 2011 with
corrections to agenda items #3 conditions 3.d and 3.g; and agenda item #5.
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Jensen, 7-0) To approve the minutes of June 6, 2011
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 5.1032 / HSPB #3 Restudy — Welwood Murray Library
Al Smoot, representing the City of Palm Springs, for the review of a revised plan for the
rear courtyard addition at the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, 100 South Palm Canyon
Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15. (GM)
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 20, 2011
Chairman Kleindienst recused himself siting a conflict of interest, Vice -Chairman Harlan
assumed the Chairmanship.
Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief overview of the project and stated that the AAC had
previously reviewed this case on June 6, 2011 and made seven recommendations for
additional information or corrections to the submitted drawings. He stated that the AAC's
requested documentation was attached to the staff report.
Al Smoot, Project Manager, representing the City of Palm Springs stated that this case
was approved by the Historic Site Preservation Board (HSBP) at their June 14, 2011
meeting. Several conditions of approval included landscape and interior improvements
come back before the HSPB for review. Mr. Smoot presented his responses to the
Secretary of the Interior's Standards for rehabilitation as they relate to the proposed
project. He gave a detailed description of the glass wall and roof systems.
Ana Escalante, Project Architect, stated that the project is a restoration and not
rehabilitation. Ms. Escalante gave a detailed overview of the revised project.
Two speakers appeared before the AAC stating that they do not support the proposed
submittal.
Member Fauber asked for clarification of the roof drainage system and the placement of
the gutter systems. He asked the applicant if a retro fit upgrade of the porch columns for
seismic reasons could be achieved. How would the renovation meet the Secretary of the
Interior's Standards? He stated that he supports modern architecture such as the
proposed glass addition however he can not support the project as presented.
Member Jensen stated that the AAC should be able to review the structural calculations
report for the project. Additional information is needed to fully evaluate the proposal. She
stated that the proposed glass addition is not the best solution.
Member Monney stated that the new proposal is not substantially different from the
previous plan and can not support it.
Member Fredricks believes that the project is moving in the wrong direction and stated that
the glass box affixed to the historic building is not the answer.
Member Purnel stated that the rear courtyard landscaping should be designed with historic
references and the proposed hardscape may not be period appropriate.
Vice -Chair Harlan asked if an energy analysis had been conducted for the glass addition.
He believes that clear glass will not be effective in order to eliminate heat gain and a tinted
glass storefront system will eventually be used. He stated that the historic nature of the
addition was lost by "filling in" the porches.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 20, 2011
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Monney, 6-0-1, Kleindienst recused) To recommend to the
City Council a reconsideration of the project.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 5.11601 PDD 341 Amend — Nexus Corporation,
An application by Nexus (O & M LLC) for an amendment to a previously approved PDD to
change the zone, subdivide the parcel into three lots, and change the use to a two-story
assisted living facility; including review of the site plan and architectural design, Section 14
(KL)
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber/Fredricks) 6-0-1 (Kleindienst recused) To recommend
approval to the Planning Commission subject to the following:
1. Incorporate the 11 staff suggestions from the Staff Report
2. Use no less than 5 gallon sizes for all plant material (no 1 gallon sizes)
3. Consider a different ornamental grass (in lieu of the "miscanthus") that is more
durable in the desert.
4. Consider distinguishing the two driveways such that the main (east) side
driveway reads as such, and the western drive/entry is secondary.
5. Consider an alternative to the African Sumac as noted by staff, such as Carob
or California Pepper
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case 5.1266 / PD 359 — Michael's House
An application by Palm Springs Treatment Centers, LLC, for a Planned Development
District to rehabilitate an existing hotel to a proposed assisted living facility / substance
abuse recovery center including improvements to parking, landscaping, and architecture
located at 1910 South Camino Real; Zone R-2 Section 26. (KL)
ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen/Kleindienst) 7-0 To recommend approval by the Planning
Commission as submitted.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case SP 11-003 — Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center
Donahue Schriber Realty for a sign program amendment to allow additional signage on
the existing monument signs at the Smoke Tree Village Shopping Center located at 1775
East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-S-C, Section 25. (DN)
Associate Planner presented the project as outlined in the staff report.
Member Fredricks asked about requiring similar fonts and colors for the monument signs.
He referenced the Smoke Tree Commons shopping center monument signs.
Planning Director Ewing clarified that regulating color and font is not allowed because it is
a constitutionally protected right of commercial speech.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 20, 2011
The applicant, Michael Osborne of Donahue Schriber, presented project and noted that
this would apply to three tenants who are generally open after 6 p.m.
ACTION: M/S/C (Monney / Fauber 7-0) To recommend approval, subject that each
monument sign be limited to three tenant identification signs (including any anchor tenant).
AGENDA ITEM #6: Case 6.0845 / PD 262 — McKee — O'Kane Single -Family Residence
Michele McKee and Laura O'Kane for final development plan submittal to construct a
single-family residence of approximately 3,885 square feet, a detached casita of
approximately 475 square feet and a garage of approximately 937 square feet at the
property located at 744 Bella Cara Way, Zone R-1-13, Section 35. (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed project as outlined in the staff report.
The architect, Sean Lockyer, was available for questions.
Member Purnel asked about the plant palette and questioned why some have no
quantities. Mr. Lockyer responded that the plan was only conceptual and that a final
landscape plan would be submitted at a later date.
Chair Kleindienst requested clarification on the roof edge material.
Member Monney felt the project was very attractive_
ACTION: M/S/C (Monney / Harlan 7-0) To recommend approval, as submitted.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Case 5.1217 PD 355 — Savoy Development
Robert H. Gray for a preliminary planned development district approval to construct a
mixed —use development including subterranean parking, restaurant, and nightclub on the
first floor and 10 hotel rooms on the second floor, for the vacant property located at 1490
North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-1, Section 10, (DN)
Associate Planner Newell provided a description of the proposed project and noted staffs
concerns on proposal.
Planning Director Ewing clarified the process of Preliminary and Final Planned
Development applications.
Member Fauber asked if the applicant would consider an alternate material to wood slats
on the building.
Chair Kleindienst noted his encouragement for high density and liked the proposed uses.
He was concerned with parking and exiting and was not in support of loading area facing
Palm Canyon Drive. He questioned where the grease trap would be located.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 20, 2011
Member Jensen expressed concern about the proposed project's impact on the single -
story medical building to the north.
Member Fauber was also concerned about parking and existing neighbors.
Vice Chair Harlan stated his concerns about the project's bulk
Member Purnel liked the project and mixed use; however, he was concerned about the
project's overall impact on the neighbors.
ACTION: M/S/C (Monney / Fauber 7-0) To restudy the project based on the above
comments.
AGENDA ITEM #8: Case SP 11-061 — Southridge Homeowners Association
Southridge Homeowners Association for the replacement of one community identification
sign with new sign equaling 73.3 square feet affixed to a poured in place concrete
structure seven feet tall located at 2153 Southridge Drive, Zone R-1-A, Section 30. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that the design of the proposed monument sign will be in
the same style as the recently approved community entry gate located further up the
street. The proposed sign will be seven feet tall and be lit from two spot lights located in
the ground.
Ben Richards, project architect stated that the proposed sign is two feet shorter than the
existing monument. He also was available for questions.
Member Jensen stated that she likes the coordination of the entry gate and the proposed
sign.
ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Fredericks, 7-0) To recommend approval.
AGENDA ITEM #9: Case 3.0895 MAA / HD 22 — La Plaza Shopping Center
La Plaza Investments for the placement of two handicapped ramps; one located under the
north arcade in front of two retail stores; and the second located along the bungalow
sidewalk leading from South Indian Canyon Drive to the small retail stores at La Plaza,
124 south Palm Canyon Drive, Zone CBD, Section 15. (GM)
Member Monney excused himself from the meeting at 6:07.
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposal and referenced the material on the
boards.
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 20, 2011
David Christian, project architect stated that the proposed ramp will be sympathetic to the
historic nature of La Plaza. The new ramp under the north arcade will have a short curb
on the ramp edge running the entire length of the ramp. It will utilize a salt rock finish in
terra cotta color and have a cross hatch design on the face of the ramp.
Member Fauber asked for clarification on the finish for the arcade ramp.
Member Purnel asked if the arcade ramp will only be in the one location. He also asked
the applicant if they had considered other alternatives such as a lift.
Vice -Chair Harlan asked if the designer had considered raising the entire sidewalk to gain
access to the two stores.
Committee members made suggestions to raise the ramp edge curb to a height that would
allow some kind of ornamentation of the side of the ramp; look for a design that is
sympathetic to the historic nature of the site; in the construction of future ramps along the
sidewalk between the bungalows use a salt rock finish and no pink colored concrete.
ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst / Fredericks, 6-0-1; absent Monney) To recommend
approval, subject to the following:
1) Ramp to have a curb at least four (4) inches in height running the entire length.
2) Ramp floor to have an edge of salt rock finish with a terra cotta face in a hatch
design.
3) Property owner to be made aware that a sign program must be approved by the
City before any additional signage is issued for any part of the La Plaza
Shopping Center.
AGENDA ITEM #10 SP 11-004 — Regional Business Center
City of Palm Springs for a request to implement a sign program at the existing building
located at 3111 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone CC, Section 13. (DN)
Chair Kleindienst recused himself due to a conflict of interest.
Associate Planner Newell provided an analysis on the proposed project and presented the
materials on the board.
Wesley Ahlgren of the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership discussed the project and
was available for questions.
Member Fauber asked if the font color had to be blue.
Member Purnel was concerned with the blue color and perception of three businesses.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of June 20, 2011
ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen / Fauber 6-0-1; Kleindienst recused) To restudy with the
following direction:
1. Consider alternative designs and fonts, and
2. Provide greater differentiation of center identity sign from tenant identity signs.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Vice Chair Harlan complimented staff on the detailed and informative staff reports,
however some exhibits are hard to read due to being reduced and scanned into PDF's. It
would be helpful to receive actual electronic files of site plans, elevations, and landscape
plans.
Planning Director Ewing stated that staff will look into a process of supplying electronic
files to AAC members.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m.
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Principal
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