HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-10-24- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
MINUTES OF OCTOBER 24, 2011
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Harlan called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD Present: # Absent: # Total
William Kleindienst, Chair 15 X 1 16
James Harlan, Vice Chair X 16 0 16
William Fauber X 16 0 16
Gary Fredricks 11 X 5 16
Susan Secoy Jensen X 15 1 16
Randy Purnel X 13 3 16
Paul Ortega * X 6 0 6
Dan Thompson ** X 2 0 2
Donald Wexler N/A
(Attendance record begins on January 2011 through the meeting of October 24, 2011.
* Member Ortega’s attendance record begins on August 8, 2011; Member Thompson’s attendance
record begins on October 10, 2011)
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Donenfeld
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of October 10, 2011 with two
corrections.
ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen / Ortega, 6-0-1, absent Kleindienst) To approve the minutes of
October 10, 2011 with two corrections.
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 PA 11-001 – Pre – Application - Valero Service Station
A pre-application by Tilak R. Chopra for the expansion of an existing automobile service
station and mini-mart building on al approximately 16,990 square foot parcel located at 3689
North Indian Canyon Drive, Zone CM, Section 34. (KL)
Comments provided by the AAC to the applicant.
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2
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 3.2148 – Plaza Las Flores
Plaza las Flores, LLC, for the installation of two freestanding trellis shade structures in the
outdoor dining area of a proposed restaurant at 125 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Zone CBD,
Section 15.
This item was removed from the agenda at the request of the applicant. No action was
taken.
AGENDA ITEM #4: Case SP 11-010 – 7-Eleven Sign Program
A request by YESCO to implement a sign program the multi-tenant commercial property
currently under renovation at 150 West Vista Chino Road, Zone C-1 & R-3, Section 3. (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the proposed sign program and how it conforms to the
zoning code as outlined in the staff report.
Member Thompson asked for clarification on maximum height allowed for monument signs
by the zoning code.
Member Jensen questioned on future tenant status.
Mr. Robert Mountain of Young Electric Sign Co. (YESCO) presented the proposal and was
available for questions.
Member Ortega stated that he does not support the banner proposal.
Member Jensen stated that she was not is support of the proposed monument sign.
Member Fauber questioned if a monument sign is a permitted sign type for this property by
the zoning code.
Member Purnel was not in support of the proposed monument sign.
Member Thompson felt that the main sign was large enough on the building and that the
monument sign was not necessary.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
3.a No monument sign allowed on property;
3.b Banners shall conform to Zoning Code limitations;
3.c Main sign on east elevation shall conform to the Zoning Code and not to exceed fifty-
two square feet in size.
ACTION: M/S/C (Jensen / Fauber 6-0, 1 absent Kleindienst) To recommend approval
with 3 conditions.
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Minutes of October 24, 2011
3
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case SI 11-082 – Chase Bank Sign
Interbrand Design Forum on behalf of Chase Bank to install LED illumination on window
areas at the Smoke Tree Commons shopping center at 2465 East Palm Canyon Drive,
Building D, Zone C-D-N, Section 25.
Associate Planner Newell presented the project to the Committee as outlined in the staff
report.
Member Purnel requested clarification on items, including signs and blue lighting, being
reviewed by the AAC.
Ms. Ashley Hadwick spoke of Chase Bank requested that the Committee determine lighting
as an architectural feature.
Mr. Arin Resnicke of Interbrand DesignForum stated the lighting is typically in the one- to two-
foot candle range. The blue color is called Chase Blue.
Member Ortega dislikes the way the lighting is being proposed.
Members Purnel and Jensen agreed and believed the proposal should be considered
signage.
Member Fauber feels it is being used as signage and a different color should be used if it is
not signage.
ACTION: M/S/C (Purnel / Fauber, 6-0, 1 absent Kleindienst) To recommend that the
proposal be considered signage.
AGENDA ITEM #6: Case 3.3430 MAJ – Freedom Assembly Inc.
Freedom Assembly, Inc. proposed a two-story commercial building consisting of ground floor
parking and second floor retail on an approximately 8,306-square foot lot locat4ed at the
southeast corner of Tramview Road and El Dorado Boulevard (4088 El Dorado Boulevard),
Zone C-1-SP, Section 34. (DN)
Associate Planner Newell presented the project two-story commercial building to the
Committee. He stated the property is located within the College Park Specific Plan;
specifically, Planning Area 3 and Plaza Del Mundo. The project is consistent with the
Development Standards of the Specific Plan.
Member Fauber asked about the existing size of the property and the C-1-SP Zone
requirements.
Member Jensen asked the applicant about design on the south elevation and future tenant
mix.
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4
Member Fauber thought windows would help the design on the south elevation and give
articulation.
Member Purnel asked the applicant about the outside picnic and landscape areas.
Vice Chair Harlan requested information on the building coverage. Associate Planner Newell
stated that the building coverage shown in the staff report was incorrect. The coverage is
closer to fifty-five percent.
Member Fauber thought the building was decent, but was concerned with the second story
retail proposal.
Vice Chair Harlan was concerned with the building’s relation to the Specific Plan and its
relation to the parking area on the south side.
Member Jensen encouraged additional study of architecture, including pedestrian circulation,
color details, landscaping and lighting.
Member Ortega was in agreement and noted lack of landscape plan.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
6.a Enhance design on south elevation;
6.b Propose better relation between street and Plaza Del Mundo;
6.c Provide landscape plan and details on lighting;
6.d Include details on building scale, lighting, color and materials;
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Fauber, 6-0-1, Kleindienst absent) To re-study the proposal
based on the AAC recommendations above.
AGENDA ITEM #7: Case 3.2954 MAA – Saguaro Hotel – Repaint
O2 Architecture representing the Saguaro Hotel for a building repaint to multiple colors at
1800 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 24. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that the AAC had previously reviewed this project at the
October 10, 2011 meeting and made five recommendations. The applicant has resubmitted
the application with the canopy remaining white; horizontal walls painted white; and the
canopy stone anchors not to be painted. Planner Mlaker stated that the applicant painted an
interior courtyard section of the hotel as a demonstration of the proposed repaint. AAC
members were encouraged to view paint samples.
Lance O’Donnell of O2 architecture introduced the design team for the project.
Jerry Sellman representing the design team stated that the paint scheme is part of the
branding for the Saguaro Hotel Group.
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Peter Steinberg described the rationale behind the paint scheme and pointed out that the
building exterior walls will be less color than the courtyard test areas.
Member Purnel asked if a landscape plan will be reviewed by the AAC at a later date.
Vice Chair Harlan asked for clarification on the metal railing color.
Member Jensen thanked the applicant for responding to several of the previous AAC
comments and supports the paint scheme.
Member Thompson stated his support for the project.
Member Fauber stated that he does not support the removal of stone behind existing palm
metal screens and prefers the stone stay as-is on the canopy base.
Member Ortega recognized the applicant’s explanation for the paint scheme based upon a
desert flower palate, however the paint is too bright and the number of colors should be
reduced.
Member Purnel commended the applicant for upholding the design to a higher standard;
however a complete landscape plan should be submitted to the AAC for final review.
Vice Chair Harlan visited the site and supports the paint scheme as proposed.
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Jensen, 4-2-1, against Ortega, Fauber; absent Kleindienst) To
recommend approval with the submission of a complete landscape plan be reviewed by the
AAC.
AGENDA ITEM #8: Case SI 11-099 – Saguaro Hotel - Sign
Best Signs representing the Saguaro Hotel for one freestanding sign and associated property
directional signs at 1800 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 24. (GM)
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the staff memo and stated that the proposed
freestanding sign at the intersection of East Palm Canyon Drive and South Sunrise Way will
be 213 square feet; in addition two secondary entrance signs each equaling 31.5 square feet
are proposed. Total sign square footage to equal 276 which is within the guidelines of the
PSZC for resort hotels.
Jim Cross from Best Signs representing the property owner presented the proposal.
Member Fauber asked for clarification on the color of the support poles. He stated that the
support poles must “disappear” for the sign design to work.
Member Thompson asked for an explanation on the color choice of green for the two
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entrance signs. He stated that the proposed letter fonts are not consistent.
Member Ortega stated that the monument sign is large and tall; the background color on the
entrance signs are bright; the use of several different letter fonts is not cohesive; and does
not support the proposal.
Member Purnel stated that the monument sign is too tall and could the overall sign be
lowered; green color on the entrance sign is bright.
Member Jensen concurs with the comments from other AAC members. Applicant should
submit a landscape plan for a comprehensive review for the coordination of the sign and the
overall look of the support poles.
Vice Chair Harlan stated that the support pole system is not the solution and the presence of
landscaping will not mask the sign structure as intended.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
7.a Applicant to seek an alternate sign support system design
7.b Seek alternate color of entrance sign background
7.c Secondary restaurant signs to be similar in design, color; and size
ACTION: M/S/C (Fauber / Thompson, 6-0-1, absent Kleindienst) To recommend re-study
based upon AAC recommendations.
AGENDA ITEM #9: Case 3.2312 MAA - Allen Ladd Building
Ray Rooker, architect to add two new front entry canopies, windows, and upgrade
landscaping at the Allen Ladd Building at 500 South Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-1, Section
22.
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposal to place two metal canopies at the main
entrance to the building; the removal of a stucco wall on the north and south sides of the
building to be replaced with a new three-story window system; and new landscaping.
Ray Rooker project architect described the project and was on hand to answer questions.
Member Fauber asked for clarification on what portions of the building stucco wall will be
removed and replaced with a window system.
Member Thompson asked if the decorative wood panels above the two main entrances would
remain.
Member Purnel asked for a more detailed design of the proposed canopy; and a description
of the landscape plan. He stated that the plan as proposed should include the removal of
turf, seasonal flowers should be eliminated, and he questioned the planting of palm tress in
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smaller planter beds along Indian Canyon and other locations. A cohesive landscape plan
should be submitted. He does not support the removal of the stucco walls.
Vice Chair Harlan stated that the proposed canopy design is not successful in complementing
the building architecture.
Member Jensen stated that the building has a rich history and is concerned that the canopy
design does not compliment the architecture. She would like to see the original drawings and
does not support the removal of the stucco walls.
Member Ortega recommended the use of desert perennials instead of the flowering annuals.
AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
9.a Submit redesigned canopy drawings that relate to the architectural elements of the
building.
9.b Submit a cohesive landscape plan.
ACTION: M/S/C (Harlan / Fauber, 6-0-1, absent Kleindienst) To recommend re-study
based upon AAC recommendations.
CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
No Comments
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
_______________________________
Edward O. Robertson
Principal Planner