HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-11- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF JANUARY 11, 2010
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, GA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ortega called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD Present: # Absent: # Total
Paul Ortega, Chair
William Kleindienst, Vice Chair
Chris Sahlin
Lance O'Donnell
Michael King
Robert Parker
Patrick McGrew
Donald Wexler
Ana Maria Escalante
X 1
0 1.
0
X
1 1
X 1
0 1
X 1
0 1
X 1
0 1
X 1
0 1
X 1
0 1
X
X
(Roll Call record is from January 2010 thru meeting of January 11, 2010)
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Hudson
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of December 21, 2009.
ACTION: M/S/C (King / Parker, 6-0, 1 absent / Kleindienst) To approve the minutes of December
21, 2010.
REVISIONS TO AGENDA: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no public comments.
AGENDA ITEM #2: Case 3.1018 MAA — Cheeky's Restaurant
Tara Lazar, owner of Cheeky's restaurant for the construction of a new 775 square foot outdoor
pavilion for limited bar and food service located within the main garden area at 622 N. Palm Canyon
Drive, Zone C-1,_Section 10. (GM)__
Reuel Young representing Cheeky's made a presentation on the design elements of the new pavilion.
Mr. Young stated that in looking at possible design schemes, the new structure could mimic the
adjacent Spanish style building with its tile roofs and stucco, or it, could be of a modern style
constructed with a flat roof and concrete block. The design team chose the modern style. The
modern design will compliment the main restaurant building and not try to compete.
The AAC commented that they appreciated that the modern style building will be separate and
unique. There is no compelling need to mimic the design of the Spanish style. The original Pepper
Tree Inn was a modern building.
Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 11, 2010
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker / O'Donnell, 6-0,1 absent / Kleindienst) To recommend approval subject
to conditions.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 3.3377 MAA — Tahquitz Canyon Way Median Project
The City of Palm Springs for the revitalization of the landscape median along Tahquitz Canyon Way,
including the front of City Hall parking lot area, and Riverside County Administrative Office Complex,
Zone: Civic Center. (ER)
Member Parker recused himself from the proceedings for a possible conflict of interest being that his
design firm has been retained by the City as a consultant for this project.
Principal Planner Robertson made introductory comments and introduced Marcus Fuller, Assistant
Director of Public Works. This project will be managed by the Public Works Department.
Mr. Fuller described the scope of the project and mentioned that the AAC first reviewed this case in
August of 2009. He stated that the design team will be led by RGA Consultants and he introduced
Robert Parker the lead designer.
Mr. Parker made an extensive presentation on the proposed design. He described the four areas of
the plan which extends from El Cieio Road along the Tahquitz Canyon Way corridor to Indian Canyon
Drive. The four zones include: Civic Center Zone, Neighborhood Zone, Resort/ Tribal Heritage Zone,
and Downtown Urban Zone.
Mr. Parker stated that a sub -committee appointed by the City Council has been working with the
design firm to help develop these plans. The plan reflects a direct goal of the City's General Plan on
connecting activity nodes. He further stated that this project has been available for public viewing on
the City web site and comments have been compiled.
AAC comments where as follows:
Member McGrew: Stated that the Class 1 designation of City Hall includes the entire site and not just
the building contrary to the position of the Planning director and the City Attorney. Original plans for
City Hall should be consulted. More of an emphasis on art along the corridor. He stated that he
would like a re -study of the Civic Center Zone being that this area most likely will be the first to be
implemented.
Member Sahlin: Complimented the design work. He stated that the original architects wanted to link
the airport and the downtown with a major east -west corridor in a minimalist style. The plans
presented for the medians should be scaled down to reflect the original intent.
Member King: Stated that he does not support the redesign of the parking lot to allow for parking in
front of City Hail. questions the placement of the demonstration garden in proposed location and
does not support the use of annual plantings. He favors the mid -block crossing between City Hall
and the Riverside County Building. He added that the. median designs are headed in the right
direction, however more work is needed.
Chair Ortega: Commented on the future art spaces to be placed along proposed median walls or at
median ends. He does not support the use of annual plantings within the Civic Center zone or the
Section 14 areas. Mr. Ortega supports the proposed plant palette but still has reservations on the
placement of the demonstration garden. Areas within the demo garden that are depressed should
use plants that would naturally occur in a wash area. He commented that the concept will further the
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Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting
Minutes of January 11, 2010
sustainability goals of the City.
Member O'Donnell: Stated that the proposed project reflects good ideas; however there can be
shortfalls when plans are designed by committee. Simplification is needed and he is concerned that
new landscaping in front of City Hall will block site lines. Areas designated for art should be reserved
for several different types of art pieces. Mr. O'Donnell stated that he does not support parking in front
of City Hall. The proposed pavers look residential, are there alternatives. Use larger pavers, or
concrete scoring that will reflect modern design. .
Planning Commissioner Hudson stated that the Civic Center Zone would most likely be the first
project to be implemented. The renovation of the remaining corridor area will be done over time.
AAC members offered the following additional comments and recommendations:
2.a No change to parking lot layout in front of City Hall.
2.b Demonstration garden in front of City Hall to be eliminated.
2.c Use saw cut pattern on concrete instead of pavers.
2.d Approve in theory from a sustainability stand point the remaining three median zone areas.
2.e Re -think undulating walls within median area.
2. f No use of annual plantings
2.g Support of plant palette as proposed.
2.h Simplify corridor plan using the guidelines for water efficient landscaping.
2. I Support the use of cross -walks.
2. j Finalize art placement areas.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / O'Donnell, 5-0, 1 absent/ Kleindienst, 1 abstain/ Parker) For re -study
of project to reflect comments.
Member Parker re -joined the AAC at the dais.
CHAIRMAN /COMMITTEE ! STAFF COMMENTS:
Member McGrew asked for Staff clarification on placing a committee discussion item on each
meetings agenda.
Principal Planner Robertson stated that in the future AAC agenda's will include an agenda item called
"Non -action Items" which will be a time for AAC members to ask questions of Staff on previously
discussed projects.
lLoward O. o ertson
Principal Planner