HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-10- ARC Minutes
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS
ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MAY 10, 2010
Council Chamber, City Hall
3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Ortega called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m.
ATTENDANCE - YTD Present Present to Absent:
This Meeting: Date:
Paul Ortega, Chair X 9 0
William Kleindienst, Vice Chair X 8 1
Chris Sahlin X 8 1
Lance O’Donnell X 9 0
Michael King X 9 0
Robert Parker X 7 2
Patrick McGrew X 9 0
Donald Wexler 1 N/A
Ana Maria Escalante 2 N/A
(The attendance record is from January 2010 through the meeting of May 10, 2010.)
Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Conrad
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of Minutes for meeting of April 26, 2010, with one
correction to Agenda Item #2.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker / Kleindienst, 7-0) To approve the minutes of April 26, 2010, with
one correction to Agenda Item #2.
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 3.3425 – Palm Springs Fire Department Training Center
Scott Ventura, Deputy Fire Chief representing the Palm Springs Fire Department (PSPD) for
the placement of a 2,160 square foot modular building and parking lot improvements at 3000
E. Alejo Road, Zone A. (GM)
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Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief description of the proposal. He stated that the building
will be used for training purposes and the site plan shows the location of the new modular
building. The building will consist of three modular units joined together under one roof
structure. The building will sit approximately thirty (30) inches above grade with the building
at eleven (11) feet tall for a total above grade elevation of 13’.5”. A forty (40) foot long ramp
will run along the south side of the building providing access. Both the building and ramp will
be encased in a skirting system. The building is set-back twenty (20) feet from the airport
perimeter fencing due to federal security measures. The color of the building will be
Creampuff for the main body and Hand-woven for the trim.
The existing parking lot will be upgraded to include nine (9) delineated parking spaces with
one (1) handicap space. Currently the PSFD uses this facility for in-house training with
possible use by the general public. During training sessions, the fireman will park their fire
trucks on Alejo Road which also acts as overflow parking.
Deputy Fire Chief Ventura stated that the building will meet ADA requirements and any trash
from the site will be removed after use.
Member O’Donnell stated that the role of the AAC in reviewing City projects can be to provide
guidance. The orientation of the building is good, however shading of the east and west
windows should be considered. Use of large DG on the site will help in keeping the site
stable and cooler.
Member McGrew asked what the expected life span of the building is.
Deputy Fire Chief Ventura responded by mentioning that the PSPD looked into leasing the
building, but in the end it would more cost effective to buy the building.
Member King asked if the proposed building is new building. Mr. Ventura responded yes.
Member Sahlin stated that every City has back of house buildings like the proposed PSPD
training center. The proposed location at the end of a dead-end street next to the airport is
the appropriate location.
Member Parker had not comment.
Vice Chair Kleindienst said that the building will be functional.
ACTION: M/S/C (O’Donnell / Parker, 6-1, oppose McGrew) To recommend approval to
the Planning Commission.
AGENDA ITEM #3: Case 5.0421 MAJ – Desert Regional Hospital – Parking Lot G
Chris Mills architect representing the Desert Regional Hospital for a new 291 space parking
lot with solar carports, landscaping and fencing on 2.82 acres at 388 Mel Avenue, Zone R-3.
(GM)
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Minutes of May 10, 2010
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Chair Ortega and Vice Chair Kleindienst recused themselves and left the room.
Assistant Planner Mlaker stated that this proposal is an amendment to an original PD which
was approved in 2004. The new parking lot includes six (6) rows of head-in parking with
perimeter spaces facing adjacent streets. The lot will be accessed controlled with one
entrance and one exit both from Mel Avenue. The site will include perimeter CMU block walls
and wrought iron fencing to match existing fences at other hospital facilities.
The unique feature of the new parking lot scheme includes carports with fully integrated roof
mounted solar panels. All carports equal 1,296 square feet and will be supported by one
column. Mechanical wiring will be consolidated into the one support column. Parking lot
lighting will consist of light poles and indirect fixtures mounted underneath the carports. The
landscape plan will include the use of trees, shrubs, and ground cover located in the
perimeter planter areas.
Chris Mills gave a presentation where he stated that the original parking lot was approved in
2004 and the new lot will be very similar to the existing lots across the street from Mel
Avenue. He said that the solar carports are like a tree structure with one pole holding up the
entire structure. The power generated from the solar panels will be used by the hospital.
Member O’Donnell questioned the site lay-out in terms of ingress and egress. What happens
if someone pulls in the entrance and wants to exit? The solar panels should have at least a
3% tilt to help in keeping debris off the panels.
Mr. Mills stated that there will be signage alerting the public that this lot is for employee
parking. The hospital does not anticipate any major problems in terms of entering or exiting
the site. Other hospital lots do not experience problems. The bulk of the traffic will be during
shift changes and the gates may be left open to facilitate fast exiting.
Member McGrew has no comments.
Member King asked if there would be plug-in stations for electric cars.
Chris Mills stated that plug-in stations will be designated. He also mentioned that the lot will
be used during the daytime.
Member Parker had no comment.
Member Sahlin asked if the solar panels were opaque or did light shine through. The solar
panels attached to a simple structure which can be seen by the public are helpful.
ACTION: M/S/C (Parker / King, 5-0-2, recused Kleindienst, Ortega) To recommend
approval to the Planning Commission
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AGENDA ITEM #4: Case 5.1032 MAJ / HSPB 3 – Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Escalante Architects, representing the City of Palm Springs, for the renovation of the
Welwood Murray Memorial Library to include a 1,589 square foot of new construction,
demolition of a small portion of the building, new landscaping at 100 S. Palm Canyon Drive,
Zone CBD. (GM)
Members O’Donnell and Sahlin recused themselves and left the room.
Assistant Planner Mlaker presented the proposal for the construction of a curvilinear 1,589-
square foot addition to the rear of the building in the existing courtyard. The new addition
roof will join the structure just below the existing transom windows. This new structure will
extend twenty-five (25) feet out into the courtyard area. The proposed site plan does meet
the requirements of a ten (10) foot non-construction easement area.
The new structure will be constructed of galvanized metal, clear tempered and green floating
glass. The roof will be made of a fibertite roofing, crème colored ridged foam insulation. This
portion of the building will open directly to the new landscaped courtyard allowing for an
indoor / outdoor experience. Existing mechanical equipment located in the courtyard will be
consolidated into a new electric room.
Alex Meyerhoff and Ana Escalante presented the proposal stating that the adaptive re-use of
the building as a transformational library which will allow for flexibility. The removal of lead
and asbestos paint will occur. The renovation will include a seismic retrofit and a repair to the
existing barrel tile roof.
Member Parker asked if the galvanized metal will be painted.
Member King asked what will be done with the condenser units. He stated that the
Europeans are very good at adding a contemporary structure to an historic building and there
are good examples. The final plans will need to be reviewed, the concept today needs work.
Vice Chair Kleindienst asked if the paint will be applied to the window trim.
Member McGrew asked if a preservation consultant was used in preparing the plans. He
stated that a renovation of an historic property should be compared to national standards. He
would like to see existing floor plan versus the proposed. The applicant should identify the
features that are to be repaired and those to be removed. The curvilinear element is a bit of
a challenge. There is a missed opportunity in encouraging other businesses to move into the
adjacent building and the use of the courtyard.
Member Kleindienst stated that the proposal will not compromise the integrity of the historic
building.
Member Parker had no comment.
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AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations:
3.a New additions shall not destroy existing historic materials.
3.b Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired not replaced.
3.c Historic significance can occur over time.
3.d A preservation consultant should be used.
3.e Provide floor plans of previous and proposed.
ACTION: M/S/C (McGrew / King, 3-2-2, against Parker, Kleindienst; recused O’Donnell,
Sahlin) To recommend a re-study.
AGENDA ITEM #5: Case SP 10-004 Escena Sign Program
Sign Program for Escena to include 9 signs located at the development entrances at 1100
Clubhouse View Drive, Zone M-1-P. (GM)
Member Parker recused himself and left the room.
Assistant Planner Mlaker gave a brief explanation of the proposed new signs. He stated that
the signs are located at the perimeter outside of the Escena development fence. The
proposal is for the Escena Golf Club seeking approval to place four (4) additional signs at the
entrances to the development to direct the public to the golf course. Each of these signs will
be twenty-three (23) square feet and will be 7’-8” tall. The design of the sign is an orange
face; the lettering and the Escena logo is consistent with other existing signs.
Trina Richards from Temeka signs representing the Escena Development stated that the
signs are to help direct the public to the golf course. The proposed signs will be located
according to the sign locator site plan.
Member O’Donnell stated that he is concerned that the proposed limestone sign located at
the corner of Gene Autry Trail and Vista Chino be attached properly. He supports the signs
as presented and stated that they will be consistent with existing signs.
Member McGrew stated that he supports the proposal.
Member King stated that there should be a time limit on real estate signs.
Member Sahlin is concerned about the material used for the signs. Good quality materials
should be used so that the signs last ten years.
Vice Chair Kleindienst stated that the sign program, as presented, is of good quality, but is
concerned about the clustering of signs at the development entrances.
ACTION: M/S/C (Kleindienst/ Sahlin, 6-0-1, recused Parker) To recommend approval to
the Planning Commission.
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CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS:
Principal Planner Robertson gave the AAC a brief update on recent staff layoffs at City Hall.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further comments, the AAC meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
_________________________
Edward O. Robertson
Principal Planner