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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-09- ARC MinutesCITY OF PALM SPRINGS ARCHITECTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 2009 Council Chamber, City Hall 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 3:05 pm by Chair Chris Sahlin. ATTENDANCE: Present: Absent: YTD Attendance: Chris Sahlin, Chair X 2 Paul Ortega, Vice Chair X 3 Doug Hudson X 3 Lance O'Donnell X 3 Michael King X 3 Robert Parker X 2 Donald Wexler X 0 Jeffrey Jurasky X 0 Planning Commission Members Present: Commissioner Hochanadel APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of minutes for meeting of January 26, 2009. Action: M/S/C (Sahlin/O'Donnell) 6-0 for the approval of the minutes from the 1.26.09 meeting. REVISIONS TO AGENDA: Item 7 — Lily of the Valley Worship Center has asked for a continuance of their case. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Three (3) minute time limit per person on matters within the jurisdiction of the Architectural Advisory Committee. Chair Sahlin opened Public Comments: Seeing no members of the public wishing to make comments — Chair Sahlin closed public comments. 1. Case 09-013 Palm Springs Visitor Center Sign — Palm Springs Redevelopment Agency (Tram Way Gas Station, Class 1 Historic Site — HSPB #33/37) at 2901 North Palm Canyon Drive, Zone C-1, Section 3. Staff presentation was made by Glenn Mlaker, Assistant Planner. Jennifer Henning from the Redevelopment Authority answered questions from the Committee. She stated that HSPB looked at many different types of signs and the Authority settled on a sign that can be seen driving from both north and south on Route 111. She described the current state of the sign being in poor repair. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations: a. Re -design sign more in keeping with the historic nature of the gas station. b. The City needs to do a comprehensive study to review an overall 'branding' of the City — this would tie into the font type used on entry signs and signs throughout the City. C. For an immediate need, look into covering the existing sign with a tasteful sleeve vinyl sign. d. The sign as proposed will not address the graffiti problem. New design should be elevated. e. Location of sign is not appropriate and is out of character with the historic setting. Sign should relate to the former service station use. AAC Agenda Item #2 Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2009 Action: M/S/C (King/Hudson) 6-0 to recommend a Re -study of the sign based on the above comments 1.a thru 1.e. 2. 3.3004 MAA — An application by Riofine Neon on behalf of the Tropicale Restaurant for the installation of cold cathode 'salmon colored' neon tube lighting along the building roof line at 330 East Amado Road, Zone REO, Section 14. Katelyn Quinn from Riofine Neon described the proposal and answered questions. She said that the neon tubing will be set flush in either the existing channel below the roof line or in a recessed area on the building fagade. The restaurant is seeking a more elegant look and the neon will act as an accent rather than a sign. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations: a. The AAC prefers that the neon be at the roof line. b. Extend the neon tubing to a logical point on the East side of the building. C. The tubing 15 feet back on the west elevation is OK. Action: M/S/C (O'Donnell/Hudson) 6-0 to recommend to Staff the approval of neon tubing along the front roof line; 15 feet back on the west elevation; and to a end the neon at a logical point on the East side of the building. 3. SI — 09-015 and SP 09-001 — A sign program application for the El Paseo building, a Class 1 Historic Site, and major tenant specific signage for Design Within Reach at 800 North Palm Canyon Dr., Zone C-1, Section 10. Jack representing the applicant made a presentation stating that the sign program for the overall building will include tenant signage which will have a subdued array. The sign program includes blade signs, a complex identification sign on the perimeter wall along Indian Canyon Dr., one main tenant sign, and pedestrian signs on the window glazing. Signage for Design Within Reach (DWR) will include one sign facing North Indian Canyon Dr. equaling 66 square feet, on double-faced 5.8 square feet blade sign, and three pedestrian signs on the window glazing. Staff stated that the some of the DWR signs proposed do not meet the sign ordinance. However, if the Planning Commission approves the sign program these signs would be conforming and permitted. AAC members offered the following comments and recommendations: a. The complex identification sign on the perimeter wall should be more visible. This sign should be slightly more legible with more contrast than proposed. b. Will the tenant complex sign be visible from Indian Canyon Drive. C. The red wrap element is good design. d. The number of pedestrian signs should not be an issue. e. The size of the main sign facing the parking lot is not an issue. Action: M/S/C (Hudson/O'Donnell) 6-0 to recommend to the Planning Commission for the approval of the sign program as presented with one suggestion; that the wall sign be more legible. Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2009 Action: M/S/C (Hudson/O'Donnell) 6-0 to recommend to staff the approval of the signs as presented and shown on the sign program. Approval should take place after the Planning Commission adopts the sign program. Planning Commission Chair Hochanadel suggested that DWR provide an outline of the 66 square foot sign on the building in the location proposed. Staff has been asked to provide pictures of the outline for their review. 4. SI — 09-006 — Manny Urquiza of the ACE Hotel and Swim Club for architectural approval of a freestanding monument sign that includes a main sign and attraction board at 701 East Palm Canyon Drive, Zone R-3, Section 26. Committee Members O'Donnell and Parker abstained due to conflicts of interest. Staff presentation was provided by David Newell, Associate Planner. Additional presentations were provided by the applicants. Action: M/S/C (Hudson/King), 6-0; To recommend approval of the plans as submitted. 5. 3.2826-MAJ — Jerry E. Johnson Sr. of Lilly of the Valley Worship Center has submitted revised plans for the previously approved church located at 200 West Oasis Road, Zone M-1, Section 34. Staff informed the AAC that the applicant for this project has requested to continue the review process for this Case indefinitely. 6. 5.1132-PD 333; Restudy of Landscape plans of the previously approved Mondrian Hotel — A 200- unit hotel that includes guest rooms, bar, restaurants and a 200-unit condominium complex located along the northeast corner of Calle Alvarado and Alejo Road, Zone R-4; Section 14. Staff presentation was made by Edward O. Robertson, Principal Planner. The applicant, Lauri Kibby of the Oasi Group introduced the Landscape architect who made a detailed presentation of the revised landscape plan to the Architectural Advisory Committee. The Committee commended the applicant and the Landscape architect for the detailed presentation of the landscape plans. The Committee stated that the colors were interesting and visually pleasing but expressed concerns on the ability of some of the plants to survive year round. The AAC also wondered how the plants will appear during the summer months. Overall, the Committee stated that the proposed plant materials are great. The AAC reminded the applicant that at the last review of the project, recommendations were made to include open space area at the corner opposite the Convention Center. The AAC suggested that it will be a missed opportunity not to include a pedestrian linkage and seating areas at the said corner of the project site. The Committee made it clear that the suggestion is not for a park of a large magnitude but rather a simple open space with shades and seats. The AAC agreed that almost 95% of the landscape scheme is approvable; however, the committee is not comfortable with the concept of a "hidden entry" to the hotel. This concept according to the Committee will inhibit pedestrian linkage to the hotel. The applicant was urged to bring back a landscape plan that addresses these issues. The AAC added the following comments: Architectural Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2009 a. The overall landscape scheme is great b. The applicant urged to review proposed plant materials, as some may not be appropriate for the desert area C. There is a "disconnect' between the hotel and the street; this design may not be successful judging from past experience in the City d. The site is a major part of the City; make a bold statement at the corner opposite the Convention Center e. The main entrance to the hotel should not be shielded from the public f. The AAC urged the applicant to work with the City in order to resolve parking and the main front door issues g. The portion of the site opposite the Convention Center needs to be treated in a public friendly manner h. The applicant should not hide the entrance to the hotel with berms and landscaping materials i. The applicant was asked to be careful with proposed plant selections as some of them could be very difficult to maintain in the desert harsh conditions j. Consider different types of trees in the parking areas k. Crushed rocks may not be appropriate in the parking areas I. Overall lighting should be very subtle Action: M/S/C — The AAC unanimously agreed to restudy the proposed landscape plan in light of all the comments, concerns and recommendations from the Committee. The applicant Lauri Kibby stated that she is opened to the idea of a restudy as well. CHAIRMAN / COMMITTEE / STAFF COMMENTS: Chair Sahlin apologized for his absence at the last meeting, the Chair commended staff for the staff memo and packages for agenda items. He made some suggestions on how the materials could be improved such that they could be printed out in color. The Vice chair also commended staff for the new staff memo which according to him, makes it easier to understand items that the AAC is being asked to review and comment on. Staff informed the Committee that response will be provided at the next AAC meeting regarding two of the questions asked by members of the Committee. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further comments, the meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted,��7 1 t 1 f rax" . E and O. ob son Pri cipal PI r