Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-06-23 ARC Regular Meeting MinutesCITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 23, 2020 (VIRTUAL ZOOM MEETING) CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. ROLL CALL Commissioners Chris Van Vliet, Chair Karel Lambell, Vice Chair Allan Levin Michael McAuliffe Jim McIntosh Jim Schmid John Vuksic Current Meeting Present Absent X X X X X X X Also Present Ryan Stendell, Director Community Development Eric Ceja, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meeting: 12/24/19, 3/10/20, 3/24/20, 4/14/20 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 9, 2020 Year to Date Present Absent 8 1 8 1 9 8 1 8 1 8 1 8 1 Action: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the June 9, 2020 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 7-0 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh Schmid, Van Vliet, and Vuksic voting YES. ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: SARC 20-0005 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: SHORT STOP CORPORATION, 74- 478 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to convert the Chevron gas station to a Sinclair gas station. The project includes a new wall sign, re -facing two (2) existing monument signs, painting the canopy green and adding signage, and adding a decorative dinosaur along Deep Canyon Road within the landscaping area. LOCATION: 74-478 Highway 111 ZONE: DE Mr. Kevin Swartz, Associate Planner, presented a request to convert a former Chevron gas station to a Sinclair gas station on the corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon Road. The applicant is requesting to switch out logo information on two (2) monument signs along Highway 111 and Deep Canyon Road. For the monument sign on Highway 111, they are proposing to increase the height from 6' to 9'. He informed the Commission that monument signs are 6' up to 10' in height, however anything above 6' has to have architectural merit, which this sign does not have. It is basically a rectangle sign. He referred to the canopy and said Sinclair wants to paint the canopy green below the cornice only. Staff thought this looked unfinished and asked the Commission for their comments and suggestions. The other items that will be changing are the logo information, trash cans, towel containers, and gas pumps. Staff is okay with the proposed "Dino Mart" signage on the side of the store that will fit within a rectangular area. He pointed out the location of the proposed dinosaur art feature on the corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon that will be submitted under a separate permit. The applicant may possibly work with the Art in Public Places Commission on this submittal. In closing, he said staff is recommending keeping the existing base in place on both signs, switch out the pricing, and discuss the color green on the cornice. GAPIanningWanine JudyWRC\1Mlnutesl2020\200623min.docx Page 2 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 The Commission asked if the dinosaur (dino) on the canopy was illuminated or painted on and if the sign directly in front of the store, "Short Stop", will remain. MR. KEVIN O'HARE, Sign Development, said the dino logo is actually a formed dino that is 3-dimensional that will illuminate at night. He explained that the canopy will not be painted but will be an aluminum composite material which is a metal, and the green color is a factory baked finish, as well as the white that won't fade in the desert. He also said the "Short Stop" sign will remain in the front of the store. Commissioner Vuksic pointed out a small detail on the bottom of the canopy where a small amount of the green could be applied and wrap it around the sides to give the canopy splashes of that color with the green dino logo above it. Commissioner McAuliffe referred to a notation made on the drawings about adding a channel below the canopy to increase the face of the signage area. MR. O'HARE said the gutters are intended to be covered so they can extend the fascia to meet the minimum 24" letter height requirements of Sinclair. Commissioner Vuksic was concerned that to have a primary green color on such a wide band all the way around seems a little much. Commissioner McAuliffe suggested the canopy take on the flavor of the gas pumps where the Sinclair signage is in red, the intense green is minimized and the balance of the canopy would be substantially white with the more muted green. The Commission continued to discuss the shades of green and discussed the applicant's reasoning for increasing the fascia to accommodate letter sizes. MR. O'HARE said Sinclair wouldn't allow the green unless it was 24". Mr. Swartz said staff is concerned with how the canopy will look after modifying it. Commissioner Vuksic pointed out that the canopy looks better with the detail line than without it. Commissioner Levin asked the applicant if it were possible to do that sort of blended dark green fading to the lighter green on the canopy. MR. O'HARE said Sinclair will not allow them to do it on the lower trim which is like a gutter. He would have to review it to see if they can go to the solid green strip on the 6 or 8" band and get approval from Sinclair and the owner. Commissioner McAuliffe said he'd be okay with the green on the canopy if it took more of the proportions and character of the gas pumps where it is substantially white with the most intense saturated greens as an accent and then the balance GAPlanningWanineJudylARC%lMin utes\2020\200623min.docx Page 3 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 of the canopy more of the pale color. He thinks two-thirds white one- third green would feel pretty balanced. The way the green/white split is right now on the canopy feels like it's in the middle of no-man's land. Commissioner Levin and MR. O'HARE discussed the proposed height of 9' for the monument sign on Highway 111. MR. O'HARE said this is required for visibility purposes but understands that if the ARC doesn't agree with the height increase they will have to leave it as is. Commissioner Lambell said this is a highly visible corner and doesn't think a 9' high sign is appropriate for that neighborhood. Commissioner Schmid pointed out the three stores with the green tile and the red lettering and the Short Stop sign and said it is all very consistent. He said it seems odd that the applicant is proposing to leave up the Short Stop sign and sticking the proposed Dino Mart sign on the east facing as well. Chair Van Vliet referred back to the canopy and said how it looks on a very visible corner of the City is important. He is also opposed to the green band and agrees that the lower section with the little insert on the canopy would be better for the green color. He stated there used to be a number of trees in the front that helped to screen the canopy and felt it would be important to include some landscaping at the corner without blocking everything. Commissioner Lambell asked what the significance was for the Cam's Cornersign on the corner of Highway 111 and Deep Canyon. Mr. Ryan Stendell, Director of Community Development, said there is some historic significance to Cam's Corner and asked staff to check old entitlements to see if it is still required to be there. MR. CAMERON NEVINS, owner, said Short Stop is the name of the corporation and the company they started when this was first built and it is still being referred to as Cam's Corner. He said the existing convenience store will be remodeled to look like other Sinclair Dino Mart convenience stores. Commissioner Lambell suggested they clarify the need for the Short Stop wall sign versus the Dino Mart sign, as well as the Cam's Corner wall sign. MR. O'HARE said they will review this with corporate and move forward. Commissioner McAuliffe referred back to lightening up the green for the canopy color and suggested they also wrap the corners. Commissioner Vuksic said this needs to be designed as a 3- GAPIanningUanineJudylARCl7MinuteM2020\200623min.docx Page 4 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 dimensional element with how the colors are applied. He also stated that he understands this is something that corporate is not willing to do. MR. O'HARE said they could probably show an elevation that shows the short end and the long end on the photos but corporate will not let us modify the colors or the look. Commissioner Vuksic stated that this would then be a deal breaker for the Commission. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case No. SARC 20-0005 subject to: 1) The proposed green on the canopy must be minimal. Consider just applying it to the small detail on the bottom of the canopy; 2) When applying the green to the canopy, the same color must wrap around the sides of the canopy; 3) design canopy as a 3-dimensional element to better illustrate the proposal; 4) submit dimensions of the dinosaur art feature at the corner of the property; 5) leave the current bases as is for the monument signs and just reface the two signs; 6) clarify the need for the Short Stop wall sign versus the Dino Mart wall sign, and the Cam's Corner wall sign; 7) addition of landscape on the corner; and 8) gas pump designs were acceptable. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid, Van Vliet, and Vuksic voting YES. 2. CASE NO: MISC 20-0005 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: 72221 HIGHWAY 111, LLC, Attn: Adam Gilbert, 2496 E. Santa Ynez, Palm Springs, CA 92264 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Consideration to approve fagade remodel for an existing multi -tenant retail building within the Las Sombras Center: Bump and Grind Plaza. LOCATION: 72-221 Highway 111 ZONE: P.C.-4 Mr. Nick Melloni, Assistant Planner, reminded the Architectural Review Commission (ARC) this appeared before them on May 23, 2020. At that meeting, some of the Commission's comments focused on the compatibility of certain design elements on the Highway 111 fagade regarding landscaping, the new elements transitioning into the building to appear as four-sided, as well as the color of the building. To address the Commission's comments the applicant has revised the design of the dining patios by using a contemporary style GAPlanningWanineJudyWRCNMin utes\2020%200623min.docx Page 5 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 railing. These new railings better match the contemporary character of the new fagade. The applicant has redesigned Highway 111 elevation by changing the previously traditional cornices to a more contemporary rectangular form. Additionally, the vertical forms (pilasters) have been elongated slightly to appear more substantial. The applicant has also modified the landscape design by incorporating more colorful shrubs and flowers. The massing of the elements have not changed just the cornice. The color has remained the same and the roof plan is largely the same as the previous submittal. Staff is recommending approval subject to construction drawings returning to the ARC for final review and approval. MR. ADAM GILBERT, applicant, said they have implemented a majority of the comments suggested at the previous meeting and thanked the Commission as he believes they have a better project. The cornices are much more contemporary and fit with the overall style of the fagade they are proposing. In addition, they have changed the roof from black to a lighter gray that will fit with the overall color scheme of the building and not be so hot or dirty. He feels the project looks good and they are excited to move forward. Commissioner Vuksic liked the changes that have been made and said it helps a lot. He referred to the big barn -like roofs and said it was unfortunate they are working with them. On Highway 111, they are not that noticeable but it is more noticeable on the south elevation. His main concern were the angled tops which look good in some shots, however in other shots it doesn't look so good. With the angles, you are able to see the tops of the parapets and the backs of some parapets which is a problem. He and MR. GABRIEL LUHAN, designer, discussed how the massing returns. Commissioner Vuksic said the concept is good and it's just a matter of refining these angles and view lines. He suggested they study the view angles of parapets to ensure the rear of parapets are not visible from the street or parking areas. Commissioner Vuksic and the designer discussed the four (4) monolithic forms on the south elevation, as well as the three (3) on the Highway 111 elevation that were done a little differently. Commissioner Vuksic suggested they decrease the spacing between pilasters on the Highway 111 elevation to more closely match pilaster elements on the southern elevation to continue back and die into the roof. Commissioner McAuliffe said what is appealing GAPIanningUanineJudylARCllMin utes\2020=0623min.docx Page 6 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 about the south elevation is the tighter spacing. They read more of a collective object having four of them together a little tighter where on the Highway 111 elevation they are more spaced out and they aren't creating an element. He also thinks they actually read stronger perched on the roof rather than returning them all the way back. The Commission discussed the 4 x 4 squares, an architectural detail, on the Highway 111 elevation. Commissioner Vuksic was concerned these squares will interfere with signage locations. MR. GILBERT said they will remove the squares where signage will be located. Commissioner Lambell asked if they had a color board. Mr. Melloni stated they did not have a physical color board at this time and said staff will deliver one to the Commissioners for their review. Commissioner Lambell felt it was important to see the relationship between the white walls and the new gray tile paint. Commissioner McAuliffe asked about the grade changes on the south elevation and the ADA path of travel. MR. LUHAN said they will bring in civil engineers to review thet grade. Commissioner McAuliffe said they will have to introduce hand rails in those locations and suggested they mimic the enhancements made to the outdoor patio railing. He then referred to the dormers that is a part of the carry over elements and said one of things they may consider doing is looking at the colors of the inset just to tie in with what's going on elsewhere with the improvements. ACTION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve subject to: 1) study view angles of parapets to ensure rear of parapets are not visible from street or parking areas; 2) decrease spacing between pilasters on the Highway 111 elevation to more closely match pilaster elements on the southern elevation; 3) ensure the placement of wall signage does not conflict with architectural details; 4) deliver color board to the Commission for review prior to submitting final construction drawings for final approval; 5) consider using decorative railing, similar to what is used for the patio enclosures, for the ADA hand rails; and 6) consider using the gray color on the dormers to tie in with colors on the building. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0 vote, with Lambell, Levin, McAuliffe, McIntosh, Schmid, Van Vliet, and Vuksic voting YES. GAPlanninglJanineJudykARC11Minutesk202OX200623min.docx Page 7 of 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES June 23, 2020 B. Preliminary Plans: None C. Miscellaneous Items: None VI. COMMENTS Commission and staff discussed the completion of the San Pablo street project, the Avenida Senior Living roof ladders, visible roof -top equipment, and stone veneer, the status of the project on the corner of Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue, and opening City Hall to staff and the public. VII. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Levin moved to adjourn the Architectural Review Commission meeting at 2:00 p.m. -�� . ce ?.t I �� ERIC CEJ PRINCIPAL PLANNER SECRETARY V�uk*-- JAN N DY REC R ING SECRETARY GAPIanningUanlneiudylARMIMinutes120201200623min.docx Page 8 of 8