HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandscape Plans Remodel of Westfield Shoppingtown PD CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: PHILIP DRELL, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DATE: AUGUST 24, 2000
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ELEVATIONS AND LANDSCAPING FOR WESTFIELD
SHOPPING TOWN REMODEL
APPLICANT:
John M. Healy
Westfield Corporation, Inc.
11601 Wilshire Boulevard, 12th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90025-1748
RECOMMENDATION:
By minute motion conceptually approve remodel designs with direction to Architectural
Review Commission concerning specific issues of concern.
II. DISCUSSION:
Westfield has submitted more detailed architectural and landscape plans for their
remodel. The plans remain consistent with the overall scope of their last approval and
they have responded to some of the preliminary comments resulting from the joint
of continuingreview bythe
study session on July 13th. These plans are the subject
Architectural Review Commission and have received conceptual approval. The
purpose of Westfield's presentation to the council is to provide an update and to solicit
guidance from the council regarding specific issues of concern.
The following summarizes the significant issues:
A. BUILDING FACADE:
The building facade at the mall entrances continue to be refined with trellises,
stone veneer, landscaping and patio terraces. We will be working with the
majors to incorporate compatible design elements in their facades.
B. SIGNAGE:
1 . Monuments. While Westfield had planned to modify the existing
monuments, they are now proposing two new designs which incorporate
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CONSIDERATION OF WESTFIELD SHOPPING TOWN REMODEL
AUGUST 24, 2000
architectural detail and materials of their new building facade. They
include two large nine-foot monuments at the major Plaza Way and San
Gorgonio entrances with smaller six foot signs at the minor entrances and
at the Highway 1 1 1/Town Center Way corner. Staff and the
Architectural Commission found the signs to be a significant improvement
over their previous submittal and recommended approval.
2. Building Signs. Westfield Shopping Town wall signs have been removed
and replaced with small ground level monuments at the mall entrances.
Tenant wall signs will be proposed in the future.
C. PARKING STRUCTURE:
The design of the single deck parking structure has been refined with cast
detailing, color variations and use of the stone veneer, significantly enhancing
its appearance. They have added some shading devices at the bridges. They
have been directed by staff to include parking space shade structures for both
customer comfort and aesthetic relief. They wish to discuss with the council
the necessity for deck top shading structures.
D. LANDSCAPING:
1 . Perimeter. The new design removes 75% of the existing turf and
replaces it with desert landscape and decomposed granite.
2. Parking Lot. Although the entire lot will be relandscaped it will not be
brought entirely up to our current standards. The plan includes the use
of palm trees in corridors adjacent to the major mall entrances with the
goal of preserving visibility. Palm trees are not typically accepted as
parking lot trees. Other tree varieties include Chilean Mesquite, Palo
Verde and Chinese Pistache. The Palo Verdes are planted at 18 feet
center. The Mesquites and Pistaches are at 45 feet center. Our standard
minimum required spacing is one per three spaces or 27 feet. While an
argument can be made for different standards for larger parking lots with
long building setbacks which take into account the creation of view
corridors, minimum spacing should not exceed 36 feet. With some
expansion of the 18 feet on center Palo Verdes, the overall average can
be brought into compliance with the one per three standard. With the
enlarged planters and irrigation design we should finally achieve a
successful shade canopy.
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CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
CONSIDERATION OF WESTFIELD SHOPPING TOWN REMODEL
AUGUST 24, 2000
E. PARKING LOT LIGHTING:
Westfield is proposing to utilize the existing poles and metal halide fixtures. Our
current lighting ordinance specifies high pressure sodium but does not address
requirements for retrofits. If they are allowed to use the existing lights, the
lighting plan should meet all other requirements of the code including pole height
lighting levels, trespass, etc. Lighting should also be reduced to security levels
after the mall closes.
F. TRANSPORTATION CENTER:
A meeting was held with Westfield, city and Sunline staff and Councilman Kelly.
There was general agreement as to the direction of the design and funding
strategies.
G. PHASING:
Westfield intends to begin work on the new front entrances, the parking lot and
interior by February 2001 . Macy's and Robinson's/May expansion should follow
shortly. Macy's plans are ready for permit. Robinson's/May have yet to be in
contact with us. The Robinson's/May expansion will trigger the westerly parking
structure. The theaters and Penney's expansion are still uncertain.
Although the theaters are a requirement of the DDIA, Westfield does not feel
that the other major improvements required to revitalize the mall can be held
hostage while the theater decides what to do.
Plans will be distributed on Monday.
Prepared by: Review and Concur:
7,6
PHILIP DRELL CARLOS L. ORTEG
DIR. OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CITY MANAGER/RDA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
/tm CITY COUNCIL_ACTION:
*Approved the conceptual design, APPROVED DENIED
and referred the matter to the RECEIVED OTHER
Landscape Committee r^EETIN DATE 2 O
AYES:
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