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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-26 MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 ***************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 12 :20 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Richard Holden X 2 0 Frank Urrutia X 2 0 Chris Van Vliet X 2 0 Wayne Connor X 2 0 Richard O'Donnell X 2 0 Ronald Gregory X 2 0 Staff Present: Phil Drell Steve Smith Jeff Winklepleck Steve Buchanan Donna Bitter II . APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the minutes of the September 12, 1995 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 6-0 . III . It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to approve the following cases by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0. A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO. : 4544 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PARAGON SIGNS for COMPUTER PAYROLL COMPANY, 77-622 Country Club Drive, Suite T, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-200 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Jeff Winklepleck reported that the proposal is to install a 47 foot ivory awning with burgundy letters . He indicated that the request was for 12" letters, with 18" on the "C" , and 32" on the "P" . Commissioner Gregory N%00 N"Ww' MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 asked if the design of the awning would conform with height of the adjacent awning at The Blueprinter. The applicant indicated that design wise the awnings would be similar. Commissioner Gregory stated that he did not have a problem with the letter size considering the length of the awning. Commissioner Urrutia felt that they should keep 8" maximum letters . The applicant indicated that the awning would not be illuminated. Commission approved the awning based on it being the same size in height as the Blueprinter with maximum 8" letters and 12" logo. 2 . CASE NO. : 410 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : DSL SERVICE COMPANY for OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE, Post Office Box 6030, Newport Beach, CA 92658-6030; SGPA ARCHITECTURE AND PLANNING, 1545 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108; RONALD GREGORY ASSOCIATES, INC. , 74-020 Alessandro, Suite E, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final landscape plan LOCATION: Waring Plaza ZONE: P.C. (3) Steve Smith presented the final landscape plan noting that the mesquite was added to the plan as requested by the commission. Commissioner Connor had reviewed the plans and asked that the spacing be changed as he indicated on the plan. Commission approved the final landscape plan subject to a minor change to the spacing on the south side of the parking area. 3 . CASE NO. : CUP 94-12 Amendment #1 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : SAINT GEORGE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE DESERT, 74-109 Larrea Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260 2 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings LOCATION: Southwest corner of Larrea Street and Lantana ZONE: O.P. Mr. Smith presented the final working drawings noting that they did appear to be similar to the approved preliminary plans . He indicated that the applicant would need to provide a landscape plan for the building as well as a landscape plan for the future parking area. Mr. Smith noted that while the applicant is not installing the parking lot at this time, they are required to have an approved landscape plan on file prior to receiving their building permits . Commission approved the final working drawings subject to the submittal of a landscape plan for the building itself and the future parking area. 4 . CASE NO. : 415 C APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : JOHN VUKSIC for MAYO' S RESTAURANT, 38-145 Crocus Lane, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of new facade, patio wall and awning LOCATION: Plaza Portola - 73-990 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Jeff Winklepleck presented the plans noting that the applicant is requesting to replace the existing white awning with a burgundy awning and adding another canopy to the left. They are also requesting to increase the outdoor seating area. Mr. Winklepleck noted that the plans had been approved through the Palm Desert Property Owners Association. Commission approved the remodel with awning as submitted. 3 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26 , 1995 B. Preliminary Plans : 1. CASE NO. : CUP 88-12 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : MARRIOTT OWNERSHIP RESORTS, INC. , Post Office Box 12757, Palm Desert, CA 92255 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architectural plans for sales center and resort operations building LOCATION: Southwest corner of Cook Street and Riviera Drive ZONE: PR-4 Steve Smith presented the site plan and elevations for the sales center and resort operations building noting that the resort operations building along Cook Street would have to be moved to meet the required 32 ' setback. Commissioner Gregory felt the plans were acceptable if the buildings conformed to the existing architecture and textures . Commission approved the architectural plans for the sales center and resort operations building subject to the resort operations building complying with setback requirements from Cook Street and provide landscape plan. C. Miscellaneous : 1 . CASE NO. : APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : RICK JOBE, 72-288 Barbara, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of single family residence over 15 feet in height LOCATION: 19 Taylor ZONE: PR-5 The request was withdrawn because the plans had been approved by the Homeowners Association. 4 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 IV. CASES: A. Final Drawings : 1 . CASE NO. : 4511 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : ARCHITECTURAL NEON & DECOR for JOVANNA' S A TOUCH OF MAMA' S, 74-990 Joni Drive, Suite 3C, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of amendment to approved sign program LOCATION: 74-063 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Steve Smith indicated that he had asked the commissioners to take a look at the awning at night now that it is installed. He reminded the commission that several weeks back they approved the installation of a new awning subject to staff ' s approval of a toned down version of the proposed bright red awning material . Mr. Smith presented the awning color that was ultimately approved on August 22, 1995 . He noted that the installation was not done by the original applicant. Mr. Smith added that one of the concerns of the commission was the intensity of the neon and typically they allow a maximum of 4500 milliamps . This neon was installed at 6500 milliamps . Mr. Smith indicated that the reason the case was before the commission was because staff did not feel comfortable with the changes made. The applicant indicated that they had reduced the letter size to 6 inches and did not feel that it was necessary to get the commission' s approval on the changes which included adding a free form 12 inch letter "J" on each end of the awning. He added that he used the 6500 white neon because is was not specifically stated on the approval that he had to use a maximum of 4500 milliamps and indicated that a 4500 milliamp tube has more lumens in the tube than the 6500 . Commissioner Gregory felt that the case should be continued to the next meeting in order to allow the commission time to look at the installed awning at night. 5 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26 , 1995 The applicant asked if there was anything else they could do to keep from continuing the case in order for him to be able to close out the job. The commission discussed the possibility of installing a rheostat to lower the voltage. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Gregory, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the awning as installed subject to the installation of a rheostat and that the intensity of the neon be adjusted to an appropriate level . Motion carried 6-0 . B. Preliminary Plans : 1 . CASE NO. : PP 86-28 (Amendment #1) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : FESTIVAL MANAGEMENT CORPORATION for THE OASIS, 1725 Cloverfield Blvd. , Santa Monica, CA 90404 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Update on approved preliminary plans LOCATION: Northwest corner of Highway 111 and Town Center Way ZONE: P.C. (3) Mr. Drell presented the new exhibits answering the concerns from the previous meeting and noted that one of the things they did not look at carefully at the last meeting was the elevation on one of the new buildings along Highway 111 . He indicated that although this elevation would be the back of the building, it is the front for the city along Highway 111 . Mr. Drell suggested adding something under the arcades to make it look more like the front of a building. The representative for the applicant, Mr. Ross Andrews, stated that the tenant indicated that they were not interested in maintaining a display area there. Commissioner Urrutia felt that it did not need to be glass, but felt that something was needed to create some type of architectural elements to make it not look like a movie stage front. He also suggested that something be done with three-dimensional elements to give it some 6 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 relief and interest. This would also help take away from the high blank walls . Commissioner Urrutia felt that a lot of things could be done with the trellis, variation of materials, and landscaping to create a three- dimensional approach. He felt that the curved elements were a fresh approach and liked the relief in the changed architecture for the center building. Commissioner Urrutia still suggested that the elevations for the two major tenants not be duplicated. Mr. Andrews indicated that they have a certain amount of duplicate applications throughout but did try to keep it minimal . Mr. Drell reported that right now the building fronting on Highway 111 is out 30 feet from the curb and steps back 5 feet. They now are bringing out the entire building to be 30 feet. Mr. Drell felt that if the commission was happy with the architecture then 30 feet back from the curb should not be a problem. Commissioner Connor felt that they could not rely on landscaping to hide the architectural problems . Mr. Andrews indicated that he made it very clear to this tenant that the loading area had to be adequately screened and that all four sides of the building had to be addressed. Mr. John Manavian stated that he felt the landscaping would add another element, however, the architecture needed to stand on its own. Commissioner Holden felt that the commission needed to see a more detailed study of this particular elevation. Mr. Andrews then brought up the signage request. He noted that they did ask that the commission allow for a sign program that allows for more than three colors and wanted to make a presentation with slides and color board. Commissioner Gregory indicated that in view of the vivid colors in use, he did not have a problem with using a larger color pallet. Mr. Andrews indicated that the majority of the signs would be in blue, red and white, with the addition of lavender and a golden rod color to be used in the future. Mr. Drell noted that they are also asking for a unique construction of the signs . Mr. Andrews indicated that they are asking that the major tenants use halo lit, open channel letters . Mr. Andrews introduced a slide presentation on the proposed signs showing a number of the existing signs in the center and throughout the valley. Commissioner Urrutia did not have a problem with the different colors, 7 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 but that the city is not getting anything special in return. He noted that it is worth allowing for some deviations if it is a unique design. Mr. Andrews indicated that the major tenants will not be using the lavender and golden rod colors . Commissioner Urrutia indicated that the commission would need to see some design guidelines that each tenant would have to follow. Mr. Andrews asked if commission could approve the color pallet now in blue, red and white. Commissioner Urrutia felt that would be acceptable and explained that the applicant still needed to come back with more specifics, sizes and locations showing where the signage would be placed on the building. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the signage in individual open channel letters, exposed interior neon, and back lit in red, white and blue. Applicant to provide design guidelines that each tenant will follow. Commission also indicated that some type of three- dimensional elements were needed to take away from the blank walls along Highway 111. Motion carried 6-0 . 2 . CASE NO. : PP 95-5 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : ALTOON + PORTER ARCHITECTS for THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO, 5700 Wilshire Blvd. , Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90036 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Conceptual approval of architectural and landscape plans for 220,400 square foot retail center LOCATION: 10 . 68 acres bounded by E1 Paseo, Larkspur, Shadow Mountain and San Pablo ZONE: C-1 The representatives present for the applicant were Paul Heis, Carl Myer, Linda Allen and Lou Kaufman. Mr. Heis started the presentation indicating that they have purchased the land from Ahmanson and have a signed lease with Saks as well as a signed development agreement. 8 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 Mr. Myer reported that the project consisted of 120,000 square feet of shop space with restaurants at about 40, 000 square feet. He noted that they have the opportunity to create a village like project with water features and landscaping playing a very important role. Mr. Drell asked what the towers were made of . Mr. Myer indicated that they are wood trellis structures . Commissioner Urrutia felt that it was a very nice project in general but still had a few concerns . He stated that he was concerned with the continuation along the sides of the buildings and felt that it needed to be broken up some at the pedestrian level . He felt that something could be done to enhance the east, west and south elevations . He indicated that he was originally concerned with the service area at the entrance and the traffic flow problems that could occur. Commissioner Urrutia added that the parking structure itself was a concern. He felt that something could be done with the surface on the second level parking structure and that this parking level should be treated like any other parking area with trees . Mr. Drell noted that they are using trellis structures for shade. Commissioner Urrutia indicated that he was referring to additional trees to help soften the parking area up some. Note: Commissioner Urrutia left meeting at 2 :20 p.m. Commissioner Gregory asked how the parking lot shade tree requirements are answered for the second story parking structure. Mr. Drell indicated that the requirement is not met; however, more than half of the parking area is shaded. Commissioner Gregory asked if planting could be brought up to the second parking level . Mr. Myer indicated that it is being done in some cases . Commissioner Connor expressed that he would need to see a detailed section of the wall along Shadow Mountain Drive. Commissioner Gregory agreed as he was concerned with the view from the residents across the street. Commissioner Van Vliet noted his concerns with the parking structure. He added that it needed some architectural details as the landscaping should not be relied upon to hide architectural flaws . 9 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26 , 1995 Commissioner O'Donnell expressed his concerns with the lighting on the south elevation parking structure. He added his concerns with the lack of architectural features on the east and west elevations of the second floor of Saks. Mr. Drell indicated that the plan shows a 10 foot sidewalk and thought that if it could be cut back the sidewalk could provide some landscaping against the wall along the east and west elevations . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant conceptual approval to the plans for the 220,400 square foot retail center directing the applicant to address the concerns as noted above. Motion carried 5-0 . The following applicant re-approached the commission on their decision made by minute motion in study session. 1 . CASE NO. : 4544 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS) : PARAGON SIGNS for COMPUTER PAYROLL COMPANY, 77-622 Country Club Drive, Suite T, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-200 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 The applicant asked to readdress the commission to present photographs of the adjacent awning at The Blueprinter. He asked that in lieu of the 47 foot long awning, that the commission permit the main portion of the sign in 10" letters with a logo height of 24" . Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the awning with the overall logo height at 24" and the lettering limited to a maximum of 10" high. Motion carried 3-0 . 10 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26, 1995 V. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 2 :55 p.m. S EVE SMITH ASSOCIATE PLANNER SS/db 11