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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-11-12 ' MINUTES PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1997 **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Richard Holden X 25 4 Frank Urrutia X 26 3 Chris Van Vliet X 27 2 Wayne Connor X 26 3 Richard O'Donnell X 26 3 Ronald Gregory X 24 5 Staff Present: Philip Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Steve Buchanan, Senior Plans Examiner Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the minutes of the October 28, 1997 meeting as submitted. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Gregory absent. 111. CASES: A. Final Working Drawings: 1. CASE NO.: PP 97-6 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GARLAND-LUJAN ASSOCIATES for GEORGE L. AVANS, D.D.S., 43-875 Washington Street, Suite G, Palm Desert CA 92211; GEORGE L. AVANS, D.D.S., 69-850 Highway 111, Suite 33, Rancho Mirage CA 92270 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings LOCATION: 73-151 Fred Waring Drive ZONE: O.P. MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Commissioner Holden suggested that the perimeter wall on the east side be eliminated and replaced with a hedge, with which Commissioner Urrutia agreed, and noted that the handicap ramp should be reworked so that it does not go into the street and create a safety hazard. Commissioner Van Viiet commented that the 30-inch high wall on the front westerly portion of the property could be eliminated. Commissioner Holden stated that he would not mind a wooden fence only on the west, since it would only be temporary. Since the applicant was not present, the Commission deferred action until later in the meeting, but by 3:00 p.m., no one having appeared on the applicant's behalf, the Commission decided to continue the case. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to continue the case. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Gregory absent. B. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: 4921 SA APPLICANT (ND ADDRESS): AMERICAN AWNING for ALL ABOUT MASSAGE, 44-489 Town Center Way, Palm Desert CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning and sign LOCATION: 74-125 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the subject building is immediately east of Dale Burton's, and the applicant would like an awning similar in size and height to the awning at Dale Burton's; however, the color would be a dark green with white copy. 2 MINUTES *mow, ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Commissioner Van Vliet indicated that it is difficult to discern how the awning will relate to the building based on the photographs presented, to which the applicant responded that it will look like the awning at Dale Burton's, with the exception of the color. Mr. Smith suggested that the applicant provide a Polaroid photograph of Dale Burton's awning for the Commission's review, and the applicant agreed to do so before the end of the meeting. The applicant returned to the meeting and presented Polaroid photographs for the Commission's review. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the awning and sign. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Gregory absent. 2. CASE NO.: 4922 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): AMERICAN AWNING for SLACK SHOPPE, 44-489 Town Center Way, Palm Desert CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval to re-cover existing awning LOCATION: 73-445 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the applicant intends to re-cover the existing awning to accommodate a different name, and the color will be teal with off-white copy. Commissioner Urrutia expressed concern about the 10-inch letters on the front face and suggested that the letters meet code and be a maximum of eight inches. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the proposed re-covering of the existing awning with the condition that the letters be a maximum of eight inches high. Motion carried 5-0, with Commissioner Connor absent. 3 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 2. CASE NO.: 4915 SA APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): THOMAS A. TAYLOR for WELLS FARGO BANK, P.O. Box 2653, Costa Mesa CA 92628-2653 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of business identification signage LOCATION: 74-105 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that there are currently four non-illuminated signs in existence on the property, and the proposal is to replace the four signs with internally illuminated signs. Two signs would be wall mounted can signs, and one monument and one directional sign. Staff recommends that the illumination be limited to the lettering and the logo, and that the rest of the sign be opaque. Joyce Sehi spoke on behalf of the applicant and indicated that the black portion of the sign will be opaque, but she would request that the red portion be illuminated, especially since Wells Fargo has applied for a trademark of the sign design, and the red color is an important part of the bank's image. The Commission noted that the ambient light level around the building is quite high and the red will still be visible. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Holden, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the business identification signage with the condition that the only portions of the sign to be illuminated be the logo and the lettering, with the remainder of the sign being opaque. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Gregory absent. 4 MINUTES ` S"We ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 C. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MADISON MARQUETTE REALTY for GARDENS ON EL PASEO, 73-655 El Paseo, Suite C, Palm Desert CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of site landscaping, parking structure, tenant design criteria and signage LOCATION: 73-505 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Drell announced that the Commission is being asked to consider the landscape plan, elevations of the parking structure, tenant improvement criteria and general signage criteria, and indicated that he has requested that, once a majority of storefronts on El Paseo have been designed, they be submitted as one package. Paul Heiss, Development Director for Madison Marquette, stated that his firm has high aspirations to create a great project, and indicated that he has photographs of the site as well as prospective tenants for the El Paseo frontage,which include Talbot's,Williams Sonoma, Eddie Bauer and Banana Republic. Mr. Heiss stated that minimal changes have been made to the plan since its inception in 1994. Jim Craig, the landscape architect for the project, commented that the main component of the central feature is a water feature that runs east/west and helps tie the court areas located at the opposite ends. The El Paseo exterior will remain intact, though a few palm trees must be relocated so as not to obscure the sight line into the project. He has tried to incorporate into the plan the use of native plants that are hardy and require minimal maintenance. A shade garden featuring Palo Verde trees will be located next to the second story building. Commissioner Gregory indicated that he would like the design team to respond to concerns expressed by the Commission two years ago relating to landscaping on Shadow Mountain and the lack of shade in that area, as well as impacts to residents on Shadow Mountain and San Pablo, and added that he has concerns about the circulation patterns, particularly access from Building A to the other side of the desert garden. 5 MINUTES "" ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Commissioner Urrutia asked about the paving materials to be used, to which Mr. Craig replied that concrete pavers will be used along the circulation routes. Mr. Craig stated that the intent is to minimize the amount of hardscape as much as possible; so gravel will be used to fill the desert garden area, and a turfed area will be provided to accommodate public functions near the water feature. Both the wet area and the desert garden have on-site retention because they are sunken three to four feet. Mr. Craig indicated that in order for people to get from Building A to the other side of the desert garden, they will have to walk through the garden. Commissioner Holden expressed concern about liability exposure related to patrons walking through a gravel desert garden area in order to get from one building to another. Lou Kauffman stated that the design team made a decision to have an outside engineering firm develop the "bare bones" of the parking structure, but since it will serve as a front door to the project, it must appear to be welcoming, well lit and safe. The parking structure is designed with as low a profile as possible in order to minimize negative impacts to the neighborhood, and the texture of the exterior walls are going to be as close as possible to those of the Saks Fifth Avenue building. The team decided to keep landscaping treatment along the perimeter simple since there is no need to hide the structure, and this will be done by using Chilean Mesquite, Washingtonian Palms and flowering ground cover. The use of trellis structures and potted trees will serve to shade approximately 50% of the automobiles parked on the top deck. Commissioner Gregory noted that the slope on which the trees are to be planted along Shadow Mountain is 1:1, and Commissioner Holden pointed out that the plans do not show wells for the trees; so he would like more detailed plans presented to the Commission. Commissioner Holden expressed interest in reviewing a lighting plan, as he has concerns related to the impact on residents from the lighting of the structure. Commissioner Urrutia stated that his main concern is related to what can be done to soften the parking structure with landscaping, and thus far, the design team has only addressed some shading concerns on the second level and some perimeter landscaping. He would suggest planters be used on the perimeter of the second level to soften the edges of the structure. 6 MINUTES N%001 N"001 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Commissioner Urrutia noted that the second level approach to Saks will be the main entry; so the aesthetics of this area are very important, and he is also concerned about the appearance of the rear of Buildings C and E as viewed from Shadow Mountain. Mr. Heiss remarked that palm trees will cast some shadow on the walls of Saks, and a trellis with climbing vine will go up the back of Buildings C and E, although it is unlikely that the vines will grow all the way to the tops of those two-story buildings. Mr. Heiss added that it will not be possible to see over the parking structure from the Shadow Mountain perspective. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the columns will be painted, and Mr. Heiss responded affirmatively. Commissioner Holden stated that he has no problems with the purely architectural aspects of the parking structure, and Commissioner Urrutia stated that he has no problems in that area provided that there is a way to integrate plantings around the perimeter. Mr. Drell suggested using Filifera trees rather than Robustas so that large tree trunks don't block views. Commissioner Gregory suggested that the number of trees be doubled along the street, because he believes that planting them 60 feet apart is excessive, and indicated that he is very concerned about the center courtyard area because it does not seem to work well, and in his experience, the loose material requires a great deal of maintenance. Commissioner Gregory left the meeting at 1:30 p.m., and Mr. Drell suggested that the landscaping be revisited by the Commission at a subsequent meeting. Mr. Drell noted that the parking structure elevations have never been approved because the developer has never presented exactly what is proposed. Commissioner Holden recalled that the Commission previously requested that the parking lot be landscaped in order to break up the bulk of Buildings C and E. Commissioner Holden suggested that trees also wrap around the side of Saks to soften the view from San Pablo, to which Mr. Heiss replied that potted trees should address that issue. 7 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Mr. Drell suggested using more vertical trees along the perimeter. Commissioner Urrutia stated that the appearance of the top deck should be softened with planting, and if some plants are located close to Buildings C and E, it should help to soften the impact of those buildings; however, the developer needs to determine what type and size of trees will survive in this particular environment. Commissioner O'Donnell preferred that the trellis structures be enlarged by one foot on each side, and Commissioner Van Vliet suggested that structural steel supports be used for the trellis structures in order to coordinate with the structural steel supports used on the front of the project. Commissioner Holden stressed the importance of a buffer between the residential and commercial uses, and Commissioner O'Donnell reminded everyone that there are residences to the west on San Pablo as well as to the south on Shadow Mountain. Commissioner Urrutia commented favorably on the great attention to detail given to the front of the project and urged the design team to carry the same attention to detail to the back of the project, and tie in the trellis structures and landscaping. Mr. Drell suggested that lighting standards located close to the commercial structures be based on commercial criteria, while those located close to residences should be based on residential criteria, and expressed concern about how the lighting from the first level will impact the nearby residences. Mr. Heiss stated that the design team would like white light on the first level, and prefers florescent strips. Commissioner O'Donnell asked if it is intended for the deck lighting to illuminate the sidewalks, to which Mr. Drell responded negatively, and added that the goal is not to have spillover parking on Shadow Mountain, since the parking structure is being designed to accommodate the needs of the entire project, although there may be spillover parking during the holiday season. Mr. Heiss commented on the difficulty of providing perimeter landscaping planters, to which Commissioner Urrutia responded by suggesting that the design team visit the Courtyard in Palm Springs to get an idea of how to handle the situation. Commissioner O'Donnell asked what type of plant material will be used on the slope along Shadow Mountain, to which Mr. Drell replied that Baccharis is appropriate for the slope. 8 MINUTES ..� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Mr. Heiss indicated that the design team will report back with a plan that includes more and larger trees. Mr. Drell asked for the Commissioners' opinions regarding signage, and the consensus was that it was good. Mr. Drell asked for the Commissioners' input regarding the proposed tenant improvement criteria, to which Commissioner Van Vliet responded that he does not believe it is within the Commission's purview. Mr. Kauffman indicated that it the developer's hope that if the Commission accepts the tenant improvement criteria, then tenant improvements could be approved at the staff level, but Mr. Drell stated that it is important for the Commission to review all preliminary designs. Mr. Kauffman asked if it would be possible for prospective tenants who are pre-approved by the developer to get administrative approval from staff, to which Commissioner Holden responded that he would have no problem with that. Michael, a member of the design team, commented that the team would like the Commission to approve the proposed sign program for the project, as well as the proposed program for tenant signage, to which Mr. Drell responded that it would also require City Council approval for certain portions of the program. Michael indicated that all tenants would be required to comply with the City's requirements for signage, with the exception of the second level restaurant tenants who do not front El Paseo, which shall require larger signs, and the team would like to be able to use blade signs for those buildings. Commissioner Holden indicated he would have no problem with that as long as the signs only face El Paseo and do not face residences. Mr. Drell indicated that every sign involved in this project will probably be unique, and, therefore, require Commission review. Mr. Drell suggested that the blade signs for the restaurants not be lit from the back so as not to disturb residents. 9 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Urrutia, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to: 1) approve the signage program as presented with the following conditions: a) subject to review by the City Council to resolve code deficiencies; b) subject to each sign being individually reviewed by staff, with any sign not administratively approved by staff requiring review and approval of the Architectural Review Commission; and c) subject to the height of each sign being consistent with code requirements; 2) receive and file the proposed tenant design criteria package and direct staff to process tenant improvements in the usual fashion; 3) continue review of landscaping and the parking structure in order to allow the applicant to address the many concerns raised by the Commission. Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Gregory absent. 2. CASE NO.: TT 28295 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): DESERT RESORT COMMUNITIES, INC., One Columbia, Suite 2020, Aliso Viejo CA 92656 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised perimeter landscaping, model landscaping and typical landscaping LOCATION: Tract No. 28295 at the northeast corner of Fred Waring Drive and Deep Canyon Road ZONE: PR-4 Mr. Alvarez reported that the production homes are to have typical landscaping. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that he would not be comfortable approving the landscaping plans without input from Commissioners Connor and Gregory. Action: It was the consensus of the Commission to authorize Commissioners Connor and Gregory and Assistant Planner Alvarez to review and approve the revised perimeter landscaping, model landscaping and typical landscaping. 10 MINUTES ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION NOVEMBER 12, 1997 D. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: MISC 97-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): GRANITE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, 703 Williams Road, Palm Springs CA 92264 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 18-foot high residence LOCATION: 73-260 Willow Street ZONE: R-1 12,000 Mr. Alvarez presented the plans for the Commission's review. Action: It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the 18-foot high residence Motion carried 4-0, with Commissioners Connor and Gregory absent. V. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:15 p.m. ST VE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 11