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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-09-22 PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES **************************************************************************************************** 1. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. Commissioners Present Current Meetina Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Wayne Connor X 17 1 Ronald Gregory X 15 3 Richard Holden X 17 1 Richard O'Donnell X 15 3 Frank Urrutia X 16 2 Chris Van Vliet X 16 2 Staff Present: Phil Drell, Director of Community Development Steve Smith, Planning Manager Martin Alvarez, Assistant Planner Daisy Garcia, Code Enforcement Officer Kim Chafin, Senior Office Assistant II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES It was moved by Commissioner O'Donnell, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to approve the minutes of the September 9, 1998 meeting. Motion carried 5-0. III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None. 1 w ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES IV. CASES A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.: SA 98-102 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RITA FARREL for BODY GEAR, 73-580 EL PASEO, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of dome-shaped steel frame illuminated awning with signage LOCATION: 73-580 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Mr. Smith reported that the Commission considered this proposal at its last meeting, and continued the case in order to allow the applicant to make changes to address concerns expressed by the Commission, i.e., the material color was too white and should be in the same color range as the building stucco, and that the shape should mimic the existing awning to the west. Today staff received a letter from the property management firm which suggests that the proposed dome-shaped awning is the wave of the future. The representative from County Club Awning indicated that the business owner prefers a dome-shaped awning because she feels it will flow better into the building lines, and added that several similarly shaped buildings on El Paseo have dome-shaped awnings. Commissioner Holden preferred a flat awning next to the existing flat awning rather than the proposed dome shape. Ms. Farrell indicated that she prefers a rounded shape, and noted that this business is located directly across from the Saks Fifth Avenue building; so it is particularly important that it look good. 2 *%.i' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES Josie Levander stated that she will be opening a children's store next door to Body Gear, and both business owners would like a uniform awning in front, but in different colors to distinguish the two businesses, and Body Gear would like to have a white awning with black copy, while she would like to have a black awning with white copy. Commissioner Holden felt that the proposed white material is too white and will cause glare and look dirty, to which Ms. Farrell responded that she plans to have the awning cleaned on a monthly basis, and pointed out that there are already several white awnings along El Paseo. Commissioner Connor felt that a dome-shaped awning will not work well architecturally with the building, to which Ms. Farrell replied that she doesn't see any room for compromise because she believes she knows what looks good, and added that the property owner is supportive of her proposal. Commissioner Holden explained that the Commission considers awnings to determine if they will tie in well with the building, and he doesn't think the proposed dome shape ties in well, and added that he believes there should be a break in the awnings as well. Commissioner Holden commented that if there is no willingness to compromise, then perhaps it would be best for the Commission to deny the proposal so that the applicant may file an appeal. Action: Chairman Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve a barrel-type awning with the condition that it have some articulation in the front and that the material be off-white rather than pure white, and that the bottom awning be no more than two inches taller than the existing awning. The motion failed 2-4, with Commissioners Connor, O'Donnell, Urrutia and Van Vliet dissenting. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to deny the proposal for the reasons stated above. The motion carried 5-0. Mr. Smith encouraged the applicant to file an appeal as soon as possible in order for it to be placed on the agenda for the City Council meeting of October 8, 1998. 3 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES Later in the meeting, the applicant approached the Commission requesting reconsideration of the above-referenced action in order to entertain a revised proposal. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to reconsider the Commission's previous action. The motion carried 5-0. The representative from Country Club Awnings indicated that the applicant would like to have an awning in place when the business opens in October, and, therefore, would prefer not to go through a time-consuming appeals process. The applicant would propose an awning similar to the awning at Upper Crust, would divide the awning into two units, and would like a three- foot by two-foot projecting dome-shaped awning over the entry. The applicant would request that the Commission endorse the idea in concept and authorize staff to approve the plans over the counter. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner Urrutia, to grant conceptual approval based upon the applicant's revised verbal proposal, and authorize staff to approve the plans over the counter, subject to consultation with the Commissioners. The motion carried 5-0. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: MISC 98-12 APPLICANT(AND ADDRESS): FOXX DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, 73-111 El Paseo, Suite 200, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of residence exceeding 15-foot height LOCATION: 47-391 Calico ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported that proposed project is a single-family residence in the R-1 (10,000) zone, and the building height exceeds 15 feet; so the Commission's approval is required. Mr. Alvarez noted that the proposed project is surrounding by houses with hipped roofs with a total height ranging from 16 to 18 feet. Jim Foxx pointed out that the parapet height is 16 feet, and the chimney will go to 19 feet. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 5-0. 3. CASE NO.: k APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PARAGON SIGNS for EDITH MORRE, 77-650 Enfield, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of storefront awnings LOCATION: 73-680 El Paseo Mr. Smith reported that the building construction is nearly complete, and it is located immediately west of the existing Edith Morr6 business. 5 w ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES Ernie Brooks indicated that the proposed awning will be tan with black copy, and the first letter will be 20 inches in height on four, nine-foot tall awning with the name centered on all four awnings. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 5-0. 4. CASE NO.: PP 98-13 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DAVID AND LEISA AUSTIN, 73-970 EL PASEO, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for a two-story art gallery LOCATION: East of Highway. 74, South of El Paseo ZONE: P.C. (4) Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission granted preliminary approval for the architecture on June 23, 1998, and now the applicant is presenting working drawings, but a landscape plan has not yet been submitted. The building size has been reduced by 100 square feet in order to meet parking requirements, and a minor change has been made to the south elevation caused by a relocation of the stairs. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant approval for the architecture only. The motion carried 3-0-3, with Commissioners Connor, Holden and Van Vliet abstaining. 6 • fir„' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES 5. CASE NO.: PP 98-11 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT RICCIARDI for BRUCE KAPLAN, M.D., 75090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92260/P.O. Box 1543, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for an 8,800 square foot industrial building LOCATION: Northwest corner of St. Charles Place and Mediterranean ZONE: SI Mr. Smith reported that the Commission conditioned its preliminary approval on several changes being made; however, those changes have not been implemented, and noted that the applicant is not present. Specifically, the Commission noted that the west elevation facing St. Charles Place was still a blank block wall. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue the case due to the fact that the previously imposed conditions of approval have not been met. The motion carried 5-0. 7 •' **me ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES 6. CASE NO.: C 98-10 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOHN VUKSIC for AFFILIATED PSYCHOTHERAPISTS, 74-020 Alessandro, Suite E, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of final working drawings for office building remodel LOCATION: 44-775 Deep Canyon ZONE: O.P. Mr. Alvarez reported that the Commission granted preliminary approval on July 28, 1998, and the architecture has not been changed; so staff would recommend approval, and staff would also recommend that the parking spaces be widened on the west side to a minimum of five feet of dirt allowing compact spaces at 15 feet. Mr. Alvarez added that the issue regarding the trash enclosure has been resolved in that Waste Management has indicated that the regular brown containers can be used at this location. Action: Commissioner O'Donnell moved, seconded by Commissioner Holden, to approve the plans as submitted. The motion carried 5-0. 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: CUP 97-16 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MCFADDEN/MCINTOSH ARCHITECTS for WALGREENS, 73-929 Larrea, Suite 1A, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised architectural elevations and landscaping LOCATION: Southeast corner of Monterey Avenue and San Gorgonio ZONE: R-1 Mr. Smith reported that the plans have changed considerably since last presented to the Commission. The building has been moved closer to the north end of the site, and the building has been flipped so that the drive- through is on the north side of the site. Flipping the building has also changed the orientation of the loading dock,which will now operate in a more efficient manner. Ingress/egress on San Gorgonio has been maintained. The applicant has incorporated into the plans the changes suggested by the City Council, and has altered the architecture pursuant to recommendations by the Architectural Review Commission. The height of the tower element has been significantly reduced, and the roof height has also been changed so that it varies from 25 to 27 feet. Mr. Smith indicated that staff is concerned that there be an adequate buffer for the drive-through element because flipping the building has placed that portion of the structure adjacent to the residential street. Mr. Drell commented on the lack of architectural treatment on the north (drive-through) elevation, and indicated that it is particularly important because that elevation fronts the residential street. Commissioner Urrutia suggested that the drive-through element be reduced from a double lane to a single lane and that the drive-through structure be lengthened to add articulation to that elevation, with planting in front to soften the appearance. 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia suggested that a planter could also be installed at the southwest corner of the building. Commissioner Urrutia commented favorably on how the architect added articulation to the structure, and Commissioner Holden indicated that he also did a good job in reducing the massive appearance of the structure. Commissioner O'Donnell expressed support for the improvements to the design. Action: Commissioner Holden moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant preliminary approval of the revised plans with the following conditions: 1)that the landscaping be upgraded to improve screening from the adjacent residential areas; 2) that the drive-through element be reduced to a single lane; 3)that the drive-through structure be lengthened, with planting added on the north side of the drive-through to soften the appearance. The motion carried 5-0. 2. CASE NO.: HD PP 98-2 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): EDDIE AHMAD BABAI, 45-640 Highway .74, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised drawings for hillside development of single-family residence LOCATION: 47-075 Southcliff Road ZONE: HPRD Mr. Drell presented the plans and materials sample, and opined that the colors are too dark and will not blend into the hillside. Mr. Drell indicated that he believes the line of sight drawing is inaccurate. Commissioner O'Donnell commented favorably on the proposed colors,while Commissioner Van Vliet felt that the colors should be more consistent with the color of the hillside. 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Urrutia felt that landscaping will help to soften the appearance, and the applicant indicated that a landscaping plan is forthcoming. Action: Commissioner Urrutia moved, seconded by Commissioner Connor, to grant preliminary approval. The motion carried 5-0. 3. APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RICHARD PRICE & ASSOCIATES, INC. for AVONDALE GOLF CLUB VILLAS, 27127 Calle Arroyo, Suite 1905, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval landscape plan LOCATION: Avondale Country Club ZONE: PR-3 Michael Bunganich, the landscape architect for the project, reported that the City's landscape consultant, Eric Johnson, indicated to the project developer that the plan contains too many trees. Chairman Gregory noted that the trees are shown at 25 feet apart, which should be sufficient to allow growth. Mr. Smith noted that the street improvement plans have not yet been submitted, and there is a concern that the area may not be as large as once thought; so the Commission may approve the proposal, and if changes are necessitated by the street improvements, it will be brought back to the Commission. Mr. Bunganich stated that he has reviewed the street improvement plan which includes a 19-foot median with two feet of stamped concrete on either side; so there is sufficient room. Action: Commissioner Connor moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Donnell, to grant preliminary approval. The motion carried 5-0. 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES C. Miscellaneous 1. CASE NO.: DP 12-79 AMENDMENT APPLICANT AND ADDRESS): HAHN/PALM DESERT, INC., 4350 La Jolla Drive, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92122-1233 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Update on mall remodel/expansion LOCATION: Highway 111 generally bounded by Monterey Avenue, Town Center Way and Rancho Grande Drive ZONE: P.C.(3) Skip Kuhn presented the elevations and artists renderings and indicated that creeping fig will be used on the parking structure to soften its appearance, and added that the only portion of the building which will reach 70 feet in high is the equipment screen in the middle of the roof, and the rest of the building will step down from 66 feet to 62 feet and even further. The architects are currently working on some type of sun shade for the top level of the parking structure as well as the "north 40" parking lot. Commissioner Van Vliet asked how far the building will be from both Monterey and Town Center Way, to which Mr. Kuhn replied that the project falls within the required setbacks. Commissioner Urrutia expressed concern that the perimeter of the parking structure will overwhelm the existing single-story savings and loan building. Commissioner Urrutia asked about the reason for connecting the parking structure to the mall building, to which Mr. Kuhn replied that it will provide for better utilization of the parking structure. Commissioner Holden stated that from an architectural perspective, he feels the undeveloped tower element fits in better than the tower with arches, and suggested that the architect develop something in more of a contemporary vein. 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 22, 1998 MINUTES Commissioner Connor stated that it is unwise to rely on landscaping because it's unpredictable, and preferred that landscaping not be used in lieu of architectural detail for the parking structure. Chairman Gregory agreed that some architectural detail should be included on the parking structure, though it need not be elaborate since the main purpose will be to provide some detail until the landscaping becomes established. Chairman Gregory indicated that architectural detail will be more important for the west elevation since creeping fig will not flourish on that elevation. Mr. Drell noted that the entire surface parking lot will be restriped and asked if the existing planters will be removed, to which Mr. Kuhn responded negatively. Mr. Drell felt that the planters should be removed, with which Commissioner Holden concurred, and indicated that if the size of the stalls change, the size of the planter modules will also change. Mr. Drell commented that the expectation is that this project will meet the new standards for parking lot landscaping. Commissioner Holden indicated that the height of the parking element may need to be increased to accommodate fluctuations in the floor level of the structure. Chairman Gregory suggested that some features be added to break up the structure line, and Commissioner Urrutia indicated that lighting in the parking structure is an issue. Rita Farrell of Body Gear commented that the interior of the mall is currently dreary, dark and depressing. V. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. STEVE SMITH PLANNING MANAGER 13