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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-07-24 k CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES J U LY 24, 2001 **************************************************************************************************** I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:30 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 11 3 Kristi Hanson X 11 2 Neil Lingle X 9 4 Richard O'Donnell X 9 2 Chris Van Vliet X 13 1 John Vuksic X 14 0 Also Present: Martin Alvarez, Associate Planner Tony Bagato, Planning Technician Ali Hamidzadeh, Building & Safety Spencer Knight, Landscape Manager Gail Santee, Senior Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 10, 2001 Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the minutes of July 10, 2001. The motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS A. Commissioner Gregory asked about the landscaping around the two- story building on the corner of Fred Waring Drive and Monterey Avenue. He asked if there had been a landscape agreement for the property as he remembered trees being there at one time that have since been removed. Now that the building has been repainted, he 1 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24,2001 MINUTES would like to see plants and trees around the building to bring it back to its original condition. Staff will check plans for landscaping requirements. B. Commissioner Gregory also asked about the missing landscape at the 7-11/Chief Auto Parts location at the corner of Hwy. 111 and San Luis Rey. It seems the trees that were there were sawed off. Staff will check plans for landscaping requirements. C. Commissioner Hanson asked if there were some sort of code to follow for the re-painting of commercial buildings. Currently, the City does not have a requirement stating a building's new color must be approved by City staff. Staff will inquire with other cities about their re-painting policies. A. Final Drawings 1. CASE NO.:SA 01-81 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LARRY QUIEL, QUIEL BROS. ELECTRIC SIGN SERVICE, 272 1 Street, San Bernardino, CA 92410 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of 3 illuminated wall signs for new business, Del Rio's Mexican Grill & Cantina LOCATION: 74-950 Country Club Drive ZONE: PC Mr. Alvarez stated Del Rio's is a new business going in at the Gila Steakhouse location. The reason it is before the Commission is because the proposed signs are requesting through-the-face illumination. The shopping center, as a whole, has kept a standard of reverse channel letters. The one exception is the City Wok sign that faces the parking lot which has exposed neon letters. City Wok sits on the same corner as Del Rio's. Staff questions the use of through-the- face letters facing Country Club and Cook Street. The existing Gila signs on Country Club and Cook will be removed and replaced. The Gila signs had an approved decorative raceway due to the fact they were unable to get electrical service through to each letter. 2 `ter► ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES Mr. Quiel re-stated Mr. Alvarez' statement about the raceway. On the parking lot side, he intends to replace the existing sign which is currently a reverse channel, halo illumination. He is requesting to use the open tube neon, similar to the adjacent City Wok. He is also requesting the use of open tube neon on the Cook Street and Country Club elevations where the Commission would normally request reverse channel letters. He is proposing channel letters with a red plastic face for the words "Del Rio's". The graphic sunburst and the "fresh Mexican grill & cantina" are open tube neon because it adds some color and brightness to the signs. This is the tenant's signage which has been used at other locations. There would be a purple aluminum background with yellow neon lettering for "fresh Mexican grill & cantina". This building is not owned by the shopping center; it is individually owned. However, the landlord has approved this signage. Staff will check to make sure. Commissioner Vuksic expressed concern about "fresh Mexican grill & cantina" being all in neon. He would be more comfortable on the Country Club and Cook Street elevations having a yellow neon sun and an illuminated red Del Rio's. That should be adequate signage. The signage facing the parking lot is acceptable as submitted. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the signage subject to the following conditions: 1) the signage on the Country Club and Cook Street elevations eliminating the exposed neon for the words "fresh Mexican grill & cantina", allowing red through-the-face illumination for the words "Del Rio's" in channel letters and exposed neon sun. The parking lot side signage was approved as submitted. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 3 i� ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES 2. CASE NO.: ADJ 01-02 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): NORMAN DRAVIS, 75-742 Easy Street, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of second story addition, height to be not more than 24 feet LOCATION: 75-742 Easy Street ZONE: PR 5 The two-story addition for this house had been approved at a height of 21 feet. When the Building Inspectors went out, they found it was at 25 feet and issued a "stop work" order. The revised plans show a 24-foot high maximum which conforms with the code. However, it is before the Commission as there could be a design issue. Mr. Dravis reported that his backyard neighbor, Dave Dominick, had complained about the height of the 25 foot high addition. Mr. Dravis distributed plans for his new revisions with the walls of the addition cut down by two feet and noted that Mr. Dominick had come by the house to say it looked good. Mr. Dominick indicated he would put those words in writing. There will be no windows on the rear elevation. He noted all the two-story houses around them are at 28 feet which were approved under County rules. The maximum height under the City ordinance is 24 feet. Mr. Dravis distributed pictures of the houses across the street which stand over 27 feet. Commissioner Van Vliet noted that the other, higher houses are stepped back while Mr. Dravis' addition of 24 feet is on the front portion of his house. It looks too high and too massive even at 24 feet. The pitch of the roof is 6 and 12 which is the pitch of the existing roof. Commissioner Gregory stated the revised plans meet code, one neighbor is happy on paper, another is happy verbally, the revised plans conform to the height of the other houses in the area, and this case would not have been reviewed if it had met the requirement in the first place. 4 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION J U LY 24, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the revised plans as submitted subject to applicant providing staff with all of his neighbors' concurrence in writing prior to rough framing inspection. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 3. CASE NO.:SA 01-75 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): Pines to Palms Canvas, 69-640 Sugarloaf Avenue, #69, Mt. Center, CA 92561 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of awning with signage for Canyon Road Collection LOCATION: 73-425 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 The applicant is requesting a new awning and signage for Canyon Road Collection. The overhead awning will match the building. The awning's 24" overhang will be white. On the overhang will be the words "Canyon Road Collection" in black, 10 inch letters. The applicant also requests approval to put two white canvas signs across the front of the existing wrought iron fencing with the "CC" logo in black, twenty inch letters. Commissioner Gregory stated the "CC" logos and the canvas along the wrought iron is unnecessary. The Commission members agreed. The awning color should match the building. The black lettering is proposed on a white overhang from the awnings. Action: Commissioner Hanson moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the signage subject to the top of the awning matching the building stucco color and elimination of the canvas covers over the wrought iron. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 5 mow+` ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES 4. CASE NO.: MISC 01-16 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOSE ACOSTA, 73-445 Santa Rosa Way, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of attached carport structure in front of residence LOCATION: 73-445 Santa Rosa Way ZONE: Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to continue the case to allow applicant the opportunity to provide additional information regarding materials, drawings, and photos. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioner Lingle and O'Donnell. 5. CASE NO.: MISC 01-15 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBERT A. LEMMON, 77-330 Missouri Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92211-7861 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of carport at front of residence with 20' setback LOCATION: 77-330 Missouri Drive ZONE: R-1 Mr. Alvarez reported the City's new ordinance allows a 20-foot setback from face of curb for carports in older areas that want to improve. Many of the homes in this area have converted their garages into living space without benefit of permit, probably when they were under County jurisdiction. Mr. Lemmon's proposed carport meets City code for setbacks and height. Commissioner Hansen noted that by putting the proposed roof structure on the carport, the supporting 6x6 columns appear weak. She suggested that columns be thickened and made to look as though they support the roof. The columns could be furred out and clad in the same stone or plaster as is on the house to be about 18 inches square. 6 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the carport structure subject to the condition that the columns be increased in width to 18-inches square and to be stucco'd or stone added to match the house. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 6. CASE NO.: CUP 01-08 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ED KRUGMAN, 02 WIRELESS SOLUTIONS, 8300 Utica Avenue, #245, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 (fax 909 481 7192) NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of revised plans for telecommunication facility LOCATION: 47-535 Hwy. 74 (St. Margaret's Church) ZONE: P Mr. Alvarez reported the Commission and staff had been working with the applicant to come up with a solution for a telecommunications tower cell site to be located on the St. Margaret's Church property. Previously, a flag pole design had been proposed in front of the Parish Hall. When it become apparent the flag pole would be 24 inches in diameter both the Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Commission raised concerns. Applicant has returned with a mono- palm design which has been used at other locations within the City. The mono-palm will still have the 24 inch diameter trunk, but will fit in better with the palm trees in the foreground. Mr. Krugman noted this was a new design as the antennas are recessed inside the pole. There are no extensions outside in the fronds. The mono-palm will be 58 feet in overall height including the fronds; the pole and antennas are 50 feet high. The mono-palm should have a clearance of about 15 feet over surrounding trees. Discussion centered on what type of palm tree the mono-palm would look like. It is designed to look like a Canary Island Date Palm while the existing palms in the area are Washingtonian Robustas and Fiilferas (fan palms). The mono-palm would look out of place. 7 vow ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner Gregory asked if the man-on-the-street would notice the difference between the two types of palms. Mr. Spencer felt a fair number of residents would know the difference as would some of the Council members. This case will be going before the Planning Commission. Mr. Krugman stated there were plans to re-locate three of the existing fan palms for the proposed equipment room. He felt that there could be a swap-out of several fan palms for date palms. With the clearance requirements for the mono-palm, additional date palms ranging in height from 25 to 35 feet should be planted adjacent to the mono-palm. Action: Commissioner Gregory moved, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to approve the installation of the mono-palm subject to planting two live date palms, one at 25 feet in height, one at 35 feet in height, located in a position amenable to the City Landscape Manager. It was suggested the applicant provide an accurate photo simulation for the Planning Commission. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell. B. Preliminary Plans 1. CASE NO.: PP 01-09, C 01-02 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DEBORAH KERR, KERR PROJECT SERVICES, 4655 Cass Street, #200, San Diego, CA 92109 for McDonalds NEAL CASPER, Project Manager, McDonald's Corporation, 11682 El Camino Real, Suite 400, San Diego, CA 92130 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of revised architectural drawings for McDonalds. LOCATION: Desert Country Plaza, Northwest corner Country Club & Harris ZONE: PC (2) FCOZ Mr. Alvarez reported the Commission had made numerous recommendations during its last meeting. He noted it appeared most of those recommendations had been met. 8 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES Mr. John Roblas of McDonald's Corporation stated that based on the comments from the last meeting, they had done their best to address every comment. The multi-layered steel trellis will extend along the entire west wall and wrap the northwest corner of the building. Due to a retention basin problem, a masonry wall will be constructed along Country Club to screen the parked cars instead of a landscaped berm. Commissioner Gregory and Mr. Knight pointed out only 10% of the parking lot shade trees could be Tifuana Tipu. In this case, it is not a good usage because there are so many of them and it is an experimental tree on the parking lot list. While it seems to do well in the desert, it is still uncertain how well they'll do in parking lots. It was suggested the applicant use a different tree from the parking lot shade tree list. Concern was expressed about the width of the drive-through lane and whether large vehicles going through would brush the branches in the crowns of the trees. Palms would be a good choice. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to granted preliminary approval to the revised plans subject to the City's Landscape Manager's comments, including but limited to replacing the Tifuana Tipu trees in the parking lot and putting palm trees in the planter along the drive-through. Motion carried 4-0 with Commissioners Lingle and McDonnell absent. 2. CASE NO.: PP 01-18 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MAJA RUETSCHI & ROBERT DADDIO, 39-935 Vista Del Sol, Suite 100, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 ROBERT RICCIARDI & ASSOCIATES, 75-090 St. Charles Place, Suite A, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of 4,402 sq.ft. medical building LOCATION: 44-700 Village Court ZONE: OP 9 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES Mr. Alvarez reported that the Indian Wells affordable senior housing complex will be to the east of this building. Commissioner Hanson expressed concern about the amount of blank space on the east elevation. Mr. Ricciardi responded that he was not doing the interior planning. However, it was very possible that the rooms located on the east side of the building would have outside windows. He asked that that be addressed with the working drawings. Commissioner Hanson suggested that the windows have some depth and not just added on and that arches be involved in the architecture. Mr. Knight was pleased to see that there was no turf on the landscape plan. He noted that two of the plants were sub-tropicals which would have to be in a shady area. They are the Compact Shiny Xylosma and the Varigated Mock Orange. Mr. Ricciardi responded he was trying not to make everything look the same by adding plants that aren't normally used. Mr. Knight would like to see the water calculations for the plant palette. Mr. Ricciardi pointed out that more than 50% of the parking stalls were covered either by trees or covered carports. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Hanson, to approve the preliminary architecture plans subject to the condition of adding a 12" relief to the east elevation and the understanding there will be windows or some architectural detail on the east elevation subject to review at the final ARC approval. The landscape plan was approved subject to the City Landscape Manager's comments. Motion carried 4- 0 with Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 3. CASE NO.: TT 30216 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): MARIO GONZALES, GHA PALOMA GROUP, LLC, 68-936 Adelina Road, Cathedral City, CA 92234 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of two model homes, development site plan, landscaping, and detached casitas. LOCATION: Northwest corner of Frank Sinatra and Portola Avenue, west of Shepard Road ZONE: PR 5 10 �rlate ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES Commissioner Vuksic complimented the applicants on doing a nice job. His comment was that all of the walls should be furred out. The front wall on Plan One should fur out instead of having the present trim and then recess the window. It was recommended that the side wall windows have 2x6 foam detail painted to match the trim color. The applicants are using a cornice and thick crown moldings. The back patio columns appear wimpy compared to those in the front. Commissioner Hanson suggested adding thickness to the columns to the patio. The applicant responded they had kept them thin is because in the past they have had people complain about the massive columns getting in the way. It was suggested that the patio columns either be thickened to 16x16" or kept at the same diameter and putting wainscoat around them to match that on the house. Commissioner Hanson asked if the applicants could use hidden vents rather than dormer vents. The applicant responded they had just gone through this at Monterey Estates. The cost difference is $60 a vent. He commented that once the vents were painted, they wouldn't be noticeable. Commissioner Vuksic asked that the vents be made more uniform. Mr. Knight asked that specific plants be named for the model homes. The applicant explained they were trying to prevent the yards from having all the same plants and trees. There are some sub-tropicals on the plan and they would only be allowed in a shaded area. He also noted that the California Pepper needs more room and is too large for small courtyard. He asked for percentages of turf in relation to planter beds. That percentage should not be more than 30%. He asked to see the water calculations. Staff was directed to review the requested revisions for final approval. Should discrepancies arise, staff will bring before the Commission. Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to approve the plans subject to the following conditions: 1) Plan One - the exterior wall of the den should be furred out and the den window recessed, 2) the side wall windows need detailing, perhaps with 2x6 foam detail painted to match trim, 3) the patio columns should either be thickened (16x16) or kept at same diameter and putting the same wainscoat around them as in the front of the house, 4) the vents to be more uniformly placed, and 5) to meet the Landscape Manager's 11 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES requirements, including but not limited to, removing the California Pepper trees, placing sub-tropicals in shady areas, providing information on the percentage of turf and water calculations. Motion carried 3-0-1 with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Lingle and O'Donnell absent. 4. CASE NO.: PP 01-16 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PALM DESERT REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, 73-510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of master plan and conceptual landscape plan for Entrada Ell Paseo LOCATION: 72-575 Hwy. 111 ZONE: OP This case is being brought to the Commission by the Redevelopment Agency as a matter of information and interest. The conceptual plan at this point includes two 8,000 sq.ft. high-end restaurants, the Visitor's Center, the Chamber of Commerce, a parking lot, and a memorial garden for Eric Johnson. The twelve acre site is located south of Hwy. 111, north of Painter's Path, and in between the Whitewater Channel and El Paseo. Ms. Lauri Aylaian explained that in order for the Redevelopment Agency to be able to sell the two restaurant pads to potential developers, they need to have a parcel map. In order to get the parcel map, they wanted to show the Commission the conceptual landscaping and explain the site architecture. While they don't have elevations at this point, they need to be negotiating with developers. Eventually, their concern will be to make sure the architecture of all the buildings works together and that the site looks like an integrated whole. She noted the west half of the site will remain undeveloped for the time being. The intent is to have the restaurants compliment the visitors center and help draw local residents to the memorial garden, instead of just driving by. Ms. Maria Song with Interactive Design, pointed out there would be car access from all three streets. Coming in from Hwy. 111, the drivers would have the option of going directly to the parking lot or cruising through a special driveway between some of the buildings to 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24,2001 MINUTES experience the planned effect of the buildings and gardens. Despite the fact it is driveway, the effect would be pedestrian oriented. The planners would prefer to have the cars parked and have the pedestrians come into and experience the buildings, the different textures, and the garden. Commission Gregory questioned the vehicular access between the buildings as there appears to be no reason for it to be there. Ms. Song responded that part of the issue was handicapped accessibilty to the garden and Visitor's Center. Several handicapped spaces are provided along the driveway with flush curbs and are integrated within the landscape design. For the restaurant nearest El Paseo, Commissioner Gregory suggested using what is now indicated as parallel parking just to the east of the building as a drop off area for those who find walking difficult. Commissioner Hanson noted that most people are inherently lazy. In addition, since these are probably going to be high-end restaurants, there will be valet parking. She asked where the valet parking would be situated at each of the restaurants. Of particular concern is that the western-most restaurant's front elevation faces away from the parking lot (toward the garden) and patrons will have to walk around the building to enter. This presents a serious problem for that restaurant. She suggested creating a beautiful entrance on the parking lot side and having the very special outside area for an dining patio facing the garden. She recommended not trying to force people to walk around the building. Ms. Song stated they were proposing a porte cochere type entrance on the east restaurant. The planners intend to develop a valet area that will serve both restaurants. They are not forcing people to walk all the way around the buildings to enter the buildings. Commissioner Hanson stated the trash access for the east restaurant has access onto El Paseo which is inappropriate unless it can be significantly hidden. Ms. Song responded that the curve of the driveway to the trash area will ramp down. Commissioner Hanson stated the Cathedral City interactive water fountain has been so successful because people can actually use it rather than passively looking at it. She asked if it were possible to incorporate something for a family - a place to have a picnic and participate in. Ms. Song explained they had intended that the water feature be worked with the landscape so a person could walk next to a grotto and hear running water, yet have it be interactive as well. This would be the first thing one would see from the highway. Ms. Aylaian commented that the City owned a dissembled interactive fountain which 13 I err►' ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION. JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES they had considered putting in this project. However, when they realized the two restaurants overlooking the gardens would be high-end and patrons dining in high-end restaurants probably would not want their kids playing in the water until they are seated. Since the garden will be a desert scape, it won't be a picnic-like atmosphere. She explained the City was building a new regional park on Country Club near Washington. That would be a better location for an interactive fountain. Commissioner Hanson asked who would be using the garden. Ms. Aylaian stated they were hoping local residents would come to experience the garden. For those from out of town, the Visitor's Center would be a destination within itself. Mr. George Sichre of HSA Design Group & Landscape Architects, explained they were attempting to sculpture rock work through hydrology to create not just boulders with waterfalls, but more of a sculptured look that is apparent throughout the canyons of the region. He noted the relationship of the Eric Johnson garden demonstration path that is in close relationship with the Visitor's Center. He would like to try to encourage new introductory plants. He explained a visual concept of different plant materials and textures that might not occur in the wild, but would provide a visual sculpture within itself. Mr. Sichre noted that there would be walkways throughout as well as along the perimeter of the garden so that people could bypass the buildings, but at the same time experience the garden. He stated the parking lot might have some type of design where same- type trees are planted in separate areas. Therefore providing a demonstration of the types of plant material that thrives in the region. Commissioner Hanson why the gardens couldn't be placed in the center of the buildings, instead of the proposed driveway. All of the buildings could be set in amongst the garden and be a part of it. Mr. Sichre responded they thought the garden should be more of an intimate setting where it was more pedestrian. Commissioner Hanson pointed out that having the gardens along Hwy.111 wasn't very intimate. Mr. Sichre stated the water feature and the gardens would sit at a low point on the site. He is trying to play off theVisitor's Center and its relationship with the water feature. He also noted that fire access to the buildings was important. Mr. Sichre stated he would look into the visual relationship between the users of the restaurants and the users of the garden. He feels that the 14 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24,2001 MINUTES garden will become something that will be seen in brochures throughout the desert. Once inside the garden, the intention would be to see only the elements within the garden. Commissioner Vuksic thought most people like social action and would like to see activity either from the garden or from the restaurant patios. Ms. Song explained that the restaurant pads and patios would be higher on the site than the garden, therefore providing a view. The east restaurant would probably have a patio across the north elevation. Commissioner Vuksic re-stated that the west restaurant should have entry from the parking lot and make the north side very interactive with the garden. The restaurant will suffer business if people are made to walk around it. There should be a beautiful view of the restaurant from the parking lot as that is what people will first see. The clientele do not like to park far from where they are going. Valet parking will be a necessity to the business and should be incorporated into the lay-out. The Commission felt strongly that the west restaurant's location did not have good visibility, especially with its back to the parking lot. It was suggested that the visitors center and the west restaurant trade places. The Commission pointed what a tough time the businesses in the Los Sombres center have with their backs to Hwy. 111. Ms. Aylaian stated the restaurants would be very high-end and would not depend on drive- by traffic. There would be monument signage at each of the access points. Commissioner Van Vliet stated the site was on a very busy location that experienced fast traffic. He did not believe it would be possible to achieve the isolated garden atmosphere that they want. Commissioner Hanson stated she couldn't figure out who would be using the garden. Mr. Sichre responded that the Visitor's Center would be very interactive with the garden. They are considering a cinema showing Eric Johnson's studies and contributions. The idea is to give the Visitor's Center and garden a very strong relationship. Commissioner Hanson asked how many people use the Visitor's Center. While she understands what they are trying to do and understands the thought processes, she feels the reality is that the park needs to be something that people are a part of. Local residents will never go to the Visitor's Center so they will miss out on the whole experience. Ms. Aylaian responded that's why the restaurants were put there - to give exposure to the garden and invite people from the restaurants to visit the gardens, perhaps during their wait for their table. Commissioner Gregory noted there were a lot of good intentions with the plan, but that they should be consolidated because there are some 15 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION JULY 24, 2001 MINUTES conflicting elements that could make it less successful. He added that he could not imagine going there as a local resident as he had never visited the Visitor's Center because he had no reason to. Mr. Alvarez stated the recommendations and comments would be sent to Ms. Aylanian's staff and the Planning Commission. Perhaps when the City Council hears from the ARC, who are experts in their fields, they may re-evaluate their decisions. However, parcelization of the property can proceed. By approving the parcel map and recommending the locations for the restaurant and Visitor's Center be swapped, the Redevelopment Agency could continue working to develop this project from a business standpoint. Action: Staff will provide the following recommendations and comments to the Redevelopment Agency, Planning Commission, and City Council: 1) designate valet and/or drop-off places near each of the restaurant's entrances, 2) the restaurant on the west should have its main entrance facing the parking lot. It's north elevation should be interactive with the garden. It was deemed detrimental for that restaurant's business if patrons were forced to walk from the parking lot around the building to the north- facing entrance, 3) place the memorial garden in the center of the buildings and move the buildings towards the street for two reasons: all the buildings can interact with the garden and provides more visibility from the street for the businesses, and 4) have the Visitor's Center and the west restaurant trade places in order to provide visibility for the restaurant which right now cannot be seen from the street. The Visitor's Center would have parking and handicapped access from the parking lot and still have its interactive relationship with the garden, particularly if the garden were put in the center of the buildings. VI. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. MARTIN ALVAREZ PLANNING ASSOCIATE 16