HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-09 � '�
, �
����-�
CITY OF PALM DESERT
`- ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• • MINUTES
MAY 9, 2006
****************************************************************************************************
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 8 1
Kristi Hanson X 9
Chris Van Vliet X 8 1
John Vuksic X 9
Ray Lopez X 8 1
Karen Oppenheim X 9
Karel Lambel X 8 1
Also Present:
Phil Drell, Director, Community Development
Francisco Urbina, Associate Planner
Tony Bagato, Assistant Planner
Ryan Stendell, Assistant Planner
Donna Quaiver, Senior Office Assistant
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: APRIL 25, 2006
Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner Oppenheim to
approve the minutes of April 25, 2006. The motion carried 7-0.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
A. None
1
� �
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
� MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
A. Final Drawinqs
1. CASE NO.: C 05-04
APPLICANT �AND ADDRESS): CARVER COMPANIES, 74-947
Highway 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210-7113
MARK GILES, KKE ARCHITECTS, 525 E. Colorado Blvd., 4th Floor,
Pasadena, CA 91101-5226
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final
approval of revised elevations for two retail buildings (Parcels 15 and
Parcel 17) at Desert Gateway Shopping Center.
LOCATION: 34-380, 34-460 Monterey Avenue
ZONE: PC
Mr. Bagato stated that Parcel 15 had been given preliminary approval
by the Architectural Review Commission previously with no changes.
The plans before the commission today reflect the original approval.
However, Parcel 17 has changed dramatically and the plans are before
the commission for their review.
Mr. Drell stated that from a procedural point of view, while a 34' tower
was in line with all the other towers in the area, we weren't taking those
sort of buildings to the City Council, however, this is a 41' tower so this
would probably have to be taken to the Council for their approval. Mr.
Bagato stated that the maximum height is 35'. Mr. Drell stated that this
tower would require a height exception.
Commissioner Vuksic asked if the height of the tower was studied or
was it really just done to make it as tall as possible. The architect was
not present. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the tower element looks
stretched.
Commissioner Hanson suggested modifying the middle section of the
building and dropping the arches slightly so that the tower could shrink
a little bit.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that he generally doesn't look at height, as
long as it looks good it doesn't matter how high it is. In this case, it
looks like it's been stretched to be as tall as possible without really
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR060509.MIN 2
'�r�r �rr+'
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
� MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
looking at the proportions. Also, the tower is so articulated and detailed
and the other part of the building is so plain. This bothers me. It's a
nice looking building, but the designer needs to look at it again to carry
the details on the tower to the rest of the building.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that the designer should not come back
with a minimal attempt to add a little bit of detail to the rest of the
building because you're going to risk turning this into a "grind", which
will result in coming back to the commission a few times. Obviously,
the designer knows what to do judging by the tower, but he needs to do
what he knows needs to be done.
Action: Commissioner Oppenheim moved, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson for approval of Parcel 15. Motion carried 7-0.
Action: Commissioner Oppenheim moved, seconded by Commissioner
Hanson to continue Parcel 17 to allow the applicant to (1) lower the
tower so that it does not exceed maximum height and, (2) some
detailing be added to the rest of the building and designed in to make it
tie into the detailing on the tower. Motion carried 7-0.
2. CASE NO.: C 05-06
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CARVER COMPANIES, 74-947
Highway 111, Indian Wells, CA 92210-7113
MARK GILES, KKE ARCHITECTS, 525 E. Colorado Blvd., 4'" Floor,
Pasadena, CA 91101-5226
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request final approval
of elevations for a new Bank of America building at Desert Gateway
Shopping Center.
LOCATION: 34-420 Monterey Avenue
ZONE: PC
Action: Commissioner Van Vliet moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lambell for approval by minute motion. Motion carried 7-0.
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�AR060509.MIN 3
� �
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
� MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
3. CASE NO.: SA 06-76
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RHL DESIGN GROUP, MAGGIE
McLAUGHLIN, 2401 E. Katella Avenue, #400, Anaheim, CA 92806
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
business signage for Chevron.
LOCATION: 72-801 Highway 111
ZONE: PC
Mr. Bagato stated that the applicant is proposing an LED band on the
canopy. Commissioner Van Vliet commented that details are not
shown on the plans.
Jim Forgy, representative for RHL Design Group, was present and
stated that Chevron is doing a re-imaging campaign and signage is a
big part of it. They're still going to use the Chevron logo but they want
to use a different text. In addition to that, they are proposing an LED
light at the top of the brow of the canopy and then on the shorter sides,
the LED light will be located on the bottom of the brow. A photograph
was shown to the commission. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if it was
going to be exposed or covered by a canopy. Mr. Forgy stated that the
light will be covered by a hood. It will look like a stripe. Commissioner
Van Vliet stated that his concern was that he didn't want to see the light
source.
Commissioner Vuksic asked how he was achieving the offset. Mr.
Forgy stated that it would have a metal hood. Commissioner Vuksic
asked about the method of coloring the canopy blue and wanted to
know if it was going to be painted. Mr. Forgy stated that they're going
to use new material and showed the commission a sample.
Commissioner Gregory asked if the commission thought that the pearl
white that's being proposed would be blinding in the desert sun. Mr.
Forgy stated that the white would be on the ends of the canopy.
Mr. Drell stated that the colors don't go with the existing building, which
is all earth tones. I'm amazed that they're even wasting a nickel on
this. The only people who are going to notice this change is us. Mr.
Forgy stated that if a person is looking for a Chevron station, they tend
to notice the blue color from a distance and they want to identify their
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgmin�P,R060509.MIN 4
� �
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
fuel by the canopy. The spandrels that go underneath the canopy and
over the dispensers are going to be reduced in size so that it just goes
over the dispensers. Mr. Drell stated that he likes them the way are
now because they look balanced. Mr. Forgy stated that the columns
will be refinished to match what they are now. They're trying to make it
a little more streamlined.
Commissioner Gregory stated that he thought it was great that they
want to put up another canopy. My major concern is that the very
reason that they want the blue is the reason I don't want it. When you
have a nice floating canopy and if it's off-white it floats better and
doesn't catch ones eye quite as much. I don't have a problem with a
new canopy, I just have a problem with the blue color. I'm also
concerned that the pearl white might be too white, in which case it's a
blinding white.
Commissioner Hanson suggested that instead of doing a blue canopy
all the way across, do it to a point and then it stops and becomes
something else so that if you're driving up Highway 111, you're going to
see the Chevron blue but it doesn't have to run all the way across. This
could be repeated on the other side. It might be a nice compromise. I
understand your point about the blue, but this is a lot of blue. Mr. Forgy
stated that the blue color works well with the LED light. If you use
white, you're not going to see the LED lighting. Commissioner Hanson
stated that he could still use the LED lighting, but maybe at some point
the blue changes to something else that matches the building.
Commissioner Gregory commented that the problem is that the color
blue is so alien to the existing building.
Commissioner Lambell asked how the canopy ties into the existing mini
market structure that's there, color-wise. Mr. Forgy stated that he
doesn't see it blending into it right now. Commissioner Lambell agreed
with Commissioner Hanson's idea of leaving a portion of the canopy
blue and then the rest of it being some sort of a color that ties into the
existing building and the rest of the buildings that are within eye-shot of
this canopy. This blue is coming from nowhere. The monument sign is
not a problem, but the big blue stripe that goes all the way around
thaYs going to glow-in-the-dark is coming from absolutely no building
that's within a hundred miles of it. Is it possible that just part of the
Chevron sign be blue and the canopy becomes another color? Mr.
Forgy stated that he'll have to speak to the Chevron representatives.
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�Agmin�,4R060509.MIN 5
� �
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
• MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
Mr. Forgy commented that studies have been done on the color blue
which prove that within six seconds, customers have to make their
decision to turn into the driveway. Because of that, they want to use
blue for identification purposes so they can quickly visualize that and
then go in the right driveway to get to a pump. Commissioner Hanson
commented that the commission is saying that they're willing to give
him the blue, but maybe just not all blue. My point is that if you have
the blue in the proper location where people are driving by on the
street, they're going to see it. They're going to know what it is and
make the decision to turn into the driveway or not. However, having
the whole canopy blue is not going to influence their decision in four
seconds versus six seconds. Mr. Forgy stated that he could bring this
idea back to the Chevron representatives and see if they'll approve it.
Commissioner Hanson suggested trying to tie the existing building in a
little bit more. The pearl white is too white. It's going to be blinding
white.
Commissioner Vuksic asked if the east and west elevations of the
canopy would have an LED light as well. Mr. Forgy stated that it will
have an LED light at the bottom of the canopy.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commission
Lambell for approval with (1) revision to canopy being made to reduce
the amount of blue on the north and south elevations to match the blue
on the east and west elevations with the blue increasing only to
envelope the Chevron signage, (2) use a warmer white or an earthy
color in keeping with the colors of the existing gas station building. The
above conditions to be approved by staff. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CASE NO.: MISC 06-10
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): STEVE GORDON, 73-385 Pinyon
Street, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
elevations for an exterior remodel and clarification of colors/materials in
conjunction with the City of Palm Desert's Facade Enhancement
Program.
LOCATION: 73-730 EI Paseo
ZONE: C-1
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocsWgminWR060509.MIN 6
� �'`
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
� ' MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
Mr. Bagato displayed the revised plans for the commission to review.
Mr. Stendell stated that there was some confusion as to what was
actually previously approved. Mr. Drell stated that certain issues were
discussed, but when the motion was made it was unclear which issues
of discussion would be incorporated in the motion.
Mr. Stendell stated that three things had been discussed. The
possibility of eliminating the recessed signage areas, returning the
parapets all the way around, and creating guidelines for the tenants for
exterior tenant improvements. These conditions were never
incorporated into the original motion. The applicant has indicated that
he's wrapped the parapets all the way around. The exterior colors
were left up to the designer to choose. Mr. Steve Gordon, applicant,
was present and stated that he was fine with whatever colors were
picked, however, creating guidelines for his tenants was not an option.
I like the detail above the awning and don't want to change it.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Lopez for approval subject to extending parapet on the west side 35'.
Motion carried 7-0.
B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO.: PP 06-05/TT 34626
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS):W.L. HOMES, LLC., dba JOHN
LAING HOMES, 255 E. Rincon Street, Suite 100, Corona, CA 92879
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Request approval of
revised elevations for 198 condominium units. The Campus
LOCATION: Intersection of College Drive and University Park Drive
ZONE: PR
Mr. Drell stated that he reviewed the revised elevations and commented
that he's been looking at these sort of projects that are existing and
they all look dismal from the perimeter. On one-story buildings, we
really didn't worry so much about the rear yards since all you saw was
the roof. Now we're seeing taller buildings. On any buildings that face a
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminWR060509.MIN �
�`� �
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
, , � • MAY 9, 2006
MINUTES
public street, any details that are on the front should be repeated on the
back.
Commissioner Hanson concurred and commented that all these
projects keep coming in with 2 x 4 walls, which we can't figure out how
they get approved. We keep asking the applicants to inset their
windows so they're coming in with 2 x 2's so basically they'll have no
insulation around the windows. Mr. Drell stated that this should be part
of Pat Conlon's energy ordinance. Commissioner Hanson commented
that she didn't feel that anything should be built without a 2 x 6 wall.
Revised elevations were distributed by the architect for the commission
to review. The rear elevations had been revised, as the commission
had requested. Stone was added to the rear of the Tuscan elevation.
The Italian elevation had color blocking detail added to the rear
elevation. The Spanish-style building had shutters, pot shelves and
wrought iron railing details added.
The commission made a strong suggestion that the applicant use 2 x 6
walls with inset windows. Mr. Drell stated that the easiest way to justify
it would be part of the City's new energy initiative which will be an
enhanced Title 24 requirements. We're trying to go 10°/o-15% above
the Title 24 requirements for new construction. On the list from Pat
Conlon, I don't remember him mentioning 2 x 6 walls. Commissioner
Oppenheim commented that the new initiative has not been approved
so the applicant is in compliance. Mr. Drell stated that in terms of this
body, the aesthetics are what should be considered.
Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved, seconded by Commissioner
Oppenheim for approval of (1) revised rear elevations that the applicant
presented, (2) the new color palette, and (3) rafter tails to be increased
to 4 x 6 minimum. A strong suggestion was made by the commission
that the applicant consider using 2 x 6 walls with inset windows. Motion
carried 7-0.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 1:19 p.m.
TONY BAGATO for STEVE SMITH, PLANNING MANAGER
G:Planning\Donna Quaiver\wpdocs�AgminWR060509.MIN g