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MINUTES
PALM DESERT
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION
SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
1. 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 15 2
Kristi Hanson X 16 1
Chris Van Vliet X 15 2
John Vuksic X 17
Ray Lopez X 14 3
Karen Oppenheim X 17
Karel Lambell X 16 1
Also Present
Phil Drell, Director, Community Development
Steve Smith, Planning Manager
Tony Bagato, Assistant Planner
Ryan Stendell, Assistant Planner
Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Lambell,
approving the September 12, 2006 meeting minutes. Motion carried 5-0-2-0,
with Commissioner Gregory and Lopez abstaining.
IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
V. CASES:
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ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION SEPTEMBER 26. 2006
A. Final Drawings
1. CASE NO: SA 06-118
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): EDGAR MUNOZ/MF SIGN FACTORY,
1495 West 91nStreet #305, Upland, CA 91786.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
business signage for the Super White Cleaners.
LOCATION: 73-221 Highway 111, Unit A
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Stendall noted that the applicant was not present for the meeting and
stated that at the last meeting the Commission had some concerns and
modifications were recommended. The Commission emphasized that
"Super White" should be an integral part of the signage, however the
owner didn't want to do that. Mr. Stendall stated that new plans were
submitted, but felt that they did not meet the intent set forth by the
Commission; therefore he was sending them back for review.
Commissioner Gregory asked if we could give them some guidance to
help with their design. Mr. Stendall stated that the Commission, at the
last meeting, gave them exact directions and allowed staff to approve it.
Commissioner Van Vliet suggested not having a raceway and if they
wanted one it needed to be a design that works. Commissioner Gregory
stated that if they eliminate the raceway, make individual letters that are
closer together, we could approve and the applicant wouldn't have to
come back.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Lambell,
to continue to allow applicant to be present. Motion carried 7-0.
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2. CASE NO: SA 06-132
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): DAVE CAMPBELL c/o RALPHS, P.O.
Box 54143, Los Angeles, CA 90054.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
business signage for Ralphs.
LOCATION: 74-884 Country Club Drive
ZONE: PC-2
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, by
minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 7-0.
3. CASE NO: MISC 06-34
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): Ron Lieberman/Design Development,
28035 Dorothy Drive, Agoura Hills, CA 91301.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
exterior modifications for Cork Tree Restaurant.
LOCATION: 74-950 Country Club Drive
ZONE: PC
Ron Lieberman, representative for Design Development presented a
proposal to maintain the existing building, paint the exterior using earth
tones and cosmetic modifications to the interior. Their intent is to create
a more upscale category restaurant and although the restaurant is in the
Las Casuelas family, it will have American cuisine. To create more of a
visual flow on the Country Club side, they have proposed adding three
(3) windows within the existing wall of three (3) arches, and introducing
new signage and logo. The other item they proposed is to take down the
arch overhang that exists over the patio area to open it up, providing
more light.
Commissioner Hanson stated she didn't understand the painted graphic
leaves on the building. Mr. Lieberman indicated that Commission should
disregard that design. They were trying to create a textured look and
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have decided that it will be a faux finish or some form of an aged look
without the leaves. Commissioner Hanson discussed the Cork Tree
signage and stated that the sign should be very unique and interesting,
maybe with a light from the back, to illuminate it. Mr. Lieberman stated
that the sign company is working on the final design of a three-
dimensional sign and would be submitting the plans separately for
approval.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to
grant approval, subject to eliminating the painted leaves on the building and
submitting signage for review. Motion carried 7-0.
4. CASE NO: PP/HPD 06-13
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): KRISTI HANSON, ARCHITECT, 77-185
Painters Path, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of an
8,457 square foot single family home within the Bighorn hillside plan
residential zone (HPR).
LOCATION: 869 Rock River Drive
ZONE: HPR
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, by
minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 6-0-1-0, with Commissioner
Hanson abstaining.
5. CASE NO: TT 33018
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): KIRBY/PELE DEVELOPMENT, 11349
Bolas Street, Los Angeles, CA 90049
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
scupper replacement on fourteen tract homes.
LOCATION: NW Corner of Portola Avenue and Frank Sinatra Drive
ZONE: PR-5
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Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, by
minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 7-0.
6. CASE NO: SA 06-135
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CALI PASTA INC., 78-450 Avenue 41,
Bermuda Dunes, CA 92203
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of
business signage for Cali Pasta.
LOCATION: 73-575 El Paseo, Suite 2310
ZONE: C-1
Mr. Stendall stated that he reviewed the Gardens file and didn't find
anything prohibiting signage facing south, however he did find discussion
relative to the views adjacent to the residential areas. In his opinion, the
sign is too large and should be used to attract the attention of people in
the parking lot not necessarily the residents of Shadow Mountain. He
indicated that the sign should come down in size and possibly go to
reverse channel.
Commissioner Hanson stated that the wall was very monolithic and felt
that if this type of sign goes up, there will be more. As a unit, the
Gardens should address some sort of wall signage program for the shop
owners.
Doug Wall, from Cali Pasta, Inc., addressed the issue of the view from
Shadow Mountain. He stated that if you stood in the parking lot with the
mature landscaping, the residents would have to look through the trees
to see the sign from their homes. He agreed that the sign was large, but
felt that this was the best place for the sign since Cali Pasta doesn't
have any visibility in the mall. He indicated that visibility was an issue
with the previous owners as well and was bad for business.
Mr. Drell stated that an interesting sign that may work at this location
would resemble the poster/mural painted on the back wall of Cafe Des
Beaux-Arts, which communicates the character of the restaurant.
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Commissioner Hanson suggested that a sign in this location would have
to be an architecturally designed feature of the building, like the signage
at Sullivan's.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Lambell,
to continue to allow applicant to submit modifications as discussed by
Commission. Motion carried 7-0.
7. CASE NO: MISC 06-36
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): STEPHEN LITTLE, 74-290 Highway
111, Palm Desert, CA 92260
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of 18-foot
roof height.
LOCATION: 72-871 Tamarisk Street
ZONE: PR
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lopez, by
minute motion to grant approval. Motion carried 7-0.
B. Preliminary Plans
1. CASE NO: PP 06-11
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): STUDIO E ARCHITECTS, 2411 Second
Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101.
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
architecture for World Savings Bank.
LOCATION: 73-051 Highway 111
ZONE: C-1
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John Sheehan, Studio E Architects, demonstrated examples of careful
and sensitive use of concrete masonry units and stated that there was
precedence for this style of architecture here in the desert. Responding
to his client's desire to have a building that has a lot of presence on the
corner and be very visible, he wants to take advantage of the oblique
angel of the site by pushing the building mass out. The client has
requested that people be able to see into the bank, thereby being more
customer friendly. To balance this request with the recognition of the
afternoon sun, they would be introducing vertical fins; which would
screen the sun and allow you to see in and see out. The other sun
control device would be a horizontal sunshade; a trellis type feature. He
described the service area that is the lower mass and made out of
masonry and the higher corrugated portion of the building. He stated
that their choice of colors were intended to be used as a heat sink and
by holding the metal away from the actual building wall, it would allow air
to circulate behind it and keep heat from radiating into the branch to
reduce the overall cooling loads.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that he liked the style of the building and
felt that the Commission was receptive to the style. He informed Mr.
Sheehan that he might have a tougher time with the Planning
Commission and Council. He stated that the only criticism he had was
the scale of the upper portion. Some of the examples presented were
wonderful examples of post century modernism in the desert, however
with modern architecture here in the desert, he couldn't think of an
example that has the heavy top that was being proposed.
Mr. Sheehan stated that the client requested that the building be as tall
as possible. They could have introduced openings towards the top, but
decided to make it a very closed unit sitting on a glass base; a kind of
inversion that gets lighter as it goes up to the ramada, purposely floating
the box off the ground.
Commissioner Hanson stated that she liked the architecture, but agreed
that the top was too full. The building would be a very imposing element
and felt that they could take a few feet off the building and still get the
massive look, maybe giving it a horizontal look instead of a tall look. The
colors would be an issue as they are not desert colors and
recommended altering the color pallet to be more desert oriented and
instead of using the precision block she suggested the use of stone or
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block with desert colors. She stated that they should keep the aluminum
storefront, but change the color and felt that it would reinforce that
element even further.
Mr. Sheehan addressed the issue of the building height and stated that
he was responding to his client's desire to take the building to the height
limit. Commissioner Hanson recommended a photo simulation of the
building coming down Highway 74 and from Highway 111, since this is
probably the most visible corner in the city.
Commissioner Gregory asked about the roof-mounted equipment and
stated that when you come down Highway 74 you would be looking at it.
Lowering the roof to get a better proportion could expose the roof
mounted equipment. Mr. Sheehan indicated that was correct and that
the client wanted a certain volume within their banking hall.
Commissioner Hanson recommended pushing the equipment to the
center.
Mr. Drell indicated that in order to get this approved they would have to
do the photo simulation, show it on the site with landscaping and warm
the colors.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that they could still get their interior volume
by creating an element from the light well that is higher than the outer
parapet.
Commissioner Lopez questioned where the roof access was. Mr.
Sheehan explained that it was located on the interior for both roofs.
Commissioner Lambell stated that she had a problem with viewing the
renderings because it looked like a billboard and asked for a color
rendering for the next presentation.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic, to
grant a continuance to allow applicant to submit modifications as discussed by
Commission. Motion carried 7-0.
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2. CASE NO: MISC 06-35
APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): TED GROULX, P.O. Box 14083, Palm
Desert, CA 92255
NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of
improvements to front and rear of property.
LOCATION: 73-750 El Paseo
ZONE: C-1
Ted Groulx stated that he is seeking approval to get started on
improvements and presented styles of two skeleton storefronts. He
indicated that he would create the storefronts then present completed
plans to the Commission based on direction from a new tenant.
Commissioner Vuksic asked what we could realistically expect in the
future because this goes back to letting the buildings be a background
for the tenant and letting the tenant express themselves. He stated that
on their own, these buildings looked awful. The existing building looks
better than the proposed remodel, however the proposed remodel would
give the tenant an opportunity to do things to the building. He asked
what would happen if a mom and pop tenant came in and has no
intention or the sophistication to do something like what is being
proposed.
Mr. Drell indicated that this remodel is part of the fagade improvement
program so there would have to be a fail-safe solution, and at the very
minimum should approve the skeleton storefronts. He stated that a
simple storefront would probably be the more sensible one. In terms of
style the simple one is more of a productive type of design and asked
the Commission if from a proportional point of view what would need to
be changed.
Commissioner Vuksic stated that there should be more of a difference in
the height between the two storefronts with more depth. On the roof
plan, the parapet comes across and zig zags in six (6) inches, so it's
basically flat and has no substance to the volumes. They need to
establish a little more variation to meet the forms on the front and rear
and they should create some sort of assurance that we will get quality of
tenant design.
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Mr. Drell stated that there might need to be some sort of an awning
detail. Commissioner Vuksic stated that since it is a north facing
building, the tenant probably would not put up an awning unless they
were required to do so. It might not be an awning, but something is
needed that creates the same level of interest and quality.
Commissioner Gregory stated that this request should be considered as
part of a two-step process. Step one is a vanilla shell and step two
would be to monitor whoever does become the retail tenant.
Commissioner Van Vliet asked if it made any sense to do a two-step
process since the storefront might be torn out if the tenant doesn't like
what was done, then the applicant would have to start all over. Mr. Drell
stated that is why the initial skeleton is pretty simple and provides for a
lot of improvisations. Ideally what the applicant wants is a tenant to
come in and create a design that is consistent with the character of the
store; however that doesn't always work out and that is why the fail-safe
solution is needed.
Action:
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to
grant a continuance to allow applicant to provide a roof plan showing front and
rear parapets, additional architecture in parapet heights and an artist rendering
of rear elevation. Motion carried 7-0.
C. Miscellaneous Items
None.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to
adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 7-0. The meeting was adjourned at 1:40 p.m.
4
N L 4-4
S E SMITH
PLANNING MANAGER
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