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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-12-11 CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES December 11, 2007 I. CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 12:35 p.m. II. ROLL CALL Commissioners Current Meeting Year to Date Present Absent Present Absent Ronald Gregory, Chairman X 18 4 Kristi Hanson X 19 3 Chris Van Vliet X 22 John Vuksic X 22 Ray Lopez X 18 4 Karel Lambell X 17 5 Nancy DeLuna X 11 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Ryan Stendell, Associate Planner Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 13, 2007 & November 27, 2007 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Vuksic., to approve the November 13, 2007 with changes and the November 27, 2007 meeting minutes. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS V. CASES: ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION ' MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: C 06-08 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROTHBART DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, 1801 Avenue of the Stars, Suite 920, Los Angeles, CA 90067. NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of new construction to be located within the Gateway Shopping Center; Circuit City (formerly approved as Office Depot). LOCATION: 34-860 Monterey Avenue ZONE: PC-3 Mr. Bagato presented changes to Circuit City; previously approved as Office Depot. He stated that Circuit City had to make some changes because of floor plan configurations and he gave the applicant the go ahead to move forward with the main construction design with some of the details still needing to be worked out. He mentioned that he had concerns with the three-sided element on the north elevation, the color choice, and lattice work. Mr. Phil Woodyatt, Senior Development Manager, stated that they tried to keep with the intent of the Office Depot approval and fit it to the different size and scale of the Circuit City building. He mentioned that the color scheme and the materials board was in process and would be submitted at the next meeting. The colors are slightly different from what was approved for the Office Depot and stated that he knew there was a concern with the red color. Mr. Bagato stated that the other colors appeared a little grayish and that recent approval of grays did not come out as anticipated. Commissioner Gregory stated that one of his concerns was that it looked like a generic type building and looking at the other buildings at that center they typify big box shopping center design. What the Commission is looking for are buildings that are a little more richly detailed and interesting in Palm Desert. The building itself is okay, but if the details were finished they would make more sense. For example, you have an arch over something and there doesn't appear to be a reason for it other than having some architectural pattern going. It's the same thing with the lattice work that is suspended between the columns. Other than a few features like Page 2 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 that there is a lack of detail. Commissioner Gregory suggested enriching the quality of the building by adding more materials besides the same plaster that is on the rest of the building and making the trellis out of steel rather than wood. He mentioned articulation and pop outs so that it looks good in real life not just on the plan. Commissioner Vuksic questioned the stepping parapets and the wall on the right side elevation and Commissioner Hanson stated that it appeared to be a hidden wall. Commissioner Vuksic stated that that was an excellent example of what Commissioner Gregory was talking about where things might look nice in two dimensional drawings, but in reality that is nothing but a different color. Commissioner Vuksic mentioned that the glass wall at the entry was quite a bit taller and was a lot more expansive looking than the original plans. He asked if they could soften that up so it doesn't look quite so stark. Mr. Woodyatt stated that detail is specific to the Circuit City storefront design and interior layout and felt that there wasn't much they could do to change the size. The Commission discussed insets, shadowing, the trellis, and stucco. Commissioner Hanson asked if there were issues on the site that prevented them from coming out further. Mr. Bagato stated that they may have room to expand out. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the single most important thing to improve would be to create depth and shadow of at least 18 to 24 inches. He also stated that the wall on the right elevation that has the pilasters needs to be in that same range. Commissioner Gregory asked about the wall on the right elevation and asked if the wall pops out and if it was on one plane. Mr. Woodyatt described the wall to the Commission. Commissioner Vuksic stated that this was an eight inch wall including the pilasters. Commissioner Gregory asked if they could make it a real wall and have it end at the pilasters. Mr. Woodyatt stated that they could make those changes. Commissioner Gregory and Mr. Woodyatt discussed the trellis and changes that could be made. Commissioner Hanson stated that the applicant has the opportunity within the arches to do something interesting, even if they are recessed 24 inches. She recommended potted plants and asked if there was room. Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist, stated that they don't have room for landscaping, that it was all common Page 3 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RETMW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 area. The Commission reviewed the plans and the common area. Commissioner Hanson suggested that they place pots with vines in the arches, or do some sort of foam inset, change the color or add some tile. She asked the applicant to be creative with the arches as opposed to just changing the color. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the gabled roof element in the entry looks like it is all in one plane with just changes of color. He stated that the whole top part is broken up into different colors which create a 30-foot wide sign. Mr. Woodyatt asked if color is considered part of the signage. Commissioner Hanson stated that they were not color blocking the building. They are literally trying to create an element that is part of the signage that looks like one big sign as opposed to adding "City" and "Circuit City" onto the face of the building. Commissioner Vuksic wasn't saying that color is a part of signage, but critiquing it architecturally that is what it looks like and it's not acceptable. He informed the applicant that they needed to take the color away and make it look more like Santa Barbara architecture and limit the punch that you want for the Circuit City sign to a smaller area. Commissioner Gregory stated that it was going to be tough because it would be a huge background of nothing if it's just one plaster color. When you take away that color it should have something to take its place and make it more interesting. Mr. Bagato indicated the small detail element that was on the Office Depot plans and suggested that they add a similar detail to that area. Mr. Bagato asked the Commission if the trellis on the south elevation needed to be thicker or should it be removed. Commissioner Gregory stated that it needed to be something legitimate or they shouldn't have it. Commissioner Vuksic stated that not having the trellis is not an option because there would just be a big blank wall; it just needs to be more substantial. Mr. Bagato also asked about the color pallet. Commissioner Hanson stated that the gray was too light and needed to be darkened up and the red was too bright. Page 4 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to continue Case C 06-08 subject to: 1) closing off element on north elevation to create a four sided element; 2) create more depth and shadow in arches in the range of 18" to 24"; 3) make wall on the right elevation a real wall ending at pilasters; 4) make the gabled roof element in the entry more Santa Barbara architecture; 5) add additional detail to "red circle" area; 6) darken up color EP-6 on color pallet and lighten up the red; and, consider these changes: pop out arches, add foam insets, change color, add tile and pots with vines. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. 2. CASE NO: MISC 07-42 (HTE 07-104) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JAMES MCINTOSH, P.O. Box 778, Palm Desert, CA 92261 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a single family resident 16 feet in height. LOCATION: 77-747 Delaware Place ZONE: RE Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. 3. CASE NO: MISC 07-39 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBINSON HILL ARCHITECTURE/NINA SO, 3195 B Airport Loop Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of new storefront and signage; Vilebrequin. LOCATION: 73-061 El Paseo, Suite 5 ZONE: Cl-SP Page 5 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION 44WO� MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-0-1 , with Commissioner Lopez absent. 4. CASE NO: MISC 07-44 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): EL PASEO COLLECTION NORTH, 73-061 El Paseo, Suite 200, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of retail storefront, signage and awning facing; Leggiadro. LOCATION: 73-080 El Paseo, Suite 1 ZONE: Cl-SP Action: It was moved by Commissioner Hanson, seconded by Commissioner Lambell, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. 5. CASE NO: SA 07-238 (HTE 07-111) APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): COUNTRY CLUB AWNING AND BLINDS, 74-885 Joni Drive, Suite 6, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of new storefront awning; Palm Desert Fireplace. LOCATION: 73-990 El Paseo, Suite 5 ZONE: Cl-SP Mr. Stendell presented the proposal for an awning and asked the applicant if the awning was coming flush with the stucco. Mr. Brian Lanning, sign representative, stated that it would be flush from the building. Commissioner Vuksic asked if this was a single awning form and the applicant indicated that it was. Commissioner Hanson asked the applicant the reason for the awning and Mr. Lanning answered that it would be for visibility of signage, to take away the hard fascia that is currently there, and to change the architecture of the Page 6 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 building. Commissioner Hanson thought that it was strange to have a pitched awning on a pitched roof. She felt that it would make more sense to drop an awning underneath coming straight down and have a wider face for signage. Mr. Lanning stated that they were hoping for a little more character and design. The Commission discussed the beige color of the awning and stated that it would be very close to the color of the building. Mr. Stendell stated that the building was a dark brown and the awning would be a lighter color. Commissioner Vuksic stated that awnings don't look good when they are too close to the color of the building. Commissioner Vuksic stated that he didn't see an architecturally redeeming reason for such a long awning that doesn't have any interest or break in it. He expressed to the applicant that it needed to be broken up. Mr. Lanning stated that it was 43 feet and would cover a two unit area with two separate signage areas. Commissioner Lambell asked where the signage would be located. Mr. Lanning stated that right now there would only be signage on the left side of the awning for Palm Desert Fireplace. Mr. Stendell presented the logo that would go on the 12 inch flat part of the awning. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it would be very small and Mr. Lanning agreed. Commissioner Hanson expressed that architecturally this awning doesn't make sense and it's not something that you would ever do on a pitch roof. If you go off of the bronze metal fascia and step it back a little and drop something straight down in the same color as the bronze, then you would have more room for signage. She also suggested breaking it up so that it's not just one continuously long line for 43 feet. The Commission and Mr. Lanning discussed the size of lettering on the signage and dividing up the awning between the two units. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner Van Vliet, to continue Case No. SA 07-238 (HTE 07-111) subject to: 1) step back from bronze metal fascia and drop awning straight down; 2) replace beige color with bronze; and, 3) break up the awning. Motion carried 6-0- 0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. Page 7 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: DA 07-02, PP 07-11, CUP 07-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): LARKSPUR ASSOCIATES, LLC, 73-626 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a 154-room boutique hotel; El Paseo Hotel. LOCATION: 45-400 Larkspur ZONE: C-1 Mr. Juan Carlos Ochoa, Architect, discussed the changes made since the last meeting. They moved the lobby entry back, giving more depth and eliminated the domes in the condominium section. The building previously was reading as a continuous building so they separated the buildings achieving more of a residential scale. They moved the entry back and changed the setback on the hotel units to ten feet. The trash area is now a part of the building with doors simulating the doors on the buildings. Commissioner Gregory asked if they had worked out an arrangement with the residents to the east with respect to obtaining some of their property for additional tree planting to separate the hotel visually from the residential area. Mr. Bill De Leeuw, owner, stated that they were still trying to work out an agreement with the homeowners. The homeowners have been very cooperative and would be agreeable to some kind of landscaping in that area as long as it looked nice. Mr. Bagato stated that they wanted to move forward with the design as if the agreement didn't happen so that we will know what to expect with what is being proposed now. If things come in down the road that can improve the project, then we'll reevaluate it at that time. Commissioner Gregory was concerned that it is such a tall building and the area for landscaping on the east side was pretty tight. He asked how much land would be available to plant trees. Mr. De Leeuw stated that there was about ten or fifteen feet in the area from the building to the fence. Page 8 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REtEW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 Mr. Bagato detailed his concerns with the plans. He was concerned with the landscaping on the site and said that he talked to the applicant about having vines on the building, but they needed to see a cross section through the building and patio cover to show how the vines would work. He felt that there might be some area for taller trees. He was concerned with the trees in pots since they don't do well in pots and suggested a canopy. He also recommended a separate roof plan showing the roof landscaping not combined with the perimeter landscaping. He stated that usually he likes the elevations without landscaping to see more of the architecture, but in this case because it is such a tall building he asked for elevations with landscaping to see how it would soften the building. He felt that the water feature on the front of the building was not necessary. He stated that the applicant addressed the Commission's concern and simplified the building, but now they have created large spacings that break up the connections between the buildings. Commissioner Vuksic stated that the massing is generally okay but the details were pretty weak. He was aware that the Commission asked that they simplify it but it needs to be done in a way to create more depth. Commissioner Hanson stated that one of the things that makes it very tall and linear is the fact that all of these things are two-story; like the column elements. She suggested having more of a plinth at the bottom so there is a base that the building is sitting on which will make your eye not look up all the time. That will allow you to play with some of the window openings a bit. She also suggested creating pedestrian elements like a trellis between the buildings on the first level. Commissioner Hanson discussed the area where the service area and the outdoor seating for the restaurant are located and suggested that they take another look at that area and redesign it since it was so tight. Mr. De Leeuw stated that originally they didn't want the service area there because they felt that they could service everything from the street since it was not a busy street, however Public Works didn't agree. Mr. Ochoa stated that The Gardens is serviced from the street with no service bay of any kind. Commissioner Hanson suggested having a Loading and Unloading Zone on Larkspur. Mr. Bagato stated that they could re-approach Public Works about this issue. Page 9 of 12 • ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 Commissioner Gregory stated that they have a tight, tall building and was wondering if a little more explanation type landscape would make it easier for the Commission to see the integration of how the proposed trees would work, and suggested providing an elevation to show how it would work with the architecture. The problem with a highly dense development like this is there is very little room for mistakes so the roof garden has to be carefully worked out now. Commissioner Gregory was concerned with the perimeter of the building and recommended tall trees or palms. Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist, stated that in some cases the canopy of trees would end up getting one-sided because they would be going into the buildings. She also mentioned her concern regarding the utility vaults and how they take up a lot of real estate, mostly in the landscape area. The applicant has to look at the landscaping now rather than later because those trees or features they are counting on now have an Edison vault in its place. Commissioner DeLuna stated that at the last meeting she addressed her concerns regarding the use of water. They currently have twenty water features; three large pools, eleven small pools, and six individual water features. She felt that those water features would mess with their water counts. Mr. De Leeuw stated that they are trying to get Green Certification on the building and that is one of the issues that they will look at and if something has to go in order to meet those requirements then they may have to make those areas smaller. Commissioner DeLuna stated that the City of Palm Desert is liable to be in a situation where we may have to cut back the use of water, and to see a new hotel with a garish display of twenty water features, pools, and cascading water tiers is a negative perception. She suggested Jacuzzis instead of pools. Mr. De Leeuw stated that those could easily become spas with covers because that is virtually zero evaporation. Commissioner Van Vliet thought that the balcony overhang was encroaching into the setback about four or five feet and asked if they can encroach like that. Mr. Bagato stated that some of the building had to be pushed back, but the code does allow balconies on a second and third level to encroach five feet into a side yard setback. Commissioner Van Wet stated that it adds some architecture, but it reduces your ability to plant. Mr. Ochoa stated that they would revisit that area and mentioned that they may stair step the floors. Page 10 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION 140W MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 Commissioner Van Vliet asked Mr. Ochoa if they have developed their mechanical plans in terms of the HVAC since that is critical to their whole roof structure. Mr. Ochoa stated that they have not but they have devoted space for mechanicals in the underground parking. Commissioner Van Vliet said that they probably would not put the mechanicals for the upper units in the garage area. Commissioner Vuksic mentioned that the Commission has not seen a real readable roof plan and suggested that they provide one for the next meeting. Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to continue Case No. DA 07-02, PP 07-11, CUP 07-14 subject to: 1) create more depth in elements; 2) push out 2nd story to create a plinth at the bottom; 3) create pedestrian elements between buildings on first level; 4) redesign service area to create additional space; 5) submit elevation to show the integration of proposed trees, landscape and electrical; 6) submit readable roof plan and mechanical plan; and, 7) submit roof landscape plans separate from on grade landscaping. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. C. Miscellaneous Items: 1. CASE NO: MISC 07-43 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): CHURCHILL PACIFIC, 73-061 El Paseo, Suite 200, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Conceptual approval of facade enhancement changes to existing retail building; El Paseo Premier Centre. LOCATION: 73-061 El Paseo #200 ZONE: C1 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Vuksic, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to approve by minute motion. Motion carried 5-0-1-1, with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioner Lopez absent. Page 11 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION IWIV MINUTES DECEMBER 11, 2007 VI. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Lambell, seconded by Commissioner Hanson to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 6-0-0-1, with Commissioner Lopez absent. The meeting was adjourned at 1:55 p.m. TONY BAGATO PRINCIPAL PLANNER Page 12 of 12