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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-08-12 NNW ��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 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 13 2 Kristi Hanson X 9 6 Chris Van Vliet X 15 John Vuksic X 13 2 Karel Lambell X 14 1 Nancy DeLuna X 13 2 Pam Touschner X 6 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Renee Schrader, Associate Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Missy Grisa, Assistant Planner Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Janine Judy, Senior Office Assistant III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 8, 2008 & July 22, 2008 Action: It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to approve the minutes of July 8, 2008 with minor changes. Motion carried 4-1-0-2, Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent. It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner DeLuna, to approve the minutes of July 22, 2008 with minor changes. Motion carried 4-1-0-2, Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent. ARCHITECTURAL RF W COMMISSION `"""' MINUTES August 12, 2008 IV. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: SA 08-157 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBYN BENTLY, 14946 Woodcrest Drive, Fontana, CA 92337 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of wall and monument signage; Wachovia. LOCATION: 73-051 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 Ms. Schrader presented the project and summarized the staff report. Approval of three wall signs, one monument sign, directional signs and designated parking signs for Wachovia would allow the corporation its branding on the visible facades of a prominent corner. The sign program consists of three illuminated wall signs and one monument. Directional signs are also proposed to identify the Wachovia parking lot. Three signs exclusively designating parking for Baker's Square customers are included. Handicap striping is also proposed for designated parking stalls. Staff recommends the Architectural Commission approve the branding program, and additional customer parking signs for Baker's Square, as proposed for the new Wachovia building, subject to staff approval of any additional signage such as the ATM module. The Commission reviewed the location of the signs and mentioned that they were quite high on the building. They discussed the number of signs on the building and felt they were very well signed on that busy corner. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that the plans were not drawn to scale. Commissioner DeLuna asked why they were asking for an additional three inches on the monument sign. Ms. Bently explained that Wachovia has a standard sign program and that is the standard height for that sign. She indicated that the sign cabinet was five feet and that the letters and the logos would light up. The Commission GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minules\2008WR080812.min.doc Page 2 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RFW COMMISSION *moo, MINUTES August 12, 2008 felt that an additional three inches would not be a problem for the monument sign and since the building was well signed they recommended deleting Sign 4 on the north facing elevation. ACTION: It was moved by Commissioner Lambell and seconded by Commissioner Touschner to grant approval of sign program subject to: 1) deleting the north-facing wall sign #4; 2) approval does not include ATM module and signage; and 3) approval does not include changes made to the existing approved landscape relative to the monument sign; changes can be reviewed at staff level. Motion carried 5-0-0-2, with Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent. 2. CASE NO: SA 08-258 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): SIGN-A-RAMA, 41-945 Boardwalk, Suite L, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of single-side illuminated cabinet monument; American Mini Storage. LOCATION: 39-700 Garand ZONE: S.I. FCOZ Mr. Swartz presented the project and summarized the staff report. The applicant is requesting a wall sign and monument sign. Since the previous meeting the applicant has removed the existing raceway from the wall sign and is requesting individual channel letters. The individual letters will be an upgrade for the building. The applicant has modified the monument sign by thickening the sign, and has incorporated architectural features of the building within the sign. The proposed signs will enhance the building and meet development standards. The applicant will have to remove landscaping, but staff will work with the applicant on replacing the landscaping. Staff is recommending that the Architectural Commission approve the proposed monument and wall signs, subject to the review of landscape plans by City's landscape specialist. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008\AR080812.min.doc Page 3 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REftW COMMISSION *W01 MINUTES August 12, 2008 The Commission reviewed the plan changes and discussed the location of the monument sign. Commissioner Gregory suggested that the "American Mini Storage" sign be moved down on the building around twelve inches or centered as much as possible between the parapet and the windows. Commissioner Touschner stated that the flag on the monument sign looks trisected and asked if they could carry the blue of the flag across to the arch. Mr. John Calhoun, Sign-A-Rama, stated that it was American Mini's logo and that these letters were push- through, and to carry the blue across it would cause a whole different configuration. He stated that this sign is used around the country. Commissioner Touschner was concerned that the letters on the monument sign are blue and red, but the letters on the building are all red. She expressed that it would look better if "American Mini" was in blue and "Storage" was in red. She realized that it is their logo, but stated that the color change would blend in and look so much nicer on the building. Mr. Calhoun stated that they are channel letters so changing the color route would not be a problem; the applicant agreed. ACTION: It was moved by Commissioner Touschner and seconded by Commissioner DeLuna to grant approval subject to: 1) blue letters for "American Mini" and red letters for "Storage"; and 2) centering signage on building between the parapet and the windows. Motion carried 4-0-1-2, with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent. B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: PP/CUP 08-241 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): RON HENDERSON & MICHAEL JOHNSTON, 73708 Highway 111, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of conversion of an existing single family structure to an office building: Farmer's Insurance Building. LOCATION: 74-426 Alessandro ZONE: R3 (4) GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008WR080812.min.doc Page 4 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RL W COMMISSION *o`, MINUTES August 12, 2008 Mr. Swartz presented the project and summarized the staff report. Upon reviewing the plans and presentations submitted by staff and by the applicant at the previous meeting, the Architectural Commission continued this case subject to enhancing the windows to be an integral part of the architecture, using colors that work together to accent, and the applicants to review contemporary buildings in the city as a reference. He presented the revised plans showing how the applicants beefed up the building. Mr. Skip Lynch, Architect, stated that the structure that is currently there is an old single family residence and used as an office building. The configuration is such that it is at somewhat of an angle and blends some interest to the architectural shape of the building. At the last meeting it was mentioned that they didn't have enough articulation on the building and it needed some beefing up. They increased some of the elements to eight or ten feet in some areas. The walls on the back side were thickened so the windows are now recessed on all four sides of the building. The floor plan shows how the elements have been increased and are projecting forward on this site. Commissioner Lambell discussed her concerns about the front door. Commissioner Touschner stated that the front door was not centered within the space and wasn't symmetrical. She suggested having one door with side lights centered in the building. Commissioner Lambell expressed her concerns with the plans and stated that while it is better than the first submittal she felt that it still wasn't there yet. Commissioner Touschner shared the concerns expressed by Commissioner Lambell and stated that the changes that they have made is a band aid and suggested stepping back and looking at the pure structure that they have and then work with that. She felt that they were trying hard to make it commercial verses residential and making a change of use to fit what it is that they want. She expressed that it is a beautiful sighting of a building and they couldn't ask for it to be any better on the site. However, she said that she was having a hard time contextually and asked what the neighborhood looked like. Mr. Lynch described the neighborhood as being older vintage apartments with some areas in need of repair. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008\AR080812.min.doc Page 5 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RLEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 The Commission and the architect reviewed and discussed the site plan. Commissioner Touschner expressed that the plans were awkward and that the columns holding up the entrance were not drawn correctly; not in true elevation. The Commission stated that it is difficult to convert a residence into a small office building and felt that the applicants were hindering themselves trying to salvage the old structure. Mr. Bagato stated that staff generally has two types of projects; projects that are close enough that we can work through some minor changes and projects with bigger design issues. He stated that the approach is to look at the overall design from a holistic point of view and pointed out that the Commission is trying to fix little things on something that they have an overall concern with. If there are major design issues from the Commission as a whole, it is beneficial for the applicant to hear them now rather than later. Mr. Lynch stated that they could work with staff on the design. Mr. Bagato stated that when they have done this with other commercial buildings they have to look at a design that would work better with the existing building, a design that would make more sense in how it relates to the existing windows and doors. Commissioner Van Vliet stated that it is more than just the windows he had concerns with. He also had concerns with the roof, parapets and the overhangs, stating that they just looked odd. Commissioner Touschner said that the other piece of this was that it was not contextual; she doesn't understand where the neighbors are. Commissioner Lambell asked if they could get some photos of the area and take a look at a holistic approach to the building and the forms. She said they need to take a look at the elements and how they apply to one another and how they apply to the building and the neighbors. She stated that this is a transitional area and they have done a great job taking it out of the residential feel, but just not there yet. Commissioner Touschner suggested that the Commission drive by and take a look at the neighborhood. Commissioner Gregory asked if they had to go as high as they were going on some of the parapets. Mr. Lynch stated that they decided to go high to try and get the Farmer's Insurance sign placed on the building. Commissioner Gregory felt that this was an articulation that causes a jarring sensation with some of these abrupt vertical massive elements, and then the difficulty is compounded by the vertical lines not running simply and smoothly up. Mr. Lynch suggested that his clients remove the sign off the GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008\AR080812.min.doc Page 6 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 building. Commissioner Gregory stated that signs can be on the building but just not as big as shown; the building should not be a billboard. Commissioner Gregory asked Mr. Lynch if he could submit a quick schematic taking into account some of the items discussed and present it at the next meeting. He stated that the Commission doesn't want a band aid approach, but thought that the applicants may be feeling like they were running into a brick wall of sorts. Mr. Lynch stated that he would put two to three different studies together. ACTION: It was moved by Commissioner DeLuna and seconded by Commissioner Lambell to grant a continuance subject to: 1) submitting a revised schematic; 2) photos of neighborhood; and 3) Commissioners to drive by for site review. Motion carried 4-0-1-2, with Commissioner Gregory abstaining and Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent 2. CASE NO: MISC 08-315 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): STEVEN EHRLICH ARCHITECTS Attn: Brendan Canning, 10865 Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of a single family residence including attached garage and new landscaping on a currently vacate site. LOCATION: 106 Tekis Court ZONE: P.C.D. — D Ms. Schrader presented the project and summarized the staff report. A project request by the same owner for a two-story residence was approved by the Architectural Commission on October 23, 2007. At that time the proposed single-family home was projected for the adjacent vacant lot to the south (uphill), at 107 Tekis Place. 'The owners of the property at 107 Tekis Place have since purchased the lot north (downhill) of their former approval. The new property is in a small cul-de-sac off Tekis Place GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Min utes\2008WR080812.min.doc Page 7 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 at 106 Tekis Court. The owners have requested a new design; the redesigned home is proposed to be single-story. Staff is recommending that the Architectural Review Commission approves the proposed new single-family home. Mr. Brendan Canning, Architect, stated that the house is about 9,000 square feet including the attached garage. They tried to design the majority of the house to be low line and set back farther on the sight. There are two major elements which are essentially glass boxes. There are larger roof plans and folding plans which are to shade the glass and provide outdoor shaded areas for indoor outdoor living. The floor surface comes out and mingles with the landscaping which would be low desert landscaping, which suits the area best. The one thing that would be a concern would be the cone which they are asking to be over height. They have an eightee-foot height limit and they are asking to go up to twenty-two feet to the peak of the cone. Mr. Canning stated that the cone would be set back deep within the house and with the long overhangs he didn't think it would be a view down valley. He presented a 3-D model of the house on the site which shows the location of the cone. The Commission asked for an explanation of the cone. Mr. Canning indicated that it was a media room and the top of the cone is a skylight. Commissioner DeLuna didn't feel that the cone had a function and was concerned with the bright gold color which the sun would hit like a mirror. Mr. Canning stated that the approach to the site is higher than the residence so it would be viewed on approach and they wanted it in a nice material that would travel from the inside of the house to the outside. Commissioner Lambell asked how far above the roof it would sit. Ms. Schrader stated the applicant was under their eighteen-foot height limit for the Bighorn Association Regulations, so at the tallest point it is twenty-two feet; just five feet above the height limit, and then it angles down. Mr. Bagato pointed out to the Commission that the applicant was not asking for a height exception. It is a tower element which under our code anyone can have a tower element for chimneys at that height. If this home were on a street lower than Highway 74 it could have been approved over the counter. The only reason it came here is because it is on a lot that will potentially be seen from Highway 74. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008\AR080812.min.doc Page 8 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 Commissioner DeLuna liked the design and layout, but was still concerned with the gold chimney. Commissioner Lambell expressed that the house was very well thought out and flows nicely and felt that the cone would not be a problem and not be obtrusive. She expressed that the cone is a statement and part of the architecture. The Commission reviewed and discussed the roof. Mr. Canning indicated that the roof would be a membrane and dark tan in color. Commissioner Van Vliet asked how the roof would drain. Mr. Canning indicated these were peaked roofs and will have a fascia with a concealed gutter. ACTION: It was moved by Commissioner Lambell and seconded by Commissioner Touschner to grant preliminary approval. Motion carried 5-0-0-2, with Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent. C. Miscellaneous Items: 1. CASE NO: PP 07-14 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BILL LANG, COMMERCE REALTY, 149 Palos Verde Blvd. Ste E, Redondo Beach, CA 90277 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Review of City Council approved revisions to an extensive remodel and minor addition to an existing 76,393 sq. ft. retail center: El Paseo Plaza and Marketplace (Jensen's) LOCATION: 73-547 to 73-613 Highway 111 ZONE: C-1 SP Mr. Bagato stated that this item was here for review and discussion only and no action was needed. This project was approved by the City Council and the applicant wanted to present their changes to the Architecture Review Commission (ARC) for their review. Mr. Bill Lang, applicant, stated that part of the Council's approval was that they remove the cupola elements within the project. They presented the approved project to ARC and informed them that they have complied with what has been approved. They removed the cupolas from all the buildings and adjusted the building heights GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008\AR080812.min.doc Page 9 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 so that the project didn't look like it was missing cupolas. There was a lot of discussion with the Council with regard to the entrance to Jensen's, so that entrance has also been changed from the previous plans. Commissioner Gregory asked if it would be possible to add more greenery. Mr. Lang stated that where they could add additional landscaping they did and that there just wasn't enough room to add more. Mr. Keith Palmer, applicant pointed out where they have added palm elements and other landscaping and stated that in a couple of places they cut the arcade back to accommodate the trees. The Commission reviewed and discussed the landscaping. Ms. Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist stated that they reconfigured the parking lot and added larger planters. Commissioner Lambell stated that she was sad to see the cupolas go and felt that they would have drawn attention to what was going on back there and asked what would now be there to draw someone's attention. Mr. Palmer stated that at the last ARC meeting the Commissioners encouraged them to do an archway. That was added along with a parapet wall from the top of the existing roof to help with the height and transition as the street steps down. He indicated that since they removed the cupolas they have added enhanced concrete paving to make it more of a plaza parking element. ACTION: No action taken. 2. CASE NO: PP/TPM 08-191 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): URBAN HOUSING COMMUNITIES, LLC, Attn: Mark Irving, 2000 E. Fourth Street, Suite 205, Santa Ana, CA 92705 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Conceptual design for 144 affordable apartment units and revision of conceptual architecture modified as per the meeting of July 8, 2008. LOCATION: 73-500 35th Avenue ZONE: PCD GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2008\NR080812.min.doc Page 10 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 Mr. Bagato stated that this item was here for an informal review to get feedback from the Commission and that no action was needed. Mr. Allen Scales, KTGY, Senior Designer, presented new conceptual imagery for the 12-plex apartment building and cross sections with the new architecture proposed. He stated that they were looking for feedback from the Commission and will then follow-up with more final graphics and submittal exhibits. He thought that the most important portion was the roof plan and explained that they took a look at it to break down the composition of the building. These are fairly long buildings which play in nicely with what they are doing with A/C units. The lower roof elements help create a roof well to screen the A/C to get them out of the landscaping. They also created a sense of entry by designing an entry portico that would allow signage and lights and give a more formal sense of entry for the units behind it. They took another look at how to articulate the fagade beyond the ridge line as well as the decks. They opened up the decks deep in the roof overhangs to 24 inches to give a shaded deck. The intent was to break down the long horizontal with features of fiber cement siding with stucco walls as a base. They created lighter column detailing for the deck and added a plantation style shutter to shade the windows. These shutters were not placed on every window but they created a feature on the fagade to tie the windows together vertically and stacked the awnings. The awning color will get an accent color to stand out and create a deeper shadow line. Commissioner Van Vliet asked if the roofing material was composition. Mr. Scales stated that it was composition where previously it was concrete tile. He stated that there were a lot of options on the market that are architecture comp which can be built up and cut into more dynamic shapes and thicker on the ends. Commissioner Van Vliet felt that they should consider concrete tile or composition if it looks the same. Commissioner Lambell stated that there was a huge difference between what was submitted the first time and what is shown today and expressed that it was well improved. It has much more appeal and is more interesting with the awnings, columns and articulated roof. All of these things have made a difference in how it reads. Commissioner Touschner agreed and stated that in many ways they have simplified the building and added more depth. She stated that by putting the shading on the windows was a huge plus. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2008\AR080812.min.doc Page 11 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES August 12, 2008 She suggested that the applicant study where the sun is in relationship to the building because they will need shading differently on the north versus the south and balance out where the shade is needed. Mr. Mark Irving, Urban Housing Communities, LLC, stated that in reference to the roof tiles they have had some projects that had the composite and some had the concrete. He pointed out that they have already started the effort of placing solar on the building and since the roof has changed, it certainly has changed the capacity of the solar on it. He explained that whether it is composite or concrete tile it makes a difference because if it's concrete the you can integrate the solar panels within the tiles and if it is composition then you have to go with the panels. He asked the Commission for their opinion. Commissioner Van Vliet indicated that he would have to see the two different tiles to make that evaluation. Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director of Community Development stated that they applied the tiles on Falcon Crest and stated that the roof surface is the panel. Mr. Irving stated that one of the difficulties with the tiles is that you are limited to certain colors and on the surfaces where you don't have it, it would be a lighter surface and not as absorbent. He stated that the solar consultant would be able to tell them what their capacities are and what they are saving within each unit and how that falls in with the County's utility allowance when it comes to affordable housing. The Commission discussed the entrance from the parking to the future daycare center in the front of the building verses the back and the playgrounds and how the site drops about 50 feet. ACTION: No action taken. VI. ADJOURNMENT It was moved by Commissioner Van Vliet, seconded by Commissioner Lambell to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0-0-2, with Commissioners Hanson and Vuksic absent. The meeting was adjourned at 2:10 p.m. TONY BAGATO PRINCIPAL PLANNER GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2008WR080812.min.doc Page 12 of 12