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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-07-10 CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES July 10, 2012 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 1 Chris Van Vliet X 11 1 John Vuksic X 10 2 Karel Lambell X 12 Pam Touschner X 9 3 Allan Levin X 12 Ken Stendell X 11 1 Paul Clark X 4 Gene Colombini X 4 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Pedro Rodriquez, Senior Code Officer Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 03/13/12 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 26, 2012 Action: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the June 26, 2012 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by a 8-0-0-1 vote with Commissioner Gregory abstaining. ARCHITECTURAL RE%,ON COMMISSION d MINUTES July 10, 2012 CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: MISC 12-206 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ONE EL PASEO WEST, LLC, 1919 Grand Ave, Suite 2A, San Diego, CA 92109 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Approval of an exterior facade renovation to the building formerly known as LG's Steakhouse. LOCATION: 74-225 Highway 111 ZONE: CA-S.P. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, presented the project and summarized the staff report. The existing building, most recently known as the LG's building (LG's) and the Desert Magazine, was the first major structure to be completed in Palm Desert on the south side of Highway 111. The building officially opened in October 1948 and is on the City of Palm Desert's "Un-official List" of potential historic significant sites to be considered as a designated landmark. Ordinance 1168, Title 29, "Cultural Resources", requires written consent from the property owner to participate in the program. Staff understands the concerns of the Cultural Resources Preservation Committee (Committee) regarding the significance of this building, but the body of the ordinance protects property owner's rights. Between May 2008 and August 2008, the City Council and the Committee had several meetings and public hearings discussing the ordinance, for which the Council was adamant about protecting property owner's rights and have them voluntarily participate in the program. Staff has reached out to the property owner several times, but the owner does not wish to participate in the program. The owner submitted a letter dated July 9, 2012, confirming his desire not to have the building designated historic. The purpose of this meeting is the design and the new landscape of the building. Mr. Swartz presented photos of the existing site and pointed out where LG's and Kaiser Grill (Kaiser) are located on the site. He pointed out that Kaiser vacated the building and it has been vacant GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FIIes\A Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 2 of 10 ' •ARCHITECTURAL RE' V COMMISSION MINUTES July 10, 2012 for about five years. The applicant will be adding a new patio, and re-doing the main entry doors, windows and parapet. MR. JOHN VUKSIC, Prest Vuksic Architects, presented the plans for the LG's building and said all the massing on the east side, which is the Kaiser space, was added by Kaiser about 25 years ago. The large covered patio entry area, the planters and a large handicap ramp was added later. He wanted to be respectful of the existing architecture, but the space is too dark, too enclosed, and feels like a fort, which is a difficult thing to work with in this competitive market with more modern restaurants. At the time when LG's and Kaiser went in over 20 years ago, there wasn't this sort of competition on El Paseo and surrounding areas. So his goal is to not only be respectful of the architecture, but to make the project more commercially viable. They will be adding more openings, more glass, and adding a patio on the east side. They will minimize a large handicap ramp on the easterly part of the front elevation staying within the ADA standards. The patio was created so they can have more activity out in front of the building while having a link between the outside and inside with lanai doors. They added more glass at the Kaiser entrance to bring more light, more activity, and more visibility from inside to outside. They added stone columns at the entrance to LG's and a stone column at the corner for the entrance to Kaiser. They are removing the step details and cleaning it up, removing the exposed headers, adding some copper at both entrance points and adding steps. On the east side, where there are a lot of walls, they are adding decorative rails, adding more steps, and a large curved step on the corner that leads directly into the former Kaiser entrance. With all these changes, they have held onto the Santa Fe motif, but given the building a more contemporary edge. The Commission reviewed and discussed the fencing material in relationship to the Santa Fe style. Mr. Vuksic said he designed that because he thought it worked well with the lines of the building and it was sort of an extension to the layering of massing; so it was translated into a railing design. The Commission discussed the handicap parking and entrance. Mr. Vuksic said they would come in the front where the valet parking was located and have a choice of either going to LG's or Kaiser. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 3 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RE IV COMMISSION ` „ y MINUTES July 10, 2012 Commissioner Touschner discussed having to walk through the patio of the adjacent occupant to get to where you want to go. Mr. Vuksic pointed out that the site actually slopes and it is a long way for someone to go up a ramp. They discussed the reasons why they could not place an entrance at the corner. The goal is to have less ramping and have more of a patio and it would require a lot of ramping to cover that distance. Mr. Vuksic stated that hand rails are not required on a ramp that is 30" or under provided they are under a certain slope, which they are. They discussed making the ramp more generous; however there is ample room for wheelchair access. The Commission discussed valet parking and the drop off location. Commissioner Stendell thought there might be the possibility of these restaurants wanting individual valet points so their customers can be dropped off to the restaurants of their choice. However, it would be tough to create another ramp on the east side that would get the people up to the main entrance from the valet point. MR. TOM DOCZI, TKD Landscape Architects, stated there is a fire lane on the east side and where the valet is now is the most adequate space to allow for valet and not effect parking lot circulation. He wanted to clarify that where the ramp comes up in the dining area is part of what once was Kaiser. MR. VUKSIC presented photos of the other sides of the building and said they thought about having different colors, but in an effort to be respectful to the architecture they felt it was more appropriate to make it all one color. They will repaint the doors and windows and on the other side, they have removed the vegas. The result will be a cleaner edge on the building. They will also change all the light sconces to match. Commissioner Lambell stated they have done an excellent job in keeping the massing and architecture. It still reads that southwest Pueblo feel, but it is a 2012 feel as opposed to a 1948 feel. It goes much better with the architecture of One El Paseo on the corner. Commissioner Clark asked how much of the existing fagade was original. MR. VUKSIC pointed to the original fagade and said what is not original was all the stuff out in front of it. As stated earlier, the facade on the entire east side is not original. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 4 of 10 ` ARCHITECTURAL RE%,,V COMMISSION MINUTES July 10, 2012 Commissioner Clark asked how the proposal is changing what is existing. MR. VUKSIC said not much. If we get away from the site work, which is a lot of what they are doing, they are removing some of the step details that are on the existing east elevation, they are removing the vegas that are in some areas, they are replacing all the windows and doors and making the openings larger in a couple of spots so they have a good connection between the outside and the inside on the patios. They are opening up the main entrance to get more glass, adding stone elements at both entrances, and adding some copper detailing at both entrances, and removing the neon. Commissioner Clark asked if the applicant thought that removing the vegas, which were a part of the original building, was because they weren't appropriate. MR. VUKSIC said they give the building a fort-like appearance. Mr. Swartz reminded the Commission that part of the project is new landscaping and there are comments from the Landscape Specialist that was submitted for their review. He went over the comments and said that if this project is approved, Staff is recommending that the landscape architect make these changes and work with the Landscape Specialist. MS. JANICE HOLMLUND, has observed throughout the United States the value of historic properties to the communities they are in. She pointed out that the description of this building is not Santa Fe style; it is Pueblo Revival that started here in 1900. With historic preservation, it is the exterior of buildings that is important and teaches lessons. You can have this important building that is original to Palm Desert and maintain the facade on it. She suggested the applicant re-think this project where the facade reverts to the original look that was clean and perfect. She also suggested that the Cove Cities can come together and utilize that building, because they are desperate for a place for historians and historic preservationists throughout this valley to meet and have a place to put artifacts and records. If you truly have a feel for wanting your children's children to know something of what this place was like when it was first built this is it. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 5 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL REV COMMISSION MINUTES July 10, 2012 Commissioner Clark pointed out that the north face of the building is consistent with the original character of the building. In Ms. Holmlund's opinion, if this proposal goes through would the historic character of the building be eliminated? Ms. Holmlund said yes and that is why you have to go to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because governments are responsible for historic lists and this was listed in 1981 and is on the California list. It is not yet listed as historic but it will be. There was a survey done in 1981. So you will have to work with CEQA before you can demolish the fagade. Commissioner Gregory explained to Ms. Holmlund that the Architecture Review Commission was basically a design aesthetic review commission and her points, while important, are not really the kind of things they focus on. , He felt her points would be more importantly taken up by the Planning Commission and City Council because they are the ones that are not looking at it strictly from an aesthetic prospective. The Commission and the applicant discussed the architecture and style of this building. Commissioner Clark in response to Commissioner Gregory's comments said they are talking about architecture and historical architecture becomes an aesthetic issue as well. Yes there is a limit to which we can get into such an issue and agreed that this Commission is not the place to discuss CEQA. He said they are talking about a facade of a building and whether it should it be changed or not and if so, to what degree. This Commission does that with all the buildings he has seen so far while serving on this Commission. Commissioner Levin asked if this would go on to Planning Commission and City Council. Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said this is the final decision unless it is called up or appealed to City Council. He referred to the Municipal Code, Section 25.70.090; Action of the Commission regarding what the Commission looks at when approving the application. He said the Municipal Code doesn't get into historic aspects of a property. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 6 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RE',,,,,dV COMMISSION MINUTES July 10, 2012 Commissioner Levin responded to Commissioner Gregory's comment as well and said it is an item for the City's Historical Preservation and referred to the old hotel on Highway 111 that is now a vacant CVS. It is like an endangered species; it is or it isn't. He said if it's not listed, then this Commission should not be taking it into consideration one way or another, but the presentation should be to the City's Historic Preservation Committee. Ms. Holmlund said she has already spoken to that committee and they will have a response to this Commission. She said again that this project must go through the CEQA process. Commissioner Levin said this is not the County and this is not our prevue. This Commission does not make any determination. It is the responsibility of the owner, the developer, and his consultants, if they have to go through CEQA. Ms. Holmlund said it is the City's determination. Commissioner Levin said it may be the City's, but it is not this Commission. Ms. Holmlund continued with information about the benefits relating to taxes. Commissioner Lambell stated that the Commission is not here to debate whether or not it is a historic building. This is not our purvue and said the Commission needs to move on and that is to look at the architectural integrity of the building as it has been redesigned and see if it fits in with the architecture of Palm Desert at this time. MR. SAM RASMUSSEN, owner, appreciates the age of the building and the emotional side of this. He bought the building fourteen years ago and at this point in time the building is not leasable, that is why he wants to remodel it. When he met with Mr. Vuksic, he wanted a really good architect who knew the City's architecture and who also respected the building. They made a point of not changing a single wall on this building. At this particular time, on the north side of the building the current LG's entrance is not original and LG's doors are from twenty years ago. There is nothing that is original on the east side of the building and they are not adding anything on that side. They will put in some wood doors keeping the Pueblo style. They also looked at two to three color schemes but always went back to respecting the building and GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 7 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RE` COMMISSION MINUTES July 10, 2012 keeping it one color, while trying to take it to the next step so he can lease the building. Commissioner Gregory said he didn't know this was the end stop here, but it makes sense with the fact that it's a building remodel. Depending on how they vote, he asked if there were other avenues within the City to make some opinion, and wondered what the next step was when it leaves this Commission. He was concerned because of an interesting experience that occurred in the City of Rancho Mirage with a building that was torn down. It was only later that people realized what had been done. Although this is a far different situation, he wanted to make sure their decision is something that will hold up. Mr. Bagato stated there is a fifteen day appeal period or call up after the City Council receives the Notice of Action. They can choose to call it up on their own or someone could file an appeal. In the City of Palm Desert, this is a voluntary process and is not required. Mr. Rasmussen, the property owner does not want to be in the program and never has been. This is the design review and if it's not called up or appealed this will be the final decision. Then the ARC will see the construction drawings to make sure that all the changes match what was approved at this meeting. The Commission reviewed and discussed the changes to the fagade. Commissioner Levin moved to approve subject to addressing the comments made by the Landscape Specialist. Commissioner Gregory opened the hearing to further discussion and asked if the landscape plan meets the water calculation requirements and asked if they wanted immediate results with the landscape how would they achieve that. Mr. Doczi, said it does meet the water calculations and they would place bigger plants to achieve immediate results; not a different species, but a bigger size of what is needed. Commissioner Touschner asked Mr. Rasmussen after hearing everything today did if he still wanted to go forward or was there anything he wanted to rethink. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\A Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 8 of 10 ' ARCHITECTURAL RE.,,.A COMMISSION *Wool MINUTES July 10, 2012 MR. RASMUSSEN said he has owned the building for 14 years and empathizes 100% with the comments made today. He spent two full weekends researching the Pueblo and Santa Fe architecture and researched the biography of Randall Henderson, but he simply must bring this building up so it can be leased out. He expressed that he is making the property more compatible with One El Paseo. ACTION: Commissioner Levin moved to approve subject to addressing the comments made by the Landscape Specialist. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by an 8-0-0-1 vote with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining. 2. CASE NO: CUP 12-193 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): ROBIN NELSON, 1 San Joaquin Plaza, Suite 250, Palm Desert, CA 92660 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval to install (3) three antennas mounted on facade of the JW Marriott Resort and painted to match existing building. LOCATION: 74-855 Country Club Drive ZONE: P.R. 4 Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, stated this is an approval of three antennas mounted on the building at JW Marriott Resort. This has been a tough one for staff and the applicant because the property is zoned planned residential even though there is a hotel on the property and it is required to have an exception to get approval. This process is considered a DOS System and will only serve the Marriott. There are three antennas, one is proposed for the tennis courts and two will be around the pool and spa area on the fagades of the buildings. The equipment will be located on the mezzanine space and will not be visible. Staff is recommending approval. The Commission reviewed the plans. ACTION: Commissioner Touschner moved to approve. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Stendell and carried by a 9-0 vote. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 9 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RE` W COMMISSION ' MINUTES July 10, 2012 B. Preliminary Plans: None C. Miscellaneous Items: None VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic Nothing to report. Next meeting July 18, 2012 VII. COMMENTS Vill. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Stendell, second by Commissioner Vuksic, and 9-0 vote of the Architectural Review Commission the meeting was adjourned at 1:45 p.m. J NINE OUD ECOR IN SECRETARY GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word FilesW Minutes\2012\120710min.doc Page 10 of 10