Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-10 ��•�� CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 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 Chris Van Vliet, Chair X 20 1 Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 20 1 John Vuksic X 19 2 Allan Levin X 20 1 Paul Clark X 20 1 Gene Colombini X 21 Michael McAuliffe X 17 1 Jim McIntosh X 16 2 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner Eric Ceja, Associate Planner Shawn Kilpatrick, Code Officer Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 05/28/13,10/08/13 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: November 26, 2013 Action: Commissioner Levin moved to approve the November 26, 2013 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by a 7- 0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent. ARCHITECTURAL REVhwd COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: SA 13-362 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: SIGN-A-RAMA, 41-945 Boardwalk #L, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of revisions to an existing sign program; Waring Plaza. LOCATION: 72-670 Fred Waring Drive, Suite 201 ZONE: O.P. Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this project was continued with conditions from a previous meeting. He pointed out the changes to the signs for Buildings A, B, and C and their locations. The applicant has removed all the signs on the sides and rear and has decided to go with a directory. Only the suites facing Fred Waring Drive will be allowed to have a sign. The letters will be individual and not in a frame as previously proposed, with the exception of the two hanging signs located on the second floor and blade signs located in the walkways. Staff feels that they have reduced the signage which looks much nicer and is recommending approval. The Commission reviewed and discussed the signs on Building A and was concerned with the size of the letters; 18" tall x 9' long. MR. FRED HARRINGTON, applicant, said it is about half the size of the sign currently there and strictly relative to the area that is available for signage. The Commission discussed the size of the letters above the arches which looked a little out of scale and discussed the issue of clutter. ACTION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve subject to: 1) sign letter heights shall be limited to 12" except where smaller letter heights are identified; 2) sign letter heights for Building A, Suites 103 and 104 shall be limited to 10" in height and 72" in width, and 3) on Building C (south elevation), one sign is limited on exterior surface for either Suite 102 or 202, but not for both. Motion seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent. Cil7lanning\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.dou Page 2 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RbowwEW COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 2. CASE NO: SA 13-413 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: SIGN-A-RAMA, 41-945 Boardwalk #L, Palm Desert, CA 92211 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of non-illuminated monument sign; Congregational United Church of the Desert. LOCATION: 43-250 Warner Trail ZONE: R-1, 9,000 Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner said this proposal is for a monument sign at the Congregational United Church of the Desert. There is an existing rock that is being used as a monument sign and is 16' behind curb. Instead of removing the rock it will be covered with an aluminum panel with non-illuminated white acrylic letters. The sign is staying in the same exact location and is out of the right-of-way. Commissioner Vuksic asked if the light tan frame or border comes out beyond the dark brown field or are they on the same plane. Mr. Swartz said that it comes out and is bolted into the rock. Commissioner Vuksic asked where the letters were in relation to the brown surface. MR. JEFF GRADY, Sign-A-Rama, said they are proposing a quarter inch thick acrylic so it will be flush mounted to the aluminum cabinet. Chair Van Vliet asked how they will compensate for the slope in the concrete and MR. GRADY said it was level and would be attached at the base. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve. Motion seconded by Commissioner Vuksic and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent. 3. CASE NO: SA 12-177 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): BEST SIGNS, Attn John Cross, 1550 S. Gene Autry Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92264 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of a new monument sign; Palm Desert Country Club. LOCATION: 77-200 California Drive ZONE: O.S. GAPlanning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.dou Page 3 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVhw4 COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this was continued from last year for a new monument sign at the clubhouse at Palm Desert Country Club. At that meeting, there was some concern that this would be used as an advertising device. What is currently being proposed is the same design and shape; 6' in height, 13' from back of curb and out of the right-of-way, with fixed letters. The Commission reviewed and discussed the design. They had concerns with the thickness of the stucco and recommended applying a thick coat of stucco to conceal the joints. ACTION: Commissioner Colombini moved to approve subject to the applicant applying a thick coat of stucco to conceal the joints. Motion seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent. 4. CASE NO: MISC 13-410 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: RAY ROOKER, 49410 Brian Court, La Quinta, CA 92253 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of exterior building modifications; JM Couture. LOCATION: 73-300 Ell Paseo ZONE: C-1, S.P. Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said this proposal is for an existing building on El Paseo that accommodates up to five separate tenant spaces. The applicant is trying to accommodate a new tenant, JM Couture, a high-end women's apparel store on the western portion of the building. The applicant wants to change the building by removing the existing awnings and replacing the brick columns with three "half- face" Roman columns and repainting the building a solid black with gold trim and accents. Commissioner Colombini asked what materials will be used for the columns. MR. RAY ROOKER, architect, stated they are investigating Styrofoam with a stucco finish and if that doesn't work they will find something else. The Commission was concerned with the black color on a south facing building. MR. ROOKER said they are trying to update that building by removing the awnings and changing out the windows. He described the changes that will be made to the building and said that the owners have a philosophy in regards to the design and colors proposed. (:,'Ianning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 4 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RE,,.2W COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 MR. LES WALGREEN, founder, said the El Paseo store will be a flagship store for their national chain. This store will be very unique and different and feels El Paseo will be the ideal area for them. The material would be stucco with black flat paint and he understands that their air conditioning bills will be high. He mentioned that they will be a big part of Fashion Week and wants to be in a perfect location where the largest fashion show takes place. Commissioner Clark was concerned with the logo sign breaking the roofline right at the cornice. He asked if that could be integrated more into the building without breaking the roofline. MR. JIM MULLINS, founder, said it is a design they would like to keep. It is the logo that will appear on all advertising product. MR. ROOKER was concerned that if the logo was not up there the building would tend to continue on to the buildings on both sides and tie the three together. With the medallion up on top of the building, it will give this building some identity. Commissioner Clark didn't think there were other buildings on El Paseo with a logo like this on top of their building. The Commission reviewed the plans and specifications of the medallion and said that more details were needed. MR. ROOKER said they haven't selected the style yet because they are working on the structural detail. They are asking for feedback and hopefully approval of the design concept so they can continue on. Commissioner Colombini said he has used foam unsuccessfully in a similar situation and to do this in foam and plaster over the top, it will get bulky and the design will get lost; plus it doesn't last. MR. WALGREEN said he appreciates the Commission's comments and asked if there was an alternative product. Commissioner Colombini suggested pre-cast concrete. The Commission and the applicant discussed the recess and the video screen which was 5' back from the window. MR. ROOKER said the window wall is 24" from the front of the columns and the screens, 8' high and 5' across, will be showing music and fashion that will be portrayed inside the store. Commissioner Lambell asked about the black paint. MR. MULLINS said they looked at two different blacks; one a high gloss and the other a satin finish and the gold paint is Ralph Lauren that will give it a gold leaf texture. Commissioner Lambell said they were headed in the right direction and feels they will certainly make a signature statement on El Paseo. She recommended that they submit a color board with the high gloss and satin finish black paint, as well as the gold paint. She also recommended they submit a better drawing for the medallion and complete drawings for the size of the JM Couture signage. GAPlanning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 5 of 10 P ARCHITECTURAL REVhw4 COMMISSION *00 MINUTES December 10, 2013 Commissioner Levin asked what was happening on the sides and asked if this was on the same plane as the building next door or were they offset. MR. ROOKER said it is offset 42" to separate it from the other buildings. Commissioner Vuksic discussed the area below the top of the building, referred to as the bulk head. He pointed out several stores on El Paseo that have this style and said this will be different from the buildings next to it, which are a part of this building. This building will need something other than just a cornice change. He was concerned with painting the cornice gold and the building black along the whole west side because it's so huge. He felt this was more about creating a sign than it was about the architecture. The building doesn't have enough architectural merit to warrant painting it black and feels it will set a very dangerous precedent. Commissioner McAuliffe said the architectural drawing is better in proportion than what they were seeing in the rendering. He doesn't have a problem with the medallion and feels it is to scale relative to the entire fagade. He understands that it is just a concept. He said the column detail will have to be looked at carefully because they shouldn't appear stuck on the front of the building. He agreed that the applicant submit samples of the black paint. MR. WALGREEN said at one point they thought about doing black granite tiles and asked if the Commission would be open to that suggestion. Commissioner McAuliffe said he wasn't opposed to it. It would be about the amount and the refinement of it. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved to continued Case MISC 13-410 subject to; 1) restudy architectural context and detail; 2) submit color and materials board; 3) re-exam finish and colors; 4) restudy and provide details for signage and medallion specifications; and 5) rendering and drawings to match. Motion seconded by Commissioner McAuliffe and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent. G Plannirg\JanineJudy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 6 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL RE4woZW COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: PP/CUP 13-358 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): PREST-VUKSIC ARCHITECTS, 44- 530 San Pablo, Palm Desert, CA 92260 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of building addition and architectural changes; Venus de Fido. LOCATION: 73-600 Alessandro ZONE: R-3, (4) Mr. Eric Ceja, Associate Planner, said this is an existing building located on the corner of Alessandro Drive and San Carlos Avenue for a combined human and pet spa concept. The applicant is seeking approval for building additions and architectural changes to the existing building. Site improvements are also part of the proposal and include expansion of the existing parking lot and landscape improvements. They are proposing 1,600 square feet of building additions with the existing building being 17,600 square feet with an established building height of 19'. Three towers are proposed on the building, each used to identify a building entry. The tallest of the proposed towers is 33'-5", the second largest is 28'-5", and the third is 26-Y. The applicant is also proposing a dome structure on top of the roof, near the large entry tower, at a height of 26'-3". Overall, the building and site changes greatly improve the appearance of the site and the quality of the building. Based on landscape comments the architect has revised the plan to include Italian Cypress to be in pots and there are some other issues that don't directly affect the architecture in regards to water quality management plan. Public Works Department is still reviewing that plan and may have a potential to impact the northeast corner of the site, but will not impact the building architecture. In addition, staff did receive a call from a resident just east of this property that had concerns with the overall height of some of the towers. The resident understands that the actual building height is not changing from 19', but there was some concern with the tower height blocking their view of the mountains. Staff is supportive of the applicant's request for improvements to the site and building and recommends approval. Commissioner Clark asked if there were any height exceptions being requested. Mr. Ceja said the building height is established at 18' for this zoning district, but this building has a building height exception at 19', which is one foot above. However, the towers are able to go the GAPlanning\JanineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 7 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVhwQ COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 maximum height of the zone plus an additional 25'; the highest tower of the three is 33'-5" in height. MR. JOHN VUKSIC, architect with Prest-Vuksic Architect, said this is a really tired building and now there are owners who are ready to give it some much needed care who have the ability to complete this project. They are looking forward to taking the next step and seeing it constructed. The Commission reviewed and discussed the plans with the architect and the owners. Commissioner Lambell asked if the landscape plans have been submitted to the Landscape Specialist. Mr. Ceja said that there were several comments made on the first review and the applicant has made revisions which are being reviewed by the Landscape Specialist for final approval. MR. RON GREGORY, RGA Landscape Architects, said they addressed each of the comments from the Landscape Specialist and resubmitted the plans for review. Commissioner Lambell moved for approval and Commissioner Colombini made the second. The Commission and MR. VUKSIC discussed traffic orientation, ADA, and right-of-way issues. Ms. Christina Canales, Public Works indicated that the applicant will work on lot line adjustments, the drainage, and removal of improvements in the right-of-way. Commissioner McAuliffe asked if ADA and parking requirements were reviewed. Mr. Ceja said they comply with the new parking standards that were revised in October and will be adding seven stalls to the site. Chair Van Vliet called for the vote. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved for preliminary approval. Motion seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by a 6-0-1-1 vote, with Commissioner Vuksic abstaining and Commissioner McIntosh absent. 2. CASE NO: PP 13-279 APPLICANT AND ADDRESS: COMSTOCK HOMES, 321 12TH Street, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architecture and landscape plans for Lot 1; Villa Portofino. LOCATION: 622-020-094 - Country Club Drive ZONE: P.R. 5 G:11 anning Janine Judy\ARC\1 Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 8 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL 1164wEW COMMISSION MINUTES December 10, 2013 Mr. Kevin Swartz, Assistant Planner, said this was continued from a previous meeting and presented plans and a PowerPoint of the project. He discussed the changes that were recommended at the last meeting. The applicant has added more landscape between the 12- plexes to break up the alley way; the A/C units will be screened with lattice and vines; trash cans will be required to be stored in the garages for the single family homes, duplexes, and triplexes, and the 12-plexes will have trash bins. In regards to the architecture, the furring on the garages will come out a foot; the rafter tails on the Spanish style will carry around on all the elevations; the windows will pop out 2"; and the wood fascia will be stuccoed. Staff is recommending preliminary approval. Commissioner Levin asked the applicant to take a look at the layout of the A/C units because in some cases they are right outside the neighbor's bedroom window. Commissioner Lambell was concerned with the long alley way and not having something of height along that area and hated to lose the trees. MR. CHRIS HERMAN, landscape archtiect, stated there would be trees and pointed on the plans where trees and palm trees would be located to create some vertical. As you go up and down the street, there will be a rhythm of up and down. Mr. Swartz stated that he didn't address two of the conditions made at the last meeting regarding the landscape around the gas and other utilities and ground cover for the sewer easement on the south side and recommended that these conditions remain and staff will work with the landscape architect to make sure they are screened. ACTION: Commissioner Clark moved for preliminary approval subject to: 1) the addition of shrubs along the northerly streets as indicated; and 2) staff will continue to work with applicant to meet conditions as previously recommended on November 26, 2013. Motion seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by a 7-0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent. C. Miscellaneous Items: VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic December meeting not held as of this date. G:\Planning\Janine Judy\ARC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 9 of 10 ARCHITECTURAL REVfI COMMISSION *440 MINUTES December 10, 2013 V'll. COMMENTS None VIII. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Lambell, second by Commissioner Levin, and a 7- 0-0-1 vote, with Commissioner McIntosh absent, the Architectural Review Commission meeting was adjourned at 2:15 p.m. 1`0NY BAGA O, PRINCIPAL PLANNER SECRETARY i rig! I E JU �_F,IE_ RDING SECRETARY GAI'Innning\:anineJudyWRC\1Minutes\2013\131210min.docx Page 10 of 10