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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-07-23 %No CITY OF PALM DESERT ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION • MINUTES July 23, 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 12 1 Karel Lambell, Vice Chair X 13 John Vuksic X 12 1 Allan Levin X 12 1 Paul Clark X 12 1 Gene Colombini X 13 Michael McAuliffe X 10 Jim McIntosh X 9 1 Also Present Lauri Aylaian, Director Tony Bagato, Principal Planner Pedro Rodriquez, Senior Code Officer Diane Hollinger, Landscape Specialist Christina Canales, Assistant Engineer Deborah Schwartz, Public Art Janine Judy, Recording Secretary Cancelled meetings: 05/28/13 III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 9, 2013 Action: Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve the July 9, 2013 meeting minutes. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0 vote. ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES IftoJuly 23, 2013 V. CASES: A. Final Drawings: 1. CASE NO: MISC 12-222 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): JOHN WESSMAN, 555 S. Sunrise Way, Suite 200, Palm Springs, CA 92264 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of modifications to constructions drawings. LOCATION: 73-520 El Paseo ZONE: C-1 Ms. Lauri Aylaian, Director, Community Development, stated this project has been reviewed and approved by this Commission and is actually under construction now. The developer has proposed making some additional changes. They propose changing the glass on the storefront, the railing out front has been simplified from what was there previously, and they've opened up the spacing of the bars for greater visibility. The detail on the back header over one of the doors has changed and they've added doors for the fire and mechanicals on the north side of the building facing the parking lot so it will not be highly visible. The most significant change will be the glass which really changes the feel of the storefront so that it now almost feels more retail oriented than restaurant like. Commissioner Vuksic said the frameless glass and the railings work well with the eclectic style of the architecture because it definitely has some strong contemporary characteristics already. As long as the more traditional parts like the stone wall with the punched windows hasn't changed and they are still deeply punched with the proper detailing, he thought it was an attractive mix of styles. Ms. Aylaian said there was metal skin on the farthest east building that at the last review was changed to a plaster finish. The applicant is now proposing that metal skin as an alternate and is requesting the use of either of the two finishes. Gr1.1 i nningUanine JudyMord Files\1 ARQIMinutes20131130723min.doo Page 2 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE\,,,,,,1N COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 ACTION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to approve as submitted. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Lambell and carried by an 8-0 vote. 2. CASE NO: MISC 13-24 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): WEA PALM DESERT LP, c/o Westfield LLC, 11601 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1100, Los Angeles, CA 90025 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Final approval of south mall fagade remodel; Westfield Palm Desert. LOCATION: 72-840 Highway 111 ZONE: P.C. (3) S.P. Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, presented final approval of the south mall fagade remodel at Westfield. The buildings as you see them today are a little closer to the street. Since there is a bottom floor of Macy's below the remodel, they had some concerns with the structure below and drainage from landscape planters. Due to design issues, they are not cutting off as much of the storefronts so the buildings are now parallel to the street. MR. JOHN GOODWIN, Vice President of Development, Westfield, said it's predominately the same line just the articulation of the in and out has changed. The canopies are in exactly the same position, but there are two pieces that come out to the same point and two pieces that go back in. Mr. Bagato said the overall theme is still the same. The theme is to try and open up the mall and give better exposure to the back tenants, which is 80,000 square feet, which has been vacant for six to seven years. Dick's Sporting Goods (Dick's) will occupy the first floor as well as a relocation of a local gym; World's Gym. This project will have four new tenants on the front and an entrance to Dick's with a new porte-cochere for Westfield. Overall staff has been supportive of cutting up suites and allowing Dick's to have their own central kind of theme even though they are on the back of the building. GAPlanningWanineJudy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.doa Page 3 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 Mr. Bagato stated that technically the signs will come back in August for approval, but today the Commission will review two sign locations in the front for the two tenants in the back; Dick's and World's Gym. The applicant has created two towers on top of the storefronts on the front elevation. He was pleased with this aspect because it does show the depth of those elements, but there is some change in the architecture. The mall is trying to remodel over 140,000 square feet so they can bring the mall back to life so staff understands the need for the towers and thinks it will work. Staff is recommending approval with the landscaping and signage returning in August. MR. GOODWIN said with time the architects have had the ability to go back and look at materials and he feels they have distinctly improved on the materials that were previously presented to this Commission. Before it had more of a village feel where now it is much more sophisticated. Commissioner Clark was concerned with the number of finger planters and other planters throughout the whole shopping center that were missing landscape. This project will certainly be a major improvement to the frontage of the building and maybe the rest of the property can be looked at as well. MR. GOODWIN said there is a budget coming through for substantial improvements. Commissioner Vuksic thought the massing looks fascinating and asked the applicant to explain the materials. He also stated that the sign is very creative with the way it is incorporated into the architecture. MR. MCDONALD said the challenge with the signs was how to best integrate them. MR. GOODWIN said they put banners up on the facades and had the tenants review them. He mentioned that because of the growth of the current landscape you actually don't see the Dick's sign from Highway 111 and that exposure is crucial so adding height with these towers will give them recognition. He indicated they will bring the landscape studies back with them when they discuss signage. The Commission asked the applicant to talk about the materials. MR. MCDONALD said the theme of the configuration is relief achieved through stepping, which happens in the fagade and the ground planes. He presented the project material and said they are trying to create a lively fun place that has some visual interest so it doesn't look like a sea of concrete. He stated that the whole fagade is open joint and they are trying to minimize the use of sealant as much as they can. G Panning\Janine JudyMord Files\1 ARC11Minutes\2013\130723min.doa Page 4 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE ,N COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 The Commission reviewed the awning/trellises, shade material, and the exterior lighting. MR. MCDONALD discussed the lighting for the canopies and said they will contain the area of the storefronts with 6" wide frames that are deep and projects out about 30" from the fagade. On top of that, just above the storefront, there will be linear LED up-lighting giving it a nice glow and highlighting the relief of the fagade panels at night. There will be lighting in every planter, down-lighting in the main canopy, lighting integrated into the awnings and the trellises, and the bollards will be light fixtures. The Commission discussed the location of the fountain equipment and MR. MCDONALD stated they would have one in-ground vault that will handle both water features. The only thing visible will be a discreet hatch, which will be built into the 3' module of the concrete pavers. The Commission reviewed the teakwood and asked how they think it will hold up. MR. MCDONALD said they have addressed that concern by increasing the thickness to 3Y2" square and it should age pretty gracefully at that dimension. Commissioner Vuksic asked about the sawtoothed panels and MR. MCDONALD stated they are linear light troughs for the fixtures and mounted in the drywall ceiling recess. They are trying to unclutter the interior and he pointed out that the existing mail has a lot of hanging fixtures in every bay and they are trying to restore the purity of the sawtooth panels. The Commission reviewed the outdoor seating and shading and MR. MCDONALD said they are trying to achieve a certain density of landscaping so some of the planters that have height will provide some shading. MR. GOODWIN said they wanted to put a friendly front on it to announce a grand entrance and make it look modern and still be able to see the storefronts. They are trying not to clutter the storefronts. Commissioner Lambell asked what the height was for Dick's blade signs and wanted to make sure they were high enough so no could hit them. MR. MCDONALD said they will discuss that with Westfield since they are preparing the signage package. Commissioner McAuliffe said this is a terrific upgrade and felt the details and material selection are all very well done. He wasn't sure how the plants in the baskets would perform since they were G:\PlanningWanineJudy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.do Page 5 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE+ W COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 south facing and hanging on a metal grid. MR. MCDONALD said they will have this reviewed by the landscape architect. Chair, Van Vliet asked if all the mechanicals on the roof were screened. MR. MCDONALD said they are screened naturally by the parapet height and will be below the top of the parapet. Mr. Bagato pointed out to the Commission that this is the first time they have seen these changes, but it is final because they are actually under construction. He was comfortable with previous plans and this is similar. So if there are no changes today, it will be for final approval. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to approve the plans as submitted without signage or landscaping and the blade signs shall be revisited by Westfield. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Colombini and carried by an 8-0 vote. B. Preliminary Plans: 1. CASE NO: MISC 13-207 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): D.R. HORTON, Attn: Jennifer O'Leary, 2280 Wardlow Circle #100, Corona, CA 92880 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of architectural plans only for the remaining 87 lots within Ponderosa Homes Development - Tract maps 36335, 31490, and 31490-1. LOCATION: Ponderosa Development Tracts 36335, 31490, and 31490-1 ZONE: P.R.-5 Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said this was preliminary approval of architectural plans for the remaining 87 lots within the Ponderosa Homes Development also known as The Gallery. DR Horton purchased the remaining lots and has submitted drawings for the homes. These homes are more in line with the single-family product that is currently at Ponderosa. G V anning\JanineJudy\Word Files\1 AR01M1nutes\2013\130723min.doa Page 6 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE ,N COMMISSION , MINUTES July 23, 2013 MR. DAN BOYD, Vice President, DR Horton, said their motivation and goal is to present a product that was consistent and that would not stand out as a sore thumb but add some variance. They have been very successful from the consumer standpoint with the existing product development and they didn't want to change too many things. Knowing there are things that can be approved upon, they have learned some things from the past which they have incorporated. He pointed out that the 87 lots is a build out for them. MR. GARY CUNNINGHAM, Architect, said these are single family homes. They are predominantly all stucco and consistent with the community, and will enhance what is currently on the elevations. He described the square footage of the lots and the facades of the 87 homes. There are three styles; Spanish, Desert Ranch, and Desert Prairie. These styles will compliment what is currently being built by DR Horton so it looks like a continuation but will also enhance the elevations by bringing in optional casitas as well. He described the materials for the project. Commissioner Clark noticed the location of the casitas and asked if they will be in the front and absorb parts of the courtyard. MR. CUNNINGHAM said the optional casita will be in front of the structure and are not separate. Commissioner Clark said the west facing doors are in a high wind area and asked if the wind would be addressed to shield the front of the main home. MR. CUNNINGHAM said the doors remain in the original space inside the U-shaped courtyard and will be tucked in. Commissioner Clark suggested a higher wall for the units that are facing the main wind areas. MR. CUNNINGHAM said he would make that suggestion to the client. Mr. Bagato noticed that the side yard setbacks are supposed to be a minimum of 6', but he was seeing a lot of them at 5' and asked the applicant to adjust the plans. The Commission and the applicant discussed the wainscot details and Commissioner Vuksic suggested they study the stone wainscot details to determine if there is a way to create a mass below it without a gap. Commissioner McAuliffe was concerned with the two corner lots and asked the applicant to revisit the street presentation for Lot 1 page 1 and Lot 5 page 5. GAPlanning\Janine JudyMord Files\1 ARC\1M1nutes\2013\130723min.doa Page 7 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 A:TION: Commissioner Vuksic moved to preliminarily approve subject to: 1) wainscot details shall have a footing underneath them; 2) study the stone wainscot details to determine if there is a way to create a mass below it without a gap; and 3) applicant shall revisit the site plotting for Lot 1 page 1 and Lot 5 page 5. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Clark and carried by an 8-0 vote. 2. CASE NO: MISC 13-218 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): D.R. HORTON, Attn: Jennifer O'Leary, 2280 Ward low Circle #100, Corona, CA 92880 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of new homes - 147 lots: Sonrisa. LOCATION: Spanish Walk/Gerald Ford ZONE: P.R.-5 Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, stated this is preliminary approval of new homes for 147 lots referred to as Sonrisa within the Spanish Walk development. This is a conversion of an existing RV park with half of the RV Park remaining. DR Horton was the builder of the condominium project and has now picked up the remaining phase of this project. These homes were all originally approved under a design package guideline for Spanish Walk. They were all two-story homes when they went through the public hearing process. These are smaller lots with a little higher density than what the City is used to but when staff looked at the General Plan we were looking at these smaller lots and taller homes. MR. DAN BOYD, Vice President, DR Horton, said they have absorbed these dormant projects and their goal is to come back with quality architecture and design features that sell the product. MR. STAN CHOW, Architect, described the five plans ranging from 1,363 square feet to 1,831 square feet with three architectural styles; Andalusian, Spanish, and Monterey. Their company believes in four-sided architecture because that is how architecture should be. It's not just viewed from the front, but any of the four sides as well. The Commission reviewed the plans, including the landscape, street scene, and parking. MR. BOYD indicated that this project G F inning\Janine Judy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.doa Page 8 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REAI COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 meets the standard for parking and everyone has their own exclusive parking along with parallel parking. He also pointed out that they are taking the previously approved project and applying their product. Mr. Bagato stated that Spanish Walk was entitled with the design guidelines and the streets were already laid out. Commissioner Lambell asked what changes have been made to the previously approved product. Mr. Bagato said it is only the architectural suites not the site planning. Chair Van Vliet asked if the Commission had previously approved the architecture or the lot layout. Mr. Bagato said the Commission saw schematics not the details. He described the minor changes being proposed by DR Horton. He pointed out that this phase never got started. Commissioner McIntosh asked for a materials board. MR. CHOW did not have a materials board but described the materials to the Commission. Commissioner Clark had a concern with how closely spaced the two-story units were. MR. CHOW said they do have some elevations that have a one-story front entry to break it up as you go down the Paseo. Commissioner Colombini said part of that building has a horizontal trim break and MR. CHOW said they do have horizontal banding on some elevations. MR. BOYD said they will take a look at those conditions and where they can articulate further they will. Mr. Bagato presented the original design guidelines to the Commission for Spanish Walk and said this was based on how the homes were to be built out. This had previously received preliminarily approval by ARC, and went to Planning Commission and City Council. The plans received conceptual approval and while working with the developers this was the design theme and materials that would be applied as well as the same street scene. The product now being reviewed should be this theme. These lots have never been reviewed and construction was never started. Commissioner Vuksic asked if the homes that have been built have relief in the windows. MR. CHOW said what was built was a different product. Commissioner Vuksic said he was talking about the quality of the architecture and asked if this design meets the standard that was set by the earlier product. MR. CHOW said they are maintaining the same standard in articulation and it is consistent. Commissioner Vuksic asked if what was out there now has no relief on the windows. MR. BOYD said he couldn't say G:V'lanning\JanineJudy\Word Files\t ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.do Page 9 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL RE rW COMMISSION SOO MINUTES July 23, 2013 there weren't any, but there are some. They looked at this product in elevation and made sure that they are as consistent to them as possible. Commissioner Vuksic said while looking at the plans, hardly any of the windows have relief on them and hopes this is meeting the standard of care. MR. BOYD said from Horton's standpoint absolutely. He was confused on what this would look like and asked if this can be continued to take a look at what's out there. The Commission discussed what would be needed in order to approve this project. They asked the applicant to take a look at the existing product to make sure they know what is out there in complete detail, submit a materials/color board, a street scene, a larger site plan, a section through the Paseo, a color rendering of elevations on all sides, and a detailed conceptual landscape plan. The Commissioners stated they will visit Spanish Walk for a site review. MR. BOYD said the Commission's comments have been very beneficial and they will address all their concerns. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case MISC 13-218 subject to submitting a materials/color board, street scene, larger site plan, a section through the Paseo, a color rendering of elevations on all sides, and a detailed conceptual landscape plan. Commissioners shall visit Spanish Walk. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0 vote. 3. CASE NO: MISC 13-218 APPLICANT (AND ADDRESS): D.R. HORTON, Attn: Jennifer O'Leary, 2280 Wardlow Circle #100, Corona, CA 92880 NATURE OF PROJECT/APPROVAL SOUGHT: Preliminary approval of new homes - 65 lots: Esperanza. LOCATION: Spanish Walk/Gerald Ford ZONE: P.R.-5 Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner, said this is preliminary approval of new homes on 65 lots called Esperanza and is similar to the previous case. However, construction was started but by a different builder. G J anningWanine Judy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.doac Page 10 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REV,.,,;N COMMISSION MINUTES July 23, 2013 Chair Van Vliet said the same conditions will probably apply to this project as well. Mr. Bagato said Taylor Woodrow started constructing this project which is a different product but in the same development. MR. CHOW said this is a continuation of the development but DR Horton has added some square footage to it to address the market. They have three plans ranging from 2,048 square feet to 2,468 square feet, with three architectural styles; Andalusian, Spanish, and Monterey. Commissioner Clark said the articulation on some of the sides and front are much better than the other project, but again expressed that they can be improved. This design does closely match what is out there already and the closely spaced nature of the project is a challenge. Commissioner McAuliffe said it was nice to see how the Paseo concept is executed on these plans and what this does accomplish is really the goal of the Paseo arrangement. MR. BOYD mentioned that they are focusing on the architecture in terms of compatibility consistent with what was previously approved without changing the site plan. The Commission suggested the applicant submit the same items as recommended on the previous project. ACTION: Commissioner Lambell moved to continue Case MISC 13-218 subject to submittal of materials/color board, street scene, larger site plan, a section through the Paseo, a color rendering of elevations on all sides, and a detailed conceptual landscape plan. Commissioners shall visit Spanish Walk. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Levin and carried by an 8-0 vote. C. Miscellaneous Items: None VI. ART IN PUBLIC PLACES UPDATE — Commissioner John Vuksic Commissioner Vuksic reported on the last AIPP meeting. The Commission selected a design for the Coachella Valley Water District public art that will be placed on Hovley Lane East. The Commission added two additional artists to the registry and the Palm Desert Community Gallery's latest exhibit will run until September 6th. GAPlanning\Janine Judy\Word Files\?ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.d= Page 11 of 12 ARCHITECTURAL REW COMMISSION *40 MINUTES July 23, 2013 V1. COMMENTS Mr. Tony Bagato, Principal Planner reported on the pole signs proposed by The Shops on El Paseo. The applicant will provide a mock-up for a site review by the Commission. This item will be on the next agenda in August. Vill. ADJOURNMENT Upon a motion by Commissioner Lambe[[, second by Commissioner Levin, and an 8-0 vote, the Architectural Review Commission meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. TONY BAGATO, PRINCIPAL PLANNER SECRETARY J,IkNINE JUDY RECORDING SECRETARY G\r lanning\..anine Judy\Word Files\1 ARC\1Minutes\2013\130723min.doa Page 12 of 12