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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-16-2001 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES January 16, 2001 - 5:00 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Jennifer Metz, Michael Boudreau, Jim Lopes, Mark Rawson, Rob Schultz and Chairperson Charles Stevenson Absent: Commissioner Mark Chandler Staff: Associate Planner Pam Ricci MINUTES: The minutes of November 20 and December 4, 2000 were approved as submitted. PROJECTS: 1. 221 Madonna Road. ARC 128-00; Review of a remodel to a bank building into multiple tenant spaces; C-R zone; Urban Retail Development Group, applicant. Pam Ricci Pam Ricci, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the Commission grant final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements, as noted. The public hearing was opened. Stephen Rigor, the project architect, described the remodel as an attempt to improve an "eyesore." He explained the project design incentives, including Ralphs, and the idea of borrowing, but not mimicking, elements from Ralphs. He said the bike lockers could be located in the tower and the walkway needs to be a little wider. Commr. Lopes asked about designating parking spaces for particular tenants, and any planned changes to the wall along the east elevation. Stephen Rigor said there are no definite plans for changes to the wall. Vic Montgomery noted that the current lease arrangements with tenants preclude assigning parking spaces on the site. The public hearing was closed. ARC Minutes January 16, 2001 Page 2 COMMISSION COMMENTS Commr. Lopes liked the proposed changes to building architecture, but suggested reconsidering the blue awnings. He had concerns that the proposed sign areas are too large and should be confined to respect building features. He suggested that applicant look at a 4-sided gable roof (pyramid) for the tower. Commr. Boudreau would like to see signage handled on a case-by-case basis. Commr. Metz could see added conditions for signage restrictions to keep the entry tower walls from becoming a billboard. Commr. Rawson suggested differentiating colors from one tenant to another and trying to minimize the repetitive treatment. He discussed the proposals for awnings and confirmed with Commr. Schultz that staff generally prefers fabric awnings. Commr. Stevenson discussed a hip roof on the tower and said he would like to see some vitality in color. Commr. Rawson asked about the purpose of the tower. Vic Montgomery said it was to add some interest and keep the building from being a complete box. Commr. Rawson suggested the possibility of lowering the height of the tower cornice and raising the height of cornices over building entries. There was a general discussion about the tower becoming a billboard. Vic Montgomery said it will be a place for signage and that he is certain that center logo will be a component. The ARC also discussed pushing the tower element back due to concerns for its proximity to the street. There was a motion by Commr. Lopes, seconded by Commr. Stevenson, that the ARC continue this matter. Commr. Stevenson felt that the tower was an appendage, rather than a complement to the building. Commr. Boudreau said that the tower looks more integrated on the west, rather than the south, elevation. Vic Montgomery offered to make changes to the tower so that it is moved back to the north elevation to better integrate it in with the building. ARC Minutes January 16, 2001 Page 3 Commr. Lopes withdrew his motion for continuance and followed staff's recommendation for final approval, with some modifications and additions to conditions. On motion by Commr. Lopes, seconded by Commr. Schultz, the ARC granted the project final approval with conditions, including the option to consider a design for the tower with a hipped roof, and making the tower more integrated with the building design, as outlined in the meeting follow-up letter. AYES: Commrs. Lopes, Schultz, Boudreau, Rawson, Metz, Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: Commr. Chandler The motion passed. 2. 730 Patricia Drive. ARC/MOD 55-99; Review of a previously approved application to modify Condition 4 to allow a sink and refrigerator in the living space below the garage; R-1-PD zone; Pam Ricci. Pam Ricci, Associate Planner, presented the staff report recommending the Commission approve the proposed modifications, based on findings. The public hearing was opened. Steve Puglisi, project architect, reiterated why the request was before the ARC. He explained floor plan changes that linked the main house to an area below the garage. He noted that approval of the changes would allow the Eppersons the same rights as others in the City. Joanne Ruggles doesn't have any problems with how the Eppersons will use the space. She explained concerns with the idea of R-2 zoning on the site, and the future use of the site. She added that the covenant helps control future uses of the space. She brought up a concern with use of the word "detached" in the covenant language. The public hearing was closed. ARC Minutes January 16, 2001 Page 4 COMMISSION COMMENTS Commr. Schultz asked about linkages between parts of the house. On motion by Commr. Boudreau, seconded by Commr. Rawson, the ARC granted approval of the project, based on findings and subject to conditions, as outlined in the meeting follow-up letter. Staff will follow up with the City Attorney to review the covenant and determine whether an amended version needs to be filed. AYES: Commrs. Boudreau, Rawson, Lopes, Metz and Stevenson NOES: Commr. Schultz ABSENT: Commr. Chandler The motion passed. ARC DISCUSSION: Commr. Stevenson discussed a Downtown Association newsletter and brought up that there are now extended hours for businesses on Tuesday nights. There was a discussion of the new public art benches located downtown. Commr. Rawson commented that some had described the benches to him as looking like a “McDonald's play land”. Commr. Schultz said that the benches appeared more plastic than metal. Commr. Lopes suggested that the benches would have improved by a more pedestrian scale and depicting buildings that looked more like San Luis Obispo. Commr. Stevenson would like the ARC to become more involved earlier in the public art selection process. There was a discussion of the ARCO station on Santa Rosa Street and the general conclusion that the canopy dominates the site. Commr. Lopes asked how the changes to the Santa Barbara Street wall were reviewed and why a decision was made not to refer it back to the ARC. He did not remember the ARC giving any direction for a higher wall to block headlights. Commr. Stevenson remembered pockets for planting in the wall. There was a discussion pertaining to the note taker for ARC meetings. Commr. Stevenson didn't necessarily agree that terminology is that different or unique and a problem for note takers. Commr. Lopes felt that the ARC's role is important enough to warrant a note taker and would like to see it factored into the next budget. The remaining Commissioners wanted to reserve judgment on the issue until they had more time to review other goals and ARC work items. ARC Minutes January 16, 2001 Page 5 Pam Ricci presented an agenda forecast for the February 5, 2001 meeting. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. to a regular meeting of the Architectural Review Commission, scheduled for Monday, February 5, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street. Respectfully Submitted, Pam Ricci, Recording Secretary