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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-15-2002 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES APRIL 15, 2002 ROLL CALL: Present: Commrs. Allan Root, Michael Boudreau, Zeljka Howard, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson. Absent: Commrs. Rob Schultz, Mark Rawson, and Vice-Chair Jim Lopes. Staff: Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo, Phil Dunsmore, and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no comments made from the public. 1. 640 Higuera Street. ARC 31-02; Review of a new public art sculpture to be placed on a public parcel in the downtown; C-C-H zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo presented the staff report recommending the Commission find that the proposed artwork meets the City’s Public Art Guidelines. Kate Britton, 6027 Alta Mira Drive, felt that San Luis Obispo would be more accepting of Garnet, which she felt is a beautiful sculpture. She thought it would be wonderful to have her sitting downtown and felt the sculpture would be great for tourism and would bring the art crowd down to this end of Higuera Street. She explained they would like to put a tiered copper top on top of the base. Chairperson Stevenson asked how tall the base would be. Ms. Britton replied 2-feet with 6-inches on top. Chairperson Stevenson asked if there would be lighting. Ms. Britton replied that she would like to place the sculpture first and then determine if lighting would be necessary. She noted it is very hard to light a sculpture. Commr. Boudreau asked if it was her recommendation for the 2-foot dimension for the pedestal. Ms. Britton replied that this height was determined to be best after much discussion so people would be able to touch it. She noted that when it was in Arroyo Grande, it was too high. Commr. Boudreau asked if it could be lowered further. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 2 Ms. Britton replied it is lower than originally proposed, and they are going to keep the greenery around it, which will hopefully prevent graffiti. PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Root expressed how wonderful it would be to have this piece in San Luis Obispo, and felt lighting would be important. He suggested waiting until the sculpture is placed, then determine if some provision could be made to possibly add appropriate lighting at a later date. Commr. Boudreau suggested that it be as low as possible so it just rises up above the height of the greenery. Commr. Howard stated that it is very touching. Chairperson Stevenson commented that a piece of art is needed in that location, and he likes the sculpture. Commr. Root moved that they find that “Garnet” meets the criteria for public art and allow its installation. Seconded by Commr. Howard. AYES: Commr. Root, Howard, Boudreau, and Chairperson Stevenson. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commrs. Rawson, Schultz, and Vice-Chair Lopes. ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 4-0. 2. 864 Santa Rosa Street. ARC 21-02; Review of signage and other building and site improvements to the City’s Community Center, PF zone; City of San Luis Obispo, applicant. Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo presented the staff report recommending the ARC grant final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to conditions and code requirements listed in the staff report. Planner Azevedo explained that staff had some concerns with the covered walkway in that it affects the symmetry of the gymnasium windows. Alternative roof designs were discussed, as identified in the report. She noted there are five new mechanical equipment units being proposed and all but one would be hidden from view of the public right-of-way. Staff requested that the ARC suggest desired screening for that unit. Commr. Boudreau questioned which color would be on the taller portion of the building. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 3 Planner Azevedo replied the paprika color. Michael McGuire, Public Works Department, explained the doors would be painted another color. Commr. Howard referred to a color sample and asked if all the exterior doors would be that color. Planner Azevedo explained that her understanding is that they would be. Chairperson Stevenson stated that he would prefer that the parking lot comply with City Standards, but noted that the applicant could not redesign it to end up with the same number of spaces. Mr. McGuire explained that the original design provided 45 degree angle parking, which creates five more spaces. However, turning radiuses and the trash dumpster location became difficult. Chris Guerillias, Project Architect, explained the building changes that are being proposed. He noted they tried to minimize visibility of the new HVAC units and other mechanical equipment. Chairperson Stevenson asked about the roof treatment on the covered walk and how they could minimize the impact to the windows. Mr. Guerillias explained they would first try to maximize the light that was coming into the building. He explained a flat roof was a possibility, and noted that the design is consistent with the roof design of the majority of the building. Mr. McGuire explained the main purpose of this walkway is to allow access from the senior services area into the main front portion of the building without having to go through the gymnasium. Chairperson Stevenson asked what other solutions were offered other than the covered structure. Mr. Guerillias explained security was one of the reasons for leaving it open and to keep it as transparent as they could. Commr. Howard asked if the burgundy color is proposed on all the exterior doors. Mr. Guerillias replied yes. Chairperson Stevenson asked if any accent color for the trim had been considered. Mr. Guerillias explained that it was considered, but direction was given to him to reduce the number of colors. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 4 Pierre Rademaker, Insight Associates, explained that the monument sign was designed to echo very precisely the detailing of the building. Chairperson Stevenson commented that there is a lot of body color on the building and the trim should be an important component to the color. Commr. Boudreau noted that the dark color is going to be significant. Chairperson Stevenson expressed concern that the covered walk is going to look tacked on and suggested that some effort be taken to provide a substantial base to it. Mr. Guerillias explained they held it away a foot, so it is possible to have a base and not obstruct the floor ventilation to the gymnasium. Chairperson Stevenson suggested they have a hand-railing, a single rail being acceptable. Commr. Root asked what the deck material would be. Mr. Rademaker explained they are going to look into using Tech Deck. Mr. McGuire explained currently there is an extensive amount of landscaping along that side of the building; when the walkway goes in, much landscaping will remain. There was much discussion on the trash enclosure. Commr. Root commented on the durability of the sign. Mr. Rademaker explained they would probably be using hardy plank material. Commr. Root suggested using cast concrete. Mr. Rademaker replied that cast concrete is not preferred, but it could be done. PUBLIC COMMENT: Sharon Pesketori, 6970 Vena Loma, commented on the senior access and asked if they were in a wheelchair or walker, how would they approach it from the parking lot? She asked if there is a handicap ramp, and if the surface is wet, would it be slip proof? Mr. Guerillias explained that the entry would be handicap accessible. He stated the senior service area is served by a ramp, which would allow the seniors to go through their service area and then access the rest of the building. Ms. Pesketori asked where the handicap ramp would be located. Mr. Guerillias explained that two ramps already exist and another will be added to the covered walkway. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 5 There were no further comments from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Root suggested lowering the parking lot fence. Mr. McGuire explained the fence is currently 8-feet tall and would be lowered to comply with vision setback requirements, and a pedestrian opening would be provided in the fence to allow access between the public sidewalk and the parking lot. Commr. Boudreau suggested the outside air intake hood should be pointed so it is not seen in profile. Mr. Brunis replied he would check with his engineer. Commr. Boudreau moved that they grant final approval based on the findings and subject to the conditions in the staff report, and add: (1) the HVAC unit and existing exhaust fan at the eastern point of the building shall be painted to orient it in such a way that projections from the unit itself are hidden from view; (2) the roof of the covered walkway shall be flat and elements of the walkway should emanate the style of the vestibule on the front of the building, meaning sizable posts and matching fascia as base to the walkway platform and hand railing (single-rail acceptable); and (3) the three- color building color palette is acceptable.. Seconded by Commr. Howard. AYES: Commr. Boudreau, Howard, Root, and Chairperson Stevenson. NOES: None. ABSENT: Commrs. Rawson, Schultz, and Vice-Chair Lopes. ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 4-0. 3. 12395 Los Osos Valley Road. ARC 173-00; Conceptual review of revised designs for a warehouse store and service station project; Costco Wholesale, applicant. Associate Planner Phil Dunsmore presented staff report, and asked the Commission for direction on the preliminary building elevations and site landscape plan, with the project to return to the ARC following completion of the EIR to seek final approval of the project design. Commr. Boudreau asked staff if this design was in compliance with the design guidelines. Planner Dunsmore replied yes. Michael Taylor, Landscape Architect, discussed the overall site planning and described the major changes from the last layout. He explained there were a couple of major changes; one was to move the tire installation service over to the side of the building. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 6 They moved the actual food service preparation area inside the building, but there is still a covered seating area. He stated they changed the landscape in terms of where the tree locations are on the islands and noted the Commission wanted the parking lot to look more like an orchard layout. Accenting the pedestrian paths and providing buffers around the building and around the edges would accomplish this. Mr. Bartock explained they were trying to resolve some of the issues that were addressed at the last meeting. He noted they are not providing anything in the way of soft-scape. Chairperson Stevenson noted the intent of the guidelines is to provide significant tree clustering in order to soften the impact of the view of the building from Los Osos Valley Road. He felt that additional trees near the building would be needed to create an adequate clustering effect. Mr. Taylor explained there are quite a few layers of trees planted since the parking area and storefront both contain tree planters. Chairperson Stevenson said he liked the overall landscape treatment and felt it would be a great windrow and screening. He felt a Canary Pine or a Mexican Sycamore could work as an additional tree next to the building. He commented that this area is a wind tunnel; this kind of wind has been known to stunt a trees growth and can keep them from growing straight, and it is generally very hard on trees. Mr. Taylor explained they triple stake their trees and have always had good success. Commr. Boudreau suggested they verify which trees could withstand constant wind environments. Mr. Taylor commented that an Australian Willow, as proposed in the parking area, does well in windy conditions. Chairperson Stevenson asked the applicants to address the gas station design concept. Mr. Taylor explained that the gas station is at the farthest point away from LOVR and there is a long line of trees along the drive isle, all the way through the project. He stated there is enough room to have multiple layers of trees and shrubs to screen the views to the gas pumps in this area. Peter Clement, Mulvaney Architects, commented that there is a significant distance from LOVR and it would not be visible to people passing by. He explained that it is a member’s only gas station and only members would know that it is there. Chairperson Stevenson expressed concern about the open gable on the design, and felt there could be problems with too much lighting. He asked if there was a way of articulating that feature without closing the gable. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 7 Ken McKently, Project Manager, replied yes. He explained they could close it off with some other type of material, but still express the gable. Mr. Bartock stated they would look at that and do a line of site study to show the amount of trees proposed and how much of the canopy will be seen. Chairperson Stevenson suggested they close the gable end. Commr. Boudreau felt that if the lights are recessed in the canopy and directed downward, this problem should be minimized. Chairperson Stevenson commented that the security lighting is an issue and when the stores close, he would like to see a minimum amount of lighting in the parking area. Planner Dunsmore asked which side will include employee parking. Mr. Bartock replied on the backside of the building. Commr. Root asked if the employees have to come through the front door. Mr. Bartock explained that everyone has to come through the front door for security reasons. Commr. Root questioned how one would go through the parking lot to get to the gas station. Mr. Clement referred to the map and explained how they would enter and which route they would go. Chairperson Stevenson expressed concern on the amount of traffic centering on this location. Mr. Taylor referred to the map and explained that people actually feed from the back of the aisles. He commented that there are a lot of other options for people to use. Commr. Root asked how many years out do they have in terms of growth on what would be planted. Mr. Taylor explained they have a great opportunity for plant growth because they have oversize planters throughout the site, and there is opportunity to plant larger material. He estimated around 5-7 years. Chairperson Stevenson commented on the architecture of the building and said he liked the articulation that is being provided in the front. He felt they are getting close to meeting the guideline issue, but noticed a difference in architectural vernacular with a heavy colonial cornice and suggested that there be an alternative cornice detail that would use a more subtle and mission style approach at the cornice. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 8 Mr. Clement explained there are not a lot of examples, but they would take a look at it. Commr. Boudreau commented that he would like to see a larger tile. Mr. Clement explained that they were thinking about using the same tile as the Goleta Costco. Commr. Boudreau suggested that if the tile is going to be small in scale, the gable end detail should have plaster articulation to give it more mass to hold it up. He suggested calling out the rafter tails in the next design. Chairperson Stevenson suggested they propose an alternative base material rather than split face. Mr. Clement commented that he would like to propose a couple of different materials and explained that there is a material called castle rock, which is a split faced block, but has an uneven break when it is split. Mr. Bartock asked if they used a different material on the base that is 8-feet tall, would it be acceptable to change it on two sides and then go to a similar color, but with the split face on the other side where it is not as visible. Chairperson Stevenson replied yes, he could support that. Commr. Boudreau asked what are the columns that are being proposed. Mr. Clement explained they are like Tuscan columns that are recast in concrete. Chairperson Stevenson expressed that he liked the articulation in the gable on the north and east elevations. He had a concern with the entrance and felt there is a large space between the trellis and the roof and suggested something be put on the sides to enclose it a little. Mr. Clement said he would look into incorporating some of the buttress details fading into the front. Mr. Bartock suggested they take the whole sign element and recess it and do some similar treatment with color. Chairperson Stevenson felt if it were done correctly to that vernacular, it would be fine. He felt the cornice was a little too colonial with respect to mission, and the base was a little too contemporary and should be pre-cast concrete, slump block, or some other material. Commr. Root commented on the site elevations and felt the cornice isn’t a major issue. He suggested breaking the line of the roof. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 9 Mr. Bartock suggested dropping the parapet in this location so there is a break in the elevation. Commr. Boudreau commented that he likes the lineararity and the way it terminates with the architecture on the end. Commr. Root asked if there is a full balcony above the false doorway on the west elevation. Mr. Clement replied yes. Chairperson Stevenson felt any expression on the north or east elevations should be back to the tire center and should be expressed with a higher quality material. Mr. Bartock explained that they enlarged all of the parking bay islands. Chairperson Stevenson asked where the cart storage would be located for people coming into the store. Mr. Bartock explained underneath the canopy and underneath the trellis and that carts could be concealed with a wall element. Chairperson Stevenson commented that it seemed very tight from the entrance planter to the change of paving material. Mr. Bartock suggested they could use a different color for the paving in front of the store. Chairperson Stevenson suggested a softer arch to the front paving design would be more attractive. He commented that he would like to see a color proposal and suggested a molded variegated stain for the concrete. Commr. Howard felt that the widths of the columns are a little out of scale. Chairperson Stevenson asked if there is something they could do to soften these columns. Mr. Taylor replied they would take a look at it. Commr. Howard suggested they look at staff recommendations. Planner Dunsmore stated staff is looking for a complete package to come back that can be used for the EIR. The project will then come back to the ARC for final approval based on these comments. ARC Minutes April 15, 2002 Page 10 4. ARC By-Laws: Consider possible changes to the ARC By-Laws, including modifications that will make the format consistent with other advisory bodies. Associate Planner Phil Dunsmore presented staff report asking the Commission to review the proposed changes to the ARC By-laws and recommend appropriate changes as necessary to the City Council. Commr. Howard suggested changing section 2, Election of Officers; Commissioners shall serve as Chairman or Vice-Chairman at the discretion of the Commission. There was much discussion on the By-Laws. Commr. Root moved that they adopt this draft as put forth with the exception of the item concerning Item 2-a which should read “ The Chairman or Vice-Chairman may serve more than one consecutive term, at the discretion of the Commission.” Seconded by Commr. Howard. AYES: Commrs. Root, Howard, Boudreau, and Chairperson Stevenson NOES: None. ABSENT: Commrs. Rawson, Schultz, and Vice-Chair Lopes. ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 4-0. 5. Staff: There was no agenda forecast. 6. Commission After a unanimous vote of 4-0, Chairperson Charles Stevenson was re-elected as the Chairperson for the ARC. After a unanimous vote of 4-0, Commissioner Rob Schultz was voted in as the Vice- Chairperson for the ARC. The Commission discussed the new Blockbuster Video on Madonna Road. ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Architectural Review Commission, the meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for May 6, 2002, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Hearing Room. Respectfully Submitted by Irene E. Pierce Recording Secretary