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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-16-2002 ARC Minutes SAN LUIS OBISPO ARCHITECTUAL REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES SEPTEMBER 16, 2002 ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Allen Root, Michael Boudreau, Zeljka Howard, Rob Schultz, and Chairperson Charles Stevenson. Absent: Commissioners Jim Lopes and David Smith. Staff: Associate Planners Michael Codron, Lynn Azevedo, Transportation Planner Terry Sanville, and Recording Secretary Irene Pierce. ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGENDA: The agenda was accepted as presented. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: The minutes of June 17, 2002, were approved as amended. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, expressed concerns about the drastic changes that are being made to San Luis Obispo. There were no further comments made from the public. 1. 190 Santa Rosa Street. ARC 11-02; Review of telecommunications facility and improvements to Santa Rosa Park; PF zone; Cingular Wireless, applicant. This item was continued to a date uncertain without discussion. Chairperson Stevenson noted that the notice had no reference to lighting. 2. 1880 Santa Barbara Avenue. ARC 56-02; Review of façade changes to a Master List property; C-R-S-H zone; Depot Square, LP, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending approval to the project, based on findings and subject to conditions, as recommended by the Cultural Heritage Committee (CHC). PUBLIC COMMENTS: There were no comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard complimented the applicant for his patience on this project, and expressed support for the project. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 2 Commr. Boudreau reiterated what Commissioner Howard stated, and expressed his support for the project. Commr. Root expressed appreciation that the detail added on the corner window is functional, and expressed his support for the project. Chairperson Stevenson expressed appreciation of what has been done, but noted he could not support this project because it doesn’t sufficiently incorporate the Railroad Historic District Guidelines. Commr. Howard moved that final approval be granted to the project based on findings and subject to conditions as stated in the staff report. Seconded by Commr. Root. AYES: Commrs. Howard, Root, Boudreau, Schultz NOES: Chairperson Stevenson ABSENT: Commrs. Lopes and Smith ABSTAIN: None. The motion carried 4-1. 3. 11955 Los Osos Valley Road. ARC 133-02; Review of a public art proposal for the Rancho Obispo (DeVaul South) subdivision; R. Hertel and Sons, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending that the Commission find that the proposed artwork meet the City’s Public Art Guidelines. Jeff Thies, artist, presented a brief explanation on the art piece that has been proposed for the DeVaul Ranch and mentioned he chose the “Evidence of Evolution” because he wanted to bring the old west with the modern. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, felt that a restored old water pump from one of the ranches would be appropriate for the DeVaul property. Ann Reim, SLO Arts Council, expressed gratitude that they have been able to assist private developers, and expressed appreciation to Tom Habbick for helping them to incorporate private art within this project. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Root felt the art piece is appropriate for the site. He asked if there is some consideration to moving the lights away from the art piece, and asked if the wood wheel would be fabricated. Mr. Thies replied yes, and explained the piece would be fabricated out of teak with a natural finish. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 3 Commr. Root expressed his support for the project as it stands, but suggested consideration for the lighting Commr. Howard expressed her support for the art piece, finding it very pleasing and appropriate for the site. Commr. Boudreau expressed support for the project. Vice-Chair Schultz expressed support for the project, but noted he would like to see more than one proposal to choose from. Chairperson Stevenson expressed his support for the project, but expressed a concern about the teak, and suggested there might be a better way to preserve the finish. Planner Codron noted there is an agreement that requires the applicant to maintain the artwork. Commr. Howard moved that they find that this proposed art meets the established criteria, and consider moving the lights out in a satellite relationship as opposed to placing it on the base. Seconded by Commr. Boudreau. AYES: Commr. Howard, Boudreau, Root, Schultz, and Chairperson Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: Commrs. Lopes and Smith ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 5-0. 4. 673 Higuera Street. ARC 131-02; Review of a storefront remodel; C-C-H zone; Full Circle Investments, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented staff report recommending final approval . Chairperson Stevenson asked if outdoor seating were recommended for this area and how wide the sidewalk is in that area. Planner Codron replied outdoor seating is appropriate if there was an interest in it, and noted the sidewalk is 10 feet wide. Craig Smith, applicant’s representative, explained the proposal is to remove the storefront and provide a better expression of the use of the building by opening it up to the general right-of-way. Commr. Root asked if a dumpster will be located outside of the fence. Mr. Smith replied yes, and explained it would be on the other side of the alleyway. Commr. Root questioned if the back gate were meant for public access. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 4 Mr. Smith replied no, it would only be an exit. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, commented the character is being removed from San Luis Obispo and stated she would like it stopped. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Howard moved they grant final approval to the project based on the findings and conditions in the staff report. Seconded by Vice-Chair Schultz. Chairperson Stevenson commented this is a good expression of a traditional look, and encouraged the idea of outdoor seating. Vice-Chair Schultz expressed his support for the project, but suggested the brick be kept inside. Commr. Root endorsed support for the project, but was concerned about heat loss if the doors are to remain open. Commr. Boudreau commented that stores are short-lived on the north side of Higuera because it is on the cool side, and felt awnings might not be desirable. AYES: Commr. Howard, Schultz, Root, Boudreau, and Chairperson Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: Commrs. Lopes and Smith ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 5-0. 5. 1100 Block of Garden Street. ARC 106-02; Review of proposed changed to public improvements and circulation on the 1100 block of Garden Street; C-C-H zone; City of San Luis Obispo Public Works Department, applicant. Associate Planner Michael Codron presented the staff report recommending approval of the Garden Street Enhancement Plan as a concept plan for future improvements and provided direction on preferred alternatives for an entry feature and bike racks, based on findings and subject to conditions of approval. Principle Transportation Planner Terry Sanville presented a brief summary on the Garden Street Project and what changes are being proposed for the Garden Street Enhancement Plan. David Foote, Project Architect, stated there were a number of alternatives that have been explored for the drainage. A significant engineering analysis was done to determine if the project would work, and they found that the bulb-outs work. He presented a history on where the pilasters and the arch came from. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 5 Chairperson Stevenson asked what the vision is of the tile in the pavement. Mr. Foote replied it would be tile or colored concrete pavers that could be removed without taking the whole art piece out. He mentioned all of the schemes were reviewed to keep the most parking. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, commented that Garden Street should remain with its unique character. Ann Reim, Art Council, felt that Garden Street is an ideal location for the revolving sculpture program. Debra Holley, Downtown Association President, mentioned the merchants would like to support some improvements such as increased lighting, attention-getting devices, and nice sidewalks where people are encouraged to browse. She felt this design supports this concept, but felt that closing off a street would not be good for the merchants. She presented a letter from Doctor Maino, which she read to the Commission. Rob Strong, SLO business owner, felt the extent of street closure and the conversion to one-way may fall short of some people’s idea of total pedestrian, but was glad the opportunity for closure remains, and the enhancement of the sidewalks and the compromise to one-way traffic could be beneficial. He expressed support for the revolving public art. He also expressed support for banisters on the light poles. Linnea Philips, SLO business owner, commented that she supports the arch and expressed great enthusiasm on this project and encouraged support from the public. Richard Stevenson, SLO business owner, expressed support of the arch over the banner, but opposed closing the street completely. He expressed support of the whole plan as it is coming together. Alex Benson, SLO business owner, expressed concern for the trees when the street is re-asphalted and laterals are installed for a fire sprinkler system. Mrs. Schroeder asked what kind of commercial building is proposed. Stan Carpenter explained the retail store would be a women’s clothing store. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS Chairperson Stevenson commented that Garden Street is a historic and special street and expressed a concern that something is being done that may be detracting from the charm of Garden Street. Commr. Howard expressed a concern on the entry feature and questioned if an archway would be appropriate to this one area of the City. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 6 Commr. Boudreau questioned why this street would get so much attention aesthetically. Commr. Root commented that he prefers the archway over the banner pilaster, but strongly felt that the gateway arches should be moved to the Marsh Street end, and noted he supports partial arches versus full arches. Commr. Howard commented that she likes the idea of an archway, but felt it is inappropriate in this one section of the downtown. She suggested a banner with a Garden Street logo. Commr. Boudreau mentioned the archway would draw people in and if the merchants support it, then he would support it also. Vice-Chair Schultz expressed his support for banners on the light poles, but did not support an archway on either side. He suggested that if an archway is built, it should be located on the Marsh Street side. Chairperson Stevenson concurred Marsh Street is the appropriate location for an archway, and felt they need something to entice pedestrians from around the corner. Commr. Root commented he does not support the pilasters suggested a metal structure. He expressed a concern that supporting pilasters could set precedence for having them on all the corners of the downtown. Commr. Howard commented she does not support the identity pilasters, and questioned why they should be on this street and not other streets. She expressed concern that it may cause a traffic hazard. Commr Boudreau commented that he does not support having the identity pilasters. Vice-Chair Schultz commented he does not necessarily support the identity pilaster, but suggested something out of metal at that end to show it is Garden Street. Chairperson Stevenson commented he could support an identity pilaster to provide some identity to the businesses that are there, but suggested a more interesting design. Planner Codron noted that individual elements of the plan could come back to the commission for review and direction. The commission expressed comments on the bike racks. Commr. Root concurred with the staff and suggested they go back to the standards for the smaller bike racks. The commission concurred with Commissioner Root’s suggestion. The commission expressed comments on planters and benches. Commr. Root noted there is a lot of maintenance to the planters, but felt they add life to the street. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 7 Chairperson Stevenson noted the maintenance issue is costly. Commr. Boudreau expressed support for the planters. Vice-Chair Schultz expressed support for the planters. Chairperson Stevenson suggested that more benches are needed. The commission suggested the lighting on the streets should have banner ability. Commr. Root noted the chicane is in the wrong place for a truck to maneuver down the alley and suggested it be moved. Vice-Chair Schultz expressed support for the one-way proposal, and felt the chicane should be left up to the engineers. Commr Howard expressed her support for the staff recommendation and felt this is a good location for public art in the pavement. Chairperson Stevenson commented that he does not support closing the street, and suggested that there be more sidewalk implemented and encourage more outdoor seating. Commr. Howard moved they approve Garden Street Enhancement Project Plan based on findings and subject to conditions; condition (1) they consider a pole with a banner and logo on Garden Street as one option and with the possibility of street identification and banner as another option, and condition (2) there could be an arch on the Marsh Street side; and condition (3) the pole and banner shall be reviewed and approved by the CHC and the ARC prior to installation; and benches and planters are appropriate for Garden Street as shown on the project plans and may be installed as part of planning limitations without further ARC review, and light poles to be designed with hanging baskets, and explore the possibility of widening the sidewalk a couple of feet out of the 20-foot allowance to encourage outside seating. Seconded by Vice-Chair Schultz. Chairperson Stevenson commented this is the City’s street and noted everyone has a vested right in the public right-of-way and the design should reflect the whole community, and not just the business owners on the street. AYES: Commrs. Howard, Schultz, Boudreau, Root, and Chairperson Stevenson NOES: None ABSENT: Commrs. Lopes and Smith ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 5-0 ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 8 6. 859 Marsh Street. ARC 97-02; Review of wireless communication facility to include new “antenna” flag pole and support equipment; C-C zone; AT&T Wireless, applicant. Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo presented the staff report recommending final approval to the project, based on findings, and subject to recommended conditions and code requirements. Gordon Bell, Bell & Associates, explained they have made changes to the project to stealth it. They are proposing to use the slimmest flagpole that accommodates the antennas and a finial will be added which will mimic the finial on the existing flagpole. He stated the equipment on the side of the building would be screened, and a wrought iron gate will be installed that will be painted to match the building. Chairperson Stevenson asked which color is the least reflective for a flagpole. Mr. Bell replied the County has required them to paint similar flagpole installations Madison Gray, but noted they are looking for the ARC’s direction on this. Chairperson Stevenson expressed a concern on the proliferation of these cell facilities, and asked how many more would need to be placed in the downtown area. Mr. Bell responded this ring is designed to cover the downtown core area and there are three to four more carriers vying for that core coverage. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, expressed disapproval to placing the antenna on the building, and stated she wants this intrusion of antennas to stop taking over the downtown. Ron Tilley, 1780 San Luis Drive, explained they have gone through a process to evaluate this antenna proposal and stated the Masonic Board has the desire to maintain the historical integrity of this building. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chairperson Stevenson asked if they have considered moving the flagpole back from the street. Mr. Gordon replied yes, and explained the idea was to maintain visual presence from the street. Commr. Howard did not support the proposal because she felt this is an inappropriate location and felt it is a detriment to a historical building. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 9 Commr. Boudreau noted the City embraces the idea of this technology in the downtown and the surrounding areas, and noted his support of staff’s research and interpretation of the guidelines. Commr. Schultz noted that since there is already a flagpole existing in that location, he would support replacing it with an antenna. However, if there was not one already there, he would suggest they locate it on top of a parking structure and not on top of this historical building. Commr. Root mentioned this flagpole already exists and felt it is not intrusive. He asked that when these antennas are no longer needed, could the applicant be required to restore building to its original appearance? Chairperson Stevenson commented he would like to see other architectural remedies so these cell sites are not visible. He suggested that the height be lowered with a finial and a slightly larger flag. Mr. Bell explained there is an abandonment clause in the ordinance that they are obligated to include in the final staff report to the Planning Commission. Vice-Chair Schultz moved to grant final approval to the project based on findings and subject to conditions as proposed in the staff report including the addition of a finial, and that the “flagpole” is painted with Madison Gray matte finish. Seconded by Commr. Boudreau. AYES: Commrs. Schultz, Boudreau, Root, and Stevenson NOES: Commr. Howard ABSENT: Commrs. Lopes and Smith ABSTAIN: None The motion carried 4-1. 7. 1010 Nipomo Street. ARC 157-01; Conceptual review of a new SLO Children’s Museum; PF-H zone; SLO Children’s Museum, applicant. Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo presented the staff report requesting preliminary comments regarding the suitability and appropriateness of the project design relative to ARC direction given to the applicant previously. Maurice Macare, BFGC Architecture, noted that initially he was advised to respect the historical context of the nearby mission, so he provided a museum design of that style. He commented that the term “whimsical” was mentioned at the last ARC presentation and felt “whimsical” would not match with mission style. He explained they would like to do something multi-colored, as is being shown at this meeting. Chairperson Stevenson asked if the gray siding would appear weathered over time. There was much discussion on how galvanized siding would hold up . Vice-Chair Schultz questioned if the project would require a creek setback exception. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 10 PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, commented that she would like the Children’s Museum to stay the way it is, and felt it would become too expensive for children to go visit. Kathy Wolfe, Director of Children’s Museum, mentioned that the memberships have not changed and they offer outreach programs so all children would have a chance to come and visit the museum. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Chairperson Stevenson expressed support for the project and felt the building would be attractive to children as well as connecting historically to the neighborhood. Vice-Chair Schultz commented that it is a great project, but felt they would need an exception for the creek setback. Commr. Root expressed appreciation on the design of the building and felt a facility is needed. He commented that if the facility is designed well and pays homage to colors and materials, it is a success and does not need to look like the historical area to fit in. Commr. Howard stated she agrees with the comments that were made, but mentioned this building would be a landmark building and felt there is justification for it to stand out. She suggested bright colors and elements that are very inviting. Commr. Boudreau expressed support for the dominant building color to be gray with the colored siding as an accent. He commented he liked the wall treatment at a little larger scale with the cast concrete look. Mr. Macare noted one concern of the CHC was the thoroughness of the archeological survey that was done as part of the project. He stated the site was studied and it was determined that the site has not been occupied by any architecturally historic building and questioned what should be done to satisfy CEQA. There was no action taken on this item. 8. 1010 Broad Street. ARC 111-02; Conceptual review to demolish an existing building and rebuild a larger facility for use by the Art Center; PF-H zone; San Luis Obispo Art Center, applicant. Associate Planner Lynn Azevedo presented the staff report requesting preliminary comments regarding the suitability and appropriateness of the project design. Chairperson Stevenson asked if language could be included in the General Plan Amendment/Rezoning that calls out the unique nature of a civic art museum in the downtown area. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 11 Planner Azevedo replied the zone change does not deal so much with historic consistency. Bruce Fraser, Trustee for the Art Center, suggested something should be done on the zoning change in the General Plan Amendment to put this size of building with no parking on the site. Wayne Barcelona, project architect, presented a model of the proposed project and explained they have looked at the nature of historically significant buildings in different cities, and what they had in common was the ability to inspire and stand apart. He described what they were looking for in the form of the building, which was that of the natural landscape. Commr. Boudreau asked if stone would be essential for a building of this shape. Mr. Barcelona explained they researched other projects and a final plaster coat called “Merrill Stone”, has actual stone chips in it and a granite look to it. That would be the next step down to preserve that visual identity of that kind of material if real stone were too expensive. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mary Beth Schroeder, 2085 Wilding Lane, asked how much lot area would the building would cover and what the floor area of the building would be. She also questioned who owns the property and how this project be financed. Karen Kyle, Executive Director of the Civic Art Center, stated thoughtful consideration has been given to these plans and the site has been maximized so this building would be a very important structure on this important corner. Tim Anderson, Curator of the Art Center, felt the project will be a great benefit to the town. There were no further comments made from the public. COMMISSION COMMENTS: Commr. Root felt this project is an attribute to the community. He complimented the wonderful job that was done and expressed support for this project. Commr. Howard commented she was impressed with the design and expressed an appreciation on the transparency of the building for all the reasons that were mentioned. Commr. Boudreau commented the quality of the design is above and beyond anything he has seen on the commission and as an architect, and noted that if it could be of the quality of the mission and the Carnegie Library, he would support it. Vice-Chair Schultz commented he is torn on how it fits in with the historical character of that area and would like to see it softened as much as possible. ARC Minutes September 16, 2002 Page 12 Chairperson Stevenson complimented the design of this building. He felt that art centers should fit into the historical context of a city, which is crucial to a vibrant and sophisticated community and felt this building responds in many ways to the side it is facing, but would like the center feature to be a little more expressive. He noted the execution is critical and how important the use of materials is going to be to this design. He felt this captures the image he has been looking for and would not change a thing. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION: 9. Staff A. Agenda Forecast: Public Art for the DeVaul project; 669 Pacific Street wireless telecommunication facility, and Public Art for Kennedy Nautilus. 10. Commission Commr. Root suggested the Commission meet more often so they could have shorter meetings. Planner Azevedo noted the deadline to consider the Budget Goals for next two-year th financial plan is October 25and asked the Commission how it would like to schedule discussions on this issue. The Commission indicated they would like it scheduled for bother October meetings. ADJOURNMENT With no further business before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 10:00 p.m. to the next regular meeting scheduled for September 24, 2002, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Hearing Room. Respectfully submitted by Irene E. Pierce Recording Secretary