MINUTES

 

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

 

MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2002

Ken Edwards Center

7:00 PM

1527 Fourth Street, Santa Monica

 

1.         CALL TO ORDER:     The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m.

 

2.         ROLL CALL:               Present:       Howard Laks, Chairperson

                                                                        Sergio Zeballos, Vice-Chairperson

                                                                        Rick Abelson

                                                                        Rodolfo Alvarez

                                                                        Joan Charles

                                                                        Chris Joseph

                                                                        Iris Oliveras

 

                                          Also Present:       Tony Kim, Associate Planner

                                                                        Ava Pecherzewski, Assistant Planner

                                                                        Margaret Bell, Staff Assistant

 

3.         SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Tony Kim, Associate Planner, informed the Board that ARB-02-078, 2012 Main Street and ARB-02-079, 2021 Main Street have been appealed by the applicant to the Planning Commission and have been scheduled for an August 21, 2002, hearing date.   An appeal was also submitted for ARB-02-020, 1450 Fifth Street for an as yet undetermined Planning Commission date.

 

            Tony Kim, Associate Planner, also informed the Board that a Special Meeting of the Architectural Review Board is scheduled for Monday, June 24, 2002, at the Ken Edwards Center at 6:00 p.m. as a training session covering the development process and a presentation by the City Attorney.

 

            Tony Kim, Associate Planner, also distributed the information outlining the proposed priorities for Planning and Community Development Department for fiscal year 2002/2003. 

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

            a.         June 18, 2001

Chairperson Laks moved to approve the minutes with one correction.

 

Boardmember Abelson seconded the motion, that was approved by voice vote.  Boardmembers Alvarez and Zeballos abstained.

ACTION:  APPROVED WITH REVISIONS to page 10, paragraph 6 to read, “Boardmember Charles stated that the letter of support to the Planning Commission will give clarity of the decision of the Architectural Review Board, but she is not in support of the letter.”

            b.         August 6, 2001

Chairperson Laks moved to approve the minutes with one correction.

 

Boardmember Charles seconded the motion, that was approved by voice vote.  Boardmembers Alvarez and Zeballos abstained.

ACTION:  APPROVED WITH CORRECTIONS to page 3, paragraph 17 to read, “Boardmember Charles voted against the project”.

 

5.         PUBLIC HEARINGS AND INPUT:  None.

 

6.         EX-PARTE COMMUNICATION:  Boardmember Alvarez spoke with Councilperson Katz regarding items 8b & 8c.

 

            Boardmember Joseph had a conversation with Councilperson Katz, Ken Kutcher, Chairperson Laks, and Boadmembers Charles and Abelson regarding items 8b & 8c. 

 

            Boardmember Charles had a conversation with Boardmember Joseph regarding item 8b.

 

            Boardmember Zeballos had a conversation with Councilperson Katz regarding item item 8b.

 

            Boardmember Abelson had a conversation with Boardmember Joseph regarding items 8b & 8c.

 

            Chairperson Laks had a conversation with Councilperson Katz and Boardmember Joseph regarding item 8b.

 

7.         REVIEWS:  Public input permitted.

 

            A.        CONSENT CALENDAR

 

a.         Resubmissions:  None.

 

b.         New Submissions:  None.

 

            B.        REGULAR CALENDAR

 

a.                  Resubmissions:

 

            7.1       ARB 01-379, 1443 Tenth Street: Multi-Family Residence

Approval of Building Design, Colors, and Materials

ACTION: APPROVED WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

 

Robert Walters was present to discuss the project.

Chairperson Laks closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Oliveras stated that the stucco and wood siding materials contrast. The application of the materials appears simplistic, she prefers one consistent material for the project.

 

Boardmember Alvarez is in support of the project and the way in which the materials are integrated.

 

Boardmember Joseph is in support of the project and prefers the wood siding to the stucco.

 

Boardmember Charles stated that this application has improved since the previous submittal and is in support of the project.

 

Vice-Chairperson Zeballos supports the project and stated the two materials work together but expressed concern regarding the finishing details of the wood siding.

 

Chairperson Laks stated that this application has improved since the last submittal and supports the project.

 

Boardmember Joseph made the motion to approve the project as submitted with the conditions and findings in the staff report.

 

Vice-Chairperson Zeballos seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.  Boardmember Oliveras voted against the project.

 

7.2       ARB 02-096, 2538 San Vicente Boulevard: San Vicente Place Shopping Center

Approval of Awning Design, Lighting Plans, Sign Program, and Sign Adjustment

ACTION: APPROVED WITH REVISED CONDITIONS

 

Zac DiBenedetto was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Laks closed the public hearing.

 

Vice-Chairperson Zeballos stated that findings could not be made to allow projecting signs.  The awnings appear clean without the lettering and he is in support of the wall signs.  The signage is in keeping with the design of the building. 

Boardmember Charles supports the project but cannot make findings to allow projecting signs.  Boardmember Charles stated that proposed color scheme is stark and suggested an off-white or cream-colored background.

 

Boardmember Alvarez stated that findings to allow projecting signs could not be made. 

 

Boardmember Oliveras expressed support of the project but expressed concern regarding green and white sign color scheme.  Boardmember Oliveras stated that the sign ordinance does not allow projection signs.

 

Boardmember Charles made the motion to approve the item with the following revised conditions:

 

                                    1.         This approval shall expire when the administrative or discretionary entitlements previously granted by an associated approval have lapsed. If no such permit has been issued, this approval shall expire one year from the date of approval, unless appealed or otherwise implemented pursuant to applicable municipal regulations.

 

                                                2.         The approved sign program shall include the wall signs and directory boards, and shall not include any projecting signs.

 

3.         Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall revise the background color of the wall signs to an off-white or cream color for staff approval.

 

Boardmember Abelson seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

b.         New Submissions:

 

7.3       ARB 02-116, 1247 Third Street Promenade: Victoria’s Secret

Approval of Building Design, Colors, Materials, Sign Plans, and Sign Program

ACTION: CONTINUED AT APPLICANT’S REQUEST

 

Ed Hofmann was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Laks closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Charles confirmed that the upper opaque windows are not display windows and will be lit at night.  Boardmember Charles stated that the faux windows are an interesting concept but present a manufactured Art Deco appearance and dominant vertical nature of the design.

 

Boardmember Abelson stated that the design is not creative and needs more authenticity, placing more emphasis on understanding the architectural heritage and quality of the existing building, and not creating a false façade.

 

Boardmember Oliveras stated the application is a pretty façade for Victoria Secret, but the style does not fit in with the character of the Promenade.  A more clean and minimal approach may be better.  The design is symmetrical, but the combination of three stores creates a large building, and the proposed style additionally enhances the size of the store.

 

Vice-Chairperson Zeballos stated the design does not fit in this location on the Promenade.  The lighting is well designed but the second floor faux windows should be further developed or changed.

 

Chairperson Laks stated the upper windows should be utilized in a creative fashion and have  some relationship to the interior of the building.  The design should respond to the existing building façade and should be more unique.

 

Mr. Hofmann asked for a continuance.

 

Chairperson Laks made the motion to continue the item.

 

Boardmember Charles seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

7.4       ARB 02-126, 1340 Third Street Promenade: Pink Ice

Approval of Building Design, Colors, Materials, Sign Plans, and Sign Program

ACTION: CONTINUED AT APPLICANT’S REQUEST

 

Chris Lee was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Laks closed the public hearing.

 

Chairperson Laks clarified that this application is for the marquee and signage only.

Boardmember Abelson clarified that the Pink Ice is a junior clothing store.

 

Boardmember Abelson stated the sign resembles the neighboring Diesel sign and suggested that the applicant incorporate a vertical sign as a different approach from the neighboring sign.

 

Boardmember Alvarez stated that the neighboring Diesel sign dwarfs the proposed sign and presents a handicap to the applicant.  This is an opportunity for more creative signage on the Promenade.

 

Boardmember Charles would like to see the applicant utilize more colors and creativity and improve on the current submittal.

 

Vice-Chairperson Zeballos stated the existing building architecture has interesting qualities, and the applicant should work with the existing building.

 

Boardmember Oliveras observed that the building is narrow, and that a vertical sign would accentuate that verticality.  Other alternatives should be investigated.

 

Chairperson Laks stated this application should be unique and not resemble Diesel.

 

Mr. Lee asked for a continuance.

 

Boardmember Laks made the motion to continue the item.

 

Boardmember Alvarez seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

8.         DISCUSSION: Public input permitted.

            a.         Summary of Board and Commission Budget Priorities Meeting (HL)

                        ACTION: DISCUSSION HELD

                       

            Two chits were submitted, Arthur Harris, 1431 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA and Ellen Brennan, 1059 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA  90401.

 

            Howard Laks summarized his meeting with Suzanne Frick and Jay Trevino regarding the Architectural Review Board’s budget priorities and distributed an informational item outlining those priorities.

            b.         Consideration of Early Elections for Architectural Review Board Chair Person and Vice-Chairperson (RA)

                        ACTION: DISCUSSION HELD

 

            Boardmember Abelson made the motion to conduct the elections. 

 

            Boardmember Alvarez seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

            Boardmember Joseph commended Chairperson Laks on his contribution as Chairperson of the Architectural Review Board. 

 

            c.         Election of Architectural Review Board Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson (RA)

            ACTION: BOARDMEMBER ZEBALLOS ELECTED TO CHAIRPERSON, BOARDMEMBER CHARLES ELECTED TO VICE-CHAIRPERSON

 

            Boardmember Abelson made a motion nominating Sergio Zeballos as Chairperson, effective July 1, 2002.

 

            Boardmember Alvarez seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

            Boardmember Abelson made a motion nominating Boardmember Charles as Vice-Chairperson, effective July 1, 2002.

 

            Vice- Chairperson Zeballos seconded  the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

                        VOTE for Chairperson Zeballos:

                        Ayes:              Abelson, Alvarez, Charles, Joseph, Laks, Oliveras, Zeballos

                        Nyes:              None.

                        Abstain:          None.

                        Absent:           None.

 

                        VOTE for Vice-Chairperson Charles:

                        Ayes:              Abelson, Alvarez, Charles Joseph, Laks, Oliveras, Zeballos

                        Nyes:              None.

                        Abstain:          None.

                        Absent:           None.

 

 

9.         FUTURE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS: Public input permitted.

 

10.       REFERRALS TO STAFF:  Boardmember Abelson indicated that he would not be in attendance of the June 17, 2002 meeting.  Boardmember Alvarez stated that he would not be in attendance at the Special Meeting tentatively scheduled for June 24, 2002.

 

11.       ADJOURNMENT:  Chairperson Laks made the motion to adjourn at 9:35 p.m. which was seconded by Boardmember Alvarez.

 

 

 

07-15-2002

M. Bell