32:

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

 

MONDAY, MAY 16, 2005

City Council Chambers, Room 213

7:00 PM

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

 

1.         CALL TO ORDER:  The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m.

 

2.         ROLL CALL:               Present:       Joan Charles, Chairperson

William Adams, Vice-Chairperson

Rodolfo Alvarez

Tania Fischer

Michael Folonis

Lynn Robb

 

                                          Also Present:       Councilmember Bloom (arrival 7:20; departure 9:00 p.m.)

Barbara Kaplan, Landmark Commissioner (departure 7:50 p.m.)

Reza Tabatabai, Associate Planner

Margaret Bell, Staff Assistant

 

Absent:        Edouard Mimieux

 

3.         SECRETARY’S REPORT:  Reza Tabatabai informed the Board that the next joint session meeting of the City Council and Planning Commission for the Shape The Future Project will be on June 28, 2005 to review the Opportunities and Challenges Report which will identify the opportunities and constraints that will be used to analyze the land use and circulation elements.  This report will provide further background information and identify regional trends, latest innovations, theories and topic areas that are relevant to land use, economics, transportation, and environmental resources.  This report details the opportunities to further the communities’ vision and identify anticipated challenges to achieve those visions.

 

Reza Tabatabai informed the Board that the Architectural Review Board applications now include language to inform applicants of the need for a demolition permit to be reviewed by Landmark’s Commission, if the structure is over 40 years old.

 

Reza Tabatabai informed the Board that the Architectural Review Board Staff Resolution will be presented to the Board again in June to focus on the comments of the meeting of May 2, 2004.

 

Stephanie Reich informed the Board that Reza Tabatabai will be continuing his education at graduate school and will leaving the City of Santa Monica next Friday and this is his last meeting.  The Board thanked Mr. Tabatabai for his contribution to the Architectural Review Board.

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

            a.         April, 18, 2005

Chairperson Charles made the motion to approve the minutes with two corrections.  Board member Fischer seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

ACTION:  APPROVED AS SUBMITTED with two corrections to page 7 paragraph 8 to read, “Boardmember Folonis stated that the interior courtyard redesign that was just submitted by the applicant is improved with landscaping, and interactive space but expressed concern with regard to window location, and inconsistencies between the exterior elevations, plans, and renderings.”

 

            Page 5, paragraph 2 to read, “Boardmember Alvarez received an invitation to visit the offices of Community Corporation to review the model for Item 11.4, 04-ARB-562, 3031 Santa Monica Boulevard, along with E-mails and communications regarding this project.”

 

5.         PUBLIC HEARINGS AND INPUT:  None.

 

6.         EX PARTE COMMUNICATION:  None.

 

7.         REVIEWS: Public input permitted.

 

            A.        CONSENT CALENDAR

 

            a.         New Submissions:

 

                        7.1       *ARB 05-005, 2448 Fourth Street: Multiple-Family Residential

Approval of Building Design, Colors and Materials

ACTION:  APPROVED ON REGULAR CALENDAR WITH REVISED CONDITIONS

 

Peter Schechter was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Charles closed the public hearing.

 

Commissioner Kaplan expressed concern regarding the matching of the roofing choice, handrail detail, siding width, eaves detail, identical light fixtures, brick, and chimney, as too closely matching of the building.  There is a need to create variations in detail to clearly identify exactly where the addition starts as distinct from the existing structure, since the structure is listed on the Historic Resources Inventory.  Commissioner Kaplan stated that changes in the roof eaves and balcony rail would be sufficient to provide the necessary differentiation.

 

Chairperson Charles stated that the bridge makes a separation between the two buildings and creates separation and differentiation.

 

Boardmember Adams stated that there are considerable differences in the massing, roof slopes, and window configurations that distinguish the historical qualities of the additional structure.

 

Boardmember Folonis stated that the windows are different in location and proportion and the Secretary of Interior standards can be successfully applied to this project.

 

Boardmember Alvarez stated that the differentiation is minimal but clear, and the addition is compatible with the existing structure, and stated his support of the project.

 

Boardmember Robb stated that the Landmark’s Commission interpretation should be a valued past experience and referenced for these types of applications and set a precedent  for this type of review.

 

Boardmember Robb made the motion to approve the project with the following 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 its effective date, unless appealed or otherwise implemented pursuant to applicable municipal regulations.

 

2.         Prior to the issuance of a building permit, for all landscape areas including any use of landscape material in the driveway and especially the rear yard landscaping, the applicant shall demonstrate compliance with the City’s Water Conservation Ordinance subject to staff approval.   The applicant shall submit a landscape plan that includes plant materials and or rear property line wall selected for use as a vertical screen of the first floor from the property to the west. 

 

3.         Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that the plans comply with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance.  Significant changes to a project’s design shall require review and approval of the Architectural Review Board.  Minor changes may be approved administratively pursuant to all applicable guidelines.

 

4.         Prior to issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall work with staff to provided further differentiation between the existing structure on the front of the property and the proposed structure at the rear of the property.

 

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

 

7.2       ARB05-114, 1907 & 1911 Lincoln Boulevard: Commercial Retail Building

ACTION:  APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

 

7.3       **ARB05-140, 1311 Montana Avenue: Janie and Jack

Approval of Façade Design, Colors, Materials, Sign Plan

ACTION:  APPROVED ON REGULAR CALENDAR WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

 

Mary Ryan was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Charles closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Folonis stated that he had removed this from the Consent Calendar to point out how this application clearly demonstrates the existing and proposed and should be used as a standard for future applications.

 

Vice-Chairperson Adams stated that the proposal is a very beautiful presentation.

 

Boardmember Folonis made the motion to approve the project that was seconded by Boardmember Fischer.

7.4       ARB05-156, 820 Montana Avenue: Pavilions Supermarket

Approval of Building Design, Colors, Materials, and Sign Plan

ACTION:  APPROVED ON CONSENT CALENDAR WITH STAF CONDITIONS

 

            B.        REGULAR CALENDAR

 

                        a.         Re-Submissions

 

7.5       **ARB-04-561, 1253 Eighteenth Street: Multiple-Family Residential

Approval of Building Design, Colors, and Materials

ACTION:  CONTINUED AT THE APPLICANT’S REQUEST

 

Deadmi Deodovski was present to discuss the project.

 

One chit was submitted, Amy Glad.

 

Chairperson Charles closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Folonis expressed concern regarding the inconsistencies between the renderings, the exterior elevations, and project plans.  The details on the south elevation are inconsistent with regards to the balconies and their relationship to the windows and geometry of the building.  The elevations do not have the same character as the renderings.  The street elevation lacks imagination in articulation, color and massing.

 

Boardmember Robb concurs with Boardmember Folonis and experienced difficultly in interpreting the plans.  Any future application should eliminate such confusion.  The front elevation should contain more rhythm and clearly identify project design style.

 

Vice-Chairperson Adams stated the shadowing shown on the elevations is exaggerated.  Vice-Chairperson Adams also stated that the building is flat and the upper cubic volume is heavy and lacks integration with overall design.

 

Boardmember Alvarez stated that the application appears like a box and has no distinguishing or appealing architectural features.

 

Boardmember Robb noted that the floor level at three feet about the existing grade does not appear pedestrian oriented.

 

Chairperson Charles stated that the proposal is difficult to understand and the style is undefined.  The transition in relation to the adjacent structure is not well designed defined and the project is towering to the south and does not relate to other structures on Eighteenth Street.

 

Boardmember Folonis recommended applicant to work with neighbor and address concerns.

 

Mr. Deodovski asked for a continuance.

 

Chairperson Charles made the motion to continue the project.  Boardmember Robb seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

                        b.         New Submissions:

 

7.6       **ARB04-501, 1038 Eleventh Street: Multiple-Family Residential

Approval of Building Design, Colors, Materials, and Landscape Plans

ACTION:  APPROVED ON REGULAR CALENDAR WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

 

Hamid Farkhondeh was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Charles closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Alvarez stated that the project is well articulated and pedestrian oriented.

 

Vice-Chairperson Adams stated his support of the project.  Vice-Chairperson Adams also stated that while in the past he expressed concern regarding elastomeric paint in projects that should not have a sheen, and applied by trowel, to have a mottled appearance to deliver an aged, natural quality, in this instance the elastomeric paint may work with white color and contemporary design.  This project is well put together and conforms to the R2 requirements and easy to understand and the third story is relatively unobtrusive.

 

Chairperson Charles stated that this application responds nicely to the street.

 

Boardmember Fischer made the motion to approve the project. Boardmember Alvarez seconded the motion that was approved by voice vote.

 

7.7       **ARB04-513, 1444 Seventeenth Street: Multiple-Family Residential

Approval o Building Design, Colors, and Materials

ACTION:  CONTINUED AT THE APPLICANT’S REQUEST

 

Richard Kolbu was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Charles closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Folonis stated that the proposed matching of existing structure is problematic.  The current building lacks articulation, detail, and imagination and the proposal lacks the same.  Boardmember Folonis also stated that there are missed opportunities with this application.

 

Boardmember Alvarez concurs with Boardmember Folonis and stated that this proposal is a missed opportunity to work with the new part of the building.

 

Boardmember Fischer clarified the intention of the applicant clarifying that the applicant is limited by budget.

 

Boardmember Robb stated that the proposal provides the opportunity to take the existing simple elements and deliver quality character to the addition with well composed design even with simple elements provided, within perimeters of client’s budget.

 

Boardmember Adams stated that the existing perimeters of materials and details, should be played in a creative way and increase livability to make a more interesting expansion without affecting the budget.

 

Chairperson Charles stated that the existing structure and the proposal are modest and the addition is in the rear and difficult to see.

 

Mr. Kolbu asked for a continuance.

 

Chairperson Charles made the motion to continue the item.

 

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

 

Chairperson Charles made a motion to combine Items, 7.8, 05-ARB-128, 1525 Santa Monica Boulevard, 7.9, 05-ARB-129, 1601 Santa Monica Boulevard, and 7.10, 05-ARB-130, 1530 Santa Monica Boulevard.

 

7.8       ARB05-128, 1525 Santa Monica Boulevard: Nissan Automobile Dealership

Approval of Sign Plans

ACTION:  APPROVED ON REGULAR CALENDAR WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

 

Chris Polster was present to discuss the project.

 

Chairperson Charles closed the public hearing.

 

Boardmember Folonis stated his support of signs that comply with the Sign Code and stated his support of this application with conditions to adhere to the Sign Code.

 

Boardmember Robb concurs with Boardmember Folonis.

 

Boardmember Alvarez concurs with Boardmembers Folonis and Robb but expressed concern with the applicant’s presentation.  Boardmember Alvarez also stated that the proposed monument sign is oversized and not well defined and the presentation is minimal.

 

Chairperson Charles polled the Board regarding 05-ARB-129, 1601 Santa Monica Boulevard to approve the recommendations of staff to reduce the size of the Nissan sign although it does comply with the Sign Code.

 

Boardmember Folonis made a friendly suggestion to the applicant to review with the owner any restrictions with the corporate name and logo.

 

Chairperson Charles polled the Board regarding 05-ARB-128, 1525 Santa Monica Boulevard to approve the recommendations of staff to reduce the size and mass of the monument sign although it does comply with the Sign Code.

 

Boardmember Robb stated that the brushed stainless background will disappear into the building, and the unification and simplicity reduce the mass of the proposed signage.

 

Boardmember Folonis made the motion to approve the 05-ARB-128, 1525 Santa Monica Boulevard, 05-ARB-129, 1601 Santa Monica Boulevard, 05-ARB-130, 1530 Santa Monica Boulevard with staff conditions.  Boardmember Robb seconded the motion that was approved by voice.

 

7.9       ARB05-129, 1601 Santa Monica Boulevard: Nissan Automobile Dealership

Approval of Sign Plans

ACTION:  APPROVED ON REGULAR CALENDAR WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

 

7.10    ARB05-130, 1530 Santa Monica Boulevard: Nissan Automobile Dealership

Approval of Sign Plans

ACTION:  APPROVED ON REGULAR CALENDAR WITH STAFF CONDITIONS

8.         DISCUSSION:

            a.         Discussion of potential recommendations for Shape the Future Project Team (Land Use Element/ Zoning Ordinance Project)

 

Chairperson Charles requested copies of the Shape the Future Report of the City Council and Planning Commission joint meeting scheduled for June 28, 2005.

 

Chairperson Charles requested a copy of the Challenges and Opportunities report that was accepted at the Planning Commission meeting of May 4, 2005.

 

            Chairperson Charles suggested that the subcommittee convene to prepare a preliminary report.

 

b.         Update from the Architectural Review Board Liaison to the Planning Commission (MF)

 

            Boardmember Folonis has no update at this time.

 

9.         FUTURE BOARD AGENDA ITEMS:  None.

10        REFERRALS TO STAFF:  Boardmember Folonis referred to staff the signs at 3118 Lincoln Boulevard.   Boardmember Alvarez will not be in attendance for the June 20, 2005 meeting.

11.       ADJOURNMENT:  Chairperson Charles made the motion to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. that was seconded by Boardmember.

 

05-26-05

MB