MINUTES

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

Monday, November 12, 2001
5:30 p.m.: Site tour of Civic Auditorium	1855 Main Street, meet in lobby
7:00 p.m.: Regular Meeting	City Council Chambers
	1685 Main Street, Room 213

1. CALL TO ORDER:

2. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioner Fresco

Commissioner Genser

Commissioner Posek

Commissioner Schnitzler

Commissioner Lehrer

Commissioner Alofsin

Absent: Commissioner Bolton

Also Present: Liz Bar-El, Staff Liaison

Kimberly Christensen, Senior Planner

Blake Lyon, Assistant Planner

3. INDUCTION OF NEW COMMISSIONER: NINA FRESCO

4. REPORT FROM STAFF:

Staff Liaison, Liz Bar-El notified the Commission that 224 18^th will go to City Council on November 13^th. Also the Preservation Element has been rescheduled from November 27^th to December 18^th due consultant availability. The staff report will be out on the Friday prior to December 18^th. Also, progress is being made on the Historic Inventory. Staff will give the Commission a full report tentatively in December, if the consultant is prepared. If not, it will be available in January 2002. She also mentioned that some trees were being cut down in the 3rd St. Neighborhood Historic District. The City had an arborist go out and look at a Eucalyptus tree, which was allowed to be cut down. Staff is keeping track that the other trees on the property are not cut down without proper permits.

She also stated that 1437 4^th Street has been approved for a 3- floor addition. They are going to keep the historic façade. It has gone through ARB, but because it did not meet the definition of a substantial remodel, it did not come before the Landmarks Commission. She stated that staff would agendize discussions of next year’s priorities in December and rules in January 2002.

5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Public Input Permitted

A. October 8, 2001

Commissioner Posek moved to approve the minutes with a correction on page 3, which should omit the statement “the building should be frozen in time.” Chair Pro Tem Lehrer seconded and the motion passed by voice vote, with Commissioner Fresco abstaining.

6. PUBLIC INPUT: (On items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission)

7. COMMUNICATIONS: (Public discussion by the person presenting the communication on items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission)

Robert Ulrich, property owner, He stated that the Third Street Historic District would like to discuss a way to save the mature trees in the district that are visible from the street. Stated that even though the arborist came out, there was no involvement from the community on this issue. It is important that they define and adopt a landscape review and some kind of approval policy.

Jerry Rubin, member of the public, stated that he would like to voice his support and get support from the Commissioners to look into some possible recognition for Chez Jay’s Restaurant. He stated the facility deserves some attention because of the integrity of the person that owns it and his involvement in the city. Stated he would like to agendize discussion.

8. CONSENT CALENDAR:

Public Input Permitted

A. Statement of Official Action: Structure of Merit Designation Application No. LC-01-LM-005, 224 18^th Street.

Chair Pro Tem Lehrer moved to approve the Statement of Official Action. Commissioner Posek seconded, and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote, with Commissioner Fresco abstaining.

B. Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness No. LC-01-CA-004, 200 Santa Monica Pier, to install a 560 lineal foot, 3 ½ foot high security railing to replace an existing railing located on the Santa Monica Pier’s Promenade extending from the Boathouse Restaurant to the west end of the asphalt paving.

Commissioner Posek moved to approve the Statement of Official Action. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote, with Commissioner Fresco abstaining.

9. PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Public Input Permitted

A. Landmark Designation Application LC-01-LM-004, 1855 Main Street (Civic Auditorium) to formally consider Landmark Designation.

Carole Curtin, thanked everyone for coming on the tour. Stated that staff is sensitive to those elements that are original to the building, however they have to do things to maintain them, such as painting and repairing wear and tear to the building. During the flooring project, which will happen in 2002, they will close the building to strengthen the floor. It will not change the look of the floor; the work will be done underneath.

Andy Agle, Deputy Director, stated the primary element is making more of a community focus on the visual arts and performing arts of the auditorium. Stated we may see more of a mix of events going on at the auditorium. Also stated that parking would go underneath the future expansion areas. One of the overriding goals is to make the Civic Center more pedestrian friendly.

Jan Ostashay, PCR, stated that in the staff report they made recommendations for the character defining features in the interior as well as the exterior features. However the Commission could modify them.

Chair Pro Tem Lehrer, thanked staff for the tour and stated that we should also pursue adding the Civic to the National Register.

Commissioner Genser inquired about the expansion plans for the Civic Auditorium.

Andy Agle stated that the east wing would be expanded, still keeping the setback, but expanded to accommodate perhaps the art gallery type spaces or community meeting rooms.

Jerry Rubin, member of the public, stated it would be good to look into bringing back the water element in front of the building. He agrees with texture coating the sidewalk and agrees that the City is trying to make the Civic a multi-purpose facility, which is what it is supposed to be.

Trudi Sandmeier, L.A. Conservancy, stated that this is wonderful flexible space that has some particular important character defining features that should be protected. However, it does not mean the building cannot be adapted and changed for the needs of the next century of use. She would like to see the building designated, including the interior features as recommended by staff.

Chuck Allard, Citizens for a Safer Santa Monica, stated he is against the designation of the Civic Center. He stated we are going to lose the view with the Rand building going up. Stated he would like to know exactly what is planned for the building, and asked the Commission to postpone their decision to a future meeting until they knew what is planned for the property. Stated that if the Commission voted in favor of the designation, he would appeal it to the City Council.

Council Liaison, Pam O’Connor explained that this item would eventually go to the City Council and they would evaluate the impact on any existing buildings. The ultimate decision would be based on competing demands and balancing of things.

Chair Pro Tem Lehrer, stated that the Commission had this discussion early on when they began to consider taking formal action on the Civic Auditorium. Stated the staff report clearly outlines that it is a significant historic building. It has certain architectural features and certain history to it, which are facts. Stated the purpose of the designation is to allow that to come into the discussion about planning the future. It does not mean they can’t change or expand anything, physically or programmatically. It means we look at how the building would be affected by any of these proposed changes and treat that with respect. Stated this is the right time to be doing this.

Commissioner Genser wanted to know if the Landmarks Commission approves this, could City Council make changes to designation.

Ms. Christensen stated that the City Council could either uphold the Landmarks decision in whole or in part, or deny it. Once the building is designated, any modifications that would involve the specific features would require certificate of appropriateness, which would also come before the Landmarks Commission.

Chair Pro Tem Lehrer moved to designate the Civic Auditorium and adopt staff’s findings and specifically include the interior features on page 6 of the report as recommended by staff. Commissioner Schnitzler seconded and the motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Fresco, Genser, Posek, Schnitzler, Lehrer, Alofsin

Nayes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Bolton

B. Landmark Designation Application LC-01-LM-006, 1455 4th Street (Lido Hotel) to formally consider Landmark Designation.

Howard Jacobs, representing the property owner, stated the owner would like to support the staff’s recommendation. Stated they would have liked more notice before purchasing the windows, and would like to install the windows already purchased for the courtyard and Broadway elevations of the building and not install them on the 4^th Street elevation. He stated that they have decided to retain the historic windows and consider alternative ways to insulate them from the inside. They would also like to receive information on the Mills Act.

Commissioner Schnitzler stated she would accept the consultant’s findings. Stated the Commission would not be able to designate this a landmark until they know what the windows are going to be.

Chair Pro Tem Lehrer stated the windows on the front façade would need to have the same visual appearance as the metal casing windows that are original to the building. It is a significant architectural element and should be part of the designation.

Staff clarified that the consultant’s analysis supports the window replacement in the interior courtyard elevation and on the Broadway elevation but not the 4^th Street elevation. Staff stated that the pictures in the staff report show what is proposed and that staff’s recommendation is in support of the consultant’s recommendation.

Commissioner Schnitzler moved to designate the structure as a landmark and to concurrently approve the replacement of the windows on the secondary façades, which are specifically the side street elevation on Broadway and the interior courtyard, but not on the 4^th Street elevation. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Fresco, Genser, Posek, Schnitzler, Lehrer, Alofsin

Nayes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Bolton

10. OLD BUSINESS:

Public Input Permitted

None

11. DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Public Input Permitted

A. Demolition Permits

1. 838 19^th Street (PC012370)

R2/Low Density Multiple-Family Residential

(3) One-story Apartment Buildings / (1) Two-story Apartment

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

After discussion by the Commission and direction by staff, Chair Pro Tem Lehrer moved to research this property further and bring back to the next meeting. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote.

2. 636 Bay Street (PC012357)

OP2/Low Multiple Residential

Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

3. 1317 Palisades Bch Rd (PC012327)

R2B/Low Density Multiple Residential

One-story Stucco Duplex

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

4. 1237 24^th Street (PC012321)

R2/Low Density Multiple Residential

Single Family Dwelling w/Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

5. 444 14^th Street (PC012392)

R1/Single Family Residential

Single Family Residential with Detached Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

6. 927 24^th Street (PC012396)

R1/Single Family Residential

Trio-Car Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

7. 3017 Pearl Street (PC012393)

R1/Single Family Residential

One-Story, Single Family Residential

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

No Action was taken on the remainder of these items.

B. Mills Act Contract Application: 2450 25th Street (Structure of Merit).

Commissioner Schnitzler moved to recommend approval of the Mills Act application. Chair Pro Tem Lehrer seconded and the motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Fresco, Genser, Posek, Schnitzler, Lehrer, Alofsin

Nayes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Bolton

C. Mills Act Contract Application: 2608 Third Street (Contributor, Third Street Historic District).

Robert Ulrich, owner stated he was privileged to live in the Hollister Court and has since moved down the street. Stated he loves the 3^rd Street Historic District, and asked the Commission to please consider the application. Stated the house was built in 1904 and has quite a bit of foundation problems in which he needs to rebuild the house from scratch, which would be a pleasure for him to rebuild. Also stated he would be inviting realtors that represent the neighborhood to their next Community meeting.

Commissioner Posek moved to accept staff’s recommendation and to recommend approval of the Mills Act application. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote.

D. Mills Act Contract Application: 2402 Fourth Street #1 (Hollister Court, Designated Landmark).

Chair Pro Tem Lehrer recommended not having the new construction as part of the contract because the purpose of the Mills Act is historic restoration.

Commissioner Lehrer moved to recommend approval of the Mills Act application with a change to item #6 (stating replacement of the screen door rather than the entry door) and not include the new construction component as part of the Mills Act Contract. Commissioner Posek seconded and the motion passed unanimously by voice vote.

E. Review of draft letter to realtors.

Commissioner Posek moved to continue to next month’s meeting. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote.

F. Review of preservation incentive handout.

Commissioner Schnitzler stated that the handout should perhaps include more information, such as stating the jurisdiction of the Commission, which includes the exterior of the building and would not affect the owner’s ability to change the interior. Property owners need to know that property values would go up rather than down. It should be a friendlier, more readable document.

Commissioner Genser stated that some of the comments in the Realtor letter could be incorporated in this handout.

Commissioner Fresco stated that there is a potential parking incentive they could apply for, which could be waived, one time only, for the life of the property. She also recommended subtitles so the public could skip paragraphs that don’t apply. She provided staff with some materials she had prepared and suggested additional topics to incorporate into the handout.

Staff Liaison, Ms. Bar-El stated she would incorporate all comments and present the edited version at the next meeting.

G. Status Report regarding 2712 Second Street.

Commissioner Genser stated that due to conflict of interest, he should abstain from discussing this item.

Ms. Christensen stated that Staff recently received an application, filed November 7, 2001, for a Zoning Conformance for the new Single Family Residence and also a parking variance. They will be reviewing them for compliance with the environmental analysis and all other city regulations.

Rick Laudauti, OPCO, stated he has been involved with this project since it was originally appealed to the City Council. OPCC disagreed with the staff report that came back on the appeal stating that the property could not be moved. He stated that two architects laid out a plan that contradicted the staff report. Also stated that the new owner would like to talk about the project and what can be done with the house, to possibly find some last minute way to do something it.

Commissioner Fresco stated it would be great to find a way to save this house. It is very old and in pristine condition. It would be horrible to just photograph it and see it demolished.

H. Appointment of Landmarks Commission member to Third Street Citizen Participation Committee.

Nina Fresco was appointed as Landmarks Commission representative on the Third Street Citizen Participation Committee.

I. Letter of Support for California Preservation Foundation 2002 Preservation Design Awards Entry for Douglas Park.

Commissioner Schnitzler moved to support this letter. Commissioner Genser seconded and the motion unanimously passed by voice vote.

J. Planning Commission Case List (Information Only)

K. Report from sub-committee for review of designation priorities (Chair Alofsin & Commissioner Schnitzler).

Commissioner Schnitzler stated they wrote down everything that was ranked with an evaluation code number three in the historic resources inventory. There were 32 properties that had not been landmarked or designated in some way. Of those 32, they found 10 that they were interested in. However, they have a lot more to look at. She stated that next year’s budget goal should be to have enough funding to do a lot of landmarking in a proactive way of these very highly ranked buildings, rather than wait for demolition permits to come in. She and Chair Alofsin will refine the list in the next few months.

Chairperson Alofsin noted that there are also some major public buildings that need to be addressed as well.

12. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS: (Requests from Commissioners to add items to upcoming agendas)

· Chair Pro Tem Lehrer would like to discuss the 18^th Street Historic District

· Chair Alofsin would like to discuss the 22^nd Street bungalows

· Commissioner Genser would like to discuss the Civic Center and any additional historical context it has.

· Have Andy Agle do a presentation at next month’s meeting regarding referred alternative for the Civic Center Specific Plan

13. NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, December 10, 2001

14. ADJOURNMENT: 9:45 p.m.