MINUTES

 

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Monday, April 14, 2003

 

7:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers, Room 213,

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

CALL TO ORDER:              7:05

 

1.     ROLL CALL    

 

Present:

Commissioner Fresco

Chair Pro Tem Genser

Chairperson Lehrer

Commissioner Posek

Commissioner Rosenfield

Commissioner Schnitzler    

 

Also Present:

Kimberly Christensen

Elizabeth Bar-El

Barry Rosenbaum

Arlene Johnson

Councilman Michael Feinstein

 

Absent:

Commissioner Kaplan

 

2       REPORT FROM STAFF:

Ms. Bar-El updated the Commission on the project located at 1331 Pico Blvd.  An EIR including review for cultural resources is required.  However, the applicant may be withdrawing the application. Staff is waiting for a written letter.  Requested information by the Commission is now on the Residential Building Report form.  The City has been approved for an internship this summer through the Getty Multi-Cultural Intern Grant Program for 10 weeks.  The intern will help produce Landmarks materials, and other projects.  The EIR for the Bubba Gump project is out for comments until May 19th.  Copies are available at the Planning counter.  Also, the annual Boards and Commissions dinner will be held on May 5th.   Please RSVP by April 21st.

 

 

 

 

3.      COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Chairperson Lehrer announced the Annual California Preservation Foundation Conference which will held on April 24 - 27th in Santa Barbara.  There are some sessions held on Saturdays, and the conference agenda is on-line.

 

4.      APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

         Public Input Permitted

                                     

A.  March 10, 2003

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser  made a motion to approve the minutes.   Commissioner  Schnitzler  seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.

 

   5.   APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:

 

A.  Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-001, 406 Adelaide Drive, allowing alterations including demolition of an existing carport and construction of a new structure to include a three-car garage and accessory living quarters in the rear yard with access from the alley. 

 

B.  Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-003, 380 Santa Monica Pier, to allow following work at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier: Replacement of children’s swing ride, Seaside Swing, with another children’s ride (“L’il Scrambler”), relocation of Frog Hopper; exterior refurbishment of the “Pier Gear” retail store located on main Pier walk.

 

C.  Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-001, 710 Adelaide Place, designating the structure as a City Landmark.

 

      Commissioner Fresco made a motion to approved items 5(a-c).  Commissioner    Posek seconded the motion which passed unanimously by voice vote with Commissioner Rosenfield abstaining.

 

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

 

7.      CONSENT CALENDAR:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.      OLD BUSINESS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.  Continued Review of a Proposed Demolition of 2 Units w/Detached Garage at 128 Hollister Avenue (PC014112), a Structure Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory (5D) and Consideration Whether to File an Application For Designation of a Structure as a Landmark or Structure of Merit

 

            Staff report presented by Ms Bar-El.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that she disagrees with the consultant report.  She felt the consultant evaluated more in terms of looking for a unique, pristine version of architecture from a certain year, and not from the context of what’s important about our cultural history in that particular neighborhood.  She feels the property is significant in many ways.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that he would like to look at the house individually and not as part of a grouping.  He stated that the significance is not overwhelming but credible, and reasonably significant enough to look at carefully.

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that the property qualifies easily for landmark status.  It resonates a lot of the history of the South Beach tract.  It is very intact.  It has all of the classic features of the beach house.  It is a very simple building and intact historically and speaks of that early development of this beach tract in a way that nothing else around it does.  It has a lot of cultural and historical significance. She stated that the property meets the 1st and 4th criteria. 

 

Commissioner Schnitzler stated she was disappointed with the staff report because she thought the findings would be stronger.   She agreed with Chair Pro Tem Genser in that the property stands out more as an individual property.  It does not rise to the level of landmark, based on her reading.   She stated she’s not sure if a typical building is significant if it does not stand out, unless there are not many left. 

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that this little block tells a story of the original period. 

 

Commissioner Schnitzler asked for clarification on the lot size from staff.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser suggested getting public input by nominating the structure. 

 

Commissioner Fresco made a motion to file a landmark application for the structure.  Commissioner Posek seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

   Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Posek, Rosenfield, Leher

   Nayes:            Schnitzler

   Absent:           Kaplan

   Abstain:          None

 

Ms. Bar-El stated that she would have the requested information on whether the lots are tied and on how many structures like these are left from this era at the designation hearing.

 

9.      NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

         Public Input Permitted

                   

A.  Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-002, 380 Santa Monica Pier. Sign Program to establish parameters for all signs within the boundaries of Pacific Park (continued to May 12, 2003).

 

B.  Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03-004, 401 Santa Monica Pier.  Request to revise approved windows on second floor addition at Mariasol, located on the Landmark Santa Monica Pier.

 

Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  Sam Tolkin, architect and Andy Camacho, Mariasol restaurant.

 

Mr. Camacho stated that he acquired ownership in 1992 or 1993.  He stated that in 1996 or 1997 the Pier Restoration Corporation commissioned a study in terms of the property utilization of all tenants on the pier.  The recommendation of that study was that the upper deck of the Mariasol should be better utilized.  But because there is a tremendous wind factor up there, even on sunny days, this has led to the under utilization of that portion of the restaurant.  He stated that his original budget was around $400,000, and today he is over budget by $1.1Million.  Once construction began other issues were discovered that the original contractor did not take care of.  This severely impacted the safety of that structure, costing an additional $270,000, which he hopes will be reimbursed by the City. 

 

Sam  Tolkin, architect for Mariasol stated that originally he had an planned outdoor deck.  The City requested that they enclose the whole deck.  They received both Planning Commission and Landmark Commission approvals.    When they went to the Coastal Commission, they made a compromise because the Coastal Commission was not happy with them enclosing a portion of the deck that was originally public.  They agreed to allow those openings without doors and have a demising wall in the same location as the handrail.  He stated that there was a public safety issue.  He had concerns that people would drop things on the existing lower deck from the public deck.  To correct this problem, they deleted some windows and kept some of the operable windows, and also put in some doors to keep people out at night. He stated that buildings do not have to be symmetrical.  They can respond in different ways to different orientations.  He also stated that the Development Standards for the Pier allowed them to maximize the view and allowed for some eccentricities.  There are operable windows on all sides with the east and south having the maximum operable windows.  They also changed the demising walls so that it is not as solid as it was, and this space now acts as a total space in terms of airflow.   The current windows totally enhance the view for the restaurant and also for the public. 

 

Ms. Bar-El reiterated the Commission’s purview in this matter.

 

Commissioner Rosenfield stated that this is not a historic structure that we are trying to match.  He noticed that there are various types of windows.  He also stated that the view is enhanced by a clear slate of glass.   He stated that he does not feel the windows negatively affect the structure.

 

Commissioner Schnitzler agreed with Commissioner Rosenfield.  She doesn’t feel the windows would have an impact on the Pier, and feels that it is unfortunate for the applicant to have to come before the Landmarks Commission for permission about the windows. 

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that the western side is an extremely viewed side.  She stated that she would like to see the windows changed close to what was originally approved.  The Pier is the signature resource to Santa Monica and all of the buildings on it are significant.  The Mariasol is the one building that stands out most on the Western end of the Pier. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that it is not an historic building.  Her sense of the character of the building is that the movement of air is an important experience to have. 

 

Commissioner Posek stated that the building does not have a tremendous amount of significance, and the windows don’t match.  He concurred with Commissioners Schnitzler and Rosenfield.

 

Ms. Bar-El clarified that the Landmarks Commission is looking at this structure because the Pier is a Landmark parcel delegated to the Landmarks Commission, and architectural review of any modification to the exterior modification is within the Landmarks Commission’s purview.  

 

Commissioner Schnitzler made a motion to amend the Certificate of Appropriateness per the proposed plans submitted by the applicant.  Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:           Posek, Rosenfield, Schnitzler, Lehrer

Nayes:         Fresco, Genser

Absent:        Kaplan

Abstain:       None

 

C.  Landmark Designation Application LC-02LM-010, 502 Raymond Avenue, to determine whether the proposed property should be designated as a City Landmark.

 

      Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

      The following member of the public addressed the Commission:  Gail Howell, owner who added some information regarding the attention paid to historic details and materials during her rehabilitation of the property in 2001.

 

      Chairperson Lehrer noted that the piers are a very distinctive feature of this house.  She stated that it meets criteria #4.  Also, it has all the features of a Craftsman style.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that she is concerned about the windows in terms of the Secretary of Interior Standards because it may be deceptive as to what is really an authentic historical element. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that the window is clearly a contemporary reinterpretation of Craftsman.  The design of it is the same as in the doors. 

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that he wholehearted supports the property as a landmark designation, but wonders what the arguments might be against it.  He discussed the alternative of designation as a Structure of Merit.

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated she is inclined to support the property as well.  The Structure of Merit offers very little protection.  The building deserves all of the protection that can be provided.

 

Commissioner Posek agreed that this house contributes to some of the history of Ocean Park and deserves protection and recognition. 

 

Commissioner Schnitzler stated that it works as a remnant, a little reminder of what was.

 

Commissioner Fresco made a motion to designate the property as a landmark under criteria #1, #2 and #4.  Chair Pro Tem Genser seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

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

Nayes:         None

Absent:        Kaplan

Abstain:       None

 

10.    DISCUSSION ITEMS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.  Review of Demolition Permits and Consideration Whether to File an Application For Designation of a Structure as a Landmark or Structure of Merit.

     

1.   2626 31st Street (PC014147)

R1-Single Family Residential

                        Single Family Dwelling

                        Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                  2.   1136 Centinela Avenue (PC014152)

                        R1-Single Family Residential

                  1-Story, Single Family Resident w/Detached Garage

                        Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

               3.      834-36 16th Street (PC014197)

                  R2-Low Density Multiple Residential

                  Single Family Resident w/Detached, Garage

                        Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

               4.     210 23rd Street (PC014219)

                  R1-Single Family Residential

                  Single Family Resident w/Detached, Garage

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         5.      944 5th Street (PC014216)

                  R2-Low Density Multiple Residential

                  Three Unit Apartment w/Attached 3-Car Garage

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         6.      839 9th Street (PC014235)

                  R2-Low Density Multiple Residential

                  Two, One-Story Structures

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         7.     841-A 9th Street (PC014236)

                  R2- Low Density Multiple Residential

                  2 Units, Single Family Resident w/Detached Garage

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         8.     1341 9th Street (PC014241)

                  R3-Medium Density Multiple Family Residential

                  2 Units, Single Family Resident w/Detached Garage

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         9.      470 18th Street (PC014270)

                  R1-Single Family Residential

                  Single Family Residence w/Detached Garage

                  Structure Identified in Historic Resources Inventory as 5D

                 

The following members of the public addressed the                       Commission: William Murray, architect for owner of 470 18th Street, and Marc Schrobilgen.

 

         10.   159 Hollister Avenue (PC014278)

                  OP2-Ocean Park Low Multiple Residential

                  2-Story, 7 Unit, Multiple Dwelling

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

This Item was continued to next month’s meeting, with a request to staff for additional information.

 

         11.    153 Hollister Avenue (PC014277)

                  OP2-Ocean Park Low Multiple Residential

                  One-Story, Single Family Dwelling

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         12.    1537 16th Street (PC014280)

                  R2-Low Density Multiple Residential

                  One-Story Residential

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

         13.   427 17th Street (PC014282)

                  R1-Single Family Residential

                  One-Story, Single Family Residence w/2-Car Detached Garage

                  Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                  No action was taken on 9A(1-9 and 11-13)

 

B.  Discussion of Palisades Park and whether the Commission should nominate the park for Landmark designation or direct staff to research its qualifications for nomination as a City Landmark. (Requested by Commissioner Rosenfield)

 

      The following City staff members addressed the Commission:  Karen Ginsberg and Elaine Polacheck, Community and Cultural Services.

 

Commissioner Schnitzler inquired as to a proposal for a new visitor’s center.

 

Ms. Ginsberg stated that there was a capital improvement project to look at the Senior Center and make improvements to the Senior Recreation Center in the park.  However, Parks and Recreation only had enough funding for design.  This project is now on hold.

 

After further discussion, Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to establish an ad-hoc sub-committee to meet with the Parks and Recreation Commissioners.  Commissioner  Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.   Committee members will be Commissioners Posek and Rosenfield.

 

C.  Discussion of Ocean Park Area Update of the Historic Resources Inventory including the boundaries of the area to be updated.

 

Ms. Bar-El stated that the contract was signed and the scope of work included Ocean Park, east of Main Street.  However, they could not accommodate the entire area, which they had hoped to do.  Staff will have to see what the budget will be next fiscal year and complete the survey in the Main Street and South Beach areas at that time.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that it is important to thoroughly review resources that were previously not surveyed in Ocean Park.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that there is less danger of demolition in the beach tract than there is in the rest of the area. 

 

No action was taken.

 

D.  Discussion regarding pursuing a City requirement to disclose information on the historic significance of properties through Real Estate transfer disclosure statements. (requested by Commissioners Fresco & Schnitzler)

 

      The following member of the public addressed the Commission: Marc Schrobilgen.

 

      Councilman Feinstein suggested that it be put on the City Council agenda, and email all the members before the meeting date with all of the concerns. 

 

      After further discussion, Commissioner Schnitzler  made a motion to draft a letter to City Council outlining the items of discussion.  Commissioner Rosenfield, which passed unanimously by voice vote.  Chairperson Lehrer will draft the letter and send it to Commissioner Fresco for review.

 

E.  Discussion of the type and level of detail of materials that should be submitted with applications requiring review by the Landmarks Commission. (Requested by Commissioner Schnitzler)

 

      Commissioner Schnitzler stated that the commission should not be burdensome when applicants submit plans.  Plans should be reduced to 11x17 and in black and white, except for paint information.  Commissioners agreed that plastic covers or spiral bindings are not necessary and environmentally unfriendly.  Staff will mention this to applicants.

 

F.   Presentation of potential sites for the Shotgun House and discussion of the Landmarks Commission’s preferences and recommendations. (Requested by Commissioner Fresco)

 

The Commission discussed the site options that have been developed for final location of the Shotgun House.  They agreed with the site selection committee’s choice of the Community Gardens.  The next step will be to pursue this idea, and if the committee runs into a roadblock, then they would go back and reconsider.  They will meet with a group of people who own similar properties to get their ideas and feedback.

 

G.  Planning Commission Case List (Information Only)

 

11.    WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

A.  Request from Faith and Harry Rumack to nominate the eucalyptus deanei tree on their property at 522 24th Street as a City Landmark.

     

   The following member of the public addressed the Commission: Harry            Rumack.

 

Commissioner Fresco made a motion to file a Landmark application for the tree.  Chairperson Lehrer seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

            Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Rosenfield, Schnitzler, Leher

            Nayes:            Posek

            Absent:           Kaplan

            Abstain:          None

        

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

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser asked to agendize discussion of the status of the Stanton McDonald Wright Mural.

 

Chairperson Lehrer asked to agendize a discussion of the Niemeyer House and whether to file a Landmark application.

 

13.    NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, June 9, 2003.

                                                                                                                       

14.    ADJOURNMENT:  11:00 p.m.