MINUTES

 

MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

 

Monday, October 13, 2003

 

7:00 p.m.

City Council Chambers, Room 213,

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

 

CALL TO ORDER:                 7:05 p.m.

 

1.     ROLL CALL

 

Present:

Commissioner Fresco

Chair Pro Tem Genser

Chairperson Lehrer

Commissioner Kaplan

Commissioner Rosenfield

 

Also Present:

Elizabeth Bar-El

Barry Rosenbaum, City Attorney

Arlene Johnson

Councilmember Michael Feinstein

 

2.         REPORT FROM STAFF:

Ms. Bar-El informed the Commission that City Council appointed John Berley as the new Landmarks Commissioner and that he would begin his tenure at the November 10th meeting.  There is a Downtown Urban Design Guidelines meeting on October 29th and the commissioners are encouraged to attend to represent the perspective of preservation of the many potential landmarks that are downtown.  One of the new Landmark brochures is available at the public counter and the other will be available soon. 

 

3.         COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that she would be attending the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines meeting and would be doing a presentation in hopes that the public will get a better understanding of preservation.  Also, the Santa Monica Conservancy is having a tour of city Landmarks.  The date is November 9th, and the tour is 2 hours.  

 

4.         APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

         Public Input Permitted

                       

A.         September 8, 2003

 

      Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the minutes.  Commissioner  Kaplan seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote, with the following addition:  On the future agenda items, Commissioner Fresco requested to agendize the discussion of ways to arrive at a remodeling threshold that triggers Landmarks Commission approval for items that are on the historic inventory.

 

   5.            APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:

 

A.  Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-006, Sign Adjustment Application 03ARB358, 200 Santa Monica Pier, to permit signage for a gift shop in the Carousel building.

 

B. Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-008, Sign Adjustment Application 03ARB336, 301 Santa Monica Pier, to permit signage for a proposed new restaurant (Bubba Gump Shrimp Company) on the Landmark Santa Monica Pier.

 

               Commissioner   Fresco made a motion to approve items 5A and 5B.                 Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed                unanimously by voice vote:    

 

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

 

7.         CONSENT CALENDAR:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.  (Items 10B-F may be considered here)

 

         Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to move Items 10 B,C,E and F onto the consent calendar.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by voice vote.

 

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

 

 

8.      OLD BUSINESS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

9.      NEW BUSINESS / PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

         Public Input Permitted

                             

A.            Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-007, Sign Adjustment Application 03ARB350, 1415 Ocean Avenue, requesting a roof sign to replace the roof sign removed from the Georgian Hotel, a City-designated Landmark property. (Continued from September 8, 2003)

 

Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  Paul Hortobagyi, applicant and Jenny Navarro.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that he is in favor of approving the sign because he believes that the sign is a character-defining feature of the landmark.

 

Commissioner Rosenfield stated that he disagrees with the staff findings that the sign is not a character-defining feature, and is in favor of approving the sign replacement.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser concurred with Commissioner Rosenfield.  He stated that the sign is a character-defining feature of the street as well as the building. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that she supports the signage, and that neon signs are a classic component of historic hotels, and she was surprised that it was not included with the original designation application. She also disagreed that the building was Romanesque revival style, as stated in the Landmark designation findings. 

 

Commissioner Fresco added that after reading the Secretary of Interior Preservation Brief about signs, she agrees that the hotel sign should be designated.  Not only is this sign important to this hotel, but also she feels it qualifies as a landmark on its own.

 

Commissioner Kaplan stated that she supports the sign, and feels it is character-defining. 

 

Commissioner Rosenfield made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness to allow the replacement of the Georgian roof sign.  Chair Pro Tem Genser seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

            Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Rosenfield

            Nayes:            None

            Absent:          None

            Abstain:         None

 

B.            Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-005, 851 19th Street, to determine whether the courtyard apartment complex should be designated as a City Landmark. (Continued from September 8, 2003)

 

Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Elizabeth Terry, James Terry, Patrick Aroff, owner, Patricia Theis, Robin Clarke, Wendy Abrams, Regina Oslapas, Gary Bachman and Craig Moody.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that the Commission should remain focused on the designation criteria and historic merits of the building only, despite the emotional testimony regarding the application.

 

            Commissioner Rosenfield stated that the building is charming and that it   may qualify as part of a historic district but not individually.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that she was unclear on better examples of this type of building.  Also, she asked, when does the Commission decide when a building is rare? 

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that the building has historic context, but does not support an individual designation.

 

Commissioner Kaplan stated that the building does not merit landmark designation individually.  However, she feels that it does qualify as a cluster.

 

Chairperson Lehrer agrees with staff on the merits of the building as an individual Landmark.  However, she feels that it does qualify as a cluster and would like to further pursue this.

 

Commissioner Rosenfield made a motion to deny the application.  Commissioner Kaplan seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

            Ayes:              Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Rosenfield

            Nayes:            None

            Absent:          None

            Abstain:            Fresco

 

C.            Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-009, 145-147 Bay Street, for approval of exterior repairs on two structures that are contributors to the Bay Street Craftsman Cluster Historic District.

 

            Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  Deepesh Patel and Manhar Patel.

 

Commissioner Fresco expressed concern over recent unapproved work altering windows on the building.  This application does not address windows.

 

            Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the Certificate of             Appropriateness.  Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which             passed by the following vote:

 

            Ayes:              Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Rosenfield

            Nayes:            Fresco

            Absent:          None

            Abstain:         None

 

D.            Certificate of Appropriateness LC-03CA-010, 211 Alta Avenue, to allow a change to the front elevation as approved in Certificate of Appropriateness LC-CA01-006, which permitted new construction connecting existing bungalows.

 

      Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

     

The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  James Vanlokoren.

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that the proposal that was originally proposed differentiates from the original structure, which is good.  She liked the trellises.  She would like to see some shallow trellis extending to the front. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that having the post cut off and capped at the same level as the roof and painted white to blend in should minimalize the posts without the trellis.  The ensemble as a whole reads very nicely.  It’s a good solution. 

 

Commissioner Kaplan concurs with Chairperson Lehrer.  She was concerned about the rust posts because they compete with the bungalows, which have a strong architectural statement.  She also felt they should be cut down and painted white.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser also agreed that the post should be cut down and painted white. 

 

Commissioner Kaplan made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions:  Eliminate the trellis and cut down the posts to roof level and cap them and paint white.   Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

      Ayes:        Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Rosenfield

            Nayes:            None

            Absent:          None

      Abstain:   None

 

E.            Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-006, 147 Georgina Avenue (R.D. Farquhar Residence), to determine whether the single-family residence on the property should be designated as a City Landmark.

 

            Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

            The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  Brian             Murphy representing the property owner, Jennifer Nicholson.

 

The Commissioners were concerned with the staff analysis regarding significance.  Chairperson Lehrer added that there is a person of significance also associated with the structure, Mrs. Farquhar, a member of the prominent Santa Monica John P. Jones family.  Proposed modifications to the rear of the structure were briefly discussed and referred to staff for staff-level approval.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the designation of this property as a landmark.  Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion, which             passed by the following vote:

 

            Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Rosenfield

            Nayes:            None

            Absent:          None

      Abstain:   None

 

F.            Landmark Designation Application LC-03LM-007, 1001 Third Street (The Embassy Apartment Hotel), to determine whether the apartment hotel on the property should be designated as a City Landmark.

           

            Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

 

            The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  Michele             Nasatir, owner, Sean Millken, Gale Feldman, Teresa Grimes,

 

The Commissioners generally agreed about staff’s finding.  They agreed that the lobby, while clearly of historic significance, is not a public area as intended in the Code.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser made a motion to approve the designation of this property (The Embassy Hotel Apartment), noting also the gate on 3rd Street and signs.  Commissioner Kaplan seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

            Ayes:              Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Lehrer, Rosenfield

            Nayes:            None

            Absent:          None

      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.            712 Copeland Court (PC014977)

                              OP2-Low Multiple Residential

                              Garage

                              Structure Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

               2.               237 Palisades Beach Road (PC014971)

                              RVC - Residential-Visitor Commercial

                              1-Two Story, Single Family Resident

                              Structure Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

                              Chair Pro Tem Genser recused himself from this item.

                       

This item is continued to next month's meeting.  Staff to bring back more information. 

 

               3.               1047 26th Street (PC014929)

                              R1-Single Family Residential

                              Remove existing wall

                              Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

               4.               608 22nd Street (PC014909)

                              R1-Single Family Residential

                              Single Family Residential

                              Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

               5.               302 23rd Street (PC015018)

                              R1-Single Family Residential

                              One-Story, Single Family Residential

                              Structure Not Identified in the Historic Resources Inventory

 

                              No action taken on 10A(1, 3, 4 & 5)

 

B.   Recommendation to City Council regarding a Mills Act Contract Application: 02HSL-005 at 2402 4th Street, #3 (Hollister Court, a Designated Landmark)

 

      Approved on Consent Calendar.

        

C.   Recommendation to City Council regarding a Mills Act Contract Application: 03HSL-001 at 317 Georgina Avenue (The A. McFadden Residence, a Designated Landmark)

 

      Approved on Consent Calendar.

 

  1. Recommendation to City Council regarding a Mills Act Contract Application: 03HSL-002 at 555 7th Street (the Fones Residence, a Designated Landmark).

 

The following member of the public addressed the Commission:  Joan Swartz, architect.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser stated that he has some concerns.  A discussion followed regarding the applicant’s progress on her current construction / renovation. 

        

      Commissioner Fresco made a motion to recommend approval to the City       Council.  Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed       by the following vote:

 

      Ayes:        Fresco, Kaplan, Rosenfield, Lehrer

      Nayes:      Genser

      Abstain:   None

            Absent:          None

 

E.   Recommendation to City Council regarding a Mills Act Contract Application: 03HSL-003 at 2607 Third Street (contributing structure to the Third Street Neighborhood Historic District).

 

            Approved on Consent Calendar.

 

F.   Recommendation to City Council regarding a Mills Act Contract Application: 03HSL-004 at 502 Raymond Avenue (Craftsman bungalow residence, a designated Landmark).

            Approved on Consent Calendar.

 

  1. Discussion of 1911 La Mesa Drive (Oscar Neimeyer/Strick House) and Consideration of Whether to file an Application for Designation of the Property as a City Landmark.

 

Report presented by Chairperson Lehrer.

 

The following members of the public addressed the Commission:  William Delvac, Gabrielle Boyd, property owner, and Greg Filon.

 

Mr. Delvac stated the former owner approached him regarding the different ways he could tear the building down or alter it.  In the end, he sold it to the Boyds.  He proposed approaching the louver issue on a technical basis of, whether this window treatment meets the Secretary of Interior Standards?  In his professional opinion, it does.  It is reversible.  It creates a greater sense of transparency.  It is in the vocabulary of the architecture, in that it does not detract from the architecture.  It doesn’t make sense to designate this house simply to stop a window treatment.   This is not a threat to the significance or integrity of the house, or to a point where it renders it ineligible.  He suggested that a conservation easement might be appropriate on this house.  It is a very important house in a high valued area.  The conservation easement will result in much longer-term preservation than any one designation. 

 

Commissioner Fresco stated that the property is warm and approachable.  Other properties with louvres, look like big, industrial or commercial buildings.  She suggested that the louvres be placed on the inside of the house.  She regrets not landmarking the property in the beginning when it would not have delayed the owner’s construction, and caused personal problems. 

 

Chairperson Lehrer stated that the louvres do not meet the standards.  While they may be typical Niemeyer features, on this house they are conjectural.  Part of the façade of the building that is such a striking feature is the simplicity of the glass wall, and the dramatic contrast with those beams on the roof and the strong thrust of the entryway.  The simplicity is very eloquent and a dramatic statement. The louvres obscure the characteristics of the house.  She feels that this is a major alteration to the house and takes away from the public experience.  This could also be a problem for the Mills Act. 

 

Ms. Bar-El confirmed that there were no permits to install these louvres. 

 

Commissioner Kaplan stated that what is important is the balance of solid to glass.  With the two elements together, the building looks closed up.

 

Commissioner Rosenfield concurred and stated that the Commission’s job is to preserve the architectural history of the city. 

 

City Attorney Rosenbaum stated that if the Commission were to nominate the building tonight, his office would have to take a careful look at the nature of the work that had been done on the permits issued in terms of vested rights such that the city regulations prohibiting construction could not be applied. 

 

Upon further discussion, Commissioner Kaplan made a motion to nominate the property for landmark designation.  Commissioner Rosenfield seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

      Ayes:        Fresco, Genser, Kaplan, Rosenfield, Lehrer

      Nayes:      None

      Abstain:   None

            Absent:          None

 

Commissioner Fresco made a motion to continue past the 11:00 hour to 11:20.  Chairperson Lehrer seconded the motion, which was unanimously approved by voice vote.

 

H.            Discussion regarding obtaining detailed information about the buildings on the Marion Davies Estate (415 PCH) slated for demolition prior to their demolition and the present condition of the historic guesthouse structure, including photographic records.

 

Commissioner Fresco reported that she has been in contact with Karen Ginsberg of Community and Cultural Services.  The photography that will done as part of the demolition process includes general digital images of the project of areas that will be demolished, which have all been determined to be non-historic.  She suggested bringing this project to the Santa Monica Conservancy and putting on a fundraiser.  She also asked the Commission for any other suggestions in order to hurry this along.  The issue at hand is funding for a photographer. 

 

Mr. Rosenbaum suggested writing a letter to the City Council. 

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser suggested considering using money from the Historic Resource Inventory survey fund.

 

The Commission approved by voice vote to send a letter to City Council.  Commissioner Fresco to draft the letter and Chairperson Lehrer will sign and send.

 

I.            Planning Commission Case List (Information Only)

 

11.    WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

         Public Input Permitted

 

         None.

 

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

 

Commissioner Kaplan requested to agendize 153 Hollister, and a possible consideration of landmark designation. 

 

Commissioner Fresco requested a discussion of ensuring reference to the roof sign on the Georgian Hotel as character defining.

 

Chairperson Lehrer requested a discussion of a possible nomination of the Idaho – 19th Street Cluster as a historic district.

 

Chair Pro Tem Genser requested an informational presentation from ROMA Design on the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines.

 

Future items from previous months requests include discussions on Street lamps on Broadway and Palisades Park.

 

13.    NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Monday, November 10, 2003.

           

14.         ADJOURNMENT: 11:40 p.m.