MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

Monday, September 13, 2004

7:00 PM

City Council Chambers, Room 213,

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

CALL TO ORDER: 7:06 P.M.

1. ROLL CALL Present: John Berley, Commissioner

Nina Fresco, Chair Pro Tem

Roger Genser, Chairperson

Ruthann Lehrer, Commissioner

Barbara Kaplan, Commissioner

Also Present: Elizabeth Bar-El, Commission Secretary

Stephanie Reich, Urban Designer

Roxanne Tanemori, Associate Planner

Barry Rosenbaum, Senior Land Use Attorney

Michael Feinstein, Council Liaison – arrived @9:56 pm

Arlene Johnson, Staff Assistant

Absent: Colin Maduzia, Commissioner

Deborah Levin, Commissioner

2. REPORT FROM STAFF:

Ms. Bar-El introduced Roxanne Tanemori as the new Commission Liaison. Chairperson Genser asked if an appeal was filed for 1337 Ocean Ave. Ms. Bar-El stated that there were no appeals, and the property is now an official designated landmark. Chairperson Genser inquired about the Historic Resource Inventory update. Ms. Bar-El stated that due to budget cuts, the next phase has been reduced. She did not have any information on which area would be next.

3. COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Commissioner Berley shared an article in the Evening News about a house in Scotland that was demolished while under consideration for landmark status.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

Public Input Permitted

A. August 9, 2004

Chairperson Genser had corrections on Item 11B, page 4, paragraph 1, to read as follows: Chairperson Genser stated the Commission looked at a number of downtown buildings that are on the potential National Register list, then ranked them in order of importance, and this building was ranked number one.

Chair Pro Tem Fresco made a motion to approve the minutes. Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote, with Commissioner Kaplan abstaining.

5. APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:

A. Statement of Official Action: Certificate of Appropriateness Application LM-04CA-007, 2402 Fourth Street, #14, Approving Exterior Modifications including New Shed Dormers, Relocation of Stairs, New Doors, Replacement of Damaged Chimney.

Commissioner Lehrer made a motion to approve the Statement of Official Action. Chair Pro Tem Fresco seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote with four votes and Commissioner Kaplan 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

Discussion to Consider Whether to File an Application For Designation of the Property Located at 225 Santa Monica Boulevard (Bay Cities Guaranty Building) as a Landmark. (Continued from August 9, 2004)

The property owner was not present at the meeting. However, Ms. Bar-El stated that she spoke to the owner who was not opposed to the designation and was interested in more detailed information. Due to an error in the City’s record, the letter was sent to another address and direct contact was made on Thursday.

Commissioner Lehrer stated that this property is generally considered to be an iconic building in the city. It is very meritorious and it is time to move ahead.

Commissioner Kaplan stated that the process of selecting a building before it is in danger is a positive one. She hopes we can continue with the designation with the owner’s approval.

Chairperson Genser stated that he was a little reluctant to proceed because the owner was unable to attend due to short notice. He stated that this building is literally a landmark and warrants consideration. He agreed that this process is proactive and not reactive.

Commissioner Berley stated that this building clearly establishes through its stature that it is the center of downtown Santa Monica. He is very much in favor of a nomination for landmark status.

Commissioner Lehrer made a motion to file a designation application. Chair Pro Tem Fresco seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Berley, Fresco, Kaplan, Lehrer, Genser

Nayes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Levin, Maduzia

B. Discussion of the City Processes for Permitting Window Replacement and other Routine Alterations to Potentially Historic Buildings and Consideration of Potential Modifications to Those Processes. (Continued from August 9, 2004)

Ms. Reich summarized the application process at the public counter for permitting window replacements, and answered additional questions from the Commission.

9. NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:

Public Input Permitted

Certificate of Appropriateness Application LM-04CA-006, 2612 Third Street, for Approval of Demolition of an Existing Garage Structure and Replacement with a New Garage with Roof Deck.

Chairperson Genser recused himself from this item.

The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Bea Nemlaha, property owner, Ralph Mechur, architect, Anne Troutman and Adam Finkel.

Staff report presented by Ms. Bar-El.

Commissioner Berley questioned the metal fascia and asked about the material used for the new garage door.

Ms. Nemlaha stated that the garage door would be made of wood with translucent glass.

Commissioner Kaplan commented on a rooftop deck on a landmark structure. She also commented that she wasn’t sure if modern lighting on a historic building, that is part of a historic district, was appropriate in that it will change the character of the property from the street.

Commissioner Lehrer stated that what’s important in the historic district is the unity and cohesion of all the buildings as a whole from the public right-of-way. Most of the garage as proposed in the design was fine and anyway won’t be seen unless you are up on the property. However, she was opposed to the proposed use of glass and lighting in the garage. Another concern was that the garage door provides a historical anchor, so there should be more articulation of the door. She felt that vertical wood boards, as staff recommended, would maintain the historical roots of what was there before, and the historical pattern on the street. Overall, she agreed that the structure is a wonderful enhancement to the property.

Chair Pro Tem Fresco stated that the accessory structures on the street were really more like barns than garages. She didn’t have a problem with the use of some glass. But she would like to see a strong reference to the barn feeling, in that this garage should be compatible with other structures in the neighborhood.

Commissioner Berley felt that the proposed garage door looks too commercial in this fashion, especially with the proposed translucent glass panels. He liked the idea of letting light into the garage during the day, but the treatment needs to be modified in a way that is respectful of the historical context. He had no objection to the doors using some translucent glass, but the current design appears to be too contemporary.

Commissioner Kaplan agreed with the staff report as written.

Chair Pro Tem Fresco made a motion to continue this item to next month and for the applicant to propose revised plans that address the Commissioner’s concerns. Commissioner Berley seconded the motion, which passed unanimously by voice vote.

Landmark Designation Application LC-04LM-006, 921 19^th Street (Craftsman Bungalow), to determine whether the property should be designated as a City Landmark.

Staff report presented by Ms. Reich.

The following members of the public addressed the Commission: Shahab Ghods, Sue Schuerman, Kelly Swartz (letter read by Ms. Schuerman), Roya Kianmahd, Marlene Saile (letter read by Ms. Kianmahd), Richard Wise, Gary Barkin and Dyanna.

Commissioner Lehrer thanked everyone for coming out to support preservation of this property. She disagreed with the staff report’s findings. She felt that this property is a gem and has architectural value that was not reflected in the staff report. It is completely intact and pristine. She felt it met Criteria #4 and Criteria #6. It represents what the neighborhood was like when it was first developed. She supports the nomination.

While recognizing that the neighborhood has been largely redeveloped, Chair Pro Tem Fresco supported the idea of keeping one intact element of the neighborhood because this building tells the story of the neighborhood’s early development best.

Chairperson Genser stated that he tended to agree with the staff report because that there are still a lot of Craftsman style homes in this area, and he needed more substantial proof that this one rose to the Landmark level.

Commissioner Lehrer stated that this property is an exemplary example of a Craftsman bungalow, and also made note of its fine details. She also stated that it is the jewel of the neighborhood, represents the history of that neighborhood, and is worthy of preserving.

The Commission and staff discussed the proper findings to make, including the need to avoid too general of an interpretation for Criteria #6, and the possible applicability of Criteria #1.

Commissioner Kaplan stated that this building is of the late Craftsman bungalow period. It stands out as unique, has exquisite details and she supports saving it.

Following further discussion, Chairperson Genser stated that he now supports the designation.

Commissioner Lehrer made a motion to designate as a landmark based on the architectural qualities listed in criteria #1 and #4, and include the accessory building as a contributing character defining feature. Commissioner Kaplan seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Berley, Fresco, Kaplan, Lehrer, Genser

Nayes: None

Abstain: None

Absent: Levin, Maduzia

10. DISCUSSION ITEMS:

Public Input Permitted

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

Councilmember Feinstein arrives – 9:56 pm.

1. 947 4^th Street (PC016339)

R3NW-Medium Density Multiple Family

Two Story, Single Family Residence w/Detached Garage