MINUTES

 

SPECIAL MEETING OF THE

LANDMARKS COMMISSION

 

Founded 1875

“Populus felix in urbe felici”

 

 

 

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

6:00 PM

Santa Monica Main Library

Community Room, 2nd Floor

601 Santa Monica Boulevard, Santa Monica

 

 

CALL TO ORDER OF THE SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LANDMARKS COMMISSION

 

1.            ROLL CALL

                                       Present:       Roger Genser, Chairperson
                                                            Nina Fresco, Chair Pro Tem, arrived @7:00 p.m.

                                                            John Berley, Commissioner                                                                                                                        Barbara Kaplan, Commissioner, arrived @ 6:11 p.m.

Ruthann Lehrer, Commissioner

                                                            Ruth Shari, Commissioner

                                                            Deborah Levin, Commissioner

 

                              Also Present:        Roxanne Tanemori, Commission Secretary

                                                            Barry Rosenbaum, Senior Land Use Attorney

                                                            Kevin McKeown, Councilmember

            Arlene Johnson, Staff Assistant                     

 

2.            REPORT FROM STAFF: 

Ms. Tanemori announced that 415 PCH was heard before the Planning Commission on March 15th and was continued to April 5th.  Also, the April Landmarks meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

 

3.            COMMISSIONER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Chair Genser announced that both he and Vice Chair Fresco will not be present at the April 10th meeting. 

 

4.            APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

                       

A.     February 13, 2006

     

Chair Genser made a motion to approve the minutes.  Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote.

 

5.            APPROVAL OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:

 

A.     Certificate of Appropriateness 05-CA-010 and Sign Adjustment 06ARB-031 approving three window signs and disapproving new entry doors, awnings, and two projecting signs at 2940 Main Street, the Parkhurst Building, a designated City Landmark.

 

Commissioner Lehrer made a motion to approve.  Commissioner Levin seconded the motion, which passed by voice vote.

 

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

 

7.            CONSENT CALENDAR:

        

         None.

 

8.            OLD BUSINESS:

        

None.

 

9.            NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

 

A.     Landmark Designation Application 05LM-008, 1407 Hill Street, to determine whether the Eucalyptus cornuta tree on the subject property should be designated as a City Landmark.

 

Ms. Tanemori presented the staff report.

 

Walter Warriner, Community Forrester, addressed questions from the Commission.

 

Commissioner Lehrer commented on the fact that the tree predates the development of the neighborhood, which was an interesting aspect of its history and would fall under criteria #1. 

 

Commissioner Lehrer made a motion to designate the Eucalyptus Cornuta tree as a City Landmark with the 2 criteria proposed by staff, and adding to criteria 6 a statement concerning the fact that the tree was there before the development of the neighborhood.  Chair Genser seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:           Kaplan, Lehrer, Levin, Shari, Genser

Nayes:         None                                      

Abstain:       Berley

Absent:        Fresco

 

 

 

10.       DISCUSSION ITEMS:

           

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.            315 Palisades Avenue (06PC-0097)

                        R1-Single Family Residential

Single Family Residence, Detached Garage and Guesthouse

Structure Identified in Historic Resources Inventory as 5D1

Demolition Permit was withdrawn by the property owner on 2/17/2006

 

2.            1417 Yale Street (06PC-0121)

R2-Low Density Multi-Residential

Single Family Residence and Attached Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                        No action taken on this item.

 

               3.      714 14th Street (06PC-0117)

                        R1-Single Family Residential

                        Single Family Residence and Detached Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                        David Sadkin, public member, addressed the Commission

 

                        No action taken on this item.

 

               4.      2420 Cloverfield Blvd. (06PC-0162)

                        R1-Single Family Residential

                        Single Family Residence and Detached Garage

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                        No action taken on this item.

 

               5.      1829 11th Street (06PC-0174)

                        R2-Low Density Multiple Residential

                        Single Family Residence, Studio and Tool House

                        Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                        No action taken on this item.

              

               6.      2517 La Mesa Drive (06PC-0237)

                        R1-Single Family Residential

                        Single Family Residence and Attached Garage

Structure Identified in Historic Resources Inventory as 5D

                       

                        Commissioner Berley recused himself.

 

                        Joe Coriati, project architect, addressed the Commission.

 

Commissioner Lehrer felt that the property did not warrant landmark status.  However, she stated that the property was designed by John Byers and has a beautiful site plan and should be documented. 

 

Commissioner Kaplan commented on the metal work and the original façade with the brick arches.  She asked for more information on what was original and what was not.

 

Commissioner Kaplan made a motion to continue for more information.  Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:              Kaplan, Lehrer, Levin, Genser

Nayes:            Shari

Abstain:          Berley

Absent:           Fresco

 

               7.      1105-1105 ½ 18th Street (06PC-0270)

                        R2-Low Density, Multiple Residential

                        Two Condominiums and Carport

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                        No action taken on this item.

 

               8.      1107-1107 ½ 18th Street (06PC-0246)

                        R2-Low Density, Multiple Residential

                        Two Condominiums and Carport

Structure Not Identified in Historic Resources Inventory

 

                        No action taken on this item.

 

               9.      1138 6th Street (06PC-0263)

                        R2-Low Density, Multiple Residential

                        Single Family Residence and Detached Garage

                        Structure Identified in Historic Resources Inventory as 5S3

                       

                        No action taken on this item.

 

B.     Report from City Council Liaison to the Landmarks Commission on recent City Council actions related to appeals, development projects, planning policy studies and ordinances related to the City’s historic resources, and information concerning future City Council agendas.

 

Councilmember McKeown reported that the City Council voted to approve the program plan for 415 PCH as recommended by staff.  City Council also passed a community energy independent initiative, which is a plan for the city to become energy independent in the next 20 years.  The landmarks may have to consider their position in the future regarding the retrofitting of landmarked and future landmarked buildings for solar power.  Also, he stated that he was contacted by a group called Volunteers of America, who are interested in relocating Angels Attic and possibly landmarking it. 

 

C.    Report from Landmarks Commission Liaison to the Architectural Review Board (ARB) on recent ARB consideration and action taken on proposed projects involving additions to or modifications of potential historic resources.

 

No report. 

 

D.    Discussion whether to reconsider and potential motion to reconsider the Findings and Determination of the Landmarks Commission dated December 12, 2005 for the designation of the multi-family building at 1143 11th Street as a City Landmark.

 

Commissioner Berley recused himself from this discussion.

 

Alan Lazarus addressed the Commission.

 

Chair Genser made a motion to reconsider.  Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:           Kaplan, Lehrer, Levin, Shari, Genser

Nayes:         None

Abstain:       Berley,

Absent:        Fresco

 

Chair Genser stated that the minutes reflected the fact that their landmarking was to emphasize the primary façade as the front, and secondary basis was the remainder of the building, specifically the building in the rear.  He felt that this was not mentioned in the findings. 

 

Commissioner Lehrer requested to add under the 2nd criteria, that the major architectural significance of the building is found on the façade which extends to the downspouts.  The side and rear elevations and the courtyard elevations, while important to the buildings integrity, are secondary importance.

 

Vice Chair Fresco arrived at 7:00 p.m.

 

Commissioner Shari made a motion to add the language.  Commissioner Levin seconded the motion, which passed by the following vote:

 

Ayes:           Kaplan, Lehrer, Levin, Shari, Genser

Nayes:         None

Abstain:       Berley, Fresco

Absent:        None

 

E.     Presentation and preliminary discussion of schematic design for a Development Agreement proposal that includes retention of two designated Landmark buildings and new construction for a 77 room hotel with a public courtyard, restaurant and subterranean parking at 1327, 1333, 1337 Ocean Avenue.

 

Sarah Lejeune, Senior Planner, presented the staff report.

 

Janek Dombrowa, architect, addressed the Commission with a presentation.

 

Chair Genser stated that he liked the project and was excited about beginning this process.

 

Vice Chair Fresco stated that she would like to see the design of the new building express a more pure modern form and make fewer references to the two historic buildings that are currently on site.    This will create a beautiful modern background for the two landmarks.

 

Commissioner Berley agreed with Vice Chair Fresco.  He commented on the striations and the banding, and felt that they were unnecessary.  Also, regarding the trellis and other elements on the top of the building for the pool, he asked them to make careful design considerations regarding those elements so that they don’t convey a sense of having been there.  They should have a contemporary context.  He recommended that they treat the elements on top of the building as features designed solely for the new building, without reference to the two different Landmark buildings.

 

Commissioner Kaplan felt that the building, as it currently is on the site, is dominating the courtyard.  Two elements that work to break that domination are the trellis at the roof and at the courtyard.  She felt that the complexity of the façade with the louvers and layering of glass is competing with the complexity of the two landmark buildings, which are both different.  It should be simplified.   She also commented on the massing of the wall in the courtyard jutting out, and asked if it could be adjusted.

 

Commissioner Lehrer stated that this is a wonderful solution to working with two landmarked buildings, with two different styles.  She also agreed with the comments on simplicity.  She commented that the shutters were very European vs. American, and because of the visual complexity, questioned if they were actually needed at all.  She also commented on the front picture window of the Victorian house, and that she would like to see some historic restoration occur. 

 

Overall, the Commission was pleased and excited about the project.

 

F.     Discussion and potential recommendations to City staff regarding the project schedule and the proposed scope of work for the Citywide update to the City’s Historic Resources Inventory, including discussion of the Request for Proposals released on February 27, 2006.

 

The Commission suggested that more research be done to fill the gaps of the last survey to include properties that were left out due to budget issues.

 

G.    Discussion and potential recommendations to City staff regarding outreach to residents in the South Beach District (approximately bounded by Hollister Avenue, Ocean Park Boulevard, Barnard Way, and Neilson Way) regarding the Ocean Park Update to City’s the Historic Resources Inventory, and the feasibility of establishing a potential Historic District or Historic Overlay with specific preservation-related incentives. (RG)

 

Chair Genser suggested an outreach approach to that area.  He proposed a workshop to find out how the community feels about preservation.  He suggested that the subcommittee meet before the next meeting to discuss this issue.

 

H.     Discussion and potential recommendations from the Landmarks Commission to City staff on proposed revisions to incorporate into the City’s Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance Project (Shape the Future 2025), including a report from the ad-hoc subcommittee of Commissioners formed to make preliminary recommendations on this matter.

 

Vice Chair Fresco submitted the final draft from the subcommittee.  The Commission will review, make comments and submit to City staff. 

 

I.         Status of scheduled maintenance of the potential landmark monument (bench) to Senator Jones by Robert Farquhar located in Palisades Park. (BK)

 

Ms. Tanemori announced that Sculpture Conservation Studios has completed their initial maintenance on the bench.  Staff will review additional items and report back to the Commission.

 

J.      Planning Commission Case List (Information Only).

 

11.       WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS:

        

A.  None.

 

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

 

Commissioner Lehrer requested to agendize the Shotgun House.

 

13.             NEXT MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Special Meeting:

6:00 PM Monday, April 10, 2006; City Council Chambers, Room 213, City Hall.

 

14.             ADJOURNMENT:   8:35 p.m.