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MINUTES |
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE
LANDMARKS COMMISSION
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Founded 1875 “Populus felix in urbe felici” |
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Monday, September 14, 2009 7:00
PM |
City
Council Chambers, Room 213 |
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CALL TO ORDER OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF
THE LANDMARKS COMMISSION: The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm.
1.
ROLL
CALL: Present: Margaret Bach
John
Berley, Chair Pro Tempore
Nina
Fresco
Roger
Genser
Barbara
Kaplan, Chair
Ruthann
Lehrer
Ruth
Shari
Also Present: Kevin McKeown, City Council Liaison
Barry
Rosenbaum, Senior Land Use Attorney
Scott
Albright, AICP, Commission Secretary
Susan
Umeda, Staff Assistant III
2.
REPORT
FROM STAFF:
Mr.
Albright reported that the appeal for 3030 Nebraska Avenue was upheld. He also presented updates on upcoming appeals
to the City Council and Planning Commission.
Mr. Albright reported that an update on the Historic Resources Inventory
and the Mayfair Theater project may be held during the October 12, 2009
Landmarks Commission meeting.
Commissioner
Genser asked staff if the landmark designation for 2125 Arizona Avenue was
appealed to the City Council. Mr.
Albright responded in the negative.
3.
COMMISSIONER
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Commissioner
Bach reported that she accepted an invitation from Carol Lemlein
to meet with Charles Kibby, who is a masonry
preservation consultant, and Robert Chattel regarding the Mayfair Theater renovation
during the week of August 31, 2009.
4.
APPROVAL
OF MINUTES:
4-A. August
10, 2009
The
Commission made several corrections to the August 10, 2009 minutes. Commissioner Fresco made a motion to approve
the August 10, 2009 with corrections.
Commissioner Shari seconded the motion.
The motion was approved by voice vote.
Commissioner Genser abstained.
5.
APPROVAL
OF STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL ACTION:
5-A. Certificate
of Appropriateness Application 09CA-014, 200 Santa Monica Pier, for design
approval related to the West End Commemorative Plaque program, which includes
the installation of plaques on the west end of the Santa Monica Pier, a designated
City Landmark.
Commissioner Bach made a motion to
approve the Statement of Official Action for Certificate of Appropriateness
Application 09CA-014, 200 Santa Monica Pier.
Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion.
The motion was approved by voice vote.
Commissioners Genser and Fresco abstained.
6.
PUBLIC
INPUT: (On items not on agenda and within the jurisdiction of the Commission)
7.
CONSENT
CALENDAR: None.
8.
OLD
BUSINESS:
8-A Certificate of Appropriateness
Application 09CA-013,
The
Commission made ex parte
communication disclosures.
Mr.
Albright presented the staff report. Staff
recommended that the Commission approve Certificate of Appropriateness
Application 09CA-013, 1685 Main Street, based on the draft findings and
conditions in the staff report.
Chair
Pro Tempore Berley asked staff if the landing and stairs will be removed. Mr. Albright responded in the positive.
Commissioner
Fresco asked staff if the piping will be installed close to the roof surface. Mr. Albright responded in the positive. Commissioner Fresco asked staff if the louver
wall could be erected closer to the proposed equipment if the piping is
installed outside of the wall. Mr.
Albright responded that the applicant will need to address this issue because
special layout requirements may be necessary.
The
following members of the public addressed the Commission: Alex Parry, Architect at Public Works
Department, Civil Engineering and Architecture.
Mr. Parry answered questions from the Commission.
Mr. Parry stated that some
of the piping is hung on the louver; the piping on the outside of the louver
will be installed approximately six to eight inches above the roof
surface. Mr. Parry described an
alternate piping configuration that would enable the louver to be moved closer
to the equipment; however, this configuration would make it difficult for the
equipment to be repaired. Commissioner
Fresco asked if the pipes could be moved to the outside of the louver so that the
louver would appear more recessed from the ground. Mr. Parry responded that the consultant will
need to review any alternate piping configurations.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley
thanked the applicant for submitting a more comprehensive project to the
Commission.
Commissioner Lehrer asked
staff to describe the screening materials that were considered for this
project. Mr. Parry described different
screening materials which would provide various levels of visibility and added
that the material that was chosen mimics the main cupola.
Chair Kaplan noted that the
historic consultant suggested that the project was reversible and temporary. She asked staff to explain why the project is
temporary. Mr. Parry responded that the
City may build a central chiller plant which will serve the entire City Hall;
this will enable the City to remove some of the equipment on the roof.
Commissioner Bach stated
that the louver material should not mimic the main cupola. Commissioner Lehrer stated that the cupola is
a unique element and that replicating the cupola with screening material would
not be advantageous to the project.
Commissioner Lehrer added that the louver design makes a very strong
statement and suggested that the louvers should be functional and recessive.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley
stated that the profile of the screening is significantly smaller in dimension
from the original design and stated that the change in scale is acceptable
because the louver is diminished and does not mimic the mass or scale of the
cupola. He stated that the horizontal
nature of the screen would give the appearance of a quiet and complimentary
element on the roof. Chair Pro Tempore
Berley stated that the proposed color would blend in with the cupola.
Chair Kaplan stated that a
more modest scale may not be enough to differentiate the louver wall from the
historic City Hall building.
Commissioner Fresco stated
that the screen should reference the existing part of the building in some way
so that the project will not clash with the historic building.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley
made a motion to approve Certificate
of Appropriateness Application 09CA-013, 1685 Main Street and added the
condition that the applicant investigate whether the layout of the louver could
be changed by relocating the piping to the outside of the screen. Commissioner Fresco seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Berley, Fresco,
Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
NAYS: Bach
9.
NEW
BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS:
9-A. Review
of Demolition Permits and Consideration Whether to File an Application for
Designation of a Structure as a City Landmark or Structure of Merit.
The Commission made ex parte communication disclosures.
R2 – Low Density Multiple Residential
Three One-Story Buildings
Structure
Identified in Historic Resources Inventory
Commissioner Bach noted that the
structures on 1047 Ninth Street are three intact kit homes and the Commission
should study the structures more closely.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley asked staff to
provide the number of similar structures in the City of Santa Monica.
Commissioner Lehrer stated that the
buildings have a high degree of integrity and the collection of three units
represents a part of history that is rapidly disappearing.
Commissioner Shari stated that there
are not many kit homes which are placed together.
Commissioner Fresco stated that there
are other groupings of Ready-Cut kit homes but these buildings are in good
condition. Commissioner Fresco stated
that the front doors are probably not original but she has not seen this degree
of integrity with a grouping of kit homes.
Commissioner Fresco made a motion to file
a landmark application to designate 1047 Ninth Street as a City Landmark. Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion. Chair Pro Tempore Berley asked staff to
provide the number of kit homes in the City.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
2. 151
Esparta Way (09PC0702) (Continued from August 10, 2009)
R1 – Single Family Residential
Single Family Residence and Garage
Structure Not Identified on Historic
Resources Inventory
Commissioner Fresco noted that the
property was not located within the Santa Monica city limits according to the 1950
Sanborn map that was provided to the Commission and asked staff if the city
limit boundary between Santa Monica and Los Angeles was moved. Mr. Albright responded in the positive.
No action taken.
3.
R1 – Single Family Residential
Single Family Residence, Garage and
Cabana
Structure
Identified in Historic Resources Inventory
(Landmark Application 07LM-007 was
denied by the Landmarks Commission on December 10, 2007)
Chair Pro Tempore Berley asked staff to
verify that the Commission cannot take action on this property until 2012 since
it was reviewed by the Commission in 2007.
Senior Land Use Attorney Rosenbaum responded in the positive unless new
information is forthcoming.
No action taken.
4.
R1 – Single Family Residential
Single Family Residence and Garage
Structure
Identified in Historic Resources Inventory
The following members of the public
addressed the Commission: John Erwin, who stated that the property is in escrow. Mr. Erwin stated he intends to build a
traditional Spanish-style house on the property.
Commissioner Lehrer asked Mr. Erwin to
describe the problems with the house. Mr.
Erwin described the structural problems with the house. Commissioner Lehrer stated that there are
fine details that are visible from the outside of the structure and this
building appears to have a high level of integrity. Mr. Erwin stated that inside of the building
is in poor condition.
Commissioner Bach stated that the
inside of the structure has been significantly altered in some places and is in
very poor condition. However, she stated
that it has a character-defining exterior and suggested that opportunities may
exist to save the exterior of the structure.
Commissioner Lehrer stated that the
structure is a distinctive and beautiful home of the period. She stated that the original wavy roof is intact
and it makes a beautiful and rare architectural statement. She noted that the structure also has a front
bay window, brick detailing, and stained-glass windows.
Commissioner Genser stated that the
structure’s architectural style is fairly rare in the City. However, Commissioner Genser noted that the cut
sheet for this property in the Historic Resources Inventory refers mostly to
the Georgina neighborhood, not the structure itself.
Chair Kaplan stated that the structure
has a lot of potential for preservation; the owner could rehabilitate the
inside of the structure to create a nice home.
She stated that the structure is an important resource and fits the
character/eclecticism of the neighborhood.
Commissioner Lehrer made a motion to
file a landmark application to designate 1303 Georgina Avenue as a City
Landmark. Commissioner Fresco seconded
the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Chair Kaplan
NAYS: Shari
5.
RVC – Residential/Visitor/Commercial
Existing Two-Story Motel
Structure Not Identified on Historic
Resources Inventory
(Signage
on structure on Meritorious Sign List)
Commissioner Fresco asked staff if the
City could retain the meritorious sign for later use in a public space. City Council Liaison McKeown stated that
meritorious signs are not landmarks and do not receive any protections under
the landmark ordinance.
No action taken.
6.
C3 – Downtown Commercial
Existing Two-Story Model
Structure Not Identified on Historic
Resources Inventory
No action taken.
7.
RVC – Residential/Visitor/Commercial
Existing Two-Story Model
Structure Not Identified on Historic
Resources Inventory
No action taken.
8.
R1 – Single Family Residential
Single Family Residence
Structure Not Identified on Historic
Resources Inventory
No action taken.
9-B. Certificate
of Appropriateness Application 09CA-016, 1447 Fourth Street, for the approval of
sign plans and a sign adjustment for the installation of new business
identification signs on the Lido Hotel building, a designated City Landmark.
The Commission made ex parte communication disclosures.
Mr. Albright presented the staff report
and noted that a sign adjustment is no longer required. Staff recommended that the Commission approve
Certificate of Appropriateness Application 09CA-016, 1447 Fourth Street based
upon the draft findings and conditions in the staff report.
Commissioner Lehrer asked staff explain
the reason for the reduction in the size of the sign. Mr. Albright responded that he did not have
that information. Commissioner Lehrer
noted that the colors of the sign have changed.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley suggested that Benihana’s corporate identity
may have changed.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley asked staff if
the size of the address numbers is part of the total square footage of the
proposed sign program. Mr. Albright
responded that address numbers are typically exempt as long as they are smaller
than two square feet. Chair Pro Tempore
Berley asked staff if the blade sign by the front door is illuminated. Mr. Albright responded in the positive. Chair Pro Tempore asked staff if the raceway
that holds the current lettering could accommodate the new signage. Chair Kaplan responded that the lettering is
currently centered on the windows and pilasters. Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that the
lettering should be centered on the louvers and suggested that alternative bird
repellents be investigated because plastic bird spikes are distracting to the
historic structure.
Commissioner Lehrer stated that bird
spikes add visual clutter to the structure and asked staff if the sign approval
could be conditioned to include changes to the bird spikes. Mr. Albright responded that a friendly suggestion
would suffice.
Commissioner Genser asked staff to give
the status of the window signs. Mr.
Albright responded that the window signs are not illegal but permit
applications were never submitted to the City for approval. Commissioner Genser asked staff if the total
area of the signage is under the maximum-allowed square footage. Mr. Albright responded in the positive.
Commissioner Fresco made a motion to
approve Certificate of Appropriateness Application 09CA-016, 1447 Fourth Street
with conditions made during this meeting.
Commissioner Lehrer seconded the motion.
Chair Kaplan added a friendly suggestion to reduce the size of the open/close
sign.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
10.
DISCUSSION
ITEMS:
10-A Recommendation to City Council regarding
the following Historic Property Preservation Agreement Applications (Mills Act
Contracts):
The Commission made ex parte communication disclosures.
1.
08MA-002 at 514 Palisades Avenue
Commissioner
Fresco recused herself because she is related to the owners of 514 Palisades
Avenue.
Mr. Albright presented the staff report. Staff recommended that the Commission make a
positive recommendation to the City Council regarding Historic Property
Preservation Agreement Application 08MA-002 for 514 Palisades Avenue.
Commissioner
Genser asked staff if the dollar amount of tax relief is available to the
Commission. Mr. Albright responded that
tax reduction figures will be available in October 2009.
Chair Berley made a motion for the Commission to make a
positive recommendation to the City Council to enact Historic Property
Preservation Agreement Application 08MA-002 for 514 Palisades Avenue. Commissioner Genser seconded the motion. Chair Kaplan added that additional
photographs and a detailed study of the conditions should be included in the
recommendation.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
ABSTAIN: Fresco
2.
09MA-001 at 2219 Ocean Avenue
Mr. Albright presented the staff
report. Staff recommended that the
Commission make a positive recommendation to the City Council regarding
Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application 09MA-001 for 2219 Ocean
Avenue.
Commissioner Genser stated that the
applicant intends to use the structure as a bed and breakfast. Commissioner Genser asked if the proposed use
will have an impact on the Mills Act contract.
Mr. Albright responded that the use has not been determined at this
time. Commissioner Genser asked staff to
explain how future work requests to the interior will affect the contract. Mr. Albright responded that the Mills Act
contract could be amended.
Commissioner Fresco noted that the
report was not very detailed and stated that repairs, maintenance, and
rehabilitation were not discussed in a clear manner. Mr. Albright stated that staff will work with
the applicant to clarify the contract.
Commissioner Shari asked staff if the
reduction in taxes will be adjusted because of the revised use. Mr. Albright responded that he will confer
with the County Assessor for this information.
The following members of the public
addressed the Commission: John K. Heidt (property owner). Mr. Heidt stated that he needed to rent the
house on a limited basis to generate income because the rehabilitation of the
structure will be expensive. Mr. Heidt
explained that the “bed and breakfast facility” is the only designation
available to describe the proposed use.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that the
Mills Act was created to provide a significant incentive to maintain and
preserve a City Landmark and the applicant has demonstrated a great deal of
affection for the property. Chair Pro
Tempore Berley stated that the detail in a Mills Act contract is critical
because it lays out the level assurance that is required to enter into a
contract.
Commissioner Genser thanked the
applicant for purchasing the property.
Commissioner Fresco stated that the
stained glass windows should be included in the maintenance plan.
Chair Kaplan stated that the contract
should have specific timelines for repair and maintenance.
Chair Berley made a motion for the
Commission to make a positive recommendation to the City Council to enact Historic
Property Preservation Agreement Application 09MA-001 for 2219 Ocean Avenue with
the following conditions: [1] the contract contains sufficient detail; [2] the
contract contains a maintenance schedule; and [3] the contract contains
specific detail on the stained glass window.
Commissioner Genser seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
3.
09MA-003 at 405 Palisades Avenue
Mr. Albright presented the staff
report. Staff recommended that the
Commission make a positive recommendation to the City Council regarding
Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application 09MA-003 for 405 Palisades
Avenue.
Commissioner Fresco asked staff if
interior features are protected under the maintenance plan even if they are excluded
from the landmark designation. Senior
Land Use Attorney Rosenbaum responded that the City could enforce compliance of
a Mills Act contract.
Chair
Kaplan stated that the Mills Act contract was well written.
Commissioner
Lehrer made a motion for the Commission to make a positive recommendation to
the City Council to enact Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application
09MA-003 for 405 Palisades Avenue.
Commissioner Shari seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
4.
09MA-004 at 2612 Third Street,
amendment to existing contract (Contributing Structure to the Third Street
Neighborhood Historic District)
Commissioner Genser recused himself
because he owns property within 500 feet of 2612 Third Street.
Mr. Albright presented the staff
report. Staff recommended that the
Commission make a positive recommendation to the City Council regarding
Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application 09MA-004 for 2612 Third
Street.
Chair Kaplan noted that a few of the
modifications are for interior elements and asked staff if interior elements
are within the Commission’s purview.
Senior Land Use Attorney Rosenbaum responded that the interior elements
in the contract are binding. Chair
Kaplan asked staff if a revised proposal, prepared by a licensed architect,
should be submitted to the Commission.
Mr. Albright responded that a new contract must be prepared by a
licensed architect.
Commissioner Lehrer stated that the
applicant is requesting to eliminate the installation of a second-floor heating
system and to modify the timing of repair and refinish of the hardwood floors. Commissioner Lehrer stated that these
modifications to the contract are reasonable.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that
the Commission will need to review the original contract before making a
recommendation.
Commissioner Lehrer stated that the
original contract does not need to be reviewed because only a few items will
not be executed.
Chair Kaplan stated that this
application may set a precedent regarding revised Mills Act contracts because
it was not prepared by a licensed professional.
Additionally, Chair Kaplan stated that contracts submitted to the
Commission for recommendation should be prepared in a consistent manner.
Commissioner Bach stated that the
context of the original contract should be given to the Commission because the
Commission must do due diligence to each contract.
The following members of the public
addressed the Commission: Bea Nemlaha, who owns the property. Ms. Nemlaha described the original contract
and explained why she wanted the contract amended.
Chair Kaplan asked Ms. Nemlaha if a
heating system, which was included in the original contract, is required by the
municipal code. Ms. Nemlaha responded
that the heating system was not an important element of the original contract
and later decided against the installation; she added that the installation of
a heating system may compromise the integrity of the structure.
Commissioner Fresco stated that a Mills
Act contract allows a historic property to be maintained by decreasing property
taxes; code enforcement is not part of the contract. Therefore, Commissioner Fresco stated that
the Commission should be flexible in regard to modifying Mills Act contracts.
Chair Kaplan stated that the Commission
must determine how to modify the original contract. Chair Kaplan noted that the applicant intends
to use space heaters to heat the second floor and suggested that a professional
review the heating system since space heaters could create a fire hazard.
Commissioner Lehrer stated it is
unnecessary to review the original contract since the elimination of the
heating system and modification to the repair and refinish schedule of the
floors are better preservation strategies.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that
the process is best served by the Commission receiving a complete proposal to
review. He added that the application is
incomplete and the Commission should not encourage the submission of incomplete
applications.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley made a motion
to continue 09MA-004 at 2612 Third Street until October 12, 2009 meeting and
asked staff to provide the information requested by the Commission. Commissioner Shari seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Shari, Chair Kaplan
NAYS: Lehrer
ABSTAIN: Genser
5.
09MA-005 at 3018 Third Street
Mr. Albright presented the staff
report. Staff recommended that the
Commission make a positive recommendation to the City Council regarding
Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application 09MA-005 for 3018 Third
Street.
Commissioner Bach noted that some
exterior modifications to the structure compromise the architectural integrity
of the house and asked staff if a Mills Act contract could reverse
inappropriate exterior modifications. Mr.
Albright responded that the contract includes a maintenance program for the
features that are currently installed on the structure. Commissioner Bach stated that the contract
should include a program to restore the building’s architectural integrity.
Commissioner Fresco suggested that the
front stoop should be restored to concrete when the tile needs to be repaired.
The following members of the public
addressed the Commission: Andrew Lauer, the owner of the property. Mr. Lauer answered questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner Bach asked Mr. Lauer to
describe the program to reverse inappropriate modifications to the
structure. Mr. Lauer stated that he
would be willing to reverse any inappropriate modifications such as the Spanish
tile on the front steps. Commissioner
Bach asked Mr. Lauer if the architect who prepared the report has expertise in
historic preservation. Mr. Lauer
responded in the positive.
Chair Kaplan stated that a detailed maintenance
schedule with specific time frames should be submitted to the Commission. Mr. Lauer asked the Commission to continue
this item so that he could prepare a detailed maintenance schedule.
Commissioner Fresco stated that solar
heating panels and permeable pavers on the driveway are not within the scope of
the Mills Act contract because they do not add to the historical integrity of
the building. Commissioner Fresco stated
that the driveway should be replaced in-kind with scored concrete. Additionally, she stated that the stained
glass windows are missing from the maintenance program.
Commissioner Bach stated that the house
numbers should be replaced with historically-appropriate numbers and suggested
that the applicant rigorously look at the exterior features of the structure.
Commissioner Genser noted that a
Certificate of Appropriateness is not required since the structure is not a
landmark. Commissioner Lehrer stated
that a Mills Act contract sets up a standard which is higher than a Structure
of Merit.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that
items on a Mills Act contract should restore the historical integrity of the
property.
Mr. Lauer stated that it would be
prudent to create a very specific contract and stated that he will present new
proposals as needed to the Commission.
Commissioner Bach stated that the
applicant should be more specific regarding the description of the scope of
work in the contract. Commissioner
Fresco stated that the interior of the structure is not within the Commission’s
purview.
Chair Kaplan suggested that the applicant
present the Commission with photographs of the existing conditions of the
interior of the structure.
Commissioner Bach stated that the
contract should not include investment upgrades that do not relate to the
historic fabric of the house.
Chair Kaplan suggested that the
applicant meet with staff to revise the contract.
Commissioner Fresco made a motion to
continue 09MA-005 at 3018 Third Street until October 12, 2009 meeting and asked
staff to provide the information requested by the Commission. Chair Pro Tempore Berley seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
6.
09MA-006 at 236 Adelaide Drive (Isaac
Milbank House)
Mr.
Albright presented the staff report. Staff
recommended that the Commission make a positive recommendation to the City
Council regarding Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application 09MA-006
for 236 Adelaide Drive (Isaac Milbank House).
Chair
Pro Tempore Berley stated that the applicant provided the Commission with a
construction schedule and the applicant could anticipate when the work will be
completed.
Commissioner
Fresco stated that window washing is not under the purview of the Mills
Act. Commissioner Fresco stated that the
new driveway should be a replica of the original driveway. Mr. Albright stated that the new driveway will
reference the original circular drive.
Commissioner
Fresco made a motion for the Commission to make a positive recommendation to
the City Council to enact Historic Property Preservation Agreement Application
09MA-006 for 236 Adelaide Drive (Isaac Millbank House). Commissioner Shari seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
10-B Consideration whether to file an
application to designate Shangri-La Hotel located at 1301 Ocean Avenue as a
City Landmark.
The Commission made ex parte communication disclosures.
Mr. Albright presented the staff
report. Staff recommended that the
Commission file an application to designate Hotel Shangri-La, located at 1301
Ocean Avenue, as a City Landmark under three different criteria.
Chair
Pro Tempore Berley asked staff if the structure meets Criterion 2 of the
Landmark Criteria. Mr. Albright
responded the staff has not discussed this matter at this time.
The
following members of the public addressed the Commission: Michelle Hodan,
Director of Marketing at the Hotel Shangri-La. Ms. Hodan answered questions from the
Commission.
Commissioner
Shari asked Ms. Hodan if the owner embraces the filing of a landmark
application for Hotel Shangri-La. Ms. Hodan
responded in the positive.
Commissioner
Genser asked Ms. Hodan if the renovation on the hotel has been completed. Ms. Hodan responded in the positive. Commissioner Genser asked Ms. Hodan to
describe the renovation that was completed at the property. Ms. Hodan responded that the interior was
remodeled and a handicap ramp was added to the exterior.
Commissioner
Genser made a motion to file an application to designate the Hotel Shangri-La
located at 1301 Ocean Avenue as a City Landmark. Chair Pro Tempore seconded the motion.
Commissioner
Lehrer stated that the structure may meet Criterion 2 because of building’s
imagery of an ocean liner, which is strongly evoked by the massing of the pipe
railing. She suggested that the
consultants investigate this angle.
Chair
Kaplan noted that the report stated that the ocean liner imagery evokes
post-war modernism and optimism.
Commissioner
Shari stated that the interior design reflected a Streamline Moderne building
at the time of construction. However, she
stated that the interior may not always fit into this category because of the
general need for hotels to be renovated on a continuous basis.
Commissioner
Bach asked staff to provide information about interior features which could be
included in the designation.
Commissioner
Genser modified the motion to file an application to designate the Hotel Shangri-La
located at 1301 Ocean Avenue as a City Landmark and asked staff to provide
information about the interior public spaces.
Commissioner Shari seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
Commissioner
Lehrer stated that Criterion 5 should be added to the application. Chair Kaplan reopened the motion to include
Criterion 5.
Commissioner
Genser modified the motion to file an application to designate the Hotel Shangri-La
located at 1301 Ocean Avenue as a City Landmark and asked staff to provide
information about the interior public spaces together with information
regarding Criteria 2 and 5. Commissioner
Shari seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Bach, Berley,
Fresco, Genser, Lehrer, Shari, Chair Kaplan
10-C. 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.
City
Council Liaison reported that the appeal for landmark designation for 3030-3060
Nebraska Avenue was upheld. City Council
Liaison McKeown stated that it is important for a representative of the
Commission to attend City Council meetings when an appealed landmark
designation is heard.
10-D. 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.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley reported that the owners of 1427 Fourth Street had retained a preservation consultant to define the character-defining features in the potential Downtown Historic District in accordance with the Environmental Impact Report. He stated that the Architectural Review Board requested that the applicant refine the design based upon adjacent historical buildings in the area. Chair Pro Tempore Berley presented the Commission with plans and photographs regarding the evolution of the project.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that the Architectural Review Board also reviewed a sign permit for Chase Bank on 1333 Fourth Street. He stated that this project was brought to the Commission’s attention because the structure is over forty years old. Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that the structure has been significantly remodeled.
Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that some projects were submitted to the Architectural Review Board before applying for a demolition permit. Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that it is not the Commission’s desire to be put in a difficult position of creating a hardship to the applicant by designating a structure. Chair Pro Tempore Berley stated that staff is expressing the Commission’s concerns to applicants regarding the danger of presenting the project to the Architectural Review Board before review by the Landmark Commission.
10-E. Planning Commission Case List (Information Only).
Commissioner Genser asked staff to advise the Commission of the status of the Travelodge project. Mr. Albright responded that the project has already been through the entitlement process and reviewed by the Architectural Review Board.
11.
WRITTEN
COMMUNICATIONS: None.
12.
FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS: (Requests
from Commissioners to add items to upcoming agendas)
Chair
Pro Tempore Berley asked staff to agendize a discussion regarding advising the
Commission on appeals that are going before the City Council. Commissioner Bach suggested that this discussion
should also include any substantive discussions in front of any boards or
commissions.
Chair
Pro Tempore Berley asked staff to agendize a discussion regarding the status of
the Recreations and Parks Commission’s courtesy review of the draft Regulatory
Review Program for Palisades Park.
Commissioner
Lehrer asked to agendize a discussion regarding landmark parcel designations.
Commissioner
Fresco asked to agendize a discussion regarding the use of discarded signs in
future City projects.
13.
NEXT
MEETING DATE AND COMMISSION AGENDA: Regular Meeting of the Landmarks
Commission: 7:00 PM Monday, October 12, 2009; City Council Chambers, Room 213,
City Hall.
14.
ADJOURNMENT:
Commissioner Genser made a motion to adjourn the meeting at
10:04 pm. The motion was approved by
voice vote.