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2015-05-20 DRC Final MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES - FINAL Committee Members Present: Tim McCormack - Chair Carol Fox — Vice Chair Robert Imboden Anne McDermott Craig Wheeler May 20, 2015 Staff in Attendance: Jennifer Le, Acting Principal Planner Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner — Historic Preservation Lucy Yeager, Contract Planner Kelly Christensen Ribuffo, Associate Planner Chad Ortlieb, Senior Planner Sharon Penttila, Recording Secretary Administrative Session — 5:00 Chair McCormack opened the Administrative Session at 5:03 p.m. Chair McCormack inquired if there was any Policy or Procedural information. Jennifer Le, Acting Principal Planner, indicated there were three items to discuss. She stated the applicants for the Lemon Grove project would be requesting their item be moved up on the agenda because they needed to attend another meeting at 8:00 p.m. Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner — Historic Preservation, explained that the Masonic Lodge at 71 Plaza Square would be undergoing renovation which would include window repairs, paint abatement, repair to the blade sign, restoration of the painted signs on the north elevation, light cleaning, and graffiti removal beginning in June and lasting for 3 months. Kelly Ribuffo, Associate Planner, provided an update on the Blaze Pizza project. She showed the Committee a paint sample of the medium brown paint being proposed for the exterior of the building per DRC conditions. She met with the stained glass contractor and Ms. Ribuffo felt the contractor had the experience and expertise to do the work. She would continue to keep the Committee updated. In response to a DRC request at the last meeting, Ms. Le met with the City Attorney's Office to discuss how the DRC can get information about the City's maintenance policy for trees in the public right -of -way as it relates to the drought conditions. She suggested for the next meeting that staff could provide an informational memo that runs down City maintenance codes, policies, and practices. She stated the Council recently had a lengthy conversation about the drought and changing watering practices for City facilities. She asked the DRC to relay their concerns to the Council member who appointed them. The DRC provided a list of concerns they would like addressed which included maintenance practices, how Code Enforcement can be more proactive, and type of plants and spacing being used based on the sustainable soil footprint. Committee Member Imboden had a concern with the large amount of bricks being removed from the Avonti Salon project as well as the removal of the chimney. Ms. Le explained that Anna Pehoushek, Acting Assistant Community Development Director, has been monitoring the project and it has been City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 2 of 12 consistent with staff s expectations based on the plans. Ms. Le would ask Ms. Pehoushek attend the next meeting and provide an update.. Committee Member Fox was concerned that the protection of the plaster has not gone up on the Blaze Pizza project. Ms. Ribuffo will discuss this issue with the contractor. Committee Member Imboden wanted to ensure the work being done conforms to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. The Committee Members reviewed the meeting minutes from the Design Review Committee meeting of May 6, 2015. Committee Member Fox made a motion to close the Administrative Session of the Design Review Committee meeting. SECOND: Robert Imboden AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, McDermott, and Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. Administrative Session adjourned at. 5:28 p.m. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 3 of 12 :Regular Session — 5:30 p.m. ROLL CALL: All Committee Members were present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on matters not listed on the Agenda. Barry Cottle requested their Lemon Grove item be moved up on the agenda due to another meeting they needed to attend at 8:00 p.m. Chair McCormack found the other project applicants did not have a problem with the request. CONSENT ITEMS (1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 6, 2015 Committee Member Fox made a motion to approve the minutes from the Design Review Committee meeting of May 6, 2015 as emended during the discussion at the Administrative Session: SECOND: Craig Wheeler AYES: Carol Fox, Anne McDermott, Tim McCormack, and Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Robert Imboden MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 4 of 12 AGENDA ITEMS Continued Items: None New Agenda Items: (2) DRC No. 4765 -14 — Old Town Gateway • A proposal to rehabilitate two contributing commercial buildings in the Old Towne Historic District, demolish non - contributing structures, construct three two -story apartment buildings containing 10 dwelling units with subsurface parking, and construct a trash and storage building. • Associated Application: MJSP 0788 -14 • 401 W. Chapman Avenue, Old Towne Historic District • Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714) 744 -7243, mmoshierAcityoforange.org • DRC Action: Preliminary Review Marissa Moshier, Associate Planner- Historic Preservation, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. She asked for the Committee's feedback on the proposed project. Leason Pomeroy, applicant, was present to answer questions from the DRC. He discussed the features of the project using a scale model. Public Comments: Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. Jeff Frankel, address on file, wanted clarification on the 112 N. Cypress address because the DPR form stated it was a 1D and eligible for listing but wanted to know how the determination was made that it was not eligible. He also wanted to keep the industrial feel of this area but it appeared from the drawings that the infill development looked contemporary. Also he wanted to make sure that there was compatibility with the surrounding historic structures and if there was a reasonable alternative to the removal of one of the bays on the historic building. Ms. Moshier explained there are multiple DPR forms for the property as a whole and because of how the addressing works on the site, there are separate DPR forms for two of the additions to the commercial building. 112 N. Cypress is the small addition on the north side and that was coded with the 1 D status code but it was never listed under that address as a contributor on the National Register in the district. Committee Member Imboden requested that staff provide not only the most recent DPR forms but also the DPR forms for the National Register nomination in future packets. Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion. The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the plans related to rehabilitation of the historic buildings and the new construction. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 5 of 12 The DRC commented on the following: • Requested the buildings on the site plans be numbered. Restaurant Building on W. Chapman Avenue • Had questions on the door material, height of the front parapet, skylights, openings in and condition of the back of the building, window material, and the green wall on the addition. Discussed proposal to add an entrance on the east elevation. • Consensus that existing entrance on Chapman Avenue was not viable for restaurant use and could create a dangerous situation if the door swung out onto the sidewalk in front of the building. • Applicant described proposal to alter one bay of historic storefront on east elevation by removing bulkhead and adding a door. The Committee did not support this proposal due to the level of alteration to the historic materials on a primary elevation. • Discussed alternatives, including using existing secondary openings on east elevation or moving primary entrance to west side of building. • Applicant preferred entrance on east elevation due to pedestrian traffic from Plaza/new parking structure. • Committee discussed either widening existing man door or using area of truck door as a new entrance vestibule with recessed glazing. Discussed proposal for addition to west elevation. • Location, mass and scale look good. • Plaster exterior may appear too residential; however, may be appropriate with a more organic texture and materiality. Trellis /Outdoor Dining Area • Had questions regarding trellis materials, the gate on the back area and gate material. • Discussed potential to break up the mass of the trellis • Suggested making it two levels and using Wisterias on the upper level and other shade materials below. • Suggested lessening the mass by cutting a hole in the center • Suggested increasing the height and retaining the simplicity of the structure, rather than breaking up the structure into multiple parts. • Suggested celebrating the entry on Atchison Street by adding street trees and using up- lighting to formalize the entry. • Location of trash enclosure on Atchison Street is more appropriate than on Cypress Street. Pasco Connection • Had questions on the access from the parking structure to the train station. • Suggested adding crosswalks and bulb -outs for traffic calming and pedestrian safety. • Felt it was time to address the design elements connecting the paseo to the parking structure. Apartments • Glad to see the scale model that shows the setbacks, mass and scale. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 6 of 12 • Have no concerns about mass, setbacks and simple building forms. Works as a large bungalow court. • Discussed roof forms. • Roofs are very dominant and the bold statement may not be necessary. The notched parapet was a very modern detail. • Did not want the apartments to upstage the historic structures. • Recommended lowering roofs and removing center slot. • Discussed dormer on roof of center building. ■ Discussed possibility of a gable versus the barrel. ■ Suggested barrel form picks up the form of shaped parapet on historic substation building and may be more residential in character. • Discussed building features and materials. • Liked simplicity of elevations. • DRC had a question on the glazing on the back of the buildings. Liked use of steel windows that gesture toward industrial character. • Materials may be too modern and severe in this location in Old Towne. • Suggested possibility of carrying the metal down the walls so it was not just floating on the roof. • Discussed importance of organic material finishes that are compatible with the historic buildings. • Suggested a thin strip of gravel 6 " - 8" along the sidewalk to offset the mass. Committee Member Wheeler's Recap • Agreed to having the existing man door widened or adding a new door in the recessed glazed area on the east elevation. • Requested the buildings on the next submittals be numbered. • Asked the Applicant to consider creating a recessed door or vestibule with recessed glazing on the east elevation, so that the door does not swing out onto the sidewalk. • Recommended finishing the building with plaster and toning down the white color. • Suggested locating trees to provide an opening to the patio area on the west side of the property. • City staff and Applicant should study the urban design for the paseo connection to the parking structure and should include a connection to the train station. Check to see if crosswalks can be added. • The roofs on the apartments are too dominant. Recommended removing notches in roof forms. • Glazing on the ends of the residential buildings is an ideal place to use steel window frames similar to the Digital Media Arts Center. • Do not upstage the historical buildings. • Think about the color of the transformer substation building, which should be different from the residential buildings. • Think about a narrow gravel separation between the sidewalk and buildings. • Use a Mediterranean aesthetic for the landscaping concept and consider the sustainability of the plants. For preliminary review only — no action is required. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 7 of 12 Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to move the Lemon Grove project, DRC No. 4776 -14, to the next position on the agenda: SECOND: Anne McDermott AYES: Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler NOES: Carol Fox ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 8 of 12 (3) DRC No. 4776 -14 — Lemon Grove • The project was conditionally approved by the City Council on March 10, 2015. The project is returning to the Design Review Committee for fulfillment of project changes based on Design Review Committee conditions of approval. • 1148 N. Lemon Street • Staff Contact: Chad Ortlieb, (714) 744 -7237, cortliebecityoforan e.org • DRC Action: Final Determination Chad Ortlieb, Senior Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. He explained that of the four conditions imposed by the DRC at the previous meeting, Conditions 15 and 16 regarding tree reduction for fire department laddering and veneer wrapping were already approved by City Council. City Council also approved the landscaping and the applicant's landscape architect has addressed the issue of the landscaping in the bioswale referred to in Condition 18. Condition 17, pertaining to mass reduction of the front elevation of building A, is before the DRC tonight. Barry Cottle, Todd Cottle, Barry Adnams, and Bob Luther were present to answer questions from the DRC. Public Comments Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. There were none. Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion. The DRC was disappointed in the new design expecting to see more of a change on the front elevation of building A and had the following comments: • The revised design appeared to add mass instead of reduce it. The elevation had a lot of blankness and needed a visual break. • Discussed that originally the DRC suggested making it a 2 bedroom unit on top instead of 3. • Discussed solutions such as adding a faux balcony or a recessed arch on the second story. The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the reduction of trees for the Fire Department laddering and what type of trees were required by the Fire Department. Bob Luther, landscape architect, explained the landscape design. Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to approve DRC No. 4776 -14, Lemon Grove, based on the findings and conditions listed in the Staff Report, and with the additional condition: 1. Recessed arches shall be created on the second story mass on the east side of building A. SECOND: Carol Fox AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 9 of 12 (3) DRC No. 4752 -14 — JR MOTEL [Note Preliminary Review by DRC was considered on 11/5/2014] • A proposal for construction of a 28 -unit motel on vacant property. • 428 E. Lincoln Avenue • Staff Contact: Lucy Yeager, 714- 744 -7239, lyeagerkeityoforange.org • DRC Action: Recommendation to the Planning Commission Lucy Yeager, Contract Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. Chih Chun Huang, applicant, was present to answer questions from the DRC. Public Comments: Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. Jim Sigas, address on file, is the property owner to the west of this project. Even though he was glad there is something proposed for the property, he was concerned with the lack of visibility of his restaurant since the proposed building will be 4' from his property and 26' high. He requested the project be flipped and have the parking lot on the west side. Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion. The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the plans related to the possibility of flipping the proposed project, the codes being met as far as setback and height requirements, landscaping and the window over the cantilever on the east elevation. • The DRC commented on the following: Applicant did everything the DRC had requested and their concerns have been addressed from the last meeting. Privacy for the single family residential uses to the rear was greatly improved. • Discussed that the visual impact to the business on the west side would not be substantial. • Concern with the west fagade in terms of landscaping and exposure to the sun. Discussed adding an additional 2 junipers for a stronger landscape statement and discussed limitations due to Fire Department requirements. Concern that the proximity of the building to the property line is only 4'. • Suggested using four 5- gallon blood red trumpet vines on the trellises on the west fagade. Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission for DRC No. 4752 -14, JR Motel, based on the findings and conditions listed in the Staff Report, and with the additional conditions: 1. The window on the second floor directly over the cantilever on the east elevation toward the south end of the wall shall be moved so it does not fall over the line of the cantilever. 2. Four 5- gallon blood red trumpet vines shall be added to the trellises on the west side of the building. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 10 of 12 With the following recommendation: 1. Change the plane of the rear solid railings on the second level on the south side to give more animation to that elevation. SECOND: Carol Fox AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 11 of 12 (4) DRC No. 4786 -15 — Wendy's Restaurant • A proposal for a fagade renovation to an existing fast food restaurant. • 3739 W. Chapman Avenue • Staff Contact: Kelly Ribuffo, (714) 744 - 7223, kribuffo(j�cityoforange.org • DRC Action: Final Determination Kelly Christensen Ribuffo, Associate Planner, presented a project overview consistent with the Staff Report. Dan Osran and Peter Panchev were present to answer questions from the DRC. Public Comments Chair McCormack opened the item to the Public for comments. There were none. Chair McCormack opened the item to the Committee for discussion. The DRC asked the Applicant questions about the plans related to the pilaster by the drive thru window, the location of the railing on the front elevation, lighting in the recessed entry area, use of the spandrel glass on the left elevation on site plan A2.2, and the material and color of the tiles. The DRC commented on the following: • Use wall sconces in the recessed entry area on the west side like the one on the east elevation. • Suggest having the spandrel glass on the east elevation all the same so it appears consistent. • The tiles proposed in a running bond pattern read more like a stone veneer and feel heavy. A stacked bond pattern will look aesthetically better for a tile that reads more like wood, and will take away the heaviness. Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to approve DRC No. 4786 -15, Wendy's Restaurant, based on the findings and conditions listed in the Staff Report, and with the additional conditions: 1. On the east elevation on the north end where a different type of spandrel glass is shown for two windows, either the spandrel glass shall be eliminated or replaced with insulated clear glass if possible or, if not possible, both elements on that window grouping shall have the spandrel glass so the horizontal line is the same. 2. Wall lights shall be added at the entry recess on the west side to match the wall light shown on the east elevation. 3. Tile material shall be applied in a stacked bond instead of running bond. SECOND: Robert Imboden AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. City of Orange — Design Review Committee Final Meeting Minutes for May 20, 2015 Page 12 of 12 ADJOURNMENT: Committee Member Wheeler made a motion to adjourn to the next regularly scheduled Design Review Committee meeting on June 3, 2015. SECOND: Carol Fox AYES: Carol Fox, Robert Imboden, Tim McCormack, Anne McDermott, and Craig Wheeler NOES: None ABSENT: None MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.