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06-04-2003 DRC MinutesCITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, June 4, 2003 Committee Members Present: Jon Califf Craig Wheeler Joe Woollett (Chair) Leonard Filner Staff in Attendance: Jim Reichert, Planning Manager Khanh Le, Recording Secretary Committee Member Absent: None Administrative Session - 4:30 P.M. The committee met for an administrative session beginning at 4:30 p.m. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:00 p.m. Regular Session - 5:30 PM REVIEW OF MINUTES: A motion was made by Committee Chair Joe Woollett to approve the May 7, 2003 minutes subject to the following corrections: DRC 3821-03 John & Teri Califf, page 6, paragrraph 4, sentence 7 amended as follows: Mr. Frankel wanted to clarify whether the FAR calculates to ~ .35. SECOND: Leonard Filner AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED The review and approval of the May 21, 2003 minutes was deferred to the June 18, 2003 City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003 Page 2 1. DRC No. 3532-00 -ORANGE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION Applicant request to change roofing material from barrel to "S" tiles fora 6-unit senior apartment complex. A vacant lot located on the north side of La Veta between Olive and Lemon Streets Staff Contact: Christopher Carnes, AICP, Senior Planner DRC Action: Determination on applicant's request Approved as Consent Item) A motion was made by Committee Member Filner to approve the project as submitted. SECOND: Jon Califf AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003 Page 3 2. DRC No. 3786-02 - ARCHSTONE GATEWAY APARTMENTS Proposal to construct afour-story 884-unit multi-family apartment complex, including structured and open surface parking, three swimming pools, a leasing office/clubhouse, and active and passive open space areas. The project site is split between the jurisdictional boundaries of the Cities of Orange and Anaheim. 291 State College Boulevard (in City of Orange), and 2150 State College Boulevard (in City of Anaheim) (former Orange Drive-in Theater site) Staff Contact: Anna Pehoushek, AICP, Senior Planner DRC Action: Preliminary Comment Mr. Stephen Dominiak is working with Robertson Property Group and he presented the project. He explained Archstone's background and history as a company. He also explained Archstone's business philosophy. He added that this location is ideal because of the surrounding resources. This particular project is a medium density project. It has three four (4)-story apartment buildings surrounding afour (4)-story parking structure that is never visible from the outside. Mr. Robert Clignett is the architect for the project. He described the buildings and proposed location of the facilities. The goal is to create an environment with articulation. There are passive and active types of amenities on site. The main entrance into the site is on State College. The whole project is being unified with landscaping. The overall style is contemporary Mediterranean. Mr. Dominiak explained that the biggest challenge is that it lies in two jurisdictions, Orange and Anaheim. This project is making an entry for the city. There's nothing in the area right now, and the aim is to bring something to the area. The applicant wants an internal site that works well in itself and also to be a good neighbor to the surrounding area. Chair Woollett stated that the committee has looked at the project adjacent to this site awhile back. He expressed that the committee likes to have these preliminary discussions. This is a great use for this corner. He is pleased to see this project. Committee Member Filner asked if the landscape architect could go through the design. Mr. Rob Pressman is the landscape architect for the project. He stated that in response to the surrounding and internal architecture, the design was created with a dramatic entry point along State College. The theme tree for Archstone is the Date Palm, which is used at each entry of each building. He went on to describe the different types of trees in each of the different areas on the plan. Chair Woollett stated that the shadow studies provided are very helpful He asked if the landscape architect could detail the plant material in the three-"donut holes" on the north side of the project. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003 Page 4 2. DRC No. 3786-02 - ARCHSTONE GATEWAY APARTMENTS (Continued) Mr. Pressman explained that shade tolerant plants would be used. A discussion concerning the different possibilities for each courtyard-plant material, color palette, different theme commenced between the committee and Mr. Pressman. Committee Member Wheeler addressed the plants along the parking structure, which will be in the shade also. Chair Woollett addressed the ventilation throughout the garage areas. Mr. Pressman stated that he is able to meet the ventilation requirements. Committee Member Filner commented that the committee would like to see Anaheim's stadium theme on the streetscape along State College. Mr. Dominiak expressed that the intention is to keep the same theme that is currently there. Committee Member Filner expressed that the other concern is having trees interfering with the fire lane. Mr. Dominiak stated that they have met with the fire department and that issue did not come up. The main discussion was about the apparatus and tree canopy. He added that he would address that situation next time he meets with them. The discussion then focused on the alleyway going to Orangewood-the width and landscaping. Committee Member Filner stated that he will ask for a final landscape plan with a tree height requirement for the area at the property line that borders the mobile home park to be set at a minimum of fifteen (15) feet for best possible screening. They then discussed the elevation and the possibility of putting a block wall and trees in that area. Chair Woollett asked if the applicant has addressed the lighting. Mr. Dominiak stated that staff has requested that they do a study of the lighting and the garage, the apartment lights, light and glare analysis. They will have that report to present at the next meeting. They then discussed the lighting impact on neighbors from the parking structures and other places that light can come from. Chair Woollett stated that the committee has found that all that it takes is a covered light fixture so that the light is directed downward. Chair Woollett expressed concern for accessibility from the apartments to the parking structures. Mr. Dominiak explained that each floor has its own access to the garage on its level. Committee Member Califf stated that it seems that some of the access areas, especially for loading and unloading, are hard to maneuver. Mr. Dominiak replied that they would do a study on those areas. Committee Member Filner stated that he sees the overall design is formal, but he hopes to see some areas that will allow it, have something more informal. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003 Page 5 2. DRC No. 3786-02 - ARCHSTONE GATEWAY APARTMENTS (Continued) Committee Member Wheeler expressed that he had a hard time relating the roof plan and the floor plan. He would like to see the buildings have enough differences in each of them to differentiate them from each other. He would like to see articulation of the roof, the trellis, and the courtyards. He also stated he would like to see the stonework carried throughout the whole project, not just around the base of the Clubhouse. Committee Member Wheeler also suggested that the current proposed concrete masonry for the garages seem to make the garages foreign and different from the buildings; maybe stucco could be used instead. Mr. Dominiak replied that they could look into that option. Chair Woollett asked how they plan to visually link the buildings. Committee Member Wheeler added that they don't look different from each other. The committee's concern is for all the clutter on the roof--to reduce the number of vents or distribute the locations of the vents. The committee and the applicant then discussed all the vents that will be required and where they could possibly go. Committee Member Wheeler asked how the visitor parking would be handled. Mr. Dominiak replied that they have onsite guest parking and the spaces are marked. Committee Member Califf asked for an explanation of the leasing building. Mr. Dominiak explained that the leasing building would have a business center, management offices, leasing offices, fitness center, and resident service centers. Committee Member Califf added that the only concern is whether there are functions that would involve more people outside the community, in relationship to parking. Mr. Dominiak explained that most of the amenities on site are for the community's use only. From time to time, they may have activities open to the public, when they can open the gates to the parking lot for the overflow parking. Chair Woollett expressed that the sports court seems small for this size community. Mr. Dominiak expressed that based on their previous projects, the sport courts have not been a strong need. They are just adding it to this project for image. Chair Woollett asked what the average age of the renters are. Mr. Dominiak replied there are two groups: empty nesters and young professionals. Per Committee Member Wheeler's request, they discussed the different pedestrian accesses, especially to go to the Block. They also discussed the possible traffic situation. Committee Member Filner questioned.the roof drainage situation and Mr. Dominiak replied that they plan on using gutters and down spouts, which will go to storm drains. Chair Woollett asked what the next step in this process is for the applicant. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003 Page 6 2. DRC No. 3786-02 - ARCHSTONE GATEWAY APARTMENTS (Continued) Mr. Clignett replied that the next step is to submit to staff screen check for environmental services in Orange and Anaheim, release the information for public review, then come back to the DRC in October, Planning Commission in November and City Council in December. Mr. Dominiak expressed he hoped to start construction twelve (12) months thereafter, with the first unit to be occupied one and one-half years after the process starts. Chair Woollett expressed his belief that this project will be a real asset to the city. NO ACTION REQUIRED -PRELIMINARY COMMENTS ONLY. City of Orange -Design Review Committee Meeting Minutes for June 4, 2003 Page 7 3. DRC No. 3828-03 -ORANGE TOWER Modification of an existing freestanding sign for ahigh-rise office building. 500 N. State College Boulevard Staff Contact: Chuck Lau, Associate Planner DRC Action: Final Determination Mr. Keith Anderson (Cen Source, 1500 S. Sunkist St. #4, Anaheim) explained his design. Committee Member Wheeler suggested putting a new addition to the existing sign so that it's more visible, or to make a new form out of the existing. Committee Member Filner expressed that the committee was looking to see the length to go all the way across also, to fit with existing sign. Committee Member Wheeler suggested making all material look uniform. The committee gave Mr. Anderson different suggestions for the sign for practicality and aesthetics. Staff Member Lau interjected that there may be a square footage sign code limitation. Committee Member Filner asked Mr. Anderson to look at the proposal, between the two (2) proposed, that is closest to code. The conclusion was that Mr. Anderson would take the suggestions given and come up with a redesign for the next meeting. A motion was made by Committee Member Leonard Filner to continue the project. SECOND: Craig Wheeler AYES: Jon Califf, Leonard Filner, Craig Wheeler, Joe Woollett NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAINED: None MOTION CARRIED N:AC D DAP L N G\Council Commissions Committees~DRC~DRC 06-04-03 drem.doc