CITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES FINAL April 18, 2018

Transcription

1 CITY OF ORANGE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE MINUTES FINAL April 18, 2018 Committee Members Present: Tim McCormack - Chair Anne McDermott Vice Chair Carol Fox Robert Imboden Mary Anne Skorpanich Staff in Attendance: William Crouch, Community Development Director Anna Pehoushek, Assistant Community Development Director Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner Robert Garcia, Senior Planner Kelly Ribuffo, Associate Planner Historic Preservation Simonne Fannin, Recording Secretary Administrative Session 5:00 Chair McCormack opened the Administrative Session at 5:15 p.m. and inquired about the Policy/Procedural Information. Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner stated there are no changes to the agenda. She informed the Committee that a second community workshop will be held on the Eichler homes on Thursday, May 3 at 6 p.m. at the library. Committee Members provided edits to the April 4 minutes. Committee Member Fox made a motion to close the Administrative Session of the Design Review Committee meeting. SECOND: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Skorpanich Imboden, McDermott, McCormack, Fox, Skorpanich MOTION CARRIED. Administrative Session adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

2 Regular Session 5:30 p.m. City of Orange Design Review Committee Page 2 of 12 ROLL CALL: Committee Members Imboden, Skorpanich, McDermott, McCormack and Fox were all present. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: Opportunity for members of the public to address the Design Review Committee on matters not listed on the Agenda. There were no speakers. CONSENT ITEMS: (1) APPROVAL OF MINUTES: April 4, 2018 Committee Member Skorpanich made a motion to approve the minutes from the Design Review Committee meeting of April 4, 2018, as emended during the Administrative Session. SECOND: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: Fox McCormack, Skorpanich, Imboden, Fox and McDermott MOTION CARRIED. AGENDA ITEMS: Continued Items:

3 Page 3 of 12 New Agenda Items: (2) DRC NO MARRIOTT DUAL HOTEL A proposal for the demolition of an existing Motel 6 and Denny s to construct a new 300 dual hotel, consisting of two Marriott hotel brands, Courtyard and Residence Inn W. Chapman Avenue Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, (714) , rgarcia@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission Robert Garcia, Senior Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff report. Dennis Constranco, applicant, explained his experience with building large hotels. He stated this particular concept was designed to resemble a resort. Tom Bergerson, a Principal at Architects Orange, provided a visual presentation on the design of the project, pool and amenities, parking, access and general circulation inside and outside of the facility. They see this project as a gateway into the city and they intend to break ground in November 2018 with the grand opening in the spring of Diego Alessi, landscape architect provided an overview of the site landscape architecture and the pool amenities. He stated they created an urban resort setting with strong pedestrian access from Chapman Avenue. One of their major amenities will be a bike concierge area consisting of shared bikes. He provided specific details on the porte cochère and the pool features which will have an indoor/outdoor atmosphere. Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There were no speakers. Committee Member questions: In response to a question of the exterior grade linear lighting, Duc Hoynh, Architects Orange, responded that the lighting will be weather protected LED which will act as an architectural feature during the day and have a soft glow at night. In response to the vision for the porte cochère, Mr. Hoynh responded the canopy cover will have material to filter the heat and will cast light shadows in the arrival area. In response to the "M" in the landscape, Mr. Hoynh responded they are taking advantage of the branding and will treat it as an art form at the entry. Materials are still to be determined; however they will be of a powder coat finish and acrylic type material. William Crouch, Community Development Director recommended that they asked the sign designer to incorporate the theme of the City of Orange into the artwork. Committee Members inquired about the connection to the bike trail, Mr. Alessi explained the guests will use a dedicated pedestrian crossing, with access from Chapman Avenue going on to the trail. The Committee Members were concerned about the porte cochère being shaded at all times and Mr. Alessi stated there will be a maintenance program with a seasonal aspect that will

4 Page 4 of 12 move plants around accordingly. The demonstration garden will consist of decorative plants. In response to the chain link fence along the property line and freeway, Mr. Bergerson stated it is a standard for Caltrans; however, staff has agreed to allow a retaining wall with a metal tube fence on top. Committee Member inquired if the landscape plan was approved by the Fire Department and Mr. Garcia stated yes. The pool area may be challenged by freeway noise; is an 8 foot wall sufficient and can it be increased to 10 feet? Mr. Garcia stated they can go up to 10 feet; however it interferes with the water quality and terrain due to the grade difference. In response to the signage package, Mr. Garcia stated it will return to the Committee for final approval at a later date. The parapet returns need to go deep enough onto the roof so that it doesn't appear as a false façade. Mr. Alessi stated they are at least 5 feet. The Committee would like a detailed sample drawing of the tabular column fins and light fixtures in the porte cochère prior to issuance of the permit. Being next to a superhighway, consideration needs to be made to the sustainability of the plants, the shade factor and the scale of the plant material. This project needs a focus on how they deal with views from the freeway. Mr. Alessi stated the plant palette has been narrowed down and they can return to the DRC with a narrative and revised palette. Committee Members discussed the circulation and asked if there is a way to avoid going back through the porte cochère with a connection to the existing driveway when exiting the site. Mr. Burgess stated their original plan included that concept but if they did, they would not have met the code parking requirements. In response to the Committee, Mr. Garcia stated the project is currently under parked. The Committee Members asked staff to consider relaxing the parking requirements in order to improve circulation. Mr. Crouch stated they will work with the applicant to create a shared surface that can be programmed differently to be used as a driveway or for parking. Committee Members Comments: The Committee is pleased to see a project of this caliber. There are areas that are lacking detail and not called out on the plans, especially in the porte cochère. The level of detail and vagueness makes it more difficult to approve and the Committee would like to see detailed plans prior to the issuance of a building permit. Landscape materials need to be narrowed down so they have a better sense of what they are approving. Abstract and elevate the design of the free-standing logo so that it is not just an "M". The Committee would like a detailed sample drawing of the tabular column fins and light fixtures in the porte cochère. The Committee would like to see the lighting package and what it will look like during the day and night. The Committee recommended removing a few parking spaces to improve site circulation and safety. The trees around the pool area are meeting the requirements for the tree count; more trees should be placed in the parking lot to provide shade. The Committee would like to see the paving concept prior to building permit issuance.

5 Page 5 of 12 The Committee would like to review the following prior to building permit issuance: light fixture cut sheets, landscape plan and material board, signage, acoustical fins, tubular steel columns, more detail on the porte cochère, sound wall, trash and equipment enclosure and artwork. Committee Member Fox made a motion to recommend approval to the Planning Commission for DRC No , Marriott Dual Hotel based on the findings and conditions that are in the staff report with additional conditions as follows: 1. The rooftop parapet returns shall be a 5 foot minimum. 2. The following items shall return to the Design Review Committee for final determination prior to issuance of a building permit: lighting package including fixture cut sheets and locations with photo images of some of the more dramatic fixtures, landscape plan and material board, signage package, more detail for architectural features for fins, tubular steel column treatments, porte cochère, sound wall between the pool and the freeway, trash equipment enclosures and featured artwork. The following recommendations are included: 1. The circulation in the parking lot should be studied to consider reducing some parking spaces to create better circulation flow and less of a bottleneck near the entry as discussed in the meeting. 2. Trees in the parking lot should be re-allocated to one tree every five spaces, instead of one every six spaces. SECOND: Skorpanich AYES: McDermott, Fox, Imboden, McCormack, Skorpanich NOES: ABSENT: RECUSED: Recess 7:05-7:14 MOTION CARRIED.

6 Page 6 of 12 3) DRC NO SPICY THAI RESTAURANT A proposal to construct a new single level restaurant to replace a two-level fire damaged restaurant W. Chapman Avenue Staff Contact: Robert Garcia, (714) , rgarcia@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Final Determination Robert Garcia, Senior Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff report. Jonathan Matson, architect for the project stated the new restaurant will be a little bit smaller but more functional. The basement walls and foundation were used as the base footprint; lighting and perimeter landscaping will be nicer. Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There were no speakers. Committee comments and questions: In response to the question regarding the guardrail, Mr. Matson stated they are made of wood slats. In response to the gold painted accents that were previously on the building, Mr. Matson stated they probably will not have enough money to include them. The Committee expressed that it would be nice to see the painted accents. Trash enclosure wood beams are not called out on the plans. There is a discrepancy on the roof between north and east elevations versus the color elevation. The Committee Members had concerns about accumulation of moisture in the basement because the ventilation in the crawl space is below grade on the east façade. Mr. Matson stated they can provide mechanical ventilation to mitigate moisture issues. The guardrail is a prominent architectural feature; however detail for it has not been provided in the drawings. The Committee would prefer the elimination of the Mexican Feather Grass from the landscape plan because it is an invasive plant in Orange County. The beams on the arcade around the outside should be bumped up to 6 x 6 or 8 x 8 beams in order to match the posts. The Committee would like concealed hardware on the arcade. The Committee supports the landscape plan even though it is somewhat deficient in the number of trees because the size of the trees mitigates the shortfalls. The Committee suggested moving the trash enclosure to the west in order to plant additional trees. The Committee recommended replacing Stipa tenuissima with Pennisetum spathiolatum in the landscape plan The Committee recommended using a gutter above the decomposed granite. The Committee suggested using 1 gallon instead of 5 gallon Kangaroo Paws along Chapman Avenue.

7 Page 7 of 12 Committee Member Fox made a motion to approve DRC No with the following conditions: 1. The trash enclosure shall have a cover of wood beams to match the building. 2. Mexican Feather Grass shall be replaced with Pennisetum spathiolatum. 3. The beam that goes over all of the posts in the colonnade shall be an 8 x 8 beam. 4. The hardware on the colonnade shall be concealed, although bolt heads can be exposed. 5. The trash enclosures shall be shifted west by four feet with two additional Podocarpus planted behind the enclosure. 6. Gutters shall be added where the decomposed granite occurs. 7. Fewer Coffeeberries shall be planted to allow them to grow bigger. 8. The 5 gallon Kangaroo Paws shall be replaced with 1 gallon Kangaroo Paws. SECOND: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Imboden McDermott, Fox, Imboden, McCormack, Skorpanich MOTION CARRIED.

8 (4) DRC NO W. CHAPMAN AVENUE City of Orange Design Review Committee Page 8 of 12 A request for modifications to a previously approved design for the exterior of a noncontributing building in the Old Towne Historic District, based on conditions uncovered by plaster removal from the building. 240 W. Chapman Avenue, Old Towne Historic District Staff Contact: Marissa Moshier, (714) , mmoshier@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Final Determination Marissa Moshier, Historic Preservation Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff report. Jim Wilson, architect for the project stated he and some of his staff were there to answer any questions. Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There were no speakers. Committee comments and questions: On Sheet A-2.4, Note 25 is not keyed to the correct location on the elevation and should be corrected. The Committee discussed the diamond pattern of the original brick and the color of the parapet cap. In response to the Committee's question on how the steel plates will be positioned on the columns, Mr. Wilson stated they would wrap up to 6 inches around the corners to the front because that is how far is needed to cover up the plaster material. In response to the question as to whether or not they considered removing the concrete and replacing it with brick on the corners, Adam Feliz, General Contractor stated big chunks of brick are falling out every time they try to remove the concrete. The surface is not strong enough to have anything adhere to it. In response to how the light fixtures will be attached, Mr. Feliz stated there will be a surface mount with a pancake J box instead of being recessed. The Committee is concerned that water will erode the bricks even further. The Committee Members want to make sure that the solutions that are being proposed are not detrimental to the building. They are concerned about moisture damage from exposed edges of the bricks with a steel covering on it and would like to know if this sealer has been tested to ensure that it works. Mr. Wilson stated the sealer is a penetrating sealer and is good for horizontal and vertical surfaces and they will maintain as necessary. The Committee Members asked that all of the different types of bricks on the building be tested with the cleaner prior to complete application. The Committee would like frosted white light bulbs in the canopy instead of clear. The Committee agreed to the use of a smooth brown coat for the plaster on the rear elevation of the building. Committee Member Imboden made a motion for approval of DRC No , recognizing the conditions and findings included in the staff report with the following additional conditions:

9 Page 9 of 12 Each type of brick existing on the building shall be individually tested for the removal of existing debris and sealing. The Historic Preservation Planner shall be allowed to review and approve that process prior to commencing. Exterior light bulbs in the canopy shall be frosted. The rear of the building shall be finished with a brown coat plaster finish only, with no color coat, and rendered with a smooth finish. When working with the existing signage on the building, the applicant shall respect the City's intent to preserve old signage. SECOND: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Skorpanich McCormack, Imboden, McDermott, Fox, Skorpanich MOTION CARRIED.

10 (5) DRC NO ACTIVCARE ASSISTED LIVING City of Orange Design Review Committee Page 10 of 12 A proposal to construct a new single story, 72 bed licensed memory care facility on a vacant lot E. Chapman Avenue Staff Contact: Kelly Ribuffo, (714) , kribuffo@cityoforange.org DRC Action: Recommendation to Planning Commission Kelly Ribuffo, Associate Planner provided an overview of the project consistent with the staff report. She explained that due to the project being landlocked there are three items of concern: 1. The compatibility of the architecture with surrounding development. 2. Sixty-two trees are required for this project; however the Landscape Plan calls for 60 in order to provide the appropriate fire access. 3. The plant palette for the Landscape Plan should incorporate more of the natural landscape to blend in with the adjacent Santiago Creek. Kevin Moriarty, with Active Care Living, the developer and the operator of the community, stated that their goal is to achieve a final product that is warm, homelike and inviting to the residents as well as their visitors. The materials used to build this facility are identical to the ones that were used to build a facility in Yorba Linda last year. Chair McCormack provided an opportunity for members of the public to speak on this item. There were no speakers. Committee Members questions and comments: The Committee Members and staff discussed the property s General Plan designations and reasons for requiring a CUP. In response to whether or not the access road will be widened, Mr. Moriarty stated it will stay as is, however they will improve the aesthetics. The Committee Members were pleased with the architecture and style and stated that it provides a residential feel. The landscape could be modified and more reflective of the nearby creek, possibly with more Sycamore trees and more native plants that are drought tolerant. Many of the trees seem to be on Loretta Drive; the Committee recommended using Sycamore trees or London Plane trees/platanus acerifolia on the street and placing more trees on the actual project site. The landscaping on north side of the building could be simplified. The project needs to be less of an infill project and more acknowledging of the Creek. Instead of the Queen Palm and Pygmy Date Palms, the Washingtonia filifera should be considered at the entrance of the facility. The Committee recommended a native landscape palette around the perimeter of the site to ground the building in its surrounding with a more familiar/recognizable landscape in the courtyards. The Committee agreed that they would like to see the landscape and irrigation plan returned to the DRC for final review.

11 Page 11 of 12 Committee Member Imboden made a motion for a recommendation to the Planning Commission on DRC No , Active Care Assisted Living, with the required findings and conditions provided by staff with the following additional condition: The revised and updated landscape plans shall be more reflective of the surroundings adjacent to the Creek and shall be returned to DRC for review and approval prior to issuance of a building permit. SECOND: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Skorpanich McCormack, Imboden, McDermott, Fox, Skorpanich Ms. Ribuffo asked the Committee if they would accept less than the code-required 62 trees for the project. Committee Member Imboden responded that the Committee has previously approved projects that were slightly deficient on the tree count based on the mitigated use of larger tree species. Bill Crouch stated the Chair offered to meet with the applicant; therefore they can discuss that at that time.

12 Page 12 of 12 Committee Member Imboden made a motion to adjourn to the next Design Review Committee meeting on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. SECOND: AYES: NOES: ABSENT: Skorpanich McCormack, Imboden, McDermott, Fox, Skorpanich MOTION CARRIED. Meeting adjourned at 9:12 p.m.