2007 03 07 ALRC
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ARCHITECTURE AND lANDSCAPING
REVIEW COMMITTEE
AGENDA
A Re-Scheduled Meeting to be Held at the
La Ouinta City Hall South Conference Room
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Ouinta, California
MARCH 7, 2007
10:00 A.M.
Beginning Minute Motion 2007-003
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Pledge of Allegiance
B. Roll Call
II. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the time set aside for public comment on any matter not scheduled for
public hearing. Please complete a "Request to Speak" form and limit your
comments to three minutes.
III. CONFIRMATION OF AGENDA
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Approval of the Minutes of February 7, 2007.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Item ....................... SITE DEVElOPMENT PERMIT 2006-875
Applicant ................ Mayer Villa Capri, L.P.
Location ................. North side of Fred Waring Drive, between
Washington Street and Palm Royale Drive
Request.................. Consideration of architectural and landscaping
lans for a 103,972 square foot retail center and
adjacent 130,450 square foot medical office
complex
Action .................... Minute Motion 2007-
ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE
B. Item ....................... SITE DEVElOPMENT PERMIT 2007-879
Applicant ................ The Foundation Group, LLC
Location................. Pad Site "A" on the northwest corner of Calle
Tampico and Washington Street, within the La
Ouinta Village Shopping Center, north of City
Hall.
Request.................. Consideration of architectural and landscaping
plans for a freestanding pad building
Action .................... Minute Motion 2007-
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS:
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
This meeting of the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee will be
adjourned to a Regular Meeting to be held on April 4, 2007 at 10:00 a.m.
DECLARATION OF POSTING
I, Betty J. Sawyer, Executive Secretary of the City of La Ouinta, do hereby declare
that the foregoing Agenda for the La Ouinta Architectural and Landscaping Review
Committee Rescheduled Meeting of Wednesday, March 7, 2007, was posted on the
outside entry to the Council Chamber, 78-495 Calle Tampico, and the bulletin board at
the La Ouinta Post Office bulletin board. 78-630 Highway 111, on Friday, March 2,
2007.
DATED:
March 2, 2007
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ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE
DATE:
CASE NO:
APPLICANT:
ARCHITECTS:
lANDSCAPE
ARCHITECTS:
ENGINEERS:
REQUEST:
lOCATION:
BACKGROUND:
MARCH 7, 2006
SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2006-875
MAYER VillA CAPRI, loP. (lARRY BROSE)
PREST-VUKSIC ARCHITECTS (RETAil BUilDINGS IN
COMMERCIAL CENTER)
WilLIAM PARRISH DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANTS (MARKET
IN COMMERCIAL CENTER)
WARMAN DESIGN GROUP (DRUGSTORE IN COMMERCIAL
CENTER)
BURG HARD DESIGN GROUP (MEDICAL CENTER)
RGA lANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, INC.
MSA CONSULTING, INC.
REVIEW OF ARCHITECTURAL AND lANDSCAPING PLANS FOR
103,972 SQ. FT. RETAil CENTER AND ADJACENT 130,450 SQ.
FT. MEDICAL OFFICE COMPLEX
NORTH SIDE OF FRED WARING DRIVE, BETWEEN WASHINGTON
STREET AND PALM ROYALE DRIVE
The project site is a 25:t acre site on the north side of Fred Waring Drive between
Washington Street and Palm Royale Drive in the Community Commercial zone. The
newly constructed Colonel Mitchell Paige Middle School and a small vacant commercial
site are to the north of the site with residential uses to the east across Palm Royale
Drive and south across Fred Waring Drive. To the west in the City of Palm Desert are
commercial and residential uses.
This site was proposed by this applicant for a 10 acre commercial site (westerly) and
15 acre residential subdivision (easterly) in early 2004. The project then proposed was
recommended for denial by the Planning Commission and eventually withdrawn by the
applicant without any City Council review.
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PROJECT PROPOSAL:
Proposed is a commercial complex and medical office complex (Attachment 1). The
103,972 square foot commercial complex will consist of 10 acres on the west end of
the site, while a 130,450 square foot medical office complex is proposed on the
eastern 15 acres of the site. While the projects are separate, there will be a vehicular
connection between the two via a common north-south drive adjacent to the projects
common boundary connecting to Fred Waring Drive.
Commercial Center:
The commercial center on the west portion of the site will consist of a supermarket
with several attached retail shop spaces, a freestanding drugstore, and six additional
freestanding retail buildings. The building on pad 1 is shown as a future phase and not
included at this time.
The commercial center proposes two driveways to Fred Waring Drive and two to
Washington Street. The easterly driveway on Fred Waring Drive will be shared with
the medical office complex to the east.
The commercial center is designed in a desert contemporary style of architecture,
utilizing flat roofs, square corners, popouts and recesses, varying colors of smooth
plaster walls, stone veneer on towers, metal canopies and trellis', awnings and curved
roof towers. Exterior plaster colors include up to five shades of tan to brown plus a
deep green. Metal work and accents will be dark brown with the stone veneer multi
earth tone colors. The curved metal roof, where used, consists of standing seam
metal in a clear anodized aluminum color.
Retail Shops:
The building heights are proposed at approximately 20' for the freestanding retail
shops. There are tower structures on these buildings which are several feet higher
than the adjacent building walls. These buildings utilize vertical and horizontal planes
of varying colors and depths. Popout columns and soffits create the appearance that
the windows and doors are recessed. On all of these retail buildings at least one
freestanding perforated steel shade covers will be provided over walkway or entry
areas. Along shop fronts the plans allow awnings, chosen by the tenant, over most
windows. In some areas, steel trellis' will be provided.
Supermarket:
The supermarket, at the northeast corner of the site is proposed at 24' -8" high with a
32' -8" high curved metal entry tower with a large glass face facing southwest. The
market has been designed by a different architect than the retail buildings. As a result,
the design and its details are not the same. The same color palette and general style
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has been followed, but the design uses less storefront type glass, plane variations,
popouts and recesses, etc. Exterior materials consist of stucco, brick and stone
veneer, splitface block. This building will use a splitface block wainscot around most
of the building.
Brick veneer is shown in areas to break up the wall expanses. A two lane pharmacy
drive through pick-up window is shown on the left side of the building facing the
northwest.
Drugstore:
The drugstore is proposed near the intersection of Washington Street and Fred Waring
Drive and has been designed by a third architect. As a result, the design and its details
are not the same. The design is desert contemporary and while it utilizes the same
color and material palette consisting of stucco, brick and stone veneer, splitface block
screen walls its design varies from the other building in the center. A curved metal
roof tower entry is shown at the southwest corner of the building. This entry and the
flanking walls show extensive glass windows. The building is setback approximately
100' from each street. The building has primarily two different heights of 24' and 26'
with the entry tower, at the southwest corner shown at 32' high. A two lane
pharmacy drive through pick-up window is shown on the east side of the building.
The south and west sides of the building show high steel trellis' supported by stucco
columns. A loading and trash area is shown at the rear or north side of the building.
Medical Office Complex:
The medical office complex will consist of five freestanding buildings, with the
northern three buildings proposed to be two stories in height and the southern two
buildings near Fred Waring Drive proposed at one story. There is one driveway
connecting to Palm Royale Drive and two driveways to Fred Waring Drive, the westerly
one being the shared drive with the retail center. The easterly driveway on Fred
Waring Drive leads to the front door of the proposed "flagship" medical building where
a circular drive with a water feature in the center and drop off area and several close
handicap parking spaces exist. The circular drive intersects an east-west drive that
provides access to Palm Royale Drive and the commercial center.
Only the architectural plans for the main "flagship" 44,850 square feet two-story
building in the center of the complex have been submitted. This medical building is
designed in a desert contemporary style of architecture utilizing the same type of
architectural features as the retail center. Exterior colors and materials will be the
same used in the retail center. Metal work and accents, including a curved standing
seam metal roof over the tower feature, is to be clear anodized aluminum color, with a
stone veneer face.
As required for office buildings, carports will be provided for at least 30% of the
parking spaces. Plans for these have not been submitted, but they will be compatible
with the desert contemporary architectural style of the building. Three carports are
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located near the one story buildings, while most are located near the two story
buildings at the rear of the site.
Entries are provided on all four sides of the building with the main entry facing Fred
Waring Drive where the water feature and circular drive are proposed. On south side
of the building, following the curve of the circular drive and adjacent to the front door
is a covered arcade over the sidewalk.
The building parapet is proposed at 30' high, which is lower than the 40' high allowed
in the Community Commercial zone. Inside of the parapet wall and mounted to the
roof will be a painted louvered equipment screen which will add an additional four feet
of height to the structure. While it will screen the roof equipment, it is also designed
to be an architectural feature of the building. A tower (with the curved metal roof)
over the north and south building entries will be 43' high.
landscape Design for both projects:
A landscape plan for the entire site has been submitted showing specific trees and
shrub types. The plan includes a plant palette with sizes for the project. Trees are
shown at 24" to 36" box size, with Date Palms at 14' and Mexican Fan Palms at 25'
high. Shrubs are shown at 15, five and one gallon sizes with groundcovers at five and
one gallon size. The landscape design is desertscape in nature with no use of turf
indicated.
Additionally, plan blow-ups with more landscape detail are provided for the area around
buildings 2-4 of the retail center and the area around the proposed medical building and
water feature have been submitted.
Along the Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive perimeters a meandering sidewalk
is shown with some berming in the planter areas. At the corner of Washington Street
and Fred Waring Drive a water feature is shown surrounded by planting. Planted
retention basins are shown at the northeast corner of the site adjacent to Palm Royale
Drive on the medical complex site, and to the east of Building 10 on the Commercial
center site.
AlRC DISCUSSION ITEMS:
Although the buildings have been designed by three different architects they are all
designed in a desert contemporary style. However, there are items that warrant
careful review by the ALRC.
Commercial Center:
For most of the retail buildings there is a lack of depth in the architectural treatment to
the building exteriors. Generally, except at corners, popouts and recesses are minimal
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which does not provide adequate shadow depths. However, the design, proportions
and use of different colors and materials is acceptable.
The front elevation of the supermarket building except for the tower is essentially one
height. Some height variation would help break up the monotony of the long
horizontal roof line. The same is true for the northwest elevation that faces
Washington Street and northeast elevation that faces the middle school. Architectural
treatment such as, but not limited to columns, popouts or recesses are needed on the
building elevations to provide architectural depth, interest, and design compatible to
that shown on the retail buildings. The market entry with its extensive glass areas is
over one story high with questionable solar protection. Furthermore, this creates an
out of proportion appearance to the entry. The covered arcade on the front elevation
has little design quality and should be compatible with the design quality of the shade
covers and trellis' used over the retail buildings.
The drugstore is at a prominent location at the intersection of Washington Street and
Fred Waring Drive, essentially the entry to the City from the west and north.
Therefore, the site design and architecture of this building needs to be attractive as
well as compatible with the balance of the project. The drug store despite using the
same colors and materials used in the retail buildings is not well designed. Overall, this
building is out of scale, has awkward detailing and does not have the same attention
to scale, mass and details as the other freestanding retail buildings proposed. The flat
roofed structure' tower entry is shown with a tall aluminum glazed curtain wall.
Flanking this tower entry are tall (up to 14' high) trellis structures supported by square
plastered columns. These trellis structure are out of scale with pedestrians as well as
too high to provide shade over the sidewalks.
Furthermore, the structure does not comply with the Image Corridor height restriction
of 22' within 150' of the Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive rights-of way. The
plans show 24' and 26' heights with a tower structure at 32'.
Adjacent to the south and west sides of the drugstore, facing Fred Waring Drive and
Washington Street, respectively, no landscaping is provided adjacent to the building.
This increases the starkness of the building.
The result of the building height, high trellis and other design features is a structure
that is out of proportion and has little pedestrian scale. The structure appears top
heavy with tall wall areas between the top of the trellis and parapet only to allow
extensive signage. The structure design relates little to the other proposed retail
buildings in the center.
To the north at the western end of the project is a small vacant commercial lot. To
improve traffic safety on Washington Street Staff will recommend to the Planning
Commission that the commercial site provide a cross access easement to the north. In
return that developer will be required to grant a recipical easement.
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Medical Office Complex:
The "flagship" medical office building is designed with two story high windows on all
sides. Although a sun shade is provided between the floors, it is too high to provide
full shading of the lower glass and there is no second story shading provided. The
building appears to be busy with detailing that detracts from or possibly hides the lack
of architecture. The ALRC should review this aspect of the project and determine
whether revisions are warranted.
The use of a louvered equipment screen is often used an afterthought to screen roof
equipment. It appears to be proposed as an architectural feature, but the specific
appearance of the screen has not been submitted. The possibility of increasing the
distance between the screen and exterior wall should be considered. The ALRC should
review this feature to ensure it is an integral part of the building.
Although not a part of this application, it should be noted that the future northeasterly
medical office building closest to Palm Royale Drive is indicated to be a two story
structure. While it is outside the height restricted area required adjacent to Fred
Waring Drive, it is relatively close to residences across Palm Royale Drive to the east.
To minimize incompatibility with those residential properties, the building should be
restricted to one story and consistent with the design for Buildings 11 and 12.
Landscape Design of Both Projects:
Including the landscaping for both projects provides a continuous design for the entire
site. The east side of the intersection of Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive
marks a General Plan designated Primary Gateway point or entry into the La Quinta.
As such, an east bound City entry sign and associated landscaping would be
appropriate on this corner and should be incorporated into he design.
On both projects there are areas where diamond tree wells or planters are needed such
as the parking spaces in the front and sides of buildings (i.e. supermarket, drugstore,
etc.) to both provide a soft breakup of the building and provide the required parking lot
shading. This also includes the northern end of the parking spaces in front of the
supermarket.
A meandering perimeter frontage sidewalk is shown at numerous points touching the
curb on Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive. The sidewalk should be revised to
not touch curb except at corners or other similar points. Screening of parking lots
areas from Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive need to be provided by use of
short decorative walls and planting.
Date Palm trees are shown at the medical building entry area at a 14' height. In the
past concern has been raised with the transplanting of "older" palm trees in pedestrian
areas as they have presented a hazard. Provided the trees are 14' high, their use
should be acceptable. The plant palette shows Crape Myrtle as a small accent tree.
Additionally, the Littleleaf Ash also proposed as a small accent tree is semi-deciduous.
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Evergreen trees may be more appropriate to use in place of these trees.
The majority of the northern boundary of the project is adjacent to a public school.
Planters are provided along this area with a variety of shrubs and trees. The planters
in areas adjacent to the school buildings should be heavily planted with large box size
canopy trees in order to provide a visual screen and strong landscape buffer.
CONCLUSION:
Although revisions are deemed necessary, the retail building component of the
commercial center is generally well designed and would be an asset to the City. The
supermarket and drugstore are major buildings in the center and as proposed would
detract from the appearance of the center. Their design needs to be restudied with an
emphasis upon compatibility with the rest of the center.
Staff views the medical office complex with minor revisions to be acceptable.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommend to the Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2006-
875 subject to the following Conditions of Approval:
Commercial Complex:
1. The architectural plans for the drug store shall be redesigned prior to
Planning Commission consideration. The building shall be redesigned as
follows:
A. Provide pedestrian scale and proportion to building.
B. Reduce building height to maximum 22' with entry tower allowed
to exceed 22' high by a maximum 4'.
C. Restudy use and design of entry tower and glazing.
D. Increase depth of popouts to minimum of 4' with varying depths to
be compatible with the retail stores.
E. The shade structures on the building shall be lowered and designed
to be compatible with the retail buildings shade provisions and
provide shade for the sidewalk areas.
F. Provide landscape planters adjacent to the south and west sides of
the building.
2. The architectural plans for the supermarket shall be redesigned prior to
Planning Commission consideration as follows:
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A. Architectural treatment such as stone columns, popouts or
recesses with minimum three foot depth shall be provided on the
northwest and northeast building walls of the supermarket.
B. The supermarket entry shall be studied to improve mass and scale
and reduce large expanse of glass. The shade structures at the
front of the building shall be designed to be compatible with the
retail buildings shade provisions.
C. Building wall height variation within code requirements shall be
provided for the supermarket on the front (southwest), northwest
elevation that faces Washington Street and northeast elevation
that faces the middle school.
3. The architectural plans for the retail buildings shall be redesigned prior to
Planning Commission consideration as follows:
A. Building popouts and recesses shall be a minimum 3'-5' feet deep
to provide shadow depth and glass protection.
B. A palette of designs, colors and materials for the awnings by
tenant shall be submitted to and approved by the Community
Development Director.
C. Consider providing "awnings by tenant" as part of initial
construction.
4. Parking lot back-up areas shall not encroach into required 20' perimeter
landscape setbacks.
5. An east bound facing City entry sign shall be provided on the corner of
Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive in the perimeter landscape area
to the satisfaction of the Community Development and Public Works
Directors.
6. The building and landscape design for Building 1 of the commercial
complex shall be reviewed by the ALRC and Planning Commission as an
amendment to this SDP.
Medical Office Complex:
7. The architectural plans for the medical office complex shall be redesigned
prior to Planning Commission consideration as follows:
A. The carport structure plans shall be submitted.
B. The two story high windows shall be provided with solar
protection for summer sun.
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C. The building and landscape design for the four remaining future
medical complex buildings shall be reviewed by the ALRC and
Planning Commission as an amendment to this SDP.
D. Future Medical Office Building 13 shall be one story in height.
E. Submit sample of roof equipment screen material.
General Requirements for Project:
8. The meandering perimeter sidewalk shall be revised to not touch street
curb except at corners or other similar points.
9.. The planters in areas adjacent to the school buildings should be heavily
planted with canopy trees (minimum 36" box) to provide a visual screen
of the commercial site. Planters along north property line under 10 feet
wide shall be increased to a minimum 10 feet wide to accommodate
trees and planting.
10. Final planting and irrigation plans shall be reviewed by the ALRC with final
approval by the Community Development Director.
11. ADA pedestrian access shall be provided to the satisfaction of the Public
Works and Building and Safety Departments. Crosswalks shall be
provided at common Fred Waring Drive driveways between Commercial
and Medical Office Complexes. Sidewalks shall be provided along
common driveway between east-west Medical Office Complex and Fred
Waring Drive.
12. Screening of parking lots adjacent to perimeter streets shall be provided
by use of 40" high decorative walls unless provided by earthen berms.
13. Diamond shaped tree planters and/or planters shall be provided between
head of parking spaces and buildings or in adjacent sidewalks to provide
code required shading and soften the buildings appearance.
14. Site plan shall be re-designed to accommodate required deceleration lanes
and street dedications without reducing perimeter landscape areas.
Attachments:
1 . Architectural and landscaping plans
Prepared by:
'2:b./1f\;\ / 0~A II r7A.
Stan Sawa, Principal Planner
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ARCHITECTURE AND lANDSCAPE REVIEW COMMITTEE
DATE: MARCH 7, 2007
CASE NUMBER: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT 2007-879
APPLICANT: THE FOUNDATION GROUP, llC
ARCHITECT: GRIST ASSOCIATES
REQUEST: CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL AND lANDSCAPING
PLANS FOR PAD SITE 'A' WITHIN THE EXISTING lA QUINTA
VillAGE SHOPPING CENTER (PLOT PLAN 1991-456)
lOCATION: lAST AVAilABLE PAD SITE WITHIN PP 91-465; PAD SITE 'A'
ON THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF CAllE TAMPICO AND
WASHINGTON STREET, NORTH OF CITY HAll
BACKGROUND:
The La Ouinta Village Shopping Center (Plot Plan 91-465) was originally approved
as a 116,000 square foot shopping center on an 11.8 acre site. Additionally, a
General Plan Amendment and Change of Zone allowing commercial usage of the
site were approved by the City Council in April of 1991. In November of 1992, an
amendment decreasing the project to 85,650 square feet on 9.25 acres was
approved. In April of 1994, a second amendment decreasing the project to 79,000
square feet was approved (Attachment 1). Of the 79,000 square feet of approved
commercial space, 20,000:t square feet of space was devoted to four pad sites
within the center. Under the approved amendment, Pad 'A' shows a future
building of 4,500 square feet with an additional 1,500 square feet devoted to an
outdoor eating area along the east elevation.
The southeast corner of the shopping center is currently used as the shopping
centers retention basin. That corner of the shopping center, located at the
northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street, was originally intended
to act as an open entry to welcome people into the "viII age" area. The outdoor
eating area originally proposed for Pad' A' was anticipated to be a functional open
area attracting visitors and residents to the shopping center and the village core
area.
The shopping center is a Spanish architectural design motif which utilizes exterior
cement plaster, arched walkways, ceramic tile accents, wood trellises, and
Mission-style clay roof tile. Building heights at the center typically range from 20 to
30 feet in height, excluding the main tower element that is 42 feet high. Perimeter
freestanding pad buildings were built in 1995 (Pad 'C'), 1996 (Pad 'B') a nd 2003
(Pad 'D') resp ectively.
PROJECT REQUEST:
The applicant has submitted a Site Development Permit for a 6,200 square foot
freestanding pad building within the La Ouinta Village Shopping Center (Attachment
2). The design and architecture of the building is consistent with the existing
shopping center. The building will be a Spanish architecture motif with white
stucco, ceramic tile accents, Mission-style clay roof tile, and an arched colonnade
(Attachment 3).
The building design is intended for three tenant spaces, the largest being 3,700
square feet (Attachment 4). The window treatments, location, and design are
intended to match the proposed tenant spaces. Windows for corner tenants
"wrap" around the buildings north, east, and west corners to provide relief from a
bare building fa9ade.
An arched colonnade and covered walkway is provided along the buildings north
and west elevation. The arches and colonnade will be consistent with the existing
arches and colonnades at the shopping center. The northern colonnade will be ten
(10) feet in width, while the colonnade to the west will be nine (9) feet in width.
The proposed building does not provide covered walkways along the south and east
elevations of the building. The current proposal is to construct arches, at a depth of
roughly one foot, along the full length of the east and south elevation. Wood beams
will be used as the ceiling under the covered walkways. The wood beams will be
stained to match the existing ceiling beams at the shopping center.
The pad will use existing parking and no changes to the built environment are
proposed other than re-stripping for ADA parking stalls. There is sufficient parking
to adequately serve the proposed development. The proposed building will also
increase pedestrian access to the site by increasing the number of walkways and
colonnades at the shopping center.
Landscaping for the proposed building will be consistent with the exiting shopping
center (Attachment 5). The proposed landscape plan shows six planting areas along
the north elevation of the building. The planting areas will consist of three Date
Palms, Carissa Grandiflora "Tuttle II", and Myosporum "De bile Dwarf Pink" as
ground cover. The applicant proposes to plant an African Sumac at the northwest
corner of the building, within an existing landscape planter. The west elevation of
the building faces directly onto the existing parking lot. The space between the
building and the parking lot is proposed to be a concrete walkway. Similarly, the
east elevation of the building faces onto the existing landscaped retention basin for
the shopping center. There is no proposed landscaping along the east elevation. The
landscape area along the south elevation is relatively narrow. The applicant has
proposed to grade the site to match the height of the pad elevation for the building,
roughly at an elevation of 100 feet mean sea level. The applicant has proposed to
plant three equally spaced African Sumac in this area. The African Sumacs will be
complimented by the addition of several Oleanders, and Yellow Lantana for ground
cover.
ANALYSIS:
Staff finds the overall architectural style and design of the proposed Pad site to be
consistent with the existing shopping center. As a result of researching and
reviewing the proposed development staff would like to note the following:
· Calle Tampico and Washington Street are designated as Image Corridors per
the City of La Quinta General Plan; therefore, building heights along both
streets are limited to a maximum of 22 feet in height.
· To provide adequate access to the pad building and future tenants, and to
assure architectural consistency with the existing shopping center; it may be
necessary to provide an expanded colonnade/walkway along the proposed
building's east and south elevation. Colonnades along the east and south
elevation of the building should be added at a depth consistent with the
existing shopping center and the north and west colonnades of the proposed
building.
· The southeast corner of the shopping center was originally intended to be
open and to provide a visual entrance into the "village" area. The original pad
site utilized an outdoor eating area to enhance the character of the shopping
center and to draw people into the "viii age" area. The proposed buildings
massing has the potential to obstruct the open character of the corner,
therefore, it may be necessary to decrease the overall square footage of the
building in an effort to provide for a functional and attractive open area along
the east elevation of the proposed building.
. There is a need to increase access and pedestrian circulation near the
northwest corner of Calle Tampico and Washington Street intersection by
connecting the proposed building to the existing sidewalks around the
shopping center.
. The proposed landscaping for the pad building is consistent with the existing
plant palette of the shopping center.
. Lighting for the building is shown to be consistent with the existing lighting at
the shopping center. Lighting above the south elevation access doors shall
shield light bulbs from view.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Architecture and Landscape Review Committee recommend to the
Planning Commission approval of Site Development Permit 2007-879, subject to
the following Conditions of Approval:
1. Final landscape plans for on-site planting shall be reviewed by the ALRC
and approved by the Community Development Director prior to issuance
of first building permit. Final plans shall include all landscaping
associated with this project, including perimeter landscaping.
2. In order to provide visual relief along the south elevation of the building
and to discourage pedestrian access through the planting area, the
applicant shall construct a small wall within the planting area. The wall
shall be consistent with other perimeter walls for the shopping center,
and shall be no greater than three feet in height from the Finish Floor of
the building.
3. Building height shall be limited to one-story/22 feet.
4. The access doors on the south side elevation and the access doors for
the electrical room shall be painted to match the color of the building.
5. Since the original intent of Pad 'A' was to remain as an open,
welcoming, outdoor eating area, the proposed building shall provide a
colonnade along the eastern elevation at a minimum width of twenty feet.
The width of the colonnade may be used in the future as an outdoor
eating area. A colonnade shall also be provided along the building's
southern elevation at a minimum depth of six feet. The final architectural
drawings must show all proposed columns and the site plan shall identify
the distance between the proposed building and the adjacent fountain and
Dyson & Dyson building.
6. The applicant shall provide a pedestrian connection between the building
and Calle Tampico via two separate sidewalks; one on the east side and
one on the west side of the building.
7. The applicant shall comply with all conditions of approval of Plot Plan
1991-456.
Prepared by:
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a, Assistant Planner
Attachments:
1 . Site Plan
2. Site Location
3. Building Elevations
4. Building Floor Plan
5. Preliminary Landscape Plan
MINUTES
ARCHITECTURE & LANDSCAPING REVIEW COMMITTEE MEETING
A Regularly Scheduled meeting held at the La Ouinta City Hall
78-495 Calle Tampico, La Ouinta, CA
February 7, 2007
10:00 a.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. This meeting of the Architectural and Landscaping Review Committee
was called to order at 10: 12 a.m. by Planning Manager Les Johnson.
B. Committee Members present: Bill Bobbitt, Frank Christopher and
Tracy Smith.
C. Staff present: Planning Manager Les Johnson, Principal Planner
Wallace Nesbit, and Executive Secretary Betty Sawyer.
II. PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
II. CONFIRMATION OF THE AGENDA: Confirmed
IV. CONSENT CALENDAR:
A. It was moved and seconded by Committee Members
Christopher/Bobbitt to approve the Minutes of January 17, 2007 as
submitted. Unanimously approved.
V. BUSINESS ITEMS:
A. Site Development Permit 2006-852; a request of Eden Rock at PGA
West for consideration of architectural and landscaping plans for a
292-unit residential complex, consisting of single-family attached
units, in the Resort Core at PGA West for the property located on the
east and north sides of PGA West Boulevard, west of the existing
Stadium Clubhouse.
1 . Committee Member Bobbitt stated hehad a potential conflict of
interest as he was employed by the HOA that directly adjoined
this project. He recused himself and withdrew from the
meeting.
2. Principal Planner Wallace Nesbit presented the information
contained in the staff report, a copy of which is on file in the
Community Development Department. Staff informed the
Committee that the architect is unable to attend the meeting.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
February 7, 2007
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3.
Committee Member Christopher asked if the site tiered up as
you move toward the center of the project. Staff explained the
grade changes.
4.
Committee Member Smith asked if the eXisting houses would
be impacted by the two-story houses proposed on the
northwest corner. Staff stated there may be some
opportunities where this could be possible. Committee Member
Smith asked if there were any other two-story units at PGA
West. Staff noted locations where other two-story units
existed. Committee Member Smith asked the purpose of the
towers. Staff stated they were viewing platforms. Mr. Louis
Swartz, applicant, stated that when the tower was designed
they wanted a village feel. The tower is in the heart of the
community to simulate this idea. Second, it is in the center so
it is not visible from outside the boundaries of the site.
5.
Committee Member Christopher stated he agrees with the
architecture and staff's recommendation regarding the perimeter
wall. In regard to the window noted by staff, he has no
problem, but if the intent is to be a truly Tuscan look, the
window is out of character. It is a focal point to break up
symmetry of all the windows. He would leave it up to the
applicant. Mr. Swarts stated they were not looking for a truly
Tuscan look, but more of an old world look.
6.
Committee Member Smith stated his only concern would be
that the existing homeowners do not have their privacy
impacted by either the tower or the second story units. In
regard to the landscaping, the California Pepper and mesquite
should be deleted from the plant list.
7.
Mr. Bill Walter, representing PGA West HOA, private clubhouse
and stadium course stated this project will be a focal point as
the homes are behind guarded gates. They are opposed to the
project as they do not believe it represents PGA West. He
believes a hotel would be better as it would bring amenities as
well as management. This project does not have any
management which causes them safety concerns. They have
created committees to meet with the applicant and still do not
believe it belongs to PGA West.
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
February 7, 2007
8. Mr. Jim Cox, representing PGA West HOA, handed out a letter
regarding PGA West development history. The Green Units are
the only units not on the fairway, but they have a water feature
with a green belt. The Medalists all face the fairway.
Subsequently, the lot sizes were restricted with the intent to
create a future development of low density homes. Since then
80% of the homes are within the 3,000 square foot size with
pools. Looking at that trend, this project does not blend with
what is existing. Being right in the middle of PGA West how do
they intend to manage security of the existing courses.
9. Committee Member Smith asked the density. Staff stated
seven units to the acre and the existing is approximately three
units to the acre. If you include all the open space/golf course
area it would probably be about one unit to the acre. Mr.
Swartz stated they have presented the project to the HOA and
will have onsite management. The price range for the homes
will be up to $1,000,000.
10. Committee Member Christopher asked if the project was within
the zoning classification. Staff stated they are asking for a
medium density zone change which will require a General Plan
Amendment. It is a change in use and therefore a reduction in
density. Committee Member Christopher stated he is sensitive
to the concerns of the community. From the architectural
point, it is a well planned and thought out project. Its suitability
to the site is not a part of this Committee's purview.
11 . There being no further questions, it was moved and seconded
by Committee Members Christopher/Smith to adopt Minute
Motion 2007-002 recommending approval of Site Development
Permit 2006-852, as recommended with the addition of
exploration of possible modification of the northwest units to be
single story, as well as additional detailing to perimeter wall
being cap. Unanimously approved.
Committee Member Bobbitt rejoined the Committee.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND WRITTEN MATERIAL: None
VII. COMMITTEE MEMBER ITEMS: None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT:
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Architecture and Landscaping Review Committee
February 7, 2007
There being no further business, it was moved and seconded by Committee
Members Christopher/Smith to adjourn this Regular Meeting of the Architectural
and Landscaping Review Committee to a Regular Meeting to be held on March 7,
2007. This meeting was adjourned at 11 :00 a.m. on February 7, 2007.
Respectfully submitted,
BETTY J. SAWYER
Executive Secretary
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