Architectural Review Commission Meeting Update
Regular Meeting

August 6, 2007                            Monday                                 5:00 p.m.

ROLL CALL:      Commrs. Jason Kambitsis, Zeljka Howard, Anthony Palazzo, Greg Wilhelm, Steven Hopkins, Vice-Chair Allen Root, and Chairperson Michael Boudreau 

Commrs. Howard & Wilhelm were absent. 

ACCEPTANCE OF AGENDA:  

The order of the agenda was not modified. 

PUBLIC COMMENT:   

There was no public comment other than on regular agenda items. 

PUBLIC HEARINGS: 

1.        2138 Broad Street. ARC/MOD 13-03; Request to allow modifications to an approved project sign program; C-N-H zone; Village Host Pizza, applicant. (Pam Ricci) 

With their review of a remodel of the building and upgrades to the site, the ARC had approved custom, metal signs with backlit letters.  When the business was sold, the new owner of the restaurant removed the custom signs and replaced them with cabinet signs with plex faces without permits.  Through an enforcement action, the new business owner applied to the City for ARC review of the installed signs as a modification to the originally approved sign program. 

On a 5-0 vote, the ARC denied the wall sign as not respecting the detailing of the building and being inconsistent with the Railroad District Plan guidelines for signage, as well as the sign criteria contained in the Community Design Guidelines.  A condition required that a new sign design be submitted for review that better coordinated with the building and was compatible with its historical district setting.  The Commission allowed the monument sign to remain with the condition that ornamentation be added to the sign’s metal cabinet so that it better coordinates with the colors, details and design of the restaurant building.

2.        1804 and 1814 Osos Street. ARC 45-07; Review of a new mixed-use development and modifications to 2 existing structures; C-R-S-H zone; Michael Hodge, applicant. (Jaime Hill) 

On a 5-0 vote, the ARC continued the project to a date uncertain with direction on modifications to be incorporated into the project prior to final architectural review.  Since it was a conceptual review, the Commission discussed the merits of various aspects of the project and offered specific direction to the applicant on modifications that should be incorporated into the revised plans. Much of the discussion focused on techniques to reduce the apparent bulk and scale of the Church Street elevation and to make its materials and design details, especially at the ground floor level, more compatible with the neighborhood.  While most of the Commissioners felt that with the proposed refinements the project would be compatible with the neighborhood and consistent with the Railroad District Plan, Commissioner Palazzo expressed his concern that the design was out of character and scale with the district. 

Several property owners or their representatives spoke during the public hearing.  Astrid Gallagher, owner of 1725-1763 Santa Barbara, was supportive of the proposed renovation of the Alano Building, but expressed concerns that the proposed project was massive, inconsistent with the Railroad Historic District, and would overwhelm the homes on Church Street. Dan Paneta, 175 Osos Street, was concerned with shading on Church Street and would like to see the upper levels set back and for there to be additional articulation on the Church Street façade.  Lou Smith, architect representing the owners of the Park Hotel at 979 Osos Street, expressed concerns that the new building was too large, incorporated too many non-cohesive elements, and would be too much of a standout.  She also expressed concern about the parking demand generated by the project and the relinquishment of City-owned property. 

COMMENT & DISCUSSION: 

3.        Staff: 

A. Agenda Forecast – Pam Ricci provided an agenda forecast for the 8-20-07 meeting. 

4.        Commission: 

A.        Minutes: July 16, 2007 (amend or approve) - The minutes were approved with a minor amendment. 

       B.   Recent Project Review – Lessons Learned 

       Commr.  Root mentioned that the lights for the flagpole at KSBY were still not properly shielded.      

The meeting adjourned around 7:00 p.m to a regular meeting scheduled for Monday, August 20, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., in the Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street.