Heritage Preservation Commission

City of Sunnyvale Meeting Minutes Heritage Preservation Commission Wednesday, August 6, 2014 7:00 PM West Conference Room, City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale, CA 94086 CALL TO ORDER Chair Stanek called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. in the City Hall West Conference Room, 456 W. Olive Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. SALUTE TO THE FLAG Chair Stanek led the salute to the flag. ROLL CALL Present: 6 - Chair Jeanine Stanek Vice Chair David Squellati Commissioner Mark Johnson Commissioner Dixie Larsen Commissioner Mike Michitaka Commissioner Dale Mouritsen Council Liaison Jim Davis (Present) PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS CONSENT CALENDAR 1.A 14-0756 Approval of the Draft Minutes of the Heritage Commission Meeting of June 4, 2014 The motion carried by the following vote: 5-0-1 with Comm. Larsen abstaining. Yes: 5 - Chair Stanek Vice Chair Squellati Commissioner Johnson Commissioner Michitaka Commissioner Mouritsen No: 0 Abstain: 1 - Commissioner Larsen City of Sunnyvale Page 1 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 PUBLIC COMMENTS None PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS City of Sunnyvale Page 2 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 2 14-0742 File #: 2014-7557 Location: 199 S. Murphy Avenue (APN: 209-06-017) Applicant / Owner: MBA Architects/Nancy G Escalante Trustee Proposed Project: LANDMARK ALTERATION PERMIT to amend a previously approved Landmark Alteration Permit (2013-7900) to allow a different colored (black) awning and replacement of exterior tilework to the “Spalding Building” (Ace Loan and office building) Reason for Permit: A Landmark Alteration Permit is required for any exterior modification to buildings in the Local Landmark District. Project Planner: Shétal Divatia, (408) 730-7637, sdivatia@sunnyvale.ca.gov Issues: Color of awnings and exterior tilework. Recommendation: Approve with conditions Amber El-Hajj, Senior Planner presented the report and discussed the previously approved Landmark Alteration Permit that had beenapproved with conditions by the Heritage Preservation Commission on December 12, 2013 and included various exterior modifications to the building. Since that approval, the applicants came back to the City with new exterior modifications that included a change to the color of the awnings and replacement tile for the building. During the construction phases of the project, the applicant became aware that the existing tile could not be saved due to extensive termite and dry rot damage. This required new tile to replace the existing tile and resulted in the applicants looking into a different color scheme for the building. Staff is concerned that the replacement tile ,solid black and beige tile,results in the building losing a prominent art deco related detail and may make the building appear too heavy when combined with the solid black awnings. Staff is also concerned that this change could create a visual imbalance in this gateway feature when compared to the "bookend" building across Murphy Avenue (Attachment 5 - Existing Conditions). Instead, staff believes that a tile pattern that incorporates additional color(s) or a patterned design would be more in keeping with the art deco color palette and would be a more appropriate replacement for the existing tile work. Staff has included a Condition of Approval (PS-1) requiring that the applicant modify the proposed tile to include an additional color and/or a patterned tile. This modification will be reviewed by staff with direction provided by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Comm. Michitaka asked staff to summarize the COA's and asked about staff recommendations, which are specific to the project. City of Sunnyvale Page 3 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 Ms. El-Hajj noted Condition of Approval PS-1, regarding the modification to the tile design recommendations. Ms. El-Hajj noted that staff is asking the Commission for suggestions regarding the tile color. Comm. Johnson asked staff for clarification of their recommendations and if they would like the Commission to recommend an alternate tile color. Ms. El-Hajj noted that the solid black tile may not correspond well to the building across the street, and noted the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines. Chair Stanek opened the public hearing. Pam Yoshida, architect, noted that the owner is asking for a black awning to support the tenant, a wine bar called Nino Vino. She said in a letter to staff: "In lieu of matching something that was not an original element of the building, the Owner would like to take the opportunity to propose a color scheme that is more consistent with vintage details of a light colored thin accent liner tile against a bold field color. The black awning color is proposed to match the black field tile; it will bring a striking and sophisticated look to this corner. The future tenant is a wine bar and is established in the San Jose San Pedro Market Square. This will be the Tenant's second location and we envision that they will make this an exciting corner of the Sunnyvale commercial core." Comm. Michitaka asked if there is indication from the tenant to be willing to change the color. He noted his understanding for the tenant, and also commented that the black color may not be in line with the Murphy Avenue Design guidelines. Ms. Esclante's daughter noted that the adjacent business next door is a new tenant and the proposal included black window frames. She stated that the next building is actually darker (IC Lounge). She further noted that their proposal is lighter in color. Comm. Johnson asked staff if Taverna Bistro and Tutti Frutti had Variances for their buildings. Mr. Kuchenig noted that the buildings were approved with conditions of approval. Comm. Johnson asked the applicant if they have an alternate proposal. Ms. Yoshida proposed a wider tile, six rows of 4-inch tiles (4 rows black, two rows City of Sunnyvale Page 4 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 beige), the current pattern is five rows of black and one row of beige. Ms. El-Hajj pointed out that this version was what had been sent to the Commissioners , and to clarify their alternative proposal if it differed from the current proposal. Ms. Yoshida noted that she is proposing a wider band of tile, including a row of beige to offset the black. She noted that the original proposal included a narrower tile, and after discussing the proposal with the project planner, Shetal Divatia, they initially agreed to a wider band with beige, totaling six vertical rows. They are open to go with one or two rows in lieu of a multi-color pattern. She noted that the art deco patterns that staff suggested are too busy and will not match the tenant's business model. Comm. Mouritsen discussed the previously approved Landmark Alteration Permit. Chair Stanek stated that the original building was not built with an art deco architectural style but this had been added in subsequent years. She asked Ms. Yoshida if they are committed in keeping the art deco, and if they are not, then maybe they can work with staff in choosing an alternative color scheme. Comm. Johnson asked the applicant why they are asking for this color pattern. He noted that he is thinking along the lines with Comm. Michitaka's comments regarding the color black, as it is introducing a different style to Murphy Avenue. He asked Ms. Escalante if they have to choose an alternative, which would they be in agreement with. Ms. Escalante's daughter noted that they are all in agreement with not using teal. She noted that they could change the tiles to the same color of the building. Ms. Escalante noted that she understands tha ther building is located on the corner of Murphy Avenue and is seen as a gateway to the Historic Murphy Avenue district. She then stated the newer construction in the downtown area is in matching with their proposal. Comm. Johnson noted that although the proposal may match the newer downtown area, it is located in the Historic Murphy Avenue District. Victor Klee, Owner of Vino Vino, was not part of the original proposal. When he was proposed to locate in the building, he noted that the black awnings and tiles were in conjunction with his business model for the wine bar. City of Sunnyvale Page 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 Vice Chair Squellati asked the applicant if they were open to change the color of the tiles. Mr. Klee noted that the logo is maroon, and if they feel that maroon would soften the color, then he is okay with changing the tile to maroon. Ms. Escalante asked the Commission if they are okay to have no tile at all. Ms. Escalante's daughter noted that she has knowledge of the Art Deco era, as she has an educational background as an art major. She noted that the art deco era includes black. She further stated that Coco Chanel, the French fashion designer during the art deco era, invented the black dress. Chair Stanek closed the public hearing. Comm. Larsen noted the teal tiles are the only color that ties the adjacent buildings. She asked staff how many art deco buildings are on Murphy Ave. Mr. Kuchenig responded that he is unaware of the exact number, but the proposed building is one. Comm. Johnson discussed alternate color palettes in the art deco style. Ms. El-Hajj noted that the tiles were not staff's concern; however, since the awning was proposed to be black, staff felt that the black tile may be overpowering. She noted that fiorest green is the originally approved awning color. Chair Stanek asked the commissioners to entertain a motion, and noted page four of four of the staff report states the alternatives to staff's recommendation. She also noted attachment three, page two of three, and noted the following conditions: GC-5. AWNINGS: Fabric awnings shall be replaced at least every five years. The applicant/property owner is responsible to maintain the awnings dust free and in case of fading, replace the awnings promptly. Any future changes of color, materials or design are subject to review and approval by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Minor modifications may be approved by the Director of Community Development. PS-1. MODIFY PROPOSAL: a. Include pattern and additional color that is in keeping with the art-deco style of the building. Resubmit modified elevations to the City of Sunnyvale Page 6 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 Planning Division for review and approval. Chair Stanek further noted that GC-5 does not change the color of the awnings. She noted the alternatives: (1) Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with recommended Conditions in Attachment 3. (2) Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with modifications. (3) Deny the Landmark Alteration Permit. Comm. Michitaka asked staff to clarify their options. Ms. El-Hajj noted that Alternative 1 includes a different tile color or pattern. Alternative 2 is to make modifications to the awning color, and Alternative 3 is to deny the proposal. She restated that 1 does not change awning color and 2 has the option to change the awning color if the Commission states that in the motion. Vice Chair Squellati asked staff about Alternative 1 and what it includes. Ms. El-Hajj noted that Alternative 1 is the staff recommendation, and noted Attachment 3, recommended Conditions of Approval. Comm. Johnson asked if the colors that staff has suggested are in the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines. Mr. Kuchenig suggested that if the Commission's opinion was to change the awning color then they could choose Alternative 2. He further noted that they could add, change, or modify the alternatives. Vice Chair Squellati noted that there was no discussion regarding the signage. Mr. Kuchenig noted that the signage would be determined through a Miscellaneous Plan Permit as the signage is not part of the Landmark Alteration Permit proposal; however, he understood the point that the sign and logo may make a difference depending on the color the applicants choose. Comm. Johnson made a motion for Alternative 2; approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with modifications, adding a condition that the color for the awnings and tile should not be black. Comm. Michitaka seconded the motion. Vice Chair Squellati clarified with Comm. Johnson that this Commission is not comfortable with the proposed black color of the awnings and tile. He stated to amend his motion to have the applicant to work with staff for an alternative color. City of Sunnyvale Page 7 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 He noted that black awnings and tiles will change the design of the building. Comm. Johnson noted that the proposed colors are not in keeping with the look of the south entrance to Historic Murphy Avenue. MOTION: Comm. Johnson made a motion for Alternative 2; Approve the Landmark Alteration Permit with modifications, adding a condition that the color for the awnings and tileshould not be black in color, and that the applicant should work with staff to choose an alternative color scheme within the art deco color scheme. Comm. Michitaka seconded. Motion carried by the following vote: Vote: 6-0. Mr. Kuchenig noted the appeal period is 15 days. Yes: 6 - Chair Stanek Vice Chair Squellati Commissioner Johnson Commissioner Larsen Commissioner Michitaka Commissioner Mouritsen No: 0 City of Sunnyvale Page 8 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 3 14-0758 Discussion of Potential Study Issues for 2015 Chair Stanek noted their previous discussion regarding amending or updating the Murphy Avenue Design Guidelines. Vice Chair Squellati noted the permit process for Landmark Alteration Permits are difficult for homeowners having to acquire a historical evaluation for their home. Comm. Michitaka stated that a single family home has different requirements compared to larger commercial or industrial projects. Chair Stanek noted that a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirement might have to go through another hearing body, such as Planning Commission. She noted her concern about the burden that the homeowner went through from to remove her home from the Heritage Resource list of having to hire a consultant for a historical evaluation. She noted that this is costly for a homeowner. Mr. Kuchenig noted Chair Stanek’s and Vice Chair Squellati’s concerns as they discussed streamlining the process. Chair Stanek noted a previous study issue (CDD-04C): New Residential Heritage Districts, which several districts were evaluated to be added to the Heritage Resource list. The study concluded that the proposed areas were not added as a heritage district. Chair Stanek further noted that, due to this outcome, the Commission got the idea that most homeowners did not want their homes to be included on a Heritage Resource list. Mr. Kuchenig noted the difficulty a homeowner may have when their home is listed on the Heritage Resource List, where additional restrictions apply to homes on the list. Comm. Johnson concurred with Chair Stanek and Vice Chair Squellati’s concern. Chair Stanek noted that maybe the consensus of the residents is that they are okay for change and renovation. She noted that she hears from residents wanting to renovate and move forward and others wanting to preserve Sunnyvale’s past. She stated that this may be more than one study issue. Chair Stanek then noted that the Ryan hotel and other buildings have plans for reconstruction. City of Sunnyvale Page 9 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 Mr. Kuchenig noted that re-examining the current Heritage Resource List may be a valid study issue. Comm. Johnson noted Murphy Avenue Sidewalk Policy and the difficulty a business tenant on Murphy Avenue had wanting to leave their outdoor dining on the sidewalk overnight. He said that a Variance was a difficult requirement for these types of issues. Mr. Kuchenig noted this requirement is stated on the 2007 Murphy Avenue Sidewalk policy, which included requirements from other departments like the Department of Public Works and Department of Public Safety. Comm. Johnson stated that the 2007 Murphy Avenue Sidewalk Policy might need updating since it was a burden for the business to have to get approval to change the seating requirements. Mr. Kuchenig discussed the Murphy Avenue Sidewalk Policy. Chair Stanek asked about the idea of closing Murphy Avenue to pedestrians only. Councilmember Davis noted that there has not been any interest lately and was initially brought up when Melinda Hamilton was Mayor. Comm. Johnson noted concern about torn awnings on South Murphy Avenue, and has been this way for years. He asked if the City could be involved with up keeping the awnings. Mr. Kuchenig noted that the more current businesses have conditions of approvals, but the older businesses do not; however, he noted that it could be a building code issue and they can forward the issue to Neighborhood Preservation Division. Chair Stanek noted that she witnessed stucco falling from the building next to the Il Postale restaurant. Comm. Mouritsen asked staff if the Neighborhood Preservation Division is the only City staff that handles code enforcement for these types of issues. Comm. Johnson asked if there are other alternatives in handling these issues and possibly sharing the responsibility with the City and Sunnyvale Downtown Association. City of Sunnyvale Page 10 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 Mr. Kuchenig responded that it may be a good idea to study other ways, such as grants, that may fund the upkeep of buildings in South Murphy Avenue. Mr. Kuchenig discussed the next regular scheduled meeting in September, that they may have another Landmark Alteration Permit application. He also noted a possible meeting in October to gather and discuss draft study issues derived from this discussion. Vice Chair Squellati asked staff about the previously approved study issue about cultural diversity (CDD 12-03). He said staff was supposed to be finishing the draft. Mr. Kuchenig responded that the staff that was assigned is no longer employed with the City, and assignments have been shuffling around. He would follow up on the status and provide feedback. 4 14-0757 Selection of Chair and Vice Chair Vice Chair Squellati nominated Jeanine Stanek to serve as Chair as she does a good job and is involved with the Sunnyvale Heritage Park Museum. Comm. Michitaka also concurred with Vice Chair Squellati's nomination of Jeanine Stanek to continue to serve as Chair. He also nominated Vice Chair Squellati to continue to serve as Vice Chair. Comm. Mouritsen concurred with both nominations. Comm. Johnson concurred as well with the nominations. Vote: 4-0 with Chair Stanek and Vice Chair Squellati abstaining. Chair Stanek noted that this will be her last year. Mr. Kuchenig noted that the Chair and Vice Chair training is only required for newly appointed Chairs and Vice Chairs, although they they may attend. NON-AGENDA ITEMS & COMMENTS City of Sunnyvale Page 11 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 6, 2014 -Commissioner Comments Mr. Kuchenig thanked the Comission as he served as the Heritage Preservation Commission liaison for pst 6 years. Commissioners thanked Mr. Kuchenig. Chair Stanek thanked Comm. Mouritsen and and Vice Chair Squellati for attending the Goodwill awards. She noted Yaohan Koning is a mamber of the Historical Society and Goodwill is making a donation to the Historical Society. INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS Chair noted a new display at the museum which includes Atari games and robotic officer Mac. Council Member Liaison Davis acknowleged officer mac. He also thanked the Commission for their service, knowing it is not always easy to make these types of decisions, and noted their guardianship to protecting the history of the City. Commissioners welcomed Amber El-Haaj, who will be their staff liaison from this point forward. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. City of Sunnyvale Page 12