HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-02-04 Architectural Review Board Summary Minutes
Thursday, February 4, 2016, Meeting
8:30 AM, Council Chambers
Call to Order
Roll Call
Present: Chair Robert Gooyer; Vice Chair Alexander Lew, Board Members Kyu Kim, Wynne Furth,
Peter Baltay
Absent:
Staff Present: Jodie Gerhardt, Current Planning Manager; Alicia Spotwood, Administrative Associate;
Christy Fong, Planner; Rebecca Atkinson, Planner
Oral Communications
None.
Agenda Changes, Additions and Deletions
None.
Minutes Approval: None
PUBLIC HEARING
300 Homer Avenue [15PLN-00290]: Request by Palo Alto History Museum for Architectural Review
of the proposed historic rehabilitation of the 19,182 sq. ft. Roth Building and a 1,458 sq. ft. addition to a
Category 2 historic structure. Minor exceptions are requested to allow off-site parking and a front yard
encroachment of three feet for the proposed additions at the rear elevation. The application includes a
request of a Conditional Use permit to allow a Community Facility use. Environmental Assessment:
Categorically exempt from California Environmental Quality Act per Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing
Facilities) and Section 15331 (Historic Resource Restoration and Rehabilitation). Zone District: PF (Public
Facilities) in SOFA CAP I. Project Planner: Christy Fong.
Christy Fong reviewed the history of the project since its prior approval in 2011 and features proposed in
the current application. The HRB favored the flat roof awning, a portable counter extending from the
service window during business hours only, and the trellis detail without brackets. The applicant
requested an encroachment into the required front yard setback. The HRB reviewed the project the prior
week and indicated the current proposal was consistent with the Secretary of the Interior Standards. The
staff recommended the ARB recommend the Director approve the proposed project based on findings
and subject to conditions of approval.
Mike Caravaglia, Architect, related the design concept for the project. The applicant agreed to the
conditions of approval recommended by the HRB.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
DRAFT MINUTES
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Myron Freedman, Palo Alto History Museum Executive Director, shared plans for the Palo Alto History
Museum.
Board Members inquired whether the stair and elevator were approved in 2011 and whether any portion
of the building was original construction.
Board Members commented regarding meshing of details; concrete pavers; the valley oak and jacaranda
trees in the courtyard; location of public restrooms and café; landscape plantings; courtyard seating; the
blank wall at the rear of the building; the trellis; the stair on the right wing; the outdoor ramp; signage; a
proposed mural; café window service hours; circulation through the building and access for exhibits and
services; and windows into the kitchen and men's restroom.
Mr. Caravaglia reported the project was designed to LEED Gold standards. The configuration of the
courtyard was required to reflect the existing design with augmented areas. He provided a model of the
proposed trellis. Mr. Freedman shared the proposed timeline for the project.
Board Member Furth remarked regarding landscaping and the lack of details.
MOTION: Vice Chair Lew moved, seconded by Board Member Baltay, to approve the project with the
following items to be reviewed: paving, steps and guardrails in the courtyard, additional details of the
trellis, landscaping compatible with Birge Clark architecture, landscaping on the northern face to
incorporate seating possibly, and a photometric study.
MOTION PASSED: 5-0-0-0
Board/Staff Announcements, Updates, Reports, and Comments:
None.
Adjournment
Subcommittee Members: Robert Gooyer and Peter Baltay
SUBCOMMITTEE ITEMS
1. 180 El Camino Real
2. 3179 Porter Drive
STAFF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEWS:
None.
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