HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 8120City of Palo Alto (ID # 8120)
City Council Staff Report
Report Type: Informational Report Meeting Date: 6/5/2017
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: PSB and Garage Preliminary ARB
Title: Update on the Public Safety Building and California Avenue Area
Parking Garage Design Concept Options to be Presented to the Architectural
Review Board for a Study Session on June 1, 2017
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Public Works
This report is to inform Council on the City’s recent preliminary application to the
Architectural Review Board for the new Public Safety Building (PSB)and California
Avenue Area Parking Garage project; no Council action is necessary.
Background
The City intends to construct a new PSB at 250 Sherman Avenue and a new
California Avenue Area Parking Garage on 350 Sherman Avenue. Under the
California Environmental Quality Act, these are considered as a single project as
the garage will mitigate the loss of approximately 310 existing public surface
parking spaces on both sites.
On April 3, 2017, Council directed staff to proceed with full preliminary design of a
new 636-space parking garage concept with four levels of above-ground parking,
two levels of basement parking and no retail space, and to design enhancements
to the Birch Street frontage, creating an appealing interface between the garage
and pedestrian sidewalk.Council discussion served to prescreen preliminary
review and direct staff to prepare revisions to the Public Facility zoning ordinance
to specifically accommodate public parking garages (Staff Report #7738). The
proposed design of the PSB is a 3-story structure over an operational basement
per previous Council direction (Staff Report #6069).
City of Palo Alto Page 2
Discussion
On April 18, 2017, staff submitted a preliminary application to the Architectural
Review Board (ARB) for the project. Because the project is comprised of two
physically separate properties, two applications were required. Application
number 17PLN-00136 was for the PSB at 250 Sherman Avenue, and application
number 17PLN-00135 was for the new garage at 350 Sherman Avenue.
Additional application information is available through the “Building Eye” website
at https://paloalto.buildingeye.com/planning.
Attachments A and B are the written project description as submitted and the
accompanying plans, respectively. Three distinct concepts were developed and
will be discussed by ARB.Renderings of the concepts are also shown in
Attachment B. For preliminary reviews, no formal action will be taken by the ARB.
The discussion is intended to inform the project architect, RossDrulisCusenbery
Architecture, Inc. of the best direction to proceed for the formal project
application.
Timeline
ARB is scheduled to hold a study session to review the preliminary application on
June 1, 2017. ARB meetings begin at 8:30am in Council Chambers and are
televised on Channel 26. The meetings are also webcast and archived through the
MediaCenter website (http://midpenmedia.org/local-tv/watch-now/).
Additionally, the Historic Resources Board (HRB) is scheduled to hold a study
session to review the application on May 25, 2017. The main reason for HRB
review is the project’s proximity to 321 California Avenue, a structure that is
eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The buidling is currently
occupied by Antonio’s Nut House, but was once the first “supermarket” in Palo
Alto. The historic evaluation worksheet is included as Attachment C.
Policy Implications,
Submission of a preliminary ARB application is consistent with existing City
policies.
Environmental Review
An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) will be prepared for the Public Safety
Building and California Avenue Garage. To start the EIR process, an Initial Study
City of Palo Alto Page 3
and Notice of Preparation (NOP) of an EIR was filed on March 24, 2017. An EIR
scoping meeting was held at the Planning and Transportation Commission (PTC)
meeting on April 12, 2017. Comments were received at the meeting by one
member of the public and from PTC members. Written comments were received
from Caltrans and the Native American Heritage Commission. The NOP comment
period is now closed. The next step will be the release of a draft EIR after the
design is further refined.
Attachments:
·Attachment A: Preliminary ARB Project Description
·Attachment B: Preliminary ARB Project Plans
·Attachment C: 321 California Ave National Historic Register Worksheet
Palo Alto Public Safety Building & California Avenue Parking Garage
Prepared by RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture Inc.
April 18, 2017 1
CITY OF PALO ALTO
Public Safety Building and California Avenue Parking Garage
ARB Preliminary Review
PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Public Safety Building and California Avenue Parking Garage projects are part of the 2014 Council
Infrastructure Plan. Construction of a new Public Safety Building (PSB) is the top infrastructure priority for
Palo Alto. The existing Public Safety Building (PSB) at 275 Forest Avenue opened in 1970 and is
approximately 25,000 square feet. Due to the growth of public safety services and changes in regulations,
the existing building no longer meets current seismic, accessibility, or regulatory code requirements that are
applicable to an essential services facility.
Existing Project Site
The site for the Public Safety Building (PSB) and California Avenue Parking Garage is located on Public
Parking Lots C-6 and C-7 in the California Avenue Business District. The project site was reviewed and
accepted by City Council in December 2015. The PSB will be located on Lot C-6, and the Parking Garage will
be located on Lot C-7. The site is on Sherman Avenue, between Park Blvd., Birch Street, Ash Street, and
Jacaranda Lane. California Avenue is one block north of the site.
Parking Lot C-6 is located on Sherman Avenue, between Park Blvd. and Birch Street. This is a 1.2 acre site,
approximately 375’ long (east/west) and 140’ wide (north/south). The site is approximately 1/2 of a full city
block, with an alley--Jacaranda Lane--separating it from one- and two-story retail functions to the north. To
the south of the site stands the County Courthouse, to the east is 385 Sherman, a mixed-use office and
residential development, and to the west is Parking Lot C-7. Parking Lot C-6 has approximately 158 parking
stalls. The users of the lot are assumed to be primarily visitors and employees of businesses in the California
Avenue retail area, as well as jurors and visitors to the adjacent courthouse. The parking lot has a perimeter
of mature trees, as well as some trees within the parking area.
Parking Lot C-7 is located on Sherman Avenue, between Birch and Ash Streets. This is a .93 acre site,
approximately 310’ long (east/west) and 140’ wide (north/ south). The site is also approximately 1/2 of a full
city block, with Jacaranda Lane separating it from one- and two-story retail functions to the north as well. To
the south of the site is 385 Sherman, a new mixed-use office/ residential project. To the west is a commercial
building with its own parking lot on the corner and a two-story residential lot; to the east is Parking Lot C-6,
the PSB site. Parking Lot C-7 has approximately 148 parking stalls. The users of the lot are assumed to be
primarily visitors and employees of businesses in the California Avenue retail area, as well as jurors and
visitors to the adjacent courthouse. The parking lot has a perimeter of mature trees, as well as some trees
within the parking area.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The focus of this preliminary review is to explore the merits of three uniquely different approaches
to building a new civic complex in the California Avenue Business District. The project represents
Palo Alto’s largest investment in municipal infrastructure since the construction of City Hall.
Attachment A
Palo Alto Public Safety Building & California Avenue Parking Garage
Prepared by RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture Inc.
April 18, 2017 2
The three preliminary options presented within this application offers ARB an opportunity to
initiate dialogue about the design opportunities inherent in each concept and provide direction to
the design team on how best to further refine the design as the project progresses.
The project is made up of a number of different building and site components over the two parcels.
The design of each will be separate but interrelated. Public presence is invited on both sites,
however, discrete site barriers and CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
strategies secure the PSB site without fortressing.
The Public Safety Building (PSB/Lot C6) is a 46,000 square-foot, three-story police station and
fire/police administration building; the PSB includes two full-block subterranean floors of police
parking and operations , and shares its parcel with operational site buildings, a secure operational
yard, and a public plaza. The PSB includes generous setbacks from its property lines, a standoff that
offers both security and community design benefits. The PSB is a secure, essential services facility
that will be designed to support and protect the critical operations that occur inside. The project
will include facility resiliency, redundancy and hardening strategies which when deployed will
enable the PSB to remain operational after a major disaster. The design of the PSB will require the
careful balancing of transparency and solidity, including careful placement and type of windows,
openings and other security sensitive features.
The Parking Garage (Lot C7) is a four-story above grade and two-story below grade, approximately
636 stall public parking structure serving the parking needs of the California Avenue business
district. The parking structure fills its site to nearly the property lines, and utilizes strategies such as
a sidewalk-level arcade (on Ash) and a landscaped setback (on Birch) to provide scale-mitigating
site amenities. The height of the California Avenue Garage will be approximately 37'-0" above
sidewalk level to top of rail and may include roof top photovoltaic systems which will increase the
overall height to approximately 49'-0". It is the design team’s understanding the City of Palo Alto
City Council is considering altering the requirements of the PF zone to include public parking
garages to address the California Avenue Parking Garage’s current nonconformance to building
setback, lot coverage, FAR and height requirements.
For this preliminary ARB review, the design team respectfully requests that the ARB focus on
identifying the preferred civic bearing, neighborhood compatibility and attitude for this new
complex. Should the buildings be assertive or understated? Should they address the scale of the
retail district, the County Courthouse, or something in between? Each proposed approach has an
accompanying massing and material strategy that are to be discussed in the context of the
proposed civic approach. Design refinements (proportion, detailing, final material selection, etc.) are
preliminary, and will develop further once a preferred civic approach is identified.
A key part of the discussion includes how the project should address the surrounding urban
context. The California Avenue neighborhood has an eclectic mix of scales, materials, uses and
styles. It is a neighborhood that is seeing significant change in the immediate area, and is benefiting
from the increased design focus and energy. The new PSB and Garage offers an opportunity to
contribute to this momentum.
Palo Alto Public Safety Building & California Avenue Parking Garage
Prepared by RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture Inc.
April 18, 2017 3
DESIGN OPTIONS:
The three unique site approaches are distinguished by their different approaches to context,
bearing, massing and message. They have been provided “nicknames” to capture the essence of
each approach, facilitating discussion of their relative merits. Material, massing and landscape
strategies have been keyed to the overall storyline of each approach, reinforcing the message
through the elements of design.
01 SCREENING/GREENING
This scheme veils the buildings in a naturalized setting to reduce their visual presence and secure
vulnerable openings. This screening is achieved through a conceptual "greening," with slatted
wood-like screens, rough natural textures and immersive landscaping. The dense planting approach
obscures views of parked cars and operational buildings. Slatted screens protect windows from the
sun and from unwanted visibility. Rough stone-like wall textures evoke nature and blend buildings
with the landscape. Material colors are earthy, warm and low contrast.
Design components:
- Wood slat window screens and site fencing
- Rough stone-like exterior materials
- Deep set windows
- Asymmetrical building massing
- Climbing vines as visual screening for the parking structure
- Dense tree planting screening public safety building
- A meandering, topographic site plan
02 DYNAMIC MASSING
This scheme breaks down building massing by modulating the building volumes to make the two-
block project appear smaller, more intimate and visually dramatic. A dynamic play of volumes,
colors and masses creates a more approachable community presence. Individual program
components are rendered as discrete building volumes within the overall project. Materials
reference and update color schemes from traditional Palo Alto landmarks. Compositional interplay
between the PSB and Garage offer continuity between the buildings. Site design reinforces the
smaller compartmentalized approach, with small scale seating and planting areas.
Design components:
- Material palette evoking traditional historic Palo Alto landmarks of light colored cement plaster,
terra-cotta and copper patina
- Building volumes match the size and scale of adjacent commercial buildings
- Parking Garage and PSB share one compositional approach
- Mixture of materials includes composite wood panels, smooth and board-formed precast
concrete
03 SIMPLE CIVIC
This scheme presents a dignified and semi-formal visual presence to create a confident,
approachable and community-scaled civic image for Public Safety. An abstracted theme of
rectangles is introduced. The building features a simple palette and understated detailing, with a
variety of pattern that provides visual interest over the large scale of the two parcels. The base of
the building is a warm, dark and earthy brick wall material providing texture and interest at street
Palo Alto Public Safety Building & California Avenue Parking Garage
Prepared by RossDrulisCusenbery Architecture Inc.
April 18, 2017 4
level. Lower-level windows are deep set to evoke a traditional colonnade. Upper level materials
reference Sierra White Granite, the material of civic projects common in the Bay Area. Upper level
windows suggest informally arranged columns. Horizontal delineations at each floor break the
three-story buildings into a stack of one-story-scaled elements, addressing the scale of the retail
district. The construction approach is modular, increasing the likelihood that this will be the most
cost effective approach.
Design Components:
- Building base and site walls are a manganese ironspot brick veneer
- Smooth, light-colored precast panels cast to resemble Sierra White Granite
- Modular pre-cast panels for both PSB and Garage for cost-effectiveness
- Deep-set ground-floor windows
- Simple raised planting areas at site that develop and radiate the geometry of the building
ARB PRELIMINARY REVIEW
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COVER SHEET
PROJECT DATA SHEET INDEX
OVERVIEW
VICINITY MAPS ARB 02
TECHNICAL DIAGRAMMATIC
SITE PLAN ARB 03
URBAN CONTEXT OVERVIEW ARB 04
ILLUSTRATIVE SITE PLAN ARB 05
STREET SECTIONS ARB 06
EXISTING CONTEXT PHOTOS
- LOT C6 ARB 07
EXISTING CONTEXT PHOTOS
- LOT C7 ARB 08
CONCEPT 01
BUILDING & NEIGHBORHOOD
CONTEXT ELEVATIONS ARB09
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
& MASSING ARB 10
SITE CHARACTERISTICS ARB 11
CONCEPT 02
BUILDING & NEIGHBORHOOD
CONTEXT ELEVATIONS ARB 12
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
& MASSING ARB 13
SITE CHARACTERISTICS ARB 14
CONCEPT 03
BUILDING & NEIGHBORHOOD
CONTEXT ELEVATIONS ARB 15
ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER
& MASSING ARB 16
SITE CHARACTERISTICS ARB 17
PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
250 Sherman Ave.
CALIFORNIA AVE. PARKING GARAGE
350 Sherman Ave.
CITY OF PALO ALTO
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 01
Lot C6 - Proposed Public safety Building
Zoning designation:PFLand use designation:Major Institutional Special Facility (MISP)Maximum site coverage: 30%Maximum FAR: 1:1Maximum building height:50’-0”; 35’-0” @ SW corner
Lot Area: 1.27 acres (55,164 sf )Existing lot coverage: Zero, the lot is undevelopedProposed lot coverage:29.20%Existing floor area ratio (FAR): Zero the lot is undevelopedTotal floor area 40,351 sf
Proposed floor area ratio (FAR): 0.74
Building foot print: 15,885 sf
Site area: 55,164 sf
Proposed building height: 49 feetExisting onsite parking: 155 SpacesRequired new onsite parking: 162 SpacesProposed new onsite parking: 167 SpacesExisting easements None
Lot C7 - Proposed Parking Garage
Zoning designation:PFLand use designation:Community Commercial (CC)Maximum site coverage: 30%Maximum FAR: 1:1Maximum building height:50’-0”; 35’-0” @ SE corner
Lot area: 0.96 acres (41,843 sf)Existing lot coverage: Zero, the lot is undevelopedProposed lot coverage:89.30%Existing floor area ratio (FAR): Zero the lot is undevelopedTotal floor area 149,500 sf
Proposed floor area ratio (FAR): 3.57
Building foot print: 37,075 sf
Site area: 41,843 sf
Proposed building height: 40’-7” ( To top of railing)Existing onsite parking: 143 spacesRequired new onsite parking: 636 SpacesProposed new onsite parking: 636 SpacesExisting easements: None
Attachment B
CALIFORNIA AVENUE
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REGIONAL CONTEXT
NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT NTS
OVERVIEW
vicinity maps
VICINITY MAPS
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PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 02
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NEW GARAGE
BUILDING FOOTPRINT 37,075 SF
SITE AREA 41,843 SF
SHERMAN AVENUE
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MIXED USE
OFFICE / RESIDENTIAL
NEW PSB
BUILDING FOOTPRINT 15,885 SFSITE AREA 55,164 SF
PROPERTY
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technical diagrammatic site plan
TECHNICAL DIAGRAMMATIC SITE PLAN
ALLOWABLE SETBACKS (ZONE PF, BASED ON R-40)
FRONT: *0-25’
REAR: 16’
SIDE: 10’
STREET: 20’
*BETWEEN 0’ AND 25’, DETERMINED BY
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD
PROJECT DATA
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 03
Lot C6 - Proposed Public safety Building
Zoning designation:PFLand use designation:Major Institutional Special Facility (MISP)
Maximum site coverage: 30%
Maximum FAR: 1:1Maximum building height:50’-0”; 35’-0” @ SW corner
Lot Area: 1.27 acres (55,164 sf )Existing lot coverage: Zero, the lot is undevelopedProposed lot coverage:29.20%Existing floor area ratio (FAR): Zero the lot is undevelopedTotal floor area 40,351 sfProposed floor area ratio (FAR): 0.74Building foot print: 15,885 sfSite area: 55,164 sfProposed building height: 49 feetExisting onsite parking: 155 SpacesRequired new onsite parking: 162 SpacesProposed new onsite parking: 167 SpacesExisting easements None
Lot C7 - Proposed Parking Garage
Zoning designation:PFLand use designation:Community Commercial (CC)
Maximum site coverage: 30%
Maximum FAR: 1:1Maximum building height:50’-0”; 35’-0” @ SE corner
Lot area: 0.96 acres (41,843 sf)Existing lot coverage: Zero, the lot is undevelopedProposed lot coverage:89.30%Existing floor area ratio (FAR): Zero the lot is undevelopedTotal floor area 149,500 sfProposed floor area ratio (FAR): 3.57
Building foot print: 37,075 sfSite area: 41,843 sfProposed building height: 40’-7” ( To top of railing)Existing onsite parking: 143 spacesRequired new onsite parking: 636 SpacesProposed new onsite parking: 636 SpacesExisting easements: None
0’ 15’ 30’ 60’120’T.N
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urban context overview
URBAN CONTEXT OVERVIEW
OPPORTUNITIES & CONSTRAINTS
VIEW A
PROPOSED PSB MASSING IN CONTEXT
COMPARATIVE HEIGHTS KEY PLAN
VIEW B VIEW C VIEW D
LOT C6 ZONING ENVELOPE
LEGISLATIVE & ZONING MODIFICATIONS ARE BEING
PURSUED FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:
LOT 6: NEW PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING SITE
NO REVISIONS ARE BEING PURSUED
LOT 7: NEW PARKING GARAGE SITE
LOT COVERAGE
SETBACKS
FAR (FLOOR AREA RATIO)
BUILDING HEIGHT
50
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COURTHOUSE MULTI FAMILY RESIDENTIAL MIXED USE COMMERCIAL RETAIL PARKING GARAGEPUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 04
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illustrative site plan
ILLUSTRATIVE SITE PLAN
PRELIMINARY LANDSCAPING CONCEPT
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION PLAN
LOT C7 LOT C6
LOT C6
SECURE
PARKING
LOT C7
PUBLIC SAFETY
BUILDING
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PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
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ARB 05
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00OVERVIEW
street sections
BIRCH STREET SECTION AT LOTS C7 & C6 SHERMAN AVE STREET SECTION AT LOT C6
SHERMAN AVENUE STREET SECTION AT LOT C7 KEY PLAN
LOT C6LOT C7
NTSPARK BOULEVARD STREET SECTION AT LOT C6
STREET SECTIONS
BASEMENT
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 06
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existing context photos
EXISTING CONTEXT PHOTOS - LOT C6
VIEW FROM LOT C6 - EAST VIEW FROM LOT C6 - SOUTH VIEW FROM LOT C6 - WEST
VIEW OF LOT C6 FROM THE INTERSECTION OF SHERMAN ST & PARK BLVD.VIEW FROM LOT C6 - NORTH
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 07
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VIEW OF LOT C7 FROM THE INTERSECTION OF SHERMAN & BIRCH STREETS
OVERVIEW
existing context photos
EXISTING CONTEXT PHOTOS - LOT C7
VIEW FROM LOT C7 - NORTH
VIEW FROM LOT C7 - EAST VIEW FROM LOT C7 - SOUTH VIEW FROM LOT C7 - WEST
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
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ARB 08
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SHERMAN AVENUE FRONTAGE AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SHERMAN AVENUE FRONTAGE AT CALIFORNIA AVENUE GARAGE
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01screening / greening
CONCEPT
This scheme veils the buildings in a naturalized setting to reduce their visual presence and secure vulnerable openings. This screen-
ing is achieved through a conceptual “greening,” with slatted wood-like screens, rough natural textures and immersive land-scaping. The dense planting approach obscures views of parked
cars and operational buildings. Slatted screens protect windows from the sun and from unwanted visibility. Rough stone-like wall textures evoke nature and blend buildings with the landscape.
Material colors are earthy, warm and low contrast.
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 09CONCEPT 01 BUILDING & NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT ELEVATIONS&
SITE MASSING VIEW 1 AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SITE MASSING VIEW 2 AT THE CALIFORNIA AVENUE GARAGE AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
01CONCEPT
screening / greening
Design components:
- wood slat window screens and site fencing
- rough stone-like exterior materials
- deep set windows
- asymmetrical building massing
- climbing vines as visual screening for the parking structure
- Dense tree planting screening public safety building
- A meandering, topographic site plan
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
CONCEPT 01 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER & MASSING ARB 10
01CONCEPT
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screening / greening
SECURE
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2017.04.18
CONCEPT 01 SITE CHARACTERISTICS - PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING ARB 11
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SHERMAN AVENUE FRONTAGE AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SHERMAN AVENUE FRONTAGE AT CALIFORNIA AVENUE GARAGE
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02dynamic massing
ARB 12
CONCEPT
This scheme breaks down building massing by modulating the building volumes to make the two-block project appear smaller,
more intimate and visually dramatic. A dynamic play of volumes, colors and masses creates a more approachable community pres-ence. Individual program components are rendered as discrete
building volumes within the overall project. Materials reference and update color schemes from traditional Palo Alto landmarks. Compositional interplay between the PSB and Garage offer con-
tinuity between the buildings. Site design reinforces the small-
er compartmentalized approach, with small scale seating and planting areas.
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
CONCEPT 02 BUILDING & NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT ELEVATIONS&
SITE MASSING VIEW 1 AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SITE MASSING VIEW 2 AT THE CALIFORNIA AVENUE GARAGE AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
02CONCEPT
dynamic massing
Design components:
- Material palette evoking traditional historic Palo Alto landmarks of light colored cement plaster, terra-cotta and copper patina
- Building volumes match the size and scale of adjacent commer-
cial buildings
- Parking Garage and PSB share one compositional approach
- Mixture of materials includes composite wood panels, smooth
and board-formed precast concrete
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 13CONCEPT 02 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER & MASSING
02CONCEPT
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dynamic massing
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PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 14CONCEPT 02 SITE CHARACTERISTICS - PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
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BIRCH STREET FRONTAGE AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SHERMAN AVENUE FRONTAGE AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SHERMAN AVENUE FRONTAGE AT CALIFORNIA AVENUE GARAGE
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03simple civic
CONCEPT
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civic image for Public Safety. An abstracted theme of rectangles
is introduced. The building features a simple palette and under-stated detailing, with a variety of pattern that provides visual
interest over the large scale of the two parcels. The base of the
building is a warm, dark and earthy brick wall material provid-ing texture and interest at street level. Lower-level windows are
deep set to evoke a traditional colonnade. Upper level materials
reference Sierra White Granite, the material of civic projects com-mon in the Bay Area. Upper level windows suggest informally ar-
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three-story buildings into a stack of one-story-scaled elements, addressing the scale of the retail district. The construction ap-proach is modular, increasing the likelihood that this will be the
most cost effective approach.
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
CONCEPT 03 BUILDING & NEIGHBORHOOD CONTEXT ELEVATION&ARB 15
SITE MASSING VIEW 1 AT PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
SITE MASSING VIEW 2 AT THE CALIFORNIA AVENUE GARAGE AND THE PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
03CONCEPT
simple civic
Design Components:
- Building base and site walls are a manganese ironspot brick ve-
neer
- Smooth, light-colored precast panels cast to resemble Sierra White Granite
- Modular pre-cast panels for both PSB and Garage for cost-effec-
tiveness
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- Simple raised planting areas at site that develop and radiate the geometry of the building
PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 16CONCEPT 03 ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER & MASSING
PSB
SITE
BLDGS.
03CONCEPT
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BUILDING / PROGRAM
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HARDSCAPE / SOFTSCAPE IS MORE FIGURAL
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BARRIERS DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT PLAZA
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PALO ALTO PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING & PARKING GARAGE
2017.04.18
ARB 17CONCEPT 03 SITE CHARACTERISTICS - PUBLIC SAFETY BUILDING
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Attachment C
c
0
0
State of California -The Resources Agency Primary#
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI#
PRIMARY RECORD Trlnomial
NRHP Status Code ~s
Other listings
Review Code Reviewer Date
Page ...1.... of.A_ "Resource Name or#: (Assigned by recorder) _.3,..2,._1......,C..,a,..!i...,fo.,,r~n .... iauAw.i.ve,._ _______ _
P1. Other ldentifier:-'3""'2=-1.......,C..,a_n_to ... r ... n..,ia ....... A .... v...,e ______________________________ _
P2. location: a Not for Publication 11 Unrestricted "a: County _..S..,a-..n...,ta.....,C..,la..,r..,a ____________ _
and (P2c,P2e, and P2b or P2d. Attach Location Map as necessary.)
"b. USGS 7.5' Quad Palo Alto. CA Date 1991 T _; R _; _% of_% of S~ B.M.
c. Address 321 California Ave City Palo Alto Zip _9_.4,..3.,.0.,.6 ______ _
d. UTM: (Give more than one for large 11nd/or linear resources) Zone __ ; mE/ mN
*e. Other Locational Data: (e.g., parcel II, directions to resource, elevation, etc., as appropriate} APN 124 33 001
"P3a. Description: (Describe resource and its major elements. Include design, materials, condition, alterations, size, setting, and boundaries)
The building at 321 California is a one-story reinforced concrete structure with a flat roof. The roof is hidden by parapet walls.
The structure consists of concrete post and beams. A cantilevered marquee shades the storefront and the first bay on the side
facing the parking lot. The marquee on the side was part of the drive·in feature. The plate glass storefront windows are
supported by a low bulkhead wall clad in glazed tile. By a few simple devices, this building was ornamented in the Moderne
style -vertical ribs above horizontal bands cast in the parapet and horizontal bands on the edge of the marquee. This is a
rectangular building in plan, measuring 45 by 90 feet.
"P3b Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codes) .... H_..P .... 6....,.1.-·3......,s .... to,..ry'"'"""c...,o..,,m.:..:.m:..:.:.>1e:.:.orc,...i ... a._I b..,u,..i..,ld...,in .... g.._ ____________ _
"P4. Resources Present: 111 Building o Structure o Object o Site o District o Element of District o Other (isolates, etc.)
.---------------------------------"""I P5b. Description of Photo:
P5a Photo or Drawing (Photo required for buildings, structures, and objects.) (View, date, accession #) -----
321 California Ave; view southeast:
09121199: by B. Vahey: roll BRV-85.
neg #25
"P6. Date Constructed/Age and
Source: 11 Historic
CJ Prehistoric a Both
1938: Palo Alto Times
"P7. Owner and Address:
Edwards Co. OH&MA
99 25th Ave San Francisco CA
94121
"PB. Recorded by: (Name,
affiliation, and address)
Michael Corbett. Dames & Moore
221 Main Street. Suite 600
San Francisco. CA 94105
"P9. Date Recorded: _____ _
May 11. 2QQQ
"P10. Survey Type: (Describe)
Intensive
P11. Report Citation": (Cite survey
report and other sources, or enter "none".) Palo Alto Historic Survey Update !Corbett and Bradley for Dames & Moore. 2000!
"Attachments: CJ NONE a Location Map CJ Sketch Map 181 Continuation Sheet 181 Building, Structure and Object Record
CJ Archaeological Record c District Record CJ Linear Feature Record CJ Milling Station Record o Rock Art Record
CJ Artifact Record CJ Photograph Record CJ Other (List)
DPR 523A (1/95}/ CALl321.F1 *Required Information.
c
0
()
State of Callfomla -The Resources Agency Primary '--------------
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION HRI '-------------
BUILDING, STRUCTURE. AND OBJECT RECORD
Page _2_ of ___!__ *NRHP Status Code __ 3...,5......_ __ _
*Resource Name or# (Assigned by recorder) 321 California Ave
81. Historic Name: -'S><'u,..p...,e'°'"r_,D""'r"'-iv::..:e.c..·.:..:.ln::....:..:M .... a,,_rk"'e""'t._ ____________________________ _
82. Common Name: -------------------------------------83. Original Use: 84. Present Use: 1·3 storv commercial building •es. Architectural Style: _.M......,o"'d.,.e,,..rn,,,.e.__ _______________________________ _
•e6. Construction History: (Construction date, alterations, and date of alterations)
•e1.
•es.
1938: Built (Palo Alto Times!
1 961 : Interior remodel
1969: Addition of cardroom and bathroom to rear
Moved? 1111 No CJ Yes a Unknown Date: ____ _
Related Features:
Original Location: ____________ _
B9a.
•e10.
Architect: W.H. Ellison !engineer) b. Builder:_J~.s~·~Mw.ioaw.ll~ocllllhu.... _________________ _
Slgnlflcance: Theme A: Development of Palo Alto: C: Supermarket building tvpe Area ..... P_.a..,lo"-"'A....,lt,...o.__ ___ _
Period of Slgnlflcance 1938-1950 Property Type Residential Applicable Criteria A and C
(Discuss Importance In terms of historical or architectural context as de lined by theme, per[od, and geographic scope. Also address integrity .I
History
Site: The commercial property at 321 California Avenue is located on one of the unnumbered blocks of the Paul Subdivision.
The tot was long the location of the Occidental Hotel, the footprint of which still appeared on the Sanborn map of 1925,
identified as a lodging house. The parcel is currently bordered on the east by an alley that did not appear on the Sanborn map
of 1945.
Structure: The Palo Alto Times, of 16 November 1938, recorded a building permit issued for a store at 321 California. The Daily
Pacific Builder of 18 November 1938 noted the same project. This notice identified the owner, D.H. Edwards; the structural
designer, an engineer named W.H. Ellison; and the builder, J.S. Malloch, who was Ellison's partner. The cost was estimated
at $11,600. (J.S. Malloch apparently worked as a designer as well and is credited with "one of the best Moderne apartment
buildings" in San Francisco (Schwarzer, p. 381, at 1360 Montgomery Street in 1937 .I A short article in the Mayfield Citizen,
of 11 November 1938, said that it was Safeway Grocers who were building a "Super Drive-In Market" with the corner area lat
California and 2nd) reserved for drive-in facilities. The assessment record noted a $15,000 interior remodel in 1961 and the
addition of a card room and bathrooms at the rear of the building in 1969.
See continuation sheet
811 . Additional Resource Attributes: (List attributes and codesl ----------------------
*B12. References:
See continuation sheet. (Sketch map with nonh arrow required)
813. Remarks:
*B14. Evaluator:._,M=ic ... h,_.a...,e"'"I _,.C""o""rb""e...,tt..._ ________ _
Date of Evaluatlon:.-'M...,,..a ..... y_,1..,1 .... ..:2..,,0...,0'""0'----------
(This space TC!ierved for official comments)
DPR 5238 (1/95) CALl321.F1 *Required Information
c
0
0
State of Callfomla -The Resources Agency
DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
Primary'------------------
HRl/Trinomlal
CONTINUATION SHEET
Page_J_ ofL Resource ldentlfler:_,.3;.::2 .... l_C..,..al"'if.,.o .... rn,..i..,a...,A.-v..,e.__ _________________ _
Recorded by Michael Corbett/Steve Hardy lhistorvl *Date May 11. 2000 a Continuation o Update
History !continued)
Use: In 1938, Safeway Grocers built 321 California Avenue as a "Super-Market" - a new building type. It was described as
one of the most modern and convenient markets on the Peninsula. In 1950, the store was demoted from "super-market" to
"market" in the advertisements of its new owners. In 1961, after extensive interior alterations, the property began its career
as a restaurant which it has remained in one form or another to the present.
Evaluation
The building at 321 California Avenue appears eligible for the NRHP under criteria A and C at the local level of significance.
The period of significance runs from 1938, when it was built, to 1950, when Safeway moved to a larger building.
Under criterion A, this represents a dramatic shift of retailing in general and in grocery retailing in particular -accommodating
an increasingly automobile based society. It is also an early example of a major chain -Safeway. Under criterion C, this
building is significant as an early example in Palo Alto of a new building type -the supermarket, which was larger than earlier
food stores and was designed to facilitate automobiles. This building is a rare example of a once common type, a supermarket,
to retain its original character.
References
California Office of Historic Preservation. Instructions for Nominating Historical Resources to the California Register of Historic
Resources. Sacramento, CA. August 1997.
Daily Pacific Builder. 18 November 1938.
Mayfield Citizen. 11 November 1938.
Pacific Constructor. 26 November 1938.
Palo Alto City Directory. 1938-1962.
Palo Alto Historic Survey Update. Property File.
Palo Alto Times. 16 November 1938, 3 April 1950.
Palo Alto Times-Tribune. 19 October 1979, 1 November 1985.
Palo Alto Weekly. 1 0 February 1 991 .
Sanborn Map Company. Insurance Maps of Palo Alto. New York: 1924; revisions to 1949.
Santa Clara County. Tax Assessor. Assessment Record. 1949, 1962, 1968.
Schwarzer, Mitchell. Architecture & Design.· A Selective Guide to the Best-Designed Buildings, Interiors, and Public Spaces in
San Francisco and the Bay Area. San Francisco: The Understanding Business, 1998.
United States Department of the Interior, National Park Service. National Register Bulletin 15: How to Apply the National Register
Criteria for Evaluation.
Woodbridge, Sally B. and John M. Woodbridge. San Francisco Architecture. San Francisco: Chronicle Books, 1992.
DPR 523L 11/951 CALl321.F1 •Required Information