Architectural Review Board Report

Transcription

1 Architectural Review Board Report To: From: Cc: Subject: Architectural Review Board Meeting: October 16, 2017 Agenda Item: 7.3 Architectural Review Board Rathar Duong, ARB Liaison Stephanie Reich, AIA, LEED AP, Design & Historic Preservation Planner 17ARB-0337 to approve the facade design, colors, materials and landscape plans for the exterior renovation of an existing Land Rover/Range Rover automobile dealership. Address: Applicant: 3020 Santa Monica Boulevard Hornburg Santa Monica Recommended Action It is recommended that the Architectural Review Board approve ARB application 17ARB-0337 based upon the findings and subject to the conditions contained within this report. Executive Summary The proposal is a façade remodel and addition to an existing automobile dealership. The proposed alterations introduce new finishes, colors, and landscape enhancements. The updated building is a clean, simple and contemporary design consistent with the automobile new corporate branding. New signs are not included in this proposal and will be submitted for separate review. Background 17ENT-0058: 12ARB-0150: 06ARB-0160: 04-ARB-0323: On September 8, 2017, the Zoning Administrator approved Minor Use Permit application for the 571 SF expansion of the existing automobile/vehicle sales and leasing dealership. On June 4, 2012, the Architectural Review Board approval sign plans for an existing automobile dealership. On June 6, 2006, the Architectural Review Board approved sign plans for four wall signs and one monument sign for Hornburg Jaguar/Land Rover automobile dealership. On August 16, 2004, the Architectural Review Board approved the design, colors, materials and landscape plans for a building and site remodel for a new automobile dealership. 1

2 Project / Site Information The existing building is a low-lying one-story contemporary structure constructed in 1991 as a dealership. The site is surrounded primarily by other automobile dealerships fronting Santa Monica Boulevard as well as other retail, restaurant, and service-related uses. Located to the north and south of the boulevard are multi-family residential buildings of varying density. The following table provides a brief summary of project data: Zoning District / Design Guidelines: Existing On-Site Improvements (Year Built): Historic Resource CEQA Adjacent Zoning & Use: MUBL (Mixed-Use Boulevard Low) 1-Story Commercial Building (1991), currently serving as the showroom/office for the Land Rover/Range Rover dealership Not listed on the Historic Resources Inventory. Exempt pursuant to Section (b)(3) North MUBL Mixed-Use Building South R2 Multi-Family Residential Building East MUBL - Retail West MUBL Vacant Lot (future mixed-use building) Analysis Site and Landscape Design The existing building is situated on a corner site setback from the street. The building is surrounded by parking and vehicle display areas, and its perimeter lined with low plantings. The proposed addition on the west elevation only slightly changes the existing site planning. The rectangular footprint of the existing building will be modified with a small protrusion that is the addition. There is an existing open wood trellis feature near the addition area that will be removed (P. A1.2). The expansion is at the rear of the site and will have little or no impact to the streetscape and pedestrian experience (P. A2.0). The existing sign near the building s northwest corner will be removed. The existing low landscape around the perimeter of the site will be enhanced with new plantings while existing mature trees will be retained and protected during construction. Some existing hedges at the rear of the building will be maintained in their existing location. The new plant palette includes a variety of low growing species such as Centranthus ruber (Red Jupiter s Beard), Muhlenbergia lleni (Pink Muhly Grass), Senecio serpens (Blue Pencil Stick), and Rosa X. noala (Carpet Coral Groundcover Rose). These plants offer a blue/silver palette with an added pink/red color and are planted in grouping or cluster to create a simple and readable design throughout the site. Mass and Scale The existing building is expressed horizontally with uniform glazing and fenestration pattern spanning across the front façade. The proposed design will increase the building height to create an open and airy interior space. While it will be slightly higher than the 2

3 existing condition, it will remain as a one-story building. The increased glazing improves the mass and scale of the building overall and is consistent with other dealerships and buildings within the vicinity. Design, Details and Materials The existing building is a simple contemporary building primarily finished in stucco and extensive glazing. The showroom and sales offices will be enlarged with a small addition to its west elevation while the curved tower element on the northeast corner will be removed. The façade remodel updates the contemporary design while it incorporates the design of the new brand. The updated design has a symmetrical appearance enhanced by simple and clean lines, the flat roof design and the enlarged and simplified glazing. The front façade is highlighted with the building s primary entrance which is centered in the long horizontal elevation with a different color and material, clearly marking the entry. The building s simple form is highlighted by Alucobond in two complementary colors; Sunshine Grey Metallic and Champagne Metallic with a surface luster. The size and shape of the Alucobond panels are applied with a stacked bond to accentuate the building s horizontality. The entry is recessed and finished in a lighter metal cladding material so that it will stand out from the darker grey. The building s uncomplicated form is elevated by the angled furred walls and recessed openings giving the building depth and dimensionality as illustrated on Page A5.0. If possible, the window opening of the new addition should also be recessed the same way as the existing building to achieve a consistent appearance along the front elevation. The proposed façade improvement demonstrates a cohesive design idea throughout and is supported by high quality materials, colors, and detailing. DESIGN ELEMENTS Façade Windows Doors Roof Mechanical Screening Refuse Screening Lighting PROPOSED EXTERIOR MATERIAL, FINISH AND COLOR Alucobond (Champagne and Sunshine Grey Metallic) Aluminum Storefront Window System (Clear glazing) Aluminum, clear Asphalt (existing) Existing, no change No Change Existing, no change Historical Resources Inventory The subject property is not listed on the City s Historic Resources Inventory. CEQA Status The project is exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section (b) (3) in that it can be seen with certainty that the proposed project does not have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment in that the project involves the review of design-related issues associated 3

4 with the existing structure in terms of general architectural design, proposed materials, colors, and signage. Code Compliance This application has only been preliminarily reviewed for compliance with the base district s development standards which address aspects of the plan that could result in significant changes to the project s design. The plans have been preliminarily reviewed for conformance to parking and loading requirements. A complete Code-compliance review will not occur until the application is submitted for plan check. It is the applicant s responsibility to ensure that the plans comply fully with all applicable provisions of the Municipal Code. The applicant has been notified of any significant non-compliant aspects of their plans, and a condition has been added requiring full compliance with all applicable regulations prior to the issuance of a building permit. Any significant changes to the design subsequent to any ARB approval will require Board approval. Summary The existing building is a low-lying structure with a simple form and rectangular footprint. The proposed façade renovation retains the existing contemporary building design while incorporating high quality materials and finishes such as Alucobond and metal panels in a complementary color scheme. The materials along with appropriate detailing help the project achieve a dimensional quality and cohesive design. New landscape enhancements around the perimeter reflect a clear readable design highlighting the building and vehicle display area. FINDINGS: A. The plan for the proposed building or structure is expressive of good taste, good design, and in general contributes to the image of Santa Monica as a place of beauty, creativity and individuality in that the proposed façade renovation retains the existing one-story contemporary building form while highlighting it with high quality materials such as Alucobond to achieve a cohesive design. The appropriate detailing at the windows and recessed openings provide depth and shadow for added visual interest. B. The proposed building or structure is not of inferior quality such as to cause the nature of the local neighborhood or environment to materially depreciate in appearance and value in that high quality materials such as Alucobond and metal panels are proposed and specified in the application submittal and as presented to the Architectural Review Board will be incorporated into the façade renovation and complemented by a neutral color scheme. The proposed changes will further enhance the building s existing design quality and highlight its contemporary style. The new addition is situated at the rear and pulled back from the existing to provide a relief in the facade. C. The proposed design of the building or structure is compatible with developments on land in the general area in that the proposed facade remodel updates the appearance of an existing automobile dealership and adds to the ongoing improvement to the commercial design along Santa Monica Boulevard. The 4

5 proposed project helps retain the scale and rhythm of the existing streetscape and is compatible with the design of other development in the immediate vicinity. D. The proposed development conforms to the effective guidelines and standards adopted pursuant to Chapter 9.55 Architectural Review Board, and all other applicable ordinances insofar as the location and appearance of the buildings and structures are involved. Specifically, the location and appearance of the buildings and structures comply with required findings set forth in Chapter 9.55, as documented by the Architectural Review Board, and as conditioned, the plans will fully comply with all applicable regulations prior to the issuance of a building permit. CONDITIONS: 1. The window opening of the proposed addition shall be recessed in the same manner as the recessed openings of the existing building for consistency across the front facade. 2. This approval shall expire when the administrative or discretionary entitlements, not including any Subdivision Map approvals, previously granted for the project have lapsed. If no such entitlements have been granted, this approval shall expire 24 months from its effective date, unless appealed. 3. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall demonstrate that the plans comply with all applicable provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. Significant changes to a project s design shall require review and approval of the Architectural Review Board. Minor changes may be approved administratively pursuant to all applicable guidelines. The Architectural Review Board s approval, conditions of approval, or denial of this application may be appealed to the Planning Commission if the appeal is filed with the Zoning Administrator within ten consecutive days following the date of the Architectural Review Board s determination in the manner provided in Chapter 9.55, Section Attachments A. Applicant s Submittal Material F:\CityPlanning\Share\ARB\STFRPT\SR17\17ARB-0337 (3020 Santa Monica Blvd) Land/Range Rover.docx 5