Monday, May 18, 2009

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING OF THE

ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD

MONDAY, MAY 18, 2009

City Council Chambers, Room 213

7:00 P.M.

1685 Main Street, Santa Monica

1. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.

2. ROLL CALL: Present: Michael Folonis, Chairperson

William Adams

John Ellis

Edouard Mimieux

Amy Rothman

Maegan Winning

Also Present: Barbara Kaplan, Landmark’s Commissioner (departure 8:00 p.m.)

Steve Traeger, Principal Urban Designer

Laura Beck, Associate Planner

Margaret Bell, Staff Assistant

Absent: Lynn Robb, Vice-Chairperson


ARB08-423, 603 Arizona Avenue: Mixed Use

Approval of Building Design, Colors and Materials and Landscape plans for a new 6-story building with 39 residential units and ground floor commercial space.

ACTION: CONTINUED AT THE APPLICANT’S REQUEST

Daveed Kapoor was present to discuss the project.

One chit was submitted, Bret Tadeny

Chairperson Folonis closed the public hearing.

Board members stated that the project has improved since the last submittal. The Board stated that the ground floor retail is inviting and pedestrian oriented, and the colors and materials are appropriate; however, the Board expressed concern regarding the repetitiveness of the design that appears bulky and dense, on the east and north elevations, and the lack of an overall concept.

Board members discussed the cascading affect and attempts to break up the massing, but feel the concept could be pushed a little further, and it was suggested that landscaping was introduced to relieve the massing.

The lack of hierarchy of the design was discussed and the need for simplification of certain elements to “ground” the design was addressed.

Mr. Kapoor requested a continuance.

Chairperson Folonis made the motion to continue the project that was seconded by Board member Rothman and continued by roll call vote 6-0.