Title
Draft Meeting Minutes - June 5, 2014
Body
DRAFT MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA HISTORICAL ADVISORY BOARD
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2014
1. CONVENE: 7:02 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL: Present: Chair Owens, Vice Chair Rauk, Board Members Lynch and Vella.
3. MINUTES: None
4. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSIONS: None
5. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
6. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: Chair Owens reported several letters had been received including from the Randal family, AAPS, and Mr. Ingram.
7. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS:
7-A. Public Hearing to Consider a Request for a Certificate of Approval at 1501 Buena Vista Avenue - PLN14-0059 - The applicant is requesting a Certificate of Approval to restore and modify the Del Monte Warehouse Historic Monument.
Mr. Andrew Thomas, City Planner, made an introduction and reported this item being before this board for the third time.
Mr. Mike O'Hara, Tim Lewis Communities, reported in attendance was Mr. Jim Meeks along with other team members. He made a presentation with changes and updates.
Mr. William Duncanson, reported on some of the architectural features that will be changed, and an overview. Mr. Christopher VerPlanck summarized the project design and applicable Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
Chair Owens asked for the sample color and materials box be circulated. Mr. VerPlanck described the materials and products to be used.
Speakers:
Mr. Doug deHaan, spoke to when the Alameda Theater had gone through changes with the architects. He asked for the best design be looked at for this building, and questioned if the proposed height is best for this building.
Mr. Christopher Buckley, AAPS, spoke on the letter provided and the Secretary of Interior Standards comments from Mr. VerPlanck. He addressed a contradiction in the aesthetics. He commented on reducing the height, perhaps by adding a pitched roof. He spoke on colors to be reviewed, and asked for a mock-up be on the building. He commented on windows and canopies, and the infill materials.
Member Lynch asked about the parking and concerns from former meetings. Mr. O'Hara reported there has been more parking added, and they are at approximately 1.5 spaces per unit. The still has to be reviewed by the Planning Board.
Mr. Ron Cassidy, stated most of his comments have been addressed at the Planning Board, but asked HAB to review the height of the building.
It was confirmed that the colors in the materials box represented the actual color and materials.
Chair Owens asked about keeping the interior of the building intact. Mr. O'Hara stated the roof is not 2/3 remodeled, but 40%. Bays 1 and 4 will stay intact. The remaining trusses will be exposed on the interior of some units.
Chair Owens noted that the addition has a very modern appearance, which is a stark contrast with the existing brick warehouse. He asked whether something matching the existing appearance was considered.
Mr. O'Hara responded that the design is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, which called for differentiating new construction from the historic structure.
There was discussion about the new window design and material to maximize natural light into the interior units.
Member Lynch stated that the building would appear very tall to a pedestrian.
Mr. O'Hara reported a key component to preserving the building is to make the project viable from an economic standpoint. The project currently proposes 9' interior ceiling clearances, which is what the market currently demands. They have already taken the building down 5' into the ground for the parking garage. Mr. Duncanson clarified the height of the units would be 10.3' between floors with 9' interior ceilings.
Chair Owens asked about reducing the depth of the structure. He asked about the sloped roof, and whether the depth be increased.
Mr. Duncanson explained the details of how the building is designed and constructed. The design, as proposed, minimizes the exterior building height as much as possible to while accommodating the interior programming to make the project economically viable.
Member Vella asked the height of the existing building. Mr. Duncanson reported the existing gable is 36.8' and 47.6' to new roof and 18" parapet. The parapet is there mainly for drainage reasons.
Chair Owens asked about the rain screens and the design intent of the perforated material.
Mr. Duncanson stated that corrugated metal was popular years ago, and they feel materials should be current and with the time. A perforated panel could be a fun design.
Mr. Thomas advised the Board on focusing on whether the project is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
Mr. O'Hara commented they intend to work with all stakeholders for all details.
Vice Chair Rauk stated that she believes the project meets the Secretary of Interiors Standards. She is in support of approving the certificate.
Member Lynch indicated that she is pleased to see the changes suggested from previous meetings.
Member Vella commended staff and the project team; she believes that the project meets the standards in Preservation Brief 14.
Chair Owens reported on removal of historic fabric, designers have an option to match or modernize the rehab, and treatments of doors being replaced with glass doors, recessed windows and rain screen approach are all appropriate. However, he believes the height of the addition does not meet the Secretary of the Interior's Standards, because he cannot find an example from past developments being similar.
Board member Lynch motioned to approve the Certificate of Approval.
Vice Chair Rauk seconded.
Motioned passed, 4-0.
7-B. Certificate of Approval - PLN14-0271 1437 Park Street, Applicant: Stan Yee. The applicant is requesting an approval to restore a street level facade of a contributing building in the historic Park Street District.
Ms. Angelica Aquino, Planner I, made a presentation to the Board.
Board member Lynch asked about decorative tile at the entrances of the building and whether they will be retained.
Ms. Aquino reported staff has asked the owners to preserve and restore the tiles where they are currently missing. The decorative tiles are located on Santa Clara Avenue.
Chair Owens called for public speakers.
Mr. Jim Smallman, AAPS, commented on having a meeting with the owner and architects. The ground floor has a preliminary and second design and they will use the photographic evidence of restoration.
Mr. Christopher Buckley, AAPS, provided a handout and commented on the design. He reviewed many historic photos. He suggested using the 1909 photo as a guide for restoration.
Mr. Robb Ratto, PSBA Director, stated fully endorsing the plan for this restoration. He commented on delays cost developers and owners money. He would like this plan be approved. He commended Board Member Lynch for her 10 years of service and appreciates her dedication.
Mr. Nicholas Yee, reported on taking the opportunity to restore this corner. He thanked Mr. Smallman for his input. They would like to preserve the historic value.
It was confirmed that the upper story restaurant would stay in place.
Member Lynch requested this item be continued for one month so that additional research can be done on the original appearance of the building.
Vice Chair Rauk requested this be approved and not continued because there has been much input from the AAPS.
Chair Owens doesn't like the design stating that it appears to falsely mimic an appearance not original to the structure. He commented on the windows and colors being too severe. He would like to see more thought be given to the design with respect to what is period-appropriate. He questioned why the staff report indicated that the project is a restoration.
Member Vella noted there was information out there about the building that could have been reviewed prior to submitting plans.
Mr. Smallman stated the facade would have to come off the building to see what is under the walls to determine if restoring to 1909 is reasonable. Chair Owens asked about a demolition permit and what happens upon discovery of historic siding materials under the existing walls.
Mr. Allen Tai, Secretary to the Board, stated that the current design is period appropriate and that staff reviewed other historic buildings to determine whether the alterations were compatible for the building. He noted that it should recognize that the building has gone through many forms of transition and the proposed design may be considered part of the building's evolution. He stated the staff report could be clearer about the project being more of an alteration than restoration, but the design is not intended as false historicism because there are contemporary design elements being incorporated, such as the anodized aluminum storefront system and fenestration. Mr. Tai recommended the Board condition the project to perform exploratory demolition of the exterior to see what lies underneath the existing siding.
Mr. Thomas stated that if historic materials are found and keeping them in place isn't feasible for the owner it can come back.
Vice Chair Rauk motioned to approve the Certificate of Approval, with the condition that the project be brought back to the Board if historic materials are found and that restoring the original finish is not feasible.
Board member Vella seconded.
Motioned passed, 3-1 (Chair Owens opposed)
7-C. PLN14-0006 - Addition of Names to List of Street and Facility Names - Citywide - Applicant: City of Alameda - A public hearing to consider a proposal to add names to the List of Street and Facility Names. This action is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Mr. Tai, summarized the process and City Council policy for street naming. He explained the need to add more names to the list because of demands by new development and the Planning Board and members of the public providing input on future street names. He reported receiving a letter from the Randall family but that the Randall name is not eligible for listing according to the criteria in the policy.
Chair Owens called for speakers.
Ms. Carol Godstein, commented on the list not including significant names. She spoke on her grandfather who was a former Council member. She suggested a link to the City website for people to add their contribution on Alameda families.
Mr. Doug deHaan, thanked Member Lynch for her service. He spoke on the former redevelopment funds for facade improvements. He spoke on NAS and the area of Alameda Landing employees being significant to this city. NAS was a working site for 50 years, and street names should represent this.
Mr. John Knox White, a member of the Planning Board, spoke on adding Charles Jenny to the list of street names.
Member Lynch asked for Marilyn York, founder of the Naval Air Museum be added to the list.
Vice Chair Rauk asked for Borac "Smith" being added, and omit any fish, birds and mammals, also to omit "pigboat."
Chair Owens asked how many names are needed for the current developments.
Mr. Tai stated there are a couple hundred names from the list of water bodies previously approved by the Board. The currently proposed list has about another one hundred names.
Member Vella recommended adding David Macho, a former City fire fighter.
Chair Owens asked about the name Corsair, being changed to Corsair II. He agreed to remove fish names and mammal names, and bird category and the name "Pigboat."
Board member Lynch asked for Frank Godstein be added.
Board member Vella motioned to approve the proposed list of new street names with the changes discussed by the Board, which includes adding Charles Jenny, Marilyn York, Borac Smith, David Macho, and Frank Godstein, and changing Corsair to Corsair II, and removing Pigboat and all names of birds, mammals, and fish.
Vice Chair Rauk seconded.
Motioned passed, 4-0.
7-D. Public Review Draft of the Alameda Point Waterfront Town Center Plan
Mr. Andrew Thomas provided a briefing and asked for HAB comments.
Member Lynch asked about a new ferry terminal.
Mr. Thomas stated there will be a new terminal, as the Main Street terminal will move. He reported ferry service has been increasing and sometimes two boats are being used for one transportation line. He explained a parking lot would be provided adjacent to the ferry terminal. He reported further on transportation services being incorporated with development.
Member Lynch asked about the BOQ area. Mr. Thomas reported on the proposed development for housing in the town center area and noted that the BOQ will stay. He commented on Phase Zero design and building heights.
Chair Owens asked about island-wide protection area on the plans. Mr. Thomas explained the issue of sea level rise and the effects on the rest of the island outside of Alameda Point.
Chair Owens commented on the building heights affecting open spaces.
Speaker:
Mr. Christopher Buckley, AAPS, commented on the heights of buildings in front of hangers is a concern and suggested lower than 40' in the historic hanger row. He referred to a letter submitted from AAPS, and further commented on the in-fill guidelines.
8. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS: The Board thanked Judith Lynch for her dedication and service to the Historical Advisory Board for over ten years.
9. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS: Mr. Thomas thanked Ms. Lynch for being a great asset to the City and her service has been appreciated. Mr. Tai invited Ms. Lynch back for a formal recognition.
Chair Owens asked about the status of the 1315 Mound Street project. Mr. Tai stated the project is currently in the Building plan check process.
10. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: None
11. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chair Rauk motioned to adjourn the meeting at 10:43 p.m. Seconded by Board member Vella. Approved 4-0.