1 REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
LANDMARKS COMMISSION
VIA TELECONFERENCE
PURSUANT TO ASSEMBLY BILL (AB) 361
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2021
MEETING BEGINS AT 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Genser called the meeting to order at 7:04 PM
ROLL CALL
Present:
Richard Brand
Kenneth Breisch, Chair Pro Tempore
Gloria Garvin
Roger Genser, Chair
Amy Green
Dolores Sloan
Jodi Summers
Also Present:
Stephanie Reich, AIA, LEED, AP, Design and Historic Preservation Planner Heidi von Tongeln, Deputy City Attorney
Wendy Radwan, Staff Assistant III
1. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
A. Report from Staff:
7:05 PM
Stephanie Reich, Design and Historic Preservation Planner, provided the report. She noted the appeal items to City Council are currently scheduled in 2022 and will keep the Commission updated. She stated that Council DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 2 approved the Mills Act Contracts on October 26 and she also noted Administrative approvals.
Staff is working with the property owner to process an administrative application for a fence/gate for the Santa Monica Bay Women’s Club to provide safety and security for the tenants
Ms. Reich reported on 125 and 135 San Vicente Boulevard, two contributing properties on the north side of the street, at the western end of the district.
Public safety has been working with the property owner for some time to secure the property. It has come to staff’s attention that security issues may have escalated and there may have been some vandalism on the properties. Recently, the landscaping has been cut back to prevent people from hiding on the property. Staff is working with the property owner to ensure the contributing structures remains protected and that the property is maintained as much as possible.
B. Landmarks Commissioner Announcements
7:11 PM
Commissioner Green and Chair Genser provided a report from the Pier Board meeting:
• There are an increasing number of people visiting the pier • There is an increased optimism among the Pier Board, pier is rapidly returning
• Jim Harris has been appointed as Interim Director
• Chair Genser noted that the Pier Sign will have to be removed and relocated for protection during the rebuilding of the Pier Bridge. He stated that the Commission cannot opine on this matter, though the Commission could comment under the Environmental Review.
• Pier Security has been an issue and fencing will be provided, exempt from review
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
All items will be considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a member for discussion.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 3 A. Approval of Minutes:
• September 13, 2021
7:17 PM
Commissioners provided a minor correction. Commissioner Green made a motion to approve as amended. Commissioner Sloan seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Brand, Breisch, Garvin, Genser, Green, Sloan, Summers NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
B. Approval of Statement of Official Action:
• Certificate of Appropriateness application 21ENT-0136 for the property located at 1415 Ocean Avenue, (Georgian Hotel) consideration of a sign adjustment to replace identity signage for “The Georgian” a designated City Landmark.
7:20 PM
Chair Gensermade a motion to approve. Commissioner Green seconded the motion. A roll call was held for the motion and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Brand, Breisch, Garvin, Genser, Green, Sloan, Summers NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
3. STUDY SESSION
• None.
4. CONTINUED ITEMS (PUBLIC HEARING)
A. Landmark Designation Application 21ENT-0067 for the property located at 1665 Appian Way to determine whether the multi-family residential building in whole or in part, should be designated as a City Landmark and, if so designated, whether an associated Landmark Parcel should be defined and described in order to preserve, maintain, protect, or safeguard the Landmark.
The Landmarks Commission will consider the application based on whether the application, research and public testimony presented demonstrates that DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 4 the building meets one or more of the required criteria for Landmark designation pursuant to SMMC Section 9.56.100(A).
Item continued from September 13, 2021.
7:22 PM
Ms. Reich presented the staff report. She identified additional information requested by the Commission and provided by the City’s Consultant Architectural Resources Group (ARG). She presented a recommendation of denial of the designation with the supporting analysis.
Laura Voisin George, ASM, presented for the applicant team and identified that the property meets criteria 1 and 4 based on the unique architectural details and type.
Amanda Duane, GPA Consulting, presented for the property owner and outlined how the property does not appear to meet any of the designation criteria for a Landmark or Structure of Merit based on the criteria and National Register guidance on applying designation criteria The following members of the public addressed the Landmarks Commission:
Mila Wolpert, Nina Fresco, Ruthann Lehrer, Louise Steiner, Andrew Hoyer, and Eugene Alger.
In rebuttal Ms. Duane identified that it must not be only unique in a specific way and does not necessarily mean the property itself is unique. She also stated that it is not associated with California Modernism. Regarding the Arcadia Terrace walkway, she noted that the northern property line is the middle of the stairs.
In rebuttal, Ms. Voisin George stated that while it is not a singular example of a singular style, it is still and important and representative example.
Commission discussion:
The Commission expressed a number of opinions on the property.
Some Commissioners opined that:
• The property represents the cultural development of beach culture • The design appears unique including the configuration and the siding.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 5 Other Commissioners stated that while it may exemplify beach culture, it doesn’t reflect anything wider than what it is and doesn’t meet the findings.
Supplemental information received during the previous meeting presented the active role of Stotler, as original builder and owner of the property, in advocacy and adoption of policies barring ownership of properties and businesses by African Americans and other groups in Santa Monica and other locations. Commissioner Sloan submitted proposed findings for designation under Criteria One, including reference to Stotler's activities advocating racial exclusion.
The City Attorney advised not to include that reference as there did not appear to be a connection between the property and the owner’s racist activities. The Commission concluded that designating the structure under those terms would have the effect of lifting that history in a more positive light and would be inappropriate.
Motion:
Chair Genser made a motion to designate the property under Criterion 1 with findings as written by ARG, excluding listing of examples, and mention of Stotler and including the wood siding, overall property configuration and components of the entry to Arcadia Terrace. Chair Pro Tempore Breisch seconded the motion. A roll call was held for the motion and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Breisch, Garvin, Genser, Summers
NAYS: Brand, Green, Sloan
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
B. Approval of Certificate of Appropriateness 212 San Vicente Boulevard 21ENT0112. Consideration of a revised landscape design, exterior building painting, lighting, railing replacement and other maintenance items for an existing multi-family residential apartment complex that is a Contributor within the San Vicente Boulevard Courtyard Apartments Historic District.
Item continued from September 13, 2021.
9:33 PM
Commissioners provided ex parte communication disclosures:
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 6 All Commissioners visited the site prior to the last hearing and/or prior to today’s hearing.
Chair Genser made a motion to grant the applicant team a total of10 minutes to present. Commissioner Brand seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously by a voice vote.
Ms. Reich presented the staff report, identifying changes since the September 13, 2021 review and recommending approval. She also stated that the purpose of review is to determine whether the proposal is compatible with the structure and the Historic District.
Robert Chattel, architectural historian with Chattel Inc, introduced the item for the applicant team.
• He presented photographs of trees in the foundation planting which were not planted within the period of significance.
• He also noted that the photographic record of each tree was included in the submittal
• He also called attention to the structural engineer’s report and arborist report.
• He stated that none of the planting is included as character defining for the San Vicente Courtyard Apartment Historic District designation. • He reminded the Commission that the scope of review is to determine whether the property is compatible.
• He stated that the proposal is a contemporary landscape design compatible with the building and District.
Jeff Appel, property owner, stated that he has always done his best to support the historic district. And that his intent is to preserve, restore and maintain the properties that contribute to the historic district. He also noted that he received a Rehabilitation Award from the Santa Monica Conservancy for the rehabilitation of a property up the street. He also noted that when he submitted the application, he didn’t think it would upset the tenants, and it did.
Since the September 13, 2021, he and his team have had ongoing discussions with the tenants in order to provide a project that meets their needs including the trees and spacing, landscape materials, hardscape materials, and security concerns. Mr. Appel also expressed his passion for the property and interest in the courtyard.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 7 Grace Solano, landscape architect with Salt identified that she referenced design from this era in developing the landscape design. She also presented the revised landscape and paving design, different landscape zones and identified that the lawn alternative is within the central social area.
Commissioner Summers made a motion to limit public comment to 2 minutes as more than 7 members of the public were waiting to speak as permitted by the Commission’s Rules of Order. Commissioner Green seconded the motion.
A roll call was held for the motion and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Brand, Breisch, Garvin, Genser, Green, Sloan, Summers NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
The following members of the public addressed the Commission:
Andrew Holmes, Ruthann Lehrer, Judith Samuel, Kathryn Boole, Terrence Rutledge, Daniella Hummel, Abigail Coleman, Louise Steiner, and Andrew Hoyer.
In rebuttal, Jeff Appel expressed his frustration at the process and stated that a few residents that are politically active have outsized influence on the property.
Mr. Chattel stated that
• The structural engineer and arborist identified that the trees, irrigation are and will continue to damage the foundation.
o And as the trees continue to grow, they will continue to damage the foundation.
o The report identifies that the trees will be removed, and drainage kept away from the building in order to protect the foundation.
• He also noted that the proposal includes screening plantings necessary for the building to the west, and the trees are past their useful life.
Mr. Chattel also expressed his dismay at the hostility expressed to the property owner who is presenting a thoughtful way to invest in and protect the contributing structure. He also stated a willingness to work with the Commission to address their concerns.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 8 Deputy City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln clarified that the City Designated Historic Resource is the building and read aloud the finding necessary for approval or denial.
Ms. von Tongeln also noted nothing in the Landmarks Ordinance discusses the removal of trees or requires the removal of trees that are not separately designated as City Landmarks.
Commission Discussion
The following comments were made by the Commission:
• Changes to the design responded to Commission’s comments from the previous meeting.
• Structural engineer’s report identified elements that are to be expected as the trees are too close to the building.
• Trees, hedges and informal seating were features of the courtyards of the districts as are mature trees.
Commissioner Garvin asked if the photos she provided could be shared. Ms. von Tongeln noted that additional information could not be included at that point in the meeting unless the public and the applicant had the opportunity to respond. Other Commissioners stated that they have all done their due diligence, have visited and fully understand the Historic District.
Additional Comments
• The project represents a good approach to adaptive reuse/ rehabilitation in that it is not trying to create something that has never existed.
• The proposal introduces new materials that are not historic but continue to make the property viable.
• It’s possible that a new design is introduced into a historic district and that it’s important to provide a contemporary design that is compatible with the historic district.
• Good contemporary design is compatible with the Historic District. • There are trees potentially damaging the building. None of the trees are in the purview of the Commission or are character defining. • Accessibility is very important, and concern was expressed that the flagstone is not accessible.
• Owner has been very considerate of the residents and the neighbors.
We want to encourage him to keep and maintain the structure.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 9 • The tone has been somewhat hostile to the property owner that is unfortunate.
• The property owner has represented an investment in the property and gone way beyond what most owners would do. To make him jump through more hoops would be ridiculous.
• The project is a good design, compatible with the district.
An opposing view requested the applicant team return with a revised plan that:
• Retains some of the existing features,
• Remove from the concrete benches from the proposal,
• Remove the flagstone,
• Retain the hedges and retain more of the existing trees. • An additional investigation to determine if the trees are undermining the foundations was requested, and
• The proposal is not compatible.
Motion:
Commissioner Brand made a motion to approve and incorporate the finding clarifications, and emergency order references. Chair Pro Tempore Breisch seconded the motion.
Commissioner Sloan asked the maker to consider incorporating the hedges, more green space, and remove the concrete benches as friendly amendments. The maker of the motion did not accept the suggested amendments.
A roll call was held for the motion and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Brand, Breisch, Green, Sloan
NAYS: Garvin, Chair Genser
ABSTAIN: Summers
ABSENT: None
5. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
• None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING (NEW BUSINESS)
• None.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0 10 7. RESOLUTIONS
• None.
8. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
None.
9. DISCUSSION ITEMS
A. Possible appointment of two Commissioners, with one alternate, to an ad hoc subcommittee to discuss and make recommendations on the public engagement process concerning the contextualization of the murals in the City Hall lobby.
Commissioners Green, Sloan, and Chair Genser volunteered.
Chair Pro Tempore Breisch nominated Commissioner Green and Chair Genser with Commissioner Sloan as an alternate. Commissioner Summers seconded the nomination.
A roll call was held for the motion and approved by the following vote:
AYES: Brand, Breisch, Garvin Genser, Green, Sloan, Summers NAYS: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
10. PUBLIC INPUT
None.
ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Green adjourned the meeting at 12:12 AM on November 9, 2021.
Attest: Approved:
_______________________ _______________________
Wendy Radwan Roger Genser
Recording Secretary Chair
DocuSign Envelope ID: 4A1AA515-BCE5-4FEA-841C-9DC52E72B9A0