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Commissioner Turner expressed concern with the developer's request to change both the General Plan land use designation and the zoning and questioned the appropriateness of the project within the existing development context. Commissioner Turner further stated that the architectural style of the proposed project wasn't complimentary to the City Place development, nor with development in the surrounding area. In response to this comment Executive Director Trevino provided background information regarding the potential for compatibility of this project with future projects, such as the Sky Lofts project that may be constructed on the parcel immediately across the street from the proposed project. Commissioner Turner stated that the project design had changed for the better in regards to the improved relationship between the building and the street at the ground level, but that the building lacked horizontal and vertical articulation. He stated that it appeared that thesite had been been designed for maximum yield at the expense of design and functionality. He stated that the building resembled acasino-style of design, rather than a high quality residential building. He encouraged the developer to do neighborhood outreach. Finally, Commissioner Turner expressed the opinion that the developer should be able to demonstrate substantial community benefits in light of the fact that they are seeking a significant change in policy with the requested modifications to both the General Plan and zoning for this site. Commissioner Acosta stated that it didn't look as though the project was a good fit for this location and stated that substantial community involvement would be required. Vice Chair Gartner stated that buildings that try to mimic the past, but with modern materials are often not successful from a design perspective. He agreed with Commissioner Betancourt that the project is not compatible with the modern architectural vernacular of the surrounding developments and did not achieve the goal of emulating a New York "Park Avenue" feel. He echoed Commissioner Turner's comments that the current design looks like a casino. He made specific comments as to the need of the corner element to be more of an entry feature. S He did not find issue with the proposed density of the project if it can be done within the context of a good design. Chairman Alderete commented that the design is not a cohesive mix of styles, but is more reminiscent of an attempt to blend two styles that don't fit with one another. He stated that he found the massing to be overwhelming and a poor fit with the nearby low-scale residential neighborhood. He stated that there could be the potential for cumulative environmental impacts related to the project's density. He agreed with Commissioner Turner that the significant changes requested in the General Plan and zoning should result in substantial public benefit and that the project was not currently exhibiting this benefit. He expressed disappointment that the project design had not changed in keeping with the comments provided earlier by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Yrarrazaval commented the project, as currently designed, does not fit into the area and that the design should be more modern in style. E. DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED AZURE PLAZA RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY FOR ELDERLY AT 1600 EAST FIRST STREET Senior Planner Lucy Linnaus presented an overview of the proposed senior residential care facility that will occupy an existing 10-story building that was a . former hotel site. The project sits on three acres and is located on First Street, near Lyon Street. The developer intends to convert the 150 room hotel into a 128-room residential care facility for the elderly. Ms. Linnaus discussed the interior tenant improvements, the improvements to the site circulation, parking lot and landscape, and the architectural update and remodeling of the restaurant. All the glazing on the buildings will be new while maintaining the current footprint. She indicated that the residential rooms will not have kitchens, instead, a common dining area will be provided on the first floor. Additionally, amenity rooms and service rooms are proposed on each floor. Ms. Linnaus stated that a Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 8 August 23, 2010