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WORK STUDY SESSION WORK STUDY SESSION D. DISCUSSION OF WEST-END LOFTS AT 320 WEST FOURTH STREET Commissioner Macres left the conference room during the discussion. Associate Planner Holly Soboleske gave an overview of the West End Lofts project. She reviewed the items within the Historic Register District, six story structure proposed, retaillgallery at ground flo r, five condominium units, courtyard area highlighting historic ghost sign, and wilding heights. Two issues of concern are the architectural compatibility and the building heights. Ms. Soboleske discussed the exterior materials, architectural style, building rhythm and Downtown design guidelines (infill with adjacent buildings). Mr. Trevino clarified the zoning concepts; project has been underway for some time thus the guidelines are applicable since the time of the application. Commissioner Chinn expressed concern regarding the lot depth, height of buildings along Fourth Street, blank-wall design of building, and the infill in the historical area. Commissioner Seeley supported direction of urban development with this project. Ronald Nestor, AIA, with Nestor & Gaffney Architects discussed the elevations for the structure, fenestration pattern, comparison samples of other urban density projects that blend harmoniously with the historic nature of the district. Pam O'Connor, Architectural Historian at Kaplan Chen Kaplan, prepared an architectural study. She discussed the context of historic district and the essence of the National Register District nomination. She pointed out that downtown has a variety of building heights. The historic ghost sign poses challenges with regards to building form. The Secretary of Interior Standards requires that infill cannot mimic the 1920 buildings. New construction should be neutral. Mr. Nestor commented on the colors and materials for the proposed buildings. Mr. DiRienzo commented that the site has been vacant for approximately 40 years. He wishes to help revitalize the area with an iconic building that is compatible with the west-end theater. He noted that the project must also be economically feasible. Commissioner Bustamante agreed it best not to mimic the past, but rather to introduce contemporary architecture. He recommended a more decorative cornice such as that of the historic First National Bank. Commissioner Lutz commented that part of the history of the downtown area includes the evolution of the buildings, especially after the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Commissioner Seeley commented regarding the need for visual interest and "exclamation points" to breakup design. Commissioner O'Callaghan expressed appreciation of the efforts of neutrality, however he also noted concern for the massing and scale of the proposed building. Commission Chair Cook-Gives noted the developer's community involvement. He expressed support for mixed-use in the downtown. He highlighted the need for rhythmic compatibility at street level and the need to choose compatible materials with surrounding structures. The project shows consistency at the pedestrian scale. E. Recess to Council Chambers (5:30 p.m.) Commission Minutes 2 September 7, 2006