PC 11/20/96 - Laserfiche WebLink

. . . Commissioner Cooper commented that this building seemed taller than most other buildings in the area. This led to a general discussion of the height of other buildings in Pleasanton. Commissioner Cooper also feels this building is much longer than the Signature Center buildings. Chair Barker asked if other developments in Hacienda have used the universal parking stall size. Mr. Iserson commented that the developer has the choice of using the universal size or a combination of full-size and compact size stalls. PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Richard Campbell, architect of the project, introduced Julie Mazer, designer of the project. Julie Mazer described the project to the Commissioner through the use of a color rendering and a materials color board. Commissioner Cooper noted his concern of how this project will look adjacent to the Signature Center with its rounded comers. Ms. Mazer stated that they have tried to incorporate some of the softness of the Signature Center with the semi-circular entry and tree areas and using the same bullnose effect of the Signature building. Ms. Mazer also commented that they could not achieve the same square footage in a three story building. Ms. Mazer advised the Commission that the building mechanical penthouse may not have to be as high as designed and may very well disappear altogether if they determine to use hydraulic elevators. Commissioner McGuirk inquired if they had not used the universal parking stall size, could they have built the same building on this site using the conventional full- and compact-sized parking stalls. Ms. Mazer stated they could have used the standard ratios for the full- and compact-sized stalls, it usually produces the same number of parking stalls. Using the universal stall size is a lot less cumbersome, there is less signage involved, and they feel it has worked well in their past developments. Also in response to Commissioner McGuirk, Ms. Mazer noted there are seven balconies accessible from the offices within. Commissioner McGuirk feels the penthouse looks too similar to a flight control tower. Ms. Mazer commented that the penthouse will not be nearly as noticeable from the street than it is on the drawing. Commissioner Cooper inquired if the HV AC units could be reconfigured and placed behind panels so the penthouse would not be so noticeable. Ms. Mazer stated that the mechanics of the HV AC and the elevators are undergoing changes. They will work with staff and hopefully the penthouse will not be as tall as they have designed it at this point. Angelina Summers, 4750 Sutter Gate Avenue, is concerned with the height of this building and the parking. Because of the surplus in parking spaces, she would like to see some spaces removed in order to widen the remaining spaces. The Commissioners advised the speaker that the project parking just meets the required number of parking spaces for the PUD. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Planning Commission Minutes Page 8 November 20. 1996