PC 020806 - Laserfiche WebLink

~,-~ tables in the restrooms were essential. She liked the inclusion of classrooms, and although she would have liked a continuation of the brick, she recognized the cost involved. She liked the combination of historical and modern design elements and would like to continue to find a way to bring the design into conformance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. Commissioner Fox noted that she was very supportive of the arts in Pleasanton. She noted that if she were looking at this building coming from an outside commercial firm into Downtown, she would be fairly certain that the Planning Commission would direct staff to revisit the design so that it would be in conformance with the Downtown Design Guidelines. She noted that she would have also recommended a peer review by Lany Cannon. She believed the PDA should work with the City and the team to develop a design that would be more compatible with the Downtown Design Guidelines. She believed the glass entry into the building and the firehouse center signage looked more like a hospital entrance; she would like a better integration between the existing firehouse and the enhancement into the building. She noted that it looked like an addition that did not quite mesh. She believed the top rows of windows on the north elevation needed more articulation and believed they also looked like they belonged on a hospital. With respect to the concrete and cedaz, she believed different types of materials should be explored that would mesh better with the existing brick structure. She would like to see a pitched roof and noted that aflat-roofed building was more difficult to blend with the surrounding buildings. She believed that the family restroom should be located on the ground floor rather than on the upper level. She suggested the use of trellises with landscaping to frame the entrance more attractively. She noted that the placement of the single window on the west side elevation was too spazse and that there should be more articulation on that flat surface. She suggested that a mural on the exterior wall would be very attractive. Commissioner Roberts noted that she was extremely excited about this center and noted that her adult children, who had all attended PUSD schools, had recognized a paucity as well as a lack of emphasis on civic arts. She liked the floor plan and agreed that a family restroom should be placed downstairs. She indicated that she liked the grand feeling of the lobby and was very pleased with the theater. She noted that she believe she had been more involved in reviewing the project and had more time to be comfortable with the contemporary design. In response to Commissioner Fox's comment on roof pitch, she noted that there could not be a pitched roof on the raised theater section and did not believe it would be a good addition to this building. She had attended an eazlier workshop with the Council and the Arts Commission and added that the design had grown on her. She would like it to be better integrated with the old fire station and understood the Pleasanton Downtown Association's concern with it. However, she believed that it was very important to combine the historical and contemporary design elements, especially in an arts center. She would like to see staff work with the PDA and would like to see Chazles Huff s suggestions. She suggested looking into the possibility of a mural. She understood the City's financial concerns with respect to this project and noted that the fundraising for this project was very important to it being built properly. rr-. She liked the cedar on the side toward the pazk, which integrated well with that exposure. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES February 8, 2006 Page 13 of 18