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Architects Respond to Design Commission Changes for Former Twin Palms Building In Old Pasadena

Published on Tuesday, June 8, 2021 | 5:53 am
 

Pasadena’s Design Commission will look at plan revisions on a project to build a four-story, 21,002 square-foot mixed-used building with 4,840 square feet of commercial space and 16 residential units at 85 W. Green St., right next to a historic brick vernacular building from 1912 that actor Kevin Costner had converted to a restaurant – the famous Twin Palms at 101 W. Green St.

Sunshine Management was fined in 2016 for cutting down two 35-foot tall canary palm trees on the property – the reasons why Costner named his now-closed restaurant Twin Palms. The Design Commission’s earlier comments on the new project included a reminder that said “previously approved mitigation for unpermitted protected tree removals” should be maintained when exploring alternative designs.

In response, the architect said four 36-inch Box Olea Europaea Fruitless Olive trees will be planted on the open area provided along South De Lacey Avenue.

The developer had earlier obtained approval during concept design review for a two-story 14,008 square-foot commercial building, but has since applied for the major change to four stories.

On Tuesday, the Design Commission will be briefed about the details of the changes, including how the architects, Malekian + Associates, have responded to staff and Design Commission comments. The major changes were supposed to have been heard last April but the applicant had requested a continuance to redesign the project.

In a report for Tuesday’s meeting, the Planning and Community Development Department has integrated the architects’ responses to comments by the Design Commission during earlier hearings. Comments include the advice for the architect to “explore alternative designs for the project with freedom to deviate from the design” of the previously approved project so as to identify the most appropriate design solution.

“The proposed project will be a mixed-use four-story building with the ground level being of commercial use with 3 levels of residential units above it,” the architects said in the response. “The new design will greatly take into account the immediate adjacent property to the west, which is a contributing historic brick vernacular building from 1912. The proposed building will echo the rhythmic pattern of the historic building’s windows and moldings and will feature a timeless appearance of elegance by integrating contemporary detailing into a classically proportioned building.”

The architects added that “rectangular fenestration rather than arches (previous design) will now dominate the façade” to mimic the adjacent building. Another major change, the architects said, is a third story step back along West Green Street “to create a less imposing structure and be sensitive to the streetscape,” which consists of mostly one- to two-story storefronts.

The project will also use different shades of limestone that will provide contrasting colors to emphasize certain areas of the façade and create interest.

Stepping balconies planned along both Green Street and De Lacey Avenue have been removed in the new design, as advised by the Design Commission.

Another piece of Design Commission advice said the architects must “ensure style consistency and overall expression,” including the fourth floor.

“If the fourth floor continues to have a different expression from the lower floors, provide the reasoning for this decision and the logic between the two different expressions,” the comment said. In response, the architects said the revised design “now shows a more consistent overall expression and style” from ground floor to the fourth floor.

Responding to a comment for “consideration of the character of Old Pasadena,” the architects said the building follows a “utilitarian/functionalist massing which is a commonality to the surrounding buildings” and will feature classical proportions fused with  contemporary simplicity.

The meeting will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday.  It may be watched by video conference here or listened to by phone at (669) 900-6833 (Webinar ID: 813 8752 6504).

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One thought on “Architects Respond to Design Commission Changes for Former Twin Palms Building In Old Pasadena

  • January 11, 2022
    Dear Community Leaders,
    Please reconsider the Fate of the Laemmle Playhouse 7 Theater!!! Due for demolition sometime after March 2022.

    Please Save the Laemmle Playhouse 7, Pasadena!
    This theater serves the community for the arts, entertainment, and social enjoyment and discussions. The nearby retail, restaurants, bookstore, and others, benefit from this theater. It lies next to Vroman’s bookstore and the nearby CA State designated Pasadena Playhouse, and other “now open” restaurants and businesses. The community will not benefit from more “vacant?” retail and tenant-use space there, instead of the theater.
    Why not reconsider and designate along with Pasadena Heritage, The Pasadena Village.org, and possibly other entities to “adopt and donate” to this theater, saving the theater and promoting the arts for all generations; and in turn, providing GDRealty the additional income from them, as well as from the Laemmle family and its patrons, to prevent demolition of this theater house which the entire community loves and needs for enrichment and mental relief. GD Realty will save in construction costs, and receive additional income from these sources and possibly Rotary Club.
    Please reconsider and promote the arts for education, enlightenment, and enrichment for all generations and visitors to our community!
    Thank you very much!
    Sincerely,
    Deborah Tannenbaum, Retired RN, MA ESL instructor GCC, MA Special Ed Instructor PCC, Instructor/Volunteer LAUSD, Pasadena resident.

 

 

 

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