Renderings show a planned Les Schwab Tire Center and a mixed use building that received review from the city’s Architectural Review commission Tuesday.
The Palm Desert Architectural Review Commission (ARC) took sharply different approaches Tuesday to two projects at different stages of the development process, recommending approval of a downtown building amendment while sending a proposed Les Schwab Tire Center back for more design work and additional plans.
With Commissioner John Vuksic recusing himself because he is part of the firm that designed the building, the ARC unanimously recommended Planning Commission approval of amendments for a mixed-use project at 74330 Alessandro Dr.. The applicant is seeking to convert two second-floor office suites into two residential live/work units, add an exterior elevator and make related design changes.
The commission’s discussion on the Alessandro Drive amendment included operational details such as trash collection. The revised plans eliminate a previously approved trash enclosure and replace it with bins, a change that allows one additional parking space. Chair James McIntosh raised concerns about how the bin setup would work downtown.
“Traditionally with commercial projects, we’re required to have dumpster enclosures,” McIntosh said. “What’s concerning is that it seems like it’s a little undersized… and that this in addition to the parking that’s going to be on the street, we’re also going to have trash cans on the street.”
David Drake of PVG Architects said the change was developed with Burrtec and city plan review staff. “The main concern for Burrtec was getting into the driveway to get those,” Drake said, adding the bins would be “behind gates so it’s not seen,” and that the owner could schedule multiple pickups weekly if necessary.
By contrast, the commission continued — and directed significant revisions for — a proposed 10,025-square-foot, single-story Les Schwab Tire Center planned for a vacant one-acre site in Monterey Crossing south of Interstate 10.
Commissioners called for greater landscaping variety and clearer planting specifications, with one commissioner noting, “We’re trying to get away from monoculture plantings.”
They also pressed for a roof plan and sections showing the placement and screening of mechanical equipment and asked for additional architectural treatment of the service-bay side of the building.
The applicant said he was frustrated that some additional drawings were not flagged earlier. “I wasn’t aware that there were additional plans that you guys were looking for,” he said. “We have the technology, we can build it.”
McIntosh said the presentation was professional, but noted that few projects are approved without revisions on a first review.