SMart weighs in on the proposed Fred Segal residential project at the corner of 5th & Broadway:: Commissioners, This project is way too massive and dense, too up & down, too monstrous, and in this regard, we are suggesting the following: 1) The architect needs to avoid the repetitiveness of the buildings by simply varying roof heights, varying building setbacks from 5th St., and varying the stepbacks at upper levels 2) This could also meet the reduced LUCE height requirement and the LUCE goal to reduce heights (SMa.r.t. is in favor of a 4 story, 50 ft height limit throughout the downtown) 3) This would also meet the D.S.P FAR and the open space stepback requirements 4) The illustrations on pages 4 & 8 of the staff report are taken from a birdseye perspective and are massively scary! If taken from street level they would be even more horrific! 5) The approximate 20’ average court width will be in dark shade most of the day with the exception of units on the top floors – still another compelling reason to vary the heights and stepbacks and follow the codes! This added density will only exacerbate the traffic and drought issues we’re facing and currently ignoring. As designed, this is the wrong project in the wrong place in the wrong town. And the majority of community benefits outlined once again benefits the developer as much or more than the community – and not nearly enough to offset an 80% density increase. Applicants need to stop bending LUCE and DSP rules! Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow Ron Goldman FAIA, Thane Roberts AIA, Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Bob Taylor AIA, Dan Jansenson Architect, Sam Tolkin Architect, Armen Melkonians Civil & Environmental Engineer, Phil Brock Chair, Recreation & Parks Commission. SMa.r.t. is a group of Santa Monica Architects concerned about the city’s future. For previous articles, please see santamonicaarch.wordpress/writings.
Posted on: Tue, 08 Jul 2014 23:48:17 +0000