CITY OF SUNNYVALE
City Council Study Session Summary
Review of Town Center Architectural Plans
July 31, 2007
The City Council met in the West Conference Room at the City Hall, Sunnyvale, California on July 31, 2007, 5:45 PM, with Vice Mayor Tony Spitaleri presiding.
City Councilmembers Present:
Otto Lee, Mayor
Tony Spitaleri, Vice Mayor
John Howe, Councilmember
Dean Chu, Councilmember
Ron Swelges, Councilmember
Melinda Hamilton, Councilmember
Christopher R. Moylan, Councilmember
City Councilmembers Absent:
None
City Staff Present:
Amy Chan, City Manager
Robert Walker, Assistant City Manager
Kathryn Berry, Senior Assistant City Attorney
Hanson Hom, Director of Community Development
Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer
Steve Lynch, Senior Planner
Call to Order:
Vice Mayor Spitaleri called the Study Session to order at 5:45 PM
Study Session Summary:
Trudi Ryan and Steve Lynch provided a progress report on the architectural designs for the Town Center development. Staff discussed the design features that staff found to be acceptable, the progress being made and those buildings that staff was recommending further modifications to the design.
Questions & Comments from City Council:
No Council action was taken or direction given. Individual Councilmembers provided comments, questions and suggestions which included:
· The need to use non-reflective glass
· Concern with the contemporary feel of the development, encouraging more historical forms
· Questions about the “green” features of the development; suggestion for use of green roofs.
· Concern with the plain appearance of the parking structures
· Concern with the regimented window pattern of the office buildings providing an institutional look
· Importance of a strong entry element at McKinley and Mathilda
· Pleased with the changes that had eliminated some of the less desirable design features
· Approval of the open glass appearance of the office buildings
· Cinema building wave design is desirable
· Stoops on Iowa residential buildings are a positive feature
· Concern with the signage shadow effect on the Target building
· Concern with the blockiness of the housing design and the roof articulation along McKinley
· Concern with possible use of neon signage on the interior of stores and its affect on the exterior appearance
· More information about the Murphy extension architecture is needed; this architecture needs to reflect historic Murphy Ave.
· Colors could be more vibrant in some areas
· Would there be any water features?
· Differing opinions about the level of detail needed on the Aries side of the office buildings
· Would Macy’s be modifying their façade?
· Residential architecture needs more work
· Target building is new and exciting
Other Items of Mutual Interest:
None
Public Comments
Arthur Schwartz
Barbara Fukumoto
Adjournment:
Vice Mayor Spitaleri adjourned the meeting at 7 PM
Trudi Ryan
Planning Officer