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File Number: 16-358 <br />replacing architectural features that reference San Leandro’s past, and does not provide <br />superior urban design. <br />Because only six buildings interspersed within the Greenhouse Marketplace are included in <br />this exterior renovation proposal, staff is also concerned that the shopping center will look <br />disjointed and fragmented. This is because the core of the Greenhouse Shopping Center will <br />consist of two very distinct architectural styles and varying material and color palettes. <br />In response to staff’s concerns regarding the loss of an architectural connection to the site’s <br />historic context, the applicant proposes to install seven evenly spaced six-foot tall by ten-foot <br />wide picture boxes consisting of images of historic significance to San Leandro along the <br />southern wall of Jo-Ann’s Fabrics (see Exhibit L Historical Display.) Although incorporating a <br />public art component into the proposal will contribute to the site aesthetic and user enjoyment, <br />it is not an appropriate substitute for the General Plan Goals and Policies that require <br />integration of architectural building elements to maintain a cohesive building design and <br />historic character. <br />Staff presents the following recommendations for a future submittal of a proposal that will <br />create a comprehensive and cohesive design update for the Greenhouse Marketplace: <br />Design Concept: The proposed project is not mindful of the site’s history, typified by the <br />“ranch style” architecture predominantly found in northern California. The design should reflect <br />the “low-slung,” horizontal nature of the buildings with consistency in the pattern of design. <br />The horizontal nature of the buildings should be retained, with vertical elements that do not <br />override the low-slung nature of the existing buildings and that are subordinate to the existing <br />architectural form. <br />Comprehensive Approach: The Greenhouse Marketplace shopping center is a local shopping <br />and dining destination in San Leandro and contributes to the City as a unique place for <br />community interaction. To be effective as a Planned Development amendment, the project <br />should consider the design elements of all the storefronts that are part of Greenhouse <br />Marketplace, regardless of ownership. Proposed alterations to existing storefronts should <br />therefore meet the key principles of design, particularly in terms of 1) quality: utilizing existing <br />site assets and being mindful of the site’s history; 2) sense of place: where property <br />improvements attract commercial attention, create pedestrian activity, and foster a sense of <br />place; and 3) integration: with other major stores like Safeway, CVS and the 99 Cent Only <br />Store, as well as the properties that are owned by others but were approved in the original <br />PD-83-3. <br />Architectural Elements: Although according to the property owner the existing glass atriums <br />cause on-going building maintenance problems, they represent features of specific <br />architectural interest at the site relating to its previous use and history. The proposed removal <br />of these distinctive elements represents a lost opportunity to create a new high quality design <br />that preserves and enhances the special architectural interest of the Greenhouse Marketplace <br />shopping center. <br />Historical Features: Features of the site’s original use and history should also be incorporated <br />where possible. The most recent package submittal dated February 15, 2016, includes a <br />historical display wall on Jo-Ann’s Fabrics eastern wall, facing the parking lot. While the <br />Page 5 City of San Leandro Printed on 7/13/2016 <br />39