HomeMy WebLinkAbout1984-11-14; Design Review Board; ; RP 84-03|CUP 84-03|CP 84-03|CT 84-06 - CARLSBAD INN -HISTORICAL COHN HOUSE(FIDEL'S RESTAURANT)4 plicant Submittal Date
bruary 23^ 1984
SUPPLEMENTAL STAFF REPORT
DATE: NOVEMBER 14, 19 84
TO: DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
FROM: Redevelopment Office
SUBJ: RP/CUP/CP 84-3 and CT 84-6 - CARLSBAD INN -
HISTORICAL COHN HOUSE (Fidel's Restaurant)-
Review of alterations to historic Cohn House
and its compatibility with surrounding structures.
I. RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the.Design Review Board APPROVE the
alterations to the Cohn House site as shown in Exhibits A thru C.
II. PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND BACKGROUND
At a joint meeting of the Design Review Board and Planning Commission
on March 28, 19 84, Resolution No. 033 was adopted APPROVING RP/CUP/
CP 84-3 and CT 84-6. This action was forwarded to City Council/
Redevelopment Commission and approved on April 17, 19 84. The
application was for a Redevelopment Permit including a Conditional
Use Permit and a Condominium Permit to construct a mixed-use resort
complex including 132 time share condominium units, a 66- unit
hotel, a restaurant and retail shops project on four acres at the
southwest corner of Carlsbad Boulevard and Elm Avenue.
The approvals stipulated that the historic Cohn House remain a part
of the project, with any modifications to this house to be brought
back to the Design Review Board before it is initiated. The Design
Review Board also expressed a desire to see how the structure would
be integrated architecturally into the whole project.
Discussions at the public hearings centered on the portion of the
original structrue to be removed. It was accepted that the portion
to remain would be as shown on the site plan. Exhibit C.
III. DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE
All alterations to the structrue incorporate the Spanish/Mediterranean
architectural style of the original building. The southern 20% of
r
the structure has been removed as approved. The most substantial
exterior changes occur in the north and northwest quarters of the
building. The terrace room is an addition to the north western
facade. Additionally, the roof line over the northern quarter will
be altered to include a linear parapet with skylights.
The outdoor patio (east elevation) will remain substantially the
same with a new wall replacing the existing enclosure. All renovations
incorporate features that remain faithful to the original house.
Staff feels the applicant has fulfilled the condition of approval
to retain the historic Cohn House and integrate it into the overall
project.
CHRIS SALOMONE
ATTACHMENTS:
Excerpts from Regional Historic Preservation Study April 1980
Housing and Redevelopment Commission Agenda Bill dated 4/17/84
w/attachments
Excerpt CPO At^^l 19 80
100
Excerat CPO April 19 80
ROYAL PAIMS MOTEL (ALFRED COHN HOUSE)
Description
A one- and two-story wood frame and stucco, Spanish-style residence;
it was later converted to carmercial use. Several buildings have
been added since 1945, including the chapel and five free-standing
bungalows.
History
Albert Cohn, a chain grocer from Los Angeles, bought this five-acre
parcel from Alexander Shipley in 1927 and set out with his wife,
Isabel de la Valle, to construct their dream house. It took two years
to complete the house and the extensive gardens with a specialized
aviary. They carefully selected such things as imported Danish-carved
doors, tile and granite slate for the 26 by 40-foot living room. Cohn
died in 1938, and his wife in 1942 or 1943, and the estate was sold
to the Casey family. It was developed into a restaurant and inn
which became popular with many Hollywood personalities. The Lee
family owned the property for a short time, and in the 1940's it
became known as the Royal Palms. About this time, the five bungalows
were added. Lawrence and Caroline Felt purchased the property in 1950
and added a Meditation Chapel which is known today as the Royal Palms
Wedding Chapel. The property was the setting for early "Zorro" tele-
vision episodes. Tbday, 22 rooms, two apartments, a Villa Suite, five
bungalows and a restaurant are open to the public. The house is sub-
stantially unchanged from its original construction.
Address
3001 Carlsbad Boulevard
101