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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCDP 97-59; Levy Residence; Coastal Development Permit (CDP) (24)c MELVIN DALTON McGEE ARCHITECT - 24Augustl998 California Coastal Commission i Dear Coastal Commissioners, I am writing in regard to the proposed John C. Levy residence on the Buena Vista Lagoon in Carlsbad, California. I appreciate the opportunity of being the Architect for this project. I was selected by Mr. Levy in part for my 10 years as an architect with Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA, and for my numerous design awards. Mr. Levy has insisted that the project be of the highest quality in design and construction. The residence is designed as a direct response to its unique setting. The siting, massing and choice of materials were all carefully considered to complement the natural setting and to minimize impact on the site. The site configuration was a result of multi-agency collaboration, including the Coastal Commission, City of Carlsbad and Fish and Wildlife Service. Unlike most residential properties, this site incorporates a significant amount of dedicated open space around every side of the property. The remaining limited building area restricts any view impact to a minimum. The main residence is raised four feet above grade, to minimize possible adverse affects from potential hundred year flooding. The roof height (30 feet) is well below the maximum 35 feet permitted. The key concept of the design is to create interior spaces that relate to the lagoon. Lowering the height of the structure would negatively impact the interior spaces making them feel proportionately too low for the floor area. The plan is multi-storied to preserve the remaining lot orea for landscape area. 1530 WEST LEWIS STREET SAN DIEGO CALIFORNIA 92103 PHONE: 619-299-91 11 FACSIMILE: 619-260-1 11 2 c c_ - c c c c MELVIN DALTON McGEE ARCHITECT The height of the guest quorters, also, is below the maximum allowed. Only the peak of the hip roof reaches a 33 foot 7 inch height. The bulk of the structure (below the fop plate) is below 28 feet. Materials for the project were selected for their suitability to withstand the relatively harsh seaside environment while maintaining their inherent natural appearance. The sand-colored concrete block is a naturat finish material. Its variegated aggregate evokes the surrounding beach sand. The copper roof was selected for its longevity os well as its ability to weather and develop a natural patina over time. The use of these materials are not of a particular architectural era, the result being that the residence will feel more like it has been a part of its setting than most of its neighbors. Mr. Levy is proposing to build a residence that is sensitive to its setting and respadful of its impad on surrounding properties and public space. He hos enlisted every applicable agency in its development and, as a result, limited severely the possible scope of development on the property. The proposed residence is consistent with the goals of the California Coastal Ad. I urge you to approve the proieci as submitted. Melvin Dalton McGee, Architect (/ California License No. C-15586