City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Meeting Date: _04/01/14__ Item Number: _A-1
PRCS COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM: Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt
a Comprehensive Plan (CP P-2013176) to Allow the Conversion of the Existing
Armory Building into The Wende Museum and to Allow the Continued Use of the
Am Vets Post 2 Facility Located at 10808 Culver Boulevard and 10858 Culver
Boulevard, Respectively.
Contact Person/Dept.: Dan Hernandez,
PRCS Director
Phone Number: (310) 253-6655
Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No []
Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: (Email) Meetings and Agendas – Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Commission (03/28/14).
Department Approval:Dan
Hernandez(03/26/14)
City Attorney Approval: N/A
Chief Financial Officer Approval: N/A City Manager Approval: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS)
Commissionmake a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a Comprehensive
Plan (CP P-2013176; Attachment A) to allow the conversion of the existing Armory
Building intoThe Wende Museum and to allow the continued use of the Am Vets
Post 2 facility located at 10808 Culver Boulevard and 10858 Culver Boulevard,
respectively.
BACKGROUND:
Beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2013, the Wende Museum has made
outreach to residents, City Council, City Commissions and various community
groups about the proposed adaptive re-use of the Armory Building. In advance of
the Planning Commission’s February 26, 2014 Public Hearing on this and related
matters, Planning Commission staff mailed a notice to all the property owners and
occupants within a 500 foot radius of the site and emailed to the Master Notification
List. The notice was also published in the Culver City News on February 6, 2014.
At the February 26, 2014 meeting, the Planning Commissionheld a Public Hearing
regarding adopting Resolution No.’s 2014-P002 (Wende Museum); 2014-P003 (Am
Vets Facility) (Resolution No’s 2014-P002 and 2014-P003 are collectively referred to
as the “Planning Commission Resolutions”); and 2014-P004 (Zoning Code Map
Amendment) recommending approval to the City Council of Zoning Code Map
Amendment (ZCMA P-2014018) to rezone the project site from the Commercial City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
Neighborhood (CN) zone to the Open Space (OS) zone, in conformance with the
General Plan Land Use designation; and a Comprehensive Plan (CP P-2013176) to
allow the conversion of the existing Armory building into the Wende Museum, and to
allow the continued use of the Am Vets Post 2 facility located at 10808 Culver
Boulevard and 10858 Culver Boulevard, respectively. The Planning Commission
staff report for this Agenda Item is provided as Attachment B (staff report
Attachments, including the Planning Commission Resolutions, may be viewed on the
Culver City website at www.culvercity.orgunder Meetings Agendas for the February
26, 2014 Planning Commission Meeting).
Following the Public Hearing and after a comprehensive discussion of the matters at
hand, the Planning Commission took the following actions:
(1) Adoption ofResolutionNos.2014-002(Wende Museum),2014-P003(Am Vets
Facility) and 2014-P004(Zoning Code Map Amendment); and,
(2) RecommendationtotheCityCouncilthataSpecial ConditionbeaddedtoResolution
No. 2014-P002 (Wende Museum)torequirea12-month
lookbackifspecialeventsareshowntocauseissuesinthe
neighborhood,withaParkingManagementPlanwhichmay
includevaletparkingputinplaceifnecessaryatthat time.
Important Note: Background information related to the February 26, 2014
Planning Commission meeting is based upon the draft meeting minutes.
These meeting minutes are not official until they have been approved by the
Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION:
Due to the requested rezoning of the Property to Open Space, the Comprehensive
Plan is subject to the requirements in Zoning Code Section 17.250.030, Open Space
(OS) District Requirements.
Zoning Code Section 17.250.030.E states, in part:
E. Comprehensive Plan Findings.
The Planning Commission, in conjunction with a public hearing, and the
Parks and Recreation Commission, in conjunction with a public meeting, shall
review and make recommendations to the Council regarding the
Comprehensive Plan. The Council, after a public hearing, may approve,
conditionally approve or disapprove a Comprehensive Plan.
Zoning Code Section 17.250.030.E further states that the findings required for
approval of a Comprehensive Plan are as follows: City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
1. The proposed Comprehensive Plan can be substantially completed within
4 years;
2. The proposed development is capable of creating an environment of
sustained desirability and stability, or adequate assurance will be provided
such objective will be attained;
3. The proposed uses will not be substantially detrimental to present and
potential surrounding uses, but will have a beneficial effect;
4. The streets and thoroughfares serving the development are suitable and
adequate to carry anticipated traffic, and the development will not generate
traffic that will overload the street network surrounding the OS Zone;
5. The development will account for, and adequately address, parking needs
to reduce potential parking impacts to surrounding neighborhoods and on
users of the facilities;
6. The proposed development is compatible with the surrounding area;
7. The Comprehensive Plan is in conformance with the General Plan, or a
concurrent General Plan amendment is in process;
8. Any exception from standard City land use law, rules or regulation
requirement is warranted by the design and amenities incorporated in the
Comprehensive Plan, and is desired by the Council;
9. Existing and proposed utility services are adequate for the proposed uses;
10. The Comprehensive Plan has complied with all applicable City
requirements; and
11. The proposed development will not degrade the safety and security of
residential properties adjacent to any OS Zone.
The proposed Comprehensive Plan comports with the above findings as set forth in
the Planning Commission Resolutions.
Pursuant to the direction of the Planning Commission, the attached Comprehensive
Plan (CP P-2013176; Attachment A) was slightly modified by Planning Division staff
after the February 26, 2014 meeting.Staff recommends that the PRCS Commission
make a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a Comprehensive Plan (CP P-
2013176; Attachment A) to allow the conversion of the existing Armory Building into
The Wende Museum and to allow the continued use of the Am Vets Post 2 facility
located at 10808 Culver Boulevard and 10858 Culver Boulevard, respectively. City of Culver City, California
Agenda Item Report
FISCAL ANALYSIS:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the discussion of this Agenda Item.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Comprehensive Plan (CP P-2013176)
B. February 26, 2014 Planning Commission Staff Report
MOTIONS:
That the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission:
Make a recommendation to the City Council to adopt a Comprehensive Plan (CP
P-2013176; Attachment A) to allow the conversion of the existing Armory
Building into The Wende Museum and to allow the continued use of the Am Vets
Post 2 facility located at 10808 Culver Boulevard and 10858 Culver Boulevard,
respectively.
MEETING DATE: April 1, 2014
AGENDA ITEM: Recommendation to the City Council to Adopt a
Comprehensive Plan (CP P-2013176) to Allow the
Conversion of the Existing Armory Building into The Wende
Museum and to Allow the Continued Use of the Am Vets
Post 2 Facility Located at 10808 Culver Boulevard and 10858
Culver Boulevard, Respectively.
ATTACHMENTS
Pages
A. Comprehensive Plan (CP P-2013176)
01 - 39
B. February 26, 2014 Planning Commission Staff Report
40 - 50
THE WENDE MUSEUM
ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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March 10th, 2014
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE WENDE MUSEUM at the ARMORY
CULVER CITY, CA
01
ATTACHMENT A Page 1 of 39THE WENDE MUSEUM
ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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CONTENT
The Wende Museum at the Armory | Content page 02
The Wende Museum at the Armory | Project Context page 03
Existing Armory Building:
Survey page 04
Aerial Picture page 05
Site/Building Pictures page 06
Site Plan page 07
Armory Axonometric page 08
Floor Plan page 09
Building Elevations page 10
Proposed “The Wende Museum” at Armory Building:
Project Information page 11
Landuse and Development page 11
Site Plan page 13
Floor Plans/Roof Plan page 14-16
Exterior Elevations page 17 - 18
Section page 19
Renderings Exterior page 20-21
Materials page 22
Renderings Interior page 23-26
Landscape Plans & Renderings page 27-30
Signage Plans & Renderings page 31-34
Historic American Veterans Post II (”AmVets”):
Project Information page V1
Aerial Picture/Site Picture page V2
Site Plan page V3
Administration page 35
02
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROJECT SUMMARY & CONTEXT
Project Summary
The Wende Museum and Archive of the Cold War Inc. (“the Museum”) will activate an underused civic
space by creating a new museum center, complementing and adding value to existing art and cultural
resources locally and regionally as well as integrating varied opportunities for education, interpreta-
tion, enrichment and exploration to a broad constituency. The Wende Museum and Archive of the
Cold War at the Armory site on Culver Boulevard will raise the visibility of the Museum and give the
institution, for the first time, a truly public face in order to realize its untapped potential.
The Museum will occupy the existing one-story, 12,596 square foot Armory building located at 10808
Culver Boulevard. Proposed improvements to the building include a 477 square foot addition for a
new receiving area and the internal addition of 950 square feet of mezzanine area to be used as stor-
age. The project will also involve improvements to the building’s exterior, including the use of smooth
stucco and sandblasted concrete as part of the building’s new façade, and brushed stainless steel
fasciae around the building. The project will replace an existing surface parking and storage area
located between the Armory building and the AmVets building with a sculptural garden, highlighted
by new landscaping, decorative pavers and artifact displays.
Over the past ten years, the Wende has grown significantly in scale and intensity of activity. Benefitting
from a helpful team of international advisors and supporters, the Museum has developed strategic
partnerships with regional, federal, global organizations and universities from London, Berlin, Leipzig,
and Los Angeles. The Museum internship program ranks among the best in the region. By combining
academic research and applied skills we are training a new generation of young leaders and museum
professionals in the humanities. The Museum will reach out to Culver City High School and students
through three regular events annually. Monthly open house events for neighbors and the larger Culver
City population will engage the community in diverse topics, making a little known chapter of recent
history comes alive.
This new headquarters will provide an ADA compliant center for programs, opportunities for growth
and will enable the Museum to separate offices and research workspaces, collections receiving and
processing, and artifact storage. The two story gym will increase exhibition space threefold, improving
the display for temporary and permanent exhibitions and public programming, thereby further fulfill-
ing the Museum’s mission. Storage conditions will be improved by segregating and establishing
microclimates for different collection formats and by transitioning the collection into a combination of
visitor-accessible open storage and efficient compact storage. In addition, controlled lighting and
increased security will follow best practices in the museum world for its irreplaceable collection.
The new site will enlarge and diversify The Wende Museum’s audience, leveraging progress and
attracting new funding. Earned income potential will be enhanced. The Wende Museum will be able to
serve its audiences better by providing more effective access for scholars, students, journalists, artists,
authors, filmmakers, the general public and partner organizations. The creation of a new museum
community will be a testament to the strength of the arts and culture in Culver City.
Project Context
The site will anchor a mile-long stretch of arts venues along Culver Boulevard, including several dozen
permanent public art installations, live music venues (The Jazz Bakery), theaters (The Actors’ Gang, Kirk
Douglas Theatre) and museums (The Wende Museum, Culver City Historical Society and Mayme A.
Clayton Library & Museum). It will connect the downtown arts district with the 405 Freeway, the city’s
Westside artery, creating a “cultural corridor.” The Museum will repurpose a derelict facility and the
surrounding open land by establishing a vibrant destination that will foster excitement, wonder, fun
and discovery for visitors and become a landmark for Culver City’s ongoing cultural development. The
Museum plans to provide an eco-friendly restoration of the building and its surrounding property as
demonstration of adaptive re-use that will greatly enhance the community. Ultimately, the Museum
will connect the experience of the Cold War to contemporary life. A museum dedicated to the Cold
War period, housed in an armory built in 1950 adjacent to a park dedicated to American veterans, will
make a significant statement.
03
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EXISTING SITE SURVEY
04
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EXISTING ARMORY BUILDING
05
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EXISTING ARMORY BUILDING
06
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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AmVETS BUILDING
PARKWAY ASPAHLT PAVED AREA
ARMORY - THE WENDE MUSEUM
KEY PLAN - EXISTING
CULVER BLVD.
ARMORY | THE WENDE MUSEUM
AmVET
COOMBS AVE.
PARKING
ALLEY
SHED
07
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EXISTING BUILDINGS
ARMORY | LOWER BUILDING PORTION
AmVET
AmVET THEATER
EXISTING ARMORY | TALL SPACE
YARD
08
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EXISTING FLOOR PLAN
VAULT
VAULT
STORAGE STORAGE STORAGE
GYM
OFFICE
OFFICE
OFFICE
OFFICE
KITCHEN
WC
WC
WH
09
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EXISTING EXTERIOR ELEVATIONS
EAST ELEVATION
WEST ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION SOUTH ELEVATION
10
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROJECT INFORMATION
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
RENOVATION OF EXISTING 12,596 SQ.FT. SINGLE STORY ARMORY BUILDING WITH 477 SQ.FT. ADDITION.
INCLUDING A REQUEST FOR APPROVAL OF SHARED PARKING.
SITE INFORMATION:
THE LAND REFERRED IS SITUATED IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, AND IS
DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 1-30 OF TRACT NO. 9974 AS PER MAP RECORDED IN BOOK 139 PAGES 1-2
OF MAPS, IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY RECORDER OF SAID COUNTY.
LOTS LEASED BY THE WENDE MUSEUM:
LOT: 14 TRACT: 9974
LOT 15 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 16 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 17 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 18 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 14 TRACT: 9974
LOT 15 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 16 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 17 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 18 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 19 TRACT: 9974
LOT 20 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 21 TRACT: 9974
LOT 22 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 23 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 17 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 24 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 25 TRACT: 9974
LOT 26 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 27 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 28 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 29 TRACT: 9974
LOT: 30 TRACT: 9974
AREA CALCULATIONS:
LOT AREA (LOT 14-30): 38,305 SQ.FT.
LOT COVERAGE EXISTING: 12,596 SQ.FT.
LOT COVERAGE PROPOSED: 32 %
AREA EXISTING BUILDING: 12,596 SQ.FT.
AREA PROPOSED ADDITION: 477 SQ.FT.
AREA PROPOSED STORAGE MEZZ.: 950 SQ.FT.
14,023 SQ.FT.
11
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Land Use
General Plan
The General Plan Land Use designation of the project site is Open Space. The Open Space designation
is established to protect Culver City’s open space resources that include public or private land. It is
designed and intended to preserve existing and encourage future parks, open space, and recreation
opportunities.
Zoning
Zoning for the subject property, presently occupied by the Armory, is Commercial Neighborhood (CN).
The project will include a Zone Change from Commercial Neighborhood to Open Space (OS), in order
to bring the property into conformance with the City’s General Plan land use designation. Pursuant to
Section 17.250.030 of the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC), development and use of property within
the Open Space Zoning District requires the adoption of a Comprehensive Plan. The purpose of the
Comprehensive Plan is to ensure that the modification to the Armory building use is compatible with
the surrounding neighborhood through desirable design characteristics and programming of the
Museum. The Comprehensive Plan establishes a set of regulations, requirements, and procedures that
preclude any degradation in safety, security, and quality of life for residential properties adjacent to
the property.
Development Standards
Parking Provided
Parking for employees and museum visitors will be provided in two parking areas, one existing and
one proposed as part of the site reuse. A total of 17 parking spaces will be required for the Museum
use. Seven parking spaces will be provided to the rear of the property, accessible off of the alley, in a
parallel parking formation. These seven spaces will be provided for Museum employees only. Ten
parking spaces in the existing shared parking lot located in front of the building, off of Culver Boule-
vard, will be available for use by visitors to the Museum. Presently, there are 305 parking identified by a
Parking Utilization Study prepared for the Wende Museum Project by Civic Enterprise Associates, LLC,
spaces in off-street lots shared by all park uses, including the AmVets Post II building, the Scout House,
the Teen Center, Swimming Pool; and 100 on-street parking spaces located on Overland Avenue,
Barman Avenue and Coombs Avenue.
Permitted Uses
General Provisions
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
The Comprehensive Plan allows for the use of the Wende Museum property as a museum and cultural
institution facility. Ancillary uses commonly associated with these uses including retail gift shops or
small cafes may also be permitted, subject to CCMC requirements for ancillary uses. The Director may
require additional parking or specific operating conditions to reduce potential impacts on park
resources as part of any approval for ancillary uses on-site.
Allowed Special Events and Temporary Events
As a cultural institution, it is anticipated that special events related to the Museum operations may
occur from time-to-time. These events are considered part of the operation of the Museum and are
permitted. Events that are not a part of the normal operation of the Museum, including private parties
and banquets, may be limited to a total of 12 events annually with a Special Event Permit, pursuant to
Section 17.520 of the CCMC.
12
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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AmVETS BUILDING
PARKWAY LANDSCAPING
LANDSCAPING
THE WENDE MUSEUM
SCULPTURAL GARDEN
THE WENDE MUSEUM
STAFF PARKING
ARMORY - THE WENDE MUSEUM
KEY PLAN - PROPOSED
CULVER BLVD.
SCULPTURAL GARDEN ARMORY | THE WENDE MUSEUM
AmVET
COOMBS AVE.
WALL
SIGN
SIGN
SIGN
SIGN
PARKING
12 3 45 6 7
ALLEY
GATE
GATE
HVAC
HVAC
HVAC
13
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN
VAULT VAULT OFFICE
EXHIBITION
SHOP
FOYER
VAULT
PROCESSING
WC WC
BREAK
ENTRANCE
SEATING
OFFICE
BOOK SHELF
MUSEUM DISPLAY
MUSEUM DISPLAY
seating
garden view
sliding
walls/partition
COLONADE
BOOK SHELF
VAULT
OFFICE
SHELF
E
VAULT
VAULT
CL
SCULPTURAL GARDEN
CL
VAULT
WC WC
FOYER
REAR
IT
TRELLIS
FD
INFO
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED STORAGE MEZZANINE
STORAGE
MEZZANINE
OPEN TO BELOW
ROOF BELOW
ROOF BELOW
15
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED ROOF PLAN
LOWER ROOF
ROOF
SOLAR TUBES
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANEL
LOWER ROOF
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED ELEVATION
ELEVATION SOUTH
ELEVATION NORTH
WHITE EXTERIOR PAINT, FLAT
EXISTING EXPOSED CONCRETE | SANDBLASTED, SEALED
WITH ANTI-GRAFFITI COATING
STAINLESS STEEL (BRUSHED)
SMOOTH TROWEL STUCCO, TO MATCH
THE WENDE MUSEUM LOGO COLOR
GLAZING
17
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED ELEVATION
ELEVATION WEST
ELEVATION EAST
PROCESSING AREA - ELEVATION NORTH
WHITE EXTERIOR PAINT, FLAT
EXISTING EXPOSED CONCRETE | SANDBLASTED, SEALED
WITH ANTI-GRAFFITI COATING
STAINLESS STEEL (BRUSHED)
SMOOTH TROWEL STUCCO, TO MATCH
THE WENDE MUSEUM LOGO COLOR
GLAZING
BERLIN WALL
ELEMENT
18
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED SECTION
VAULT
EXHIBITION HALL
19
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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EAST ELEVATION
NORTH ELEVATION
PERSPECTIVE
PROPOSED EXTERIOR
20
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROCESSING AREA
21
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED MATERIAL
FROSTED GLASS CONCRETE “SANDBLASTED”
CLEAR SEALER, ANTI GRAFITTI COATING
STAINLESS STEEL - BRUSHED FINSH
FOR ROOF EAVES
STUCCO SMOOTH TROWEL FINISH
AT NEW RECEIVING AREA,
NATURAL ACCENT STONE, CHISELED FINISH
COLOR:
ACCENT PAINT, WENDE MUSEUM LOGO RED
WHITE PAINT: NESTING DOVE ECC-36-2, BEHR
22
Page 22 of 39THE WENDE MUSEUM
ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED INTERIOR
23
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED DISPLAY SHELF
SECTION AXONOMETRIC
INTERIOR ELEVATION
24
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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SHELF - BULK RACK
AmVET
HVAC
REAR
WALL
13’-10”
HVAC
BULK-RACK
PAINTED
WHITE
SLIDING
DOORS
CONCRETE
FLOOR
25
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED BOOK SHELF
VAULT DOOR 1 “PUBLIC LIBRARY” - BOOK SHELF VAULT DOOR 1 VAULT DOOR 1
26
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE CONCEPT PLAN
BERLIN WALL
FOUNTAIN
KING PALMS
KING PALMS
DECOMPOSED GRANITE
COLOR: CHARCOAL
ADA ACCESSIBLE SURFACE
HEDGE
SIGN
SCULPTURAL GARDEN
PARKING
GATE
FENCE 8’-0” TALL (TYP.)
HEDGE
KING PALMS
GATE FENCE 8’-0” TALL (TYP.)
HEDGE
LAWN
LAWN
DESERT GRASS
BERLIN WALL
LAWN
KING PALMS
PEBBLES
PEBBLES
KING PALMS
SCULPTURES
TRELLIS
SCULPTURES
PEBBLES
BENCHES
BENCH
BENCH
BENCH
CONCRETE WALKWAY
ARMORY BUILDING
GARDEN WALL
COLLONADE
PARKING PARKING
HEDGE
PLANTER
FLEX.
DELIVERY
HVAC
EQUIP. W.
SCREEN
E-PANEL
HVAC
EQUIP. W.
SCREEN
Landscaping
The landscaping plan for the Museum will include the replacement of the existing paved area located
between the Armory building and the AmVets building with a new central sculptural courtyard. The
courtyard will include new hardscape pathways around new landscape planter areas. In addition,
seating areas will be provided throughout the courtyard. The Museum will also introduce additional
landscaping along the perimeter of the building, including new trees, hedges and native plant species.
(Salt &Peper Finish)
27
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED LANDSCAPE
LANDSCAPE ENTRANCE AREA ENTRANCE WITH BERLIN WALL AND BENCHES
28
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED LANDSCAPE
BERLIN WALL ELEMENTS SCULPTURAL GARDEN WITH FOUNTAIN
29
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED LANDSCAPE CONTEXT
The Wende Museum garden will be a place of beauty, repose, and contemplation, but also a place for
thinking about and confronting the complexities and tensions inherent in the collection itself, and in
where it is displayed versus where it comes from. East v. West, Communism v. Capitalism, Europe v.
Southern California, Open v. Closed, Controlled/Constrained v. Free/Unconstrained, Art v. Propaganda.
Everywhere I want the tension and intimate connection between Eastern Europe and California to be
fore grounded. Los Angeles was the US capital of the Cold War, where most of the aerospace industry
was based. The military-industrial complex, with its tight linkages between the armed forces, research
universities, and corporations, found a perfect fit in the open, sunny, individualistic lifestyle of South-
ern California. The iconography of Southern California modernity, exemplified by the horizontal
concrete building, and the skyline of palm trees, will be made explicit, against a series of motifs of
rigorous, controlled, European garden forms. The basic principle is the ordering of space with classical
European hedges, to create closed rooms, hidden spaces, as well as sightlines that lead the eye all the
way from inside the building entrance to the back of the property, but placing barriers in front of one’s
gaze and passage. The hedges will be of varying heights, so that the garden will be a play of long
sightlines/axes and barriers, as in a maze. A visitor will have to walk through it, discovering the places
where openings allow her to proceed, discovering new spaces and objects as she goes. The objects
will be displayed in a classical sculpture garden format, on raised plinths, isolated, against hedges. The
Berlin Wall pieces will act as walls as well, blocking the way, but equally as art objects, that can be
walked around. Playing against the hedge principle will be subtropical vegetation, such as specimen
palms, dragon trees, aloes, and cactus, which will be “displayed” just like the objects, against hedges or
walls. They, like the Cold War itself, especially the weaponry and the control structures like the Wall,
will be at once beautiful, big, and menacing, and so, sublime. Just outside the main glass doors will be
a courtyard space, relatively open, with a rectangular, raised pool. This space can be used to events,
seating, etc. There is an 8-foot parking lane all along the alley, which will also be sufficient for truck
deliveries, so no angled wall intruding into the courtyard space will be required. At the center of the
garden will be a hedged space filled with olive trees and a circular, raised pool.
The ground surface will be a mix of hard and soft, with pavers in a sea of low meadow grass. This is a
space of contemplation, symbolizing the coming together and resolution of reunification and the end
of the Cold War’s decades of confrontation and conflict. Beyond it, the maze/hedged rooms will be
large, both to allow maximum flexibility in displaying different objects, also to allow space for any
future building. The visitor will proceed, at their own pace and following their own path, around the
garden, perhaps in a circular way, arriving back at the courtyard. There will be a vehicular entrance on
the west side. The western frontage will have a steel fence of rectangular pickets with no top rail, like
the fence on the 6th street side of LACMA. Coupled with hedges of varying heights, passerby and
drivers will be able to see partial views of pieces of the Berlin Wall, and statues, lit at night. The build-
ing wall along the parking lot will be lined with plantings of palm trees and spiky plants such as agaves
and cactus. This model is a concept only. The trees and plants are typical. The plinths are represented
as boxes, where sculptures and objects can be displayed
Garden — Concept Plan
Wade Graham Landscape Studio
March 21, 2013
KING PALM
QUEEN PALM
DRACAENA DRACO BUTIA CAPITATA
AGAVE AMERICANA
DAGAVE TEQUILANA
MISCANTHUSSP.
ALOE ARBORESCENS STENOCEREUS
OLIVE TREE
ALOE MARLOTHII
EUPHORBIA INGENS
30
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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SIGNAGE
Signs
The Comprehensive Plan identifies locations for on-site signage, including monument signs, wall signs,
and temporary signs that will be utilized during special events or to promote the display of new collec-
tions at the Museum.
The proposed site plan includes three monument signs located around the project site which will
provide visibility to vehicle and pedestrian traffic on Culver Boulevard and Coombs Avenue. One sign
will be located at the entrance to the parking lot at Culver Boulevard driveway; a second sign will be
located at the corner of Coombs Avenue and Culver Boulevard; and a third located at the northeast
corner of the property, near the Coombs Avenue driveway.
Two permanent wall signs will be provided on the building, including a sign over the Museum’s pedes-
trian entry facing Coombs Avenue and the second wall sign facing the parking lot at the northeast
corner of the building.
Two temporary sign areas have been designated on the building’s north-facing wall. The sign areas
will total 200 square feet each, measuring 6 feet, 8 inches tall by 30 feet wide. The temporary sign areas
will be dedicated for wall mounted, non-changeable copy signs made of vinyl or a similar material
used for temporary sign construction. The area shall be used for advertising of events or collections at
the museum and shall not be limited in number of days per year.
Sign Review
All new signs shall require a sign permit processed through the Planning Division.
The Director shall have the authority to conduct a conformance review for temporary signage installed
as part of an event or collection display at the museum prior to manufacture and installation of the
temporary sign(s).
All proposed permanent signs shall comply with the approved Comprehensive Plan, in terms of loca-
tion, size, and design and shall require approval of a sign permit processed through the Planning
Division. The sign section of the Comprehensive Plan shall be amended to reflect any changes to the
sign area, design or location on the subject property.
31
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED SIGNAGE
SIGNAGE KEY PLAN
ARMORY | WENDE MUSEUM AmVET
CUVER BLVD.
COOMBS AVE.
TEMPORARY SIGNAGE
FOR SPECIAL EVENTS/EXHIBITIONS
PERMANENT SIGNAGE
(FREE STANDING & ATTACHED TO BUILDING)
SIGN 3
SIGN 2
SIGN 1 SIGN B
SIGN A
SIGN C SIGN D
SIGN 4
SIGN 4
32
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ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED SIGNAGE
LOCATION SIGN #2 LOCATION SIGN #3 LOCATION SIGN #1 LOCATION SIGN A LOCATION SIGN B
LOCATION SIGN C LOCATION SIGN A
BERLIN WALL AT ENTRANCE BERLIN WALL IN SCULPTURAL GARDEN
33
Page 33 of 39THE WENDE MUSEUM
ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED SIGNAGE
34
Page 34 of 39THE WENDE MUSEUM
ARMORY | CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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PROPOSED SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
36
Building energy performance modeling – The project will exceed the Title 24 requirements by 10%.
Participation in the “Savings By Design” Program.
Reuse of the existing building envelope.
Insulation of all existing and new exterior walls, roof insulation of all existing and new roof areas.
Replacing of all windows and doors with energy efficient units.
Photovoltaic System installed on roof
Low flow toilet, waterless urinals and low flow faucets.
High efficient LED lighting.
Occupancy controlled lighting.
Photo sensor controlled lighting.
Maximized use of daylight:
- Solar tubes in exhibition space, receiving area and restrooms.
- Lights shelf installed at windows
Exterior shading trellis on west façade.
Draught resistant & native landscaping.
Removing of solid surfaces and replacing them with permeable surface treatment.
Bike parking spaces.
California Cold Roof.
Energy Star appliances.
Page 35 of 39EXISTING AmVET BUILDING
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
HISTORIC AMERICAN VETERANS POST II
Land Use
General Plan
The General Plan Land Use designation of the project site is Open Space. The Open Space designation
is established to protect Culver City’s open space resources that include public or private land. It is
designed and intended to preserve existing and encourage future parks, open space, and recreation
opportunities.
Zoning
Zoning for the subject property, presently occupied by the AmVets Post II building, is Commercial
Neighborhood (CN). The project will include a Zone Change from Commercial Neighborhood to Open
Space (OS), in order to bring the property into conformance with the City’s General Plan land use
designation. Pursuant to Section 17.250.030 of the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC), development
and use of property within the Open Space Zoning District requires the adoption of a Comprehensive
Plan. The Comprehensive Plan ensures that the operation of the AmVets facility is compatible with the
surrounding neighborhood and the adjacent uses through management of on-site events and activi-
ties. The Comprehensive Plan establishes a set of regulations, requirements, and procedures that
preclude any degradation in safety, security, and quality of life for residential properties adjacent to
the property.
.
Project Summary
For over sixty years, historic AmVets Post II, located at 10858 Culver Boulevard, has served American
veterans and the citizens of California. Chartered at the end of WWII, AmVets Post II was formed by a
group of dedicated veterans who despite facing adversity, insisted on creating a network of support
and bold advocacy for veterans, young and old, who had served in all branches of the military and in
all eras.
Headquartered in the historic AmVets Post II building in Culver City since the mid-1960s, AmVets Post
II took over the administration of the landmark structure in the following years. Since that time, the
membership has shouldered the cost of maintaining the unique building and property by contributing
thousands of volunteer man-hours and dollars to the effort.
In addition to our work outside of the post, AmVets Post II sponsors numerous events at the Culver
City building. Along with hosting veterans from the nearby West LA VAMC at the annual Christmas
Party, Post II Officers Installation Dinner and Super Bowl Sunday party, the membership hosts numer-
ous events large and small -- including its monthly meetings on the third Saturday of each month.
Signs
Sign Review
All new signs shall require a sign permit processed through the Planning Division. Temporary signs
shall be allowed subject to the standards identified in Section 17.330 of the CCMC.
Uses
Allowed Uses and Permit Requirements
The Comprehensive Plan allows for the use of the AmVets Post II property as an events center and
cultural institution facility. Ancillary uses related to the operation of the facility, including offices,
meeting rooms and a small kitchen facility for on-site catering are also permitted, subject to CCMC
requirements for ancillary uses. The Director may require additional parking or specific operating
conditions to reduce potential impacts on park resources and adjacent residential uses as part of any
approval for ancillary uses on-site.
Allowed Special Events and Temporary Events
As a cultural institution serving local veterans, it is anticipated that special events related to the
AmVets Post II operations will occur as a regular component of the facility’s service. These events are
considered part of the operation of the facility and are permitted. Events that are not a part of the
normal operation of the AmVets facility may be limited to a total of 12 events annually with a Special
Event Permit, pursuant to Section 17.520 of the CCMC.
V1
Page 36 of 39HISTORIC AMERICAN VETERANS POST II
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
EXISTING AmVET BUILDING
V2
Page 37 of 39HISTORIC AMERICAN VETERANS POST II
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
AmVET SITE PLAN
CULVER BLVD.
ARMORY | THE WENDE MUSEUM
AmVET
COOMBS AVE.
PARKING
ALLEY
V3
Page 38 of 39 CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
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ADMINISTRATION
Relationship to Other Regulations
This Comprehensive Plan provides policies, standards and regulations guiding the development and
use of the subject property. Specific topics not otherwise addressed or provided in this Comprehen-
sive Plan shall be governed by the Culver City Municipal Code. No provision of this Comprehensive
Plan is intended to repeal, abrogate, annul, impair, or interfere with any existing ordinance, resolu-
tions, or policy except: a) as specifically repealed by the adoptions of this Comprehensive Plan; or b)
where this Comprehensive Plan’s provisions are more precise or restrictive than the existing Municipal
Code. Where provisions of this Comprehensive Plan impose more restrictive regulations than required
by any other ordinance, resolution or policy, the provisions of this Comprehensive Plan shall govern.
Amendments
Modifications to the Comprehensive Plan shall be pursuant to the Culver City Zoning Code, Section
17.560.025 – Comprehensive Plan Modifications, Major and Minor or as amended.
35
Page 39 of 39 City of Culver City, California
Planning Commission Agenda Item Report
Page 1 of 11
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Planning Commission:
1. Adopt Resolution No.’s 2014-P002 (Wende Museum); 2014-P003 (Am
Vets Facility); and 2014-P004 (Zoning Code Map Amendment)
Recommending Approval to the City Council of Zoning Code Map
Amendment, ZCMA P-2014018, and Comprehensive Plan, CP P-
2013176, (Attachment Nos. 1A, 1B, and 1C).
PROCEDURES:
1. Chair calls on staff for a staff report and Commission poses questions to
staff as desired.
2. Chair opens the public hearing, providing the applicant the first opportunity
to speak, followed by the general public.
3. Chair seeks a motion to close the public hearing after all testimony has
been presented.
4. Commission discusses the matter and arrives at its decision.
Meeting Date: February 26, 2014 Item Number: PH-1
AGENDA ITEM: Zoning Code Map Amendment (ZCMA P-2014018) to rezone the
project site from the Commercial Neighborhood (CN) zone to the Open Space
(OS) zone, in conformance with the General Plan Land Use designation; and a
Comprehensive Plan (CP P-2013176) to allow the conversion of the existing
Armory building into the Wende Museum, and to allow the continued use of the
Am Vets Post 2 facility located at 10808 Culver Boulevard and 10858 Culver
Boulevard, respectively.
Contact Person/Dept.: Joshua Williams,
Associate Planner
Phone Number: (310) 253-5706
Public Hearing: [X] Action Item: [] Attachments: [X]
Public Notification: On February 6, 2014, a notice was mailed to all the property
owners and occupants within a 500 foot radius of the site and emailed to the Master
Notification List. The notice was also published in the Culver City News on February
6, 2014.
Planning Approval:
Thomas Gorham, Planning Manager
Department Approval:
Sol Blumenfeld,
Community Development Director
ATTACHMENT B
40 City of Culver City, California
Planning Commission Agenda Item Report
Page 2 of 11
BACKGROUND:
Request
The proposed request is to change the zoning on the project site from
Commercial Neighborhood (CN) to Open Space (OS) through a Zoning Code
Map Amendment (ZCMA); and a Comprehensive Plan (CP) for the adaptive
reuse of the former National Guard Armory building, located at 10808 Culver
Boulevard, for use by The Wende Museum and Archive of the Cold War. The
Comprehensive Plan will also allow for the continued use of the Historic
American Veterans Post 2 (“Am Vets”) building at 10858 Culver Boulevard as
a meeting and event facility for veterans. The project site is located on the
south side of Culver Boulevard, west of Veterans Park, stretching the length
of Culver Boulevard between Coombs Avenue and Elenda Street (See
Attachment No. 2 – Project Location Map).
Existing Conditions
The project site comprising approximately 1.55 acres is presently occupied by
several structures and uses including the National Guard Armory Building and
the Am Vets facility. The surrounding area is characterized by single family
residential uses to the south, behind the property, separated by an alley;
single family residential use in the Studio Estates development to the north,
across Culver Boulevard; and park and recreational uses associated with
Veterans Park, located to the east. Abutting the site to the north is a large
parking area which provides shared parking for all uses on the site, including
the park facilities to the east.
The project site is located within the Commercial Neighborhood (CN) Zone.
The General Plan land use designation is Open Space.
Project Description
The project involves several components, including the rezoning of the site to
be in conformance with the City’s General Plan and the adoption of a
Comprehensive Plan for the Wende Museum project and the Am Vets facility.
The rezoning of the site will change the zoning on the 1.55 acre parcel from
Commercial Neighborhood (CN) to Open Space (OS), which will be
consistent with the Open Space General Plan designation for the property.
Pursuant to 17.250.030 A of the Zoning Code, the purpose of the OS Zone
designation is to:
41 City of Culver City, California
Planning Commission Agenda Item Report
Page 3 of 11
“Regulate, protect, and preserve publicly accessible land that is well
suited for active recreation, amusement, relaxation, and/or scenic
viewing”; and
“To ensure that development of new parks or other open space, as
well as major modifications to existing resources, are compatible with
surrounding neighborhoods through the adoption of a Comprehensive
Plan showing proper orientation, desirable design characteristics and
programming, and compatibility of uses.”
The Comprehensive Plan is consistent with these goals as it provides for the
repurposing of the former Armory as a museum serving the public, and the
on-going use of a public facility serving veterans of wars.
More specifically, the Armory will house the Wende Museum and Archive of
the Cold War, which is currently located at 5741 Buckingham Parkway in
Culver City; and the adjacent Am Vets Post 2 facility, which will be
established as a permitted use for veteran social gatherings and offices.
The Plan will establish guidelines for operation of the facilities so as to limit
impacts on adjacent neighboring residences and park facilities. As proposed,
the museum will be open to the public Thursday to Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM,
and Sundays, between 11 AM and 6 PM. Museum staff will be at the museum
during the normal work week conducting research, and maintaining and
cataloguing the collection. The Am Vets Center will operate from Monday to
Saturday, 8AM to 11 PM, and Sundays, 8 AM to 9 PM.
Wende Museum and Am Vets
The project will involve the adaptive reuse of the 12,596 square foot Armory
building to house the museum’s large collection of Cold War era memorabilia
and artifacts. The museum will seek to connect the experience of the Cold
War to contemporary life through creation of a facility that provides better
access for scholars, students, journalists, partner organizations and the
general public. Interior improvements include the overhaul of existing space,
which is presently divided into space for offices, storage, and a gym. Interior
improvements will include the creation of a new exhibition space, temperature
controlled storage vaults, and offices for staff. Approximately 1,427 square
feet of new floor area will be created for mezzanine storage areas inside the
building and a new delivery and processing area to the rear of the building.
Exterior improvements to the building include the use of smooth stucco and
sandblasted concrete as part of the building’s new façade, and brushed
stainless steel fasciae around the building.
42 City of Culver City, California
Planning Commission Agenda Item Report
Page 4 of 11
To the west of the museum, a previously a paved surface parking area will be
redesigned as a new sculpture garden that will utilize both hardscape and
softscape elements. The sculpture garden will house large segments of the
Berlin Wall, which will be on permanent display at the facility. The garden will
primarily be a quiet area for reflection, but can also serve as a location for
outdoor lectures.
In addition to the Wende Museum, the Comprehensive Plan document
includes a section specific to the historic American Veterans Post 2 (“Am
Vets”) facility. The Comprehensive Plan for Am Vets will allow for the
continued use of the facility for meetings, events, and offices related to
veterans affairs. The Am Vets facility has operated on the site since the mid-
1960s; however the Comprehensive Plan will make it a conforming use to
ensure that the facility operates with consideration of surrounding residential
uses now and in the future. The Comprehensive Plan is designed to formalize
the use of the building on the site, including limiting special events to those
related to Am Vets operations. Events that are not related to serving veterans
such as rental of the facility to outside vendors would require a special event
permit and may be limited to 12 events per year, subject to administrative
review.
Visitor parking for the Wende Museum and the Am Vets facility will be
provided in the shared parking area in front of the project site. The museum
will provide seven dedicated spaces for employees located to the rear of the
project, accessible off the adjacent alley.
ANALYSIS:
A Comprehensive Plan is required for the Project pursuant to Zoning Code
Section 17.250.030, Open Space (OS) District Requirements. The proposed
Zoning Code Map Amendment will re-zone the project site from Commercial
Neighborhood (CN) to Open Space (OS) (see Attachment No. 1, Exhibit A), in
conformance with the General Plan’s Open Space Land Use designation.
The proposed Comprehensive Plan includes the development standards and
allowed land uses for the Wende Museum and Am Vets facility. The intent of
a Comprehensive Plan is to ensure that development of new parks or other
open space, as well as major modifications to existing resources, is
compatible with surrounding neighborhoods through the adoption of a
Comprehensive Plan showing proper orientation, desirable design
characteristics and programming, and compatibility of uses. The
Comprehensive Plan also establishes a set of regulations, requirements, and
procedures that preclude any degradation in safety, security, and quality of
life for residential properties adjacent to any OS Zoned parcels. A hearing by
the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission is also required
pursuant to Section 17.250.030 B 5 and D 1.
43 City of Culver City, California
Planning Commission Agenda Item Report
Page 5 of 11
Comprehensive Plan – The Wende Museum
The Wende Museum project has been designed to conform to all applicable
Zoning Code provisions of the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive
Plan document (see Attachment No. 3) includes all the relevant land use and
development standards for the Project including parking, signage and
permitted uses; as well as the site plan, floor plans, building elevations and
renderings, building materials and colors, landscaping, infrastructure, and
sustainability provisions.
1. Development Standards: The project consists of the adaptive reuse of
the existing Armory building into the Wende Museum. The project will also
result in the addition of approximately 1,427 square feet of floor area,
including a 477 square foot addition for a new receiving area on the
southwest exterior of the building; and 950 square feet of new mezzanine
floor area, located in the building’s interior. No changes are proposed to
the building’s height, setbacks or massing.
a. Parking. A Parking Utilization Study prepared for the Wende Museum
Project by Civic Enterprise Associates, LLC (see Attachment No. 4),
identified that 17 parking spaces will be required for the Wende
Museum use, including seven (7) dedicated spaces located on the
project site and 10 spaces located within the shared parking lot
abutting the project site to the north. The Study looked at existing
parking spaces in surrounding parking lots at Veterans Memorial
Building and Veterans Park which are currently shared by all park
uses, including the Am Vets building, the Scout House, the Teen
Center, Swimming Pool, and parking for City employees. The Study
identified 305 parking spaces in off-street lots and 100 on-street
parking spaces located on Overland Avenue, Barman Avenue and
Coombs Avenue. During the study period, parking usage at the lot
adjacent to the Armory/Wende project site, a minimum of 18 vacant
parking spaces during the busiest hour were available. During the
museum’s proposed hours of operation on Saturday and Sunday,
there were more than 50 vacant parking spaces in the parking area
over a 9 hour period. In all lots the study identified that there were 122
vacant parking spaces among all lots, which is more than sufficient to
accommodate parking demand for Wende Museum patrons. The study
concluded that even during peak occupancy periods, there is sufficient
capacity to accommodate demand from all existing sources including
the Am Vets facility, and there is sufficient underutilized parking
capacity to accommodate additional demand from Wende Museum
patrons.
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b. Signs. The Comprehensive Plan identifies permitted sign areas on the
building façade and around the property’s perimeter. Stand-alone
monument signs for the museum will be located at the entry to the
parking lot on Culver Boulevard and at the southwest corner of Culver
Boulevard and Coombs Avenue. The monument signs will be
approximately 11 feet 6 inches in height and 9 feet wide. A third
monument sign comprised of free standing letters spelling out “The
Wende Museum” will be located on the project site, near the primary
entrance to the museum building. Two permanent wall signs will be
affixed to the exterior of the building, one facing the parking lot and
one located above the primary entry to the museum.
In addition to the permanent signs, the project will include dedicated
space for two temporary signs. The temporary sign locations will be on
the north facing wall of the museum facing the parking lot and Culver
Boulevard. The temporary wall signs are designated for use as
advertisement of exhibitions, collections and events at the museum.
The signs’ content will change in concert with the opening and closing
of exhibits, or as needed for special events related to the operation of
the museum.
2. General Land Use Provisions: The Comprehensive Plan identifies
“museum” and “cultural institution facility” as permitted uses at the project
site. Ancillary or “accessory uses” such as a small café or gift shop that
are subservient to the primary museum use are also permitted subject to
Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) limitations, which may require
additional parking if the size of the accessory use exceeds more than 20
percent of the gross floor area of the primary use.
a. Special Events and Temporary Events: It is anticipated that the
museum will have special events related to the ongoing operation of
the facility, including but not limited to exhibition openings, fundraisers,
and lectures. These events are not limited in terms of the number of
events held annually, and may be held without requirement of a
special event permit. Events that are not part of the museums normal
operation, including but not limited to private parties, weddings, and
banquets shall require a special event permit from the City. These
special events may be limited to a total of 12 events annually, pursuant
to Section 17.520 of the CCMC.
3. Architectural Design: While the general shape and structural elements
of the existing Armory building will remain, the Applicant is proposing
changes to the exterior appearance of the building through the use of new
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materials and paint. The building’s exterior remodel will incorporate
exposed concrete, smooth trowel stucco at the new receiving area, and
brushed stainless steel elements. The exterior will be highlighted with
white paint and red accents, evoking the Wende Museum logo colors.
Additional materials will include natural accent stone around the property.
Windows around the facility are proposed to be composed of frosted
glass.
4. Public Art: The Wende Museum is proposing to install several panels of
the original Berlin Wall onto the project site, including in areas viewable by
the public during all hours. Several panels are proposed to be erected
within the new Sculptural Garden as centerpieces surrounded by the new
landscaping and hardscape elements. The project will also place two wall
panels on the exterior of the Museum walls – one at the entry to the
parking lot off of Culver Boulevard, across from the Wende Museum
monument sign. A second panel will be placed near the building’s primary
entrance off of Coombs Avenue in a small landscaped area.
Traffic and Circulation
A traffic analysis for the project, dated January 30, 2013, and prepared by
The Rifkin Transportation Planning Group was reviewed and accepted by the
City’s Traffic Engineer (see Attachment No. 5). The traffic analysis indicated
that the relatively small amount of traffic generated by the project would not
result in any significant impacts on surrounding arterial or residential streets.
The analysis determined that the museum’s relocation to the Armory Building
will generate 10,000 annual visitors to the new museum site, versus 1,000
annual visitors at its current location at 5741 Buckingham Parkway. Using the
most conservative estimates for trip generation, the analysis determined that
the use would generate 7 vehicle trips in the AM and PM peak hours and 15
vehicle trips per hour on weekends. The number of trips generated would be
significantly below the 50 vehicle trips per hour required by the City to
necessitate a detailed traffic study.
Access to the parking lot abutting the project site will be provided through
three driveways, two off of Culver Boulevard and one off of Coombs Avenue.
The driveway off of Culver Boulevard closest to Elenda Street is a one way
entrance only access point. The second driveway off of Culver Boulevard is a
two way (egress and ingress) driveway, which is accessible via a dedicated
right turn pocket off of Culver Boulevard for vehicles travelling east and a
dedicated left turn pocket for vehicles travelling west. The Coombs Avenue
driveway also allows for ingress and egress to the site. To the rear of the
property is a 20 foot wide alley, parallel to Culver Boulevard and connecting
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Elenda Street and Coombs Avenue. The alley will provide access to the site
for delivery vehicles and to the employee parking area.
Community Outreach
Beginning in 2010 and continuing through 2013, the Wende Museum has
made outreach to residents, City Council, City Commissions and various
community groups about the proposed adaptive re-use of the Armory
Building. In February 2012, the museum distributed information cards to
neighbors in the Veterans Park neighborhood to solicit feedback on the
proposed plans and architectural renderings. A “Wine & Cheese” event was
held at the current Wende Museum location later that February to obtain
feedback from neighbors. In July of 2012, Museum staff conducted a door-to-
door meet and greet with neighbors living on Wagner Avenue (the street to
the south of the project site). In August 2013, a mailing was sent to neighbors
in the Veterans Park neighborhood that included information about the
museum proposal. The letter also provided a hotline to answer neighbor
questions and concerns. The Museum maintains open house hours at its
current location to answer questions from neighbors of the project site.
As part of the City’s notification for the Planning Commission hearing, one
comment was received. A resident requested information about the potential
preservation of the mural on the north facing wall of the Armory. Planning
Staff spoke with the Cultural Affairs department about the requirements for
preservation of the mural. Per Christine Byers of Cultural Affairs, the mural is
not a part of the City’s Art in Public Places. It was created as part of a Sony
Pictures employee community project. As part of the building’s façade
improvements, the Wende Museum will be photo-documenting the remnants
of the 1990s mural so that it will be permanently recorded and will be made
available on the web site and with the Culver City Historical Society.
Comprehensive Plan – The Historic American Veterans Post 2
The Historic American Veterans Post 2 (“Am Vets”) facility has operated on
the subject site since the mid-1960s, serving veterans and their families and
hosting events for veterans groups around the region. The Comprehensive
Plan document (see Attachment No. 3) identifies the Am Vets facility as a
permitted use on the subject property and establishes guidelines for the
continued use of the facility for events.
1. General Land Use Provisions: The Comprehensive Plan identifies the
“events center” and “cultural institution facility” as permitted uses at the
project site. Ancillary or “accessory uses” related to the operation of the
Am Vets facility, including offices, meeting rooms and a small kitchen
facility for on-site catering are also permitted subject to Culver City
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Municipal Code (CCMC) limitations, which may require additional parking
if the size of the accessory use exceeds more than 20 percent of the
gross floor area of the primary use.
a. Special Events and Temporary Events: As a cultural institution
serving local veterans, the Am Vets facility regularly host events for
veterans in the community and the region including an annual
Christmas Party, an annual Super Bowl Party, and Officers Installation
Dinner. These types of events are considered part of the operation of
the facility and are permitted without the requirement to attain a special
event permit. Events that are not part of the facility’s normal operation,
including but not limited to private parties, weddings, and banquets
shall require a special event permit from the City. These special events
may be limited to a total of 12 events annually, pursuant to Section
17.520 of the CCMC.
CONCLUSION:
The Wende Museum is an important cultural facility that at this new location
will allow its significant resources to be more readily available to the public
and further enhance the City’s identity as a destination for cultural and arts
facilities and resources. Staff has worked closely with the applicant on the
development of the Comprehensive Plan document in order to ensure that
the use will be compatible with surrounding residential uses and will
complement existing cultural and recreational resources in the vicinity. The
Project will repurpose an obsolete building for public use and will not create
impacts related to parking or traffic pursuant to the Project’s traffic and
circulation analysis.
a. The parking study concluded that even during peak occupancy
periods, there is sufficient capacity to accommodate demand
from all existing sources including the Am Vets facility, and
there is sufficient underutilized parking capacity to
accommodate additional demand from Wende Museum
patrons.
b. The traffic analysis determined that vehicle trips during AM and
PM peak hours will be significantly less than the threshold
required by the City to necessitate a full traffic study. The
project will not result in significant impacts to the surrounding
street system.
Further, the adjacent Am Vets property will become a legal conforming use
under the Comprehensive Plan, compatible with the Wende Museum and
other uses in the Open Space zone.
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Based on the analysis contained herein staff believes the findings for a
Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Code Map Amendment can be made as
outlined in proposed Resolution Nos. 2014-P002; 2014-P003; and 2014-P004
(Attachment Nos. 1A, 1B, and 1C) and recommends project approval.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION:
Pursuant to Section 21166 of the Public Resources Code and Section 15162
and 15168 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines,
the proposed Zoning Code Map Amendment (ZCMA) requested as part of the
Comprehensive Plan is within the scope of the Culver City General Plan
Update Program EIR approved on September 24, 1996 (PEIR 1) and the
Culver City Redevelopment Plan Amendment and Merger Program
Subsequent EIR approved on November 16, 1998 (PEIR 2). The
circumstances under which the PEIR 1, and PEIR 2 were prepared have not
significantly changed and no new significant information has been found that
would impact either the PEIR 1, and PEIR 2; therefore, no new environmental
analysis is required at this time related to rezoning of the property. Further,
upon initial review of the proposed project, staff has determined that there are
no potentially significant impacts on the environment and pursuant to Section
15301, Class 31; Existing Facilities of the CEQA guidelines, the proposed
Comprehensive Plan portion of the project is Categorically Exempt as it will
result in negligible expansion of use.
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:
The following alternative actions may be considered by the Planning
Commission:
1. Approve the application with the recommended conditions of approval
if the application is deemed to meet the required findings.
2. Approve the application with additional or different conditions of
approval, if deemed necessary to meet the required findings and
mitigate any new project impacts identified at the meeting.
3. Disapprove the application if it does not meet the required findings.
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ATTACHMENTS:
1.
A. Draft Resolution No. 2014-P0002 (Wende Museum) and Exhibit A,
Conditions of Approval.
B. Draft Resolution No. 2014-P003 (Am Vets Facility)
C. Draft Resolution No. 2014-P004 (Zoning Map Change) and Exhibit
A – Zone Change Map
2. Project Location Map
3. Comprehensive Plan Document dated February 5, 2014
4. Parking Utilization Study prepared for the Wende Museum Project by
Civic Enterprise Associates, LLC dated March 15, 2013.
5. Wende Museum - Initial Traffic Analysis for the project, prepared by The
Rifkin Transportation Planning Group, dated January 30, 2013.
50