Politics & Government

New Elks Lodge Apartment Design Looks Too Commercial, DRB Says

The San Rafael Design Review Board told developers the plan for a 67-unit apartment complex looked like an office building, not housing.

The San Design Review Board decided in last night's meeting that the plans for a new apartment complex behind the needs more work before approval.

"Right now, it looks like an office building," Board Chair Mohit Garg said about the 67-unit L-shaped structure.

The Design Review Board told the applicant, development agency Thompson/Dorfman Partners, to come back with plans to make the complex more accessible for those with disabilities, to enhance design details that will make the building look more residential and to address parking problems.

The initial project, which was a modern design, came before the Design Review Board in 2009.The design was criticized for not blending in with the surrounding structures, including the and the .

The 70,000-square-foot complex now includes ornate balcony railings, cornices lining the top of the building, bay windows and singles. The building will have four stories of housing over two stories of parking, and the project includes adding replacement parking spaces to the front of the Elks Lodge. The developers will also widen the main entrance to the Elks Lodge, adding a driveway with a sidewalk and new landscaping for Mission Street.

The developers also requested a height variance, since the building is 57 feet high, when the maximum height allowed is 36 feet.

"We're really trying to create workforce housing," developer Bruce Dorfman said, adding that 10 percent of the units will be affordable housing.

Dorfman estimates that the new complex will bring in approximately $2.5 million-worth of new spending to the downtown area, since its residents will likely take advantage of the nearby restaurants and shops, and add approximately $450,000 in new taxes to the city.

The project, which includes demolishing a 136-year-old carriage house, has caused a stir with some neighbors who are concerned about parking in the area, the height of the building and the historic value of the carriage house.

"Demolishing a building that old is an absolute crime," said Hugo Landecker, representing the San Rafael Heritage Society and the Federation of San Rafael Neighborhoods.

Landecker also worries that the parking won't be enough for visitors when the Elks Lodge holds events.

Lincoln San Rafael neighbor Jerry Belletto was not opposed to the project, but the height variance made him uneasy.

"We want you to make this specific to this site," he said. "We would hate to see this become a precedent."

Whitney Merchant, representing open spaces organization Greenbelt Alliance, came out in support of the project. The building's proximity to downtown and local transportation encourages biking and other means of travel, she said.
 
"We see this as a way to create a better environment, make the area more equitable and boost the economy," she said.

The Design Review Board continued the item to a later date, when the developers can implement their suggestions into their plan. Board members Jeff Kent and Bob Huntsberry were appointed to oversee the progress.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here