By LILY TINOCO | Reporter
After several virtual discussions since the beginning of summer, the Pacific Palisades Design Review Board approved proposed changes to the historic Business Block Building—located on Sunset Boulevard and a centerpiece structure in the Palisades since 1924—at its Wednesday, December 8, meeting.
Mark Lagola, an architectural designer for Gensler, provided a presentation to the board discussing the on-site paint mockup that was ready for review, demonstrating proposed accent trim, paint colors, awning fabric and more.
The presentation covered a response to the board’s recommendations provided at the last meeting on October 28. The recommendation requested was to study the inclusion of a contrasting accent color on the building, which is owned by TOPA, as well as re-looking at the awning color.
“We went back to the drawing board,” Lagola said. “As a team, we completely agree, the inclusion of the accent color really helps bring attention and a specialness to the building, and we’re excited about it and look forward to hearing your thoughts on our approach.”
Lagola explained the approach to the accent trim location was driven by historic photos, sharing that there were previously horizontal elements that help accentuate the building, making different sides stand out.
Moving onto colors and levels of contrast, Lagola said historic photos acted as the team’s guide in this aspect as well.
“The level of contrast is subtle but it is noticeable, we’re hoping to maintain that historic design … stepping away from that high-contrast trim color that was introduced in the 1980s and really trying to line ourselves on a more historical approach,” he said.
Lagola added that the team looked at historical context for color inspiration, such as historically significant buildings in the area: Beverly Hills City Hall and the Kinross Cornerstone building in Westwood, which is also owned by TOPA and was recently refreshed.
The proposed base color of the building is percale, and the proposed accent color is crisp muslin.
“Those are some references we were looking at to guide our decisions,” Lagola said. “We’re proposing a similar approach to our accent trim color, it’s important that we have an accent color that references that historical lineage … but is also neutral enough to allow the color of the percale to shine.
“The mockup that we did is the crisp muslin, and we do feel that that color tone is the right balance. It’s a neutral color, it has a warmth to it … so it goes well with the pink-ish hue of the percale, but it’s a color that really doesn’t compete.”
Board members praised the proposal during their deliberation.
“I think it’s going to look absolutely beautiful,” Board Member Barbara Kohn said. “I think the fabric on the awnings is wonderful, I love it.”
DRB Chair Donna Vaccarino agreed: “I think it’s looking very, very beautiful and calling out the architectural detail is the winning gesture to save this building. I’m pleased and I would support approving it.”
A motion was made and approved to accept the project as presented.
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