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New restaurant '2 in French' proposes courtyard, landscaping and exterior refresh at former Giovanni’s site
Summary
Applicants seeking tenant‑improvement permit described courtyard dining with picnic tables, string lights, new planters and olive/ lemon plantings; board offered detailed comments on ADA ramp, grease interceptor location, plant species, brick repair and signage/parking configuration.
A tenant improvement application for a new restaurant called 2 in French at the former Giovanni’s site at Linden and Carpinteria Avenue drew detailed commentary from board members and staff on Sept. 25.
Staff said the proposal is a tenant improvement and asked whether the alterations warranted full ARB review or could proceed under matters by staff. The applicant team described exterior work that includes cleaning existing planters and stonework, replacing decomposed granite (DG) in a courtyard, adding new 8x8 posts with string lights, removing a fountain, installing a new square planter with a Tipuana (Tipu) tree, and planting olive trees and a lemon border. The building’s red tile roof will remain and the applicant proposed a distressed whitewash (German schmear) finish on some walls to achieve an aged look.
Architect Sean Godkin confirmed the project will not change an existing ADA ramp at the primary access and that a 50‑gallon under‑slab grease interceptor will be installed inside the building to connect underground to the alley for sanitary service. Owner Lorenzo Nicole said the team intends to keep the existing parking count and that the parking lot is a desirable amenity for the restaurant.
Board members provided several detailed comments: Vice Chair O’Connor asked staff to clarify wiring and screening on the south elevation and questioned space for trash, recycling and grease service in the alley; board member Johnson asked for roof and gutter detail review and suggested painting wood elements to match the new metal roof on other projects; board member Little asked about outdoor seating design and accessibility; board member Wolf suggested adding additional planting or fencing to screen patrons from headlights in diagonal parking; and board member Amy (speaker identified only by first name) strongly cautioned against planting Tipuana trees in paved or confined planters because their roots can damage sidewalks, and recommended fruitless olives or alternative shade trees with less invasive roots. Several members recommended repair or targeted replacement of damaged adobe bricks and capstones in the parking area.
Staff and the board indicated the applicant may proceed with tenant‑improvement permitting, subject to addressing the board’s comments (plant selection, screening, trash and grease arrangements, wall repairs and material samples). No formal ARB decision was required at the matters‑by‑staff presentation.
