Palo Alto ARB recommends approval for Ralph Lauren storefront and cafe at Stanford Shopping Center

The Palo Alto Architectural Review Board on Sept. 4 recommended approval of exterior storefront revisions, new signage and an outdoor cafe for a Ralph Lauren store and Ralph's Coffee at 180 El Camino Real (Stanford Shopping Center), following a 5-0 vote to forward the project to the director of planning and development services with staff conditions.

Staff said the proposal — located in Building M, Suite 383, the former Brooks Brothers space — meets the center’s master tenant facade and sign program except for one primary wall sign that exceeds the program’s allowed panel height. Tamara Harrison with Michael Baker International, presenting for staff, said she recommended the board forward approval based on the Architectural Review Board findings and subject to conditions of approval. "Staff recommends that the architectural review board take the following action and recommend approval of the proposed project's facade changes and signage to the director of planning and development services based on findings and subject to staff's conditions of approval," Harrison said.

The project proposes repainting and cladding existing metal awnings and storefront systems,…