Historic Landmarks Commission approves revised Ortega Street parklet with color and design conditions

The Historic Landmarks Commission voted to approve project design and final approval for a revised parklet at 15 East Ortega Street on Aug. 27, 2025, subject to conditions including painted barriers, vertical siding, a round umbrella consistent with HLC standards, and a picket color selected from the commission’s guidance (Sherwin‑Williams “Nomadic Desert”).

Applicant Paul Poirier and project staff told the commission the revised design replaces the existing corrugated siding with vertical 1-by siding, will paint the five water‑filled traffic barriers white, and will use a canvas umbrella color to match the building’s awning. The applicant said the roof over the parklet will be removed, and a freestanding umbrella (not applied material) will provide shade. The applicant also identified the Sunbrella sample for the umbrella and said a professional installer will remove the existing rooftop structure.

Commissioners pressed for several clarifications before voting. Staff reminded the commission that the project qualified for a CEQA exemption under Section 15303 (small structures) and that the public‑works and transportation divisions had preliminarily reviewed the curb cut and would complete a public‑works permit review; any required changes from public works would return to the commission. Commissioners also asked for clearer plan linework to show where existing curb cuts/driveways interrupt the curb line; a condition was added to update drawings to reflect the driveway/curb details.

The commission recorded concerns about materials and appearance in El Pueblo Viejo; several commissioners preferred a lighter, cream‑tone finish rather than a raw brown wood look. The applicant agreed to paint the barriers white and to use a warm, creamy tone for the vertical pickets (Sherwin‑Williams “Nomadic Desert” was noted in the hearing). The commission also required that the umbrella be a round or multi‑sided form consistent with HLC guidance (no half or rectangular umbrellas with crenellations). Commissioners noted existing heaters were not shown on the submitted plans; if the applicant seeks heaters or other elements not shown, they must return with those details for review and approval.

A roll‑call vote approved the project design and final approval with conditions. The recorded roll call on the final motion was: Commissioners Lodge, Butler, Jordan, Drury, Vice Chair Ullie, and Chair Grumbine voted yes; Commissioners Enzberg, Lundbeck and McClure voted no. The motion carried. The commission’s action is appealable to City Council within 10 days, staff noted.

Conditions of approval recorded at the hearing include: paint or wrap the five traffic barriers solid white; replace horizontal siding with vertical 1x siding and use a warm cream/nomadic desert color for the pickets; umbrella(s) must meet HLC umbrella standards (round or many‑sided, no crenellations); update plan drawings to clearly show existing curb cuts/driveways and any changes required by public works; heaters and other elements not shown on the approved plans are not approved and would require a return to the commission if proposed later.

Commissioners who spoke in favor said the revised design is a clear improvement over the existing parklet and that staff and the applicant had addressed many of the commission’s prior comments. Commissioners who opposed said the parklet type is not appropriate in that specific location and that they could not make compatibility findings for El Pueblo Viejo.