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ARC endorses framed‑window look for 115‑unit affordable housing project, urges material and solar‑control tweaks
Summary
The committee unanimously endorsed a 'framed‑window' elevation and desert landscape approach for Pacific West Communities' 115‑unit affordable housing project, and requested materials and modest solar‑control overhangs, plus additional covered parking where feasible.
The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee on June 15 unanimously endorsed a design direction for a 115‑unit, 100% affordable housing project proposed by Pacific West Communities at San Rafael Drive and McCarthy Road, while asking for several constructive refinements on materials, solar control and parking.
Staff described the project as five buildings totaling 115 units (staff listed unit counts by bedroom type), 178 parking spaces and an amenity building with leasing, a mailroom and recreational facilities. Staff reminded the committee that state affordability rules limit ARC from imposing changes that would significantly increase overall cost for 100% affordable projects.
Developer Darren Barberian said the project has secured funding through the state's MIP program and stressed a tight schedule: "We have 6 months to pull building permits," he told the committee. He said the financing window makes timely ARC direction important for meeting commitments.
Committee members reviewed multiple elevations and coalesced on a 'framed‑window' scheme that uses darker window frames, a simplified color palette and stronger connection to the amenity building. Members recommended exploring a Palm Springs block aesthetic for the building base instead of a faux stone veneer, and they asked for a minimum three‑foot overhang for south‑facing windows where feasible to improve solar performance.
Landscape architect Tom Phelps explained that a ground‑level planting plan had not been supplied in the packet but described a palette of cluster plantings, boulders and specimen trees; the committee asked the team to provide a full ground‑level shrub and groundcover plan for the record. Committee members also encouraged additional covered parking where code and fire/sprinkler constraints permit, and suggested using specimen‑sized trees to speed canopy establishment.
The committee moved and unanimously approved a motion to endorse the framed‑window aesthetic, the desert landscape approach, dark window frames, and the exploration of a block base, and asked the applicant to return with a final palette, ground‑level planting details and confirmation of added covered parking where feasible. The applicant was thanked for bringing an affordable housing project forward; the item will return for incorporation of the committee’s refinements before final approvals.
