Two homes approved for Montage Resort

Barbara Diamond

Residents in the condominiums at Montage Resort and Spa, called

villas, have appealed the city approval of the first estate home.

Architect Morris Skenderian designed the home, which was first

approved by the Montage Design Review Committee, composed of

Skenderian; John Mansour, vice president of Athens Group, which

re-developed the old Treasure Island Mobile Home Park; and Bill

Claypool, Montage director of technical services.

“It’s a stacked deck,” said Darren Aitkin, speaking on behalf of

his parents, who own one of the condos. “There was no input from the

current residents. It was designed to get through quickly without

review.”

Skenderian, who has worked with the Montage project almost from

the very beginning, said that little review was needed since the home

met the criteria of the Treasure Island Specific Plan.

“The design guidelines were hammered out by the Design Review

Board, the Planning Commission, the City Council and the Coastal

Commission,” Skenderian said. “View, heights and setbacks were

scrutinized for each individual lot.”

Village Laguna President Ginger Osborne criticized the proposed

home because the highest parts of the roof run parallel to the

coastline, rather than perpendicular, causing the greatest impact on

neighbors’ views.

She urged the city’s board to treat view obstructions at Montage

they way it would anywhere else in town.

Didn’t happen.

“Our job was done a long time ago,” said Ben Simon, one of two

city Design Review Board members who participated in the joint

meetings that worked on the design guidelines about five years ago.

“I am happy to support the project as presented and any future

applications (that come in) without variances and are compatible will

get my approval.”

Board member Ilse Lenschow also participated in the joint meetings

at which the guidelines were developed.

“Every tree, every plant, every blade of grass was discussed,” she

said, in seconding Simon’s comments. Eve Plumb deferred to Simon and

Lenschow. Suzanne Morrison recused herself from the vote.

“I believe that DR has the ability to modify [the maximums] and

has the right to ask to have views preserved,” said board Chair Steve

Kawaratani. “But I am I in the minority here.”

The board approved a 6,242-square-foot single-family residence and

a 695-square foot, attached three-car garage for the 15,856

square-foot Lot 8.

Pre-approved guidelines set the maximum lot coverage at 44%, with

a minimum sideyard setback at the 100-foot view corridor line on one

side and eight feet on the other. Roof heights of up to 18 feet were

also pre-approved, with heights on the side setback lines limited to

12 feet. No variances allowed. The guidelines also have an unusual

requirement. Homes must be at least 3,000-square-feet.

Architecture for all the homes is supposed to use materials,

colors and ornamentation derived from the traditional California

Craftsman and bungalow themes and motifs.

The board’s decision shocked the condominium owners, who claimed

the spec. home was too massive and incompatible with the area. They

were outraged at the loss of views they thought were protected not

only by promises from the Montage Realtor and the guidelines, but

also by the city’s view equity policy.

“These are the most expensive condos ever built in Orange County,”

said condominium owner Ron Schwartz. “ We never would have considered

spending that kind of money without some assurances about preserving

our view.

“The guidelines promised a process where the villa owners and the

developer of the estate lots would work together,”

A second home was approved at the March 18 Design Review Board

meeting. It also probably will be appealed, according to Schwartz.

The home was submitted at less than the allowable maximum height.

“I think the city will see the folly of what is happening here,”

said Schwartz. “The maximum height was adjusted to protect the view

of the first home approved. The only views not protected are the

villas. They already have our money.

A third home is reportedly coming off the drawing board.

“It’s 13,000 square feet for the combined lots nine and 10,”

Schwartz said.

Combining the lots will give the city’s Design Review Board more

leeway, according to city Development Department Director John

Montgomery.

Montage spokeswoman Marguarite Clark confirmed the merger of the

two lots to make one 26,571 square foot combined lot.

“The house is still in the planning stages,” Clark said. “But

trust me, it won’t be 13,000 square feet. Lot coverage will be 28%.

The approvals allow 44% lot coverage.”

The appeal of the first home is scheduled for the April 20 City

Council meeting.