Art studio plan gets commission review
by Cheryl Gilman

Michael Braden, a professional artist and sculptor, as well as a trained architect, presented design plans for his artist and sculpture studio and residence at 914 Bryant Place at a concept review at the Planning Commission meeting in City Chambers Wednesday night.
He said, "Both my wife and I will live and work in the proposed project. The sculpture and art studio are a private workshop area only with no retail sales. It will be gated with occasional studio visits by appointment only to major collectors and museums."
Braden's work is from small to monumental. A steel-frame building will house an internal 10-ton crane and loading dock. The studios will be insulated against noise. Braden said, "I built a similar structure in a comparable derelict area in Seattle. It became the seed that other artists imitated and subsequently improved the site."
The sculptor does both stone work and welding, both activities that comply with the requirements for the light industrial zoned area at Bryant street.
Braden said, "The buildings will be constructed of corrugated metal and stucco, materials that are durable, weather well, and will fit into the community. There will be over 12,000 square feet of landscaping."
To support future ownership of the property, Braden is allowing room for 11 parking spaces although he will only need four plus the two-car garage space required for private custodial residences. He said, "It is our hope that by maintaining a landscaped area for future concerns, that the Planning Department/Commission can reduce the required off-street parking and be assured of future development need. The reduction in hardscape for parking would reduce run-off water to the sewer system, reduce excess reflected/absorbed heat, and reduce the financial burden of developing an unused parking area. Both my wife and I are committed to developing an aesthetically pleasing and affordable project which contributes to the quality of life in Ojai."
All the Planning Commissioners appeared impressed. Commissioner John Mirk said, "I like the way you are accommodating 11 spaces for a future owner."
Other items on the agenda Wednesday evening passed without a whisper of opposition.
The Commission agreed to approve the request by Around the Corner & Co art gallery on S. Montgomery Street for two business signs and a wall-mounted painting that have been there. They also approved a conditional use permit and architectural review for Andy and Sigrid Bressler for a second-dwelling unit and attached garage at their residence on Longhorn Lane; and another for Robert Macy on Foothill Road.
The next Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for Feb. 20 at 7:30.

© 2002 The Ojai Valley News

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