The Historic Landmarks Commission heard an update Dec. 3 on a revised nonresidential proposal at 301 East (revised from ~39,800 to ~41,700 net sq ft). The development would place two buildings around a courtyard on a 3‑acre lot, provide habitat restoration at the adjacent Laguna Channel and about 98 vehicle spaces.

Applicant representatives emphasized landscape changes: simplified hardscape, larger planted islands, consolidated permeable paving and a full native restoration plan for the channel edge. Designers said they removed a palm‑lined driveway idea in favor of a more natural approach that ties into the restoration area and proposed specimen Monterey pines and a mix of sycamores and oaks at the entry.

Commissioners questioned pedestrian access by the channel (staff and applicants confirmed the channel will not be made publicly accessible and a 42‑inch split rail or wrought‑iron fence aligns with the top‑of‑bank constraints), asked for clearer civil/landscape sheet references, and flagged long‑term maintenance and durability concerns about permeable paving. A union representative asked the commission to encourage local hiring and prevailing‑wage requirements; commissioners noted labor and contracting conditions fall under separate city review processes.

The commission found the project updates generally supportable but continued the item with comments about preferred fence siting, a clearer landscape planting schedule, lighting, and permeable paving details to be provided with the next submittal.