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Published on 07/28/1999 All articles from this issue

Design issues with Marriott plan

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The Los Altos Architectural and Site Control Committee delayed reviewing Marriott Courtyard plans at its meeting July 14, so developers can do a redesign.

The night before, at the July 13 city council meeting, developers heard neighbor concerns about the hotel's design. The developers will be responding to them, Kornfield said.

At the city council meeting, the main concern of neighbors and the school district had been the hotel entrance on Los Altos Avenue.

John Challas, a Los Altos resident and one of the developers, said that the redesign will include relocating the proposed hotel so that all entrances and exits will face El Camino Real.

Neighbors want the Marriott Courtyard to replace the Four Seasons, a site one said "looks like a slum."

Neighbors also objected to the side of the building that faced El Camino Real and said they want it modulated to reduce bulk. They also want the height reduced and the setback from El Camino Real increased.

As is, "It's an industrial-strength hotel," said Payne Freret. He said other Marriott Courtyards in the Bay Area have from 143-163 rooms. This one would have 194.

"It's shoe-horned onto this lot," he said. "It's too big, too tall." The Four Seasons is 24 feet tall; the Marriott would be 46 feet tall.

Many were concerned about increased traffic. More than 100 students cross El Camino Real to attend Los Altos Schools, said Marge Gratiot, superintendent of the Los Altos School District.

- Joanne Griffith Domingue