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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 01/12/2005LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting January 12, 2005 Minutes City Council Liaison: David Roy (407-7393) Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chair: W. J. "Bud" Frick, Jr. (484-1467) SUMMARY OF MEETING: LPC welcomed new member Alyson McGee. LPC approved for final review without conditions alterations at 109 S. Sherwood St.; found 517 E. Laurel St. individually eligible for landmark designation and would retain its eligibility with proposed alterations; recommended 115 Riverside Ave., 532 S. Taft Hill Road, 220 S. Sherwood St. and the garage at 501 Stover St. for Fort Collins Landmark designation, and found 129 N. Sherwood not individually eligible for designation. The LPC approved final design for alterations at 501 Stover and a request to expand the patio at CooperSmith's Pub and Brewing, #5 Old Town Square. The Commission also heard a presentation on Old Town Alley Enhancements and an update on work in progress at 140-142 S. College Ave. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Commission called to order with a quorum present by Chairman Bud Frick at 5:35 p.m. at 281 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado. Angie Aguilera, Agnes Dix, Alyson McGee, Janet Ore and Ian Shuff were present. Heather Donohue was excused. Joe Frank, Karen McWilliams and Carol Tunner represented City staff. No City Council members were present. GUESTS: Ben and Elizabeth Mozer, owners, Kevin Murray of Empire Carpentry and Tim Vaughan, 123 S. Sherwood St., for 109 S. Sherwood St.; David Lingle, owner/architect, for 517 E. Laurel St.; Arthur and Rebecca Gonzales, owners, for 532 S. Taft Hill Road, Cook/Reese House; Michael Braskich and Bianca Katz, owners, for 115 Riverside Ave., First Fort Collins Public School/Catholic Church; Mona Frayer, owner, Dick Noyes, contractor, and Dick Anderson, architect, for 501 Stover St., Dukes/Dunlap House; Scott Smith, Ted Devitt, partners, and Dawn Oglesby, designer, for #5 Old Town Square, CooperSmith's Pub and Brewing; Leroy and Marie Twarogowski, owners, for 220 S. Sherwood St., Snook/Hale House; Chip Steiner, Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority, Earen Russell and Brad Smith, EDAW, and Kathleen Benedict, City of Fort Collins Senior Parks Planner, for Fort Collins Downtown Alleys, Trimble and Tenney Courts. AGENDA REVIEW: Carol Tunner distributed a revised agenda at the beginning of the meeting. She announced that, due to the length of the agenda, the scheduled presentation on the grocery tax repeal initiative would be postponed. PUBLIC COMMENT: Chairman Bud Frick asked if anyone present wished to address items not on the agenda. There were no comments. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 2 STAFF REPORTS: Carol Tunner introduced the new LPC member, Alyson McGee, public outreach coordinator for the State Historical Fund, and announced that the other member, Heather Donohue, would not be attending this evening's meeting. Ms. Tunner reminded the Commission once again of the Saving Places CPI conference in Denver February 2-5. As part of the conference, a free grant workshop is being held on February 2; an additional workshop is scheduled for Greeley on January 28. Ms. McGee recommended the second Denver session for anyone who would like to learn how the SHF evaluates grants or would like to become a grant reader. Fort Collins will be honored for receiving the Preserve America Community designation at the Conference luncheon on Friday, February 4, which Ms. Tunner urged LPC members to attend if at all possible, and again at a press conference and public reception preceding the February 1 City Council meeting, beginning at 4 p.m., which LPC members should also attend. The new Boards and Commissions Manual from the City Clerk was distributed, along with the SHF standards and guidelines brochure. Karen McWilliams announced that a public open house on proposed code changes will be held on Tuesday, January 25, 4:30-7 p.m., at 281 N. College Ave. LPC members should plan to attend. The code issue will go before City Council on February 8. COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS: Bud Frick and Ian Shuff attended the Downtown Development Authority meeting. Mr. Frick reported that the DDA approved funds for projects at 301 S. College Ave., directly south of the Armstrong Hotel, 130 S. College Ave., the old Brotherton Office Supply, 140-142 S. College Ave., the Alpert Building, and discussed plans for the Shrader Oil site. MINUTES: Minutes of Nov. 3 and Dec. 1, 2004, were approved as presented DEMOLITION/ALTERATION REVIEW 109 S. Sherwood St., Final Review — Ben and Elizabeth Mozer, owners; Kevin Murray, Empire Carpentry; introduced by Karen McWilliams. A preliminary hearing for alterations proposed for this property was conducted on July 14, 2004. At this hearing, the Landmark Preservation Commission found that the home is individually eligible for designation as a Fort Collins Landmark for its architectural significance, and that the alterations proposed for the residence would negatively impact this eligibility. The applicants are proposing to demolish the back porch, kitchen and small exterior addition to the home — approximately 200 sq. ft. total — and adding a two-story addition of 1244 sq. ft. to include a new bedroom and two bathrooms. The applicants have complied with the provisions of Section 14-72 of the Fort Collins Code, the Demolition/Alteration Review Process, and staff recommends approving the application for alterations without conditions. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 3 Karen McWilliams reported that after public notification, two comments were received on the project, both in favor and none opposed. Alyson McGee asked if there were any plans showing the alterations. Ms. McWilliams explained that at this point in the process the delay is simply to allow public input on the project; the LPC had reviewed the proposed plans before Ms. McGee joined the Commission. She added that those plans for a two-story addition over the back of the house have been modified. Kevin Murray said the new plans call for a one-story addition on the back and a two-story on the side. He added that the owners have tried to address some of the questions raised at the original LPC hearing, particularly in more clearly differentiating the original building from the addition. Public input: Tim Vaughan, 123 S. Sherwood St., spoke in favor of the project, saying he was in complete support of the revised additions. He added that he appreciated the process that informed the neighbors, and he preferred the addition on the side to the back pop-up as originally proposed. Dr. Ore reminded the applicants if the addition causes the home to lose its historical significance, it would no longer be eligible for the zero -interest loan program or other financial benefits. Elizabeth Mozer said they realize that, but with the addition their family will be able to live in the house comfortably. Angie Aguilera moved that the LPC approve for final hearing the alterations to the house at 109 S. Sherwood St. Ian Shuff seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. 2. 517 E. Laurel St., Determination of Eligibility and Possible Preliminary Hearing — David Lingle, owner/architect; introduced by Karen McWilliams. Ian Shuff recused himself, completed a conflict of interest form, and left the room for deliberation of this item. This residence was built in 1908; it is located outside the boundaries of the Laurel School National Register District. The property is not designated, but the 1997 East Side/West Side Neighborhoods survey contained a field determination of the property's eligibility as "contributing to a district/potential district." The most notable alteration to the home is the enclosure of the front porch done in the mid1990s by the owner. Since purchasing the home in 1998, the current owner has again remodeled the front of the home, re -opening the western half of the porch. While dramatically improving the home's appearance, this alteration itself is not historic and has no historic basis, and is on the home's primary facade, affecting its most significant architectural feature. The historic integrity of other elements of the house has also been compromised through new windows, new front door and sidelights, and new roofing material. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 4 The applicant wishes to increase the livability of the home by adding additional space at the rear of the original structure, designed to attach to the original by means of a smaller, recessed connector. The addition is subordinate to the original dwelling, except for a small upper floor loft that projects four feet above the original home's roofline. Materials and design are in character with the home's Craftsman style. Staff recommended that the Commission find the home at 517 E. Laurel not to be individually eligible, because it does not retain sufficient integrity of design, materials and workmanship to qualify. The issue is coming before the LPC because the Chair of the Commission disagreed with the Director of Advance Planning over the eligibility of this property for individual designation. Commission members discussed the extent to which the alterations have changed the character of the property, and whether this residence was a good enough example to be included on the list of local landmarks, in light of the previously stated desire to raise the standards for eligibility. While Mr. Frick argued that the changes made have actually improved the house and that it retains more integrity than others that have been designated, Dr. Ore questioned how many unmodified bungalows are left in town and whether the LPC wants to apply National Register standards to determine individual eligibility for local landmark status. Ms. McGee said that while the porch enclosure seems new, the rest of the house seems to show good integrity. Public input: None. Alyson McGee moved that the LPC find the home at 517 E. Laurel St. individually eligible for Fort Collins landmark designation. Agnes Dix seconded and the motion carried, 4-1, with Angie Aguilera opposed. Because the Commission found the structure individually eligible, the proceedings progress to a preliminary hearing on the proposed alterations, to determine if they would affect the eligibility. LPC reviewed the plans as submitted, and felt the orientation of the new gable opposite the existing gable gave the appearance of a second story out of scale with the rest of the house, counter to Standard 9. Janet Ore moved that the LPC find the proposed changes to 517 E. Laurel St., specifically the dormer above the original structure, will impact the architectural integrity in such a way that it will lose its individual eligibility for Fort Collins landmark designation. Alyson McGee seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 5-0. The Commission then discussed options for modifying the design to mitigate the visual impact with Mr. Lingle. He agreed to change the orientation of the addition Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 5 to place the new gables over the existing gables, and submit new drawings showing this change to the Building Department. Janet Ore moved the LPC find that with the proposed alterations agreed to by the applicant -- specifically that the dormer gable/second story not be a cross -gable end but instead line up with the original gables — to the proposed changes, 517 E. Laurel St. will retain its individual eligibility for Fort Collins landmark designation. Agnes Dix seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 5-0. Dr. Ore said she thought this was a great house and she was glad the Commission and Mr. Lingle could come to agreement on the changes. Ian Shuff returned for the remainder of the agenda DESIGNATIONS 1. 115 Riverside Ave., First Fort Collins Public School/Catholic Church — Michael Braskich and Bianca Katz, owners; introduced by Karen McWilliams. The small, wood -frame structure on Riverside Avenue near Peterson Street was built in 1870 as Fort Collins' first public school house and predates the official establishment of the townsite of Fort Collins, making it one of the oldest buildings in the city. It was used as a school until 1897; it was converted to the first Catholic Church for the parish of Fort Collins in that same year and remained in use as a church until 1901. Since then, it has been used as a private dwelling, purchased by the current owners in 2004. The building, which remains in its original location, was entered on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980 as a contributing element of the Laurel School Historic District. The building is a Folk Victorian, rectangular, one-story wood structure on a sandstone foundation, with a front gable roof, a nearly full -width porch with a hipped roof, and stucco over wood frame walls. The structure has been fairly altered since its days as schoolhouse and church. Only the main building is being designated at this time, although two of the three outbuildings on the property are considered contributing elements and the applicants intend to keep all three intact. The applicant operates a property management firm from the home. Staff recommends individual designation of this significant property as a Fort Collins Landmark under Standards 1, 2 and 4. Janet Ore said this is an exciting little building, in remarkably good shape, and commended the applicants for seeing its importance and bringing it for designation. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 6 Public input: None. Janet Ore moved that the LPC recommend 115 Riverside Avenue for individual designation as a Fort Collins landmark, eligible under Standards 1, 2 and 4, for its association with persons and events significant to Fort Collins history and the very high probability of yielding information and artifacts important to the history of Fort Collins. Agnes Dix seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. 2. 532 S. Taft Hill Road, Cook/Reese House and Attached Garage — Arthur and Rebecca Gonzales, owners; introduced by Karen McWilliams. The Cook/Reese House is a minimally altered, well-preserved example of a typical mid-20th century Ranch house. When it was built in 1955, Taft Hill Road was at the edge of the city along a rural route. The house occupies nearly a half - acre of land away from the city center, and its low-pitched roof and main elongated facade faces the street in an impression of horizontal expansiveness. Its two -car garage is an integral and prominent part of the house design, as is the use of aluminum siding to create traditional detailings. A previous owner installed modem rolling garage doors. The applicant purchased the house after 2000. Staff recommends 532 S. Taft Hill Road be individually designated as a Fort Collins Landmark under Standard #3, embodying the distinctive characteristic of a type, period or method of construction. Ms. McGee said it was interesting that this house is coming forward for designation at this time. Mr. Frick explained that the LPC and the City are considering doing a context study of buildings from this period; Dr. Ore added that, since this house is in such good condition, its designation would be setting the bar high to start. Owner Arthur Gonzales, who works in technical support for data systems at Hewlett-Packard, commended Elizabeth Michell of the Advance Planning Department for the well -written staff report on the house. He asked the report be amended to correct his occupation, who installed the new garage doors, and to change "exposed rafters' to "battens" in the description of the house. He added that the interior is also in immaculate condition, like a little time capsule from the 1950s. Public input: None. Angie Aguilera moved that the LPC recommend 532 S. Taft Hill Road for individual designation as an Fort Collins landmark, eligible under Standards 3, for its historical and architectural significance to the Fort Collins community, with minor amendments to the application as discussed. Agnes Dix seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 7 Dr. Ore congratulated the applicants on designating a 1950s house. 3. 501 Stover St., Dukes/Dunlap Garage — Mona Frayer, owner, Dick Noyes, contractor, and Dick Anderson, architect, introduced by Karen McWilliams. On Dec. 8, 2004, the Commission considered landmark designation of the Dukes/Dunlap property, which contains both a house, built c. 1898, and a garage, built c. 1925. While the LPC found the house to be eligible for designation, they felt that there was insufficient information provided to determine the eligibility of the garage. The owner has supplied the additional information, photographs, regarding the garage for this meeting. The garage was likely constructed for the second owners of the property, the Samuel Dunlap family, between 1920 and 1930. The wood -frame, detached, single -car garage features narrow horizontal drop siding, painted white, and is designed to allow a car to pass completely through. It features two sliding automotive doors, on the west off the alley and on the east facing the house, still mounted on original hardware. The applicant intends to remove a historic but poorly constructed addition that shows evidence of deterioration and structural failure. Public input: None. Janet Ore moved that the LPC recommend the garage at 501 Stover St. for individual designation as an Fort Collins landmark, under Standard 3, for its historical and architectural significance. Alyson McGee seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. CURRENT REVIEW 1. 501 Stover St., Dukes/Dunlap House — Conceptual/Final Design Review for Removing Siding and Adding Handicapped Ramp — Mona Frayer, owner, Dick Noyes, contractor, and Dick Anderson, architect; introduced by Carol Tunner. The applicant is converting this designated home to an office and would like to take off the nonhistoric asbestos siding and repair the wood dropped siding underneath. She also needs to add a wheelchair ramp and proposes to place it on the north side of the house. It will use the gradually rising landscape approach to the side porch floor with a concrete walkway. The porch door will have to be widened; Ms. Tunner said the contractor is looking for a four -panel door in the correct width. Staff recommends approving the proposed work, if the old siding is actually repairable. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 8 Commission members had concerns about possible drainage issues around the proposed handicapped ramp, which Dick Noyes said they recognize will require redesigning. Mr. Frick urged him to leave as much space between the side porch and the ramp as possible, to avoid creating more drainage problems in the future. Mr. Noyes said that they are no longer planning to replace the windows, as shown on the plans, but will be using storm windows. The front door will also be retained; he said it was a real antique. Replacing the siding will have to wait, due to the $15,000 price tag for the required access ramp. Ian Shuff suggested ordering a new 36-inch wide four -panel exterior -grade door for the side porch entrance. He also suggested using similar materials for the tongue -and -groove flooring on the porch, perhaps Douglas fir or pine painted with a high-grade exterior paint, since it's such a major element. Public input: None. Janet Ore moved that the LPC accept the final design review the plans for 501 Stover St., with the following changes: 1. Set the handicapped ramp back as far as possible from the porch, a minimum of 16 inches; 2. Replace the door on the side porch with a wider door for handicapped accessibility, as long as the door replicates as close as possible the original door; 3. Repair and when necessary replace materials on the porches, so that renovations replicate as close as possible the historic materials; 4. Perform test removal of the existing asbestos siding to see the condition of the siding underneath, and if it can be removed and repaired; and 5. Repair and repoint the mortar on the sandstone foundation following the National Parks Service Preservation Brief guidelines on repointing, in keeping with original color, style and strength of mortar. Alyson McGee seconded. Bud Frick offered a friendly amendment that the front door is to remain as is and that the note that replacement of windows to match style and profile of existing is no longer applicable; Ms. McGee accepted the friendly amendment and the amended motion carried unanimously, 6-0. Mr. Noyes asked if the siding underneath proves to be unrepairable, would it be acceptable to leave the existing siding in place? Mr. Frick said yes, and cautioned him to keep whatever is removed for the test intact so it can be replaced. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 9 2. 5 Old Town Square, CooperSmith's Pub and Brewing — Patio Expansion, Conceptual/Final Review — Scott Smith, Ted Devitt, partners, Dawn Oglesby, designer; introduced by Carol Tunner. CooperSmith's occupies two buildings with glass sheds at this address: the restaurant and brewery is in Building 5, Suite 111, while the billiard/pizza hall is across the entry alley in Building 7, Suite 114. The applicant would like to put new doors and entrance awnings on both suites and expand the entry to Suite 114 by adding outdoor patio seating/fencing and opening up two bays of the glass shed to insert Raynor AlumaView sectional rail and stile overhead doors, to make the area an indoor/outdoor room in good weather. The two new entry doors will be wood, one painted black and one burgundy, with glass and wood panels and stainless steel kickplate below. The stretched canvas awnings over the doors will be on frames to match the northwest patio frame on the plaza. New patio seating railings will be painted to match those on E. Mountain and fitted with planter boxes. Two existing light poles in the alleyway will be removed, and new lighting will be coordinated with the Downtown Alley Revitalization. Awning and umbrella colors and fabrics will coordinate with those existing; the two entry awnings will be lit underneath to light up only the letters of signage. Owner Scott Smith explained that the overhead doors will have the net effect of changing light glass for the existing dark glass on the nonhistoric, c. 1983 glass shed. He does not want to extend the light glass to the end of the building, to preserve the privacy of an office inside the building. Mr. Frick expressed some concern that the LPC had not yet reviewed the plans for the Downtown Alley Revitalization, which would seem to have an impact on these plans. Mr. Scott said his plan has the support of the DDA, which is undertaking the alley revitalization, and the lighting changes will be made consistent with the DDA plans. Commission members felt that, since the glass sheds were not historic, the important issue was to be sure any changes are sensitive to what they are. Carol Tunner pointed out that there is some precedent for garage doors on the alley, since at one time Building 7 was a garage, with gas pumps in the alley. Janet Ore thought that light glass, and the effect when the doors are open, could improve the alley by making it lighter overall. Ms. Tunner reminded members that the Old Town guidelines require that only the letters of signs or awnings, not the background, can be illuminated. Public input: None. Ian Shuff moved that the LPC approve the request for glass overhead doors at CooperSmith's, #7 Old Town Square, with dark bronze finish, and adding two new entrance canopies on both sides of the alley, including the builder -style fence detail canopy and the canopy colors to match that of the Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 10 existing ones on the west elevation; signage will be backlit to meet Old Town design guidelines. The LPC also approves removal of existing entry doors and replacement with new ones in the proposed color scheme. Janet Ore seconded and the motion carried unanimously, 6-0. DISCUSSION ITEM Fort Collins Downtown Alleys, Trimble and Tenney Courts — Revitalization — Brad Smith and Earen Russell, EDAW Landscaping; Chip Steiner, Executive Director, Downtown Development Authority, and Kathleen Benedict, City of Fort Collins Senior Parks Planning manager; introduced by Carol Tunner. Carol Tunner explained that all of the public spaces in Old Town are designated, giving the LPC purview over Trimble Court and the rear of the landmarked Woolworth Building in Tenney Court. Chip Steiner provided background on the project. For two years the DDA has been working on enhancing the cultural aspects of the central business district, which includes turning the alley system into a pedestrian network. Two of the most utilized alleys — Trimble Court and Tenney Court -- are to be turned into pedestrian -active areas. The DDA is also taking over the maintenance (through the parks dept.) of the Old Town Plaza, and proposes renovating it as well as to make it better than it was when it was built in 1984. Brad Smith made a presentation on the major design elements of the proposed Old Town Enhancements, as developed from a design charette held at the end of 2004. The presentation included designs for the entrances to Old Town at College Ave., Remington and Linden Sts. as well as for Trimble and Tenney Courts. Some of the elements included new pavers and light standards, seasonal vegetation in planters, replacement trees, strand lighting across the alleys, trompe d'oeil murals and historical markers embedded in new alley paving. Mr. Smith said metal trim would be black throughout, and negotiations are underway with tenants about placement of ironwork cages containing trash compactors in the alley. Kathleen Benedict confirmed that the only vehicular traffic to be allowed in Trimble and Tenney Courts will be for maintenance; reversible bollards will control access. Ms. Tunner read the Old Town Design Guidelines concerning public spaces, and pointed out that enhancement of the streets and alleys is allowed as long as the enhancements do not obscure the 45-degree street grid. Janet Ore expressed concern that the attachment of planters to buildings be done in the mortar, not the bricks. Alyson McGee shared Dr. Ore's concern over the planter attachment, and suggested that the planters would be better attached to the light posts. In general she felt that the Tenney Court design had a European look that would not be Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 11 appropriate in a town such as Fort Collins, with its western agricultural origins. She would like the design concepts to be closer to the town's historical development. Agnes Dix felt the planters as shown in the sketches of Tenney Court were overpowering, and gave her the impression of the alley being turned into an outdoor fern bar. Brad Smith said it would be possible to simplify the planters and bring down their scale. He added that EDAW was aware of the fastener issues. Ms. Dix asked how they planned to attach planters to the stucco surfaces. Mr. Smith said they intended to remove the stucco, find the mortar joints for attachment, and patch it back up. He added the murals would have historic themes. Dr. Ore did not want to see the alleys obscured; they need to be accessible even if they are gussied up. Mr. Smith acknowledged that Trimble and Tenney Courts have different uses. Ms. McGee said she would prefer to see the existing windows in the historic buildings restored to open up the space rather than painted murals. Mr. Smith said that right now, Tenney Court is a wind tunnel and an unfriendly pedestrian space. Dr. Ore suggested that's part of what an alley is. Ian Shuff said that while he liked the concepts presented, he would like to see the detailing toned down a notch, in particular the swirling pavers at the entrance to Tenney Court intended to represent the flowing waters of the Cache La Poudre River. He said the design was nice, but asked if it was realistic. Dr. Ore added that Tenney Court gets a lot of pedestrian traffic from the nearby parking garage. Mr. Smith explained that the goal was to create viability for the space: If the space becomes inviting enough to get pedestrians to move through it, maybe the adjacent eateries can put tables out there, and if there are tables out there, maybe it will entice more pedestrians to move through it. It's a chicken -and -the -egg thing. Ms. Dix asked what provisions had been made for drainage and the present accumulation of ice in Tenney Court. Mr. Smith said the plan was to route the downspouts directly into the storm sewers and make sure they work. Ms. McGee asked about plans for snow removal, and whether they had considered installing heaters underneath the pavers. Chip Steiner replied that such a feature would be beyond the budget. Bud Frick said that he, too, liked the concept of making the alleys part of the pedestrian network. But he felt that as presented, the designs offered a Disneyland effect, with too much going on. The visual overload would actually detract from the surrounding historic buildings when the purpose of enhancements is to add to them. He suggested simplifying the light fixtures and reducing their scale, for example. He offered to create a design subcommittee of the LPC to work with EDAW to refine the design details. Ms. Benedict said there is no time for that, since the City would like to put the project out for bid in February. She thought it would be better to have EDAW incorporate the LPC's suggestions into the final design and that they didn't need the LPC's approval. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 12 Again staff reiterated that the LPC did have purview over the work and needed to approve the final design. In that case, Mr. Frick provided detailed instructions on changes he would like to see: Simplify the light fixtures; simplify the pavers; eliminate the strand lights; get rid of the planters attached to the walls, and in general tone the design down by 50 percent. Earen Russell said that, although she did not have them with her at the moment because she was told not to bring them, she had discovered historic photos showing strand lights in use over Mountain Avenue. She also pointed out that historically there never was just one style of light fixture in downtown. Mr. Frick explained that the overload of detail makes the proposed design look cutesy. Mr. Smith explained that there will be more space between the fixtures than what is there now. Mr. Frick countered that simpler fixtures won't create a visual overload, and he would prefer something closer to a pole with a globe on top. Ms. McGee added that they should reconsider the impact of the number and type of trees proposed on pedestrians being able to see the historic buildings. And Fort Collins historically did not have many trees downtown. Mr. Frick added other items he'd like to see changed: The railings in Trimble Court should be simpler, to let the proposed plantings do the work of breaking up the space, and the wall opposite the Trimble Court Artisans building should not be covered. He liked the sconces proposed for that wall, because they are unobtrusive yet provide needed illumination. Ms. Dix expressed concern that with the level of detail proposed, the alleys would become more complex than other, more public spaces in Old Town. Mr. Shuff agreed, adding that the larger size items would be appropriate at the entrances to Old Town, but should be scaled down for the alleys. Ms. Russell explained that historically, Trimble Court was supposed to be a street; the alley was accidental. Ms. Tunner asked if EDAW had looked at recreating the historic arch leading into Trimble Court. Ms. Russell said they had, but when the arch had existed, there were no windows in the surrounding buildings. Now they would be obscured unless the arch rose higher than it was originally, which would present serious challenges to attaching it. Ms. Tunner asked if it would be possible to create a business directory mural, perhaps with a historic style finger sign pointing down the alley, to direct pedestrians into the court shops. Ms. Russell said there was historic precedent for such a sign, although Mr. Frick was concerned with how often it would need to be changed. Ms. Tunner suggested a changeable attached signage system. Ms. McGee asked if the LPC would see the changes made to the design based on tonight's discussion. Dr. Ore said they would be required to come back for approval. Karen McWilliams felt a subcommittee to work with EDAW on incorporating the Commission's input could actually save time by avoiding tweaking the changes when Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 13 they come back. Dr. Ore pointed out that Commission members did have the opportunity to participate in the previous design charette, but apologized for not attending because it was final's week at CSU; Ms. Dix said she did attend and commented on the original plans at that time. The plans shown tonight did address some of her concerns, she added. Mr. Frick repeated the offer to form a design subcommittee; Ms. Benedict said her department would let the LPC know. Dr. Ore felt that the ideas of EDAW and the LPC weren't really that far apart at this point. Ms. McGee agreed, saying that improving the alleys would be an enhancement for Old Town. OTHER BUSINESS 1. 220 S. Sherwood St., Snook/Hale House and Two Garages — Landmark Designation — Leroy and Marie Twarogowski, owners; introduced by Karen McWilliams. Constructed circa 1920, the Snook/Hale House was designed and built by architect Harvey Hale as his residence. Its outstanding feature, and one that is relatively rare now in Fort Collins, is the porte-cochere. Staff recommends the house and its associated garages qualify for individual designation as a Fort Collins Landmark property under Preservation Standard #3, embodying the distinctive characteristics of a type, period and method of construction and contributes to the historical and architectural significance of Fort Collins. Ms. McWilliams added that the only major alteration to the house is the front window, which has been replaced with aluminum and storm windows. She said the applicants would like to restore it to its Craftsman style. Marie Twarogowski, whose mother owned the house until her death in 2001, said some of the original Craftsman built-ins are still intact in the interior, including a cherry wood bench. Ian Shuff said it was a beautiful house. Public input: None. Janet Ore moved that the LPC recommend the designation of the 220 S. Sherwood, the Snook/Hale House and two garages as an individual Fort Collins Landmark under Standard #3, for its architectural significance. Agnes Dix seconded and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. Dr. Ore commended the applicants on the thorough research and presentation of the application. 2. Determination of Eligibility, 129 N. Sherwood — no applicant present, introduced by Karen McWilliams. Landmark Preservation Commission January 12, 2005, Meeting Minutes Page 14 Ms. McWilliams explained that the owner has placed this c. 1920 property on the market, and is interested in obtaining historic designation for the available financial benefits. Staff recommends the Commission not find it individually eligible, although the West Side Neighborhood Survey found it could contribute to a potential historic district. Ms. McGee observed that the addition to the rear and side of the main building is not architecturally compatible. Ian Shuff agreed, adding that with the altered front porch, he would consider this a borderline property. Agnes Dix moved that the LPC find that the Craftsman -style bungalow at 129 N. Sherwood could contribute to a potential historic district but is not individually eligible for landmark designation. Ian Shuff seconded and the motion passed unanimously, 6-0. 3. 140-142 S. College Ave., The Alpert Building — Rear Elevation Window Conceptual Review — Bud Frick, owner's representative; introduced by Carol Tunner. Bud Frick removed himself from the Commission in order to act as applicant for his own building. He has a conflict of interest form on file for this building. He provided an update on the work being done. The project will receive funds from the Downtown Development Authority for work on the existing and proposed facade. He reviewed the window changes on the alley (east) side. Commission members had no issues with the work as it is progressing. Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Kate Jeracki, Recorder January 26, 2005 n