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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 08/22/2001r LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting August 22, 2001 Minutes Council Liaison: Eric Hamrick (225-2343) Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chairperson: Per Hogestad (416-7285) SUMMARY OF MEETING: The buildings at the James Ross Homestead, 1600 West Horsetooth, were determined to be ineligible as Fort Collins Landmarks, though Staff will look into finding a new location for the original house. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Per Hogestad called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m. at 281 North College Avenue. Commission members Per Hogestad, Bud Frick, Angie Aguilera, Janet Ore, Myrne Watrous, and Agnes Dix were present. Angela Milewski was absent (excused). Carol Tunner and Karen McWilliams represented staff. GUESTS: Brett Larimer (and son) for the James Ross Homestead. AGENDA REVIEW: Item Number 2 has been removed from the agenda. STAFF REPORTS: Ms. Tunner passed around pamphlets regarding upcoming meetings: History Weekend in Durango, a Restoration and Renovation meeting, and a nomination form for State-wide Endangered Places in 2002. 11 COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: None. Approval of June 13 Minutes: No changes. Approval of June 27 Minutes: No changes. Determination of Eligibility: 1. James Ross Homestead, 1600 W. Horsetooth (Brett Larimer) The buildings on the property are a combination of historic and more recent structures. Three structures are considered particularly noteworthy; the hexagonal granary, which has now been condemned; the single -wing barn; and the proving -up house. The pump house also contributes to the historic character of the farm complex. The farm's setting and character will be substantially impacted by the applicant's proposed multi -family development plan for the property. It is currently unclear as to whether the proving -up house is the actual proving up house and not a later construction, and additional research is warranted. If it is indeed a proving -up house, it is the only known one in Fort Collins. Staff suggested that, in relocating the proving -up house, the location should be associated with the Ross family or with agriculture, where it could be interpreted. The first choice would be the Fort Collins Museum. Other locations could include Rossborough Park, Lee Martinez Park, or 2808 CR38E at the Nellie Fraser/Overland Trail Stage Station Site. Landmark Preservation Commission August 22, 2001 Meeting Minutes Page 2 The issue before the LPC is to determine eligibility of the buildings of the James Ross Homestead. Staff recommends that the LPC find the property at 1600 West Horsetooth Road not eligible for designation as a Fort Collins Landmark. Public input: None. Mr. Hogestad asked if the LPC can revisit the eligibility of the proving up house building after it is moved. McWilliams replied that this is possible, and added that the building has already been moved from its original location. Ms. Watrous asked how it came about that this building has come up now for discussion for eligibility. Ms. McWilliams replied that anytime a property is going to be developed, the Historic Preservation Office is contacted about any buildings 50 years old or older. This acreage is being developed, and so the Historic Preservation Office was contacted. Ms. Ore said that it is very hard to vote in cases like this where there is not enough information to go on. When eligibility is determined, it's based on the building at the time, not based on what is going to happen to it in the future. Ms. McWilliams added, however, that if the building is left where it is, when the new buildings are built around it, it becomes a relic. Even if it has historic significance as the proving -up house, it loses its significance on its current site. The LPC could determine that it is significant, and also say that it can be moved. Mrs. Tunner has spoken to people in the community who are familiar with the farm, primarily Ms. Jean Allard (James Ross' granddaughter), who says that it is, indeed, the proving up house. The owner, however, believes that such is not the case and is currently using the building as a doghouse. The option remains, however, that at a later date, if the house is relocated to an appropriate property and determined to be the historic Ross Proving -Up House, that the LPC can determine that the house is eligible as a Fort Collins Landmark. Regardless of the LPC's determination tonight, there is recourse for re-evaluating the proving - up house. Motion: Mr. Frick moved that the property at 1600 West Horsetooth Road, all the buildings included, are not eligible for designation as a Fort Collins landmark. Seconded by Aguilera. Motion passes: Vote 4-1 with Ms. Ore abstaining due to the need for further information. Meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Minutes submitted by Connie Merrill, Secretary Training Video: "Defensible Decision -Making: Preservation Commissions and the Law." Agnes Dix, Angie Aguilera, Myme Watrous, Janet Ore, Bud Frick, Per Hogestad, Carol Tunner and Karen McWilliams attending.