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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 06/27/2001LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting June 27, 2001 Minutes Council Liaison: Eric Hamrick Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chairperson: Per Hogestad (416-7285) SUMMARY OF MEETING: The LPC approved the proposed designations for the properties at 425 Tenth Street, the John and Inez Romera House, and 520 S. Howes Street, the Joseph Baines House. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Per Hogestad called the meeting to order at 5:45 p.m. at 281 North College Avenue. Commission members Per Hogestad, Myrna Watrous, Agnes Dix, and Bud Frick were present. Angela Milewski, Angela Aguilera, and Janet Ore were absent. Karen McWilliams represented staff. GUESTS: Tony Muscott and Constance O'Brien for the Deines Barn and Twin Silos; Joan Mangle, for 425 Tenth Street. AGENDA REVIEW: No changes. STAFF REPORTS: The historic Harmony Store has been purchased by Dave Lawsor (the owner of Preston Farm) who will move the store back to the site and use it as either a gas station museum or as part of his State Farm office. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: None Designation: 1) 425 Tenth Street, the John and Inez Romero House (Joan Mangle). This dwelling is architecturally eligible as an excellent example of adobe architecture, which is uncommon in Ft. Collins, and also historically significant because of its relationship to the sugar beet factory history, and for . Finally, it is important because John and Inez Romero were active in the Hispanic community. Adobe houses were rarely built in this area. Once the home is restored, it will become a museum. Home will eventually be owned by Ft. Collins and managed by Poudre Landmarks Foundation. Staff recommendation is to whole-heartedly recommend the property's designation as a Fort Collins Landmark. Ms. Watrous commented that she is pleased that the more modem additions will be removed. Landmark Preservation Commission February 14, 2001 Meeting Minutes Page 2 The condition of the materials still needs to be assessed. The first four rooms that were built, from 1927-1940, will become the museum. Removal of the gabled roof in front is planned, as well as porch on west side. Ms. Watrous asked if the clothesline could also be designated. Ms. Joan Mangle replied that there are definite plans for the clothesline, as well as plans for replacing the cistern. They would like to make it into a living museum, with depression era furniture and clothes, and so on. Ms. McWilliams said that a designation typically includes the whole lot, clothesline poles and all, though the Poudre Landmarks Foundation is careful with these things, designated or not. Ms. Dix moved that the Ft. Collins John and Inez Romera house be designated as a Historical property for its construction and its historical importance to the community, as well as for the family that has lived their continuously. Seconded by Ms. Watrous. Approved unanimously, 4-0. Mr. Hogestad added that he would like to see the whole area have its historic importance recognized. 2) 520 S. Howes, the Joseph Baines House (Chris Ray). This house represents late 19th Century residential architecture. The house was built in 1890. Staff recommends approving this request for Fort Collins Landmark designation of the Joseph Baines House. The owners are currently removing the brick addition, and the LPC recognizes that the designation is recommended knowing that this work is in progress. It is understood that the final result will match the current masonry work. The brick needs to match, have the same face surface, have appropriate foundation repair, the same brick hardness, etc. Ms. Dix asked if the house was sold after Cora Riddell died or after Earle Riddell died? Ms. McWilliams replied that it was sold after Mrs. Riddell died. The designation includes only the west 93 feet of lot 14 and the west 93 feet of the south two feet of lot 13 of block 105 Harrison addition. It is essentially the footprint of the building. The rest of the property is not under consideration for designation. Mr. Frick moved that the LPC recommend for designation, with the added stipulation that the current removal of the north brick addition be reconstructed with the appropriate footing and foundation work to avoid resettling of the foundation, and that the same, existing available brick be used. Landmark Preservation Commis February 14, 2001 Meeting Minutes Page 3 If new brick needs to be added, it must be the same physical size, hardness, and the mortar joint be the same as the main structure. And, a friendly amendment that the existing window be repaired and replaced in the same location, including the same window and sill. Seconded by Ms. Dix. Motion approved unanimously, 4-0. Other Business: Tony Muscott and Connie O'Brien raised questions about the Deines Barn, located just south of Trilby Street on South College Ave, on the 5000 block. Ms. O'Brien purchased a home in this subdivision and is on the subcommittee of homeowners in charge of taking care of the barn. The current president of the homeowners association wants the barn to be gone, either removed or moved to a different location. Ms. O'Brien and Mr. Muscott wanted to know if the barn has been designated, and what might be done with it. The homeowners themselves are split on the decision of what to do with the barn. They would like to know what is allowable for a designated building. Complications have arisen because the developer did not deed this building over to US Homes, so it is not clear who owns the barn. The barn has been designated, but it was designated with an incorrect signature. Ms. McWilliams believes that the LPC needs the current property owner's signature to make the designation valid. Ms. O'Brien asked who has the authority to sign that paperwork. Ms. McWilliams replied that it is either the owner of the property, or the representative of the homeowners' association. There is probably one person who has authority over legal agreements. Mr. Muscott asked about the land. Did that get designated too, along with the barn? Mr. Hogestad asked what the original designation says. Ms. McWilliams replied that she does not know. The added that, at this point, they probably should get the valid signature, and work out who owns the building. When working with historic properties there are four possibilities for how to deal with the building. You can restore it to its original condition, rehabilitate by making it useful for what you'd like to use it for now, reconstruct it, or preserve (keep it exactly as it is right now). Mr. Muscott added that some homeowners in the area are concerned that the barn will be used so often that it will bring congestion into the area. Mr. Hogestad replied that the homeowners will be able to decide how much and for what the barn is used. It will not become public property just because it's designated. Meeting adjourned at 6:32 p.m. Minutes submitted by Connie Merrill, Secretary