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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 10/13/1999LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting October 13, 1999 Minutes Council Liaison: Scott Mason (226 — 4824) Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chairperson: Per Hogestad (303-292-1875) SUMMARY OF MEETING: The LPC approved the Local Landmark designations of 515-515 1/2 South Meldrum and 626 South Meldrum. Re -roofing, gutters, and porch railing construction at 231 South Howes were approved for Local Landmark review and Landmark Rehabilitation grant funds. The LPC approved the exterior rehabilitation of the Nelson Milk House for Local Landmark review. The LPC reviewed the site plan for the proposed addition to the C&S Depot. Timothy Wilder, City Planner, presented ideas and plans for the Downtown River Corridor. Bob Palmer, Facilities Project Manager, presented an update on the disposition of the Strauss/Strang Smith Pioneer Cabins. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Per Hogestad, called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m., at 281 North College Avenue. Commission members Angela Milewski, Angie Aguilera, Agnes Dix, Bud Frick, and Janet Ore were present. Rande Pouppirt was absent. Joe Frank, Carol Tunner, and Karen McWilliams represented staff. Timothy Wilder, City Planner, was also present. GUESTS: Jamie Nichols, Advance Planning intern; Jack Gianola, City Facilities Project Manager and Dave Lingle, Aller-Lingle Architects, for the proposed addition to the C&S Depot, Multimodal Transit Center; David Alciatore and Diane Reiser, owners, 626 S. Meldrum; Bob Palmer, Facilities Project Manager. AGENDA REVIEW: None. STAFF REPORTS: Ms. Tunner provided the revised LPC member list. She also introduced Jamie Nichols, the new office intern. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: Mr. Frick reported that he, Mr. Hogestad, and Ms. McWilliams had visited the pipe stave garage, at 927 LaPorte Avenue. Ms. McWilliams explained that the owner had approached City staff with a demolition request for the garage. The garage was constructed from old wooden water pipe staves. Mr. Frick described the details of the construction. The owner would allow the City to move the structure. The home that was associated with the garage was extensively remodeled in the 1980s, and has no integrity. The garage is significant for the materials from which it is constructed. Mr. Frick said that he found an old newspaper article with a man standing next to water pipes, which were from the Greeley Waterworks building. He thought that it would be easy to take apart and move the garage. Ms. McWilliams announced that they needed volunteers on Saturday, October 23, 1999 to take it apart and move it to the old Waterworks property. Landmark Preservation Commission October 13, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 2 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Mr. Hogestad noted that he was present at the August 11, 1999 LPC meeting. Ms. Aguilera moved to approve the August 11, 1999 LPC meeting minutes with Mr. Hogestad's amendment. Ms. Ore approved the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) CONSENT AGENDA: 231 South Howes, Humghrev/Davis House — Re -roofing, Gutters and Porch Railing Construction for Local Landmark and Landmark Rehabilitation Grant Conceptual/Final Review (Steve Slezak) Mr. Frick moved to approve the item on the consent agenda. Ms. Dix seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DESIGNATIONS: 515 — 515 1/2 South Meldrum (Tom and Diane Tucker, owners) Ms. McWilliams reported that the property represents vernacular residential architecture from the turn of the century. She began by describing the house, and pointed out the decorative shingles and leaded glass. A square bay window, with a hipped roof, projects from the south side. The screened front porch was built with wooden half walls, topped by Doric columns supporting the hipped porch roof. The porch roof also features applied rafter tails. The foundation under the main structure is sandstone block, while a poured concrete foundation exists under the porch, which was scored to mimic blocks. A two-story addition was added to the rear sometime in the 1950s, which can, not be seen from the street. A single car garage, at the rear of the property, is still intact. Only a non -original overhead door has been added. A two-story barn is also located on the property. Early on, a bay window was added and the structure was converted into a residence, sometime in the 1930s. Ms. McWilliams reported that staff recommended approval of the Local Landmark designation of the house, garage, and barn at 515-515 1/2 South Meldrum. She referred to the Secretary of the Interior's Standard #4 that addressed changes that may have been made to buildings over time. It states that these changes are evidence of the history and development of the building, structure or site, and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected. Mr. Hogestad discussed the enclosure of the front porch, which he determined had happened early on. Ms. Ore said that it looked like a turn of the century house with a craftsman style porch added on. Mr. Hogestad asked if there was any public input and there was none. Ms. Ore moved that the LPC approve the designation as a Local Landmark for the house, garage, and barn at 515-515 1/2 South Meldrum. Ms. Dix seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) Landmark preservation Commission Cetober 13, 1999 Meeting MinUO • Page 3 CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW: 136 LaPorte, C&S Depot — Conceptual Review of Addition for a Downtown Intermodal Transit Center (Jack Gianola City Facilities Project Manager) Ms. Tunner explained that this presentation was to be pre -conceptual and only the site plan was available for review. The proposed addition is to be built along the east elevation of the depot. Mr. Gianola and Dave Lingle, Aller-Lingle Architects, requested comments back from Jle LPC on their proposal. Mr. Lingle presented the site plan and reviewed the history of the project. They had already received a State Historical Fund grant for the stabilization of the structure including a new roof, masonry repair, structural work, repairs to the dock, work on the gullwing canopies, and work on the entryway. Currently, the City has identified the depot as the location for a new multimodal transit center and Transfort Hub. The building would need both interior and exterior improvements. It also would be used for Greyhound buses, and airport and ski shuttles. They proposed a 1,000 to 1,500 ft2 addition to the east side to house a bike loan shop and storage for mechanical equipment. The south and west side were identified as the primary facades. They tried to scale down the size of the addition and tucked it back away from the primary facades. They were interested in maintaining the pedestrian link between LaPorte Avenue and Maple Street. They planned to re- establish the alleyway and make improvements. The City also wanted to retain the area behind 281 North College Avenue. They also proposed to build a canopy cover along Mason Street to provide shelter. They designed it as a light, airy, lacy structure. The design would help to unify the site and would provide shelter. They would maintain the view to the freight depot behind it and would borrow some of the design details from the depot building. The LPC members provided comments on the presentation and site plan. Mr. Frick suggested leaving the alley through the parking lot behind 281 North College and along the dock as is. Mr. Gianola was concerned that they may lose spaces for parking. Mr. Frick said that design would result in less paving and more green space. Mr. Gianola discussed the long dock and his concerns regarding risk management and it being a liability. It was the only dock in Colorado where twelve railroad cars could be unloaded at once. Mr. Lingle explained that they proposed a handicap accessible ramp to the main entrance and the other part would be inaccessible to the public. Ms. Tunner suggested that the square part of the dock be used for the bicycle loan shop and storage. Ms. Milewski asked why only a portion of the dock was designated. Ms. McWilliams explained that the City only was willing to designate up to that lot line. Mr. Gianola added that they left the other portion of the dock available for development and that only forty feet of the dock was designated. Mr. Lingle explained that on the east side a portion of the gullwing roof would have to be removed. Ms. Tunner was concerned that part of the grant money used to restore the gullwing roof would need to be given back. Ms. Milewski liked the location of the proposed addition. Mr. Hogestad read a letter from Kenneth Jessen, who expressed his concern over the demolition of a portion of the loading dock. Mr. Frick made a suggestion regarding the design and Landmark Preservation Commission October 13, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 4 attachment of the addition. He suggested that they explore whether the addition could be made smaller or attached away from the building, so as not to lose a portion of the gullwing roof. Mr. Hogestad asked if there was any public input and there was none. Ms. Tunner added that she received a letter from Dale Heckendorn, National and State Register Coordinator, which explained that the depot and all of its associated dock and ramp was eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Ms. Ore requested that they look at maintaining the dock, the impact of the addition, and the parking issue. Mr. Gianola said that he would look into designating the rest of the dock too. The LPC members all agreed on the historical significance and designatability of the entire dock, which has been documented in all of the literature. The dock was an important part of the use of the building and the building is still being used for a transportation use. DESIGNATIONS CONTINUED: Ms. McWilliams explained that the request for designation was for only the south side of the duplex or "paired home." This is an early 1900s duplex, one of only five or so double American Foursquare buildings in Fort Collins. Both halves of the paired home are almost identical, except for some minor differences on the interior. The entry porch was modified in 1948. Ghost lines and support rods indicate where the original porch hung, and the owners had an historical picture showing the original porch. Ms. McWilliams explained that the building was architecturally significant and an excellent example of a double American Foursquare design. Mr. Hogestad asked if there was any public input and there was none. Mr. Frick moved that the LPC approve the Local Landmark designation of the south half of the duplex, at 626 South Meldrum. Ms. Ore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DISCUSSION ITEMS: Downtown River Corridor Implementation Program Presentation (Timothv Wilder City Planner) Mr. Wilder reported that he met with members of the community last week regarding the plans for the downtown river corridor. He described how historic features are affected.. The program area extends from North College Avenue to Mulberry. He showed slides of the old fort in 1865, called Camp Collins. The goals of this project were to coordinate existing projects, agree on new projects, and to respond to the concerns of the public. The plan aimed to create multi -purpose spaces that celebrate history, to maintain natural areas, to address flooding issues, and to look at re- development. He explained the Land Use Code Section 3.4.7, which addressed Historical and Cultural Resources. The River Downtown Redevelopment district can emulate the historic area around it, like downtown. Mr. Wilder identified the area around Linden and Willow to have the most historic features and as a good area for interpretation. Landmari< Preservation Commission October 13, 1999 Meeting Mine • Page S Mr. Wilder described some of the projects that are being considered. Ms. Ore expressed concern about the very industrial part of Fort Collins. In terms of the history of the city, these have been very important features. She suggested that they perform a historic inventory of the industrial areas. They would need to look at the significance and history of buildings and landscape features, determine if there was enough left to still portray these features, try to maintain the history of the area, and be sensitive to the history of the area. Mr. Wilder added that re -development was a reality for this area, so it is important to identify important resources now. Ms. Ore suggested that they also examine the history of the riverbed shape and any dredging and to document this history. The way the river has been manipulated by humans and the way it changed naturally over time is an important part of the history of the river and the City. She added that they should identify historic sites for potential re -use. CURRENT REVIEW CONTINUED: 1035 East Swallow — Conceptual and Final Review of Nelson Milk House Rehabilitation for Local Landmark Ms. Tunner reported that the Nelson Milk House had received a $10,000 mini -grant from the State Historical Fund to rehabilitate portions of the exterior of the building. Richard Hill, AIA, prepared the plans and the Design Assistance Program was used to obtain his professional help. James Stratis, State Historical Fund Historic Preservation Specialist, provided technical assistance for the project. The exterior repair items covered by the grant included re -roofing with wood shingles and re -flashing the chimney with either copper or ungalvanized metal and re -building it. The mason will be able to re -use almost all of the brick and will match the rest. A rolled metal ridge cover with plain caps and a metal drip edge will be installed. A lexan door cover will be removed. Ms. Tunner specified that the door will be made of steel with vertical panels, a design prior to the turn of the century. Rough sawn cedar will be used for the wood trim which will be painted a redwood color, which is on there now. Nobody knows what the original color was. Ms. Tunner added that she would like to do paint scrapings to find out. She said that the current dark color can't be vandalized as readily. In addition, the building will be patch pointed with a lime mortar (Type N and S). Mortar on the ground level will have about 1 tablespoon of Portland Cement for durability, as recommended by James Stratis. Mr. Hogestad asked if there was any public input, and there was none. Mr. Frick moved to approve the Nelson Milk House Rehabilitation as presented. Ms. Ore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DISCUSSION ITEMS CONTINUED: Update on Strauss/Strang/Smith Pioneer Cabins Disposition (Bob Palmer Facilities Protect Manager) Mr. Palmer explained that he was working with Larimer County and Colorado State University to create a very careful reconstruction of the Strauss Cabin, which was burned down by arsons. He reported that the half dovetailed logs used in the cabin had come from a very old stand of forest. CSU is currently testing the materials. The house Landmark Preservation Commission October 13, 1999 Meeting Minutes Page 6 was built in three separate sections. Mr. Palmer stated that the craftsman on the project would be Peter Haney. He continued to explain that the first, two-story high building was constructed in the 1860s. He measured the boards, planks, logs, and mortar between the wood boards in the interior walls. They also found pieces of the roof. Square nails were used in the construction. A stone structure is still standing, but it has some serious cracks. Ms. Ore added that the architectural style of the house was also very important. Mr. Palmer explained that they would implement additional security measures such as an electronic system, with radio controlled sensors around the perimeter and along the pathway to the house. Mr. Palmer then described the Smith cabin. It has 1-t/z stories. He pointed out on slides where you could still see the 2nd floor joist and hewn logs below. Above the hewn logs were full dovetail notches. He added that the floor had rotted. The Strang Farm dates back to 1867, three years after the Strauss cabin was thought to be built. It is covered with siding from the 1920s. Inside, hand hewn logs with half dovetail joints are exposed. An addition with vertical siding may also be older. You can see where the original log walls ended on the original structure. The shed has rough sawn logs on its side. The silos are prefabricated with steel bands. Mr. Palmer explained that this property is very unique and the cabin is the second oldest structure in Larimer County. In addition, during the French and Indian War, an Indian burial ground was adjacent and Indian arrowheads are reported to be imbedded in the logs. Three miles south is the Davis structure, which was constructed similarly. Mr. Palmer discussed state designation of the property and additional land around it. The property is a long narrow parcel and they would like to install security and a trail to the structures. Ms. Tunner encouraged them to pursue Local Landmark designation and explained they would be eligible for more grants. Mr. Palmer explained that different trails used to come into Fort Collins all around the Strauss and Strang properties and then headed up to Summitview. OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Tunner reported that there was a meeting to discuss the old flagstone sidewalks and that the City Engineering Department would be providing them with some suggested changes to their current procedures. The meeting adjourned 8:20 p.m. Submitted by Nicole Sneider, Secretary