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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 08/26/1997LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting August 26, 1997 Council Liaison: Scott Mason Staff Liaison: Joe Frank Commission Chairperson: Jennifer Carpenter (225-0690) SUMMARY OF MEETING: The LPC approved a reroof for State Tax Credit Part I and the Local Landmark Rehabilitation Grant for the E. Collins House, 924 West Magnolia. The applicant also requested an exemption to use wood Class C shingles to preserve the historic character of the house. The interior and exterior rehabilitation for 805 Remington was approved for the State Tax credit Part I with the condition that detailed plans be submitted for the reconstruction of the front porch and railing. The LPC discussed a kitchen period renovation and overall rehabilitation for a State Tax Credit for the W. E. Mahood House, 832 West Oak. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order 5:40 p.m., at 281 North College Avenue. Commission members Jennifer Carpenter, Per Hogestad, Bud Frick, Diana Ross, Stephen Short and James Tanner were present. Angela Milewski was absent. Joe Frank, Carol Tunner and Karen McWilliams represented Staff. GUESTS: Eleanor Pearson, owner, 924 West Magnolia; Jon Snyder, owner, 805 Remington; Steve Davidson, owner, 832 West Oak. AGENDA REVIEW: None. STAFF REPORTS: Ms. Tunner provided copies of the July 22, 1992 LPC meeting minutes, which included a discussion regarding a proposed stage canopy for the Old Town stage. A similar proposal is currently being discussed. Ms McWilliams reported that staff is currently pursuing the amended Historic Old Town designation. She informed the Commission that the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has granted easements to individual business owners to do outdoor seating areas. Ms. Tunner has received the historical markers for the entrances to the Historic Old Town district. A meeting to decide locations is scheduled for Wednesday, August 27 at 9:00 a.m. with the DDA, Traffic and Streets Department and Parks and Recreation Department. LPC members are invited as well. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: Mr. Hogestad reported that in a meeting with the LPC Design Review Sub -committee Jay Hardy (Downtown Business Authority), Chip Steiner (DDA) and Fred France (AdCon) Inc. discussed alternative places to do research on stage canopy structures. The applicants are still in favor of a permanent structure. AdCon suggested a structure with a retractable awning. Mr. Hogestad suggested that the canopy should fit in with the plaza in size and mass, and not just material and color. Landmark Preservation Commission Regular meeting minutes Augus126,1997 Page 2 Ms. Carpenter inquired about the vending truck which is now located on the Old Town plaza. Mr. Frank explained that vendors require a permit and there is a list of sites where they can set up. He added that the LPC has no purview over temporary vendors. Ms. Carpenter commented that it has been there all summer. The issue will be investigated by Ms. Tunner. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The July 22, 1997 LPC meeting minutes were accepted as submitted. CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW: 924 West Magnolia. E. Collins House - Reroof for the State Tax Credit, Part I and Local Landmark Rehabilitation Grant. Ms. Tunner explained that Eleanor Pearson, owner had been granted a Local Rehabilitation grant in the spring. The house currently has a layer of wood and two of asphalt shingles on the roof. Ms. Pearson is seeking approval for State tax Credit Part I. The LPC needs to send a letter to the Building Department requesting a variance for a new wood shingle roof for the historic home. Ms. Pearson explained that the roof is now leaking and she proposes a Class C fire retardent wood shingle roof for installation. Ms. Tunner added that there is a water penetration problem on the west side porch. The floor has an historic faux slate pattern painting. The floor slopes back to the house, which allows water to flow into the structure. Ms. Pearson added that they removed the roof and screening around the porch after they bought the property. Ms. Tunner suggested the Design Assistance Program. Mr. Short said it is important to fix the slope of the patio. The LPC discussed the use of a wood roof to preserve the historic character of the structure. Ms. Carpenter added that the wood shingle material is an existing original material on the house. Mr. Frick moved to approve an exemption for a wood shingle, Class C roof, as it was original for the State Tax Credit, Part I and the Local Landmark Rehabilitation grant for 924 West Magnolia, the E. Collins House. The motion was seconded by Mr. Hogestad, which passed unanimously. (5-0) 805 Remington. F. R. Slockett House - Interior/Exterior Rehabilitation for the State Tax Credit, Part I Jon Snyder explained that he has wanted to work on the property for some time and recently the roof sustained some damage from the July 28 flood. A major rehabilitation is proposed for the State Tax Credit. The structure is not designated as a local landmark, but it is located in the Laurel School National Historic District. Mr. Snyder showed pictures of the front porch from 1969 and 1948 tax records. He would like to rehabilitate the front porch steps and railing as pictured. Mr. Frick asked if the existing porch skirting is different from what was originally there. Mr. Snyder said that it was tongue and groove, not lattice. • Landmark Preservation Commission Regular meeting minutes August 26, 1997 Page 3 Mr. Snyder did not want to commit to replacing the skirting because it is in really good shape. There are eight inches between the grooves and T one/eleven is used. Mr. Snyder said that the exterior siding is in bad shape and needs to be sanded and repainted. He would also like to replace any missing decorative shingles. He will repaint the house, similar to the existing colors, but maybe a little lighter. The roof has three layers of shingles now. Item #3 includes a complete reroof with dimensional shingles. Mr. Frick asked to see a sample of the roofing material, with the color and brand name. He explained that there are different types and that the forty -year shingles are much thicker. Mr. Snyder said that he looked at Owens Coming, Tamko and AGF roofing material. The floor in the house is carpeted now, but is in terrible shape. He would like to put down a better quality carpet. Mr. Tanner stated that replacing carpeting may not be considered a physical preservation effort for an historic property, but rather part of normal wear and tear. Ms. Tunner explained that the carpeting can be replaced as part of an overall rehabilitation effort. Ms. Carpenter stated that other historic commissions in the State are approving carpet for State Tax Credit. Ms. Tunner added that the house is a rental and the carpet will help to protect the floor. Item #5 includes the kitchen floor covering, countertops with tile, a dishwasher and garbage disposal. Mr. Frick said that in 1905, the countertops were probably battleship linoleum with a steel edge. The last item is a furnace. Mr. Snyder would like a more energy efficient furnace and it will be connected to the existing duct work. Sherman Williams, Coast point will be the color paint used and a carpet sample was provided. The LPC required dimensions and drawings to scale for the porch details. Mr. Hogestad moved to accept the proposal for 805 Remington, the F. R. Slockett House with the provision that dimension plans and drawings to scale for the porch stairs, porch and railing be submitted, to match existing historic photo - documentation. The motion was seconded by Ms. Ross, which passed unanimously. (5-0) 832 West Oak Street W. E. Mahood House - Kitchen Period Renovation Conceptual Review for a proposed State Tax Credit Ms. Tunner explained that this is a pre -conceptual review and the State Tax Credit forms have not been submitted yet. The applicant is already in the middle of a State Tax Credit for new storm windows and repointing the exterior brick work. The structure is a small Queen Anne Cottage with a very small kitchen. This proposal is considered an adaptive re -use. The owners would like a bigger kitchen, more appropriate for a contemporary family. There is a shed addition and bedroom off the rear of the structure. They would like to remove the wall to the bedroom and rear shed to create a big country kitchen. Steve Davidson, owner explained that they found a local contractor and designer to do the custom cabinetry. He explained that they plan to put a structural ceiling beam in where the wall and back porch was. They would remove a non -bearing wall. A large center isle is planned for the kitchen. Mr. Davidson provided a picture of the style for the cabinetry. It was suggested that they use soapstone countertops, because it was a common material used during that era. A pantry with built-in shelves and cabinets for storage is proposed Landmark Preservation Commission Regular meeting minutes August 26, 1997 Page 4 in the bedroom area. A period range and refrigerator manufactured by Heartland Company, will be installed. Mr. Hogestad asked what is planned for the shed roof. Mr. Davidson explained that the roof will remain, but the back porch windows are very inefficient. The porch interior will be raised by five inches. The room is six feet, six inches at the back and slopes down to six feet one inch with a steep slope. Ms. Carpenter questioned whether the project falls under the State Tax Credit Program because it may not be considered an overall rehabilitation. Mr. Tanner agreed and stated that the project does not preserve, restore or rehabilitate the structure. This project involves considerable changes of the interior and significant enlargement of the room and is not part of an overall rehabilitation or enhancement of the historic character. But, Ms. Carpenter added that they should be sure that they are not interpreting the State Tax Credit requirements too strictly. Ms. Tunner described what sort of projects are eligible. She stated that the kitchen is outdated, out moded and not useful for today's family. The Commission had concerns over removing the back masonry wall. Ms. Tunner said that they can take the wall removal out of the application. Mr. Short suggested that they leave evidence of the existence of the wall. Mr. Davidson said that they could leave the window lintel, Mr. Frick suggested that they design brick columns on either side creating an archway in order to maintain the springline. Mr. Tanner asked if the applicant has documentation of the original appliances. Mr. Davidson said that they will use the woodwork already in the house to help design the woodwork for the kitchen. Mr. Frank asked if staff has contacted the State regarding this project. Ms. Tunner responded that Joseph Bell said the project is eligible. Ms. Tunner said that the LPC has the right to overrule the State's decision. She stressed that it is an adaptive re -use for the modern family and there is already a state tax credit in progress. Mr. Short said that the use of brick and arches is good in preserving the remnant of the interior wall. The back porch represented the back part of the kitchen, which was used as a prep room. This area was usually less decorative. The LPC discussed focusing on the historic features of the kitchen, but none exist in this case. The applicants are not required to make it look historic. The LPC discussed the difference between a reconstruction and a rehabilitation. Mr. Frick said that the exterior of the structure should be preserved and that adaptive re -use should qualify for State Tax Credit. Mr. Davidson added that there is a sense of continuity throughout the house. A modern kitchen would be acceptable, but the local LPC would rather see a design that matches the period of the house. Ms. Carpenter stressed that without adaptive re -use historic homes may deteriorate because they don't meet the needs of people today. DISCUSSION ITEMS: None. OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Carpenter said that she had received a phone call from Steve Mack, a friend of sign painter Don Brown, regarding the Coca Cola sign at #5 Old Town Square. Don Brown said that he had painted the sign originally. He said that he would like to bring the sign back and requested that the LPC discuss the issue. The LPC said they 9 Landmark Preservation Commission Regular meeting minutes August26,1997 Page 5 would like information on sealing and preserving the sign. Ms. Tunner stated that Port Towsend, Washington is considered the sign capital of the world. Mr. Hogestad said that in Denver, the Merary Cafe had a sign repainted. It appears very garish and is only in black and white. Mr. Frick suggested that they check with zoning to make sure that the sign is not considered an advertisement for Coca-Cola. Ms. Carpenter stated that the sign is only thirty-nine years old. Mr. Frick would like to see a smaller, less conspicuous sign re -painted first, to see how it looks. Ms. Tunner looked at the Historic Old Town Guidelines, which recommended according to guideline #55, that all signage be maintained in good repair. Ms. Carpenter asked if the guidelines are referring to current signs. Mr. Short stated that their first concern should be to preserve the building. Mr. Frick said that restoring the sign could be considered repainting the historic building. Ms. Tunner reported that Chris Rogers, AdCon Sign Company, is interested in knowing if the LPC would approve a new awning product, Graphix Canvas, which is now available. Ms. Tunner passed around a swatch of the fabric. The Graphix Canvas, manufactured by NovaJet, Display Maker, does not have to be masked out, it can last longer and you can print on it. Mr. Hogestad asked if you print on the shiny side. Ms. Carpenter said it is shiny and looks close to vinyl. Mr. Short said that chalking could dull the sign. Mr. Frick suggested that AdCon install the material on an awning somewhere else in town to see how it looks and wears. The LPC agreed that the material appears to be too much like vinyl. The meeting adjourned 7:15 p.m. Submitted by Nicole Sneider, Secretary.