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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 04/26/1994 (2)LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Worksession Meeting April 26, 1994 Council Liaison: Gerry Horak Staff Liaison: Joe Frank SUMMARY OF MEETING: The LPC met with Chuck Bowling on the reuse of historic buildings that do not meet current zoning and building codes and agreed that they would send a letter of support to the Zoning Board of Appeals regarding granting a variance for historical property reuse of 500-502 South College. The LPC discussed the 1995 budget and agreed to list the achievements of the past year as well as what was not done due to lack of funding, and other things that could be done with additional funding. The Design Review Subcommittee reported on the favorable conclusion of the Huckleberry's design review on April 15. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Commission Chairman Jennifer Carpenter called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm, 281 North College Avenue. Secretary Diane Slater called the roll. Commission members Jennifer Carpenter, Bud Frick, Richard Hill, Per Hogestad, Jean Kullman, and James Tanner were present. Ruth Weatherford was absent. Joe Frank and Carol Tunner represented staff. GUESTS: Chuck Bowling, Realtor with The Group. AGENDA REVIEW: Ms. Carpenter requested adding a Linden Hotel discussion. The Design Review Subcommittee will report on the Huckleberry's final design review. STAFF REPORT: Ms. Tunner reported that she and Rheba Massey had nominated two Fort Collins projects for Colorado Preservation Inc's Preservation Awards, May 13. The two nominations from Fort Collins were Taco Bell for their remodel at 1530 South College and Rose and John Thompson for the restoration at 420 West Mountain. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None. CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW: None. Landmark Preservation Commission Worksession Meeting Minutes April 26, 1994 Page 2 DISCUSSION ITEMS: Mr. Chuck Bowling, of The Group Realtors, said that Fort Collins is doing a poor job of preserving historic properties. As an example, he mentioned 500-502 South College, built in 1905. He is currently on his fourth contract because the first three did not go through, he feels, due to several difficulties including many variances required of non -conforming properties and the length of time to get the many approvals necessary when a change of use is proposed. The City seems to want the property to remain resi -ntia1 and it can't on South College Avenue. He has spoken with City Manager Steve Burkett w'Id Mayor Ann Azari recommending that the City hire a full-time specialist in historic properties to help resolve these problems. Mr. Frick agreed that the City Codes do not favor conversions and that he would also like to see some enforcement of a mechanism to allow conversions. Mr. Bowling stated that the issue needs publicity and that none of his clients were referred to Ms. Tunner for assistance. Mr. Frank suggested that the problem be approached through a change in the zoning ordinance. The HRPP also recommended that consideration be given to revisions for zoning so that the Zoning Board of Appeals would be able to grant a variance based on a property being an historic building or landmark. Mr. Tanner agreed that the variance would be important as well as pursuing the staff to help the public through the process. The LPC agreed to send a letter of support for such a variance for 500-502 South College, Mr. Bowlings present development resale. Ms. Carpenter reported on her discussion with Council Liaison Gerry Horak . He recommended that the LPC state what they would like to accomplish and the types of programs they would like to have done. Council could then direct the Planning Dept. to allocate resources. The LPC listed some projects that they would like to see implemented: the Demolition Delay Ordinance, the CLG Review, help citizens with State Tax Credits, designations, and implementation of the HRPP. Mr. Tanner mentioned that evidence shows that the LPC has been unsuccessful in several areas. Mr. Bowling's story shows some failures, as does lack of time to pursue requested designations like RanchWay Feeds, inability to meet requests for information by the public, problems ranging from a need for cooperation with CSU, to a need for publicity, continuing the grant program, and implementation of the HRPP, especially surveying. Other items which the LPC would like to undertake include amendments to the zoning code and designation of the West Mountain Avenue Historic District. i 0 Landmark Preservation Commission Worksession Meeting Minutes April 26, 1994 Page 3 Mr. Frank will draft a letter listing this year's accomplishments, what the staff and LPC would like to have done but had to be neglected for lack of staff, and additional plans. Ms. Carpenter commented that as the public becomes more aware of the value of preservation through projects such as the Linden Hotel, preservation will became more important. OTHER BUSINFSS: LINDEN HOTEL Ms. Carpenter would like the LPC to write a letter to the NPS regarding the handling of the Linden Hotel. The NPS architect, Tom Keohan, felt that the public corridor space in the upper floors was more important than the existing rooms since it is a public space. This information came as a last minute surprise to all concerned and placed the project in jeopardy. The letter will be sent after current projects are finalized. HUCKLEBERY'S Mr. Frick and Mr. Hogestad of the Design Review Sub -Committee reported that they and Ms. Tunner met with Mr. Kevin Zdenek. The trim was changed to match the rest of the building and he will replicate the existing pattern in the kickplate in the new halfdoor. A simple chamfered edge was recommended for the new double door entry. Proper submittal plans, as requested by the LPC, were reviewed, given minor changes, and the design approved. Although the Ordinance was pulled from the consent agenda and some discussion ensued, the ordinance was approved. Ms. Tunner reported that the State Historical Fund, from gambling grant monies, will hold a -workshop in Fort Collins on June 15 between 10:00 am and 12:30 pm on "How to Manage Grants Awarded". She reported that the Museum received their grant for restoration of the Frank Miller Stagecoach. She noted that the Larimer County Youth Conservation Corps would like to do some restoration work this summer. Possible projects suggested by the LPC include work at the Museum, Waterworks, Avery House, general trash pickup and paintout of graffiti. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm. Submitted by Diane Slater, Secretary.