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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 09/23/1998LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting September 23, 1998 Council Liaison: Scott Mason (226 — 4824) Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chairperson: Per Hogestad (303-292-1875) IMARY OF MEETING: The LPC recommended that the following properties be gnated as local landmarks: 231 S. Howes, the Humphrey/Davis House; 641 ington, the Ralph House; 719 E. Prospect, the Rush and Jean Locke House;' the Preston Farm at 4605 South County Road 9. Gutter installation was oved for 1501 West Mountain Ave. and 924 West Magnolia. The LPC oved support letters for a number of projects. These projects included for and exterior rehabilitation of the Northern Hotel, 170 North College Ave., First Baptist Church, 328 Remington; repair of the windows on St. Joseph's •ch School, 127 North Howes; and the preparation of an Historic Structure )rt and a Preliminary Management plan for the Preston Farm complex. The gave a complimentary review of possible changes to a remodeled, non 3nated house at 324 East Magnolia. 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 Angela Milewski, Janet Ore, Rande Pouppirt and James Tanner were present. Angie Aguilera and George Lyons were absent. Joe Frank, Karen McWilliams and Carol Tunner represented Staff. GUESTS: Bud Frick and Jennifer Carpenter, citizens, for the local landmark designation of the Preston Farm; Joseph and Carolyn Knape, owners of 641 Remington; Carl Kneese, owner of 719 East Prospect; Wendy Radin, owner of 1501 W. Mountain Ave. and Ellie Pearson, owner of 924 W. Magnolia; Karen Canino, teacher/grant writer at St. Joseph's Church School, 127 N. Howes; Boyd Smart, owner of 324 East Magnolia. AGENDA REVIEW: Ms. McWilliams said that the designation of 414 Loomis had been pulled. Staff added 719 East Prospect under .the designations. The widening of Timberline Road, under discussion items, was also pulled. Ms. McWilliams said that Historic Fort Collins Development Corp. has requested a letter of support for the Preston Farm project. Ms. Tunner added that another gutter installation would also be discussed this evening for 924 W. Magnolia. STAFF REPORTS: Ms. McWilliams reported that Colorado Preservation Inc.'s annual conference would be this Saturday in Denver. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The August 12, 1998 LPC meeting minutes were accepted as submitted. Landmark Preservation Comm an September 23, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 2 DESIGNATIONS: Ms. McWilliams explained that the property was surveyed by Retrospect for the 1996 Central Business District survey. The plans that Mr. Slezak has for remodeling the carriage house associated with the house keeps it from being a good candidate for designation. Staff recommended designation of the house for its architectural and historical importance. Ms. McWilliams described the CBD as stretching roughly from North College to Laurel and Meldrum to Remington. She added that Arthur Garbutt built the house, which is also significant. Ms. Ore moved to nominate 231 South Howes, the Humphrey/Davis House, as a local landmark. Mr. Pouppirt seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Ms. McWilliams said that the house was contributing to the Laurel School National Register District. She pointed out such features as half-timbering and overhanging eaves. Ms. Ore asked about a small addition on the back. Ms. Knape said she did not know when it was built, but it was a long time ago. Ms. Tunner pointed out a glass block window on the side, and asked if they thought that the house was originally stuccoed. Ms. Knape added that the addition was also sinking, which she was concerned about. Mr. Tanner concluded that the changes to the house were not significant enough to create concerns. Mr. Pouppirt moved that 641 Remington, the Ralph House be designated a local landmark. Ms. Milewski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) The building is a two-story English Revival home with excellent integrity and no evidence of any alterations. The house is very similar to the one called the "Modem English Carville House", portrayed in the pattern book Classic Homes of the Twenties. Ms. McWilliams said that the modem garage was not eligible for designation, so only the house was being considered. It was likely a farmhouse originally. The original garage and barn were demolished in 1995 because of near by development. Mr. Kneese said that two houses on the other side of the street have clipped gables. Ms. McWilliams discussed the staggered cladding and said that she believes that the house is the only one totally covered with staggered cladding. Mr. Kneese researched the building permits from 1929 through 1949 and saw no changes to the house and there is no evidence of any remodeling. He thinks that the cladding is original, but there are new composite shingles on the roof. He would like to screen in the back porch. Mr. Kneese believes that the porch was originally screened. He is also interested in dormers in the front like the Carville house plan. Ms. Ore explained that he would have to change the roof line for front dormers, and there is a dormer on the rear. Ms. Tunner Landmark Preservation Commission • September 23, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 3 said that with more windows on the front there would be more noise from Prospect. The house also has the original coal -burning furnace, which has been converted to gas. Ms. Milewski moved to approve the designation of the Rush and Jean Locke House, 719 East Prospect Road. Ms. Ore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) 4605 South County Road 9. Preston Farm District (Dave and Patty Lawser, owners Ms. McWilliams explained that the farm is eligible for local landmark designation for both its architectural and historical importance to Fort Collins, and is eligible for individual listing on the National Register of Historic Places under criteria A, B and C. The property contains twelve significant buildings and structures. These are a farmhouse, which is an excellent example of Victorian Eclectic architecture, and is notable for its unique roofline with intersecting hip and gable roofs and comer turret; an "exceptionally significant" one -of -a -kind granary; chicken house, coal house, ice house and cistern, all built circa 1900; a machine shop, milk bam, smokehouse and pump house; and the hog and turkey houses. Mr. Pouppirt asked about the status of the silos. Ms. McWilliams explained that a series of decisions over three years were made to determine what to save on the property. The original plans were to erase the farm completely. The silos are also in the way of the drainage plan. In addition, a 1992 survey had determined that the silos were not significant. Ms. Ore said that they were probably post WWII. Ms. McWilliams said that there was evidence of clay and brick silos which no longer exist on the site. Mr. Tanner moved to approve the nomination for designation of the Preston Farm Historic District at 4605 South County Road 9, for its architectural and historical significance to Fort Collins. Mr. Pouppirt seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Staff and the Commission discussed the significance of the granary and its relationship to other farm structures and buildings. Ms. McWilliams stated that the granary was the most significant outbuilding in Northeastern Colorado. Ms. Tunner suggested that they take pictures of the attached lambing pens at the site and their relationship to the granary. They discussed the Lawser's intentions to use the farmhouse as their office and to develop the farm complex as an interpretive center. CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW: 1501 West Mountain Avenue Wavcott House — Install Gutters (Wendy Radin owner Ms. Tunner explained that Ms. Radin, the new owner of the house, has a pressing need to install gutters. The stone foundation is absorbing water and water is current entering Landmark Preservation Comm .on September 23, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 4 the basement. There were two options proposed. One, a five -inch, half -round gutter with strap tucks over the roof, the tucks could be spray painted to match the shingles. The second option was a five -inch prefinished K-style gutter that imitated the crown molding. A cotton white color would be used, which matches the trim best. This gutter was seamless and less expensive. Block would be installed between the molding and the gutter where crown molding exists. Ms. Tunner explained that the half -round gutters do not hold as well and tend to sag over time. She added that the house was locally designated and on the National Register. Apex gutter had explained to Ms. Tunner that the half -round gutter could only carry up to one -inch of rainfall and would be inadequate during a heavy storm. Ms. Radin said that her contractor had worked on older homes and the K-style is what they use. The K-style gutters would be hung from straps attached over the shingles. The Commission discussed that older shingles may present a problem as they crack when they are lifted for the installation. Mr. Tanner noted that original half -round gutters exist around town and as long as they are maintained they have lasted. He added that even with the strap they are okay and should last with enough straps. The Commission discussed installing gutters with gutter spikes. Mr. Hogestad said that it was most important that they don't destroy the trim. Mr. Tanner said that he has seen straps on top the roof. Ms. Ore asked if the half -round gutter would dry out better next to the crown molding. Mr. Pouppirt discussed the angle in which the gutter would be installed. Mr. Tanner stated that it was a contemporary addition to preserve the foundation and either option was fine, but they could express a preference. Ms. Ore added that the gutters are also reversible. Mr. Kneese gave citizen input and explained that the K-style gutters would not be mounted flush to the fascia. He also said that the straps would not be that difficult to slide under the shingles, but it's easier to do when the roof needs replacement. A motion was made by Mr. Tanner regarding the installation of gutters on the home located at 1501 West Mountain Avenue. Specifically, he moved that the LPC approve this proposed installation, with the straps mounted on top of the roof, provided that this is the only way mechanically to mount them. In addition the Commission would allow the owner to choose the gutter profile, recognizing that the Commission's preference would be for the applicant to use the half - round style gutter, including the provision that the crown molding currently located behind the gutters remain intact. Ms. Ore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) 924 West Magnolia, Install Gutters (Ellie Pearson) Ms. Tunner explained that Ms. Pearson received a grant to install a new wood roof and has now discovered that the existing gutters are too small. She has contracted Sanchez in Greeley to do the installation and provided a copy of the bid. The proposed gutter has a flat surface on the back. The current gutters also have a flat back and butt up against the fascia. The proposed gutters have hidden hangers with no spike and ferrule or strap. Mr. Pearson explained that with the new cedar roof there is an • • Landmark Preservation Commission September 23, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 5 increased flow and the water completely misses the existing gutters. She said that the hidden hangers have a very finished appeal and explained that the half -round gutters could not support the intense flow. She said that they would use white pre -finished gutters to match the color of the house, with a five -inch gutter on one spot and a six- inch gutters on steeper areas. Mr. Pouppirt moved to approve the gutter installation as submitted for 924 West Magnolia. Ms. Milewski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Ms. Tunner noted that she would put gutters on the consent agenda from now on. DISCUSSION ITEMS: REQUESTS FOR SUPPORT LETTERS FOR OCTOBER 1, 1998 ROUND OF STATE HISTORICAL FUND GRANTS: Ms. Canino explained that they plan to retrofit the windows to make them more energy efficient with thermal glazing. They would take out the pane, then install a double pane with caulking and weather stripping. Ms. Ore asked if the windows would be tinted or have any change in appearance. Ms. Canino said that they would just work better and not leak, as they currently do where they meet the wall. Ms. Tunner said that they would be coming back with final details. The Colorado Historical Society will also look at how they will do the work. Ms. Milewski moved to write a support letter from the LPC and recommended that the City Manager sign the support page of the State Historic Fund grant application. Ms. Ore seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Owner, Michael Gaines, was out of he country and could not attend. Ms. Tunner made a presentation on the history and features of the church. She said that it has the only rose window in town. From 1904 until 1991 it was used as a church. It was then looked at for a bar, but became a home. She explained that a young couple bought the property with the intentions of creating a school of dance and theater. The building needs roof work, repointing and the stain glass needs work. The City has agreed to be an applicant for a State Historical Fund grant. Ms. Milewski added that the project has also received Downtown Development Authority grant funding. The Commission discussed how the church could serve as a theater. The seats would need to be higher, in the balcony, and the balcony railing will need to be raised. Landmark Preservation Comm. an September 23, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 6 Ms. Ore moved to recommend a letter of support from the LPC for a S.H.F. Grant for 328 Remington. Ms. Milewski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Developer, Jim Stouffer, was not in attendance. Ms. Tunner reported that ADI, Advance Digital Imaging, is looking at the property. Mr. Frank added that staff has not seen what they are proposing. Ms. Tunner said that commercial uses would be on the first floor and the basement, off Walnut, would be opened. She explained that exterior work would be reviewed by the LPC and exterior and interior work would be reviewed by the Colorado Historical Society. Mr. Frank said that the City was also expecting to be an applicant on this application. Ms. Ore said that she was a little uncomfortable not knowing what they were going to do with the building. Ms. Tunner described what the perspective owner would like to do. Mr. Tanner said that for now they are approving a concept and the proposal would have to meet certain criteria. Mr. Pouppirt moved to approve supporting an SHF grant for this project at 170 North College Avenue, to rehabilitate the building. Ms. Milewski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) The Commission discussed the projects that the City would be a co -applicant on, in order to prioritize the LPC's support. Ms. Ore said that she felt that the Northern Hotel was a more significant building, but they can not be sure if the grant will be submitted. It is the most important building downtown. Mr. Tanner suggested that they consider making their recommendation based on the significance and threat of the building, not on financial capabilities. Ms. McWilliams suggested that if the Northam Hotel project does not submit a grant, the Commission could elevate their second choice for support. Ms. Tunner added that the grant application deadline is in a week or so. Mr. Pouppirt moved that the Northern Hotel is their highest priority for a SHF grant with the First Baptist Church being a close second. Mr. Tanner seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Ms. McWilliams explained that the Historic Fort Collins Development Corp would like to apply for a grant in order to prepare an Historic Structures Report to help identify stabilization issues, and a Preliminary Management Plan, to determine potential uses for the structures. Landmark Preservation Commission September 23, 1998 Meeting Minutes Page 7 Mr. Tanner moved that the LPC write a letter of support for the grant application to obtain the described documents. Ms. Milewski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (5-0) Ms. Tunner explained that Mr. Smart purchased a house that has been remodeled and is now looking for a direction to go with it. Twelve feet was added to the back of the house, extending the kitchen, and a dormer was built in the front upstairs for a bathroom. Mr. Smart added that the finishing work was done poorly. He has done research on the house and remodeling. The house is totally different from its original character. He was told that it was built in 1910 when he purchased it. He thinks that the front porch is original. The windows have been replaced and walls have been moved. Steel or aluminum siding exists on the exterior. Mr. Hogestad thought that the front porch was either not original or has been worked over. Mr. Frick suggested moving the garage and covering the addition with trees. Mr. Tanner asked Mr. Smart what his goals were for the house and how he wants to improve the situation. Mr. Smart explained that he would like to move the garage back, more in character with the neighborhood. He does not want to remove the addition, but might pop up the front of the house to a two-story. He thought that the house next door may have been built by the same builder. He would like to start by replacing the siding with narrow clapboard. Mr. Tanner suggested that he explore under the siding to see what exists. Mr. Smart and the Commission discussed how the house might have originally appeared. He would also like to replace the slider windows with double hung windows. Mr. Tanner said that he should try to mitigate the impact of the addition. Ms. Ore said that he could also make the posts on the porch look more robust, less delicate. They agreed that searching for the 1948 tax card photo of the house would be a good start. Ms. Milewski asked who the original builder might be. Ms. Ore suggested that he look into historic plan books. Mr. Smart asked about available grant programs. Mr. Tanner explained that the house has changed too much to be designated and it would only be eligible for grants if it were designated. Mr. Tanner suggested that he take a look at their guidelines. Ms. Tunner discussed some similar examples of pop-up houses in the area to look at. Ms. Ore thought that the house could be treated as a two-story craftsman bungalow. Mr. Hogestad urged Mr. Smart to study the neighborhood and the houses around . OTHER BUSINESS: None The meeting adjourned 7:53 p.m. Submitted by Nicole Sneider, Secretary