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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 08/04/1993LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting August 4, 1993 Council Liaison: Gerry Horak Staff Liaison: Joe Frank SUMMARY OF MEETING: The Commission approved the Minutes of the June 9 and June 23 meetings as submitted. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Commission Chairman Jennifer Carpenter called the meeting to order at 5:44 p.m., at 281 North College Avenue. Secretary Diane Slater called the Roll. Commission members Jennifer Carpenter, Bud Frick, Ruth Weatherford, and Kirk Winkelmeyer were present. Jean Kullman arrived later in the meeting. James Tanner and Richard Hill were absent. Tom Peterson and Carol Tunner represented staff. GUESTS: Dick Beardmore from the CSU Center for the Stabilization and Reuse of Important Structures; Rheba Massey, Local History Coordinator at the Public Library. APPROVAL OF JUNE 9 AND JUNE 23 MINUTES: Ms. Weatherford moved to approve the Minutes of the June 9 meeting as submitted; Mr. Frick seconded the motion. Mr. Winkehneyer moved to approve the Minutes of the June 23 meeting as submitted; Mr. Frick seconded the motion. Both motions passed 4-0. Ayes: Carpenter, Frick, Weatherford and Winkelmeyer. AGENDA REVIEW: Mr. Peterson added two items to other business: CSU's Conceptual Plan to expand designations and improve the stature of historic CSU buildings, and the City Manager's Budget Recommendations. STAFF REPORT: Ms. Tunner announced that on July 30, the Waycott House was unanimously "approved by the State Advisory Board to be on the National Register. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: None. CURRENT REVIEW: None. DISCUSSION ITEMS: Lffirr-m1., Ms. Carpenter reported that the Linden Hotel had been pulled from the August 10 City Council work session agenda. Mayor Azari and Council Member Horak told Ms. Carpenter they would like a more detailed plan for consideration and would like to see the stabilization take place as Landmark Preservation Commission Special Meeting Minutes August 4, 1993 Page 2 part of the Veldman-Morgan package. The Commission discussed the time -frame possible for meeting with City Council. Ms Carpenter elaborated on other thoughts from City Council -- Mr. Horak had questions about the legality of granting the money from the HRPP for stabilization, or asking the current owner to stabilize, whereas Mayor Azari was concerned about jeopardizing the Veldman-Morgan proposal, and is concerned with the economic value of the project to the City. Ms. Massey called attention to the LPC memo of August, 1992 to the City Council regarding the purpose of the HRPP; the LPC decided to include this memo in the packet of materials for City Council prior to August 24. Ms. Carpenter said that the LPC can apply for a Colorado Historical Society grant, and for loans from the Historic Fort Collins Development Association. The NPS can grant funds for stabilization, and can also expedite approval of stabilization plans without complete development plans. Mr. Frick asked how long it would take to prepare plans for stabilization. Mr. Beardmore replied that if Veldman-Morgan closes on August 31, then December 4 would be the earliest date to begin construction. Mr. Peterson asked the LPC to advise City council on how best to proceed with the Linden Hotel. Mr. Frick suggested that the City should buy it, stabilize it, and then rent it or sell it, since the City is the only entity that can handle a project of this size. Ms. Carpenter recommended working with Veldman-Morgan as far as possible to keep the proposal viable. If Veldman-Morgan is unable to stabilize the building this fall, them she would recommend the City buying it and doing it -- keeping in mind that the City will need a developer if it buys the building. She feels that the building does need to be stabilized this fall. Ms. Weatherford wanted to talk to Veldman-Morgan and Mr. Sinnett to find out where they stand; Mr. Frick concurred. Mr. Beardmore was able to provide some updated information. He stated that what is completed right now is a leasing diagram of the three floors. The first floor is leased, but not the second; Veldman-Morgan is taking the third floor. Veldman-Morgan does not currently control the Salvation Army building. They still need to finalize a limited partnership and a construction loan. He also commented that the DDA is somewhat constrained by the tax increment related "financial losses" on the Opera House despite previous written agreements. There would be another partnership on the Salvation Army Building -- Tommy Short and others. They are discussing development fees with the City. They have not yet closed on the building. An out -of -town group currently owns the Salvation Army Building and Dennis Sinnett owns the Linden Hotel. The City can do several things. Based on information from the Leadership Training 0 Landmark Preservation Commission Special Meeting Minutes August 4, 1993 Page 3 Institute, the City can proceed in a nontraditional way and form a non-profit partnership between itself, the LPC, the DDA and the community to develop for the public benefit; or take the traditional approach of supporting the current project. The long-term approach could be to use taxpayer money with the City as the developer. [Ms. Kullman arrived at this point.] Ms. Carpenter noted that although the public approach was attractive, she would like to wait and see what happens with the Veldman-Morgan proposal. Ms. Massey asked about using the Linden Hotel for affordable housing.. Mr. Peterson replied that the amount of City money available for affordable housing would not "pencil out"; due to the number of units available. Ms. Weatherford commented that the larger Northern Hotel would be better for affordable housing and the Linden Hotel would be more appropriate for upscale condominiums. Mr. Peterson agreed that the Linden Hotel footprint is too small. Ms. Tunner commented that a downtown hotel would be desirable, if it were only economically feasible. Mr. Beardmore suggested that if no action is forthcoming in the next month or two, then the LPC might go to City Council and ask for temporary roofing. Mr. Frick noted that the current proposal is viable until August 31, the date by which Veldman-Morgan must exercise its option. The discussion concluded without a resolution from the LPC to go to City Council. Mr. Peterson said that Chris Kneeland responded to an offer of tours of the Linden Hotel for City Council. He suggested that the LPC might contact other members to offer tours; Ms. Carpenter agreed to follow-up. OTHER BUSEWSS: Mr. Peterson reported that a CSU Land Use Planning Committee, chaired by Ron Baker, working with the Center for Stabilization, has proposed the creation of a CSU Historic District to the Administration, and has received favorable interest. The project would be eligible to receive money from the State Historical Fund, as well as preserving the historic nature of the campus. The Committee has found faculty supportive and feels that alumni would respond favorably to fund-raising efforts to support the old buildings. Mr. Peterson suggested that some members of the LPC meet with a member of the Land Use Planning Committee. The Committee had some concerns about the implications of becoming a Historic District and asked if all additions would have to match the original; Mr. Peterson reassured them that additions only need to be "in the spirit" of the original. Mr. Beardmore stated that the Facilities Department at CSU has been reorganized and has expressed an interest in the preservation of historic buildings. Dr. Yates, CSU President, has Landmark Preservation Commission Special Meeting Minutes August 4, 1993 Page 4 been encouraging a "seamless boundary" between CSU and the town. The faculty has become increasingly concerned about losing the historic identity of the campus. The Committee is considering applying for a Gaming Grant; Mr. Beardmore handed out a map detailing the area to be surveyed under the grant. They aim to find out which buildings are contributing and get them on the State Register. Three buildings are already on the National Register -- the Botanical and Horticultural Laboratory, Spruce Hall and. Ammons Hall. The grant proposal has two parts. First, it aims to complete a survey using some assistance from graduate historic preservationist students which would evaluate the condition of the buildings, Iook at setting up a historic district, and file for the National and Local Historic Register. They would also create a model of how higher education deals with its historic structures and come up with in-house design guidelines and a review process which could be used by other universities. Mr. Beardmore pointed out that CSU owns the historic Fort Lewis Campus with most of the original material intact — and this might be another possibility. Second, they would do an applied preservation demonstration on a particular building. The Industrial Sciences building was picked for two reasons. First, it is not currently on the National Register and meets the criteria for designation. Second, $175,000 is scheduled to be spent there for preventive maintenance and repairs, and the Center would like to influence the type of work done. Also, this money could be used to get matching grants. The project could then be used as a fundraiser for doing a bigger complex. Mr. Beardmore asked if the LPC would support the Center's request for local designation. This would require a public hearing in August, in order to be designated by September and be eligible for gaming money. Ms. Carpenter asked if this CSU building would be under LPC review. Ms. Tunner asked if the LPC can designate a building owned by CSU. Mr. Beardmore replied that the designation requires the owner's permission and there is some confusion about who could legally give that permission. Mr. Peterson said the LPC could have advisory review, as has happened cooperatively concerning the Laurel School with Poudre R-1.and the School Board. The University has sovereignty and is bound by local ordinances only if it agrees to be. Ms. Weatherford asked if Mr. Beardmore would like a formal resolution. He said he would like the LPC reaction; some staff time to help in filling out local designation forms; and then have the designation go through the process.. Mr. Peterson agreed that some staff time could be available.. Ms. Carpenter asked if the University would be open to local designation and Mr. Beardmore said they would. Ms. Weatherford wanted to emphasize the cooperative nature of the agreement. The LPC agreed to review a designation application on August 24 before the Council work session, if an application were presented. 0 • Landmark Preservation Commission Special Meeting Minutes August 4, 1993 Page 5 Mr. Beardmore also announced that Poudre R-i has hired the Center for Stabilization to look at reuse possibilities for Fort Collins High School. MUM Mas. o FM Mr. Peterson announced that the City Manager's Recommended Budget proposes an additional $40,000 to implement the HRPP. Although this is half of what was requested, it is still more than what has been allocated in the past. Mr. Peterson presented tentative ideas to maximize the use of the money, and would like LPC reaction to his proposal. First, he would like to use $10,000 to set up a program of preservation workshops and seminars in the community and focus more on designations. This would be used for manuals, handouts, and other material. Sherry Albertson -Clark would devote about 20% of her time to work with the LPC on designations, etc. Second, he would like to hire a one-year contractual position to work on specific HRPP implementation items, a design assistance program and a rehabilitation grant program. This would cost about $6,000 for a part-time position requiring a preservation background, setting up grants and meeting with applicants. $4,000 would be for a design assistance program for individuals needing specific help and could involve several architects working on an hourly contract basis. The remaining $20,000 would be for rehabilitation grants administered by the LPC. Ms. Massey thought that $10,000 could -be high for the workshops, and Tom agreed that any extra would go for the rehabilitation .grants. Ms. Weatherford said that staff time is still short for ongoing projects. Mr. Peterson responded that 20% of Mr. Frank's time would still be working on LPC projects. Ms. Weatherford felt that the increase in designations and requests for design review would require additional staff time. Ms. Carpenter suggested an approach that has been used successfully in Denver and Boulder. The LPC there has a subcommittee that does design review and passes on recommendations to the larger group. They do a full presentation if agreement is not reached. Mr. Frick asked if the HRPP would increase the need for staff time. Ms. Carpenter said that might be done on a contract basis. Mr. Peterson said that Ms. Tunner will continue with her LPC responsibilities. The preservation workshops would help people who are interested in going through the designation process. Ms. Massey said that in her work with the East Side/West Side Neighborhood Study, she found that people were interested in design guidelines appropriate to their neighborhood. Mr. Peterson said that the Neighborhood Compatibility Guidelines will be out soon and will cover setbacks, landscape, and compatibility. Landmark Preservation Commission Special Meeting Minutes August 4, 1993 Page 6 Mr. Peterson will keep the LPC informed as the budget process moves ahead. Preservation Leadership Training Institute Wrap-UR Ms. Tunner asked about the oil can for Mayor Azari and packets on the Linden that the PLTI participants wanted given to City Council. Ms. Massey suggested presenting the oil can and seven packets to the City council at the August 24 HRPP meeting. Ms. Carpenter asked Ms. Tunner to help her prepare the presentation. National Re ig stet Ms. Massey handed out a summary of the goals of the East Side/West Side Plans that the HRPP will meet; the previously mentioned August 1992 memo to City council, appended; a summary of the book, Economics and Urban Conservation; and a report titled "Divisions of Mayberry." Ms. Tunner handed out the National Register Criteria and Its Effects for LPC comment. The meeting adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Submitted by Diane Slater, Secretary.