Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 - Landmark Preservation Commission - Work PlanCommunity Development & Neighborhood Services 281 North College Avenue P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522.0580 970.416.2740 970.224.6134- fax fcgov.com Planning, Development & Transportation Services MEMORANDUM TO: Wanda Nelson, City Clerk FM: Ron Sladek, Chair, Landmark Preservation Commission RE: 2016 Landmark Preservation Commission Work Plan WHY SUPPORT HISTORIC PRESERVATION? While we think of historic preservation as a way to honor our past, it is also a way to protect our future. Historic preservation protects community character; creates quality, livable neighborhoods; and promotes economic viability and environmental sustainability: • Community character and quality neighborhoods are enhanced through compatible alterations and infill development: "A builder only owns a home as long as it takes to sell it. A buyer may own the home for 5-7 years. But our community owns the home forever." • Economic vitality is promoted through leveraging private investment through incentive programs, providing additional disposable income. • Adaptively reusing and greening historic buildings are very effective tools for environmental stewardship. By saving and reusing existing buildings, historic preservation is essentially a recycling program. HIGHLIGHTS FROM 2015 • In 2015, the primary focus of the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC) was on aligning its strategic objectives with those of City Council and on continued identification and implementation of improvements to historic preservation processes and policies. • A significant goal recognized in 2015 was the adoption by Council of updated design standards for the Old Town Historic District. These standards, funded through a State Historical Fund grant, have formed the basis for the Commission’s approval of new projects within the historic district, including Illegal Pete’s and Galvanize. • A critical role the Commission performed in 2015was to execute the duties required to maintain Fort Collins’ Certified Local Government (CLG) status, in conformance with the National Historic Preservation Act. CLG status gives the City broad powers to administer state and federal preservation regulations, including Section 106 Review and Compliance; enables Fort Collins’ citizens to participate in the state historic preservation tax credit program; and provides a dedicated pool of federal grants. In return, the City must enforce appropriate federal, state and local legislation for the designation and protection of historic properties, in conformance with the National Historic Preservation Act. • To better comply with CLG requirements, and to provide important evidence requested by the Planning and Zoning Board, the LPC’s duties were expanded in 2014 to include the review of development projects affecting designated and eligible historic properties, and to provide a recommendation to the decision maker. In 2015, the LPC established policies and procedures to fully implement the review process, and reviewed ten projects, supporting all but one. Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 2 - 2 - 2016 WORK PLAN The Landmark Preservation Commission's 2016 Work Program consists of both continuing responsibilities and new projects. For 2016, the Commission has identified these goals to further align its strategic objectives with those of City Council, grouped by outcome area: Community & Neighborhood Livability The Landmark Preservation Commission supports the Community & Neighborhood Livability Outcome Area by promoting these key strategic objectives: 1.1. Improve access to a broad range of quality housing that is safe, accessible and affordable. - The LPC is strongly committed to promoting affordable housing, which it supports through financial programs which encourage the cost-effective rehabilitation of older dwellings, including the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program, the State Tax Credits for Historic Preservation, and the Design Assistance Program. - In 2016, the Commission will add explore adding additional programs and funding opportunities for rehabilitating existing residences, to further support both the City’s affordable housing and sustainability goals. 1.2 Preserve the significant historical character of the community. - The Landmark Preservation Commission feels strongly that the wording of the first bullet item under this key strategic outcome, “Fort Collins has several aging neighborhoods,” presents a negative view of the community. “Aging” in this context implies decrepit, out of fashion, and no longer serving a vital purpose. The Commission suggests that the wording be changed to a positive statement that emphasizes opportunities, for example, “Fort Collins has a growing number of historic neighborhoods that enhance the city’s distinctive character, sense of place, and quality of life.” - Similarly, under the second bullet point, “The character of many neighborhoods is changing as student housing expands, higher density development occurs, and the desires of a diverse population change”, it is important to note the role of increasing property values in changing neighborhood character, and it was suggested that this be considered for inclusion. - Historic preservation preserves and enhances significant community character and quality neighborhoods by encouraging compatibility through the review of exterior alterations. This has resulted in many positive improvements in building design. In 2015, staff reviewed over 600 demolitions or alterations to historic building stock, of which two proceeded to the Commission. In 2016, the LPC will continue to preserve and enhance significant community character by reviewing alterations and demolitions of historic and older buildings brought before it. - The LPC strongly supports the ongoing review of programs, fees, codes and standards that preserve the character and sense of community that gives Fort Collins a unique sense of place while allowing appropriate infill development and redevelopment. This review will continue in 2016. - An important first step to preserving the historic character of the community is identifying significant areas and individual properties through historic property survey, resulting in proactively identifying properties and areas of historic and architectural significance. In Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 3 - 3 - 2016, staff will seek funding for on-going survey through State Historical Fund and Certified Local Government grants. The Commission’s priorities for survey, as funding allows, are: - The West Side Neighborhood, including the Loomis Addition, City Park Neighborhood and the properties along Mountain Avenue and Oak Street, which are all areas facing substantial development and infill pressures; - Properties 40 years old and older likely to be affected by development along the MAX/BRT corridor; - Properties in the area surrounding Colorado State University; - Commercial and residential properties in the Midtown area, with an emphasis on the University Acres, Indian Hills and College Heights and Circle Drive neighborhoods. - In 2016, the Landmark Preservation Commission will continue to promote incentives for historic preservation. The Design Assistance Program, for example, is an increasingly popular mechanism for promoting context sensitive infill design. 1.3 Direct and guide growth in the community through appropriate planning, annexation, land use, and development review processes. - The comprehensive Historic Preservation Process and Codes Improvements Study culminated in Council’s adoption of extensive revisions to the codes pertaining to historic preservation. These changes, which streamlined review processes and aligned codes, provide for a balance of predictability and flexibility with the preservation of the community’s historic character areas. The continued implementation of these codes and processes is the Commission’s highest priority in 2016. - At the request of the Planning and Zoning Board, changes were made to the Land Use Code to provide for LPC recommendations to decision makers on land use and development projects affecting historic properties. In 2015, the LPC reviewed 10 projects, and gave recommendations of support for nine and denial for one. In 2016 the Commission will continue to improve to its review processes to further Council’s desire for predictability while still meeting Council’s goal of context sensitive infill development. 1.5 Preserve and enhance the City’s sense of place. - Historic preservation preserves and protects the important aspects of Fort Collins’ historic built environment that portray its history and gives it its unique identity. It is this sense of place that promotes community pride, and results in respect for the collective standards acceptable to this community. In 2016, the Commission will help to promote the positive and unique character of Fort Collins through historic property survey and landmark designation, and through design review of landmark properties. 1.6. Promote health and wellness within the community. - Health and wellness, both physical and mental, are promoted by maintaining the human scale and walkability of the historic neighborhoods and downtown commercial core. These are important to both individual health and to the health of the community. Fort Collins’ historic core draws residents and visitors to engage in healthy interactions of all kinds. 1.7. Leverage and improve collaboration with other agencies to address the prevention of homelessness, poverty issues and other high priority human service needs. Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 4 - 4 - - Adaptation of the Northern Hotel into a place where seniors can enjoy quality affordable housing is a good example of how historic preservation came together with other agencies to meet an important community need. The preservation program welcomes the opportunity to engage in future projects of this type where historic buildings might be involved. 1.8 Expand organizational and community knowledge about diversity, and embrace cultural differences. - In 2016, the Landmark Preservation Commission will continue to foster diversity through recognition of the roles that various cultures and ethnic groups have played in our community’s history, through: - On-going surveys and contextual histories, which capture the diversity and shared cultural histories present within Fort Collins, and which is visible through building designs and material choices. In 2016, the contextual history of the Alta Vista Neighborhood is proposed to be documented and made readily available to all citizens. - Efforts are underway to partner with emerging informational outlets within the community, including blogs and NextDoor, to feature monthly articles on the history of the neighborhoods that collectively make up Fort Collins. - In 2016, the Commission and the Historic Preservation Division will continue their 21 year partnership with CSU, to provide internships and learning opportunities for graduate-level students of historic preservation and related fields. 1.11 Maintain and enhance attractive neighborhoods through City services, innovative enforcement techniques, and voluntary compliance with City codes and regulations. - Recently adopted design standards and guidelines for the Downtown River District and Historic Old Town District promote design flexibility while providing for context sensitive infill development. - In 2016, the Commission will continue its support of these goals, by: - Offering education and financial assistance for graffiti removal using techniques consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; and - By incentivizing renovations and upgrades which support the revitalization of older buildings and maintain safe and attractive neighborhoods - By encouraging voluntary use of design guidelines for compatible new construction and compliance with applicable codes and regulations. Economic Health The Landmark Preservation Commission supports the Economic Health Outcome Area by promoting these key strategic objectives: 3.1 Align economic health goals and strategy across all levels of the organization and refine and agree upon the economic tools the City uses. - The LPC strongly supports the Economic Health Outcome Area by working to maintain Fort Collins’ character that drives much of its desirability, and by leveraging residents’ investment in their neighborhoods and community. Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 5 - 5 - - Maintaining the City's Certified Local Government (CLG) status enables Fort Collins’ citizens to participate in the Colorado Tax Credit for Historic Preservation program, and for the City to receive funding from a dedicated pool of federal grants for historic preservation projects. - Since 1991, the LPC has been directly involved in or has facilitated Fort Collins receiving just under $4.5 million dollars in State Historical Fund grants and an additional $100,000 in CLG grants. These grants have generating an estimated $31 million dollars in direct and indirect revenue for Fort Collins. In 2016, additional grant-funded projects will add to this total. - Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program: Since 1995, $487,532 from the General Fund has leveraged $2.9 million in private investment in 139 historic renovations. In 2015, twelve additional projects received funding, and for 2016, six applications have already been received. - Design Assistance Program: Since 2011, this program has incentivized the use of context sensitive design for 55 projects in Fort Collins’ historic Old Town Neighborhoods. In 2016, the LPC will be looking at ways to incorporate the use of the Old Town Neighborhoods Guidelines in funding allocations. - Fort Collins is nationally recognized for its historic preservation successes, including the Old Town District, which is a notable destination spot for tourists. As reported in the 2005 “Economic Benefits of Historic Preservation in Colorado: Technical Report,” prepared by Clarion Associates, in 2003, heritage tourism in Colorado generated $3.4 billion dollars in expenditures, $1.1 billion in earnings, and nearly 61,000 jobs. 3.7 Support sustainable infill and redevelopment to meet climate action strategies. - Historic preservation strongly encourages environmental sustainability through its emphasis on rehabilitating and retrofitting existing building stock. Carnegie Mellon University’s Green Design Initiative calculated that renovating an existing building creates 30-50% less carbon emissions than new construction - while at the same time generating 20% more jobs. - In 2016, the Commission will assist in the development of design guidelines and/or pattern books for new and infill construction that promote Fort Collins’ climate action strategies. 3.8.1 Preserve the City’s sense of place - Preservation of large portions of the city’s historic downtown core, distinctive older residential neighborhoods, and individually important sites, has contributed heavily to the community’s strong sense of place. Without these successes, combined with oversight to ensure that these successes are not reversed, Fort Collins’ sense of place would be largely absent. - For 2016, the Commission has requested that staff pursue funding to develop additional design guidelines and/or pattern books for new and infill construction in areas adjacent to historic districts and properties. - In 2016, staff will pursue a study of an expansion of the Old Town Historic District, to provide financial incentives to the numerous designated and eligible historic properties in the Downtown Commercial. Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 6 - 6 - - In 2016, the LPC will continue to provide Council with recommendations on the historic eligibility of individual and district landmark designation applications. As of December 2015, Fort Collins has recognized 275 properties as Fort Collins Landmarks. An additional 15 properties are listed on the State Register, and 735 properties are designated on both the National and State Registers. 3.9 Provide transparent, predictable and efficient processes for citizens and businesses interacting with the City. - In 2016, the LPC will continue to engage in regulatory, policy, and process changes that will make the historic preservation processes more transparent, predictable and efficient. - The Commission supports the Planning and Zoning Board and other decision makers by providing the decision maker with a recommendation regarding compatibility with existing character. The reviews of additions, alterations and infill construction in the core neighborhoods has proven useful in helping owners and developers identify design issues and options at the preliminary stages of planning, and in providing education and awareness of incentives to encourage compatible design. In 2015, the LPC reviewed 10 projects, and gave recommendations of support for nine and denial for one. In 2016 the Commission will continue to improve its review processes to further Council’s desire for predictability while still meeting Council’s goal of context sensitive infill development. - The Commission has final decision-making authority for design review of designated landmark buildings. In 2013, the Commission heard 42 proposals for significant alterations and additions to Landmark properties. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Historic preservation has an inherent connection with environmental sustainability: the re-use of historic buildings and greening existing buildings are highly effective tools for environmental stewardship. Many older buildings are remarkably energy efficient because of their site sensitivity, quality of construction, and use of passive heating and cooling, and can go green without compromising historic character. The Landmark Preservation Commission supports the Key Outcome of Area of Environmental Health through its emphasis on sustainability and greening historic properties: The Landmark Preservation Commission supports the Environmental Health Outcome Area by promoting these key strategic objectives: 4.4 Reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions by creating a built environment focused on green building and mobile emissions reductions; and 4.5. Demonstrate progress toward achieving net zero energy within the community and the City organization using a systems approach. - In 2016, the Landmark Preservation Commission will continue to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions and promote green building through financial programs incentivizing the renovation of existing buildings for grater energy efficiency using suitable materials and techniques. An example is the $7,500 matching loan for the appropriate rehabilitation of historic buildings. Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 7 - 7 - 4.6 Engage citizens in ways to educate and change behavior toward more sustainable living practices - The Commission has requested that staff pursue funding to develop design guidelines and/or pattern books for new and infill construction in areas adjacent to historic districts and properties with a focus on sustainable building and appropriate energy-efficient rehabilitation. - The adaptive re-use of historic buildings and the greening of existing buildings are effective tools for environmental stewardship. Many older buildings are remarkably energy efficient because of their site sensitivity, quality of construction, and use of passive heating and cooling, and can go green without compromising historic character. Renovating an existing building creates 30-50% less carbon emissions than new construction. In 2016, the Commission will participate in and provide funding towards projects that promote sustainable historic preservation practices and can serve as models. 4.11. Demonstrate progress toward achieving zero waste within the community and the City organization. - Encouraging the retention and maintenance of existing buildings significantly contributes to reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill, supporting the City’s zero waste goals. - The demolition of older buildings and their features results in a significant hit on scarce resources: - By throwing away thousands of dollars of embodied energy. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, even with recycling 40 percent of the materials, it takes approximately 65 years for a new green, energy-efficient office building to recover the energy lost in demolishing a comparable existing building. - By replacing it with materials vastly more consumptive on energy: Brick, plaster, concrete and timber are among the least energy consumptive of materials. The major components of new buildings are plastic, steel, vinyl and aluminum, which are among the most energy consumptive of materials. - By ill-advised, costly retrofits: The vast majority of heat loss in homes is through the attic or uninsulated walls, not windows. Adding just 3 1/2 inches of fiberglass insulation in the attic has three times the R factor impact as replacing a single pane window with the most energy efficient window. Properly repaired historic windows have an R factor nearly indistinguishable from new, so-called, "weatherized" windows. Culture & Recreation The Landmark Preservation Commission supports the Culture and Recreation Outcome Area by promoting these key strategic objectives: 2.1 Improve low and moderate income citizen access to, and participation in, City programs and facilities. - The Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program offers no-interest loans for property maintenance and rehabilitation, providing an opportunity for low and moderate income citizens to be able to afford cost-effective repairs and improvements to their properties. Landmark Preservation Commission 2016 Work Program Page 8 - 8 - - The Design Assistance Program further helps reduce the costs for property maintenance and renovation through financial assistance for preparing building plans. - Building on its earlier accomplishments, the LPC will continue its efforts to have all historic preservation forms translated into Spanish. In 2016, the focus will be on translating application forms for the many historic preservation financial incentive programs. 2.4 Maintain and enhance the current culture, recreation and parks systems. - Financial incentives for historic preservation, notably State Historical Fund grants, provide an important source of funding for repairs and maintenance for several cultural facilities in Fort Collins, including City Park and Grandview Cemetery, the Fort Collins Museum of Contemporary Art, Bobcat Ridge Natural Area, the Carnegie Library, and the Avery House and Old Waterworks. Funding and support for cultural properties will be continued in 2016. 2.6 Develop a clear strategic definition and description of the City’s role in the culture and arts while leveraging partnerships with other community organizations - In 2016, the Commission will focus its efforts to inform and educate the community on the long- term social, environmental and economic benefits of historic preservation through: • Continue community outreach by providing technical information and education on the community-wide benefits of historic preservation, and by promoting financial incentives for historic preservation. • Continue the "Friends of Preservation" award program. • Facilitate communication with public and private business and development entities. • Facilitate the Demolition/Alteration Review process, allowing citizen input on the demolition or alteration of non-designated properties fifty years old or older. High Performing Government 7.1 Improve organizational capability and effectiveness–professional development, leadership, change management, strategic thinking, fiscal literacy and staff engagement - In 2016, the Commission will reaffirm its high standards for professionalism through ongoing training and education. Attendance at professional conferences and workshops is encouraged of all Commission members - City staff and Commission members will continue to meet Certified Local Government standards for professional development by attending Colorado Preservation Inc.’s annual conference, and by sending members to the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions conference every other year cc: Landmark Preservation Commission Members Gino Campana, Council Liaison Darin Atteberry, City Manager Laurie Kadrich, PDT Director Tom Leeson, CDNS Director Karen McWilliams, Historic Preservation Manager