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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 04/09/2014LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting 300 Laporte Avenue April 9, 2014 Minutes Council Liaison: Gino Campana (970-460-6329) Staff Liaison: Laurie Kadrich (970-221-6750) Commission Chairperson: Ron Sladek CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 5:34 p.m. by Chair Sladek. Members present were Ron Sladek, Meg Dunn, Kristin Gensmer, Pat Tvede, Belinda Zink and Doug Ernest. Staff present: Historic Preservation Planner Joshua Weinberg and Administrative Staff Gretchen Schiager and Cindy Cosmas. EXCUSED ABSENCE: Dave Lingle, Alexandra Wallace, Maren Bzdek PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Landmark Preservation Commission minutes of March 12, 2014 were approved by acclamation. [Time Reference: 5:35 p.m.] LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM: EXTENSION FOR 618 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE Bill Whitley, Owner Staff Report Mr. Weinburg reviewed a memo regarding the applicant’s request for a loan extension due to scheduling conflicts with the contractor causing a delay in construction. Applicant Presentation None SUMMARY OF MEETING: The Commission: • Approved March 12, 2014 Minutes. • Approved a Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program extension for 618 West Mountain Avenue. • Conducted a Conceptual Design Review for a rear addition at 116 North Pearl Street. • Approved a Landmark Designation for 116 North Pearl Street. • Approved the Final Design for the rehabilitation of the Goodwill Building at 320 Walnut Street. Approved by the Commission at their May 14, 2014 meeting. Landmark Preservation Commission April 9, 2014 Commission Questions None Public Input None Commission Discussion None Commission Deliberation Ms. Tvede moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the request by William Whitley for an extension to the loan period for 618 West Mountain Avenue for up to one year, to expire on April 5 th , 2015. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 6-0. Mr. Whitley spoke briefly about the process for applying for tax credits, pointing out that the State requires pre-approval, final approval, and a two-year window. Members asked if there is a checklist for applying for a state tax credit. Mr. Weinberg responded that there is a document that outlines the financial incentives related to ownership of a designated property, but it does not detail the steps to apply for a tax credit. Historic Preservation staff already has plans to create such a document. [Time Reference: 5:42 p.m.] CONCEPTUAL DESIGN REVIEW: REAR ADDITION - 116 NORTH PEARL STREET Ken and Michelle Christensen, Owners Staff Report Mr. Weinberg gave the staff report, including background and a description of the proposed work, including photos and drawings. Applicant Presentation Mr. Christensen explained the primary objectives for this addition were to provide more accessibility to the basement, and to upgrade the wiring and insulation for the master bedroom located in the attic. He also pointed out that the rear addition is not visible from the front of the house. They worked with architect Per Hogestad to make the design as similar to the original architecture as possible. They are using lap siding instead of brick, but have brick around the foundation area that matches the existing home. Commission Questions Members asked about the exact orientation of the rear addition, and Mr. Weinberg clarified that it will actually be on the northern portion of the eastern elevation, rather than the western elevation as stated in the staff report. - 2 - Landmark Preservation Commission April 9, 2014 In response to a question, Mr. Christensen explained that the existing patio structure in the rear would be replaced by the new addition, which would be about six feet higher than the current structure. He doesn’t believe the existing structure in the back was part of the original home. Members asked whether the door on the east was part of original structure, and Mr. Christensen believed it was, but didn’t think it was originally enclosed. He pointed out the brick on the enclosure matches the original, but if you look closely, it is slightly different. Members asked if the addition would be visible at different angles from the street. Mr. Christensen said that it would be completely hidden by the roof line from the front. While it may be minimally visible at an angle, it would be difficult to see because the design enables it to blend in. Mr. Christensen also confirmed that the garage would remain in place. Mr. Sladek mentioned that the house and garage have great character, and he likes the architectural detail. Public Input None Commission Discussion Mr. Sladek pointed out that there would be no vote on this tonight, since it is a conceptual review, and asked whether the Members had any concerns. Members said they appreciated the effort the applicants put into protecting the view from the street. They also commented that the difference in materials show that it’s new and not pretending to be historic. Members had no concerns about whether the proposed design would meet the requirements for designation. Commission Feedback Mr. Sladek said the Commission was comfortable that they were on the right track, that they had done a good job with the design, and that they look forward to seeing final plans. [Time Reference: 6:02 p.m.] LANDMARK DESIGNATION: 116 NORTH PEARL STREET Ken and Michelle Christensen, Owners Staff Report Mr. Weinberg provided the background on the property, including historic and current photos, and a staff analysis. Applicant Presentation None Commission Questions None - 3 - Landmark Preservation Commission April 9, 2014 Public Input None Commission Discussion Members commented about the uniqueness of the two-car garage for the time period. They discussed how unusual it was during the 1920’s and 30’s for a woman (Nellie Landblom), to have been on the faculty, particularly in the sciences, at what was then Colorado A & M. They also discussed the fact that she was an Assistant Professor for an extended period of time, and speculated as to whether she was not a full Professor because she was a woman. Commission Deliberation Ms. Zink moved that Landmark Preservation Commission pass a resolution recommending City Council pass an ordinance designating the Landblom Property located at 116 North Pearl Street as a Fort Collins Landmark according to City Code Chapter 14 under Designation Standards (2) and (3). Ms. Tvede seconded. Motion passed 6-0. [Time Reference: 6:11 p.m.] FINAL DESIGN REVIEW: REHABILITATION OF GOODWILL BUILDING, 320 WALNUT STREET Tim Politis, One Line Studio LLC; Pete Turner, Illegal Pete’s Staff Report Mr. Weinberg provided background, and a description of the project, along with photos and drawings. He also noted that included in the packet is information about new lighting choices, metal paneling and coloring, which were previously requested by the Commission. Applicant Presentation Mr. Turner expressed his respect for historic buildings and his enthusiasm for doing business in Fort Collins. Mr. Politis gave a detailed presentation. He explained that based on previous Commission recommendations, they have set back the guard rail on the roof 18” from the back of the parapet in order to keep a minimal presence on the face of the building. They have also added a parapet cap along the entire perimeter of the building to preserve the brick. They have stepped back the addition from Seckner Alley to minimize visual impact and maintain access all around. In order to meet a code requirement for a secondary exit, they are making one cut into the existing building, bringing one window down further and repairing the brick around it. The addition has also been moved closer to Walnut Street due to a code requirement that says if they exceed 3000 square feet of rooftop and addition, they must add an elevator and other elements that would be a significant cost impact. By making the deck area smaller, they were able to avoid this requirement. To maintain the garage appearance, while providing a functional entrance for a future tenant on the back side, the design gives the appearance of a roll-up door. Mr. Politis said they can maintain the existing wood cornice, side posts and sandstone elements by creating a lintel across the width of the opening. In the future, they propose to add a shade structure to the rooftop addition, and will bring that design to the Commission at a later date. - 4 - Landmark Preservation Commission April 9, 2014 Commission Questions Ms. Dunn disclosed peripheral involvement with the project due to having written a blog about the ‘Goodwill ghost”. Mr. Sladek mentioned that at a future date, Ms. Dunn will meet with the City Attorney to clarify whether there is any potential conflict between her ongoing historic blog and her role on the Commission. No one had any concerns about a conflict on this item. Members asked whether the addition was set back from the alley in the original plan, and Mr. Politis said it was like that in the original design, based on their understanding of the standards. The increase of the setback from Seckner Alley was new. Members inquired about the look of the sign, and Mr. Politis responded that they still have to submit the sign design to the City for approval. He pointed out that the sign would be pin mounted to the mortar to prevent damage to the existing brick. Mr. Turner clarified that each letter and star in the sign would require several pins and be set about half an inch off the building. There would also be lighting for the signage. Mr. Weinberg said signs in the Historic District can be approved administratively by the Chair and the Director, unless the Commission wants to see it again. Members agreed that the signage, and related lighting, could be handled administratively, as long as it is pin-mounted to the mortar. Mr. Sladek emphasized that this is rehabilitation project, not a restoration project taking it back to its original appearance, allowing for a lot more flexibility. Members asked how the railing would be anchored on the inside of the parapet. Mr. Politis said they would use epoxy dowels going into the parapet on the inside face, requiring no through bolting. Mr. Sladek said it was very well thought out project and that he appreciated the degree of effort put into the design on a block that really needs attention. He said it looked like a great project, which is in a great location for festivals. Mr. Turner stated that his goal is to open by New West Fest. Public Input None Commission Discussion None Commission Deliberation Ms. Tvede moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design for 320 Walnut Street, finding that it meets the requirements under Municipal Code Section 14-48, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and the Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 6-0. OTHER BUSINESS: - 5 - Landmark Preservation Commission April 9, 2014 [Time Reference: 6:44 p.m.] DISCUSSION: DOWNTOWN POUDRE RIVER HISTORIC RESOURCES Members agreed to table this item until the work session, due to Commission absences. UPDATE: HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS & CODE CHANGES Members agreed to table this item until the work session, or the next meeting, due to a staff absence. FOLLOW UP: BUTTON HOUSE DEMOLITION Mr. Sladek asked Mr. Ernest to give an update on public meeting about the demolition of the Button House. Mr. Ernest said that five Commission members were present: Ms. Dunn, Ms. Zink, Mr. Sladek, Mr. Lingle and himself. Several City staff members were also present, including Karen McWilliams, Courtney Levingston, Sarah Burnett and Mike Gebo. There were roughly 20 members of the public in attendance, as well as one of owners, Robin Bachelet. Members of the public expressed their dismay over the demolition of the building. Some had been watching the work going on and said it seemed as if it had occurred overnight. Ms. McWilliams had spoken about a lapse in communication among City staff, and said they were working to correct that to make sure this situation would not occur again. Staff added a “plan of protection”, and other language dealing with this issue, to the proposed code changes that went forward to City Council. The Commission had not seen that specific wording, but City Council did sign off on it. The hope is that with those additional protections in place, demolitions in this type of circumstance would not happen in the future. Mr. Sladek mentioned that a member of the public commented on the Button House demolition at the last meeting, requesting that the Commission comment on this to Council and suggest remedies to prevent such incidents. Mr. Sladek said they appreciated her bringing her concerns to the Commission. Both the Commission and the public were dismayed at the demolition. The City is already coming up with procedural changes to include determining whether a building is historic prior to condemnation and demolition. At this point, given the discussion and changes that have taken place, there is no need to take anything additional on this matter to Council. Mr. Sladek adjourned at 6:47 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Gretchen Schiager - 6 -