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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 01/14/2015Landmark Preservation Commission Page 1 January 14, 2015 Ron Sladek, Chair Doug Ernest, Vice Chair City Council Chambers Maren Bzdek City Hall West Meg Dunn 300 Laporte Avenue Kristin Gensmer Fort Collins, Colorado Per Hogestad Dave Lingle Cablecast on City Cable Channel 14 Alexandra Wallace on the Comcast cable system Belinda Zink Laurie Kadrich Karen McWilliams Josh Weinberg Gino Campana Staff Liaison, CDNS Director Preservation Planner Preservation Planner Council Liaison The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224- 6001) for assistance. Regular Meeting January 14, 2015 Minutes  CALL TO ORDER Chair Sladek called the meeting to order at 5:33 p.m.  ROLL CALL PRESENT: Bzdek, Dunn, Hogestad, Gensmer, Zink, Lingle, Ernest, Sladek ABSENT: Wallace (excused) STAFF PRESENT: McWilliams, Weinberg, Schiager Chair Sladek welcomed new Commission Member, Per Hogestad, who briefly introduced himself. Mr. Weinberg noted that agenda items 3 & 4 would be postponed to another meeting.  PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None Landmark Preservation Commission Approved by Commission at their February 11, 2015 meeting. City of Fort Collins Page 2  DISCUSSION AGENDA 1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE DECEMBER 10, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the December 10, 2014 regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission. Ms. Bzdek moved to approve the minutes from the December 10, 2014 regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission as presented. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8-0. [Timestamp: 5:37 p.m.] 2. DEVELOPMENT REVIEW - UTILITY ADMIN BUILDING AND CREAMERY LABORATORY BUILDING PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Update on Utility Administration Building and Old Creamery Laboratory Building (Butterfly Building) – 222 LaPorte Avenue APPLICANT: Brian Hergott, Facilities Project Manager Staff Report Ms. McWilliams presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Mr. Hergott gave a presentation and update on the progress of the project. Public Input Amanda Quijano, 2005 Ridgewood Road, commented that she couldn’t help but think of an ice cream shop with a giant sign. Commission Questions and Discussion Members talked about the character of the sign. It was unknown whether Dairy Gold still exists. It was noted that the sign could be used as a sculptural piece even without that brand name. Members said they would like to see the structure of the sign reconstructed, ideally with the Dairy Gold name on it. If Dairy Gold is a trade name that cannot be used, then the sign should make an announcement of what is happening in the building. Members asked whether there has been any exploration on what is under the paint, and the Applicant stated the building is constructed of 4” x 8” concrete utility block. Members discussed the paint colors, noting that they liked the lighter colored body with the darker trim, but without being more specific about the colors. Members asked for clarification as to the stairs and sidewalk configuration leading up to the building. The Applicant pointed out where they intend to place a plaque commemorating the original location, and Members said they like the idea of using pavers to mark the original footprint of the building. Members asked if there were any interior features that would or should be retained. The interior walls are drywall, with a steel column supporting the roof. These would need to be reinstalled in the new location. There is also a restroom and an office with a small sink. Chair Sladek said someone should look at the interior to see if anything should be retained. The Applicant noted the building is 20’ x 20’. The ideas of a coffee shop or a utilities information center have been discussed as possible uses for the building. Chair Sladek asked if it would be helpful for the Applicant to meet with some of the historic preservation architects on the Commission to look at the interior. The Applicant indicated it would be helpful to do that prior to issuing an RFP. A Member brought up the diagonal orientation of the sidewalks and the idea of using some of the original brick from the creamery building, but noted there wasn’t anything in the Utilities Building itself to reflect the Butterfly Building. The Applicant stated that the Googie style of the building stands out on its own, and they had thought using the landscaping to highlight that might be better than trying to bring too many of the design features into the Utilities Building. City of Fort Collins Page 3 A Member suggested taking care not to obstruct the view of the building with the landscaping. The building was meant to be visible from any direction, particularly the roofline. The building should be thought of as a billboard that needs to stick out, so one wouldn’t plant trees in front of it. The colors should also be distinctive enough to catch the eye and not really blend in. In this design, it seems to be tucked back where it takes effort to walk up to it. A suggestion was made that stairs from the sidewalk straight up to the building would be good. The elevation is 3 feet, so they have the horizontal distance for steps. Another Member preferred approaching the building from the front, rather than from behind. Chair Sladek asked if any of the designers on the Commission would be able to assist. Mr. Hogestad and Ms. Zink volunteered, indicating that meeting on the afternoon of the 26th would work. Members asked about next steps in the process. Ms. McWilliams said the project will come back to a work session, probably later this month, and then will also come back for a final review. 3. FORT COLLINS LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE COLLAMER/MALABY HISTORIC DISTRICT AT 303, 305, 313, AND 315 NORTH MELDRUM STREET This item has been postponed. 4. FORT COLLINS LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE KRAMER/BARRAZA PROPERTY AT 520 NINTH STREET This item has been postponed. [Timestamp: 6:15 p.m.] 5. FORT COLLINS LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE LONGYEAR PROPERTY AT 719 REMINGTON STREET PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Staff is pleased to present for your consideration the Longyear Property located at 719 Remington Street. The property has significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Preservation Standards B and C. APPLICANT: James Danella, Property Owner Staff Report Mr. Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Mr. Danella spoke to the Commission. He talked about the construction they have been doing on the home, which he hopes to complete in the next few months. He mentioned the home had shingles and siding that was removed. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked about the shingles that were removed. The Applicant stated that only the gable ends and the dormers in the front and back were shingled. He said there was 1” x 12” pine and pink paper sheathing under the shingles. He explained that the flashing was the biggest issue. A Member noted that Forester was spelled wrong throughout the application, and then asked whether the garage is also being designated. Mr. Weinberg said the entire property would be designated, and that the two-bay garage was specifically mentioned in the staff report due to its uniqueness. A two- bay garage at a time when most people only has one is significant. The use of stucco on the garage was also mentioned in relation to the Spanish Revival style. Members encouraged the Applicant to keep the garage in place. The Applicant noted that the garage was identical to another one down the street at the Jacob Center, and wondered whether they were built by the same person. He said there was even a mechanic’s pit inside. He said it was probably built in 1929. A Member noted that since Frank Giddings was around at that time, owned the home, and would have been likely to have worked on his own cars, he may have actually lived there. If so, that should be added to the statement of significance for Standard B. Mr. Weinberg said he would look into that and verify it. City of Fort Collins Page 4 In response to a Commission question, the Applicant stated that all the siding and windows were original. The front porch posts have been changed from round to square due to a structural requirement. Members asked about the mural on the back of the garage, noting it is now a very prominent feature. The Applicant stated the mural was painted about two years ago by an artist friend of his in an effort to address the graffiti problem. Members indicated that since it could be painted over at some point, it would not impact the designation. A Member inquired as to whether there were any original trees on the property. Applicant stated that the property is barren, and there are currently no trees. Chair Sladek mentioned that if Giddings were found to have lived at the property, adding a few sentences about that to the nomination would be adequate. He also suggested possibly adding Giddings to the name of the property, but left that decision up to Staff. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission pass a resolution recommending City Council pass an ordinance designating the Longyear Property at 719 Remington Street as a Fort Collins Landmark according to City Code Chapter 14-5 under designation standards B and C. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8-0. Chair Sladek thanked Staff for their work on the application, noting that all of the applications in the meeting packet, including those that were postponed, were very well written. [Timestamp: 6:33 p.m.] 6. FORT COLLINS LANDMARK DESIGNATION OF THE HOLMES/MANGES PROPERTY AT 1202 LAPORTE AVENUE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Staff is pleased to present for your consideration the Holmes/Manges Property located at 1202 Laporte Avenue. The property has significance to Fort Collins under Landmark Preservation Standard C. APPLICANT: Sharon Manges, Property Owner Staff Report Mr. Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Ms. Manges spoke to the Commission. She stated they had lived there for 40 years. She talked about raising her family in the home. When they purchased the home it needed updating, including a second bathroom. Adding the bathroom and remodeling the kitchen were the only two major projects. The dormer created a second bedroom. She said it has been a good house. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion A Member pointed out that Ansel Watrous was misspelled in the application. He also stated this was a great example of a Classic Cottage, if you imagine it without the front porch. He recommended changing the language in the application to Classic Cottage rather than Victorian. There were no objections. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission pass a resolution recommending City Council pass an ordinance designating the Holmes/Manges Property at 1202 Laporte Avenue as a Fort Collins Landmark according to City Code Chapter 14-5 under designation standard C. Ms. Dunn seconded. Motion passed 8-0. [Timestamp: 6:44 p.m.] 7. FINAL DESIGN REVIEW FOR OLD TOWN SQUARE RENOVATION City of Fort Collins Page 5 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority is seeking a final design review from the Commission on the proposed renovation project of Old Town Square, within the Old Town Historic District. APPLICANT: Matt Robenalt and Todd Dangerfield, Downtown Development Authority Staff Report Mr. Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Mr. Robenalt from the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) introduced himself and the other members of the team, including DDA Project Manager Todd Dangerfield, Principal Designer Jim Leggitt from Studio Insight and Keith Meyer from Ditesco Services, who serves as their Construction Quality Assurance Professional. He noted the DDA had also recently hired Mortensen Construction for this project. He spoke about the US Department of Interior’s Guidelines for the Treatment of Cultural Landscapes, and pointed out the matrix included in the packet that demonstrates this final design’s compliance with those guidelines. Mr. Leggitt gave a detailed presentation on the project design. Construction is scheduled to begin later this month or early February. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Chair Sladek explained that the Commission is only voting on the design presented tonight, and that any additions or changes (such as an information kiosk, artwork, etc.) would come back at a later time. Mr. Weinberg confirmed that was the case. A Member asked about the height and materials of the canopy over the stage, as well as its location relative to historic structures. The Applicant explained that the stage roof was supported by four steel tubular columns, pitched up at a five degree angle for drainage and sound projection. The stage framing was tubular steel to prevent birds from nesting as they would in I-beams. Acoustic framing was utilized to absorb sound. Translucent skylights are integrated into the roof. A pipe overhead allows performers to clip on lighting, speakers, curtains, banners, etc. The canopy is 12’ at its lowest point, 16’ at its highest point, and cantilevers out beyond the front of the stage by 8’. He also spoke about the technical requirements for the stage design with regard to sound and electrical. The stage area can be used like a picnic pavilion when not in use for a performance. He also mentioned that the Linden Hotel is the backdrop to the stage. A Member commented that the placement of the stage does not block the view of historic structures. The Applicant noted that pedestrian flow to Linden and Walnut is uninterrupted, flowing along the edges close to the storefronts and restaurants. The plan works to maintain the quirky character of Old Town. In a discussion about the height of the lighting, the Applicant explained the festoon lighting is 24’ high. The current tall pole lights around the stage are 22’ tall and will be removed. Pedestrian lighting will be replaced with more contemporary lights that would not obscure the historic facades. The Applicant noted that seven new shade trees will be introduced as a result of public outreach. The existing pine tree is not in good shape, and will be removed. Its original purpose was to block the view of the north 200 block of Linden, and the intent now is to open up that view. A Member also commented that the existing pine tree poses a safety hazard to pedestrians. Members inquired about what would happen to existing dining patios at Coopersmith’s, etc. The Applicant explained that the rails will be deconstructed while the paving is being replaced, but the boundaries and existing patio spaces will be preserved after the paving is completed. Additionally, there is space reserved between the store fronts and the pedestrian sidewalk for patios, retail space, rack sales, etc. City of Fort Collins Page 6 Chair Sladek asked if any Members had concerns with regard to Municipal Code Section 14-48, the Old Town Design Standards and the Secretary of the Interior Standards. A Member expressed concern that the design of the edge treatment of the circular portion of the stage appears heavy and clunky. It appears that while it is transparent, it still blocks some of the views of the surrounding buildings, particularly the Miller Block. While the depth of it is probably structurally and technically necessary, perhaps they could find a way to feather to a lighter edge treatment to be more unobtrusive. Members questioned how much the view of the Linden Hotel would be obscured by the stage from some angles, but said it is better than what is there now and is clearly a necessary improvement. The Applicant explained balancing the technical needs of the stage with the desire to avoid blocking views. They also noted that shop owners were worried about how the stage design would impact storefront visibility, making the dominant transparency issue at ground level. The profile is as thin as possible, but they may be able to taper it or lighten it visually in some way. Members discussed balancing shade needs with views of the Miller Block. The Applicant explained that the trees are 30 feet apart, and that comfort is an important driver in designing a people-oriented space. There was some discussion as to whether the trees could be placed in front of the newer buildings, rather than the historic buildings. The Applicant said there are many considerations with regard to the tree placement, and pointed out that there are more opportunities to view the Miller Block with this design than the current configuration. Another Member noted that if this were still a functional street, the City would have planted street trees on 30-foot centers 20 years ago. It was also pointed out that the best views of the Miller Block are from the Trimble Court area by the fountain and from Walnut Street. Members mentioned similarities to Pearl Street in Boulder and Larimer Street in Denver, which both have shade trees, yet the buildings are still visible. A Member commented that the stage was a structural element that would not fall under the “Building and Roof Forms” section of the Old Town Historic Guidelines. Members then discussed signage and kiosks, noting the need for wayfinding and interpretive signage in Old Town Square. Members referenced relevant information in the Guidelines with regard to signs on pages 112 and 106. However, signage is not part of the design at this point, and could be a topic for another meeting. One Member pointed out pages 73-75 of the Guidelines with regard to outdoor use areas, noting there were some applicable elements in that section. The Applicant addressed a few miscellaneous topics, such as bike parking, efforts to fund the restoration of the ghost sign in the alley, and moving the trash enclosures from the alley to other side of the plaza. Chair Sladek commended the Applicant’s work on the matrix about cultural landscapes. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission find that the Fort Collins Downtown Development Authority final design review is in compliance with Municipal Code Section 14-48 including Approval of Proposed Work, the Secretary of Interior Standards and the Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines. Ms. Zink seconded. Motion passed 8-0. Chair Sladek thanked the Applicant for their great work on this project.  OTHER BUSINESS None  ADJOURNMENT Chair Sladek adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m.