HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/11/2020 - Landmark Preservation Commission - Agenda - Work SessionMeg Dunn, Chair City Council Chambers
Alexandra Wallace, Co-Vice Chair City Hall West
Mollie Bredehoft, Co-Vice Chair 300 Laporte Avenue
Michael Bello Fort Collins, Colorado
Kurt Knierim
Elizabeth Michell
Kevin Murray
Anne Nelsen
Anna Simpkins
Fort Collins is a Certified Local Government (CLG) authorized by the National Park Service and History Colorado based on its
compliance with federal and state historic preservation standards. CLG standing requires Fort Collins to maintain a Landmark
Preservation Commission composed of members of which a minimum of 40% meet federal standards for professional experience
from preservation-related disciplines, including, but not limited to, historic architecture, architectural history, archaeology, and urban
planning. For more information, see Article III, Division 19 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
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.
An audio recording of the meeting is available upon request.
Work Session
March 11, 2020
5:30 PM
• CALL TO ORDER
• ROLL CALL
• REVIEW OF ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION AT THE NEXT REGULAR MEETING TO BE HELD
ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020 AT 5:30 P.M. IN CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
CONSENT
1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 19, 2020.
2. REPORT ON STAFF DESIGN REVIEW DECISIONS FOR DESIGNATED PROPERTIES
DISCUSSION
3. 530 SMITH STREET DESIGN REVIEW OF RE-ROOF
OTHER BUSINESS
o ADAPTIVE REUSE CASE STUDY: OLD CHURCH THEATER PROJECT
• BOARD TOPICS
1. Sustainability Workshop – Economics Intro
2. LPC Work Plan – Progress and Priorities
• OTHER BUSINESS
• ADJOURNMENT
Landmark Preservation Commission
AGENDA
Packet Pg. 1
Roll Call – Work Session
Landmark Preservation Commission
Date: 3-11-20
Bello
Bredehoft
Dunn
Knierim
Michell
Murray
Nelsen
Simpkins
Wallace
Board Topic 1, Page 1
DATE:
STAFF:
March 11, 2020
Jim Bertolini, Historic Preservation Planner
WORK SESSION ITEM 1
Landmark Preservation
Commission
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
Sustainability & Historic Preservation Workshop Series – Economics Introduction
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This is a brief informational presentation and discussion (as part of an ongoing series requested by the
Commission) regarding the intersection of the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Treatment of Historic
Properties and the “Triple Bottom Line” approach to sustainability that has been adopted by the City (as well as
other government and preservation organizations). The presentation will provide a refresher on the framework of
sustainability and historic preservation, and will provide an introduction to how historic preservation affects
economic sustainability goals. The presentation will include potential opportunities, challenges, and questions, the
latter potentially to be included in a program study City staff has currently under contract. It will also include
information from the 2017 study from the State of Colorado and Colorado Preservation, Inc. titled Preservation for
a Changing Colorado, available online, here: https://www.preservationbenefitscolorado.com/
Staff is seeking input from the Commission regarding this topic, including suggested avenues for further research,
sources and case studies that may be helpful, and suggestions for program improvements.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Staff Presentation (To be provided and added to the record at the work session.)
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1
Benefits of Historic Preservation
Historic Preservation and City Council Priorities
Jim Bertolini, Historic Preservation Planner
Landmark Preservation Commission Retreat, February 21, 2020
Why Do We Preserve Historic Places?
• Sense of Place
• Culture and Community
Identity
• Triple-bottom line
sustainability
2
1
2
BOARD TOPIC 1, ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation - Presented at Work Session
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Social Sustainability
• Sense of Place,
Connection, and Stability
• Walkability & Street Culture
• Culture of Stewardship
• Deliberate and steady
pattern of development
• ADA Retrofits and aging in
place
• Adaptive Reuse
3
Environmental Sustainability
• Building
conservation
• Embodied energy
• Built-in energy
performance (pre-
1940)
• Walkability and
transit-orientation
4
3
4
BOARD TOPIC 1, ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation - Presented at Work Session
Packet Pg. 2-2
Economic Sustainability
• Small business incubation
• Local business support,
especially for skilled trades
• Potential for holistic cost
reduction
• Incentive programs
• Support affordable/attainable
housing goals
5
Economics – Small Businesses
• Small businesses
• Smaller startup spaces
• When owned, stability of
property ownership during
startup phase
• Pre-1950, walkability
emphasis & street culture
• Often support “creative”
districts
• Small contractors in skilled
trades
• Projects tend to be smaller,
periodic, and incremental
6
5
6
BOARD TOPIC 1, ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation - Presented at Work Session
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Economics – Jobs
• Maintenance/rehab demands
skilled trades that are difficult to
automate
• Historic districts are often
reservoirs for creative professions
• Indirect effects of rehabilitation
spending & incentives
7
Economics – Local Government
8
• Especially pre-1950,
neighborhood/street
development was multi-modal
and more dense
• Reduced infrastructure cost per
acre and higher tax revenue per
acre
Above: Old Town (high density/efficiency)
Below: Harmony & College (low density/efficiency)
7
8
BOARD TOPIC 1, ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation - Presented at Work Session
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Economics – Property Values
• Highly complex – inconsistent answers on
effects
• Research suggests historic preservation
provides a stabilizing effect
• Residential – at or above broader
appreciation rate.
• Commercial – dramatic increases in
appreciation rate (Old Town)
• Preservation and affordable housing is
complex
• Gentrification is key concern
• Can preserve smaller housing stock
• Land values & zoning complicate this
9
Economics – Incentives
10
• Help rehab projects pencil when their
costs are on the margin or in the red
• Incentives often can be combined (i.e.,
federal & state tax credits across
programs)
• Offset increased costs for skilled
tradespeople and in-kind materials
• Indirect effects on local economy
• Increased economic circulation (sales,
income boosts, local/state tax revenue)
• Effects on property taxes
9
10
BOARD TOPIC 1, ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation - Presented at Work Session
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Alignment with 2020 Council Priorities
• Economic Health
• Small Business Plan
• Strategies that Create
Community Jobs
• Environmental Health
• Reduce Plastic Pollution
• Improved Air Quality
• Neighborhood Livability &
Social Health
• Optimization of Alleys
Outside of Downtown
• Equity and Inclusion
• Low-Income Benefits
• Affordable and
Achievable Housing
Strategies
11
Draft Questions on Economics
• What influence has historic
preservation had on housing
affordability in Fort Collins?
• How has the dramatic increase in
property value appreciation affected
business/property owners in Old
Town?
• If effects are negative, what tools can
be used to mitigate for this?
• How can the City’s preservation
incentives be retooled to address
current economic issues (affordability,
socio-economic justice, etc.)?
• Rehab Loans?
• Design Assistance?
• Gaps in program coverage?
• What external factors may be
influencing the effectiveness of City
incentive programs?
12
11
12
BOARD TOPIC 1, ATTACHMENT 1
Staff Presentation - Presented at Work Session
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Board Topic 2, Page 1
DATE:
STAFF:
March 11, 2020
Karen McWilliams, Historic Preservation Manager
WORK SESSION ITEM 2
Landmark Preservation
Commission
SUBJECT FOR DISCUSSION
LPC Work Plan - Progress and Priorities
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
City Code requires all boards and commissions to file work plans on or before September 30 for the following year.
According to the Boards and Commissions Manual, work plans should set out major projects and issues for
discussion for the following year. The LPC adopted the attached 2020 work plan at its October 16, 2019 meeting.
Consideration of pending priorities associated with the work plan will be a regular work session discussion item.
The regular recurrence of this discussion item is intended to provide the Commission with the opportunity to
measure ongoing progress and identify action items.
ATTACHMENTS
1. LPC 2020 Work Plan – Rev. 2-12-10
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Community 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
(For LPC 2020 Work Session Reviews, Revised 2/12/2020)
DATE: October 16, 2019
TO: Susan Gutowsky, Council Liaison
CC: Darin Atteberry, City Manager
Delynn Coldiron, City Clerk
FROM: Meg Dunn, Chair, Landmark Preservation Commission
RE: Landmark Preservation Commission 2020 Work Plan
Overview of the Landmark Preservation Commission (Est 1968):
Federally authorized Certified Local Government (CLG) since 1991. CLG status:
o Authorizes LPC to administer state and federal preservation regulations, notably Section 106
Review and Compliance for all projects with federal licensing, permitting, or funding. Ex: MAX
bus system, Linden Street improvements, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), flood
mitigation, telecommunications.
o Enables residents to participate in the 20% Colorado State Tax Credit program.
o Provides a dedicated pool of grant funding: Fort Collins has received over $200,000 in CLG
grants for training, surveys, building preservation, and community education and outreach.
o Requires enforcement of appropriate state and local legislation for the designation and
protection of historic properties, consistent with the Secretary of Interior’s Standards.
o Requires on-going survey of historic resources.
Nine-member board, at least 40% of whom must have professional expertise in the fields of historic
preservation, architectural history, architecture, archaeology, or closely related fields:
o Commission professional expertise includes: Architecture (Nelson, Paecklar, Simpkins);
Landscape Architecture (Bredehoft); Archeology (Gensmer); Finance (Bello); Historic
Preservation (Murray, Wallace, Michell); and Education (Dunn) (Knierim).
Final decision-maker on:
o Requests for alterations to properties designated on the National Register, Colorado State
Register, and as Fort Collins Landmarks
o Determinations of eligibility for Fort Collins Landmark designation
o Allocation of Landmark Rehabilitation Loan funds
Makes recommendations:
o To Council on Fort Collins Landmark designations;
o To the Colorado State Review Board on nominations to the National and State Register
o To Decision Makers on compatibility of developments adjacent to historic properties
Advises Council on the identification and significance of historic resources, threats to their
preservation, and methods for their protection
BOARD TOPIC 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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Landmark Preservation Commission
2020 Work Plan
- 2 -
Advises Council and staff about policies, incentives and regulations for historic preservation.
2019 Quick Review:
Presented "Friends of Preservation" Awards to four projects:
o Bohemian Companies and 4240 Architecture: Superior Infill Development, Elizabeth Hotel;
o Susan Hoskinson: Landmark Designation and Preservation of Historic Resources;
o Poudre Heritage Alliance, City Recreation and Parks Departments, Ethan Cozzens, and Empire
Carpentry: Outstanding Dedication to Preserving Historic Resources for the Restoration and
Rehabilitation of the Ross Homestead Act Proving Up House;
o Myrne Watrous: Exceptional Contributions to Historic Preservation.
Generated $116,843 in local preservation work by provided $43,182 in Landmark Rehabilitation
Loans to eight property owners, for window rehabilitation and weatherization, porch repair,
stabilizing foundations, and more.
Supported two State Historic Fund grant applications, for the survey of 50 properties in Old Town
Fort Collins between Mulberry Street and Laporte Avenue; and for a comprehensive Historic
Structure Assessment of Fort Collins Water Treatment Plant No. 1 at Gateway Park.
Recommended seven properties for Fort Collins Landmark designation, and two properties for
designation on the National Register of Historic Places.
Provided Council and staff with input on the Historic Preservation Code Changes, the Downtown
Plan, the Old Town Neighborhoods Plan, and the KFCG Tax Initiative.
A full description of LPC activities is provided in the Certified Local Government Annual Report.
2020 Responsibilities and Initiatives:
In 2020, the Landmark Preservation Commission will continue to directly support the City’s Strategic
Plan in the Key Outcome Areas of Neighborhood Livability and Social Health, Economic Health,
Environmental Health, and High Performing Government, and has identified additional goals to further
align its strategic objectives with those of City Council. The Commission:
Will support the Neighborhood Livability and Social Health Outcome by:
• Enhancing the community’s sense of place by protecting historic character through landmark
designation; and through design review and development review, helping to ensure compatible
alterations and new development;
• Celebrating historic resources through a wide variety of community recognition and
appreciation opportunities, such as the Friends of Preservation Awards; tours, signage and
brochures; and partnerships with community history organizations;
• Supporting Housing Affordability goals by retaining and rehabilitating historic building stock,
promoting more affordable options in housing;
• Developing a community-wide survey plan and identifying priorities for historic survey
(initiative).
BOARD TOPIC 2, ATTACHMENT 1
Packet Pg. 5
Landmark Preservation Commission
2020 Work Plan
- 3 -
Will support the Economic Health Outcome by:
• Allocating Landmark Rehabilitation Loans and promoting Design Assistance Program, State Tax
Credits, State Historic Fund grants, and other financial incentives to eligible properties;
• Supporting Housing Attainability and Affordability through revisions to the Rehabilitation Loan
Program and the Design Assistance Program to address financial equity issues, and better assist
low and moderate-income citizens with cost-effective repairs and improvements to their homes
(initiative).
• Ensuring a smooth, integrated Development Review process by providing early comments to
developers and staff on Land Use Code projects; and by providing decision makers with
recommendations on development near historic properties
• Promoting and subsidizing the use of Fort Collins’ specialized skills and tradespeople to keep
more financial resources in the community.
• Assist staff in the performance of two State Historic Fund grant-funded projects: the survey of
50 properties in Old Town Fort Collins between Mulberry Street and Laporte Avenue; and the
comprehensive Historic Structure Assessment of Fort Collins Water Treatment Plant No. 1 at
Gateway Park (initiative). Also 50-property Howes and Meldrum Survey Project
Will support the Environmental Health Outcome by:
• Incentivizing sustainable building practices and energy conservation measures in older homes
through historic preservation review processes;
• Promote sustainability, retention of embodied energy, and waste-steam reduction by
encouraging the reuse of existing buildings and materials
• Facilitating safe, cost-effective building rehabilitation and energy retrofitting and resource
sustainability through 0%-interest loans, free professional advice, and the City’s Design
Assistance Program;
• Promoting the Historic Preservation Division’s Costs Calculator, an on-line tool that enables
area contractors and residents to understand the cost, longevity and energy trade-offs in
material choices.
Will support the High Performing Government Outcome by:
• Overseeing the implementation of the new historic preservation codes and processes and
continuing to identify improvements, recommending appropriate code revisions as needed;
• Providing the best service to Council and the residents of Fort Collins by identifying and
implementing innovative solutions and best practices through partnerships, continuing
education, and professional trainings;
• Building capacity, increasing productivity, and facilitating the career training and growth of
young professionals by working with CSU students in Historic Preservation, Archeology,
Construction Management, Heritage Tourism and other related fields of study;
• Furthering Council’s and the City’s goals and objectives through the performance of the
Commission’s duties.
BOARD TOPIC 2, ATTACHMENT 1
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