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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 01/08/2003LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting January 8, 2003 Minutes Council Liaison: Eric Hamrick (225-2343) Staff Liaison: Joe Frank (221-6376) Commission Chairperson: Per Hogestad (416-7285) Summary: The Commission recommended designation of 716 W. Oak St., 717 W. Olive St., 1007 W. Mountain Ave., 1009 W. Mountain Ave., 505 Smith St., 120 N. Whitcomb St., 817 Peterson St. The Commission heard a presentation on the Downtown Strategic Plan. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: The meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m. at 281 N. College Avenue, by Bud Frick, the new chairman of the LPC. All Commission members, Angie Aguilera, Agnes Dix, W.J. "Bud" Frick, Per Hogestad, Janet Ore, Carole Stansfield and Myrne Watrous, were present. Carol Tunner, Karen McWilliams and Timothy Wilder represented staff. AGENDA REVIEW: The agenda has been amended, with additional Designations (Items 5 and 6). GUESTS: Fred Snyder and Cindy Jarvie, applicants for 717 W. Oak Street; Hillary Douglass and John Hubbard, applicants for 505 Smith Street; Emily Taylor and Jim Jordan for 120 N. Whitcomb; Robert Liebler and Linda Hamilton, applicants for 817 Peterson Street. Rheba Massey, citizen, for Downtown Strategic Planning presentation. STAFF REPORTS: Ms. Tunner announced that Connie Merrill will be leaving as Secretary to take a teaching job at CSU. SHF grant writing workshops are coming up, and will be presented in Loveland and Denver. Carol Tunner handed out the new LPC Boards and Commission manuals, which have the new list of LPC members and their contact information. A final draft of the Romero House assessment was received. A National Trust for Historic Preservation Conference is being held this year between September 30 and October 4 in Denver. They are interested in having Ft. Collins propose to be the location of one of their mobile workshops. This would be an all -day workshop for conference participants. They are expecting about 60 proposals, so the process will be quite competitive. A memo regarding the Colorado Open Meetings Act was passed out to Commission members. At the next meeting Ken Waido, Sr. City Planner, will be visiting to tell the LPC about the City Plan. The CPI conference is coming up, and registration fees will be reimbursed to participating LPC members. COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: None. DESIGNATIONS: Landmark Preservation Commission January 8. 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 2 1) 716 West Oak Street, the William and Clara Blair House and Garage (John and Barbara Lueck) This property, known as the Blair House and Garage, warrants consideration for its architectural significance under the City of Ft. Collins Landmark Preservation standard 14-5 (2) "Architectural Importance" and would additionally qualify for designation under National Register Criterion C. The residence exemplifies the Craftsman Bungalow of the early 1930s and merits landmark designation due to its excellent integrity. It was built in 1932 for William Blair, a local farmer and his wife, Clara. It has narrow lapped board siding and sits upon a high concrete foundation. A pattern of square and narrow rectangular shingles in the gable ends emphasize the horizontal lines of this front gabled bungalow. The front porch has wire -cut red brick half walls and paired porch column supports. The home features a box window inset under the gable roof on the east elevation, another distinctive Craftsman element. The detached garage, which dates from the period of significance, also exhibits good integrity with a high level of Craftsman stylistic detail and contributes significantly to the historic and architectural character of the property. Ms. Aguilera asked if anything has been changed on the house. She was told that the back door and awnings are not original. Motion: Ms. Aguilera moved that the LPC approve the house and garage at 716 West Oak Street, the Blair House property, for Ft. Collins Landmark designation. Seconded by Ms. Stansfield, and passed unanimously, 7-0. Public input: none. 2) 717 West Olive Street, The William and Eva Stroud House and Garage (Fred Snyder and Cindy Jarvie) Located at 717 West Olive Street, the Stroud House and Garage merits designation as a Ft. Collins Landmark for the property's architectural significance relative to Standard 14-5 (2) "Architectural Importance." The home dates from the early 20th Century and embodies the distinctive characteristics of the Hipped Roof Box architectural type. Because the home displays both architectural significance and good physical integrity, it is individually eligible for local landmark designation. The property would also qualify as a contributing property in a National Register district. It is a one-story house, built c. 1908, and represents the type of architecture that was popular in the early 20th Century. This home displays the distinguishing characteristics of a symmetrically located hipped roof open porch, supported by spindle posts and a gable dormer on the front elevation, with decorative fishscale shingles. It also features a canted bay window, a three -over -three light window in the front gable, and one -over -one double hung windows. Constructed with a wood frame, the home is covered with narrow lapped board siding and sits on a sandstone foundation. Alterations to the property include non -original porch support posts, Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 3 porch, a non -original garage and a small gable hood decoration added to the existing original garage. Ms. Dix asked the applicants if they have any idea of what the original porch looked like. She was told that yes, they have seen pictures, but when they moved in the columns were steel and have since been replaced by the wood. Ms. Ore said that even so, it's a great little house and the posts they've put on look accurate for the style. Motion: Ms. Watrous moved that the LPC approve for designation the William and Eva House and Historic Garage at 717 West Olive Street. Seconded by Ms. Stansfield and approved unanimously, 7-0. Public input: none. 3) 1007 West Mountain Ave., The J.W. Spencer House and Garage (Linda Dunford) This property at 1007 West Mountain Avenue, the Spencer House and garage is a distinctively detailed and well-preserved example of small scale Folk Victorian domestic architecture, and is significant for designation as a Ft. Collins Landmark under Standard 14-5 (2) and for National Register district designation under Criterion C. The house's architectural details and integrity set it apart from other more austere specimens of Victorian era architecture in town. The house was constructed c. 1905, built with a square plan on a sandstone foundation. It features a hipped roof with an asymmetrical intersecting front gable, and is clad with narrow lapped board siding. The front gable is bellcast with carved bargeboard, and decorated with imbricated shingles and a small rectangular window. Tax Assessor photographs indicated that the front porch was modified sometime between 1948 and 1968. In the 1948 photograph the porch appeared to be more Craftsman in character, with battered piers and tapered roof supports. A detached, one -car garage with front gable sits at the end of an unfinished driveway in the southwest corner of the back yard. This garage dates from the period of significance and contributes to the importance of the property. A small outbuilding, located at the southwest corner of the property, is not historic and is not a part of these designation proceedings. Ms. Ore said that this looks like a classic cottage, rather classical in its overall appearance. Mr. Hogestad said that the porch is not typical for the period of the rest of the house. Ms. Ore said that the house is kind of a transition between Victorian and Classical. Ms. Stansfield asked if the owners have said anything about repairing the chimney, which looks to be barely holding together. Many of the people who own the properties being presented tonight are interested in maintenance of their properties. Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 4 Motion. Ms. Ore moved to designate, for Landmark Status, the J.W. Spencer House and Garage at 1007 W. Mountain Street. Seconded by Ms. Dix and passed unanimously, 7-0. ,Public input: none. 4) 1009 West Mountain Ave., The Richard and Orla Mae Wiggins House and Garage (Patricia Taylor) This property warrants designation as a Fort Collins Landmark under Standard 14-5 (2), for its architectural significance. The property would also qualify for district designation on the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C. The Wiggins House is a well preserved and detailed specimen of Craftsman residential architecture, with numerous distinctive features, including battered porch piers, a pergola, and roughcast pebbled Kelly Stone wall finish. The Larimer County Tax Assessor's records indicate that the Wiggins House was constructed in 1921. The house's architectural details and high level of integrity set it apart from most other Craftsman residential dwellings in Ft. Collins. The detached wood frame, front gabled single car garage dates from the period of significance. Due to its good integrity, the garage is a significant contributing element to the architectural importance of the property. Mr. Frick pointed out that on the 1983 survey, it says the house was built in 1931, and asked for clarification about the correct date. He was told that that survey form is less likely to be correct, and staff believes that this is a 1921 house. Ms. Stansfield asked if the chimney was added later. She was told that this is the original chimney. Motion: Ms. Dix moved to accept for Landmark Designation the house and garage at 1009 West Mountain Avenue, the Wiggins House and Garage. Seconded by Ms. Aguilera and passed unanimously, 7-0. Ms. Stansfield asked if the deck is not included in the designation. She was told that the deck is a modern adaptation and is not significant to the property. The property owners could request to tear that off. The glass block at the back is also almost certainly a later addition. The LPC also commented that the house is amazingly intact, comparing the photos from different times. However, most historic photos only show the front of the house. The owners were asked if the Kelley Stone exterior goes around the house. The owner said that it does. Public input: none. 5) 505 Smith Street, The Montgomery House and Garage (Hilary Douglass and John Hubbard) Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 5 This property qualifies for designation as a Fort Collins Landmark under Standard 14-5 (2), "Architectural Importance." It would additionally qualify for designation on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element of a district, if one were to be established. The house has architectural value to Ft. Collins as a good example of a Pyramidal Hipped Cottage, a variant of the Late 19th — Early 20th Century Vernacular architectural style common in Fort Collins. The garage is eligible for designation, as it dates to the period of significance and contributes to the historical and architectural character of the property. Constructed in 1905, the style of this home is defined by the distinctive square plan main mass, with a roof comprised of four equally sized triangles meeting in a point at the apex. The home's character defining features include a projecting open front porch running nearly the full length of the facade, with half -hipped porch roof. The porch is supported by historic turned spindle posts; however the porch's balustrade railing and its decking are new. Additional alterations include new "compact -board" drop siding, which closely mimics the appearance of what the home was originally clad with. The photograph accompanying the Tax Assessor's 1969 records indicate that at one time the house might have been covered with asbestos shingles, a siding material common during the later 1940s and 1050s in Ft. Collins. Ms. Ore said that it is really well preserved, and a neat house. The new siding preserves it, and matches the old. The applicant added that all the windows are original, and flooring inside was preserved southern hill yellow pine. The Mud -room portion was added sometime in the 1920s, and changed to a bathroom. In 1996, when the house was purchased, a skylight was added. But it looks like they tried to keep everything like the original. Ms. Ore said the she's convinced it has its integrity, even though the siding is new. The owners told the LPC that the original siding is underneath the new siding, and is very similar in appearance, but made of wood. Ms. Watrous asked if the garage is included in the designation. She was told it is, but the garage doors are not original. Motion: Ms. Ore moved that the LPC accept for designation the property at 505 Smith Street, the Montgomery House and Garage. Seconded by Ms. Dix, and approved unanimously, 7-0. Ms. Watrous added that she is happy to see that the garages are being included in these designations. The garages are pretty important in themselves, but their designation also discourages the building of fourplexes on the back of the lot. Public input: none. 6) 120 North Whitcomb Street, The Ruth A. Jones House (Emily Taylor and Jim Jordan) The Jones House merits designation as a Fort Collins Landmark under Standard 14- 5 (2) "Architectural Importance." The property would also qualify for designation on Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 6 the National Register of Historic Places, under Criteria A and C. Though built in the 1930s, the house is an exceptional example of the Tudor Revival style, popular in Colorado during the late teens and 1920s. Among its many distinctive features, it possesses the textured exterior and multi -paned windows common in Colorado's Tudor Revival houses. Stylistic details include the steeply pitched roof with minimal roof overhang, a "cat slide' roof over the entry porch, and arched doorways. The house is stuccoed, with a detached stuccoed single car garage. While this garage qualifies for designation consideration, the property owners do not with to include the garage for landmark designation at this time. The home has very good integrity with minimal alterations. Changes that have occurred include a window on the rear elevation that has been converted to a glass door leading to a deck with gazebo, and the addition of storm windows. Motion: Ms, Dix moved to accept for Landmark Designation the Ruth A. Jones House at 120 N. Whitcomb. Seconded by Ms. Stansfield and passed unanimously, 7-0. Ms. McWilliams was asked if the little room looking ESE is an addition. She replied that if it is, it's an early addition, and does contribute to the house's history and architecture. Public input: none OTHER BUSINESS: Landmark Designation of 817 Peterson Street, the Temple House (Robert Liebler and Linda Hamilton) This house merits consideration for designation as a Fort Collins Landmark under Standard 14-5 (2) "Architectural Importance." It is currently designated on the National Register of Historic Places as a contributing element of the Laurel School National Register District. The house is a locally unusual example of the Colonial Revival architectural style, with good integrity. Built c. 1918, distinctive features of the home include its significant gambrel roof and notable central entry set in a massive surround with arched lintel, flanked by triple sets of six -light windows, and the historic pergola extending off the south side of the house. The historic cladding material is wide profile lapped siding, with corner boards. There are two alterations of note. A single story shed roof addition, dating to 1954, runs the full length of the rear elevation, but is subordinate to the historic home and is not readily visible from the street. In c. 1980, a passive solar water heater was affixed to the south elevation, near the roof peak. The garage has been extensively altered, and is not a part of these designation proceedings. Motion: Ms. Watrous moved that the LPC recommend for Landmark Designation the Temple House at 817 Peterson Street. Seconded by Ms. Aguilera, and passed unanimously, 7-0. Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 7 The LPC asked why the garage was not up for designation too. They were told that the solar collector panels on the garage and pergola have been added. The original garage door was on the opposite side and used to be double doors that swing in. The whole garage is much altered than it was originally and it has lost its integrity. Public input: none. DISCUSSION ITEM: Downtown Strategic Plan Presentation (Timothy Wilder, City Planner) A Powerpoint slide show was presented by Timothy Wilder. The City has gathered information for the past 6 months. They are not doing a broad downtown plan, but focusing on a few key issues. This plan builds on existing plans and programs, with issues centering on the downtown market and management of downtown. Components include market and retail analysis, a parking plan, transportation analysis, infrastructure, and downtown management. A market based plan means looking at the existing market strengths of downtown and building upon those. The public process includes a citizen's advisory committee, input from Boards and Commissions, a public meeting Sept. 19, 2002, additional public meetings in January and May, City Council study sessions in February and June, and City Council hearings in March and July. Data collection included a presentation by Bob Gibbs on retail assessment, intercept and telephone surveys, issue questionnaire, parking inventory, freight survey, commercial audit, and market survey. They found that the primary reason for residents to come downtown is to visit bars and restaurants. In surveys, people reported that they like the ambiance of the downtown area. The greatest dislikes were parking and traffic. Observations: Main attractions are the library, Lincoln center, and events produced by the DBA. Downtown residential and commercial development is at a fraction of the level of development elsewhere in Ft. Collins. Also, the downtown lacks some of the supporting elements that are found in other downtown and the consultants have the feeling that the downtown is vulnerable. Losing one of two key shops could make things significantly worse for the entire area. Observations — Transportation. There are 9000 parking spaces in the downtown area, more than sufficient to support the current level of use. The upper decks of the parking lot are not well used. They are trying to get the employees downtown to park in structures as opposed to on the street, and have considering charging for on -street parking, and making the charges for the parking structures minimal. Infrastructure is generally good, and several transportation projects are planned: Mason Street Corridor Project, North College Avenue Improvements, Riverside/Jefferson Access Management, Commuter Rail. Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 8 Community issues; encourage more downtown housing, strengthen the civic center, emphasize arts and culture, parking management, a hotel conference center is viable for the area. Attention is needed for adjacent neighborhood compatibility and transition, regulatory system, support for small merchants and downtown, and useful goods and services for nearby residents. Urban design issues; The river is seen as a natural amenity. The City must address pedestrian access from downtown, plazas and public spaces, emphasize historic architecture, connection from the downtown across Jefferson, the tracks and river, and public restrooms downtown. Influence zones: Mr. Wilder showed a plan for developing recommendations for the downtown. 1) core retail and entertainment district (shown in red on map). They want minimal changes and plan for management strategies in order to retain what we have there. 2) (shown in green) looking for new employment and housing uses to support the core retail area. 3) Neighborhoods (orange), how can the City protect the neighborhoods while designing appropriate transitions from the downtown retail areas to the neighborhoods. These areas have been developed by working with the consultants over the past few months. The LPC commented that the buildings that are in the green areas, now seen as desirable infill areas, have historic structures which should be protected. The Canyon Avenue district allows building up to 168 ft. high. Ms. Watrous mentioned that the issues regarding design review come up regularly. The Home State Bank has been seen as the ideal to strive to. Concerns have also arisen about the number of bars downtown, but according to the surveys the bars and restaurants are a big draw for downtown. The consultants felt that there are not too many bars downtown, and not too many people going to the bars. However, it seems that there are some bars which are causing most of the problems. The LPC asked what towns have these consultants worked on that they feel has the right mix for a downtown? Not sure. Mr. Frick said it would be interesting to see examples of what they feel are the right mix. The LPC also noted that in the report it says that "Historic regulations need to be reviewed." What does this mean? Mr. Wilder replied that no additional changes to the code in regards to historic properties are being considered. Regarding the commuter rail along the Riverside tracks — where would this be located? Mr. Wilder replied that this is referring to the commuter rail to Denver. Ms. Watrous said that the railroad on Riverside goes to Greeley, not to Denver. Draft policy statements are not in place yet Landmark Preservation Commission January 8, 2003 Meeting Minutes Page 9 Next steps: ❑ Develop agreement on general framework ❑ Policies will correspond to the general framework ❑ Develop recommendations based on the policies o Analyze several special projects (hotel, convention, housing, employment, cultural) ❑ Produce action plans Market Organizational blueprint land use and urban design parking plan transportation Freight delivery ❑ Final City Council Hearing in July The LPC was interested in the City developing standards and guidelines addressing how the new construction and development will better fit with the current historic structures — possibly an overlay zone with some type of body to review the architecture. This plan will be updating the downtown plan, not replacing it. Ms. Watrous asked what "the gateways" are. Who is complaining about the parking downtown? Mr. Wilder said, 'This project started because people wanted to know what is happening downtown. What about the 1-25 corridor? Coming from that general perspective, it's not that we're worried about a particular problem but we don't want to leave it to chance that everything will be o.k. The bar issue has come up a lot, and there are things we can do to manage that issues. We want to know what we can do to keep downtown to keep it is vital as it is today." Mr. Wilder said that he would send the policy statements. He will also come to the LPC meeting in February with the loan program, so he could hear additional comments then. He asked the LPC to make sure they get their comments in for the City Council meetings. He said he would also ask the consultants for examples of other downtown areas that meet their criteria of healthy downtowns. Meeting adjourned: 7:48 p.m. Minutes submitted by Connie Merrill, Recorder