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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 08/12/1997�j LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION August 12, 1997 Regular Meeting Council Liaison: Scott Mason Staff Liaison: Joe Frank Commission Chairperson: Jennifer Carpenter (225-0960) SUMMARY OF MEETING: Jennifer Carpenter was re-elected Chairperson and Per Hogestad was re-elected Vice -Chairperson of the Commission. The LPC approved the correction of the Historic Old Town Local Landmark District Designation. A time extension for 700 Remington was granted for the Colorado State Tax Credit. The Local Landmark designation of 148 Remington, Poudre Garage/U. S. Forest Service building was amended and work on the storefront including new windows was approved. A revised storefront restoration plan was conceptually discussed for the Binkler Block, 142-144 North College Avenue. A doorway awning was approved for the Bar Bazaar (215 Walnut) in the Northern Hotel. The LPC discussed a proposed permanent canopy structure to be installed over the Old Town Square stage by the Downtown Business Association. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Ms. Carpenter called the meeting to order 5:40 p.m. at 281 North College Avenue. Commission members Per Hogestad, Bud Frick, Angela Milewski, Stephen Short and James Tanner were present. Diana Ross was absent. Joe Frank, Carol Tunner, Karen McWilliams and Timothy Wilder represented Staff. GUESTS: Brad Lenz, Lenz Construction Company, owner, 148 Remington, Poudre Garage/U. S. Forest Service Building; Jim Reidhead, owner's representative and Mike Early, owner, 142-144 North College Avenue, the Binkler Block; Bill Starke, owner, Northern Hotel and Chris Rogers, AdCon Advertising Inc.; Jay Hardy, Executive Director, Downtown Business Association. AGENDA REVIEW: The discussion of the proposed Old Town Square stage canopy was moved up because item number four (722 Remington) on the agenda was cancelled. Ms. McWilliams added under other business, a discussion of a revision of the Old Town district boundaries. STAFF REPORTS: Mr. Wilder handed out some packets, which included information on the Local Landmark Rehabilitation Grant Program. Landmark Preservation commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 12,1997 Page 2 COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: none. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The July 8, 1997 Landmark Preservation Commission meeting minutes were accepted as submitted. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: Mr. Frick nominated Jennifer Carpenter for the position of Chairperson for the Landmark Preservation Commission. Ms. Milewski seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) Mr. Frick nominated Per Hogestad for the position of Vice -Chairperson of the Landmark Preservation Commission. Mr. Short seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DISCUSSION ITEM: 700 Remington Street, Flynn's Inn — Extension for the Colorado State Tax Credit Mr. Wilder explained that the LPC has already granted an extension for this project a number of months ago. The applicant has been having problems with the contractor and has run into some complications in removing the aluminum siding on the house. An extension up to one year is allowed to finish the project. Mr. Wilder was unsure if a second extension would continue the extension already granted or would be considered a new extension. Total time cannot extend one year. This extension would allow the total time to reach a year and run through March 1998. It was suggested that in the future the LPC award the full time for any time extension request. Applicants can always close them out sooner. Mr. Hogestad moved that the LPC approve the extension for 700 Remington Street. Mr. Frick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) Amended Local Landmark Designation. 148 Remington, Poudre Garage/ U. S. Forest Service Building Ms. McWilliams reported that on January 14, 1997 the LPC recommended that the building be designated as a local landmark. Staff has since discovered that the legal description of this building is incorrect. Chapter 14 of the City Code allows for the opportunity for the LPC to amend the local landmark designation. Brad Lenz, owner needs to get the property designated in order to meet an agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office. The City remains a third party beneficiary of the building because the building was traded in a land swap with the Forest Service until such time that the legal deadlines have been met Landmark Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 1997 Page 3 and the property is designated. Because of a mistake in the description of the designated property, the designation needs to be corrected. Once the designation goes through the City will be removed as the third party beneficiary. Mr. Frick moved that the LPC approve the amended Local Landmark Designation and legal description of the Poudre Garage/ U. S. Forest Service Building, 148 Remington Street. Mr. Hogestad seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW: 148 Remington Street, Poudre Garage/U. S. Forest Service Building — Replacement of Windows Ms. Tunner explained that Mr. Lenz would like to replace the windows on the west and south sides of the building and to block in the windows and doors on the east elevation in preparation for building an addition there. At the conceptual review of the proposal, the LPC recommended the use of storefront windows. The proposed replacement windows will be wood and made to look double hung, although, non -operable. The doors will be left for now. A panel is proposed for above and below the windows done in a traditional motif. Mr. Lenz walked around town and saw such panels on the Goodwill building. Staffs recommendation is to simplify the design. Ms. Tunner explained that it is an Art Modern building on which step back lines with strong vertical accents were used. Ms. Tunner discussed some options for the panel design. Mr. Lenz presented a rendered elevation of the front of the building and said that the proposed design was the one that they preferred. Mr. Lenz pointed out the original garage door openings and stated that they would like to keep the windows matching on the front. He added that they will install the new door last to keep it from getting damaged during construction. He used the panels in the design to help create conformity, and the colors selected reflect the brick colors. Mr. Tanner asked if the panels have a lip or a molding. The center of the panel will protrude. Mr. Short asked if the applicant was no longer thinking about a metal storefront. He added that for that type of building he would expect to see metal. Ms. Tunner explained that because there is no historic fabric left at all, the applicant has the option to use a contemporary approach. This is also an adaptive reuse. The building will no longer be used as a garage, but for office space. The garage doors on the building would be inappropriate for the office use. Mr. Hogestad suggested removing the detail of the panel and keep it simple. Mr. Tanner said that the colonial feature of the panel does not seem to fit in with the building. Mr. Hogestad recommended the use of a more durable exterior material in order to prevent warping. Mr. Lenz explained that he is trying to use natural materials. Duraply or MDO board would also paint over a lot better than knotty pine. Mr. Frick said that the design can be historic, but the materials used can be contemporary. The LPC recommended that the raised panel be removed from the design and to keep it Landmark Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 12,1997 Page 4 simple. Mr. Hogestad said that he likes the contrast in color because it emphasizes the large openings. Ms. Tunner added that the motion should include blocking the windows and doors on the east side of the building. An infill building is proposed for the east side of the property. The windows will be blocked in flush with the outside face of the building to keep water from getting trapped inside the building. Mr. Tanner moved to approve the request to replace the windows on the front and side elevations of 148 Remington Street as presented in the attached drawings with the proviso that the raised panels be eliminated. Mr. Frick seconded the motion. Mr. Hogestad made a friendly amendment requesting vertical and horizontal dimensions on the section drawings. Mr. Frick and Mr. Tanner accepted the friendly amendment and the motion passed unanimously. (6-0) The windows, frames, panels and mullions will be painted in the darker tan color, #1112. The other features will be painted in the lighter beige color, #1107. 142-144 North College Avenue, Binkler Block — Revised Storefront Restoration Plans Mr. Reidhead represented the owner, Mike Early at the meeting. He explained that the facade material from the sixties has been removed from the building. Before they created the final design they had to see what was left of the original storefront. Unfortunately, nothing is left and no clear photo -documentation of the storefront exists. Mr. Reidhead provided copies of a storefront, which had been conceptually approved with a recessed door, and a simple center entrance. They now would like to access the basement for storage and possibly some other use in the future. Mr. Reidhead explained that they are seeking conceptual approval for plan A which includes three doors, one to the main level, one upstairs and one to the basement. The contemporary modifications would be appropriate because all historic elements have been lost. Adaptive reuse is being applied to this building and they would like to design the storefront to meet the needs of both a first -floor and basement tenant. The LPC liked the new plans for the storefront and encouraged them to proceed with final plans. 215 Walnut. Northern Hotel — Addition of Doorway Awning Chris Roger, of Ad -Con Signs, explained that Bill Starke, owner of the Northern Hotel is interested in new signage for Bar Bazaar and visibility from the east and west. The signage is proposed to carry through the signage color theme of the building with a gold background for the sign with brown letters. Ms. Tunner provided a color copy of the design of the sign, measurements of the doorway and samples of the proposed materials and colors. Gold is proposed for the background with deep mahogany brown letters. Staff recommended not using a vinyl fixed frame without a free -flowing valance. In the past the Commission has elected not to approve vinyl fabrics because it is not historic, and a fixed e Landmark Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 1997 Page 5 frame usually requires a free flowing valence. Ms. Tunner described the existing awnings on the front and side of the building having a wavy free flowing valence. Staff recommended they use that on the proposed awning. The plan is to use the awning as a sign and to only have the signage on the sides of the awning. The color selection is to coordinate with the yellow Bar Bazaar sign which exists next to it and the Northern Sign on College Avenue. Mr. Rogers'explained if they change material than the color will also change. Ms. Carpenter questioned what was meant by flood illumination. Mr. Rogers explained that it had been recommended to use gooseneck lighting fixtures. Mr. Starke said that he prefer to start with no lighting, because of the expense. Mr. Short explained that the design and colors could be something different, but should tie back in with the rest of the building. He suggested to use compatible colors, but in reverse. The Commission discussed other color options with the applicant for an acrylic fabric, rather than vinyl. Ms. Tunner suggested that since the proposed awning will cover the business street address, they add the address in small numbers on the valence. Mr. Hogestad added that the awning should not necessarily match the colors, which exist out front. The LPC agreed that the valence should be added and preferred a more subdued color combination. Ms. Carpenter added that colors are not covered under the guidelines, but the awning should be compatible with the street as a whole. Mr. Short moved that the LPC accept the acrylic fabric canopy design with the addition of the scalloped valence and the colors Buttercup (#4635) for the canopy and True Brown (#4621) lettering. No lighting is included at this time. The valence should be a six-inch minimum, free flowing, with the address. Mr. Hogestad seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DISCUSSION ITEMS: Letter of Support for a GO -CO Colorado Grant Request to Restore Sheldon Lake Ms. Tunner explained that funds have been donated to finish the walkway around the lake and that a set of stairs exists on the east side which are historic. Mr. Short recalled a walkway, which ran from that set of stairs over to the swimming pool. Ms. Tunner said that the steps existed to walk down and ice skate and that a warming but gazebo also existed at the site. The LPC wondered where the proposed wetlands will be created. Mr. Frick asked if the Commission will review the plans because it is older than fifty years old, are they just supporting the idea of restoration or have plans been drawn up. The LPC agreed that they would like to comment on the plans when they are available. The Commission supports the concept and would like to hold a complimentary review of the plans because the property is eligible for designation. They will also be available to help out in the planning process. OTHER BUSINESS: Landmark Preservatlon Commissbn Regular Meeting Minutes August 12. 1997 Page a Old Town Square Stage Canopy Complimentary Review — Downtown Business Association Ms. Tunner explained that the Downtown Business Association is proposing to install a permanent stage canopy structure in the Old Town Plaza. Ms. Carpenter informed the applicant that this area is part of the Historic Old Town District and there are some corrections, which are currently being made to that designation. This project will then come under the purview of the LPC. Jay Hardy, Executive Director of the Downtown Business Association discussed his goals for the project and the timeline. They would like to complete the stage by this fall, so it will be available for next season's events. Ms. Tunner went on to explain that a similar application was presented to the Commission in 1992. The Commission's concerns at that time were that it be as transparent as possible and have minimal impact on the square. Mr. Hardy said that he has reviewed the initial design, reviewed by the Commission. Some of the needs which they have identified stem from the productions, which are put on in the plaza and the marketing that the Association does for Old Town. Each time that the Association has a scheduled event they need to erect a tent. It is a temporary structure, is very difficult to get it to look cosmetically pleasing, is not very practical and over time becomes very expensive. Mr. Hardy explained that they have been considering other options for a stage canopy and have been trying to create a simple design for the proposed permanent structure, while addressing some concerns which were been identified in the past. He has visited with storeowners in the area. Some of their concerns were to have the structure transparent enough so that their storefronts are not obstructed and are still visible from across the square. They also wanted to see a simpler, more delicate design for the structure. The proposed design has two poles and four cylinders that support the entire piece. The height is proposed to be nine feet so a person can still see across the square. The roof of the structure will be made of flexible, translucent plastic material. The stage lights will also be able to illuminate through the roofing material, unlike the vinyl tent canopy currently used. No additional lighting will therefore be necessary. The Commission discussed the dimensions of the canopy relative to the stage. Mr. Frick liked the lighter design for the structure with fewer support poles. Mr. Short said that a permanent structure will still block the view through the plaza and certainly through the roof. The Commission agreed that the proposed structure is not transparent, but translucent. Mr. Tanner commented that the focus of this discussion in the past addressed lines of sight through the plaza. He recommended that a more efficient, yet temporary structure be designed for the stage. This proposal would have a major impact on the plaza and the Commission would need line -of -site plans including the dimensions of the structure to truly understand its impact on the square. The Commission discussed some ideas for temporary structures. Ms. Carpenter said that she was not entirely opposed to a permanent structure. She commented that light poles exist in the area, so permanent poles may fit in and then a temporary cover could be used. It is the cover that effects the lines of sight within the plaza. Mr. Hogestad discussed the impact of the height of the canopy on sight lines and agreed that a temporary structure is worth investigation. Ms. Milewski asked if the Landmark Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 1997 Page 7 business owners in the area are concerned about people seeing their storefronts. Mr. Hardy said that he has discussed that with the storeowners and it is a concern. He would like to implement a design, which allows people entering the plaza to see the storefronts across the square. The Commission discussed whether anyone has ever thought about moving the stage to a different location within the plaza. Other areas could not accommodate the people and the existing stage is in a central location for people dining on the outdoor patios in the plaza. Ms. Milewski added that because of its location it really adds to the focus of Old Town. She also explained the Commission's concerns around adding another permanent structure in Old Town, as well as recognized some of the concerns that have been addressed by the applicant from a design standpoint. Mr. Hogestad added that the current proposal can still be simplified quite a bit. Mr. Short commented that the current design plans with simple vertical lines and a curved roof could lend itself to being constructed as a removable structure. The Commission also discussed that the stage isn't used for six to nine months of the year. Mr. Hardy said that the Association would like to increase their use of the downtown stage for scheduled events through all the seasons. He showed a photograph of the GE Profile material, which is used in the entranceway of the AdCon Advertising office in order to get an idea of how it appears. Ms. Carpenter offered the LPC Design Review Sub -Committee's assistance in designing such a structure. Mr. Hogestad suggested that the contractor further research possible options for a temporary structure. Mr. Tanner also agreed that more research be done in finding a possible temporary structure. Any permanent structure will have inherent problems and will effect the lines of sight through the historic downtown square. Mr. Hardy said that the important issue is to improve the appearance of the stage for events in Old Town in order to make the area more appealing and popular. Correction of the Historic Old Town Local Landmark District Designation Ms. McWilliams explained that the LPC needed to approve the initiation of the review process to correct the legal description of the Historic Old Town District to include public rights -of -way. Mr. Frick moved to approve the corrected version of the Historic Old Town Local Landmark District Designation. Mr. Hogestad seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) OTHER BUSINESS CONTINUED: Mr. Frank said that the Downtown Development Authority has completed its election of new officers. He explained that the Downtown Development Authority would like to improve their communications and cooperation with the Landmark Preservation Commission on projects effecting downtown. Mr. Frick will continue to serve as a liaison to the DDA and request to be included in the agenda in order to have the opportunity to report LPC issues. Ms. Carpenter will serve as an alternate for Mr. Frick. Staff will also Landmark Preservation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes August 12, 1997 Page 8 send the DDA a copy of the agenda for upcoming LPC meetings and will highlight the items that may be of interest to them. Ms. Tunner reported that Barbara Schoenberger from the Senior Community Advisory Board has been in contact with Staff regarding Community Homecoming. The LPC is invited to march in the homecoming parade. The LPC members will think about some ideas for their participation. The Board will hold a meeting in September of all interest Boards and Commissions to discuss possible entries. Ms. Carpenter discussed the Preliminary Budget Recommendations for the City Manager. It appears that funding for the Historic Database was not recommended. Ms. Carpenter discussed ways in which they can increase funding for Historic Preservation staff. Mr. Frank explained that these figures may change once the City assesses the damage caused by the recent flood. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Submitted by Nicole Sneider, Secretary.