HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 03/01/1989LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 1, 1989
The meeting began at approximately 5:30 p.m., March 1, 1989, at 200 West Mountain
Avenue. Members attending were Wayne Sundberg, Bud Frick, Sally Ketcham, Rheba
Massey, D. Prescott Handley, Andy Mutz, and Andrew Morris. Staff was represented
by Kari VanMeter, Edwina Echevarria, Preservation Specialist, and Joyce Lewton,
Secretary.
RHODES/TRIMBLE HOUSE
The oldest brick residence in Fort Collins, 255 North College Avenue, was discussed.
The present owners, Everitt Companies, have applied for a permit for its demolition.
Mr. Sundberg stated prior to opening the meeting to citizen participation, that the
LPC should identify and recommend to City Council various sites for designation
using designation by owner consent or designation without owner consent. The house
in question has had extensive renovation on the exterior. The two lower windows
have been combined into one, the soft brick has been painted a number of times
and is presently painted off white. The gingerbread trim has been removed and the
shake shingle roof has been replaced. Since the house has not been locally desig-
nated, the LPC can only make an informal recommendation regarding its demolition
to the present owners.
The Historical Society, represented by Ms. Joan Day, President, spoke regarding the
short time, 30 days, before demolition. Mr. Sundberg replied that the Historical
Society would have been informed earlier had the site been designated as historically
significant.
Mr. Jim Greenacre, Historical Society member, was asked to call Ms. Martha
Trimble regarding the demolition. She had been in contact with Mr. Robert Everitt
in August 1987 regarding the building. Ms. Carol Tunner pointed out that the house
had belonged to Ms. Trimble's grandfather and that Ms. Trimble had furnishings
available that had been in the house. Ms. Trimble had hoped to have the house
renovated and established as a meeting place for the Historical Society or a similar
group.
Mr. Sundberg pointed out that the building was in a poor state of repair. The brick
mortar is in bad condition and after several layers of paint, the brick may also be
in bad shape. There is electricity but no plumbing and both the house and structure
to the south are out of compliance with the Fire code. The interior is presently
being used for storage and has had partitions knocked out.
Mr. Derek Roberts questioned whether the structure could be renovated and put to
use. Mr. Sundberg replied that the owners felt it would cost more to renovate and
bring the building up to code than it would to demolish the two buildings and put
up a new structure. Mr. Roberts then suggested the house be moved to city -owned
land, perhaps a designated park area. Mrs. Doris Greenacre suggested the southwest
corner of the city -owned acreage at the Water Works might prove to be an area
where historical buildings could be relocated thereby creating a historical enclave.
Other suggested sites for such an enclave included Councilmember Maxey's suggestion
of putting the house and the trolly barn together near the LaPorte Bike Trail and
Mr. Frick's suggestion of Martinez Park, which provides not only the availability
and security of being in the downtown area but also relates to the Power Plant, and
the Harmony Mill.
Mr. Sundberg, Ms. Massey, Mr. Frick, Ms. Tunner, Mr. Roberts, Ms. Day, and Mr.
Beardmore will meet with Mr. David Everitt, March 7 between 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. to see
the house and present site.
RECOGNITION OF PAST MEMBER
Ms. Carol Tunner was recognized for her contribution to the LPC with a plaque
upon her resignation from the Commission.
DRAFT DOWNTOWN PLAN
Mr. Joe Frank, City of Fort Collins Assistant Planning Director, made a presentation
for the draft Downtown Plan. The Planning staff has been working on this draft,
along with a steering committee, for two and one-half years. Issues and concerns
regarding the draft will be addressed at the April LPC meeting. By May, the Plan-
ning and Zoning Board hopes to have the final draft of the Plan before City Coun-
cil with a recommendation for adoption.
Ms. Massey expressed a concern for the historical buildings in the government/office
district and stated her fear of the intrusion of high density commercial realty which
is proposed for Canyon Avenue.
OLD WATER WORKS
Mr. Beardmore presented the stabilization work proposed for the Water Works for
preliminary review. The Water Works and the addition to the southeast will be
completed by early summer. The LPC indicated preliminary approval of the proposed
work.
DRAFT ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW PROCEDURES
The Commission's next topic was the Administrative Review for sign requests. Ms.
VanMeter stated the City Attorney's office was reviewing the procedures and the
first hearing of the City Council was set for April 18, 1989.
Mr. Sundberg requested the draft be amended to read D.I. Pg. 2:
"A pre -submittal conference with Historic Preservation Office
staff and including one LPC member, appointed on a rotating
basis, is recommended."
Ms. Prescott pointed out that F.I. Pg. 3 should read:
"A scaled working drawing or technical graphic which specifies
the details of the proposed sign . . . . ."
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OTHER BUSINESS
Approval of the February minutes was postponed until April.
Mr. Morris will tender his resignation effective April 5, 1989. He is moving out of
state.
Ms. Ketcham informed the Commission that Preservation Week is slated for May
12-13 with 13 seminars being conducted on "How to Preserve." The annual Friends
of Preservation Awards will be presented in the courtyard of the museum.
Ms. Handley informed the Commission the Nelson Farm barn would be dismantled
beginning March 4, 1989 and reconstructed on her farm property.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Joyce Lewton.
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