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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 05/13/1998A LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting May 13, 1998 Council Liaison: Scott Mason Staff Liaison: Joe Frank Commission Chairperson: Jennifer Carpenter SUMMARY OF MEETING: The Hill/Hunter House at 122 Jackson Avenue was approved for re -roofing. The LPC approved the demolition of the Nightwalker Warehouse, 215 N. Mason. The LPC approved the demolition of a warehouse building at Ranch -Way Feed Mill, and approved a proposed replacement building for the site. The LPC recommended to City Council the amending of Ordinance No. 170, 1979 by the designation of the public rights -of -way and other real property owned by the City and the Downtown Development Authority, and located within the perimeter of the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District. The Commission adopted a resolution stating that a preliminary investigation indicates that the properties owned by Progressive Old Town Square, LLC and by 238 E. Mountain, LLC, and located within the perimeter of the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District, are eligible for designation as a local landmark for their geographical, historical, and architectural importance to Fort Collins, and that local landmark designation of these properties should proceed without the property owners' consent. A designation hearing on this issue was scheduled for the LPC's June 24, 1998 meeting. The LPC waived portions of the requirements of the demolition review process for a basement house at 1033 West Vine due to a substantial hardship. The applicant is still required to submit the Historic Resource of Merit form and the report regarding the effect of alteration of this property. The Commission discussed proposed plans for an addition on 629 West Mountain Avenue. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Ms. Carpenter called the meeting to order at 5:37 p.m., at 281 North College Avenue. Commission members Per Hogestad, Rande Pouppirt and Stephen Short were present. Angela Milewski and Bud Frick arrived late. James Tanner was absent. Joe Frank, Carol Tunner and Karen McWilliams represented Staff. GUESTS: Jack Gianola, Special Projects Manager, City of Fort Collins Facility Services Division; Kim and Bonnie Szidon, Ranch -Way Feeds, 416 Linden Street; Claudia Schimert, owner, 1033 West Vine; David Haimson, owner, 629 West Mountain Avenue. AGENDA REVIEW: Ms. Tunner added under Other Business the conceptual review of a proposed rear addition on 629 West Mountain Avenue. STAFF REPORTS: Ms. Tunner provided the Commission a 1998 meeting schedule. She noted that the November meeting would occur on the first Wednesday of the month. Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 2 COMMISSION MEMBERS' REPORTS: Ms. Carpenter reported that on May 31, 1998 there will be a symposium on the river, sponsored by the Poudre River Trust. Several organizations have been invited to attend. They will discuss plans for the river within the City. Ms. Carpenter will be representing Historic Fort Collins and there are two spots available for LPC members. Mr. Pouppirt said that he was interested in attending. Mr. Frick reported on the DDA. Bids were received last week for the parking ramp and interviews were held May 8. The site economic development was performed for the proposed performing Arts Center. The City would like to see the center downtown, so they would not use the old Fort Collins High School. C.S.U. will continue to utilize the facility. Mr. Frick reported that the Paramount Building sold. The first floor would be made into a shopping arcade and the second floor is planned as office and apartment space. Mr. Frick added that under Community Choices the Main Library and performing Arts Center were discussed. But, the Library does not know if they want a main branch or several satellite locations. Timothy Wilder, City Planner, also gave a presentation on the Poudre River. They discussed Oxbow Park and whether the area was suitable for development. Ms. Tunner added, that if they build a library downtown, they should change the name of Library Park back to Lincoln Park, which dates to the City's incorporation in 1873. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Ms. Carpenter deleted that the design guidelines are very incomplete around this issue, on the top of page 5. Mr. Hogestad moved to approve the April 8, 1998 LPC meeting minutes as amended. Mr. Short seconded the motion, which passed unanimously (6-0). .deL`69=1 �I/_<<l=1 �I1TF 112 Jackson Avenue Hill/Hunter House — House Re -Roofing (Norman Miller) Mr. Short moved to accept the consent agenda. Mr. Hogestad seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DEMOLITION REVIEW: 215 North Mason — Nightwalker Warehouse (Jack Gianola, Facilities Services Division — City of Fort Collins) Ms. McWilliams explained that the site would be temporarily used as a parking area and would eventually be the site of the new City Administration Building. The building has been determined to be more than fifty years old, and meets the criteria for historical importance because of its association with the Colorado and Southern Railway as a utilitarian storage building. Ms. McWilliams reviewed the process, which the applicant has followed as 1 • 0 Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 3 mandated under Section 14-72 of the City Code. She also reviewed the conditions which the Commission may impose on the demolition. She added that Staff recommended that the LPC approve the applicant's request for demolition. Extensive research has been done on the property. It was built in the 1920s. The building was used as a warehouse and for storage. Ms. McWilliams reported that she received a telephone call from Mr. Leslie Briggs, 169"2 North College Avenue. Mr. Briggs commented that the building was used for produce and dairy storage and that it did not amount to much of anything. Mr. Short asked what other property owners were notified of the proposed demolition. Ms. McWilliams explained that all owners within five hundred feet were informed, as well as preservation and history interest groups. The property and notice of the public hearing were also posted. Ms Milewski inquired how we go about contacting people who may be interested in salvaging hardware or other parts of the building. The LPC does have the authority to place conditions on salvaging unique architectural features from a building prior to demolition. Ms. Tunner said that contractors may be interested in salvaging the bricks, and it would be good to advertise. Mr. Gianola said they were in the processing of advertising to salvage the entire building or parts of it. Ms. Carpenter said that a salvage yard should be established. Ms. Tunner said that Empire Carpentry has a salvage locator service. Ms. Carpenter said that she was concerned about the stone portion of the building. It was discussed that this part was actually an addition to the remainder of the building, added in 1939. The addition was likely built of salvaged materials itself, and so may appear older. Ms. Milewski moved to approve the demolition of the NightWalker Warehouse at 215 North Mason Street. Mr. Frick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6- 0) Mr. Short asked about salvaging any materials. Mr. Gianola said that they would make every effort to salvage the brick and demolish the building in a way to save the items. The LPC discussed the time it would take to clean the mortar off the bricks and how to transport them without breakage. They also discussed possible areas to store the brick. CURRENT DESIGN REVIEW: 416 Linden Street Ranch -Way Feed Mills — Demolition and Replacement of a Warehouse Building (Kim Szidon, Manager) Ms. Tunner passed around original pictures and color chips for the replacement building. The entire site was designated in 1969, but the pole barn was not part of the site historically. It was Columbine floral company and part of a contractor's shop. The building may have been moved in from Greeley, so it could be older. Mr. Szidon explained that the structure was used as a warehouse and that the forklift has damaged the columns. This Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 4 has caused structural damage to the roof. Mr. Frick asked what king of siding would be used on the replacement building. Mr. Szidon said that they would pick one from the spec sheet and it would be steel. Mr. Frick moved to approve demolition and replacement of a warehouse building at Ranch -Way Feed Mills, 416 Linden Street. Mr. Pouppirt seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) DISCUSSION ITEMS: Designation of Public Rights -of -Way and Other Real Properties Located Within the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District — City of Fort Collins and Downtown Development Authority, Owners. Resolution Regarding the Findings of the Preliminary Investigation of the Eligibility for Local Landmark Designation of Property Owned by Progressive Old Town Square. LLC and by 238 East Mountain. LLC, and Located Within the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District Ms. McWilliams explained that a discrepancy exists between the written legal description used to create the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District and the accompanying map used to delineate the district. Ms. McWilliams explained that two of the four property owners in the district, the City of Fort Collins and the DDA, have consented in writing to a proposed designation; the other two, Progressive Old Town Square, LLC and 238 East Mountain, LLC, have not consented. She received a letter from Progressive Old Town Square, LLC and 238 E. Mountain, LLC, explaining that they cannot sign the designation application, but do not oppose being in the district. Ms. McWilliams explained the process for local landmark designation when the Commission does not have the consent of the property owner. The Commission, at their August 12, 1997 meeting, had passed a motion to begin the designation process of all properties within the Historic Old Town District not currently designated. At that time it was believed that all owners would sign the application for local landmark designation. Upon recommendation of Paul Eckman, Deputy City Attorney, the Commission rescinded the original motion of August 12, 1998, and passed two new resolutions. The first recommends that City Council amend Ordinance 170, 1979, (which created the District), to include all properties owned by the City of Fort Collins and the Downtown Development Authority which are located within the perimeters of the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District, for their geographical importance to the District and to the city of Fort Collins. The second resolution adopted by the Commission stated that a preliminary investigation indicated that the properties owned by Progressive Old Town Square, LLC and by 238 E. 1 Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 5 Mountain, LLC, and located within the perimeter of the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District, are eligible for designation as a local landmark for their geographical, historical, and architectural importance to Fort Collins, and that local landmark designation of these properties should proceed without the property owners' consent. Mr. Hogestad moved to rescind the motion of August 12, 1997, to begin the designation process of all properties within the Historic Old Town District not currently designated. Mr. Frick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) Mr. Frick moved that the Commission recommend to City Council that the designation, which established the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District, [Ord. No. 170, 1979], be amended to include all properties owned by the City of Fort Collins and the Downtown Development Authority located within the perimeter of the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District, for their geographical importance. Mr. Hogestad seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) Mr. Pouppirt moved that the Commission adopt a resolution stating that a preliminary investigation indicates that the properties owned by Progressive Old Town Square, LLC and by 238 E. Mountain, LLC, and located within the perimeter of the Old Town Fort Collins Historic District, are eligible for designation as a local landmark for their geographical, historical, and architectural importance, and that local landmark designation of these properties should proceed without the property owners' consent. Mr. Short seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) A designation hearing for the properties owned by progressive Old Town Square, LLC and by 238 E. Mountain, LLC, was scheduled for the LPC's June 24, 1998 meeting. 1033 West Vine. Waiver of Portions of the Requirements for Demolition Review Based Upon Substantial Hardship Ms. McWilliams explained that the structure at 1033 West Vine was a rare architectural example of a "in -ground house" or "basement dwelling", of which only 3 or 4 exist in Fort Collins. The building is considered to be eligible for designation for both its architectural and historical importance. The owner, Ms. Schimert, would like to remove the roof and build up, creating a standard aboveground dwelling. She must do this in order to qualify for a conventional mortgage and homeowner's insurance. Ms. Schimert is petitioning the LPC to waive portions of the Demolition Review requirements, due to substantial hardship. She submitted several letters of denial from banks, insurance and mortgage companies. Mr. Short asked if the existing structure would be used as the foundation. Mr. Pouppirt stated that it was the original intent to build up onto such basement dwellings. Ms. Schimert added that the dwellings were often built during the Depression, so that when people had more money they could finish building up onto what they had. It was never Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 6 intended to be a basement dwelling in its finished state. Mr. Short moved to approve the request for a waiver of Section 14-72(b) of the City Code pertaining to the Demolition Review Process, so as not to create a substantial hardship for the homeowner, with the exception of Section 14-72(b)2a and 2b, requiring the Historic Resource of Merit Form and the report regarding the effect of the alteration on the historic and architectural character of Fort Collins and the neighborhood. Mr. Frick seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. (6-0) OTHER BUSINESS: Ms. Carpenter discussed having a representative from the LPC attend the symposium scheduled for May 31, by the Poudre River Trust. Mr. Pouppirt will attend and Ms. Milewski will check her schedule. Ms. Carpenter explained that the goal is to identify historic structures along the river. Ms. Tunner added that there are future plans to widen Jefferson Street, to create bike lanes and to help ease traffic flow. Development plans for that area may also propose the demolition of the Sederson Plastics building, currently the Harley Davidson repair shop. In a 1992 Historic Survey, the building was determined to be eligible for designation, in part because it was the first fire proof building in Fort Collins. It is also significant because it was built during the Depression, and provided employment at a time when the town was destitute. Ms. Carpenter encouraged the City to talk with the Commission about the building now, before plans are on paper. Mr. Hogestad asked if conceptual design plans exist for the site. Proposed Rear Addition, 629 West Mountain Avenue - David Haimson Mr. Haimson explained that there were some problems with the last plan, with matching cross gables and a hipped roof. This plan does not work to create the interior space they need in the loft. The simple roof plan is more affordable. The exterior material would be masonite clap -board siding, about two inches exposed. The roof material would look like wood shakes. Ms. Tunner explained that there is an exception for wood shingles on designated homes, as long as it was treated class-c. Mr. Haimson said that they probably could not afford wood shingles, but he wants the addition to look exactly the same as the house. Ms. Tunner asked about the stone foundation on the addition. Mr. Haimson said they would use something that looks like stone. Mr. Hogestad said that the current design was a good solution, which was detached from the house with a connector piece. Mr. Pouppirt asked where the loft tied in at the second level. He suggested that they make the addition taller to match the hipped roof of the original building. The Commission and the applicant do not want to see the addition taller than the original house. Mr. Frick suggested that they lower the floor of the addition about a foot and one half to add height. Mr. Haimson discussed the windows on the addition with the Commission. He said that the back window might need to be lower to make the loft work. Mr. Frick said that it u Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes May 13, 1998 Page 7 needed to be close to the original. The Commission agreed that the windows needed to match up at the head height. Mr. Short said that the sill heights should match as well. Ms. Milewski said it was important because you would be changing the proportions. Mr. Hogestad added that what makes the addition nice, it that it responds to the features of the original house. Mr. Haimson explained that he needed to know if the current design was acceptable and then used the bathroom window in the front fagade of the addition to help describe how the windows will match the originals. The original windows are set in about two inches into the brick and have a brick band and arch above them. Mr. Short explained that an observer should see the windows at the same height. Mr. Frick explained that the head or height of the window units should match those of the existing house. Mr. Haimson said that the new windows would be set into wood rather than brick. The Commission discussed how the windows are constructed and installed in the house. Mr. Frick illustrated the height of the head of the window on the original window and then on the proposed window. He pointed out that the tops of the window units should match. Mr. Haimson said that they would also need a zoning variance because the plan exceeds the setback line on the west end. He requested a letter from the LPC stating their recommendation and that the proposed structure was compatible. Ms. Tunner will talk to Peter Barnes. The LPC will also need to review the applicant's complete plans first. Mr. Haimson would like to go to zoning on May 28 and they plan to break ground June 10. May 27 is the next LPC meeting, when the applicant may present their plans. Other Business Continued: Mr. Short will be moving this weekend to Windsor, but said that he would be willing to remain on the LPC until his replacement is chosen. Staff will check with the City Attorney's Office to see if this is possible. The meeting adjourned 7:20 p.m. Submitted by Nicole Sneider, Secretary.