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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 02/20/1991LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION WORKSESSION MINUTES February 20,1991 The Meeting began at 5:45 p.m. at 281 North College Avenue. Roll was called and the following members were present: Rheba Massey, Jennifer Carpenter, Bud Frick, Prescott Handley, Jim Tanner, Rae Ann Todd, and Ruth Weatherford. Staff was represented by Carol Tunner and Joe Frank. Tracy Johnston acted as Secretary. Ms. Sheila Bricker -Wade, Historian with the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, was present as a guest of Ms. Massey. DISCUSSION ITEMS Eastside/Westside Rezonings The Commission briefly discussed comments to include in a letter to the Planning and Zoning Board regarding the proposed rezonings and their benefit to historic preservation. Comments from the February 6 meeting were inserted. Additionally, Ms. Massey stressed that a review process is necessary and that the LDGS criteria should specify that any building over 50 years old come under staff review to determine historical significance. She stated that down -zoning promotes the preservation of historic buildings. Staff will complete the letter for presentation to the Planning and Zoning Board. HRPP Reauest_for Proposal Mr. Frank presented four proposals for the consultant position ranging from $97,000-$113,000. Three of the four proposals also included counter proposals designed to scale down cost. He asked the Commission to devise an optional, less complex scope of work for the consultant to perform. Mr. Frick noted that it might be more prudent to "go for it all" and spend the $90,000- $100,000 to get the job completely done, rather than dividing the program into portions over several years. Action "incentives" alternatives could include the stabilization of the Linden Hotel, low interest loan programs, and a matching grant program. Ms. Massey also stated that the consultant be asked to identify, in detail, incentives such as building code waivers and property tax rebates. Ms. Carpenter stressed that specific programs should be set up quickly so that more historic buildings are not lost during the completion of the consultant's work. Ms. Tunner agreed and informed the Commission of a call she had received from Forrest Dillinger regarding the Masonic Temple on Oak Street. The masons would be willing to designate the building if there was a grant or loan program to help pay for some minor needed repairs such as tuckpointing the brick. There is a need to save this majestic building before it becomes another parking lot. Ms. Massey noted that the Commission should determine exactly the number of buildings that qualify. Ms. Weatherford volunteered to access county records via her office computer to obtain that information for buildings over 44 years of age. The Commission narrowed the proposed scope of work to the following: o Eastside Neighborhood - Gather enough information for local landmark designation (rather than national) and to complete Colorado Historical Society inventory forms. o Central Business District -Intensive survey on each building over 50 years old. o Agricultural Resources - Intensive survey so as to designate individual local landmarks or to do a "multiple properties" nomination. o Incentive Program - Detailed information (stress "actions") not general descriptions. The Laurel School Historic District and the Old Town Historic District will be excluded from these areas as they are already surveyed and designated. The Commission expressed a number of thoughts. Mr. Frick asked that any action incentive program be set up to "leverage" the money invested by the City. Mr. Tanner said that it was important for the Historic Resources Preservation Program to produce something comprehensive and understandable to pass on in the event the present Commission changes. A discussion followed on the intensity of survey work needed, such as survey of non- contributing buildings in a district, and the level of information required for local or state or national register designation. Ms. Tunner was directed to discuss this issue with the Colorado Historical Society. Interviews with the applicants will be scheduled either Monday, March 4, or Wednesday, March 6. Mr. Frick stated that he would be unable to attend. Ms. Handley will be asked to attend in his place. She had left the meeting at this point. OTHER BUSINESS Suehiro Japanese Restaurant Ms. Tuner reported that Suehiro's new awning (approved by the Commission January 2, 1991) was installed, but appeared to be a bright ruby red rather than the approved burgundy. The building's tenants and citizens objected to its color and lettering. The awning was removed immediately. Shaw Sign and Awning will re -submit new fabric and design at the March 6 meeting. Mr. Frick suggested that the applicants be required to submit larger samples of fabric. Ms. Tunner has determined, in consultation with the City Attorney's office, that a notice be posted at the site of proposed design reviews and that the Commission make a "field trip" to the site to better determine the effect the awning color change may have. 2 Mr. Frank reported that staff has met with the City's Engineering Department. In order to make the adaptive re -use of the house more financially attractive, Taco Bell requested that the development fees be lowered on the new Taco Bell or that the City pay for the turn lane to be built at Prospect and College Avenue. The City has denied both requests. Mr. Frank said that Taco Bell may table their reconstruction of that property for a couple of years. However, they have sent a letter that they may pursue legal action against the City. Ms. Massey praised members of the Commission for their hard work, dedication and enthusiasm to learn. She stated that it was unusual to find a historic preservation board of this caliber. The worksession adjourned at 8:25 p.m. 3