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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 10/11/1990LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION October 11, 1990 MEETING MINUTES The meeting began at 6:00 p.m. at 281 North College Avenue. Roll call revealed members presented as Rheba Missey, Jennifer Carpenter, Ruth Weatherford, and Prescott Handley. Members absent were Rae Ann Todd, Bud Frick, and Jim Tanner. Staff was represented by Carol Tunner, and Joe Frank, Assistant Planning Director. Joyce Lewton acted as secretary. Guests were Rosalyn Spencer, Darek Johnson, and Kevin Callihan. DISCUSSION ITEMS Old Post Office, 201 South College The proposal as presented by Ms. Spencer, Director of One West Contemporary Art Center, Mr. Darek Johnson, Graphic Designer and Mr. Kevin Callihan, both of Shaw Sign and Awning, Inc., consisted of four requests: repainting, awnings with signage, removal of Post Plaza and related signage, and review of changing event signage. All requests were for conceptual review. 1. The existing woodwork on the exterior window frames, doors, and doorways will be repainted from the Spanish tile brown to black (ebony) to match the iron railings and decorative lamps at the entrances. The upper roof eaves will remain Spanish tile brown. 2. Awnings with Signage: Four awnings are proposed of charcoal tweed canvas. The signage will be made of premium scotchcal white vinyl. The existing awning on the north entrance to the building will remain as installed before the structure was landmarked. The proposed main entrance awning, 25' long by 6' wide is to be suspended in a 2" by 2" tubular (square) steel welded awning framework. The awning will be 6' wide, the same width as the doorway and attached with standards that will be freestanding at least 2" from the building, but may be attached to the building. Mr. Johnson described the philosophy of the design to echo the arched shape of the windows and to narrow the awning size so as not be massive. He allowed as how the awning could be moved further from the building because of the large roof eave above. Ms. Handley questioned the use of black for the awnings. Ms. Spencer wanted to use black as a backdrop for the bright artwork and banners which will announce the changing art displays. Ms. Weatherford inquired why an awning was requested for the front (College Avenue) entry. Ms. Spencer said the front awning will run from the front entry to the bottom step and is being installed as a safety feature for the art gallery patrons. It will be installed at least 2" from the front portal and will partially obscure the architectural element of the building. Ms. Carpenter suggested the back of the awning be left open so the clients entering the front entry can see the Post Office carving and U.S. carved cartouche. An 8' X 8' awning is proposed on the lower level to the south of the main entrance on College Avenue. Signage on the awning is 4" high letters in Caslon type style. The awning is large enough to cover the whole well in order to control rain/snow drainage toward the center plaza drain. The awning will be mounted to the back wall and with two posts at end of the railing. It will be bolted to the wall under the rounded stone lentil. Two 4'6" awnings are proposed on the lower level entries on the north facade. The one toward College Avenue will read "Cafe" in script and the rear one will read "Colorado State" in Caslon type style. These awnings will fit over the doors and between the stone walls. Ms. Handley and Ms. Carpenter requested Mr. Johnson submit detailed sketches and to -scale drawings of the proposed awnings on the lower levels. This is requirement B under Awnings on the submittal Checklist. 3. The applicant requested permission to remove the letters POST PLAZA FORT COLLINS, COLORADO 80524 above the main entrance. The applicant would have the holes filled and repaired. Ms. Handley asked what material would be used to fill the holes. Ms. Spencer replied that the material had not been chosen as of this time but the holes need to be filled to stop any further deterioration of the stone due to freeze and thaw. The Commission agreed that the holes in the stone should be repaired. Ms. Tunner described the history of the sign. 4. Conceptual Review of Changing Event Signage: This signage would promote changing events in the art center. It would be a single metal sign painted with exterior enamel and may be secured to the iron railings with non -removable hardware. The sign would be located below the level of the architecture of the building and is defined as a free- standing sign. Since the corner kiosk is also considered a free-standing sign, the applicant can only have one more as the sign code restricts free-standing signs to one per street face. The applicant proposed the signs be changed every 30 days. The applicant will need to get a changeable copy sign permit as well as a regular sign permit. Ms. Handley requested information regarding handicap access to the building. Ms. Spencer replied that this was an immediate priority with the art center and that handicap access was already available into the building. There is a chair lift in the back lot by the loading dock and a bell can be mounted as a signal on the single entry door at that location. Access to the second floor gallery will be with a ramp for everyone, 7'8' wide. Additional comments by the Board to Applicant: Ms. Handley requested further information regarding the material to patch the holes and the technique necessary to blend the repair work. The materials and size for the removable sign also need to be detailed for approval by the Commission. Ms. Carpenter requested the applicant supply detailed dimension plans on the lower awnings and their attachment as well as a cross section and front view drawing of each awning prior to final application submittal. Ms. Carpenter said that if the main entrance awning was brought out away from the building, and if the inside top of the awning was opened up, she could support the proposed because these would be steps to reveal the building's important architecture. Ms. Weatherford said she believed she would abstain from voting because she could not support the awning on the front of the building. Ms. Spencer stated the timetable for opening is set for Christmas. The gift shop is slated to open November 1 with a VIP art exhibition scheduled for November 30. 0 OTHER BUSINESS Taco Bell Ms. Massey suggested a letter from the LPC be written to the national headquarters of Taco Bell and to the owner of the local franchise requesting an adaptive reuse of the house located just north of the present Taco Bell. Demolition of this house would undermine the integrity of the whole block and adjacent neighborhood. It was decided that Ms. Massey, as Chairperson of the LPC, should call the national office of Taco Bell to encourage an adaptive re -use of the building for the business. She is to list the benefits of publicity and advertising and give examples of other fast-food re -use in historic building projects in the country. A draft of the LOGS will be presented October 17 at 5:30 to the City Council. The LPC reviewed, corrected and approved a draft letter to City Council that outlined LPC comments on the LDGS Performance Audit. Discussion of Commission Trainina and Submittal Reauirements Ms. Massey cautioned the Commission to be careful to keep design review away from subjective opinion and reminded the Commission that the objective of the LPC was to get all - historic buildings preserved and used. LPC should be aware of public relations. She suggested that, in come cases, letters could be written to applicants with required conditions in order to document missing information. Ms. Handley, while agreeing in principle with Ms. Massey's observations, felt that her design profession required detailed drawings for proper construction. She said that because of the shortage of Staff, letters with reinforcing conditions would not be possible. Also, applicants are professionals that should think in three-dimensional terms and be providing materials for their clients to meet LPC submittal requirements. Discussion continued on level of documentation required, the need to apply equal submittal requirements in all cases, and the need to balance needed documentation versus design budget. Ms. Massey commended the submittal requirements and the need for proper documentation for design review, but said there are times in the middle of review when perceived missing documentation can be verbally taken and handled in letter form for the record. Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by Joyce Lewton