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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 04/04/1990LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION APRIL 4, 1990 The meeting began at approximately 5:45 p.m. at 200 West Mountain Ave- nue. Members present included Andy Mutz, Rheba Massey, Jim Tanner, Sally Ketcham, Prescott Handley, Bud Frick, and Ruth Weatherford. Staff was represented by Kari VanMeter and Carol Tunner. Joyce Lewton acted as secretary. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Tanner made a motion to approve the February minutes as submitted. Mr. Mutz seconded the motion. The motion was approved 6-0. CURRENT ITEMS NATIONAL HERITAGE CORRIDOR The Poudre River NRA Task Force, commissioned by City Council, recom- mends the City pursue designation of the river as a National Heritage Corridor rather than a National Recreation Area. The theme would focus on an examination of water development and river basin management in the westward expansion of the United States. The social, cultural and envi- ronmental conseque-ces of river basin management in the plains setting is exhibited throughout the Poudre River corridor. Ultimately, much more focus on the heritage aspects of Larimer County and Fort Collins would be achieved with the National Heritage Corridor than with the National Recreation Area. There are only three NHC areas in the U.S. at the present time. The Illinois & Michigan Canal in Illinois was the first designated NHC. The Blackstone River Valley in Rhode Island exemplifies the growth of the textile industry. The Delaware -Lehigh NHC in New Jersey is based on transportation issues. An NHC along the Poudre River corridor would carry the distinction of being the only National Heritage Corridor west of the Mississippi. Ms. Handley questioned how far the NHC would extend. Ms. VanMeter responded that it would begin roughly on the west boundary of urban development, Taft Hill Road, and extend as far east as possible. Some of the property owners east of I-25 are resistant to any governmental project, so some kind of boundary reserve area in between the Fort Col- lins and Greeley projects and along the Poudre River corridor might be created. This way, the property owners would be able to voluntarily join the Heritage Corridor over time. 11 11 LPC Minutes April 4, 1990 Page 2 Mr. Tanner questioned staff as to what besides designation would be done with this effort. Staff responded that no specific plans had been made at this point, but an interpretive trail along or around the river cor- ridor with signage and or demonstration areas at strategic sites would be appropriate. A museum devoted to water management and river basin development is envisioned with its main focus to be how the corridor has influenced the society and the environment. Ms. VanMeter will present the National Heritage Corridor concept to Council on April 10, 1990. AVERY HOUSE DISTRICT DESIGNATION Because of extensive modifications to the exterior of the building, the Avery Carriage House does not fulfill the criteria of architectural sig- nifcance for local landmark designation. However, the Carriage House is recognized as being a contributor, by virtue of the fountain, gazebo, and landscape features, to the proposed historic district around the Avery House. Ms. VanMeter recommended adoption of a Resolution which recommends Coun- cil pass an Ordinance making the district designation. Ms. Massey made a motion to adopt the Resolution with the addition that the legal description be added before signature. Ms. Ketcham seconded the motion. Approved 7-0. Council will consider the designation Ordinance on May 15, during National Preservation Week. TRIMBLE COURT-WHITTON ALLEY DESIGN The Local Development Corporation is proposing an urban design concept for the Trimble Court -Whitton alley area. The corporation was to have informed the LPC of its conceptual ideas and come back at a later time for formal approval; however, the corporation representative was unable to attend this meeting. RHODES HOUSE On March 13, 1990 the City Council heard the request for delay of demolition put forth by the Heritage Round Table. Council requested that staff look at alternatives to demolition. The Round Table is pro- posing a public/private venture to save the building. Private interests would contribute resources to cover moving, foundation, and renovation costs, and the public contribution would be the provision of a site and on -going maintenance after renovation. LPC Minutes April 4, 1990 Page 3 Staff presented a proposal to the Parks Board to relocate the house to the Jefferson Street Park. The Parks Department has a long term lease with Union Pacific Railroad for the site, and a staff team will negoti- ate with UP to acquire the property by purchase or donation. The Parks Board indicated preliminary endorsement for the relocation proposal, and asked staff to return in April with additional information. Ms. Massey stated, and Ms. Ketcham concurred, that the Archaeological Society or C.S.U. should be on site to monitor and document any findings as the house is being moved. The Commission directed staff to draft a letter for Ms. Massey's signa- ture informing Council of LPC support for the Rhodes House relocation proposal. OTHER BUSINESS PRESERVATION WEEK A number of activities are being planned for National Preservation Week. Ms. Tunner reported that on May 12, Preservation Week would kick off with the Heritage Tours. These 1989 restoration projects include in the Downtown area: Coopersmiths, the Carriage House, the Post Plaza Art Cen- ter, Architectural Resources, the Opera Galleria and possibly the Blaine Hotel. On May 13 the Livermore Forks Hotel may have an Open House. May 14-16 workshops will be held on a number of preservation topics. The Annual Mixer will be held in the Opera Galleria from 5:00-7:30 p.m. on May 18. Some discussion followed regarding the distribution and sale of information by the various groups involved in preservation. Ms. Handley urged the groups be allowed to publicize their activities in order to give the public exposure to different organizations they may not be familiar with. On May 19 the tour of the Waterworks and the Bingham Cemetary will be conducted. ADMINISTRATIVE SIGN REVIEWS Staff submitted a list of the sign requests that have been approved administratively since Council passed the Administrative Sign Review in June of 1989. Ms. VanMeter urged the Commissioners to do a quality check of the internal administrative work. LPC Minutes April 4, 1990 Page 4 LOCAL DESIGNATIONS Ms. Massey suggested the LPC come forward each month with a structure to designate. After review, the designation would be voted on the follow- ing month. Ms. VanMeter shared information about an intern from CSU who is working to prioritize significant structures. The Cultural Resources Board and the Historic Preservation staff have compiled a nonprioritized list of eligible structures over the past several years. The job of the intern is to prioritize possible designations in order for the LPC to evaluate and designate. Ms. Handley suggested the list be completed and prioritized by Preserva- tion Week in order to increase public awareness of the existing struc- tures, and what is necessary to preserve them. ROGERS PARK Ms. Massey suggested the LPC draft a letter of thanks to the Parks Board and staff for the preservation and adaptive re -use of the barn in the plan for Rogers Park. RESIGNATION Mr. Mutz will be resigning his post as Commissioner, effective June 1990. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m. Minutes submitted by Joyce Lewton.