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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 12/10/2014Landmark Preservation Commission Page 1 December 10, 2014 Ron Sladek, Chair Doug Ernest, Vice Chair City Council Chambers Maren Bzdek City Hall West Meg Dunn 300 Laporte Avenue Kristin Gensmer Fort Collins, Colorado Dave Lingle Pat Tvede Cablecast on City Cable Channel 14 Alexandra Wallace on the Comcast cable system Belinda Zink Laurie Kadrich Karen McWilliams Josh Weinberg Gino Campana Staff Liaison, CDNS Director Preservation Planner Preservation Planner Council Liaison The City of Fort Collins will make reasonable accommodations for access to City services, programs, and activities and will make special communication arrangements for persons with disabilities. Please call 221-6515 (TDD 224- 6001) for assistance. Regular Meeting December 10, 2014  CALL TO ORDER Chair Sladek called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.  ROLL CALL PRESENT: Dunn, Zink, Bzdek, Tvede, Wallace, Gensmer, Sladek ABSENT: Ernest (excused), Lingle (excused) STAFF: McWilliams, Weinberg, Schiager  PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA No public comment. Chair Sladek announced that the Great Western Sugar Company located within the Kingfisher Point Natural Area has been officially listed on the National Register, making it the 25th Fort Collins property to be individually listed. Chair Sladek announced this is Pat Tvede’s last meeting, and thanked her for her years of service. Landmark Preservation Commission Approved by Commission at their January 14, 2015 meeting. City of Fort Collins Page 2  DISCUSSION AGENDA 1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE NOVEMBER 12, 2014 REGULAR MEETING. The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the November 12, 2014 regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission. Ms. Tvede moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the minutes of the November 12, 2014 meeting. Ms. Zink seconded. Motion passed 7-0. [Timestamp: 5:35 p.m.] 2. PRELIMINARY/FINAL DESIGN REVIEW – ADDITION OF PHOTOGRAPHS ON COOPERSMITH’S, 220 EAST MOUNTAIN AVENUE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Zonta Club of Fort Collins is proposing a “Northern Colorado Women’s Legacy Hall of Fame,” to consist of a wall of photographic images of significant women. While the intent is that the images will remain for some time, the installation is not permanent and is easily removed. The club has received permission from the building owner, Old Town Property; the business owner, Coopersmith’s; and the DDA, to install images in the black spandrel glass walls of Coopersmith’s. Because the property affects the exterior appearance of a Fort Collins Landmark property, Landmark Preservation Commission approval is also required. APPLICANT: Patti Smith, Zonta Club of Fort Collins Staff Report Ms. McWilliams presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Ms. Smith gave the Applicant presentation, providing background information and details about the proposed project. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion The Applicant clarified that the woodcut prints will be digitally printed on graffiti-protection-coated laminate. The laminate will be just outside the glass, and will not affect the glass. When asked whether the laminate would be bolted into the window frames, the Applicant stated they are still working out the best and least impactful way to attach them. Members asked for clarification on the location, and the Applicant explained the installation will be on the six north windows of the Pizza Pub, which is a newer building. Nothing will be attached to the older buildings. The Applicant clarified the size of the artwork, and stated they believe it will be visible from other locations in the area. The artwork will not be illuminated at night. Chair Sladek asked whether the Commission had any concerns related to the Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines, the Secretary of Interior Standards or the Municipal Code. No concerns were expressed. Members stated it was a positive addition, and fit well with the Old Town Historic District Design Guidelines 6-13 and 6-14 with regard to murals. Members discussed the impact on the historic character of the District per 14-48b, Section 1, noting that this may be an opportunity to highlight historic women in our area. The Commission indicated they were comfortable with proceeding with a final design review. Commission Deliberation Ms. Gensmer moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the Zonta Club’s request for the addition of woodcut prints for a Northern Colorado Women’s Legacy Hall of Fame on Coopersmith’s, 220 East Mountain Avenue, under Municipal Code Section 14-48b. Ms. Tvede seconded. Motion passed 7-0. City of Fort Collins Page 3 [Timestamp: 5:57 p.m.] 3. PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW - WATER WORKS INTERPRETIVE MUSEUM, 2005 NORTH OVERLAND TRAIL PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Poudre Landmarks Foundation (PLF) is exploring the reuse of the historic Fort Collins Water Works buildings and site as a water interpretive museum, and has received a State Historical Fund grant to assist with developing plans. Alterations and new construction to designated Landmark properties are subject to review under Municipal Code Section 14-48. The PLF has submitted its preliminary design for the proposed improvements and development of the Water Works Interpretive Museum. Any concerns, comments or suggestion would be greatly appreciated, so that can be incorporated or addressed as the design develops. APPLICANT: Peter Stewart, Stewart Architecture Ms. Wallace recused herself due to a conflict of interest. Staff Report Ms. McWilliams presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Mr. Stewart gave the Applicant presentation. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked for more details about the staging area on the east side and the alterations to the doors. The Applicant explained that the paved area would be an all-weather exterior surface, providing a safe, accessible route into the building and restrooms. The Applicant said the front doors will remain. They currently swing in. The door on the right would maintain its hinge and be in a fixed position, while the door on the left would have to swing out, possibly using concealed pivot hinges. The other door would be widened and altered to swing out without removing the windows. A Member asked whether the building was structurally sound. The Applicant explained that while there are a few issues that need to be addressed, it is generally in remarkably good shape. Members inquired about the archeological investigation, and whether the flagstone patio areas had also been investigated. The Applicant stated they had, and they don’t believe they will be disturbing any known archeological finds. Members pointed out they will need to have an archeologist on site with the surveyor and when any ground work is being done. While there is not a lot of ground work, there is some shallow work for grading and pavers. Members noted that the mechanical and lighting systems need to be unobtrusive, and more of an industrial look due to nature of building and historic use. The mechanical room is not visible to the public, and the corrugated metal divider makes it clear that it’s new, while still in keeping with industrial feel. Members asked whether they intended to install storm windows. The Applicant stated they had not yet done the heat-load calculations, but acknowledged it will be a low-performing building energy- wise. Storm windows may not make enough difference to be warranted. The Applicant stated there are no plans to add insulation to the building. They plan to use radiant floor heat, which is not visible, and are also looking at alternative energy such as micro-hydroelectricity. With regard to cooling, the Applicant said the building had a lot of thermal mass and very high ceilings, and they are hopeful that they won’t need to have cooling. If needed, they may consider a geothermal water-based system for cooling through the floors. City of Fort Collins Page 4 Chair Sladek asked whether the Commission had any concerns in light of Section 14-48b. A Member stated that there did not appear to be any detrimental effects from the proposed work. Another Member asked about planting shade trees and the need for irrigation. The Applicant stated the trees were intended to minimally meet the County’s requirements, and to protect the view shed from the cars in the parking lot. Commission Feedback Chair Sladek noted that this is a preliminary design review with no voting. He said the Commission seems generally comfortable with the plan, and the project was headed in a good direction. The Commission looks forward to seeing the plan again as the project progresses. The Applicant thanked the Commission for their comments and feedback. Ms. Wallace returned to the meeting. [Timestamp: 6:43 p.m.] Chair Sladek explained that the order of agenda items 4 and 5 had been switched at the request of an Applicant. 5. DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE CONCEPTUAL REVIEW, 1ST BANK, 100 S COLLEGE AVENUE PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for the LPC Design Review Subcommittee to review and comment upon proposed exterior alterations to a property that has been determined to be individually eligible for Fort Collins Landmark recognition. APPLICANT: Jim Cox, Architecture Plus Staff Report Ms. McWilliams provided the staff report. Applicant Presentation Jim Cox addressed the Commission on behalf of the Applicant. He introduced Adam Snyder and Dawn Davis from 1st Bank, who were seated in the audience. Don Bernholtz ran the PowerPoint for Mr. Cox’s presentation. Mr. Cox explained the two design options being proposed, one that they considered to be the minimum treatment necessary, and the other being the Applicant’s preferred treatment option. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked for clarification about the tempered glass versus plate glass for the windows. The Applicant explained that the windows are currently plate glass, while the International Building Code (IBC) requires tempered glass. There is no glass company in the U.S. that can replace windows of this size and weight with thermal pane tempered glass. He found one company in Canada who will do the work, but at a cost of approximately $350K. To minimize the costs, the proposed design would have tempered glass only in the lower panels and heat strengthened glass on the upper panels, separated with horizontal mullions. Chair Sladek asked Staff about the history of modifications and additions to the building. Ms. McWilliams provided a summary, based on her recollection. She believed that around 2000, Cache Bank purchased the property and applied for a permit to alter the building by putting a stucco (EIFS) product over the existing gold-colored tile. Because the building was not yet 50 years old, they were not subject to the Historic Preservation review standards at the time. However, the stucco was applied in such a way as to minimize any damage to the gold-colored tiles underneath. City of Fort Collins Page 5 In 2013, 1st Bank acquired the property, and submitted plans to change the roof configuration, install new windows, cover the blue brick with a stone product, and add a rear addition, skylight, and ATM. The CDNS Director and Landmark Preservation Commission Chair at the time reviewed the design, and approved the rear addition, ATM, and skylight. At that time the other changes were not approved, as it was felt they would greatly alter the historic character of the building. Recently, a portion of the gold tile was exposed during exploratory demolition, and then the stucco was replaced, so the gold tile is still underneath. The Applicant explained that the gold-colored tile cannot be restored, because it is damaged, isn’t frost-proof and cannot be properly maintained. The Applicant provided the Commission with photos of the exposed tile to illustrate this point. He stated that with the proposed new upper windows, the old tile would be completely removed. He explained that the existing gold tile was intended for interior use. Members asked whether the gold tile could be replaced in order to comply with Secretary of the Interior Standard 6. The Applicant has not been able to find gold frost-proof tile to match the look. Members asked if the canopy over the ATM was original. The Applicant stated it was not original and had been added by a previous owner. Members discussed the Applicant’s comments about enhancing the horizontality of the post-modern design with the preferred design option. A comment was made that verticality is actually more important to the original design. The Applicant said they had considered a design that would place more emphasis on the vertical orientation, and expressed willingness to explore that further. Chair Sladek asked that the Commission look at each element of the design as separate issue. The windows and safety glass is one big item. The removal of the EIFS panels and underlying gold tile is another issue, tying in with the addition of the spandrel windows in its place. The third item is raising the canopy over the ATM to be in line with the canopy over the main entrance. He pointed out that this change could make it look like it might have been part of the original building, which is a problem. He felt that aside from the glass issue, the designs stray too far from the intent of the original design. Another Member added that another issue is moving the sign back to its original location, which was actually a positive change. Members asked why there is only one bid for the glass. The Applicant stated that Commercial Glass is the largest glass company in Northern Colorado and they are unable to install panels of this size and weight due to the risk. The Applicant further explained that tempered glass is only required by code if it is within 18” from the floor. If the glass is higher than that, it is not required to be tempered. The Applicant was asked whether installing a bar in front of the window to prevent someone from walking into it, or using 3M Scotchshield Safety Film, might be options. The Applicant stated the film was not allowed below 18” from the floor by the IBC. He further stated that the option of installing a safety bar as a way around using tempered glass below 18” is also not provided for in the IBC. The Commission discussed the issue of removing the tile and installing spandrel windows. The consensus was that the tile should not be removed, and it was noted that a future owner may be interested in restoring the tile. The Applicant stated that the gold tile look was part of the original Columbia Savings and Loan branding and doesn’t fit with 1st Bank branding. Members pointed out that the branding and uniqueness of the building is part of its historic fabric and part of what makes it landmark eligible. There was some additional discussion about the horizontal and vertical lines of the building. Members mentioned that the horizontal muntins should be as minimal as possible, and that no additional vertical dividers should be inserted. The Commission discussed where they would prefer to see a single horizontal muntin, but acknowledged that would be largely dependent upon the engineering report. The Applicant reminded the Commission that an engineer still needs to look at the minimal option. Commission Feedback Chair Sladek said the Commission prefers minimal approach. Overall, they felt that option was a fairly minor change. City of Fort Collins Page 6 The Applicant thanked the Commission for their input. Dawn Davis from 1st Bank commented about their intent to try to make the design more mid-century modern, and stressed their desire to be a good community partner. Chair Sladek thanked the Applicants for their presentation. [Timestamp: 8:00 p.m.] 4. CONCEPTUAL AND FINAL DESIGN REVIEW OF REAR ADDITION, LANDBLOM PROPERTY AT 116 NORTH PEARL STREET PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for a design review and final approval of a proposed rear addition to this residence. The design was conceptually reviewed by the Landmark Preservation Commission at its April 9, 2014 meeting. APPLICANT: Ken and Michelle Christensen Staff Report Ms. McWilliams provided the staff report. Applicant Presentation Mr. Christensen spoke on behalf of the Applicant. He explained since the Commission last saw the design in April there was a slight change involving the engineering of a window on the sloped roof. The design still has the same footprint and height and meets design requirements for Eastside/Westside neighborhoods. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked for clarification on the change to the window. The roofline changed so that it now slants to the side in order to accommodate some structure above the window. Chair Sladek asked if the Members had any concerns about the design. Only positive comments were made. Commission Deliberation Ms. Zink moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the design of the rear addition to the Landblom Property at 116 North Pearl Street finding that it complies with Section 14-48 of the Municipal Code, Approval of Proposed Work. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 7-0. Chair Sladek thanked the Applicant, who then thanked Staff for their help with the process. [Timestamp: 8:07 p.m.] 6. DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE CONCEPTUAL REVIEW, KAPPA DELTA SORORITY, 412 W LAUREL STREET PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a request for the LPC Design Review Subcommittee to review and comment upon proposed exterior alterations to a property that is individually eligible for Fort Collins Landmark recognition. APPLICANT: Greg D. Fisher, Architect Staff Report Ms. McWilliams presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Mr. Fisher introduced himself and Patricia Vincent who provided the background and goals of the project. Mr. Fisher reviewed the plans and drawings for the design. Public Input None City of Fort Collins Page 7 Commission Questions Members asked whether there were any historic photos of how the building originally looked. The Applicant stated that there was one photo that didn’t make it into the packet, but the building looks the same other than the addition of the trellis and canopy, and the colors. It was mentioned that Option 2, by retaining the concrete block and painting it a lighter color, would restore the building to something similar to the original look. Commission Discussion and Feedback Chair Sladek guided the Commission through a discussion of the different elements of the proposed design options, and the following points were made: 1. Freestanding canopy – Members approved of the change as long as it remains freestanding and light. 2. Signage – Members noted the sign had already been moved. They agreed that it was fine with the stipulation that it be attached in mortar joints. 3. Front Entry – The Commission was largely in agreement that changing the single front entry to a double-door, and adding the sidelights, was acceptable as long as the concrete block work is retained. They felt it was a good compromise, and the visual impact was not that great. 4. Block Work – The Commission agreed that retaining the block work and painting it a lighter color was important. The proposed zinc skin would be attached at the mortar joints, covering but preserving the block work. However, it was noted that if the block work were left uncovered, the changes to the entrance would be more palatable. Too many cascading changes would impact the integrity of the original design intent, when considered in the context of the Seven Aspects of Integrity. 5. Upper glazing – While most of the Members expressed that they liked the aesthetic appeal of the design and understood the utility of it, they felt the impact on the integrity of the original design was too great. When considering the Seven Aspects of Integrity, the upper glazing would impact the materials, design and feeling. The Commission acknowledged struggling with this element. There was near consensus among the members not to support the upper glazing. 6. Lower glazing – A strong majority would support the lower glazing, as long as the block work is retained and painted a lighter color. [Timestamp: 9:09 p.m.]  OTHER BUSINESS None  ADJOURNMENT Chair Sladek adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Gretchen Schiager.