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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 11/18/2015City of Fort Collins Page 1 November 18, 2015 Ron Sladek, Chair Doug Ernest, Vice Chair City Council Chambers Meg Dunn City Hall West Kristin Gensmer 300 Laporte Avenue Per Hogestad Fort Collins, Colorado Dave Lingle Alexandra Wallace Cablecast on City Cable Channel 14 Belinda Zink on the Comcast cable system Tom Leeson Karen McWilliams Maren Bzdek Gino Campana Staff Liaison, PDT 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 November 18, 2015 Minutes  CALL TO ORDER Chair Sladek called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m.  ROLL CALL PRESENT: Dunn, Zink, Hogestad, Wallace, Gensmer, Lingle, Ernest, Sladek ABSENT: None STAFF: McWilliams, Bzdek, Dorn, Schmidt, Frickey, Gloss, Schiager  PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None.  CONSENT AGENDA 2. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 26, 2015 REGULAR MEETING. Landmark Preservation Commission Approved by Commission at their December 9, 2015 meeting. City of Fort Collins Page 2 November 18, 2015 The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the October 26, 2015 regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission. 3. 321 N. WHITCOMB STREET - FINAL DESIGN REVIEW PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a Final Design Review of a proposed addition to 321 N. Whitcomb Street, a Fort Collins Landmark (Ordinance No. 161, 2014), constructed in 1912. The proposed addition will include a new one-story addition (260 square feet). APPLICANT: Kate A. Polk, Property Owner 321 N. Whitcomb Street Fort Collins, CO 80521 Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the Consent Agenda for the regular meeting of November 18, 2015, including Item 2, the October 26, 2015 regular meeting minutes, and Item 3, the 321 N. Whitcomb Street Final Design Review. Mr. Lingle seconded. Motion passed 8-0.  PULLED FROM CONSENT 1. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 14, 2015 REGULAR MEETING. The purpose of this item is to approve the minutes from the October 14, 2015 regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission. Commission Questions and Discussion Mr. Lingle requested a correction to Page 6 of the minutes for the Uncommon item to clarify that the block being referenced in the second line of the second paragraph under “Commission Questions and Discussion” was actually the “Safeway Block”. Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the minutes of the October 14, 2015 regular meeting as corrected. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8-0. [Timestamp: 5:39 p.m.]  DISCUSSION AGENDA 4. 419 WHEDBEE STREET – FINAL DEMOLITION/ALTERATION REVIEW PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a Final Demolition/Alteration Review of a proposed addition to 419 Whedbee Street, a single-family home in the Laurel School Historic District constructed in 1901. The proposed addition will include a new second-floor addition (617 square feet) APPLICANT: Melanie and Rich Davis 419 Whedbee Street Fort Collins, CO 8052 Staff Report Ms. Bzdek presented the staff report. (Note that a copy of the slides used in the presentation, which were not included in the packet, has been submitted into the record.) Applicant Presentation Rich and Melanie Davis introduced themselves and made themselves available for questions, but did not give a presentation. Public Input Chris McCullough, 320 Smith Street, spoke to the Commission in support of the project, saying that it was a well thought out plan and fits nicely with the rest of the architecture in the neighborhood. City of Fort Collins Page 3 November 18, 2015 Michael Chalona, 408 Whedbee Street, spoke in support of the addition, saying it was a good design and he hoped the Commission would approve it. Gene Meyer, 504 Smith Street, spoke in support of the addition, saying he was impressed with the process the Davises have gone through, and that the materials and design are consistent with the era in which the house was built. Mr. Davis spoke again saying that with only one bathroom in the home for a family of four, this addition was badly needed. Commission Questions and Discussion Mr. Lingle clarified that the purpose of tonight’s process was to evaluate certain technical aspects that have to be met for the final hearing, not to comment on whether or not they support the design as proposed. He stated that he believed the Applicants had met those requirements, and he would be supporting the motion. Mr. Ernest said it was his opinion that the Applicant had met the requirements of Section 14-72, and that he supported the application. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the application for the addition to 419 Whedbee Street based on the Applicant’s full compliance with Section 14-72 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code. Mr. Lingle seconded. Motion passed 8-0. [Timestamp: 5:51 p.m.] 5. FEEDERS SUPPLY / GINGER AND BAKER, 359 LINDEN STREET—FINAL HEARING ON RECOMMENDATION TO DECISION MAKER FOR A MINOR AMENDMENT TO APPROVED PLANS PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a Final Review and request for Recommendation to Decision Maker for a Minor Amendment to Approved Plans regarding a proposed rehabilitation and new addition to the Feeders Supply building at 359 Linden Street. The Planning and Zoning Board approved a Project Development Plan (#PDP130012) on August 8, 2013 for a previous owner of the property. The new owners are now proposing some alterations to the approved plans. The Commission held a preliminary hearing on these plans on October 26, 2015. APPLICANT: Frank Vaught and Chris Aronson, VFLA Mr. Lingle stated that he would abstain from discussion of this item, having missed the previous discussions and presentations on this item. He also recused himself from the next item, College Eight Thirty, due to a conflict, and excused himself from the remainder of the meeting. Staff Report Ms. Bzdek presented the staff report. (Note that a copy of the slides used in the presentation, which were not included in the packet, has been submitted into the record.) Applicant Presentation Mr. Aronson gave the Applicant presentation. (Note that the presentation had been modified since the agenda was published, and the revised version has been added to the record.) Mr. Aronson said that the site plan overall had not changed since the last meeting. He reviewed the changes that had been made and described the materials to be used. He noted that they had hired Mark Wernimont of Colorado Sash and Door to evaluate and document all the doors and windows. He explained the work to be done on the doors and windows. Of the thirteen existing windows, six will be fully restored. He talked about the plan for rebuilding the front door and storefront windows. Of the six existing doors, two sets will be fully restored, two will be rebuilt with parts from very damaged door sets, one will become an interior door, and the one along the alley will be filled in. He also talked about the louvers which will be replaced with windows. For the windows that are to be replaced, they will keep the same mullion pattern. City of Fort Collins Page 4 November 18, 2015 Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion A Member inquired about the previous plans to add two windows in the southwest upper wall. The Applicant confirmed that there would be no new openings on the existing building other than the access on the back side to the north patio, which is necessary to meet egress requirements. Another Member was glad that the storefront was going to be restored rather than replaced, as it is a major element of historic integrity. When asked about re-roofing, the Applicant explained that the roof is a galvanized metal S-deck over rafters and is in bad shape. They will put in new rafters, and insulation, and use matching silver galvanized S-deck. A Member thanked the Applicant for addressing the Commission’s concerns in the updated design. Chair Sladek asked Mr. Wernimont to talk a little about the condition of the doors and windows. Mr. Wernimont described what he found in his assessment, and detailed the plans for replacement, replication and restoration. They briefly discussed the uniqueness of the old pairs of doors. A Member asked whether there was any equipment in the head house. Mr. Aronson said there were some pulleys, and other parts, which the owners may try to use as décor or furniture in the interior of the building. There was a discussion about the possibility of leaving the pulley equipment where it is, if it can be visible from inside. There was question about the structure of the motion, and the inclusion of findings of fact, which Ms. Schmidt (Senior Assistant City Attorney) was able to clarify for the Commission. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission recommend to the decision maker the minor amendment for the approved plans for the Feeder Supply / Ginger and Baker project at 359 Linden Street, based on adoption of the findings of fact as set forth in the staff report. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 7-0, with Lingle abstaining. [Timestamp: 6/24 p.m.] 6. COLLEGE EIGHT THIRTY - FINAL REVIEW OF DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This is a Final Review and Request for Recommendation to Decision Maker of a proposed 31,007 square foot, 4-story building. The project is adjacent to several historic buildings that are designated on the National Register of Historic Places and as Fort Collins Landmarks, including the Scott Apartment Building, at 900 South College, and properties in the Laurel School National Register District. This Project Development Plan (PDP) is subject to review by the Planning and Zoning Board. The Commission held a preliminary hearing on these plans on September 28, 2015. APPLICANT: Craig Russell, Russell + Mills Studios 141 S. College Avenue, Ste. 104 Fort Collins, CO 80524 Staff Report Chair Sladek asked for clarification as to whether the material being reviewed this evening was the final plan for the property. Clay Frickey, Associate City Planner, explained that the project was in its second round of review and still has to be reviewed by City Staff, so it may not be the final plan. Chair Sladek noted that the Commission will have to determine if they have enough information to do a final review. Ms. Dorn presented the staff report. (Note that a copy of the slides used in the presentation, which were not included in the packet, has been submitted into the record.) City of Fort Collins Page 5 November 18, 2015 Applicant Presentation Ian Shuff, an Architect with alm2s, gave a presentation on behalf of the Applicant, highlighting the changes to the project since the Commission had last seen it. He also clarified that as far as the Applicants were concerned, the plans are final, and they are seeking a final recommendation to the hearing officer, as this will be a Type I hearing. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion A Member commented that the new proposed elevations were much better than the original design, from a historic perspective. He noted that the flat roofs feel more like dormers, which respects the neighborhood and historic context. The improvements on the fenestration nicely acknowledge the context. He also mentioned the similarity of this project to another one at 808 Prospect. Another Member stated that the design was a good combination of new with respect for the old, and he appreciated the refinements that had been made. In answer to a Commission question, Mr. Frickey stated that he didn’t see any issues City Planning Staff may have with the design that would result in substantial changes. A Member asked why the building was set so far back. The Applicant explained that their original design was much closer. However, the standard setback along College Avenue is 15 feet, largely due to CDOT right-of-way restrictions, so Engineering compromised with the Applicant at 10 feet. Members were in agreement that they were ready for final review, with the caveat that any substantial changes to the design would come back to the Commission. The Applicant said they were comfortable with that condition. Ms. Schmidt assisted with the wording of the motion, noting that the findings of fact in the staff report could be referenced as part of the motion. Mr. Ernest pointed out that the flat roofs and the soldier coursing were specifically mentioned in the staff report as areas that could be improved, and wondered how that should be addressed when referencing the findings of fact in the staff report. Ms. Schmidt said that would not be a problem as long as those items were mentioned in the minutes. The Commission Members did not express any concerns with either the flat roofs or the soldier coursing based on the current design. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission adopt the findings and analysis set forth in the staff report for the College Eight Thirty PDP #150019 finding that the project substantially complies with Section 3.4.7 of the Land Use Code and recommend approval of the project to the decision maker in the form presented on the condition that if substantial changes are made to the building exterior, such revisions be returned for further review by the Landmark Preservation Commission. Mr. Hogestad seconded. Motion passed 7-0 (with Lingle recused). [Timestamp: 6:54 p.m.] 7. DOWNTOWN PLAN DISCUSSION Cameron Gloss, Planning Manager, provided an update on the Downtown Plan. (Note: This presentation was not included in the agenda packet, but has now been submitted into the record.) Mr. Gloss talked about the Downtown Plan boundaries, pointing out the areas that have been added or subtracted from the 1989 Downtown Plan. He talked about the process and timeline for developing this plan. He discussed the public outreach activities staff has conducted to gather input for the project. He talked about the urban design vision for Downtown, including an overview of each of the “character districts” that make up the Downtown area. City of Fort Collins Page 6 November 18, 2015 The overview of the Civic District sparked a discussion about parking and transportation. Mr. Gloss touched on the idea of paid parking, possibly with stratification of cost and/or durations based on location, which might allow quicker, easier access to retail shops in the area. He also noted that parking structures will be part of the future strategy. A Member expressed concern that introducing higher density and mass into the Campus North District can threaten the area’s charm, and that taller buildings could obscure the one- and two-story buildings along this section of College. Questions were raised about how to define and adhere to the values of the community as we transition into a denser and more affluent City. The discussion about the Entryway Corridor included concerns about the poor pedestrian environment along Riverside, as well as the lack of visual appeal. Mr. Gloss asked the Commission about naming the Historic District so as not to be confused with the smaller National Register Historic District. Members discussed expanding the Historic District to include the whole area the Downtown Plan refers to as the Historic District, or at least making it a local district. There was a comment that people need to understand that creating a larger Historic District doesn’t just create more restrictions; it also provides opportunities for incentives. There was a suggestion to call it the Historic Commercial District. Wayfinding and signage were discussed, as well as the need for designated bicycle parking. During the discussion about the Lincoln Corridor, a Member pointed out that the Coy barn and silos were missing from the model of the Woodward site. Mr. Gloss shared some ideas about possibly making Canyon Avenue a “festival street” that could be used for food truck rallies, farmers’ markets, etc. Members brought up the setbacks, greenery and tree canopy in this district, noting the importance of retaining that character. Mr. Gloss also talked about gateways and transitions to Downtown. The intersection at Cherry and Mason was mentioned as a concern in the North Mason District. Mr. Gloss talked a little about form-based code, explaining how it is different from traditional code in being more objective and prescriptive, and using more illustrations. Chair Sladek said he appreciated the Commission being included in these discussions, and offered that the Commission would be happy to be involved in this project. [Timestamp: 7:59 p.m.]  OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Ernest thanked Ms. Schmidt for her assistance with this evening’s motions.  ADJOURNMENT Chair Sladek adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Gretchen Schiager.