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HomeMy WebLinkAboutLandmark Preservation Commission - Minutes - 02/25/2015Landmark Preservation Commission Page 1 February 25, 2015 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 Per Hogestad Dave Lingle 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 February 25, 2015 Minutes  CALL TO ORDER Chair Sladek called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.  ROLL CALL PRESENT: Dunn, Zink, Bzdek, Hogestad, Wallace, Gensmer, Ernest, Sladek ABSENT: Lingle (excused) STAFF: McWilliams, Weinberg, Cosmas  PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None. Landmark Preservation Commission Approved by Commission at their March 11, 2015 meeting. City of Fort Collins Page 2  DISCUSSION AGENDA 1. 430 N. COLLEGE, POWER PLANT/ENGINES & ENERGY LAB - REVIEW OF HOPPER DESIGN PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this item is to review the proposed design for the hopper, and either approve, approve with conditions, or deny, the application. APPLICANT: Jeff Jensen, JPL Development Staff Report Planner McWilliams presented the staff report, including background of the past changes to the building. She also stated that the applicant is interested in the LPC providing a final review of the hopper. Mr. Hogestad recused himself at 5:42pm due to a conflict of interest. Applicant Presentation Jeff Jenson, owner’s representative during the remodel/addition of the historical building, gave the Applicant presentation. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked for details on other potential uses for the hopper. The Applicant explained that having a greenhouse would currently be an excellent use for it. He also stated that the hopper would be positioned in the exact location of its original historic location. Chair Sladek directed the members to review Section 14-48 of the Preservation Code, which is the Report of Acceptability, in order to determine the impact of alterations on landmark buildings. He also asked if there were any concerns in the overall new look of the hopper. His concern is that a hopper with surrounding windows may result in a substantial change to the character of the building from an historical perspective. He would rather not incur a modification to the original building. There was some question as to how the LPC originally addressed the visual impacts of the changes to the original smoke stack design – this would require some research. Mr. Ernest pointed out that the greenhouse is a new creation, whereas the smoke stacks were a recreation of the original look. One option would be to table this discussion and research what was done in the past with the smoke stacks. The Applicant did not indicate that there is any urgency with this project. The members decided that they would like to revisit this item at the next regular meeting on March 11, 2015. [Timestamp: 5:55 p.m.] Mr. Hogestad rejoined the Commission at 5:55pm. 2. 2015 LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROGRAM The purpose of this item is to introduce the 2015 Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program and discuss procedural items for design review and project prioritization. Staff Report Mr. Weinberg presented an overview of the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Program, which is designed to provide grant funding to owners of historically-designated properties in order to assist them with maintenance and rehabilitation of these properties. The role of the LPC is to assist with design review and ranking of properties. Public Input None City of Fort Collins Page 3 Commission Questions and Discussion Mr. Weinberg clarified that each project would be presented individually as separate projects. [Timestamp: 6:00 p.m.] 3. 424 WEST OLIVE STREET - LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Conceptual/Final Design Review — Proposed Work Includes Rehabilitation of the Building’s Front Porch APPLICANT: Brian Cooke and Lisa Viviani Staff Report Mr. Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Brian Cooke gave the Applicant presentation. He reiterated the goal of structurally rehabilitating the front porch. Andy Carlson, Wattle & Daub Contractors, stated that the porch has an unusual sway, so some concrete foundation will be needed, as well as wood restoration. He also plans to install a simple, wooden railing. Public Input Kevin Murray, Empire Carpentry, supports this project, confirming how the applicants have spent considerable time and money in rehabilitating this property. Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked questions about the visual effects of the new porch, including the railing, construction of new porch, columns, and decking. Chair Sladek stated that item 3, under the Secretary of Interior Standards, states that changes that significantly alter the original architectural features of a building shall not be undertaken. There was some discussion regarding whether the railing is necessary and would it reduce the eligibility of landmark status. It was decided that the railing would not be reproducing historic accuracy but is more about complying with life safety. In addition, it will be made from wood and would be a removable feature, so there would be no permanent damage to house. Chair Sladek stated that he believes the addition of the railing to be a reasonable and aesthetically pleasing approach. Members asked whether the Commission should be commenting on all proposed work (including match items), and Mr. Weinberg stated that all proposed work should be considered. Regarding paint removal, members questioned whether pressure washing would be an appropriate treatment, since it is understood that contractors must comply with Secretary of Interior standards on such procedures for historic homes. Mr. Cooke stated that his painter would remove paint with low-pressure washing, not sandblasting. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission waive the conceptual review and move to final review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project for 424 W. Olive Street. Ms. Zink seconded. Motion passed 8:0. Final Review Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project of 424 W. Olive Street, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria of Chapter 14, Section 14-48, of the Municipal Code: approval of proposed work, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 6:25 p.m.] City of Fort Collins Page 4 4. 314 EAST MULBERRY - LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Conceptual/Final Design Review — Proposed Work Includes Rehabilitation and Repair of Mortar Joints in Foundation APPLICANT: Carolyn and Jane Goodwin Staff Report Planner Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant would like to request funding for rehabilitation of foundation of this property. Applicant Presentation Kevin Murray, with Empire Carpentry, gave the Applicant presentation. He stated that this home, called the Bennett House, has been in the same family for more than 50 years. The home was damaged by recent flooding, and the current owners have had some financial difficulties in repairing and maintaining the home. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members inquired about what had previously been funding for this property, and Mr. Murray recapped the prior events. Other questions arose regarding the stone and mortar deterioration and the water damage to the exterior of the building. Commission Deliberation Ms. Zink moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission waive the conceptual review and move to the final review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project for 314 E. Mulberry. Ms. Dunn seconded. Motion passed 8:0. Final Review Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project of 314 E. Mulberry, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria of Chapter 14, Section 14-48, of the Municipal Code: approval of proposed work, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 6:39 p.m.] 5. 629 WEST MOUNTAIN AVENUE - LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Conceptual/Final Design Review — Proposed Work Includes Rehabilitation of East and West Elevation Brick Walls, Double-hung Window Rehabilitation, Storm Window Rehabilitation, Construction of New Storm Windows, Window Well Rehabilitation, Basement Window Rehabilitation. APPLICANT: David Haimson and Susan Rogers Staff Report Planner Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Dave Haimson gave the Applicant presentation, providing detail on what type of work would be performed on the building and stated that he would like to complete the entire project this year. Andy Carlson, Loveland Contractors, added that the proposed window changes would still match the existing windows. Public Input None City of Fort Collins Page 5 Commission Questions and Discussion Members inquired about how the window wells will be repaired, since the main choices are either concrete or corrugated metal. There was some concern about demolishing the existing concrete, which is considered to be historic material, and replacing it with a different material. Mr. Haimson responded that he did not believe the window wells would be visible from the street, adding that there would be landscaping that would also hide the wells. Members reminded him that landscaping should not be considered as mitigation for destroying historic fabric. There was more discussion as to which areas of the house would be affected during the window well replacement. Members asked if replacing the window wells with corrugated metal would affect the historic appearance of the property. Mr. Weinberg stated that the City grant funds cannot be used toward funding new material. Ms. McWilliams clarified that, while the City grant funds hold the rehabilitation to a higher, more accurate level of historic appearance, the owner match can pay for these improvements. Members discussed the other items requested for rehabilitation. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission waive the conceptual review and move to the final review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project for 629 W. Mountain. Ms. Wallace seconded. Motion passed 8:0. Final Review Members continued their discussion of the material options for rehabilitating the window wells. The members appear to be split in their acceptance of the material options. They discussed the potential risk to the structure, since the repair process may compromise other elements of the building. The property owner added that he would reconsider the proposed work based on this discussion. Ms. Zink moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project of 629 W. Mountain, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria Section 14-48 of the Municipal Code, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Ms. Dunn seconded. Motion failed 4:4 (Hogestad, Bzdek, Wallace and Sladek dissenting). McWilliams suggested that the window well issue be tabled to allow the applicant to prepare a different design review; therefore, the window wells would not be part of this loan process. This issue could even be approved administratively by the Director of CDNS. The applicant agreed to withdraw this part of the loan application and pursue it separately. Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project of 629 W. Mountain, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria of Chapter 14, Section 14-48, of the Municipal Code: approval of proposed work, other than the window wells, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Ms. Dunn seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 7:30 p.m.] 6. 1530 REMINGTON STREET - LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Conceptual/Final Design Review — Proposed Work Includes Rehabilitation of Western and Southern Elevation Terra Cotta Tile Roof. APPLICANT: David and Rita Merck Staff Report Mr. Weinberg presented the staff report, describing the proposed roof work in detail. Applicant Presentation None. Public Input None City of Fort Collins Page 6 Commission Questions and Discussion Members discussed the type of tile to be used in the proposed replacement, specifically addressing the roof elevations, the under layer, and the area of replacement (only a portion of the roof will be replaced). Commission Deliberation Ms. Zink moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission waive the conceptual review and move to the final review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project for 1530 Remington Street. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8:0. Final Review Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project of 1530 Remington Street, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria of Chapter 14, Section 14-48, of the Municipal Code: approval of proposed work, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Ms. Bzdek seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 7:42 p.m.] 7. 321 NORTH WHITCOMB STREET - LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Conceptual/Final Design Review — Proposed Work Includes Rehabilitation of Historic Wood Windows. APPLICANT: Kate Polk Staff Report Planner Weinberg presented the staff report. Applicant Presentation Kate Polk, Applicant, gave the Applicant presentation. Kevin Murray, with Empire Carpentry, added that the repairs would not compromise the historic integrity of the home. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion None. Commission Deliberation Ms. Bzdek moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission waive the conceptual review and move to the final review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project for 321 N. Whitcomb Street. Ms. Zink seconded. Motion passed 8:0. Final Review Ms. Bzdek moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project of 321 N. Whitcomb Street, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria of Chapter 14, Section 14-48, of the Municipal Code: approval of proposed work, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, and 7. Ms. Wallace seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 7:48 p.m.] City of Fort Collins Page 7 8. 220 REMINGTON STREET - LANDMARK REHABILITATION LOAN PROJECT PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Conceptual/Final Design Review — Proposed Work Includes Rehabilitation of Historic Windows and Cellar. APPLICANT: Colleen Scholz Staff Report Planner Weinberg presented the staff report, describing how this property is being converted from a residency to an office. Applicant Presentation Kevin Murray, with Empire Carpentry, gave the Applicant presentation, describing some of the unique characteristics of the property and the proposed window replacements. Public Input None Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked about the hardware replacement, the rebuild of the cellar support walls, and historic windows. The cellar door replacement or rehabilitation will not be considered at this time. Commission Deliberation Ms. Zink moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission waive the conceptual review and move to the final review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project for 220 Remington Street. Mr. Ernest seconded. Motion passed 8:0. Final Review Mr. Ernest moved that the LPC approve the final design review for the Landmark Rehabilitation Loan project on the 220 Remington Street, finding that the proposed work meets the criteria of Chapter 14, Section 14-48, of the Municipal Code: approval of proposed work, specifying Standards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. Ms. Dunn seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 8:08 p.m.] A short break was taken – the hearing resumed at 8:15pm. Landmark Rehabilitation Loan Application Rating – Each LPC member ranked each of the applicants on a paper form. The results will be shared at a later time. 9. DESIGN ASSISTANCE PROGRAM POLICY REVISIONS PROJECT DESCRIPTION: This item is to take action on aspects of the Design Assistance Program (DAP) discussed at the Commission’s January 28, 2015, Work Session and the February 11, 2015, Regular Meeting. Staff Report Mr. Weinberg gave the background of the DAP and the proposed program changes, which are highlighted in the Staff Report. Public Input Kevin Murray, with Empire Carpentry, suggested that the design assistance program continues all the way through to project completion. He also stated that he does not agree with funding projects that require dismantling a building. Lastly, he feels that historic building designs should be developed in an effort to maintain the building, not change it. City of Fort Collins Page 8 Commission Questions and Discussion Members asked whether Mr. Murray’s concerns had been previously addressed. Chair Sladek clarified that Mr. Murray is concerned that the DAP is not including engineering and structural-related issues to minimize negative impacts. Mr. Weinberg reminded the group that the DAP pays for designs, not the physical labor of constructing the design. Ms. McWilliams reiterated that the program does not normally fund foundation restoration, due to the limited funds available. Members asked why structural engineering is excluded from the funding criteria in this program. Ms. McWilliams explained that the City has other funding programs available to assist with such repairs. This program is primarily concerned with visual impacts to the community. Commission Deliberation Mr. Ernest moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve the changes identified in the Staff Report in terms of revisions to the Design Assistance Program. Ms. Bzdek seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 8:43 p.m.] Mr. Ernest recused himself at 8:45pm due to a conflict of interest.  OTHER BUSINESS Letter of Support for the Water Works Project Ms. McWilliams stated the purpose of this letter of support: a request from the Poudre Landmarks Foundation, Friends of the Water Works, to support their grant request from the Poudre Heritage Alliance. The proposed project would provide conceptual interpretative design documents as well as a design for a micro/hydro-electrical generation system at the site. The documents will be used for bidding and construction for the long-term upgrading and rehabilitation of the Water Works property. The micro/hydro system will be used to generate some electricity but also for educational purposes, furthering enhancing the interpretative aspects of the center. Ms. Zink moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission provide a support for the Water Works project for a grant application to the Poudre Heritage Alliance. Ms. Gensmer seconded. Motion passed 8:0. [Timestamp: 8:51 p.m.] Mr. Ernest rejoined the Commission at 8:51pm. 10. LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2015 ELECTION OF OFFICERS The purpose of this item is to elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson for the 2015 term, as provided for in Sec. 2-279 of the Municipal Code. Mr. Ernest nominated Ron Sladek for Chairman. There being no other nominations, Mr. Sladek was confirmed as Chairman for the 2015 term. Ms. Bzdek nominated Doug Ernest for Vice Chairman. There being no other nominations, Mr. Ernest was confirmed as Vice Chairman for the 2015 term.  ADJOURNMENT Chair Sladek adjourned the meeting at 9:00 p.m. Minutes respectfully submitted by Cindy Cosmas