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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/21/2010 - FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 103, 2010, APPROPRI DATE: September21, 2010 Lk STAFF: Karen McWilliams AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Courtney Rippy - T COLLINS CITY COUNCIL First Reading of Ordinance No. 103, 2010, Appropriating Unanticipated Revenue in the General Fund for the Coca- Cola/Angell's Delicatessen Sign Restoration on the J. L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This request appropriates unanticipated revenue in the amount of$44,694 for the restoration of the Coca-Cola and Angell's Delicatessen sign on the J. L. Hohnstein Block,220 East Mountain Avenue. The City was awarded a$22,200 State Historical Fund(SHF)grant in 2009 by the Colorado Historical Society to restore the deteriorating historic 1958 sign. Matching funds in the amount of$22,494 will be provided by the Downtown Development Authority,the building's owner, Progressive Old Town Square, LLC, the City of Fort Collins, and the Fort Collins Historical Society. The City will be responsible for managing the project and administering the grant and the cash match funds. This item was brought forward initially on May 18, 2010. At that time, Councilmembers expressed concern about the ultimate appearance of the Coca-Cola sign and requested additional information on various treatment options. Staff has since met several times with stakeholders and has identified four preferred treatment options. A conservator will conduct a detailed treatment analysis of the Coca-Cola sign. From this expert analysis, the appropriateness of each of the four preferred treatment options will be identified and a final treatment will be recommended. If Council agrees with the four options,and adopts this unanticipated revenue ordinance,the final decision on the appropriate treatment will be made by Council, with the concurrence of the property's owner, the Colorado Historical Society, and the Landmark Preservation Commission. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION Since this item was initially presented to Council on May 18, 2010, additional information has been received from National Park Service(NPS)conservators regarding the proposed sealant, Acryloid B72, raising questions about its appropriateness for this use. Additionally,the author of NPS's Preservation Brief No.25,"The Preservation of Historic Signs," has changed his opinion on appropriate treatments since publication of the brief. Staff prepared a series of photo-simulations of possible treatment options and further research was conducted on different conservation consolidates and on peer community ghost sign treatments. This information was presented to pertinent stakeholders at an onsite Special Stakeholder Meeting held August 9, 2010. The stakeholders in attendance included representatives from the Downtown DevelopmentAuthority, Landmark Preservation Commission,Colorado Historical Society, City staff, the property owner, the executor of Coca-Cola sign painter Don Brown's estate, as well as an experienced local wall sign painter and a historic preservation structural engineer, known to City staff and the Landmark Preservation Commission. Additionally, the treatment options were discussed at the August 11, 2010, regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission. Of the many different treatment options originally identified, the stakeholders have narrowed them down to four preferred treatment options. The preferred treatment options are: 1. Preserve the existing sign, if an appropriate conservation coating can be identified that will not damage the sign and/or the underlying wall (Attachment 1). 2. Repaint the sign using faded, muted colors to match those that currently exist(Attachment 2). 3. An iteration of the second option: repaint the sign using faded, muted colors to match those that currently exist, and also leave small patches of the existing bare brick in the background unpainted, as currently in existence. Leaving small patches of the existing bare brick in the background will further emphasize the old appearance (Attachment 3). September 21, 2010 -2- ITEM 14 4. A fourth option was identified at the August 11, 2010, regular meeting of the Landmark Preservation Commission. This option, also agreeable to the principal stakeholders, is to repaint the sign to its circa 1978 appearance to include missing elements such as the lettering under the main sign and painter Don Brown's signature, as demonstrated in existing photo-documentation(Attachment 4). Colors would still be faded, but less so than in previous options. To establish the final treatment option, paint and mortar analyses will be performed, as well as a test patch. The results of these analyses, and the performance of the test patch, will, to a great degree, determine which of the four preferred options are appropriate. At this point, staff will seek final stakeholder concurrence, and will then bring a recommended option to Council for consideration. The detailed scope of work described in the grant calls for comprehensive documentation of the sign, paint and mortar analysis, brick repointing, a test patch, surface preparation and possible paint consolidation, repainting, a protective railing, interpretive signage, and an ongoing maintenance plan. FINANCIAL/ ECONOMIC IMPACTS The$22,494 cash match for the project is provided as follows: $13,411 from the Downtown Development Authority, $6,388 from the City of Fort Collins, $2,195 from the building owner, Progressive Old Town Square, LLC, and $500 from the Fort Collins Historical Society. The City's $6,388 contribution comes from the 2009 Advance Planning Department budget and has been encumbered for this project. The City will administer the grant and cash match funds. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS The Coca-Cola sign contributes to the economic and social sustainability of downtown by enhancing the overall historic character and atmosphere. Moreover, downtown continues to be one of the most economically successful areas in Fort Collins, with quarterly retail sales and sales tax revenues that are typically higher than other areas of town. To a great extent, this can be attributed to the attraction of the historic resources in the downtown area, and especially the Old Town Historic District. Continued preservation, restoration and rehabilitation of the Old Town Historic District resources, such as the Coca-Cola/Angell's Delicatessen sign, are key to maintaining this economic and social success. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinance on First Reading. BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION At its August 11, 2010 regular meeting, the Landmark Preservation Commission recommended adoption of the unanticipated revenue ordinance and approval of the four identified preferred treatment options outlined above. ATTACHMENTS 1. Option 1: Current condition of the Coca-Cola sign 2. Option 2: Photo-simulation of the Coca-Cola sign repainted with a muted color palette 3. Option 3 graphic: Current condition of sign plus photo-simulation of the Coca-Cola sign repainted with a muted color palette 4. Option 4: Photo of the Coca-Cola sign circa 1978 5. Minutes from the August 9, 2010 Special Stakeholders Meeting 6. Minutes from the August 11, 2010 Landmark Preservation Commission Meeting 7. PowerPoint presentation Attachment 1 Current Condition of the Coca-Cola sign _L i' L _ • J .• :(, � ` ._ • : .� - ' %; -tom" �� .'- ?AfAL uT . .if•, tr - � =. - :mil .•� F ��.` � �'- - 09 _� " .a`a�;� L- .,jai /�,:S�b' - - ��•----- --�-'� �.r__�� ��`V � i L l _,.-ram- . � ^ y ....� -_ _i - - _ _ _ ,.- • � �� - - i - -- - .L IAlow c ♦ �: �. - >;�- - _ �_ '' .fir Attachment 2 Photo simulation of the Coca-Cola sign Repainted with a muted color palette _ Y BIG 102 OZ a >•1 -a w.- KING SIZE10 Pant vnth nevi paint but to look old'retro Attachment 3 . Wig dd y - r - • ` f BIG 12 O z _ yin KING r _ 4 Y p 8 SIZE • •'�t� ' .`. -fir � Leave small patches of the existing bare Repaint the sign using faded, muted brick in the background unpainted colors to match those that currently exist Attachment 4 r _ J:1• 5.1� •l�- _ S • 1 T ' ijw.. KINGSIZO 1 :Y , - . . . 11i111144,�'106'J✓.. � Circa 1978 Attachment 5 LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES—AUGUST 9, 2010 Council Liaison: Mr. David Roy (407-7393) Staff Liaison: Mr. Steve Dush (221-6765) Commission Chairperson: Terence Hoaglund SUMMARY OF MEETING: Commission members John Albright, Sondra Carson, Doug Ernest, Bud Frick, and Earen Hummel attended a meeting of Stakeholders in the Coca- Cola/Angell's Delicatessen Sign Restoration Grant project. The purpose of the meeting was to narrow the possible options for treating the sign. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was convened at 4:30 p.m. at Coopersmiths, 95 Old Town Square, Fort Collins, Colorado. Present were Landmark Preservation Commission members Earen Hummel, John Albright, Sondra Carson, Doug Ernest and Bud Frick; building owner Ed Stoner, Old Town Properties; Anne McCleave, State Historic Fund Grants Specialist; Dan Seese, Dan Seese Studios; Dick Beardmore, AE Design; Matt Robenalt, Downtown Development Authority Director; Kevin Murray, Empire Carpentry; Carol Turner, Grant Manager; Steve Mack, Executor of sign painter Don Brown's Estate; and Dwight Hall, Coopersmiths. Karen McWilliams, Preservation Planner and Courtney Rippy, Planning Technician, represented city staff. DISCUSSION: Information was distributed on the various options proposed to date, categorized by preservation treatments; correspondence from conservator Molly Lambert, Architectural Conservation, Inc., Judy Jacobs, National Park Service Senior Conservator, and Dan Seese, Dan Seese Studios; historical information on the sign; and photographic examples of various ghost sign treatments. It was noted that the purpose of the meeting was to narrow the possible options for treating the sign to a manageable few. Currently, there are nine options, with additional sub-variations. The options range from "Do Nothing" to "Fully Repaint to its 1950s New Appearance." The significance of the sign was discussed—what history are we trying to preserve? The sign is significant for its history: As a wall sign, a historic method of advertising; as a privilege sign, one of only two good examples in Fort Collins; and for the new product it was advertising. The sign is also significant for its association with its painter, Don Brown; and has significance to the community for being a ghost sign. The State Historic Fund (SHF) grant discusses also the sign's contribution to the sense of time and place; for the product advertised; that it reflects the development of the commercial district and the historical use of the building; and for the painting itself- its design, materials, and technique. It was noted that the sign has become a Fort Collins icon. The condition of the brick wall itself was discussed, and if it needed repointing. It was noted that it is more important to save the building structure than the "tattoo on the arm." The consensus from the architects, structural engineer and contractors present is that the 1 Attachment 5 portion of the wall serving as the canvas for the sign appears to be in good relative condition, and to likely not need much repointing. The upper portion of the wall, especially around the coping, will need to be repointed. As loose paint is removed, and the building further examined, additional areas needing to be repointed or repaired may be identified. It was noted that all conservators we have contacted have said that the originally proposed conservation coating, Acryloid B-72, has not been certified for exterior use, and is likely to yellow; and further, that they knew of no other consolidate or protective coating that they could recommend. There was discussion regarding the technical aspects of conserving what remains of the original sign, and how some of the proposed treatments could affect the sign, i.e., the issues of different paints, with different chemical and mechanical properties, interacting. Two examples are that the new paint could shrink and expand at a different rate than that of the underlying historic paint, and could possibly pull the historic paint off, and, the chemical incompatibility between acrylic and lead-based paints and water and oil based paints. It will be critical to make sure that new paint is compatible with the historic paint. It was noted that a comprehensive professional paint analysis will need to be done, and a test patch completed, prior to any work. It may turn out that different treatments need to occur in different areas, i.e., treat the bare brick in one manner, the white paint in another, the red in yet a third manner. Options were discussed. The majority of participants did not like the following options: To do nothing at all; to add back only a few select missing elements,including the"G" in "Big" and Don Brown's name, but leave the rest of the sign alone; to touch up only the areas missing paint, using hatch marks (to differentiate old from new); to fill in just the areas missing paint, like a jig-saw puzzle; to paint only the mortar lines, or conversely, to leave just the mortar lines unpainted; and to outline the edges of each section to make readable, but not fill in. Additionally, the majority of participants did not wish to see the sign returned to its original 1950s appearance. The options that met with the most approval were to: (1) Do nothing but preserve the existing sign, if an appropriate conservation coating can be identified that won't damage the sign and/or the underlying wall; (2) to repaint the sign using faded, muted colors to match those that currently exist; and (3) to repaint the sign using faded, muted colors to match those that currently exist, and also leave small patches of the existing bare brick in the background unpainted, as currently, to further emphasize the old appearance. It was noted by all that, prior to any work, the sign would need to be comprehensively recorded, a professional paint and mortar analysis will need to be done, and a test patch completed. A professional conservation firm should be employed, to answer the many questions regarding paint compatibility, consolidates and conservation coatings. Finally, a comprehensive maintenance plan will need to be developed, including funding for future work. 2 ti Attachment 6 LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION Regular Meeting August 11, 2010 Minutes Council Liaison: Mr. David Roy (407-7393) Staff Liaison: Mr. Steve Dush (221-6765) Commission Chairperson: Terence Hoaglund Minutes of the Commission's discussion of the Conceptual Design Options.and Council Recommendation for the Coca-Cola/Angell's Delicatessen sign, 220 East Mountain Avenue. Those present were Landmark Preservation Commission members Terence Hoaglund,John Albright, Sondra Carson, Doug Ernest, Bud Frick, Earen Hummel, and Ron Sladek; the property owner, Ed Stoner; and the grants manager, Carol Tunner. Karen McWilliams, Preservation Planner and Courtney Rippy, Planning Technician, represented city staff. CONCEPTUAL DESIGN REVIEW—220 E. Mountain Avenue,Hohnstein Block, Rehabilitation/Restoration/Reconstruction of the Coca-Cola/Angell's Delicatessen Ghost Sign—Ed Stoner, Old Town Properties, Owner: Ms. McWilliams stated that a meeting of the stakeholders was held on August 9 at Coopersmith's. The meeting was held under the ghost sign so they could refer to the sign as they discussed it. The discussion revolved around the significance of the sign and why it was important to preserve it and those aspects important to preserve. Information about the various treatments options was discussed as well as conservation issues. The goal was to narrow down the large number of options that had originally been proposed into a more manageable number. Ed Stoner, the property owner, was queried on his preference. His preferences, in order, were (1) record the sign and then preserve it as is with an appropriate conservation coating if that can be found; (2) repaint the colors to match the actual colors now existing but also leave some areas of brick with no paint where it is faded away to help emphasize the age of the sign; and (3) repaint the sign matching the existing colors, but not leave areas of the brick exposed. Mr. Stoner stated that he would add a fourth (4) option to repaint it as it was in the circa 1978 photograph. It was related at the meeting that most conservators felt that Acryloid B-72 has not been warranted for outdoor exposure to sun and elements, and should not be used. The experts do not yet have a recommendation as to what product should be used. . Regarding Mr. Stoner's second choice, Ms. McWilliams noted that there has been some debate about the feasibility, from a sign painter's standpoint, about what the appearance might look like with some areas painted and some areas of brick with no paint. Ms. McWilliams stated that Anne McCleave, the Colorado Historical Society (CHS) Grants Specialist for this project, and Matt Robenalt, Downtown Development Authority Director were at the stakeholders meeting, and would support any of the three options. The fourth option, matching the circa 1978 photograph, was not discussed at that meeting. When Ms. McWilliams later talked with Ms. McCleave, she was in favor 1 Attachment 6 of the option to paint the sign to match the circa 1978 photograph because there is photographic documentation justifying this approach. Mr. Robenalt indicated at the meeting that he would support the desires of the owner and Ms. McCleave. Carol Tunner reviewed important points discussed among the stakeholders at Monday's meeting. First, the stakeholders do not want the sign to disappear. They don't want to paint it as brand new, and they don't want anything faux. Second, Ms. McCleave said the decision must be consistent with the Secretary of Interior treatments, to stay within the grant's parameters. Three, consensus was achieved on wanting to maintain the sign's ghostly, historic quality. A protective railing and interpretative plaque will be installed. A mortar analysis and a paint analysis will be completed by a qualified conservator, and a test patch done. Recordation and photo documentation should be completed before any work begins. Mr. Stoner relayed a conversation he had with Wearlon Industry, regarding a sealant. They do primarily marine coatings. The coating they suggest is a water-based application. Mr. Stoner told them there is oil based paint underneath that. Wearlon said 2020.90 primer should be applied, then the 722 coating and finally the graffiti coat. They've used it on concrete block walls and concrete walls for 15 years with no degradation of color or any changes. It does add a little bit of luster to start. If just a light coating is applied, it is not noticeable. Mr. Frick expressed a concern that the concrete block the Wearlon product has been used on is different than the old brick in this application. More research will need to be done on this product. Ms. McWilliams distributed a copy of the circa 1978 photograph. There was discussion about the circa 1978 photo and the 1986 photo. Ms. Tunner stated that the 1986 photo was taken after the wall and sign had been chemically washed. The options, in order of priority, were reviewed: (1) To remove the loose paint and cover what's left with an appropriate conservation coating, if such a conservation coating can be found. Mr. Frick noted that any coating considered must have a sufficient proven test length period. (2) To repaint the sign with new paint matching the existing paint colors, leaving some of the bare brick areas still bare brick. (3) To repaint the sign to look as it did in this circa 1978 photograph. It also contains some of the wear and some of the brick that is bare. (4) That the sign be repainted to look retro, as in options 2 and 3, but fully painted, without bare brick. Ms. Hummel moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission recommend to City Council Mr. Stoner's priority list, as discussed, and that the City hire an appropriate conservator for the Rehabilitation/Restoration/Reconstruction of the Coca- Cola Ghost Sign at 220 E. Mountain Avenue. Mr. Albright seconded the motion. Mr. Frick made a friendly amendment, to note that,prior to any work, the sign would be comprehensively recorded, a professional paint and mortar analysis would be done, and a test patch completed. Ms. Hummel accepted it as a friendly amendment and Mr. Albright accepted it as a second. Motion passed. (7-0). 2 Coca -Cola Sign Grant Ordinance Steve Dush , CDNS Director Karen McWilliams , Historic Preservation Planner Courtney Rippy, Planning Tech ctY o 1 Subject • Request to appropriate unanticipated revenue in the amount of $44 , 694 for the restoration of the Coca - Cola and Angell ' s Delicatessen sign at 220 East Mountain Avenue . 2 �tr� Background • Ordinance was initially presented to Council on May 18 , 2010 — Additional staff research conducted • Special stakeholder meeting held August 9 , 2010 — Preferred treatment options identified otY ol ollins .:rt Treatment Options 1 . Preserve Existing 2 . Repaint using muted color palate to match current existing colors 3 . Repaint using muted color palate AND leave small patches of existing bare brick in the background 4 . Restore to 1978 appearance 4 �trh r • ion Option City of BIG 12 oZ KING SIZE � 3 tion � �`�• ` Grp 4111111111 City of r F�t�S 7 Option 4 - 1978 Restoration US DELICATESSEN oY �fort% 5�. (effectively option 3 ) City try- ■ Prior to Treatment Included in the grant scope . . . • Comprehensive documentation • Paint and mortar analysis • Brick repointing • Treatment "test patch " • Surface preparation • Protective railing and interpretive signage • Ongoing maintenance plan otY ol ollins .:rt Recommendations Staff and Landmark Preservation Commission recommends the approval of the unanticipated revenue ordinance and concurrence with the four (4 ) identified preferred treatment options outlined . 10 try ORDINANCE NO. 103, 2010 OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS APPROPRIATING UNANTICIPATED REVENUE IN THE GENERAL FUND FOR THE COCA-COLA/ANGELL'S DELICATESSEN SIGN RESTORATION ON THE J. L. HORNSTEIN BLOCK, 220 EAST MOUNTAIN AVENUE WHEREAS,the City has been awarded a grant in the amount of$22,200 from the Colorado Historical Society's State Historical Fund; and WHEREAS,the grant will be used to restore the Coca-Cola and Angell's Delicatessen sign on the J. L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue, and WHEREAS, the Downtown Development Authority, the City, the building's owner, Progressive Old Town Square, LLC, and the Fort Collins Historical Society will provide matching funds in the amount of$22,494, and will be contracting for the work from sole source vendors;and WHEREAS,the City will administer the grant and cash match funds and be responsible for the distribution of the grant and cash match funds; and WHEREAS, Article V, Section 9, of the City Charter permits the City Council to make supplemental appropriations by ordinance at any time during the fiscal year, provided that the total amount of such supplemental appropriations, in combination with all previous appropriations for that fiscal year, do not exceed the then current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues to be received during the fiscal year; and WHEREAS, City staff has determined that the appropriation of the unanticipated grant revenue from the Colorado Historical Society referenced herein will not cause total appropriations to exceed the current estimate of actual and anticipated revenues for fiscal year 2010. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS that,upon receipt,there is hereby appropriated from unanticipated grant revenue the sum of FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED NINETY-FOUR DOLLARS ($44,694), for expenditure in the General Fund for restoration of the Coca-Cola/Angell's Delicatessen Sign at 220 East Mountain Avenue. Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 21 st day of September, A.D. 2010, and to be presented for final passage on the 5th day of October, A.D. 2010. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk Passed and adopted on final reading on the 5th day of October, A.D. 2010. Mayor ATTEST: City Clerk