HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 09/06/2011 - RESOLUTION 2011-075 APPROVING THE DESIGN OF THE REDATE: September 6, 2011
STAFF: Karen McWilliams
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
FORT COLLINS CITY COUNCIL 24
SUBJECT
Resolution 2011-075 Approving the Design of the Restoration of the Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen Sign on the J.
L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City has received a State Historic Fund grant from the Colorado Historical Society to protect the Coca-Cola and
Angell’s Delicatessen sign on the J. L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue. Councilmembers have expressed
concern that the sign not be painted to look new, and directed staff to investigate treatment options that would retain
the faded look. Four treatment options were originally identified, which were further narrowed to two options. A
conservation firm was hired to further investigate both options. Based upon their findings, the consultants are confident
that the paint, brick, and mortar can be successfully conserved by reattaching and protecting the existing paint with
a consolidating material. If sufficient funding and time remains following the consolidation, a few missing elements
of the sign, including the artist’s signature, would also be restored. Staff is now requesting that Council approve the
recommended treatment for the restoration and rehabilitation of the Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen sign.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In 2009, the City received a State Historic Fund (SHF) grant from the Colorado Historical Society to protect the Coca-
Cola and Angell’s Delicatessen sign on the J. L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue. The SHF grant is for
$22,200, matched by $22,494 of funds from the DDA, the City, the building’s owner, and the Fort Collins Historical
Society. The Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen Sign was painted in 1958 by local sign painter Dan Brown. As was
common practice, the Coca-Cola Company agreed to paint the name of its business, Angell’s Delicatessen, in
exchange for the “privilege” of advertising its product on the building’s wall.
On May 1, 2010, the contract with the SHF was signed, with the grant period ending on April 30, 2012. A
Memorandum of Agreement has also been executed with the building’s owner, and an unanticipated revenue
ordinance for the project is in place. In July 2010, when considering the unanticipated revenue ordinance, several
Councilmembers expressed concern that the sign not be painted to look new, and directed staff to investigate
treatment options that would retain the faded look. Four treatment options for rehabilitating the Coca-Cola sign were
presented to Council in September 2010, ranging from conserving the sign as is, if possible, to repainting the sign to
its 1978 appearance. Following additional research, and further discussions with conservators, the SHF, the property
owner, and the Landmark Preservation Commission, these options were further narrowed to two options, provided to
Council on May 2, 2011, in an update:
• Option #1: Conserve the sign as is by reattaching and protecting the existing paint with a consolidating
material, if an appropriate conservation coating can be identified that will not damage the sign and/or the
underlying wall; or,
• Option #2: Repaint the sign using faded colors matching those that exist, and, to further emphasize the old
appearance, leave small patches of the brick bare where paint has already flaked off; repaint missing elements
including the lettering under the main sign and painter Don Brown’s signature, as demonstrated in existing
photo-documentation.
The painting conservation firm Ethereality was hired to further investigate both options and provide its
recommendation. The consultants have now fully documented the sign using a photo stitching graphic process,
completed the paint analysis, provided a masonry condition assessment of the brick wall, tested consolidating
materials on the brick, and submitted a condition assessment and conservation treatment methodology. A mortar
analysis has also been completed and submitted.
September 6, 2011 -2- ITEM 24
Consultant Recommendations
Based upon their findings, the consultants are confident that the paint, brick, and mortar can be successfully
consolidated (Option #1). If sufficient funding and time remains following the paint consolidation, the small missing
elements, including the artist’s signature, will be restored as well. Option #1 was identified as the preferred option,
as it would cause the least amount of alterations to the historic sign, and best preserve the sign’s current appearance.
Option #2 would require that non-historic paint be applied over the historic paint, and raised concerns about the historic
integrity and newer appearance of a renovated sign.
Schedule of Work
This project is scheduled to begin in early September. Scaffolding will be erected September 7 or 8, at which time the
masonry repair will begin. The first day of the sign conservation field work is scheduled on September 12, 2011. The
work is scheduled to be completed in one month. Following the consolidation project, a permanent protective railing
and interpretive signage will be installed.
FINANCIAL / ECONOMIC IMPACTS
The total project budget is $44,694, consisting of $22,200 in State Historic Fund monies, matched by $13,411 from
the DDA, $6,388 from the City, $2,195 from the building’s owner, Progressive Old Town Square, LLC, and $500 from
the Fort Collins Historical Society, making the total cash match $22,494. The City is administering the project, and
Carol Tunner, historic preservation consultant, is acting as the grant administrator, paid for out of the grant cash match.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
The project will positively affect the physical environment of the Old Town area, by consolidating the flaking lead paint
used in the original painting of the Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen sign. The materials recommended for use have
been approved for use when employed in the manner indicated. Additionally, only a small amount of consolidating
materials will be used in the project.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approving Option #1.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
At its August 24, 2011 meeting, the Landmark Preservation Commission heard a presentation on the studies, and the
proposed consolidation materials. The Commission approved, for Final Design Review, Option #1, to conserve the
sign as is by reattaching and protecting the existing paint with the proposed consolidating materials. The owner of the
building, Progressive Old Town Square, LLC, also supports this recommended treatment.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Council SAR #16104/ Coca Cola Sign in Old Town - Progress Report on Rehabilitating the Coca-Cola Sign
on the J.L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue, May 2, 2011
2. Paint Analysis (Orion Analytical)
3. Mortar Analysis (Empire Carpentry)
4. Masonry Condition Assessment of Brick Wall (The Collaborative).
5. Condition Assessment & Treatment Report (Ethereality)
6. Consolidation Materials (Uhl and Capano)
7. Landmark Preservation Commission draft minutes, August 24, 2011
8. Photo of the Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen Sign
LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Regular Meeting
August 24, 2011 Minutes
Council Liaison: Mr. Wade Troxell (219-8940)
Staff Liaison: Mr. Steve Dush (221-6765)
Commission Chairperson: W.J. Bud Frick
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Commission was called to order by Commission
Member Ernest with a quorum present at 281 N. College Ave., Fort Collins, Colorado.
John Albright, Doug Ernest, Laura Hax, Jerome Johnson, Ron Sladek, and Pat Tvede
were present. Sondra Carson, Bud Frick, and Terence Hoaglund were excused. Karen
McWilliams, Historic Preservation Planner, and Courtney Rippy, Planning Technician,
represented city staff.
GUESTS: Ed Stoner, Carol Tunner, Deborah Uhl, Kevin Murray and Bob Overbeck.
CONCEPTUAL AND FINAL DESIGN REVIEW, 220 EAST MOUNTAIN AVENUE, THE
HOHNSTEIN BLOCK, COCA-COLA SIGN CONSOLIDATING MATERIALS – ED
STONER, PROPERTY OWNER; CAROL TUNNER, PROJECT MANAGER;
DEBORAH UHL, AND KEVIN MURRAY, CONSULTANTS: Ms. McWilliams reviewed
the project to date. On March 9, 2011, the Landmark Preservation Commission gave
final approval to a motion to narrow the treatment options for the Coca-Cola/Angell’s
Delicatessen Sign Ghost Sign to two. Option 1 was for the preservation of the existing
signs if an appropriate conservation coding could be identified that would not damage
the signs. Option 2 was to repaint the signs using faded, muted colors to match those
that currently exist and leave small patches of bare brick in the background unpainted as
currently to further emphasize the old appearance. Under either option, the missing
elements, to include the “G” and the painter’s signature could be repainted.
At the Landmark Preservation Commission’s August 10, 2011 meeting, the Commission
granted final approval for the masonry repair work on the building, a component of the
project. Following discussion about the merits of the treatment choices and proposed
materials, the Commission chose to table the item for further discussion to tonight’s
meeting. Additional information has been compiled, and the consultant, Deborah Uhl of
Ethereality, Kevin Murray of Empire Carpentry, the firm in charge of the masonry
rehabilitation, Carol Tunner, the grant manager, and Ed Stoner, the property owner, are
in attendance to answer questions.
Ms. McWilliams reported that Ms. Uhl has done a large amount of research for this
project, and is quite confident that the paint, brick and mortar can be successfully
consolidated. That approach meets the preferred treatment, Option No. 1, to preserve
the sign rather than repaint it.
SUMMARY OF MEETING: The Commission conducted a Conceptual and Final
Design Review of 220 East Mountain Avenue, the Hohnstein Block, Coca-Cola
Sign Consolidating Materials and passed a motion approving the treatment plan
and consolidation materials provided for in Option No. 1.
ATTACHMENT 7
Landmark Preservation Commission
August 24, 2011 - 2 -
Ms. McWilliams stated that staff recommends approval for Final Design Review of the
treatment plan and consolidation materials for the ghost sign in the Hohnstein Block
finding that the proposed work meets the criteria contained in the Municipal Code.
Ms. McWilliams added that there is no guarantee that any decision made by the
Commission might not ultimately affect the brick. However, the proposed treatment,
meets nearly all of the criteria for an appropriate material, established by Judy Jacobs,
National Park Service building conservator: The material should stop the flaking paint
and protect the sign from continued deterioration; it should probably be a clear coating; it
should withstand an exterior exposure; should not yellow; and should not pick up dirt. It
should not damage the underlying paint and brick. Ideally, it would be reversible. And
finally, the application method itself should not damage the painting.
There was discussion among the Board regarding the maintenance plan. Ms.
McWilliams stated that the building has been fully documented, prior to treatment. Once
the sign is coated, it will be fully documented again, and then that will be used as a
comparison for future inspections. Current literature will also be monitored for any
indications that the consolidating materials are causing any damage to this or other
buildings.
Ms. Uhl reviewed the benefits of using Avalure AC-315, stating it is a stable, clear
product which will be used at very low concentrations. It will be applied in a low viscosity
so that it will saturate the brick. It will decrease vapor permeability by only a very small
amount. Ms.Uhl also stated that the moisture problem would be more prevalent in
buildings on the East Coast, where this product has already been used, than here
because of Colorado’s dry climate. Ms. Uhl addressed the fact that flaking is occurring
between the paint and the brick. There are 27 layers of paint in some areas. The
product will consolidate only what it can reach, and Ms. Uhl cautioned that some flaking
may appear later because the product will not saturate all 27 layers. The product will
seal all of the paint edges, keeping moisture from getting between the paint and brick,
which is currently causing the paint to cleave.
Ms. Uhl also addressed the ability to reverse the affects of the Avalure. The Avalure
becomes part of the materials after application; therefore, there is only a certain amount
that can be completely reversed. It can be reversed with alkaline products, but she
noted that this is what would be keeping the brick and painting together, and trying to
reverse the product could affect the painting.
Ms. Uhl also referenced the recommendation from Richard Wolbers, renowned
Conservation Scientist and professor at the University of Delaware. Ms. Uhl has
discussed Avalure with Mr. Wolbers, and he stated he has tested it out to 40 years.
Mr. Albright moved that the Landmark Preservation Commission approve for Final
Design Review the treatment plan and consolidation materials for the Coca-
Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen Sign on the J.L. Hohnstein Block, using Option No. 1,
finding the proposed work meets the criteria contained in Section 14-48 of the
Municipal Code. Ms. Tvede seconded the motion. Motion passed (6-0).
This photograph shows the current condition of the Coca-Cola sign. Once the conservator’s work
is completed, the sign should look very much the same. However, the flaking paint will have
been re-adhered, preventing further flaking, and small elements of the lettering (i.e., the “G” in
“big” and the painter, Don Brown’s signature) that have been scraped away by the tables, will be
repainted. Following completion of the work, a railing will be installed, to further protect the sign.
ATTACHMENT 8
RESOLUTION 2011-075
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
APPROVING THE DESIGN OF THE RESTORATION OF
THE COCA-COLA/ANGELL’S DELICATESSEN SIGN
ON THE J. L. HOHNSTEIN BLOCK, 220 EAST MOUNTAIN AVENUE.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 14-2 of the City Code, the City Council has established
a public policy encouraging the protection, enhancement and perpetuation of historic landmarks
within the City; and
WHEREAS, the Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen sign on the J. L. Hohnstein Block, 220
East Mountain Avenue (the “Sign”), is designated as a contributing element of the Old Town
Fort Collins Historic District by Ordinance No. 170, 1979; and
WHEREAS, the City has obtained a State Historical Fund grant from the Colorado
Historical Society to protect the Sign, which together with appropriated matching funds from the
City, the Downtown Development Authority, and the owner of the J. L. Hohnstein Block,
Progressive Old Town Square, LLC (“Owner”), will fund an appropriate and historically
accurate preservation of the Sign; and
WHEREAS, the Landmark Preservation Commission (the “Commission”) has
determined that the preferred way to retain the sign’s historic appearance and authenticity is to
consolidate the historic paint, brick, and mortar, using approved conservation materials, and
repaint select missing elements, including the artist’s signature and missing lettering; and
WHEREAS, the Owner of the property on which the Sign is located is supportive of this
approach to restoring and rehabilitating the sign; and
WHEREAS, such restoration and rehabilitation will preserve the resource’s significance
to the community; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the action of the Commission and desires to
approve such action for the restoration and rehabilitation of the sign.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FORT COLLINS that the design of the restoration of the Coca-Cola/Angell’s Delicatessen sign
on the J. L. Hohnstein Block, 220 East Mountain Avenue, as approved by final action of the
Landmark Preservation Commission at its August 24, 2011, meeting, is hereby approved.
Passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Fort Collins this 6th
day of September A.D. 2011.
Mayor
ATTEST:
City Clerk