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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDOWNTOWN TRANSIT FACILITY - PDP - 9-00 - CORRESPONDENCE - HISTORIC PRESERVATION (6)D. J. Gianola letter 03/17/00 page 2 of 2 4.) Floor Plan drawings, sheet A2.1 and drawing 2, sheet A2.2: Given that there is a fixed counter top in Dispatch Room 117 on the West wall functional programmatic use benefit is doubtful. It appears that the bay is there to accentuate the center of the new staircase and entrance to this building from the bus unloading areas to the west. A window can be added to accommodate the new office use, however, it should be set into the masonry similar to the adjacent replacement storefront with a sill at the countertop height. This would eliminate the overly embellished or inappropriately historizied window as proposed and minimize the impact to the historic integrity of the building's character. 5.) Drawing 4, sheet A2.2: The restroom indicates a 15' radius, isn't this meant to comply with ADAAG for a 60" diameter? 6.) Drawing 4, sheet A5.1: same as issue 4 above. • 7.) Drawing 1, sheetA5.1: What is the treatment to the historic doors' areas • below the glazing? Our photographic records indicate a metal panel with • diagonal bracing , was this the original character of these doors? 8.) Drawings 2 & 3, sheet A5.1: It is recommended that the pinched connecting link from the historic building to the new addition be reduced further in it's visual presence by substituting store front framing with maximum glazing including the door. Security can be addressed by lighting and other means and the historic perimeter boundary of the original building can be better perceived and appreciated from the exterior, through the use of a more transparent alternative treatment. 9.) Drawing 1, sheet A6.1: same as 4 above. 10.) Drawing 3, sheet A6.1: How will the new " lantern" (monitor) in Room 129 be distinguished from the reconstructed monitor in Room 103. This concern addresses the issue of integrity and the lay discernment between historic and new construction. The adaptive reuse of the building represents the best preservation tool by retaining viability of usefulness for the structure with "minimal change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment. There is some tendency to over dramatize the new additions to the building and site. Generally a slightly revised plan as indicated in these documents will produce an extraordinary historic and pragmatic reuse of this significant building and downtown urban site. I look forward to your reply and the successful completion of this Cinderella building. Sincerely, James Stratis Restoration Specialist Cc: ^ C. Tunner / CLG Fort Collins ^ K. Hardy / SHPO-Section 106 March 17,2000 Mr. D. Jack Gianola City of Fort Collins, Administrative Services, Facility Services Department P.O. Box 580 Fort Collins, CO 80522-0580 Re: Fort Collins C & S Depot Rehabilitation SHF grant # 96-02-128 Dear Mr. Gianola, I have received (02 March 00) and reviewed The Aller-Lingle plans dated: 3 March 00. Thank you for arranging this in conformance with our 01/02/97 Letter of Agreement. After reviewing the plans I am able to offer a conditional approval on the proposed work meeting the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Please provide a response and an additional opportunity to comment, to the following concerns prior to implementing these plans. 1.) Main Level Demolition Plan D-1: It is noted that demolition of the area for a new window on the north exterior wall is not indicated. The plan omits, therefore, this significant modification to the historic fabric. 2.) Drawings 8-10, sheet AU: It is suggested that the enclosure for the Trash dumpsters be of a simpler utilitarian material in deference to the Historic context . This perhaps necessary enclosure does not warrant Integrated architectural character with the historic building particularly in this historic railroad context. It is further suggested that an alternative surround be explored in steel which would lighten the visual presence of this new site feature. 3.) Floor Plan drawing, sheet A2.1: I spend a lot of time writing about problems associated with the standards and rehabilitation proposals. This plan, however, looks like a wonderful adaptive reuse, even potentially award worthy. In particular I applaud the pinched down connection to the historic building with the new addition and the potential reversibility of the connection.