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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTACO BELL RESTAURANT - 51-90 - CORRESPONDENCE - HISTORIC PRESERVATIONJ'A ,A Develoi ent Services Planning Department November 20, 1990 Mr. Les Nordhagen Taco Caliente 221 East 29th Street, #214 Loveland, CO 80538 Dear Mr. Nordhagen: The Fort Collins Landmark Preservation Commission is concerned about the preservation of the house at 1530 South College Avenue. The Laurel School National Register Historic District (Eastside Neighborhood) is adjacent to this house. The house and others of its vintage along S. College have not yet been formally surveyed to determine their historical significance; however, the houses are architecturally significant as they represent the 1920s and 1930s "Revival" period of architecture. The houses on S. College Avenue now represent a buffer or transition zone between the historic district/neighborhood and commercial development. Removing or demolishing the house at 1530 S. College would further reduce the buffer zone and impact the neighborhood. A new structure, incompatible with the architecture in the neighborhood/historic district, would also be an intrusion into this historic area. Therefore, the Commission would like to work with Taco Bell to mitigate any adverse effects to the historical integrity of the neighborhood. I, as Chairman of the Commission, contacted Chuck Bowling, realtor of the property, Ms. Camille Krug of your office, and Janie Young, architect at the national Taco Bell office, to discuss this issue. A copy of the minutes of the Commission meeting where these conversations were discussed is included for your information. Ms. Young requested that the Commission work with the local franchise to photograph the block and the house at 1530 S. College and send them to Chance Beck at the national architectural engineering office of Taco Bell for review. They are eager to work with the local franchise and the City of Fort Collins to alleviate adverse effects to this historic area. We look forward to meeting with you on November 29 to discuss the preservation of this house. Sincerely, Rheba Massey Chairman, Landmark Preservation Commission Enclosure 281 North College Avenue • P.O. Box 580 • Fort Collins, CO S0522-0-580 • (303) 221-6750 9 LANDMARK PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES November 7, 1990 OTHER BUSINESS Taco Bell House - 1530 South College Avenue Ms. Massey updated the Commission regarding phone calls she has made to Taco Bell management to inquire about their plans for the mission -style house immediately north of Taco Bell at College and Prospect. Ms. Massey first contacted Taco Bell's Loveland office, who owns the franchise, and spoke with Camille Krug. Ms. Krug told Ms. Massey that they own several Taco Bell franchises, and that franchise owners do have control over the architectural design. Taco Bell's architect has studied the house for the possibility of adaptive re -use and has found that it cannot be done. The walls of the house cannot be moved in order to adapt to Taco Bell's use. Ms. Krug assured Ms. Massey that Taco Bell will not demolish the house. Ms. Massey stated that Taco Bell has not closed the purchase of the house and that Ms. Krug was not sure that they would. To deviate from the standard Taco Bell design, the local franchise would need approval from the national Taco Bell headquarters. Ms. Massey then called Chuck Bowling, who confirmed that Taco Bell has explored the adaptive re -use option and has also looked at the house as a possible office for their corporate headquarters. However, it does not seem feasible to do either. Ms. Massey also contacted Ms. Janie Young, the architectural designer for Taco Bell Headquarters in Los Angeles. Ms. Young seemed very interested in this project and said that Taco Bell has done several adaptive re -use projects in historic districts. Ms. Young then suggested that Ms. Massey tell Ms. Krug that the Commission will be sending photos of the block containing the house to Ms. Young. Ms. Young also told Ms. Massey that they would work with the franchise owner to design something that would retain the block's historic integrity and reassured her that Taco Bell wants what is best for the community. Ms. Massey requested that Ms. Young send the Commission photos of their other adaptive re -use projects. Ms. Massey said she has informed all parties of the Commission's interest and concern for the house, and all expressed a desire to work with the Commission on this project.