HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-16 HPC MIN
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
March 16, 2022
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Chairwoman Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Holmes, Larson, Thueson,
Councilmember Junker
Absent: Commissioner Walls
Staff: City Planner Wittman
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of February 16, 2022 Regular Meeting
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to approve the minutes of the
February 16, 2022 meeting. All in favor.
CONSENT AGENDA
There were no items on the Consent Agenda.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
There were no Public Hearings.
NEW BUSINESS
Case No. 2022-14: Consideration of a Design Permit for patio enclosure and exterior modifications.
Property located at 102 2nd Street South in the Downtown Design Review District. Jennifer Noden of 7
Edges Design LLC, applicant and Ross Larson of Nordic LUV LLC, property owner.
City Planner Wittman stated that the applicant intends to make structural alterations and exterior
improvements on side of the building, adjacent the parking lot and facing 2nd Street South. Since the
writing of the staff report it was learned that the building is a contributing property within the
downtown Stillwater historic district. The applicant is requesting approval of a Design Permit to: 1.
Remove and replace exterior siding material on the single-story building addition; 2. Remove the
above-grade patio and reconstruct with enclosure options; 3. Add an enclosed entryway; 4. Create
additional outside seating space; 5. Add a new entrance near the rear of the building; 6. Add
downward-facing lighting on front and side elevations; 7. Replace fabric canopy on front elevation.
The building owner plans to do tuck-pointing and make other needed repairs as part of this project.
Staff recommends approval with three conditions.
Commissioner Heimdahl asked if the City offers financial assistance for façade improvements.
Ms. Wittman replied no, but the City recently formed an Economic Development Authority, one of
whose goals is to look at such financing.
Commissioner Thueson asked how the property being a contributing property affects the proposed
awning.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 16, 2022
Page 2 of 4
Ms. Wittman replied the Commission needs to balance the total building aesthetic with what could be
the effect of removal of the awning, how it is attached to the mortar etc.
Jen Noden, architect, stated the photo of the building with the metal awning is undated. The design
intent of the awning is to make the building front, back and sides cohesive without damaging any
historic significance, and to mirror the two awnings at the back. They will try to attach it without
damaging the building.
Ross Larson, property owner, reiterated that part of the project is to do building repairs including the
Gazette sign.
Commissioner Finwall asked if the proposed awning is necessary for function.
Mr. Larson stated the awning is aesthetic but also provides sun protection for tables inside.
Chairwoman Mino remarked that because the building is adaptively reused and the metal awning
holds the design together with the addition, she would be comfortable with the metal awning.
Commissioner Holmes stated he would prefer the Gazette building remain more pure without an
awning and let the new addition stand on its own as a separate design assemblage.
Commissioner Larson noted that the front façade is the one that should remain most in tact. He
agreed with Commissioner Holmes that the front awning should not be approved.
Commissioners Thueson, Heimdahl and Finwall agreed.
Motion by Commissioner Heimdahl, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to approve Case No. 2022-14,
Design Permit for patio enclosure and exterior modifications at 102 2nd Street South, with the three
staff-recommended conditions, adding Condition #4 stating “The east-facing awning proposed as part of
the future work shall not be approved.”
Commissioner Holmes asked if the Commission wishes to see the design again sans awning.
Ms. Noden remarked the design is 95% done and they don’t wish to delay the project if possible.
Commissioner Thueson suggested adding a condition about repairing masonry when the existing
awning is removed, if needed.
Commissioners Heimdahl and Finwall agreed to amend the motion adding Condition #5 stating, “If the
existing metal bracket and cloth awning is removed, the property owner will make necessary repairs to
the brick and mortar where the awning was located.” All in favor.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
Neighborhood Conservation District Best Practices
Ms. Wittman said she sent Commissioners Larson and Holmes a list of all the conservation district
permits that have been issued.
Community Group Presentation
Ms. Wittman said she and Commissioner Thueson will present to the Stillwater Women’s Reading
Club on April 4.
Mural Guidelines
Commissioner Finwall stated she photographed all 13 existing murals, most of which are on the
Grand, and researched Stillwater City Code regarding placement of murals.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 16, 2022
Page 3 of 3
Commissioner Heimdahl said he has been researching what other cities have done with murals. He
will compile the data for Commission review.
2022 Workplan - Local Designation Program
Ms. Wittman said she will try to set up a meeting this month with Chair Mino and Commissioner
Thueson.
FYI
City Administrator
Ms. Wittman shared that Joe Kohlmann was hired as City Administrator.
Wild Hare Update
Ms. Wittman said the Wild Hare with the “silver snake” coming out of the side of their building (hood
vent system) was approved, but the Commission approved it to be wrapped in material that matched
the color of the building. That is anticipated to be done this spring.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to adjourn. All in favor. The
meeting was adjourned at 7:48 p.m.
Amy Mino, Chair
ATTEST:
Abbi Wittman, City Planner