HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-06-07 HPC MIN
Heritage Preservation Commission
June 7, 1999
Present: Chair Howard Lieberman (8:15 p.m.)
Chuck Dougherty, Phil Eastwood, Jeff Johnson, Frank Langer
and Roger Tomten
Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald
Absent: Robert Kimbrel
Acting Chairperson Roger Tomten called the meeting to order at 7 p.m.
Approval of minutes: Mr. Dougherty, seconded by Mr. Johnson, moved approval of the minutes of May
3, 1999; all in favor.
Case No. DR/99-12 Design review of ATM signage changes at Eagle Valley Bank. Sam Boatman,
representing Eagle Valley Bank, applicant.
Mr. Boatman was present and said he had no problems with the conditions of approval as recommended
by staff.
Mr. Johnson asked whether the requested 18” x 48” instant cash sign is consisted with other such signs
in the area. Ms. Fitzgerald said she had not been able to verify the size of the other bank signs.
Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, adding language that the instant cash sign be the smaller of
18” x 48” or other signs in the area, with 18 x 48 to be the maximum allowable size. Mr. Dougherty
seconded the motion; all in favor.
Case No. DR/99-13 Design review of an exterior sign, “ooh la la,” at 402 N. Main St. Karilyn Beyer,
applicant.
Ms. Beyer was present and provided a sample of the proposed 2’ x 8’ wooden sign which would replace
the previous Northern Vineyards sign. It was noted the requested sign is within the requirements for
linear front footage. Mr. Johnson suggested that Ms. Beyer might want to use heavier lines on the sign
graphics.
Mr. Dougherty, seconded by Mr. Eastwood, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor.
Case No. DR/99-14 Design review of monument sign at 1901-1931 Curve Crest Blvd. Hi-Tech Signs,
applicant.
DJ Dejong was present representing the applicant.
Most of the discussion centered on the location of the sign and the ordinance requirement that the sign
be placed 15 feet back from the property line. Mr. Johnson noted that meeting that 15-foot setback
would likely place the sign in the parking lot. Mr. Johnson also noted that the sign would be more
effective if placed at a location where there are full turning movements to the building entrance, rather
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Heritage Preservation Commission
June 7, 1999
than at an exit-only as proposed. Mr. Dejong noted that the law firm is the primary advertiser and the
proposed location of the sign is nearest the entrance to the law firm. Mr. Johnson suggested that placing
the sign on the knoll in the middle of the building frontage would be a compromise.
In the discussion regarding the proposed sign, it was noted that the background will be opaque and the
letters translucent, the opposite of what was stated in the agenda packet.
Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, that the sign meet the 15-foot setback requirement and that
no additional signage be allowed, with the additional condition that the signage be of opaque
background and translucent lettering, and with the recommendation that the sign be placed either at the
west entrance (where there is full-turning movement) or in the center, noting that a variance to the 15-
foot setback would require approval from the Planning Commission. Mr. Eastwood seconded the
motion; all in favor.
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Case No. DR/99-15 Design review of exterior signage for Certified Transmission at 14328 N. 60 St.
Scott Meister, Suburban Lighting, Inc., representing the applicant.
The applicant was not represented at the meeting. Ms. Fitzgerald noted the requested signage would be
placed on the existing pylon sign and use the same building sign band as the previous Kennedy
Transmission signage.
Mr. Dougherty, seconded by Mr. Langer, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor.
Case No. SUP/V/DR/99-25 Revised design review of an office building, restaurant and conference
center at the Territorial Prison site at 606 N. Main St. John W. Lang, representing Territorial Prison
Partners, applicant.
Present for the discussion were John Lang and Mike Borum, Territorial Prison Partners; a representative
of Wispark; and architect Mark Finneman of Finn Daniels. Mr. Finneman briefly reviewed plans and
explained the changed use of the building; he also noted the project parties are just beginning the
planning, although they have gone farther with this project with SHPO and federal agencies.
Much of the discussion centered on the increase in parking from the original proposal and a concern
about maximizing green space. Mr. Finneman said according to city requirements, there is a need for
about 455 parking spaces with the new uses. He said the revised use would require 400+ spaces, even
with consideration given to shared parking. He noted that planning is just beginning and the developers
certainly don’t want more parking than they need. Mr. Tomten asked about two large cottonwoods on
the property and encouraged that the trees be incorporated into the plan; he also encouraged an emphasis
on the pedestrian scape and a “greener atmosphere.”
There was some discussion of the restoration efforts. Mr. Finneman noted there will be a major new
entry for the office portion of the complex that will be outside the shell of the original buildings. He said
they have moved a long way in retaining the historical character of the interior of the buildings due to
the changed use. He said the original truss system is being retained as much as possible in the restaurant
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June 7, 1999
area. There was some discussion about providing a feeling of some public ownership of the buildings;
Mr. Johnson suggested the possibility of a public/interpretive space in the lobby of the office area.
Mr. Tomten moved to give concept approval, with the conditions as recommended by staff and the
additional conditions that all exterior lighting be reviewed by the HPC; that an HPC member/staff be in
attendance at the meetings with Charlie Nelson/SHPO; noting the concern regarding providing a
pedestrian-oriented experience, especially from Main Street to the building green space; and looking at
the possibility of providing some public space. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion; all in favor.
Other items:
?
Mr. Tomten provided copies of the second draft of his revisions to downtown design guidelines
relating to awnings and signs. Members were asked to review the document and bring comments to
the next meeting. Mr. Tomten noted the signage guidelines are related to the pop machine issue. Ms.
Fitzgerald suggested waiting until the fall, after the major tourist season, to deal with the issue. Mr.
Johnson suggested the possibility of looking into a kiosk area to locate pop machines, newspaper
machines, etc. Mr. Lieberman suggested writing to Coke and Pepsi and letting them know their
options, one of which is for the city to totally eliminate the machines.
?
Ms. Fitzgerald informed members the city has received a grant for the Hershey/Staples survey; she
said she already is proposing a grant to re-study the South Hill. Ms. Fitzgerald noted the city will be
holding a public hearing July 6 on historic lighting in the downtown area and suggested that as many
HPC members as possible attend the hearing.
?
Mr. Johnson noted that with Mr. Langer’s resignation, there is a vacancy on the commission. He said
it would be nice for resumes to come to the HPC for the commission to review and make a
recommendation to the Council regarding an appointment.
?
It was noted there was a sign on the Grand Garage that is out of compliance; Ms. Fitzgerald has
written a letter regarding the sign. Mr. Lieberman asked about Video Update; Ms. Fitzgerald has
written a letter to the main office. Mr. Lieberman asked about berming at Kennedy Transmission/St.
Croix Bike and Skate; Ms. Fitzgerald will look into that.
?
Members expressed their appreciation to Mr. Langer for his service on the commission.
Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Mr. Langer, moved to adjourn at 8:55 p.m.; all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
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