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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999-11-01 HPC MIN Heritage Preservation Commission Nov. 1, 1999 Present: Howard Lieberman, chair Jeff Johnson, Robert Kimbrel and Roger Tomten Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald Absent: Phil Eastwood and Dean Miller Mr. Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Johnson, moved approval of the minutes of Oct. 4, 1999; all in favor. th Case No. DR/99-27 Design review of an exterior sign for Checker Auto Parts at 14396 60 St. Shannon Grady, Preferred Sign & Crane, Inc., representing the applicant. Mr. Grady was present. He explained the request is to put a new face on the pylon sign which identifies the businesses in the auto-related mall and to replace the existing building sign with a sign of the same size and same location. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Kimbrel, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. DR/99-28 Design review of an exterior sign for Bella Cosa at 102 N. Main St. Cindy Gellerman, applicant. Ms. Gellerman was present and explained the request for a 2x3 projecting sign to be placed above the front door of the business at Main and Myrtle streets; there also is a sign on the Myrtle Street building elevation. Mr. Johnson asked if other improvements to the building – glazing and changes to the windows – had been before the HPC for review. Mr. Tomten noted that when Savories, the adjacent business, came before the HPC with its renovation plans and request for an awning, there was discussion about eventually tying in the building fronts with an awning. Ms. Fitzgerald noted that Ms. Gellerman is a tenant and has no intention of installing an awning. Ms. Gellerman said she would not want an awning as she would lose all the window frontage; she suggested the building fronts look split because of the way the building steps up. Mr. Tomten asked that the issue of the awning be researched. Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Kimbrel, moved approval as conditioned; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/99-18 Design review of an exterior sign for the Roof Depot at 1815 S. Greeley St. Ken Maloney and Dave Hauser, applicants. Ms. Fitzgerald noted the applicants would be seeking a setback variance from the Planning Commission. The applicants pointed out the logo is red and gray, not red and black as indicated in the packet. They also said they may be using some window signage. In discussing lighting, several members expressed concern about the large amount of white background for an internally illuminated sign as requested. The applicants expressed a willingness to use ground lighting rather an internal illumination; Mr. Johnson noted the ground lighting would have to be shielded so as not to be a hazard from passing traffic. There was a discussion about the visibility problem the applicants are having. The applicants said they would like the signage to be placed on the south side of the entry driveway if possible. Mr. Johnson suggested that if the branches on the trees by the entry driveway are trimmed up, a monument sign might be a viable option versus the pylon sign as proposed. The applicants expressed a willingness to look at that option. It was suggested that the applicants do a mock up of a monument sign to see if that signage will work for them. Members agreed that south of the driveway would be a better location for the signage. Mr. Johnson moved approval of an externally illuminated monument or pylon sign, with the option of locating the signage on the south side of the driveway; if a monument sign is to be used, it must be of the same size and lettering as the proposed pylon sign. Mr. Tomten suggested adding a condition that if a monument sign is selected, it be reviewed by staff; Mr. Johnson agreed to add that additional condition. Mr. Johnson’s motion included the two conditions of approval recommended by staff. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/99-29 Design review of exterior modifications and signage for the Stillwater Gallery at 115 Union Street. Randy Raduenz, applicant. Mr. Raduenz provided a colored rendering of his plans. He said he would like to use some window signage in addition to the requested 2x3 projecting sign; the colors will be coordinated with the building. He also stated he would like to do a full glass front door. In the spring, he would like to do a building mural highlight the logging era, with perhaps a self-portrait. Mr. Johnson noted the mural cannot contain any verbiage. Mr. Raduenz further stated he would use “Scotchlite” on the projecting sign so it reflects at night and provides visibility to traffic; Mr. Johnson suggested the existing street lighting might provide adequate nighttime visibility. Mr. Tomten asked if the window framing will be done in wood, versus metal; Mr. Raduenz responded in the affirmative. Mr. Johnson moved approval of the sign as proposed (design, materials and color), with the sign to be located straddling the cornice of the building; not allowing the use of Scotchlite until the existing lighting conditions are checked; approving the colors of the building and glazing of the windows and door with wood framing; and allowing the removal of the existing stone on the building front if necessary. The applicant is to have plans for the mural reviewed by Ms. Fitzgerald; the mural cannot contain any verbiage and cannot be lighted. The motion of approval included the conditions as recommended by staff. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Other items: ? Don Empson and his wife, Kathy, were present. Mr. Empson provided members with copies of the previously published neighborhood surveys Mr. Empson has done for the HPC/City. There was a brief discussion as to how the HPC might be able to assist in promoting the availability of Mr. Empson’s most recent survey. ? Hersey, Staples Addition RFPs – Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Kimbrel, moved to recommend approval of the proposal submitted by Empson Archives; motion passed unanimously. ? Ms. Fitzgerald noted that the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota will be awarding “Tip of the Hat” award to BP Amoco for its project at the service station at 103 N. Main St. The award will be presented at the Alliance’s annual meeting on Nov. 13. Mr. Lieberman will represent the HPC at the meeting. ? Mr. Tomten noted the firm of David Stanley Gebhard has extended invitations for nominations for an award for architectural history. He said he would like to recommended Empson Archives for the award. Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Kimbrel, moved to submit an application nominating Mr. Empson for the award; motion passed unanimously. Ms. Fitzgerald will submit the application. ? Mr. Kimbrel asked about the city parking lot signs. Ms. Fitzgerald said she had not had time to do anything with that issue. Mr. Kimbrel asked about the berming issue. Ms. Fitzgerald said Video Update is planting trees and a new sign is being made. She said nothing has been done at St. Croix Bike/Kennedy Transmission, and she will talk with Mr. Kellison again regarding that matter. Mr. Johnson suggested that perhaps the City/HPC needs to look closer at landscaping escrow accounts and certificate of occupancy in getting developers to meet design guidelines. ? There was a brief discussion regarding a communication from Tim Stefan regarding changes to the co-op area at the Maple Island building; most of the changes are to the rear of the building. ? There also was brief discussion regarding the pedestrian lighting and the acorn fixtures recommended in the downtown plan. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tomten, moved to adjourn at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary