Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-05-05 HPC MINCity of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission May 5, 2008 Present: Phil Eastwood, Gayle Hudak, Jeff Johnson, Larry Nelson and Roger Tomten Staff present: Mike Pogge Absent: Howard Lieberman and Scott Zahren Vice Chair Johnson called the meeting t o order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Eastwood, moved approval of the minutes of April 7, 2008. Motion passed unanimously. DESIGN REVIEWS Case No. DR/08 - 18 Design review for replacement of signage at 1750 Frontage Road in the BP - C, Business Park Commercial District. Duane Downey, applicant. The applicant was present. Mr. Johnson noted the pylon sign is higher than allowed by ordinance, but because this request does not represent a change in usage, the height is grand - fathered under the previously granted variance. The size of the signage does meet the ordinance requirements, he stated. Mr. Tomten moved to approve the replacement signage as submitted and conditioned. Ms. Hudak seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Ca se No. DR/08 - 19 Design review for façade of the proposed storefront renovation and reopening of the second floor window openings at 124 S. Main St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Mark Balay, representing Lynskey Properties, applicant. Mr. Balay wa s present and explained on e change to the submitted plans -- the addition of a location for another second floor stairway to facilitate development of the second floor with a second egress. Mr. Nelson wondered if a handicap - accessible elevator might be nee ded at some point. Mr. Balay said that would be possible should usage require that at some point in the future. Mr. Balay said the plans are to keep the existing colors so the façade looks like three separate buildings. He expressed a concern about the wo rding of one of the conditions of approval, that the windows shall be “historically accurate double - hung wood windows,” with plans submitted to staff for review and approval. Mr. Balay noted this is not a tax - credit project and said they did not want to co mmit to Department of Interior standards for restorations. He said the intent is to fill the original window openings with double - hung, custom - sized windows, but would like the option of using vinyl or aluminum clad windows . Mr. Pogge said staff is support ive of the request and would not be opposed to striking the word “wood,” if that is a sticking point with the applicant. Mr. Tomten asked about the new lower panels on the front façade. Mr. Balay said the existing brick veneer will be removed and new wood p anels attach ed to the concrete block behind the veneer. Mr. Tomten asked if any thought had been given to utilizing a wider frame for the entry doors, expressing a concern that the thin line of the frame brings to mind 1950s - 60s architecture and a wider style might be more appropriate. Mr. Tomten used the new door of the Gazette as 1 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission May 5, 2008 an example of the style he would prefer to see used. Mr. Balay said the applicant would consider that if the c ost is similar. Mr. Johnson suggested the possibility of bringing the display windows out to the front of the building in the center section. Mr. Balay said that is a cost issue. Mr. Johnson asked if there would be any work on the parapet, noting there is a piece missing. Mr. Balay stated that is not being considered at this time. Mr. Tomten moved approval as conditioned striking the words “wood” and “historically” from condition of approval No. 3 and adding a condition that the applicant consider using a door profile with a wider style head and rail than the standard aluminum frame. Mr. Johnson suggested adding wording regarding review by staff and that the windows fit the original openings. Mr. Tomten restated his motion to include approval is given to r eopen the second - floor windows with the condition that the new windows are a full window infill of the original masonry openings, with final details to be reviewed and approved by staff. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/08 - 20 Design review for installation of a neon channel letter and non - illuminated plastic lettering on a sign at 2510 Curve Crest Blvd. in the BP - O, Business Park Office District . Mary Ferraro, Spectrum Signs, applicant. The applicant was not present. Mr. Eastwood noted the request meets the ordinance requirements and moved approval as submitted and conditioned. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/08 - 21 Design review for installation o f two signs, change of windows t o doors, and ventilation on the roof of the building at 423 S. Main St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Tim McKee, applicant. The applicant was present and stated that he will reduce the size of the proposed projecting blade sign to meet the ordina nce. Mr. Johnson asked about the location of the signage on the south elevation. Mr. McKee stated it would be placed below the Brick Alley sign. Regarding the proposed new roof vent, it was noted there are a number of existing vents on the east side of the building and the vent will not be visible from Main Street. Mr. McKee said they would also like to replace two windows with doors; the existing headers will be utilized, he said. Mr. Eastwood moved approval as conditioned, with the additional condition t hat the sign on the south elevation be placed under the Brick Alley sign and that the blade sign be no larger than 6 square feet, as allowed by ordinance. Ms. Hudak seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. McKee asked about temporary banners; it was noted that such banners can be up for 30 days. Case No. DR/08 - 22 Design review of signage, new awnings and lighting at 108 N. Main St. in the CBD, Central Business District. AdCraft, The Signmakers, applicant. A representative of AdCraft and Jeff an d Kristin Klemetsrud, owners of Savories, were present. 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission May 5, 2008 Mr. Johnson opened the discussion by saying he liked the proposed sign but had concerns regarding the proposal to add columns and pain t t he brick on the infill building. The representative of AdCraft said the introduction of columns was an attempt to unify the façade, carrying over the column elements from the larger building. Kristen Klemetsrud said they had looked at other options of t ying the two buildings together, stating they need a cohesive storefront to maintain the integrity of their business. Ms. Klemetsrud also noted that these are not contributing buildings to the Historic District. Mr. Nelson spoke in favor of the plans, sayi ng it makes sense to try to tie the two buildings together and create a cohesive storefront. Mr. Johnson said the proposed awnings would work better if they are at the same elevation and pitch as the Pulp Fashion awnings. Even though the awnings are differ ent colors, keeping the same elevation and pitch will keep the larger building more homogeneous, Mr. Johnson suggested. There was discussion of the request to paint the brick on the infill building. Mr. Eastwood spoke against painting brick. Mr. Johnson n oted that painting brick causes moisture to gather behind the brick and eventually causes deterioration and permanent damage to the brick. The AdCraft representative asked if there are options other than painting. Mr. Tomten suggested that perhaps tinting the mortar might achieve the desired look. Ms. Klemetsrud spoke of other nearby buildings where the brick has been painted, and Mr. Klemetsrud noted the brick on the infill building is not historic, quality brick. Mr. Johnson again spoke of the potential d eterioration of the façade due to painting, as well as a concern for setting a precedent in approving the request; he stated he would be comfortable allowing the staining of the mortar. Mr. Johnson read Mr. Zahren’s written comments into the record. Mr. Z ahren stated he would approve the signage and awnings, but would not approve the painting of the brick due to the likelihood of moisture damag e or the addition of the columns, which he said create a disconnect with the remainder of the building. Mr. Nelson said he had no problem with the columns. Mr. Eastwood suggested muting the color of the columns around the entrance as a way of framing in the entrance. Mr. Tomten said he likes the awnings and even the columns, but agreed that the awning pitch/height sho uld match the Pulp Fashion awnings. Mr. Tomten also suggested moving the signage up a bit higher on the building, as well as moving in the three new goose - neck light fixtures so all of the fixtures are on the infill building. Mr. Tomten asked about plans f or the infill windows at the southern - most portion of the business front . Ms. Klemetsrud stated the plan is to install a wood panel, with perhaps a wrought iron metal grate and window box. Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, with the additional con ditions that the awnings be of the same height and pitch as the Pulp Fashion awnings and that the valence be a free hanging valence of the same material; that the three goose - neck light fixtures be moved closer together so all are placed on the infill buil ding and the sign raised slightly to reach the bottom of the light fixtures; that the three southern and two northern c olumns be of a darker shade than the two columns on either side of the entrance; that the applicant be allowed to stain the mortar but no t paint the brick on the infill building; and that the access windows on the southern portion of the building can be filled in with a solid material with a wrought iron or steel grill overlay. Mr. Johnson amended his motion to include the condition that co lors and awning material swatch be submitted to staff for review and approval. Mr. Eastwood seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. 3 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission May 5, 2008 OTHER BUSINESS ? Tom Huninghake was present to get t he Commission’s input regarding possible demolition of a house at 1224 N. Second St. Mr. Pogge stated the house is in very poor condition and the City has issued an abatement order, with the next step a possible request for demolition. Mr. Pogge also state d that Mr. Empson has gone through the structure and suggested it should be demolished. Mr. Huninghake said he might make a bid on the hou se but would not want to get st uck with it, if it can’t be demolished. Mr. Johnson noted that the Commission couldn’t give an indication of possible action without going through the nine steps required by the ordinance. ? Mr. Pogge told the Commission that the annual Preservation Awards will be presented at the second Council meeting in May. ? Members were asked to get their photo assignments completed and to Mr. Pogge at their convenience. Ms. Hudak, seconded by Mr. Eastwood, moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 4