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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-08-06 HPC MIN City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission Aug ust 6, 2007 Present: Jeff Johnson, Gayle Hudak, Larry Nelson, Roger Tomten and Robert Gag Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Phil Eastwood, Howard Lieberman and Scott Zahren Vice Chair John son called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Hudak, moved approval of the minutes of July 2, 2007. Motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM/07 - 35 A demolition request for a carriage house/ga rage at 601 Fourth St. S. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Tim and Amy McKee, applicants. The applicants and architect Mark Balay were present. The applicants decided not to pursue the request for a demolition permit, but rather pursue a specia l use permit and variance to allow the structure to be converted to an accessory dwelling unit. The HPC is charged with design review of accessory dwelling units. Mr. Balay noted that the McKee’s plans meet all of the zoning requirements for accessory dwel ling units, with the exception of lot size and setbacks. Mr. Balay pointed out that originally there was a ballroom in the space above the carriage house, and he stated the intent is to preserve that space. Mr. Johnson noted that the HPC views favorably p lans to rehabilitate a structure rather than demolition it. Mr. Johnson pointed out that the addition of plumbing is what makes the structure an accessory dwelling space. Ms. McKee pointed out that it is more expensive to rehabilitate rather than demolish the building and commented that the addition of a bathroom is a “big perk” for the investment. Mr. Nelson also commented that it was good to see the reuse of the structure. Regarding design review, Mr. Johnson stated it appeared there would not be a lot of changes to the exterior. Mr. Johnson pointed out the HPC cannot approve variances. Mr. Pogge responded that the HPC could recognize the historical significance of the structure and recommend that the variances be granted. Because this case was advertis ed as a public hearing for a demolition permit, Mr. Johnson opened and closed the public hearing. Mr. Tomten moved to recognize the structure as historically significant and recommend that the Planning Commission grant the required variances to convert the building to an accessory dwelling unit in order to preserve the structure. The motion included the three recommended conditions of approval. Ms. Hudak seconded the motion. Mr. Johnson asked if Mr. Tomten wished to add any conditions related to design. Mr. Tomten said he would amend his motion to include an additional condition that the design of the accessory dwelling unit be as consistent with the original structure as possible. Ms. Hudak accepted the amendment to the motion. Amended motion passed unanimo usly. 1 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission August 6, 2007 Case No. DEM/07 - 38 A demolition request for a portion of a two - car garage at 908 Fifth St. S. and 309 W. Churchill St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Paul and Sonja H anson and Dave and Phyllis Hicks, applicants. The applicants were present. The applicants jointly own the two - stall garage in question; the garage is divided by the property line. The intent is to preserve (and move off the property line) the eastern half of the garage. The owners of the western half plan to demolish their stall and construct a new two - car garage. The plan is to keep the original siding and reuse the siding to finish the portion that is being preserved. Mr. Johnson opened the public heari ng. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Johnson noted there are 9 requirements/conditions for the granting of a demolition permit. He noted that the applicants had not completed No. 5 – economic justification for demolition. Howev er, he pointed out that this case is different in that half of the structure is being rehabilitated, so the economic justification doesn’t apply. Mr. Tomten noted the same reasoning applies to requirement No. 8 – alternatives to demolition. Mr. Tomten note d that it is an oddity to be going from a two - stall to a one - stall garage, which he suggested is more appropriate to an historic neighborhood. Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Nelson, moved approval of the demolition permit for one - half (eastern half) of the g arage. Mr. Johnson suggested that acknowledgment of requirements No. 5 and 8 be included in the motion. Mr. Tomten added language to his motion acknowledging requirements No. 5 and 8 do not apply to this permit as one - half of the structure is being rehabil itated. Mr. Nelson agreed to the added language. Motion passed 4 - 0. Case No. DEM/07 - 43 A demolition request for a garage at 411 S. Sixth St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Carroll Davis - Johnson, applicant. David and Carroll Davis - Johnson wer e present. Jeff Johnson noted that with the exception of No. 5, the applicant had completed the nine requirements for consideration of a demolition permit. Regarding item No. 5, economic justification, Ms. Davis - Johnson pointed out the costliness of dealin g with lead paint, which is present in the garage in question. The applicant also suggested that a new garage will fit better with the main house and improve the appearance of the house. Mr. Johnson opened the public hearing. Mark Balay, 416 S. Fifth St. , said he supported the request and said he thought the proposal would help improve drainage in the area. Cub Davis, 320 W. Pine St., also spoke in support of the project. No other comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Johnson expressed a concern about the proposed gable and suggested introducing a smaller gable, a primary and secondary gable, to break up the rooflines. Mr. Tomten asked if detailing would be continued around all four sides of the structure. Ms. Davis - Johnson responded in the affirmative and noted 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission August 6, 2007 that these are preliminary plans that were submitted to the HPC. She stated brackets on the house will be introduced on the garage, the garage will have matching lap siding and window and door trim. Mr. Nelson suggested that the scale of the two windows seems small; Mr. Tomten pointed out that trim elements will help enlarge the appearance of the windows. Mr. Nelson said he liked the suggestion regarding the gabl es and more scale to the front of the garage. Mr. Nelson, seconded by Ms. Hudak, moved approval of the demolition permit, with the condition that the architectural features of the new garage match the main house and that consideration be given to the sugge stion regarding the gables, with staff to review the design details. Motion passed 4 - 0. DESIGN REVIEWS Case No. DR/07 - 37 Design review of replacement awnings at 308 E. Chestnut St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Scott Zahren, applicant. The appli cant was not present. Mr. Johnson said he was unclear as to whether the request is for replacement of the frame and fabric or just the fabric. Mr. Nelson stated he had spoken with Mr. Zahren and said he thought the intent was to replace the fabric only. A sample of the proposed material was included in the agenda packet. Mr. Nelson moved approval of Case No. 07 - 37 as conditioned, with the understanding the approval is for replacement of the fabric only, not the awning frame. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motion passed 4 - 0. Case No.DR/07 - 39 Design review of a replacement sign at 2510 Curve Crest Blvd. in the BP - C, Business Park Commercial District. Sharon Cornell, applicant. The applicant was not present. As indicated in the agenda packet, the replacement sign will be of the same style and size lettering and smaller than the existing signage. Ms. Hudak, seconded by Mr. Johnson, moved approval as conditioned. Motion passed 4 - 0. Case No. DR/07 - 40 Design review of sign face replacement and building sign at 1 650 Washington Ave. in the BP - I, Business Park Industrial District. Todd Hoffman, applicant. The applicant was not present. Mr. Johnson pointed out the concern is with the non - conforming sign on the south elevation and the proposal to increase the size of the non - conforming sign. According to ordinance, a non - conforming sign can be replaced if the replacement sign is of the same size or a variance obtained from the Planning Commission. Mr. Tomten moved approval as conditioned, including the condition that the sign on the south elevation match the existing sign in square footage. Mr. Nelson seconded the motion; motion passed 4 - 0. Case No. DR/07 - 41 Design review of signage at 229 E. Chestnut St., Primitive Blessings, in the CBD, Central Business District. Tr acey Wilcox, applicant. Ms. Wilcox was present. She submitted a graphic of the proposed sign with slightly revised colors. Mr. Nelson expressed a concern about the height of the sign from the sidewalk, noting the sign must be at least 7’ above the sidewal k. Ms. Wilcox stated she would make sure the sign is placed at the right height. She said she is considering moving the sign to the other side of the doorway and mounting the sign in the masonry rather than the wood doorframe. Mr. 3 City of Stillwater Herit age Preservation Commission August 6, 2007 Johnson advised the applicant that if the sign is mounted in the masonry, it should be done in the mortar/grout rather than the brick face. Mr. Johnson also pointed out that there may be existing anchors from a p revious sign bracket, and he advised the applicant to utilize existing anchors if they exist. Ms. Wilcox confirmed that the sign will not be lighted. Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, with the additional conditions that the sign not be lighted, t hat the sign be placed a minimum of 7’ above the sidewalk, and approving the placement of the sign either mounted on the wood doorframe or in the masonry utilizing existing anchors if possible or installing anchors in the grout, not the brick face. Ms. Hud ak seconded the motion; motion passed 4 - 0. Case No. 07 - 42 Design review of signage for Trinity Lutheran Church, Fourth and Myrtle Streets, in the PA, Public Administration District. Brian Larson, Larson Brenner Architects, applicant. Brian Larson and one of the Trinity pastors were present. Mr. Larson explained that the proposed signage would be about the same height and general size as the existing sign and, as required by ordinance, no larger than the existing non - conforming sign. Mr. Johnson asked abou t lighting. Mr. Larson explained the proposal to have “trinity” letters backlit with LEDs and halo application. Mr. Larson also explained the proposed lighting for the box message board, which will be changed periodically. Mr. Larson stated the brick utili zed for the base will match the brick on the church building as closely as possible. Mr. Tomten, seconded by Ms. Hudak, moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Tomten suggested the installation of the new sign may provide an opportunity to do a rain garden to help the runoff from the parking lot. Motion to approve as conditioned passed 4 - 0. Case No. DR/07 - 14 Design review of revisions for Rivertown Animal Hospital. Ginger Garlie, applicant. Dr. Garlie and architect Dan O’Brien were present. Dr. Garlie explain ed the situation involving the original property owners and developers, which has resulted in a lawsuit and need to revise the design of the building in order to proceed. Dr. Garlie explained that the revised design is more colonial rather than the origina lly proposed, and approved, craftsman style architecture. Mr. O’Brien explained some of the design changes, including a change in the gables and pitch of the roof. He stated the request is for concept approval so the contractor can begin work and the buil ding can be completed before Dr. Garlie’s current lease expires. Mr. O’Brien said should the HPC give concept approval, they would provide regular updates regarding the design details. Mr. Johnson asked about the location of the mechanical equipment. Mr. O ’Brien stated that has not changed – the mechanicals will be hidden in back as before. He also noted that with the exception of the style, the lighting plans have not changed much either. One change, he spoke to was the provision of enclosed stacks for a s tone chimney. Mr. Johnson expressed confidence that the final product would be of the same quality as the original design plans and said the preliminary design appear to work well with the design guidelines for the Village Commercial District, but said he had some concern with design details. Mr. O’Brien suggested that several HPC members, along with staff, could review design details on an ongoing basis. 4 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission August 6, 2007 Mr. Johnson moved to approve the la yout and preliminary design in the elevations dated July 25, 2007, a New England style building, with Mr. Johnson and Mr. Tomten assigned to work with staff and the applicant on any design issues that might arise, and with all the previous conditions of ap proval applying to the revised design proposal. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motion passed 4 - 0. OTHER BUSINESS Old Post Office, 210 E. Myrtle St., window replacement project – Architect Mark Balay was present to update the HPC on an upcoming window rep lacement project at the Old Post Office Building. He said the first phase of the project will be the repair/replication of the front entrance. Regarding the remainder of the project, the replacement of the remaining major window openings, Mr. Balay stated he did not think it would be possible to replace the windows with a double - hung product. He stated he thought the window openings can be maintained, but may be slightly smaller. He noted that this would not be a tax - credit project and suggested it is a ren ovation, not restoration project. Mr. Johnson suggested keeping the glass as large as possible and maintaining the lines of the sash. Mr. Pogge said according to code, the project will likely need design review. DR/07 - 25 Color selection for Autumn Cottage at 229 S. Main St. – Jeff Swanson was present with a request for approval of a paint color selection. Mr. Swanson provided a painted board with the requested color, Yellowtail Dam. He stated that as required by the original design review, colors were subm itted to staff and staff had a problem with the yellow color. Mr. Pogge explained that staff did not feel the yellow was consistent with the design guidelines. It was noted that during the original discussion, the primary concern was that the two building fronts not be painted the same color. Mr. Swanson said the intent is paint the wood transom at 233 S. Main a Hampshire gray and use the Yellowtail Dam on the building at 229 S. Main. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the use of the Yellowtail Dam color on the north building and Hampshire gray on the south building at 229 S. Main St., noting that only the transom space is to be painted the designated colors. Mr. Nelson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DRD/07 - 12 Discussion of Pulp Fashion mural – Present were Dana Daniels, representing Pulp Fashion, and artist Randy Raduenz. The applicant explained that it was determined the 3M product, originally proposed to utilize for the mural, would not adhere to the building and it was decided to pai nt the mural on the building. The painted mural, as requested, would include the name of the business, which Mr. Johnson pointed out is not allowed. The applicant pointed out that the request to include the name in the mural is due to the fact that the sig n at the corner of the building is obstructed by the traffic light. The applicant noted that the business name could be covered should occupancy of the building change in the future. Mr. Pogge pointed out that the primer used for the painted mural is non - latex based and will degrade the veneer and long - term appearance of the building. Mr. Pogge said at the least, the applicant should be required to remove the current primer. Mr. Johnson pointed out that the veneer is not original to the building and he sai d he was unsure of how successful removing the primer would be. It also was pointed out this building is a non - contributing building to the historic district as the third floor has been altered. 5 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission August 6, 2007 There was discussion of the existing building signage. Mr. Johnson said he thought the signage worked better and was more visible at the corner, rather than on the mural. Mr. Nelson said he thought the mural would be a strong image to draw visibilit y to the front of the building. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the proposed painted mural, without the logo. Ms. Hudak seconded the motion. Mr. Tomten suggested that the applicant think about the long - term maintenance of the mural. Motion to approve the mur al without signage passed unanimously. Selection of consultant for CLG Grant – Mr. Pogge stated that three RFPs were submitted to complete the first phase of the Heirloom Home and Landmark Site program to be funded with a CLG grant from SHPO. Mr. Pogge s tated that he along with Mr. Johnson and Ms. Hudak reviewed the proposals and are recommending that the 106 Group be selected to complete the first phase of the project. Mr. Gag pointed out that Mr. Empson, one of the three who submitted proposals, was res ponsible for the vision of developing the Heirloom/Landmark homes program and said he would feel more comfortable with Mr. Empson doing the research. Mr. Johnson pointed out that the first phase of the project is the development and structure of the web pa ge, while the second and third phases of the project are more research intensive and more in keeping with Mr. Empson’s strong suit. Mr. Johnson agreed it would be nice if Mr. Empson could be involved in the selection of the first 70 Heirloom Homes. Greg M athis, project manager with the 106 Group, briefly talked about his function and outlined some aspects of the proposal. Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Nelson, moved to recommend that the City Council select the 106 Group for the first phase of the Heirloom Ho mes/Landmark Sites project. Mr. Johnson encouraged the 106 Group to consult with Mr. Empson in their work. Motion to recommend selection of the 106 Group passed unanimously. Mr. Mathis and the Commission discussed the project and what the HPC wants from t he web site. Preservation Alliance of Minnesota preservation awards – Mr. Pogge told the Commission that a letter had been received from the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota inviting nominations for the annual Minnesota Preservation awards. No action wa s taken. The recording secretary left the meeting at 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 6