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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-06 HPC MIN City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission October 6, 2008 Present: Howard Lieberman, Chair, Gayle Hudak, Roger Tomten, Scott Zahren and Council liaison Gag Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Absent: Phil Eastwood, Jeff Johnson and Larry Nelson Chair Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Tomten, seconded by Mr. Zahren, moved approval of the minutes of Sept. 2, 2008; motion passed unanimously. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM/08-45 A demolition request for the rear entry porch at 1330 Third Ave. S. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Chris Rustad, applicant. The applicant was present and explained the request. He stated the foundation under the existing porch is failing. When rebuilt, he said the new porch would be of similar style and size as the current structure. Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Tomten asked about the size of the new porch. Mr. Rustad said the new porch will extend a bit farther toward the garage. Mr. Tomten asked if the new structure would match the trim and siding of the main structure. Mr. Rustad said the siding would be the same, but noted that the addition off the front has been changed already and is missing some of the details of the main structure. Mr. Lieberman noted that all nine steps required in the demolition ordinance had been sufficiently fulfilled and moved approval of the request. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DEM/08-46 A demolition request for a two-car garage at 1111 Fifth St. St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Nancy Hagstrom, applicant. The applicant was present. She described the condition of the existing structure. She said the plan is to build a new garage immediately to the north of the current structure; the new structure would be of essentially the same style and size as the existing garage, with the addition of some windows, she said. Rebuilding to the north will reduce the amount of driveway and impervious surface, she noted. Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Lieberman noted Ms. Hagstrom’s was a clean application fulfilling all nine required steps and moved for approval. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DEM/08-47 A demolition request for a 14’ x 14’ garage at 111 Sherburne St. N. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Paul Frenchik, applicant. 1 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission October 6, 2008 The applicant was present. He explained that he would like to take down the existing garage and reclaim his yard. He stated the structure has not functioned as a garage in eight years. He explained the structure is in a bad location – one has to traverse the entire lot to get to the structure. Also, the concrete is in bad shape, with hollow spaces beneath. Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Lieberman said he thought the application was a good package fulfilling the required steps and moved approval. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. DESIGN REVIEWS Case No. DR/08-49 Design review of signage at 105 New England Place, Suite 140, located in the VC, Village Commercial District. DeMars Signs, representing Karma Clothing Inc. The applicant was not present. It was noted in the staff report that the proposed signage meets the requirements of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Zahren moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/08-50 Design review of the final phase for Maple Island commercial and office space at 225 Main St. N. in the CBD, Central Business District. Mainstream Development LLC, Vern Stefan, applicant. Mr. Stefan was present. He stated that the cost of construction makes it prohibitive to build a two-story structure; the project is only viable at three floors, he said. He noted that the HPC had previously given concept approval to a three-floor building in requesting final approval of that concept. Mr. Stefan stated the final design of the building removes all vent pipes from the rooftop. He stated the plans also include geo-thermal heating system and high-efficiency lighting. He also stated the plans meet the Middle St. Croix Water Management Organization’s water runoff requirements. And, he pointed out the plans include a public restroom, as negotiated with the City. He said the first floor would be professional/office use, not retail as initially suggested. Mr. Tomten noted that the three-story design given concept approval was the option for the peaked roof. Mr. Stefan noted that they will need a variance from the 10 percent infill height requirement. He stated the immediately adjoining buildings are two stories, thus requiring the variance to the infill height limit. Mr. Tomten said he thought the City’s height limits in the downtown area, especially the infill limit, is a mistake as it limits diversity and character as well as handcuffs economic development in the downtown area. Mr. Tomten asked if the plans still include copper shingles. Mr. Stefan responded that due to cost, it is likely they will use metal clad material. Mr. Gag asked about parking; Mr. Stefan said plans exceed parking requirements. Mr. Tomten asked if an exterior lighting package would be submitted and whether the applicant would provide updates as the project proceeds; Mr. Stefan responded in the affirmative. Mr. Tomten moved approval of the final design as conditioned. Mr. Lieberman seconded the motion, noting that approval in no way indicates the HPC’s position regarding the requested variance. Mr. Zahren said he thought this was a good project. Ms. Hudak said she liked the 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission October 6, 2008 plans for professional use, rather than retail on the first floor. Mr. Tomten said he thought this was a good project, one that will help the streetscape. Mr. Lieberman echoed Mr. Tomten’s comments. Motion to approve as conditioned passed unanimously. Case No. DR.08-48 Design review of exterior alterations at the Ann Bean Mansion, 319 W. Pine St. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Mark Balay, representing Jeffrey Drews, applicant. Mr. Balay and Mr. Drews were present. Mr. Balay noted the requested alterations are basically weather related due to spring storms. He said the proposal is to replace the existing aluminum siding with new siding, likely hardi-board siding. He said they would return with the proposed colors. Mr. Balay said the applicant is currently negotiating with his insurance carrier regarding the roof replacement and is hoping to convince the insurance carrier to allow the roof to be replaced using the original slate material. He stated a draft letter had been prepared in support of the position that Department of Interior standards would require the use of the original slate roofing. The draft letter was written under the signature of HPC Chair Lieberman. There was discussion of the legal ramifications of the letter, and Mr. Lieberman stated he would not approve of the use of his signature. Mr. Tomten suggested that the letter indicate City ordinance requires that Department of Interior standards be meet in projects involving structures on the National Register. Mr. Gag suggested, and it was the Commissions’ consensus, that staff write a letter citing City ordinance in support of Mr. Drews’ position. Regarding a request for renovation of a third-floor dormer to include a door and railing, Mr. Balay stated this proposal would not harm the character of the house and was a sensible addition. Mr. Tomten moved approval of the requested exterior changes -- replacement of the siding; repair/replacement of the roof; and renovation of the third-floor dormer -- with the condition that the applicant bring in final elevations for the new dormer. It was noted the motion does not specify the use of slate for the roof; materials will depend on the outcome of the applicant’s negotiations with his insurance carrier. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR.08-40 Design review for façade renovation, window replacement, new entry and walk-up window at 132 S. Main St. in the CBD, Central Business District. Mark S. Balay Architects, applicant. Continued from the Aug. 18, 2008, meeting. Mr. Balay said plans have been revised based on a 1870s photo of the building storefront. He said Dairy Queen no longer wants a corner entrance at Main and Chestnut, but would like to move the Main Street entrance and reintroduce the use of columns as shown in the 1870s photo. He said the revised plans include a new walk-up window/entrance on Chestnut Street. He noted there is already a window and door opening on Chestnut Street which has been covered up. Mr. Balay said the secondary entrance on Chestnut would provide for 9’ of storefront and a “store within a store.” Mr. Tomten questioned going to a new storefront bay instead of using the existing door and window. Mr. Balay pointed out the building is a non- contributing building due to its many alterations. Ms. Hudak said she would be happy to see the Main Street elevation go back to its original appearance. Mr. Gag said he thought the revisions 3 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission October 6, 2008 result in a better project. Mr. Lieberman suggested that the changes on Main Street represent a fair exchange for the proposal for the secondary entrance on Chestnut Street. Mr. Tomten moved to give concept approval of the new storefront/entrance on Chestnut Street and reintroducing the columns/revised entrance on Main Street. Ms. Hudak seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Don Empson presented his suggested changes in the format for phase 2 of the Heirloom Homes project. His proposed changes include the use of full-size photos and a more historical/narrative description of the homes. Members were in consensus that they like Mr. Empson’s format. Meeting was adjourned at 9 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 4