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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-01-04 HPC MINCity of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission Jan. 4, 2010 Present: Howard Lieberman, chair Micky Cook, Robert Goodman, Jeff Johnson, Roger Tomten, Scott Zahren Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Mr. Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Mr. Johnson, moved to approve the minutes of Dec. 7, 2009. Motion passed unanimously. OPEN FORUM No comments were received. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM /10 -01 A demolition request for a detached single -car garage at 510 Olive St. W. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Douglas and Kelly Marthaler, applicants. Mr. Marthaler addressed the Commission, stating that he thought their plans will add to the view of the property as the existing garage is quite an "eyesore." He said the new garage will match the style of the main house. Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing. No comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Lieberman noted that the nine steps required for the issuance of a demolition permit have been completed. On a question from Mr. Johnson, the applicant stated there has been no interest expressed in response to advertisements for the sale of the existing garage. Mr. Johnson pointed out the existing garage is not of the same vintage as the main structure, and moved to approve the demolition request as submitted with the replacement structure as outlined in the submitted plans. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DEM /DR/10 -02 A demolition request for a 1 -1/2 story residence and single -car garage and to consider a request for review of a new residence in compliance with the Neighborhood Conservation District (RB, Two Family Residential District) requirements located at 1220 Fourth Ave. S. Terry O'Brien, applicant. Mr. O'Brien was present. Mr. Lieberman acknowledged the completeness of the O'Briens' application packet. Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing. Peter Hovland, 1222 Fourth Ave. S., spoke in support of the plans and said he thought the plans would result in a great improvement to the neighborhood. The resident of 1215 Fourth Ave. S. also spoke in support of the proposal and said he thought the new home would fit in nicely with the neighborhood. No other comments were received, and the hearing was closed. Mr. Lieberman said based on his own observations and comments provided in the letter from Don Empson, it seems clear that once was salvageable and a piece of the City's history has been lost. However, Mr. Lieberman said he would like to see whatever can be saved of the original structure utilized to the extent possible. Mr. O'Brien said they are hoping to utilize some of the original rafter or floor joists for table tops or similar uses; he said it would be hard to know what might be usable until they begin the process of taking the original structure apart. Mr. Johnson noted that in the spring this house often sits in the water so the site has been not friendly to preserving the house due to the nature of the grading in the area; he also noted there have been a lot of alterations to the original structure. Mr. Lieberman moved to approve the demolition permit. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Regarding the design review of the new structure, Mr. O'Brien explained the new structure would be a single - family residence, with primary living area and master bedroom on the main floor and a two -car detached garage to reduce the mass of the house. He said they anticipate the need to remove only two trees. He said they look forward to living in the neighborhood. He said the house was designed by a South Carolina architectural firm, with some modifications required for the Minnesota climate; he said they would remove the rear porch shown on the southwest corner, would add atrium doors on the dining room south side, would have a full basement, and would not have an external chimney. He also noted some adjustment to the roof pitch may be necessary for snow loads. He also stated there may be some small window additions from what is shown in the plans. Mr. Johnson asked about siding and trim materials; Mr. O'Brien said they would utilize hardi -plank siding, with the perimeter likely trimmed with limestone. Mr. Tomten said he thought plans do a good job of pulling together an architectural vernacular from old Stillwater. Mr. Johnson said he thought the level of detail such as the frieze boards beneath the windows is what helps the plans along. On a question by Mr. Johnson, Mr. O'Brien said the garage will be of similar proportions /materials as the main structure. Mr. Johnson suggested that the applicant be very careful of the grading due to previous drainage issues. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the plans as submitted. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion. Mr. Johnson reminded the applicant to submit modifications to Mr. Pogge. Motion passed unanimously. DESIGN REVIEWS Case No. DR /09 -02 Design review of signage for building located at 228 Chestnut St. E. (Dairy Queen) in the CBD, Central Business District. Wally Schoumaker, applicant. The applicant was present. Mr. Lieberman reviewed the request for a wall sign on the Chestnut Street side of the building for second floor tenants. It was noted there is an existing projecting sign on the Chestnut Street elevation, which the applicant would like to keep. Mr. Schoumaker provided photos of the building before it was purchased by the current owner and an enlargement of what the proposed sign would look like on the building. Mr. Tomten asked about the total allowable signage space for the building, noting that this proposal would still result in the total signage being under the maximum allowable square footage. Mr. Tomten said he likes to consider a ratio of 40% of a sign as background, while this design appears to be more background than lettering; he suggested the design as proposed might be difficult to read. Mr. Tomten said he likes the proportion of the proposed sign but would look at ways to beef up the font. Mr. Lieberman said in terms of the possible setting of precedence, he was not troubled because there are two very distinct uses in this building -- Dairy Queen with its distinctive signage and the second -floor tenant usage; because of the two distinctive uses, he suggested, it doesn't make sense to have one sign package for the entire building. Mr. Johnson said the proposed sign fits the intent of a sign package for professional tenants with changeable tenant listing, and he noted this does provide identification for the entrance for the second -floor tenants. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the signage as submitted, with reference to the fact that the Main Street stair entrance for the second floor will have signage incorporated into the glass area of the door only and be unlit. Mr. Schoumaker asked if lighting would be allowed for the sign on the Chestnut Street elevation in the future; it was noted that request would have to come back before the Heritage Preservation Commission with details as to the type of fixture, etc. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion. Ms. Cook asked about the material of the sign; Mr. Schoumaker explained the sign would be made of materials to withstand the elements. Motion to approve as conditioned passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS • Mr. Pogge told the Commission the City has received the grant for $4,260 for the Hersey Bean project. He asked for a volunteer to meet with the consultant in developing plans for the stabilization of the wall. Mr. Lieberman referred to a letter from the Historical Society regarding some available grants. Mr. Pogge said the City would be applying for the grant in question again this year and apply for a state grant as the City match for the federal funding. Mr. Pogge provided a possible design for the parking ramp signage. The preliminary design provides for a sign of about 18 square feet, which he said staff would argue fits the mass of the building. He also noted the existing brackets are 3' apart which would require some modification if a smaller sign is utilized. Ms. Cook asked about the colors. Mr. Pogge stated the green is the color utilized in other City parking areas; he said he was unsure as to the reasoning for the use of red. Mr. Pogge said the intent would be to utilize the City logo and have the green extended. Mr. Johnson asked to look at the design of other City parking signage as compared to this proposal; Mr. Pogge provided the sample of the design as requested. During discussion at the table, members indicated that the use of directional signage would make the parking ramp sign redundant. Mr. Pogge stated the parking ramp consultant believes visible signage is a critical element, and he noted that especially for visitors, the signage on the ramp is important. Mr. Johnson said he believes the most important sign would be the one on Commercial and Main directing people to the ramp, and he noted the proposed building sign is of no value to folks on Main or those coming from north on Second. Mr. Pogge noted that all the parking signage would be revised before spring. In discussion, it was suggested that directional signage accomplishes getting folks to the ramp and the projecting signage on the ramp is after the fact. Mr. Pogge said the proposal follows the sign package prepared by the City's parking ramp consultants. Mr. Tomten questioned redesigning a whole new parking program for this building and said he thought the program in place is working and people understand the "P." Mr. Johnson noted the size of the projecting sign doesn't meet the City ordinance and said he did not see the justification for it; he said he could see a larger sign off Main Street at Commercial and some advance signage on Main Street. Mr. Pogge said he would pass the comments along. Ms. Cook asked about scheduling a retreat as discussed at the previous meeting. Mr. Pogge said Community Development Director Turnblad had suggested possibly scheduling a joint workshop meeting with the City Council prior to a Commission retreat, getting the Council in the loop prior to the HPC setting any directions for itself. Mr. Lieberman suggested that the Commission ought to get together as a group to discuss its feelings on issues first or it would not be a very useful partner in a dialogue with the Council. Mr. Johnson said he thought the idea of an informal retreat would be to get some ideas to put forth to the Council for input. Ms. Cook said she would be happy to bring the issue of a retreat before the Council and let the Council know this is something the Commission would like to do. On a question by Mr. Goodman, it was noted that a retreat would require publication and other requirements of the Open Meeting law. There was discussion of possible retreat topics — demolition, signage, jurisdiction of the HPC, what other communities are doing in the area of preservation, enforcement, expansion of infill guidelines, exterior lighting. Mr. Zahren suggested having a third -party moderator for the retreat; Mr. Tomten and Ms. Cook said they envisioned more of a free flowing exchange of ideas, and Mr. Lieberman noted there is no budget for a facilitator. There was discussion of possible times; it was consensus that a Sunday afternoon would work for members. In further discussion, it was suggested that two sessions might be required — one to prioritize topics and a second to more fully discuss the prioritized topics. Mr. Tomten suggested the retreat discussion might be used to set a yearly work plan to address the topics. Mr. Pogge noted that staff resources must be considered. Mr. Lieberman spoke of the HPC's mission of maintaining the historical integrity of the City. • Mr. Johnson asked about the vacancy on Commission. Mr. Pogge stated the vacancy is being advertised. There was discussion of people who might be interested in serving. Mr. Zahren, seconded by Mr. Goodman, moved to adjourn at 9 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary