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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-09 HPC MINCity of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission September 9, 2009 Present: Howard Lieberman, Chair, Micky Cook, Gayle Hudak, Jeff Johnson, Jerry Krakowski, Roger Tomten and Scott Zahren Staff present: Planner Mike Pogge Chair Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Ms. Hudak, moved approval of the minutes of August 3, 2009. Motion called unanimously. OPEN FORUM Cynthia Kniesel, 1010 S. Sixth St., referred to a recent e -mail she had sent to members regarding a neighbor's garage. She said there is an ordinance that prohibits constructing a garage that is taller than the house. She said the garage in question is taller than her house and the neighbor's house. She questioned why the neighbors were allowed to build a garage that doesn't meet the requirements of the ordinance. She also wondered if there are any requirements that the old garage be torn down. Mr. Pogge said plans for the structure in question were reviewed about a year ago and he would have to look at comments /conditions made at that time. Mr. Pogge said an escrow was established for removal of the old garage; he noted that if the owner does not remove the structure, the City would have to initiate a civil action to remove the structure. Mr. Lieberman asked about the City's right of redress if the new garage has been built without a variance allowing the structure to be taller than the house; Mr. Pogge said the City would have to work with the property owner and potentially take civil action. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. DEM /09 -30 A demolition request for a residence at 223 Pine St. W. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Richard Van Horne, applicant. (Continued from August 3, 2009) Mr. Johnson said when the request was heard at the August meeting, the Commission's only concern was that the structure had not been advertised for sale, which has now been done. Mr. Johnson said questioned when the advertisement was published, noting that is not indicated on the copy of the advertisement. Mr. Pogge said he had made a copy of the ad when it was published in the paper. Mr. Lieberman moved approval of the demolition permit as all conditions of the ordinance have now been met. After Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing and no comments were received, Mr. Johnson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/09 -38 Infill design review of a residence at 706 Holcombe St. S. in the NCD, Neighborhood Conservation District. Richard Beberg, applicant. Mr. Lieberman reviewed the request and the staff report. The applicant was present. He explained that after the home was destroyed by a fire earlier this year, plans were submitted to the insurance company using the same footprint as the original structure. The only change, he said, is that an enclosed porch on the left side of the original structure is proposed to be replaced with an open, exterior porch on the right hand side of the house. He said the new plans utilize the same foundation and basically they just want to rebuild the same house as before. City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission September 9, 2009 Mr. Lieberman noted that several of the infill design guidelines were referred to staff in discussing the proposed plans, specifically design guidlines13 and 16 as those guidelines relate to the front porch and fagade. He read the staff comments which suggest that if the second floor is moved forward and flush with the first floor, it would eliminate the need for multiple gables on the front elevation and an appropriate shed roof could be placed over the porch. Mr. Zahren said looking at the plans, he did not find the porch plans "offensive." Mr. Johnson noted the plans as presented force the second floor windows off to the corner, noting the windows would be more balanced for the width of the building if the second floor is brought out; however, he noted the porch that wraps around the house on the north side makes that change difficult. Mr. Beberg stated that bringing the second floor out would be more costly and the insurance company may have some reservations about that. The applicant's contractor pointed out that funding is limited due to the insurance proceeds; he also pointed out that they would like to get the project going as the applicant is currently living in temporary housing. The applicant's representative also referred to the various styles of houses in the surrounding neighborhood. Mr. Lieberman agreed there is a mix of architectural styles in the neighborhood, which would suggest there is nothing inherently incompatible with the proposed plans. Mr. Tomten provided some suggestions /sketches utilizing more of a four - square style architecture with a hipped roof over the main massing of the house and lowering the pitch of the roof on the front gable, which would allow the windows to be moved off the corner a bit more and give the front elevation a bit more balance. Mr. Johnson noted utilizing those suggestions would not change the footprint of the house at all nor change the setback of where the two story portion of the house begins. Mrs. Beberg explained some of her intentions for design elements that would make the home fit better into the neighborhood and the City as a whole. There was discussion of the craftsman style of architecture. Mr. Beberg and his contractor agreed that the suggestions provided by Mr. Tomten and Mr. Johnson would be workable and likely the most economic solution to the concerns. In discussion, Mr. Johnson suggested that a portion of the porch across the front of the house could be enclosed as long as the windows are treated the same. Mr. Lieberman opened the public hearing. David Simonet, 600 S. Holcombe St., asked whether the new structure would be built on the existing foundation or a new foundation. The contractor explained the house would be built on the existing foundation that is in the back of the house, where the addition was constructed; the portion of the foundation under the original house is deteriorating and will have to be removed and replaced. Mr. Simonet asked about the height of the new house; the contractor said the house would be a full two stories. Mr. Simonet said he had no concerns about the height but said several neighbors with swimming pools had expressed some concern. No other comments were received, and the hearing closed. Mr. Johnson suggested that the hip on the detached garage be brought to the front to be consistent with the house as viewed from the street and moved to approve plans, as sketched by Mr. Tomten, for both for the house and the garage. Mr. Beberg noted there has been a lot of ice flow on the driveway which is why the garage was shown as proposed, but said he would made the change if that is an issue. Mr. Lieberman seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. DESIGN REVIEWS Case No. DR/09 -35 Design review of an awning, Compass Center for Healing, at 116 Chestnut St. E. in the CBD, Central Business District. Althea Ennen, applicant. 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission September 9, 2009 The applicant was present. Mr. Lieberman reviewed the request. Mr. Johnson affirmed that there would be no other signage other than on the awning. The applicant stated no other signage is proposed but said she would like to change the color of the stucco from the existing white. Ms. Ennen said she was unaware there was an issue with changing the color of the awning to the gold, noting the intent was to utilize a copper color similar to the copper patina seen elsewhere in the downtown area. Mr. Lieberman moved to approve as presented. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion. Mr. Tomten spoke to the intent of the design guidelines related to awnings, noting that traditionally verbiage was not placed on awnings as the intent of an awning was to provide protection from the sign and awnings were often rolled up at night and during the winter, not serve as signage; thus the guidelines suggest that any verbiage be placed on the side panels or the valance. However, Mr. Tomten said in this case, he is OK with placing the verbiage on the awning as requested as the next building occupant will most likely take the awning down as it has outlived its useful life. Mr. Lieberman pointed out that generally other requests for signage on awnings have been part of a request for multiple signs. Ms. Cook also noted that the applicant inherited an awning with signage; Ms. Cook spoke to the intent of the design guidelines in the historic district and said she had some concern with moving away from the historic feel. Ms. Cook said she thought the color is too bright and said she did not like the fact that the awning was simply painted. Ms. Hudak spoke in favor of having some color in town, not necessarily shocking pink but something to provide some vitality. Mr. Johnson said his concern was not necessarily with the color but with the signage on the awning when there is space up above for the placement of a sign. The applicant stated she would not be opposed to doing that and in fact liked that idea. Mr. Lieberman moved to amend the motion on the table. Mr. Johnson suggested that the amendment be that the awning be approved as submitted and with the color proposed but the sign, of the same size presented, be placed on the stucco band above the awning rather than on the awning itself. Mr. Lieberman accepted that amendment to the motion. Mr. Zahren seconded the amended motion; motion carried unanimously. Case No. DR/09 -36 Design review of a projecting sign, This Love of Mine, at 412 Main St. S. in the CBD, Central Business District. Signcrafters, Mike Lawrence, applicant. The applicant was not present. There was discussion as to where the proposed sign would be placed. Mr. Pogge said he believed the sign would be placed to the right of the planter shown in the photo in the packet. Mr. Lieberman asked whether the sign would exceed the allowable size if the frame is included; it was noted the frame is not included when calculating the allowable size. Mr. Zahren moved to approve the sign as conditioned. Mr. Krakowski seconded the motion. Mr. Lieberman suggested adding a condition that the location be submitted to staff for approval. Mr. Zahren and Mr. Krakowski accepted that suggestion as an amendment to the motion. Amended motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/09 -37 Design review for an accessory dwelling unit at 315 Olive St. W. in the RB, Two Family Residential District. Mark Balay Architects, representing Jeff Anderson and Greg Stokes, applicant. 3 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission September 9, 2009 Mr. Lieberman reviewed the request and staff findings. Mr. Balay noted the unit is not intended to match the main house but be complimentary to the house. Mr. Balay explained plans regarding connections to sewer and water; Mr. Pogge said the requirement now is that connections, specifically water, be made to a public main, not off other connections on the property. Mr. Balay questioned having to connect to the main in the street which would require tearing up a street that has just been improved; Mr. Lieberman pointed out that is an issue not under the purview of the HPC. There was discussion as to the logic behind the requirement regarding the connection issue. Mr. Lieberman moved to approve Case No. DR/09 -37 as proposed with conditions a and b as listed in the staff report, with no opinion offered on condition c (requirement to connect directly to public sanitary sewer and water service mains) as listed in the report. Mr. Johnson about the elevation for the right side, suggesting that the window placement appears awkward; Mr. Balay explained the proposed window placement but said changing that would not be a problem. Mr. Johnson suggested adding a condition that the window on the right side (north elevation) be over -under with the position of the second -story window. Mr. Johnson asked about the siding; Mr. Balay said it would have the same profile as the house. Mr. Johnson asked about lighting; Mr. Balay said it would likely be placed up high with a goose -neck fixture. Mr. Johnson spoke in favor of soffit lighting, rather than wall sconces. Mr. Johnson asked that the motion include conditions regarding the over -under position of the windows, that the drop siding be of similar looking material as the house and that the lighting be either recessed or soffit style lighting at the doors and porches. Mr. Lieberman accepted those as friendly amendments to the motion. Mr. Zahren seconded the motion. Ms. Cook asked about the required off - street parking; Mr. Pogge stated the required four spaces is the minimum. Motion passed unanimously. NEW BUSINESS South Main Street Archaeological District — Mr. Pogge noted this study was done in part because of the new bridge project and also as part of the cultural landscape district discussions. He noted this affects three property owners, the Department of Transportation, the City of Stillwater, and one private property owner. There was some discussion as to potential impacts of the formation of the district on future projects, including the relocation of the Shoddy Mill buildings. Mr. Lieberman asked if anyone would be in attendance at the State Review Board meeting on Oct. 20; Mr. Pogge said he planned to attend. Mr. Lieberman suggested that the Review Board be told that the HPC has read the report and is totally supportive of the project views expressed. Mr. Lieberman made that in the form of a motion; Mr. Johnson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. OTHER BUSINESS Post Office project — Mr. Pogge stated the City had received the building permit plans and there have been a number of changes. The biggest change, he said, is due to the decision by the Postal Service that it needs more space and will essentially take up the entire first floor. Mr. Johnson pointed out that will mean there will be a front entry into the Post Office as the HPC had wanted. Mr. Pogge stated the plan now call for almost a complete third floor, rather than just a mezzanine area as in the original plans. On a question by Ms. Cook, Mr. Pogge said the addition to the third floor does not dramatically change the scale of the building, noting that the roof, pitch and tower height all stay the same. Mr. Pogge said the new plans call for an exterior set of stairs on the east elevation, a box out; he said according to code, the second set of stairs 0 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission September 9, 2009 does not have to be enclosed. Mr. Pogge also referred to a change in the style of windows, with plans now providing for a modified colonial style of windows. Mr. Lieberman suggested these changes are significant and he would like to see the plans come back before the HPC. Mr. Johnson said the change to accommodate headroom for the third floor takes away from the shape of the roof, especially from the south and front elevation. It was consensus to have the applicant come back for discussion at the next HPC meeting. It was suggested that the applicant be reminded to provide complete sets of elevations, as well as remind the applicant that the HPC would like the Post Office identification placed on the front elevation, especially since the Post Office will now occupy the entire first floor. New River crossing — Mr. Pogge gave a Power Point presentation on the work of the St. Croix River Crossing Project Visual Quality Advisory Committee, preferred designs, and the project timetable. There was discussion as to whether the cables are structurally required or whether they are "window dressing." Mr. Pogge spoke of changes in plans for a proposed trail connection /pedestrian walkway. Mr. Johnson spoke of the possibility of making the pedestrian way lower than the rest of the bridge such as is utilized on Highway 61 at Gooseberry Falls; Mr. Tomten said that was suggested during the earlier design review discussions. Ms. Hudak raised the issue of wind velocity and possible impact on pedestrian traffic. Mr. Pogge reviewed lighting options, minimum lighting options, as well as pedestrian lighting and aesthetic lighting features. It was consensus that the Commission favored some design lighting; there was discussion as to possible lighting sources for the cables /tower. Water Street Inn — Mr. Johnson brought up several issues with the Water Street Inn, including draped lighting that comes off the top of the building that can be seen from Pioneer Park, canopies with brand name advertising, temporary advertising banners that have been on the railing for more than 30 days, the plywood structure used as the outdoor bar, the fire escape that should have been enclosed many years ago. Mr. Zahren pointed out there are many establishments that have the umbrellas with the brand name advertising. It was noted that is just one of many violations at this establishment. Mr. Johnson said the Council must direct staff to enforce violations, but suggested that the HPC could ask staff to forward that request to the Council. Mr. Pogge stated the issue with the trash enclosure is being addressed. Mr. Johnson asked Mr. Pogge to ask the Council, on the HPC's behalf, to enforce at this particular property violations of the sign ordinance, the life and safety building code for the fire escape violations, outdoor liquor sales in the plywood fish house, banner and lighting, and trash enclosure. Mr. Zahren asked whether the issue with advertising on umbrellas should be included, suggesting that the Council should direct staff to address all signage violations. Mr. Pogge talked about political reality regarding signage issues. Mr. Tomten suggested rather than singling out one business, do it across the board. Mr. Pogge stated he could look into the issue of the fire escape at the Water Street Inn since that is a code matter. There was continued discussion. Mr. Johnson asked Ms. Cook if she thought the Council might be supportive of a request to begin the process of getting signage into compliance as the summer season is winding down. Ms. Cook said, while she could not speak for the Council, she would support that and said she thought doing that would be consistent with the Council's efforts to address the issue with garbage enclosures. Ms. Cook said she thought it would be important not to single out any specific business. She suggested it might be good to get an inventory of signs and other items that need to be cleaned up; Mr. Pogge said that has been done and well over 100 different 5 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission September 9, 2009 violations were discovered downtown. Mr. Lieberman suggested asking the Council to look at categories of violations — umbrella violations, signage violations, etc. so one business is not singled out. Mr. Lieberman acknowledged Phil Eastwood's contributions to the Commission. There was discussion of a recommendation from the Washington County Historical Society regarding a person to fill the vacancy created by Mr. Eastwood's death. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tomten, moved to adjourn at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 0