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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-10-05 HPC MIN0 0 Heritage Preservation Commission Oct. 5, 1998 Present: Roger Tomten, chairperson Jeff Johnson, Frank Langer, Howard Lieberman and Brent Peterson Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald; Diane Martinek, Stillwater Gazette Absent: Katherine Francis, Robert Kimbrel and Jay Michels Mr. Tomten called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. He welcomed students from Stillwater Area High School and explained the function of the HPC for their benefit. Approval of minutes Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved approval of the minutes of Sept. 9, 1998; all in favor. Case No. DEW98 -3 Public Hearing for a demolition request for a residence at 1817 N. Second St. Richard Edstrom, applicant. Mr. Tomten opened the Public Hearing and briefly reviewed the requirements of the City's Demolition Ordinance. Mr. Edstrom briefly restated his case: the structure has been certified as being dilapidated beyond repair and represents a hazard to the neighborhood. He said he has no plans to replace the structure, especially in view of the building moratorium on the North Hill. Chuck Donnelly, 1900 N. Third St., who owns property across the street from Mr. Edstrom's, was present to speak to the issue. He said he understood why Mr. Edstrom wants to tear the structure down, but hoped that any replacement structure would maintain the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Edstrom stated he was aware of the sensitivity regarding maintaining the character of the neighborhood and said when a replacement structure is built, it will not detract from the neighborhood. No one else was present to speak to the matter, and Mr. Tomten closed the Public Hearing. Mr. Lieberman echoed the concern about a replacement structure and urged Mr. Edstrom to think seriously about what type of structure might add to the character of the community. Mr. Langer noted that as a group, the HPC is generally opposed to demolishing a structure, but said Mr. Edstrom's property has been in a state of disrepair for years and it has been shown the structure is uninhabitable. Mr. Peterson, seconded by Mr. Langer, moved to approve the request; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Tomten suggested that Mr. Edstrom pick up a copy of the Dutchtown Survey to assist in future development plans. 0 0 Heritage Preservation Commission Oct. 5, 1998 Case No. DEM198 -4 Public Hearing for a demolition request for a residence at 404 S. Grove St. Frank Biedny, applicant. Mr. Tomten opened the Public Hearing; there was no one present to speak to the request. Mr. Johnson noted the HPC had reviewed the materials required for the demolition permit at the September meeting. The house is in poor condition, and there have been a lot of additions to the structure not in keeping with the historic nature of the building. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to approve the request. There was some discussion as to plans for a replacement structure. Mr. Biedny said he plans to build a split level home which will blend into the surrounding 1960s housing; he also said he would be willing to work with the HPC in developing plans. Mr. Biedny also answered a concern regarding a large maple tree by stating the tree will be preserved. Mr. Tomten provided Mr. Biedny with some materials as to how to protect trees during construction. Motion of approval passed unanimously. Case No. DR/98 -37 Design review of exterior signage at 113 S. Main St. Susan Smith, applicant. Ms. Smith was attending a City Chamber function and was unable to be in attendance. Ms. Fitzgerald reviewed the request and provided color samples. It was clarified that the two requested signs wold be six square feet each and placed on the Water Street side of the building; the signs will not be lighted. There was some concern regarding the requested "Second Floor" directional signage and the possibility of other businesses on Main Street requesting such signage; Ms. Fitzgerald said the HPC could recommend that the directional signage be placed on the glass of the door. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the request, with the conditions that the two signs be six square feet each and in the proportions as shown in the submitted drawing; that the signs be placed a minimum of eight feet above the sidewalk; that the signs not be lighted; and eliminating the Second Floor signage. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/97 -25 The applicant was not present, and the case was continued until the November meeting. Case No. DR/98 -38 Design review of exterior signage and canopy at 421 S. Main St. Gerri Larson, applicant. Ms. Larson was present. She said there is no awning valance; the lettering will be on the slant portion of the awning. The awning will be of the same size and color (swatch provided) as Esteban's, and the lettering will be of the same height. Ms. Fitzgerald said she would like to see a mockup of the awning, stating a concern that the word "The" might be too much. Mr. 2 0 0 Heritage Preservation Commission Oct. 5, 1998 Lieberman asked about deleting the apostrophes from the lettering shown in the packet; Ms. Larson said the apostrophes were included only for the agenda packet. Ms. Lieberman, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval as conditioned, with the additional condition that the final plan be reviewed by staff; that the awning not be lighted; and that there be no apostrophes included in the lettering. Motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/98 -39 Design review of exterior signage and canopy at 1570 Frontage Road W. Vincent Lin, applicant. Mr. Tomten noted the lettering should be placed on the lower portion of sign band at a height to be consistent with neighboring businesses, such as the Embroidery Shop. Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval as conditioned, with the lettering to be placed at a height in the sign band consistent with adjacent businesses and that the awning be non - illuminated; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Lin asked about signage in the window; he was informed that it is allowable to use up to one -third of the window glass for signage. Case No. V/DR/98 -18 Design review of building addition to Ascension Episcopal Church, 214 N. Third St. James Whipkey and Bob Ayres representing Ascension Episcopal Church. Present for the discussion were James Whipkey, Bob Ayres, Jane Stillman and Jim Christopherson. Mr. Whipkey reviewed the design plans prepared by Bentz, Thompson, Rietow Inc. Mr. Johnson asked about building materials. Mr. Whipkey said the plans is for a "seamless design," maintaining the same brick and detailing. He said the church undertook a re- pointing project about 10 years ago, and he is sure the existing exterior can be replicated. Mr. Johnson also asked about plans for treatment of the railing/stairways on the Third Street elevation, noting there are a lot of stairs traversing the front; he said such details can add or detract to the overall project. Mr. Langer also asked about landscaping. Members were very supportive of the plans as presented. Mr. Johnson suggested as this point, the HPC could give preliminary approval, with elevations, samples of colors and materials, lighting, etc. to be reviewed as the project progresses. Mr. Tomten said he felt that the project was going in the right direction and suggested that the HPC might want to give some indication of that feeling to the Planning Commission. Mr. Johnson moved to give concept approval with elevations, materials, samples, landscape and lighting plans to be reviewed by the HPC in more detail as the project progresses and to encourage the Planning Commission to look at the land use /setting of a traditional church close in to the community as appropriate. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; all in favor. Heritage Preservation Commission Oct. 5, 1998 Case No. DR/98 -40 Design review of exterior signage and landscape plan for Heartland Office Village at Tower Road and Northwestern Avenue. John Low, applicant. Mr. Low questioned the requirement for berming of the complex. Ms. Fitzgerald said that is a relatively new requirement. Mr. Johnson noted the berming is especially pertinent to this project as there is a significant amount of parking. There was a discussion of signage. The plans are for a monument sign on Tower which will identify the complex, Heritage Office Village, and indicate a bank entrance. Mr. Johnson noted that by ordinance the maximum height allowable for the monument sign is six feet. The tenants will be identified on a pylon sign on Northwestern; Mr. Johnson noted by ordinance the pylon can be 20 feet in height. The signs will be of the same color as the buildings (samples provided). Ms. Fitzgerald noted the applicant had provided a schedule of plant materials, but said she would like to see more details of the treatment of the berm. Mr. Johnson noted there are also some issues regarding lighting. Mr. Low said he would be happy to come back with additional details regarding signage and lighting. Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, with the additional condition that the signage meet ordinance requirements for size and height; that the final treatment of the berm and landscape plan be approved by staff; and that a lighting plan be submitted and reviewed by staff. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; all in favor. Ms. Fitzgerald asked for some direction as to lighting requirements. Members suggested the follow: parking lot lighting be provided by sodium box lighting on overhead poles; no building wall packs; soffit lighting be allowed at the entrances /corners. Other business: • Request to paint an 8' x 16' sign on the exterior wall of the former Harvest States feed store warehouse at 410 S. Main St. James Succo was present to outline the request. He provided a drawing of the proposed Stillwater Farm Store sign which will be painted by artist Randy Raduenz. The signage will be located on the north elevation warehouse wall. Mr. Johnson asked about signage on the Main Street elevation. Mr. Succo noted the only Main Street signage is located in the glass above the door. Mr. Langer said he had a problem with painting signage directly on the wall. Mr. Peterson and Mr. Johnson noted the building in question was built in the late 1940s and is not a contributing building to the historic downtown district. 4 Heritage Preservation Commission Oct. 5, 1998 Mr. Johnson made several suggestions, such as placing the signage higher on the building and scaling the signage down slighting to provide a better balance to the background space. Mr. Succo said he would pass those suggestions on to Mr. Raduenz. Mr. Lieberman moved approval with the condition that the signage not be lighted, that it be placed on the north elevation of the building, and that consideration be given to the suggestion that the signage be scaled down slightly. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion; all in favor. • Request to construct a 430 foot long car port for the Minnesota Zephyr. Ron Gullickson of Old Home Restoration and Russ Hultman, building materials supplier, were present to outline the request and review plans for the structure. The structure, as proposed, will be constructed of cedar, stained and shingled to match the Zephyr depot. There will be some low level lighting under the canopy on the Main Street side, and some venting for heat /fumes. The structure is similar to the pedestrian structure at the old depot (on Main Street), they noted. There would be no signage. Much of the discussion centered on ways to break up the linear look of the structure. Mr. Johnson suggested the possibility of making the structure 12 to 18 inches taller, bringing down the slope of the overhang and providing accent points in several locations. Members agreed that more detailed plans should be provided. Mr. Johnson moved approval with the condition that the applicant(s) return with additional details regarding lighting, entrance features /overhangs on the west elevation, colors and shingle materials to match the Zephyr depot trim and body colors, and that Ms. Fitzgerald be provided with construction/design plans. Mr. Lieberman seconded the motion; all in favor. • Lighting of Amoco service stations Mr. Tomten and Ms. Fitzgerald reported on conversations they had had with the Amoco representative. The discussion was a matter of "where do we go from here ?, what's the best we can hope for?" Mr. Lieberman suggested allowing slightly dropped lighting at the Croixwood Boulevard and Greeley Street stations if the applicant will agree to having flat lens, flush with the ceiling lighting at the downtown station. Mr. Tomten will communicate that with the Amoco representative. • Other items Mr. Peterson noted DiaSorin did not remove one of the flags as the HPC had conditioned. It was noted that Eagle Valley Bank has an ATM machine, as does Central Bank, which are not enclosed as was required of Norwest Bank. 5 0 0 Heritage Preservation Commission Oct. 5, 1998 Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Mr. Langer, moved to adjourn at 9:50 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary Co