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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-01 HPC MINFA Heritage Preservation Commission June 1, 1998 Present: Roger Tomten, chairperson Katherine Francis, Jeff Johnson, Robert Kimbrel, Brent Peterson Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald Absent: Frank Langer, Howard Lieberman and Jay Michels Mr. Tomten called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved approval of the minutes of May 4, 1998; all in favor. Case No. DR/98 -15 Design review of exterior sign at 2600 Wildpines Lane. Shawn and Lessa Geary, applicants. The applicants were present for the discussion. Mr. Tomten briefly reviewed the design guidelines for the West Business Park and the desire to keep the Highway 5 entrance to the City of a more residential character. The allowable signage is a freestanding monument sign or wall signs on the building; the property already has a freestanding monument sign. He also noted it is permissible to use windows for signage. Mr. Geary spoke of the importance of signage to a retail business and showed photos of other signage in the nearby area. He also said the applicants desire to work within the guidelines and enhance the area. Ms. Geary noted the existing sign is hard to see because of the landscaping and the sign appears small. Mr. Johnson noted the architectural style of the building doesn't lend itself well to building signage as there is no sign band area, and he noted the building is farther back from the road than other businesses in the area. He suggested the visibility of the existing monument sign could be improved by ground lighting or enlarging the sign and moving it closer to the roadway. It was pointed out the sign could be 15 feet from the property line; it appears the existing sign is about 40 feet back from the property line. It also was noted in the discussion that it would be up to the applicants to negotiate with the other building tenants as to the use of the space on the monument. Mr. Tomten pointed out if the applicants focused on window signage and improving the existing monument sign, they would not need to go through the Planning Commission to obtain a variance. The Gearys agreed to take that approach. Members were asked about the proposed signage lettering style. Mr. Johnson said the style was acceptable, but perhaps the applicants might consider a bolder type. • Heritage Preservation Commission June 1, 1998 There was some question as to the maximum allowable square footage of the monument sign. It was agreed to table the request, with the allowable square footage to be verified by staff and the applicants to return with lettering style and lighting plan. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to table the request; all in favor. Case No. DR/98 -16 Design review of exterior sign at 423 S. Main St., Esteban's. Bob Tanner, applicant. Mr. Tanner was present. He provided a colored rendition of the proposed signage. The intent is to replace the existing sign; the lighting will remain the same. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved approval as conditioned; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/98 -17 Design review of one directional sign and one instant cash sign at 6001 Stillwater Blvd., Firstar Bank. Suburban Lighting, applicant. There was no representative of the applicant present, and the case was tabled until later in the meeting. When the case was brought back to the table, Mr. Johnson, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved to deny the requested directional sign and approve the instant cash sign on the existing pylon sign as recommended by staff. Vote was 4 -1, with Mr. Kimbrel opposed. Case No. DR198 -18 Case No. DR/98 -19 Case No. DR/98 -20 The applicant was not present for these cases. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to table; motion passed unanimously. Case No. SUP/DR/98 -32 Design review of renovation of existing commercial retail facility, 219 N. Main St. Mark Balay, applicant. Mr. Balay and Lee Bjerk, Images of the Past and Present, were on hand for the discussion. Mr. Balay reviewed design plans for the renovation of the existing auto parts store. Plans include expanding an existing walkway to provide for two store openings — the existing opening would be for access for an ATM machine. The new opening would be for Mr. Bjerk's business; a secondary opening on the south elevation would be for photo drop off. Potential use for the second floor includes studio space. As proposed, two pedestrian lights on 12 foot poles would be installed; awnings would be placed over Mr. Bjerk's business and potentially the second floor. Also requested was the placement of a large scale 3 -D camera on an existing post, and the painting of a mural featuring John Runk's symbolic eagle and turn-of- the - century ad copy on the south elevation. 2 • Heritage Preservation Commission June 1, 1998 Much of the discussion centered on the front elevation. Mr. Kimbrel expressed a concern about a lack of balance in the appearance of that elevation. Mr. Johnson suggested the possibility of moving the light post from the corner of the south elevation closer to the stairway; having the awning go the entire length of the front elevation; and moving the sign band to the middle of the building, centered beneath the three upper windows. Mr. Balay noted that moving the sign band is of concern due to the potential for additional tenants. He did agree that moving the light pole to the left of the stairway was a possibility. The discussion of the proposed mural centered on keeping the mural from becoming advertising. Mr. Balay agreed that the City needs to develop a graphics ordinance to prevent the proliferation of the use of murals for advertising live business. Mr. Bjerk asked whether the mural would be acceptable if it focused on Runk's photos rather than using Kodak advertising. Mr. Johnson moved approval as conditioned, with the additional conditions that the light pole at the south corner to moved to the stairway and that both lights be double luminaries; that the awning be extended across the entire front elevation, with the sign band as presented allowed; that the mural graphics be limited to Runk images and extend to just west of the existing window on the south elevation; that the camera box be allowed; and that staff review the awning style /colors and light pole styles. Mr. Bjerk asked for direction if a second mural is desired; Mr. Johnson said the applicant should eliminate Kodak as advertising. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion of approval; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DR/98 -21 Design review of exterior sign at 229 E. Chestnut St. David Christensen applicant. Mr. Christensen and his partner were present for the discussion. Mr. Johnson asked whether the applicant had considered the use of a projecting sign. He suggested that at that location, a projecting sign might provide for more visibility, especially to east/west traffic on Main Street, than a wall sign will. Mr. Tomten noted the location is one of the few storefronts with that type of glass block, and it is important that the glass remain; he suggested focusing on more signage in the window glass, along with a projecting sign. Mr. Christensen asked for some time to discuss the HPC's recommendations. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved to table discussion; all in favor. When the applicant returned, Mr. Christensen said they preferred to stay with the maximum allowable wall signage and use the existing exterior lights. Mr. Tomten pointed out that the existing lights may need some changes to accommodate a different sign; the applicants said they would be willing to come back if changes are necessary. 3 Heritage Preservation Commission June 1, 1998 Mr. Johnson moved approval of the requested signage as conditioned, with the additional condition that the sign not affect the existing glass block. Ms. Francis seconded the motion; all in favor. Case No. DR/98 -22 Design review of exterior renovation at 125 S. Main St. Janet Sawyer, applicant. Ms. Sawyer was present for the discussion. Members agreed the proposal represented a good effort to restore the building. Mr. Tomten asked whether the applicant had considering applying for the national tax credits available for restoration in an historic district. Most of the discussion centered on the removal of the middle band on the front elevation. Ms. Sawyer said if it is possible to do so, it will be done; she is just not sure whether it is architecturally feasible. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Johnson suggested that the applicant develop a sign plan to avoid future problems with tenants. Mr. Kimbrel added that any modifications are subject to review by Ms. Fitzgerald; Mr. Johnson volunteered to work with the applicant and Ms. Fitzgerald. Motion of approval passed unanimously. Ms. Francis, seconded by Mr. Kimbrel, moved to adjourn at 9:17 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 4