HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-16 HPC MINHeritage Preservation Commission
Special meeting March 16, 1998
Present: Roger Tomten, chairperson
Jeff Johnson, Howard Lieberman, Jay Michels and Brent Peterson
Absent: Katherine Francis, Robert Kimbrel and Frank Langer
Also present: Planner Sue Fitzgerald
Mayor Jay Kimble, Councilman Terry Zoller, Planning Commission Chair Jerry
Fontaine, developer John Roettger, Richard Kilty, Nancy Purcell and Mike Runk
The Heritage Preservation Commission held a special meeting March 16, 1998. Members
convened in the River View parking lot to analyze the impact Mr. Roettger's condominium
project could have from the Third/Fourth/Pine street area. Mr. Johnson had arranged to have
balloons launched from the condominium construction base on South Second Street; the balloons
were tied off at an elevation approximating that of the top floor of the condominiums — 825 feet.
Mr. Tomten called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. Members spent considerable time in small
group discussions and viewing the balloon from different vantage points from the parking lot.
The parking lot is at about 822 feet.
Mr. Tomten called the discussion back to the "table" at about 6:45. Mr. Tomten noted that after
several presentations and design changes, the most recent presented at the March 2 meeting, the
HPC's primary concern continues to be building proportion/massing and height.
Mr. Johnson said he is concerned with the height of the structure more than with any other issue
and said he felt that height and massing continue to be design guideline issues. He suggested that
Mr. Roettger consider eliminating one floor. Mr. Roettger pointed out the structure is within the
50 feet maximum at the Third Street elevation; he also provided drawings of the site in the
summer which indicated when trees are leafed out, the visual impact of the structure will be
mitigated.
Mr. Lieberman made a motion stating the HPC continues to be concerned with the overall mass
and height as issues related to the design guidelines established specifically for that site,
requesting that the developer continue working with staff, and that the developer return to the
HPC for final design review at the April meeting. Mr. Michels seconded the motion. Mr.
Johnson asked that the motion to amended to reflect a stronger concern that the height of the
structure is not to exceed design guidelines. Mr. Lieberman and Mr. Michels accepted that
amendment to the motion; motion passed 5 -0.
Case No. DR/98 -3 . Design review of exterior sign at 312 S. Main St., La Belle Vie restaurant.
Mike McKee was present representing the applicant, Tim McKee.
Mr. Tomten said subsequent to the March 2 meeting, Mr. McKee had agreed to withdraw the
proposal for a painted white background for the building signage. The proposed lettering style is
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representative of 1890s French poster art. Mr. Tomten said the proposed lighting is similar to the
lighting at Traditions — shepherd's hook fixtures placed above the signage.
Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval of the lettering style as proposed, with
no background, and the signage lighting to consist of three shepherd's hook fixtures placed on
the building above the signage. Mr. McKee said he thought back -lit channel lettering would
work better, and asked that the applicant be allowed to chose between the two methods of
lighting. Mr. Johnson noted that channel, back -lit lighting is not acceptable, according to the
downtown design guidelines. Motion as stated passed unanimously. The color of the perimeter of
the signage is to be in anodized metal tones.
Other business
Ms. Fitzgerald told members that the HPC needs to select the annual architectural preservation
award recipients at its April meeting. She noted that the list of possible recipients she had
provided was incomplete, specifically noting that the Carriage House at the Warden's House
Museum was not on the list.
Mr. Peterson moved to adjourn the meeting at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording Secretary
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