HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-02-05 HPC MINHERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Feb. 5, 1996
Present: Chairman Jeff Johnson
Katherine Francis, Robert Kimbrel, Howard Lieberman,
Jay Michels, Brent Peterson and Roger Tomten
Others: Susan Fitzgerald and Steve Russell, planning
Chairman Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
Approval of minutes Mr. Johnson asked that the minutes regarding . ase No.
DR/95 -21 be corrected to indicated that heating and ventilation : ents, in
addition to plumbing vents, be consolidated at the north elevatic:; to the
extent possible. Mr. Michels, seconded by Mr. Peterson, moved approval of
the minutes of Jan. 3, 1996, as corrected.
Case No. DR/96 -29 Design review of 93 -unit condominium with parking
ramps at 304 S. Second St. Peter Gerrard, applicant. Mr. Johnson removed
himself from this discussion due to his employment with SEH; Mr. Kimbrel
acted as chairman.
Mr. Gerrard and a representative of SEH, the firm that has now been
retained to provide architectural design services, were present for the
discussion. The architect went through some conceptual designs which
show the complex as four separate building, a "village -like" concept,
rather than one attached building.
Mr. Michels suggested that the developers need to be more realistic
regarding access to the parking area. He said he did not think access from
Olive Street would work. The architect replied that the Olive Street
entrance is based on providing secure residential parking that may not
work with a Second Street access. He also noted the developers are asking
for a variance to allow the buildings to be brought to the property line to
maximize parking. Mr. Russell noted the public purpose of the project is to
provide public parking, and he said it would be important that the public
parking access be from Second Street.
Mr. Tomten suggested that when mechanical units are added to the
buildings, the views from Third Street could become an issue. Mr. Russell
agreed with that concern and said it would be helpful to see slides and
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t .
photos overlaid on the plans to determine the impact from various
elevations.
One of the major concerns expressed by members was the mass of the
structures. Mr. Russell asked about materials, and he said he would like to
see the buildings "stepped back" off Olive Street as is shown in plans for
Second Street.
Mr. Kimbrel said he liked the concept plans that were presented.
The architect noted the peak construction and marketing season is fast
approaching and said the developers were hoping for approval at the March
HPC meeting. He was advised to return with plans that are as specific as
possible, as well as the requested materials showing the impact on views
from different elevations.
Case No. DR/96 -30 Design review of exterior signs at 101 Water St. John
Berglund, applicant.
Mr. Tomten asked about the lettering and colors of the requested signs. Mr.
Berglund said the signs would be wood and hand painted. However, he had
no samples to provide.
Mr. Johnson asked about the placement of the conference center sign; he
suggested the best placement of the sign would be centered over the
actual masonry opening for the doorway, rather than the rest of the
building. Mr. Johnson also asked about lighting of the signs. Mr. Berglund
said there are no plans for lighting at this time, but in future, they would
probably like spotlights on all three signs. Mr. Johnson noted that due to
the high elevations of the signs on Chestnut street, the lighting would
have to be very focused to avoid creating a problem for traffic. Mr.
Johnson said he would like to see more information regarding layout,
colors, lettering, etc. Mr. Michels added he would like to see additional
information about where and how the signs would be hung, the type of
bracket, etc.
Mr. Russell suggested that perhaps an HPC member could work with the
applicant and review the colors and lighting. Mr. Russell also brought up
the issue of trash storage; trash is currently being stored outdoors. Mr.
Russell noted that Indoor storage of trash was an original condition of
approval. Either the trash must be stored indoors or the outdoor storage
area must be screened. Mr. Tomten said the trash storage issue must also
be brought back to the HPC.
Mr. Johnson moved to approve the requested signs, with the additional
condition that if the signs are lighted externally, the lights be directly
focused on the signs, and that colors, lettering, materials and design of
the signs be reviewed by staff and an HPC member. Mr. Tomten suggested
adding the condition that lighting be reviewed when, and if, the signs are
externally lighted. Mr. Lieberman seconded the motion; motion passed
unanimously. Mr. Tomten and Mr. Johnson will review the detailed signage
plans along with staff.
Case No. DR/96 -31 This case was continued.
Case No. DR/96 -32 Design review of an addition to Courage St. Croix, 1460
Curve Crest Blvd. Greg Hollenkamp, applicant.
Mr. Hollenkamp of KKE Architects and Mr. Peter Polga, director of Courage
St. Croix, were on hand for the request.
Mr. Hollenkamp noted the requested
than the 9,980 feet as noted in the
materials, colors and landscape plan.
addition is 11,600 square feet, rather
packet. He went through the plans, _
Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr.
Michels, moved approval
as conditioned. Mr.
Johnson
asked about the lighting
in the parking lot.
Mr.
Russell suggested
that the
light standards could
be
lowered from 25
to 20 feet in the new
parking
areas. It was agreed
to
amend condition
of
approval No. 2 to
include
lowering the height of
the
light standards to
20
feet.
There was some concern about pedestrian /wheelchair access to the
property. Mr. Russell said the city has plans to construct a sidewalk in the
area and suggested it might to good to include plans for pedestrian,
sidewalk access in the landscape plans.
Motion passed unanimously.
Case No. DR/96 -33 Design review of exterior signage at 301 S. Main St.
Mike Kranz, applicant.
Mr. Kranz was present requesting four signs -- the reuse of the existing
Simonet sign at the rear of the building; an awning running the full length
of the building, or about 90 feet; a sign underneath the awning at the
doorway; and a sign at the rear corner of the building.
• •
Most of the discussion centered on the awning. Members expressed a
concern about the proposed height of the awning. Mr. Kranz explained that
he was attempting to cover some unattractive masonry on the the building.
It was suggested that if Mr. Kranz used wooden signage across the front to
cover the masonry, it would allow the height of the awning to be reduced
and would allow the applicant to meet the one -to -one pitch requirement..
Mr. Kranz was amenable to that suggestion.
Members agreed the reuse of
The sign will be painted over ar
the "plaque" underneath the
acceptable if it is placed inside
fourth sign -- at the rear co
building only has two street 1
good exposure
the existing Simonet sign was acceptable.
d the original colors used. Members agreed
awning at the front entrance would be
the building's property line. Regarding the
ner of the building -- it was noted the
rontages, and the front sign will provide
Ms. Francis moved to approve the req
reuse of the existing Simonet sign, the
along the front of the building, and the
placed inside the property line, with t
and Mr. Tomten work with the applicant
signage. Mr. Johnson seconded the motion
uest as conditioned, allowing the
wooden signage and 4' x 4' awning
sign at the front entrance if it is
he additional condition that staff
on the design of the wooden front
. Motion passed unanimously.
Proposed concept for the Maple Island building. 217 N. Main St.
Tom Bader and Chuck Highbrink were on hand to provide a brief description
of their proposal for the building. The proposal includes a small hardware
and grocery store, office use and microbrewery /pub.
It was the consensus that the proposal was "moving in a good direction."
Review of the Demolition Ordinance
The ordinance was scheduled for its second reading at the next City
Council meeting. Mr. Johnson suggested adding language regarding the
definition of buildings of potential historic significance to 50 years of
age or older based on assessor's records. Mr. Johnson also provided Ms.
Fitzgerald with language clarifying Subdivision 6 Emergency Demolition.
Mr. Kimbrel suggested that the definition of "historically significant" was
not specific enough, and he said he would like to see a harsher penalty for
violation of the ordinance. As proposed, a violation of the ordinance would
be a "nuisance."
Mr. Lieberman asked whether being found guilty of a nuisance involves any
penalty. If there is no penalty involved, he suggested the ordinance would
be worthless. Mr. Lieberman suggested that an infraction of the ordinance
should be a misdemeanor.
Ms. Fitzgerald said she would check with City Attorney David Magnuson
regarding the penalty.
Other business
Ms. Fitzgerald
updated members
on the Pioneer Park Plan
and South Hill
study. The Sabin
District study will
be coming up soon. She
said 10 RFPs
had been sent,
with one response
received, that being from Noreen Roberts
and Tom Zahr.
It was noted the
annual HPC workshop will
be held at the
Lumber Baron's
hotel. May 12 -19
is Preservation Week and
members were
asked to think
about nominations
for the next meeting.
There was a brief discussion in which several members expressed their
frustration about the HPC's recommendations or conditions of approval not
being adhered to, for example the additional sign at Schoonover "s, trash
enclosures and the backlit sign at Cub Foods. Mr. Lieberman asked abut the
design review permit process that had been discussed at the workshop
with the City Council. Ms. Fitzgerald said she would report back on the _
status of that at the March meeting.
Election of chairperson
of chair e
Mr. Johnson noted that in future, the chairmanship will rotate from year to
year. Mr. Kimbrel, as vice chair in 1995, nominated himself for chairman
in 1996; Mr. Lieberman seconded that motion. Mr. Johnson nominated Mr.
Tomten as vice chair for 1996. Motions carried unanimously.
Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved to adjourn the meeting at
10:30 p.m.; all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Sharon Baker
Recording secretary