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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-12-06 HPC MINHERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Dec. 2, 1996 Present: Robert Kimbrel, chairman Katherine Francis, Jeff Johnson, Howard Lieberman (7:50 p.m.), Jay Michels, Brent Peterson, and Roger Tomten Others: Sue Fitzgerald, planning Chairman Kimbrel called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Approval of minutes Mr. Kimbrel noted Case No. DR/96 -35 listed in the Nov. 4 minutes should be Case No. DR/96 -38. He also said in the discussion regarding U.S. Bench, the minutes should reflect the fact that the city had received a letter from James Laskin of the City of Stillwater Chamber of Commerce indicating there is funding for up to four decorative benches. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tomten, moved approval of the minutes of Nov. 4, 1996, as corrected; all in favor. Case No. DR/96 -3 Design review of exterior signage at 131 N. Main St. Sandra Hudson, applicant. Ms. Hudson was present for the discussion and provided color samples of the proposed signage. Much of the discussion centered on the preference to move the upstairs building tenant, Diamonds on Main, signage. Ms. Hudson explained the other owner does not want to move her signage. Mr. Johnson noted that as a multi- tenant building,. an overall signage plan should be developed; he further noted that the Diamonds on Main sign is not in conformance with the ordinance. An original motion of approval as conditioned was amended, on a motion by Mr. Johnson, second by Mr. Michels, to include a fourth condition of approval that a sign plan be developed and submitted for approval before any additional signage is allowed. Motion passed 5 -1, with Mr. Kimbrel voting no. Case No. DR/96 -40 Design review of office building plans and signage on Washington Avenue in the Industrial Park. Gale Running, applicant. This case was carried over from the October meeting. A representative of the architectural firm, Architectural Network, went through the plans for a three -story, 30,000- square foot building to be located on the site between Burnet Realty and Central Bank. Plans for parking, lighting, drainage, signage, materials and colors were briefly outlined. Ms. Fitzgerald said the proposed monument sign is indicated as 6'2 "; the sign will have to be 6' to be conformance with the Business Park regulations. Also the landscaping plan will have to be reviewed and be in conformance with the Business Park requirements. Mr. Tomten asked whether any mechanical equipment will be placed on the roof. The architect said no mechanicals would be placed on the roof. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved approval as conditioned. Mr. Johnson suggested adding the conditions that there be no roof -top mechanicals; that the issue of the size of the signage be reviewed by staff; and that the trash enclosure and screening of mechanicals be reviewed by staff for location and appropriateness of materials. Mr. Kimbrel accepted the amendment to the motion; amended motion passed unanimously. Case No. SUB /DR/96 -75 Design review of reuse of the Territorial Prison as a hotel /convention center. John Lang and Michael Borum, applicants. Mr. Borum and architect Mark Finnemann were present for the discussion. Mr. Finnemann said the development concept has not changed much. He reviewed some changes to the interior lobby space and changes to the floor space in a portion of one of the buildings to get additional guest rooms. Mr. Finnemann, also explained that Andersen Windows has replicated the lower windows in the building(s), and he said that Charlie Nelson of the Minnesota Historical Society has been reviewing plans on an ongoing basis. Mr. Johnson asked about the treatment of the existing brick exterior. Mr. Finnemann said he wasn't sure of the exact process but would be happy to come back before the HPC with additional information. Mr. Peterson asked whether staff had been attending the meetings with the State Historical Society; Ms. Fitzgerald said if an important design issue comes up, she can call Mr. Nelson. Mr. Kimbrel asked about the HPC's role and whether any further design changes would come before the Commission. He moved, seconded by Mr. Peterson, to require HPC review of landscaping, lighting, parking, the brick finishing process and any other exterior changes and that any and all modifications meet SHPO standards; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Johnson also asked that the HPC be provided with a copy of the minutes of any discussions with Mr. Nelson. Case No. SUP /DR/96 -76 Design review of a bed and breakfast at 651 S. Broadway St. Katherine Francis, applicant. Ms. Francis excused herself from the discussion. Aldine West, the potential owner of the B &B was present for the discussion. Nick Chaves, 704 S. First St., owner of the Lady Goodwood bed and breakfast, noted that the proposed operation is within 500 feet of his establishment; according to the city's ordinance B &Bs are not to be within 900 feet of each other. Bruce Brillhart, owner of the Ann Bean B &B, also spoke of the 900 feet requirement. Mr. Chaves also questioned the square footage of the proposed B &B. The original request was for four guest rooms. Mr Johnson said the operation would be limited to two guest rooms based on the square footage of the building itself. He suggested that while the distance from an existing B &B is a concern, the change in elevation between the two neighborhoods does provide a distance between the two operations. He also noted the distance requirement is to minimize the impact on neighborhoods not to discourage competition. Mr. Lieberman agreed that the two operations would not be so close as to have a negative impact on the neighborhood. Mr. Michels and Mr. Lieberman also questioned how the square footage of the house was determined; Ms. West said it was interior living space. Mr. Johnson said two guest rooms would be permitted with living space of 2,500 to 3,000 square feet; if the home has less than 2,500 square feet, it would be limited to one guest room. Mr. Johnson noted that as a special use permit, the request also will be heard by the Planning Commission where neighbors could raise issues regarding parking and other concerns. He moved to approve the request and limit the facility to a maximum of two guest rooms based on the square footage; the applicant also is to come back with any requested signage. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; vote was 6 -0, with Ms. Francis abstaining. Case No. SUP /DR/96 -77 Design review for an addition to the Freighthouse caboose at 305 S. Water St. Richard Van Doeren, applicant. Mr. Van Doeren went through the plans. The addition will not involve additional signage, lighting or additional seating. Mr. Peterson, seconded by Ms. Francis, moved approval as conditioned; all in favor. Case No. DR/96 -41 Design review of trash enclosure and awning for St. Croix River Exchange Building, 317 S. Main St. Mark Balay, applicant. Present for the discussion were Mark Balay and Terry O'Brien, one of the owners of the building. Mr. Balay explained the style of the awning and the proposed lighting under the canopy. Mr. Tomten suggested pulling the trash enclosure structure back. Mr. Balay said the space is needed considering the amount of garbage, and he noted that should there be a change in building tenants, a smaller structure might not be sufficient. Mr. Johnson agreed with Mr. Tomten and suggested pulling the structure back to the existing masonry columns on the building. Mr. Michels spoke in favor of allowing the larger structure considering the ongoing problem with the storage of garbage in the downtown area. Mr. O'Brien said he would not object to the smaller structure if the owners could come back in the future if the space is not sufficient. Mr. Peterson, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved to approve the concept, allowing the structure as proposed if the smaller space is not workable. That motion was withdrawn. Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Tomten moved to approve the request as conditioned with the additional condition that the enclosure structure be held back three feet from the property line and in line with the masonry columns. The motion of approval would allow staff to approve the larger structure if space needs are not met with the smaller structure. The motion included a sixth condition of approval which Mr. Johnson will have to clarify; the recording secretary left at 9 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. ATTXNSI&Iffl t r Mr. Stefan was present and reviewed plans for the old Maple Island building. Plans call for a hardware store, winery, offices and small grocery store. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Michels, moved to approve the concept plans; motion passed unanimously. • Mr. Michels suggested that staff write a letter to the Lumber Baron Hotel people regarding the exposed trash receptacles. Mr. Berglund had stated at the Nov. 4 HPC meeting that a temporary trash enclosure would be in place by Thanksgiving. Mr. Johnson suggested that a letter also be written to the Market Place management regarding exposed trash receptacles. Mr. Kimbrel, seconded by Mr. Lieberman, moved to adjourn at 9:45 p.m.; all in favor. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary