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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004-11-01 HPC MIN City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 1, 2004 Present: Howard Lieberman, chairperson, Diane Hark, Jeff Johnson, Brent Peterson and Roger Tomten Others: Planner Sue Fitzgerald Absent: Phil Eastwood and Patte Kraske Mr. Lieberman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. Approval of minutes: Mr. Peterson, seconded by Ms. Hark, moved approval of the minutes of October 4,2004. Motion passed 4-0, with Mr. Johnson abstaining. Update on Stillwater Mills on Main. Present were Melissa Pfannenstein and Dave May. Ms. Pfannenstein reviewed proposed changes enumerated in a written update provided to the HPC. The primary issues of discussion were the proposal to utilize Norman brick, rather than modular, on several facades; replacing brick with stucco at balconies on several facades on the Main Street elevation; replacing arched octagon openings on the east and north elevations with flat top openings; and using Keystone, rather than Recon, for the retaining wall as well as possibl:)1@illlieQ@the heights of the retaining wall. Several members expressed a concern about the use of Norman brick. Mr. Johnson said Norman brick gives more of a contemporary and vertical appearance not appropriate for the downtown area. He said he was especially concerned with the use of the Norman brick on the Main Street and south elevations. Ms. Pfannenstein said the proposal is primarily due to cost issues. Mr. Johnson also pointed out that Keystone is not as durable as Recon and that may be a cost issue for the City's Public Works Department. Ms. Pfannenstein said the use of Keystone is an issue related to product availability. Mr. Johnson also suggested that replacing the arched openings dramatically changes the appearance of the building. Mr. May and Ms. Pfannenstein suggested that changing the arches helps break up the two corners; Ms. Pfannenstein pointed out they were urged not to "bookend" the buildings. Later, it was agreed the HPC would consider this concept when revised drawings are presented. Mr. Lieberman agreed with Mr. Johnson's comments, stating he doesn't know what the project looks like any more. The project seems to be "slipping away," he said. He asked that the project architects redraw all the changes made to date. Ms. Pfannenstein replied that the project has not changed all that much. There are huge cost implications involved, she said. 1 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 1, 2004 Mr. Johnson moved to deny the use of Norman brick on the south, east and half of the north elevations and the use of stucco on the east elevation, with the developer to come back with materials samples and revised drawings for the other proposed changes. Mr. Tomten asked if Mr. Johnson would be willing to include denial of the removal of the ornamental metal on the south elevation. Mr. Johnson agreed to incorporate that in his motion. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Case No. DRl02-47 Final design approval for 501 Lofts condominiums at 501 N. Main St. Jack Buxell, Buxell Architects, representing the applicant. Mr. Buxell reviewed the originally approved design drawings and the revised drawings showing the Main Street, east and south elevations. Ms. Fitzgerald said both Mr. Eastwood and Ms. Kraske had called and indicated they were satisfied with the revised design. Mr. Lieberman expressed his appreciation to the owner/architects for listening to the HPC's concerns and for going the extra mile to address those concerns. He said he was "very pleased" with the effort and moved approval of the revised design as conditioned. Mr. Tomten seconded the motion; motid>fi/~a&S@a5.manimously. Case No. DRl04-64 Design review of light pole banners for the historic downtown district. Bob Lane, Lane Design Group Inc. representing the Historic District of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce. Present were Bob Lane and Joci Tilsen. Mr. Lieberman began the discussion by stating the HPC was always anxious to work with the downtown community. Drawings of the proposed banners were included in the packet. The proposal is to utilize two sets of banners, a bunting banner in June and July and a second banner for the remainder of the year. Ms. Tilsen noted the revised design of the banners does not allow for letters on the banners; it is proposed to install 3"x3" brass plates on the light poles to indicate the business that provided funding for the banner. Mr. Johnson noted the shape of the proposed banners is a lot softer than the original design. He moved approval of the use of SKI (bunting) for the majority of the summer season, with the choice of SK3 or SK4 left up to the Chamber, and for the use of the 3x3" plaques as submitted. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Mr. Tomten said it would be good if there were better lines of communication between the HPC and the Chamber's Historic District Committee. It was agreed to include the Historic District Committee's meeting agendas in future HPC packets. 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 1, 2004 Case No. DRl04-65 Design review of exterior building modifications for the building at 223 S. Main St. Peter Sampair, applicant. The applicant was not present. Ms. Fitzgerald explained the applicant had intended to replace deteriorating wooden siding with brick. However, the applicant has been unable to find brick samples to match the existing brick on the building and is proposing to replace the wood siding with concrete cast limestone similar to the adjacent building, Brine's. Mr. Tomten suggested the fa<;ade would be more suitable for a standard historic storefront. Mr. Johnson said he would feel comfortable with having Mr. Tomten work with the applicant on an appropriate design/materials if Mr. Tomten would agree to do so; Mr. Tomten agreed to do so. Mr. Johnson moved to take no action and delegate Mr. Tomten to work with the building owner to come up with a solution. Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. Sign request for American Classic Homes office building at 145 New England Place, Liberty Village, Paul Karlson representing the applicant. Mr. Karlson requested approval of extetlli~ lWgOO5.xtures and asked that the HPC consider allowing American Classic Homes' logo/name on both of the building signs. He stated there are other businesses in the development with more sign that American Classic Homes is requesting. Ms. Fitzgerald explained permitted signage is based on the number of street frontages. Mr. Tomten, who worked on developing signage regulations for Liberty Village, noted that the intent of the overall sign package was not to be too restrictive as long as the signage stayed within the vision of a New England village. However, he also noted that having two sign with the same wording/logo within six feet of each other doesn't seem to be in the spirit of the sign package. He suggested the wall sign could have the building address and generic wording such as "fine home builders." Mr. Karlson suggested that the two requested signs fulfill a different function, and he again referred to several other businesses with more signage. Mr. Johnson questioned the location of the attachment of the light fixtures under the eave. Mr. Johnson moved to approve the proposed light fixtures with the use of incandescent bulbs adequate to light the wall sign and to approve the use of the a projecting sign and wall sign, with the business name and logo allowed on one of the signs and the second sign to include the address and descriptive wording, not the name of the business. Mr. Lieberman suggesting allowing the use of the word "classic" in the generic sign even though that is part of the business name. Mr. Johnson was agreeable to allowing the use 3 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 1, 2004 of "classic." Mr. Peterson seconded the motion; motion passed 4-0, with Mr. Tomten abstaining. Other items: Ms. Fitzgerald informed members that the City Council has approved Carmen Tschofen's proposal to perform the Staples and May's Addition survey. She will be using HPC members' photos. Mr. Lieberman referred to a letter from the National Trust and to the status of the bridge negotiations. Consensus is that the lift bridge will be maintained for bike and pedestrian traffic. While the mitigation package is not complete, Mr. Lieberman suggested the stakeholders' negotiation process led to "good results." Mr. Lieberman, seconded by Mr. Johnson, moved to adjourn at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sharon Baker Recording Secretary 10/10/2005 4