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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-04 HPC MIN HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING May 4, 2015 7:00 P.M. Chairman Larson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Larson, Commissioners Goodman, Johnson, Mino and Welty, Council Representative Menikheim Absent: Commissioners Branjord and Krakowski Staff: City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of April 6, 2015 meeting minutes Motion by Commissioner Welty, seconded by Commissioner Mino, to approve the minutes of the April 6, 2015 meeting. All in favor, 5-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. 2015-16 Design Permit request for signage at 1395 Curve Crest Blvd. (Health Partners) replacing existing monument sign with new brand and clinic name. John Hollenbeck, applicant. Case No. 2015-20 Design Permit request for signage at 1500 Curve Crest Blvd. (Health Partners) removing and replacing existing monument sign to match current brand standards. Brian Paschke, applicant. Case No. 2015-22 Design Permit request for signage at 1900 Tower Dr. (Lift Bridge Brewing Co.) replacing existing awning with new logo and colors. Brad Glynn, owner. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Welty, to approve the Consent Agenda. All in favor, 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. 2015-10 Continuation of Design Review for new construction of home to be located at 911 Abbott Street West. Ray and Carmen Loida Jr., owners. City Planner Wittman explained that at the last meeting, the Commission reviewed the proposed design for an infill home. At the time the HPC was concerned with the general massing of the structure and its blocky appearance, noting it was indicative of contemporary suburban design opposed to the more traditional residential designs. The Commission also noted that the roof design, side and rear elevations as well as the windows did not conform to the Neighborhood Conservation District guidelines of having four-sided design consistent with homes throughout the neighborhood. The applicants have re-submitted a Design Permit Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 4, 2015 application for a proposed single family home. Additional design options were submitted this afternoon via email. Zachary Lee, 915 Abbott Street, expressed concerns that the home as proposed is still too large for the lot and that there are mostly one story homes in the area. He would like the application tabled till the design can be changed to reduce the footprint. He is not opposed to construction but would like the design to better fit the neighborhood. Robert Richert, 905 West Abbott Street, agreed that the proposed design is not consistent with the neighborhood. There has been no reduction in square footage, no elevations have been provided, and the massing has not been addressed. Last minute information was provided at the meeting which is frustrating. He urged the Commission to deny the application. Kathy Carroll, 922 West Abbott Street, agreed with the previous comments that the house as proposed is too large and doesn’t fit the neighborhood. Chairman Larson closed the public hearing. Chairman Larson pointed out that square footage is not a design consideration. The Commission’s deliberation has mostly to do with how a house fits in the neighborhood. Commissioner Johnson mentioned the impervious surface coverage regulation. City Planner Wittman responded that the 25% maximum structural coverage guideline for impervious surface is met. Council Representative Menikheim asked if the house could be set back on the lot. City Planner Wittman replied that it wouldn’t be consistent with the existing streetscape. Commissioner Johnson noted the lot is 75’ x 150’, the minimum lot size for Stillwater. It forces the house to be quite narrow, making the depth necessary. It is similar in footprint and size to the house to the east, 905 West Abbott. This neighborhood has a mix of styles including infill designs and several two-story houses that were part of earlier development of the neighborhood. The intent of the ordinance is to not have a house that overpowers or distracts, but that blends into the background. He feels that Option A, received today, presents some improvements, meets the guidelines and fits the varied architectural styles in the neighborhood. Commissioner Mino agreed that Option A is better than the design previously reviewed. Commissioner Welty also stated Option A is an improvement. She wondered if the garage roof could be hipped to the east to help break up the massing. Chairman Larson noted the latest changes were just presented to the Commission today. He is not comfortable with the sketches provided, and would want final drawings that are to scale. Mr. Loida stated his builder has been working directly with City Planner Wittman about what needs to be addressed. Chairman Larson said he would like to see the level of trim carried around the house as part of the four-sided design. City Planner Wittman expressed concern about a disconnect between the Commission, staff and builder who is not able to attend the meetings. She asked for specific direction to provide to the builder. Page 2 of 7 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 4, 2015 Chairman Larson summarized that the level of detail of frieze board, gable trim and corner boards should be consistent on all four sides. Architectural details of the windows should be proportional with the three-window design as originally submitted. Final design with scaled elevation should be submitted. Decreasing the slope of the roof, creating a hip roof or changing the plane of the wall where the roof plane changes would all be acceptable ways of reducing the mass of the roof. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Welty, to approve the Design Permit for Option Case No. 2015-10, A for new construction of home to be located at 911 Abbott Street West, as submitted tonight with the following conditions: 1. There shall be three gable windows rather than two. 2. The architectural detail including the frieze boards, gable band, corner boards, window trim and water table shall be carried around all four sides of the structure consistent with what is shown in the front. 3. The east elevation shall have an offset in the vertical plane of the wall separating the garage from the house and gable structure beyond. 4. The roof on the garage shall have either a flatter slope back to the house structure or a hip roof descending to the east. 5. Scale drawings shall be submitted to planning staff for approval and be brought back to the HPC with any questions or changes. 6. Plans shall be consistent with Option A submitted to the Community Development Department for the May 4, 2015 meeting. 7. No stone shall be utilized on the front façade. 8. A building permit shall be obtained prior to the construction of the home. 9. Exterior lighting shall be submitted for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. 10. Modifications to the plans submitted shall be approved in advance by the City Planner. All major modifications shall be approved in advance by the HPC. All in favor, 5-0. Case No. 2015-18 Design Review for selective demolition and re-construction of existing home located at 116 Harriet Street North. Dan and Allison Boblit, owners. City Planner Wittman reviewed the request. The applicants are requesting a permit for demolition of non- original portions of the home. This partial demolition includes more than 20% of the front facing façade and roof, including the removal of a single-story enclosed sunroom on the west side, a single-story porch addition on the east side, and a single-story enclosed entry/porch on the north side. The removal of the single-story additions on the north and west side, as well as the change in roofline on the north side, trigger review of the project as a demolition. A major addition to the structure is also proposed. Staff finds the proposed demolition is warranted and recommends approval with conditions. Commissioner Johnson noted the house is distinctive, the proposed changes fit the home well and will return the home to a more historic look. Commissioner Goodman agreed that the removal of non-historic features is an improvement. Jim McKinney, 410 West Rice Street, commented he and his wife Carol are pleased that the home will remain a single family home and be restored to its former elegance. The neighbors on the other side, John and Maddie Macindoe, asked him to express that they too are pleased. Joe Cherrier, 418 West Rice Street, voiced support for the restoration and addition. Carol McKinney, 410 West Rice Street, said she is very pleased with the proposal. Michelle Cherrier, 418 West Rice Street, welcomed the new owners to the neighborhood. Page 3 of 7 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 4, 2015 Chairman Larson closed the public hearing. He commended the excellent design presentation. Commissioner Johnson remarked that the sunroom on the front may accommodate more detail such as the cornice to be brought out and perhaps more of a brow over the windows. Paul Buum, architect, explained that the cornice may be thickened and bracketed to trim the sunroom. Case No. Motion by Commissioner Welty, seconded by Commissioner Mino, to approve the Design Permit for 2015-18, selective demolition and re-construction of existing home located at 116 Harriet Street North, with the following conditions: 1. Plans shall be consistent with those submitted to the Community Development Department April 17, 2015. 2. A building permit shall be obtained prior to the construction of the home. 3. Exterior lighting plans shall be submitted for approval prior to the issuance of a building permit. 4. All minor modifications to the plans shall be approved in advance by the City Planner. All major modifications shall be approved in advance by the HPC. 5. The level of trim and cornice detail shall be increased on the east and north of the sunroom façade. All in favor, 5-0. UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2015-17 Design Review for outdoor signage and façade improvements at 122 Main Street South (Gammy & Gumpy’s). John Daly, applicant. City Planner Wittman stated that the applicant is requesting approval of façade improvement and a series of sign panels totaling approximately 21 square feet. The façade improvements will include painting the red façade antique white with a dark purple trim. The five-panel wooden sign system is designed to work with the existing design of the façade. Staff recommends approval with conditions. John Daly, applicant, explained the design of the signage. Commissioner Johnson suggested that the characters be black line drawings. Case Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Welty, to approve the Design Permit for No. 2015-17 , outdoor signage and façade improvements at 122 Main Street South (Gammy & Gumpy’s) as submitted, with the following conditions: 1. A line drawing graphic of the two figures shall be submitted to the Community Development Department for approval. 2. The total square footage of the sign panel system shall not exceed 24 square feet. 3. Individual sign panels shall be mounted on the existing raised beveled area. 4. Lighting for signage shall be reviewed and approved by the HPC prior to installation. 5. A revised sign plan shall be submitted to the HPC for review and approval prior to approval of any additional signage. 6. All major revisions to the approved plan shall be reviewed by the HPC. All in favor, 5-0. Case No. 2015-19 Design Review for addition of bedroom and bathroom at 520 Main Street North. Monty Brine, owner. Page 4 of 7 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 4, 2015 City Planner Wittman stated that the applicant is requesting a Design Permit for an addition to be placed on the north side of the structure, which includes a single-story bedroom and an expansion of the first and second story bathrooms. Staff recommends approval with conditions. Asked by Chairman Larson if the addition roofs will match the existing shingles, Mr. Brine answered yes. Chairman Larson pointed out that the flat shingles may not be warrantied. He expressed concern about the visual impact of the one rectangular block on top of the other. It may be hard to make the bathrooms work in that space. Mr. Brine responded that the goal was not to impact the upper roof. Commissioner Johnson added water flow may also be a problem with the roofs as proposed. It appears as an odd jut-out from the building. He suggested turning the bathroom to the other direction by removing the closet from bedroom #2. This would allow the addition to stay within the existing frame. Chairman Larson remarked that as proposed, the additional will not look very attractive and doesn’t follow the roof forms or design of the existing house. A shed roof would be better for the second story. Commissioner Johnson reiterated that the jut-out is an unusual shape and sticks out from the side. Chairman Larson summarized that the design should have the second story mass not project out, expressing no objections to the lower level massing to the bathroom in the addition, but stating that the Commission’s objection is to the upper bathroom, which should be reconfigured in a way that it does not project as far to the north and possibly have a shed roof or a flat roof that relates better to the crossing east-west gable. Case No. Motion by Commissioner Johnson, seconded by Commissioner Mino, to table the Design Review for 2015-19 to the next meeting, with direction provided to the applicant with regard to the concerns expressed by the Commission. All in favor, 5-0. Case No. 2015-21 Design Review for signage at 927 Churchill Street West (Health Partners). Review and approval of comprehensive sign plan. Brian Paschke, Serigraphics Sign Systems, representing Lakeview Hospital, applicant. City Planner Wittman stated that the applicant is requesting approval of a comprehensive sign plan amendment for Lakeview Hospital, including: the removal of three wall signs and addition of two wall signs; three monument signs; and reconfiguration of the Churchill/Greeley Street signage. Staff recommends approval with conditions. Objections to Wall Sign J were received from Anthony Beyer and Andrea McCready at 904 Churchill Street West, indicating they believe this is an increase in wall signage. Pat Cooksey, HealthPartners, explained the goal is to clean up the signage. The HealthPartners logo was changed this past year. They tried to retain as much as possible of the original signage. It is traditional for hospitals to have signage on the building. The building sign will not be illuminated. Commissioner Welty asked if Wall Sign J might be moved to the west wall, where may not bother the neighbors so much. Ms. Cooksey responded that would be worth considering. The hospital wants to try to be part of the neighborhood. Page 5 of 7 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 4, 2015 Case Motion by Commissioner Welty, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, to approve the Design Permit for No. 2015-21, signage at 927 Churchill Street West (Health Partners), with the following conditions: 1. Monument Signs D and E shall be limited in size to no greater than 18.5 square feet. 2. The Greeley/Churchill Street signs (located on the retaining wall) shall not be internally illuminated. 3. Due to the total reduction of wall signage, the Greeley/Churchill Street signs (located on the retaining wall) may be permitted to increase by a total of 14 square feet. 4. Changes to the approved sign plan shall require HPC review and approval. 5. No additional signs shall be permitted without an amendment to the comprehensive sign plan. 6. All signs shall require permits. 7. Any exterior lighting associated with new signs shall receive a design review permit from the HPC. 8. Wall sign J shall be moved to the west elevation at the same corner. All in favor, 5-0. Case No. 2015-23 Design Review consideration and comment of Draft Cultural Landscape Field Guide. MnDOT, applicant. City Planner Wittman stated that as part of the mitigation efforts for the St. Croix River crossing, MnDOT has been charged with creating a field guide to the area. She presented the draft guide for review and input. Commissioners provided input and pointed out inaccuracies in the draft field guide. City Planner Wittman noted inconsistencies throughout the process of MnDOT’s creation of the field guide. She provided additional corrections and suggestions to be conveyed to MnDOT. From a staff standpoint, if the information in the field guide isn’t going to be cross-checked with the local historical society, staff would prefer that the field guide not replicate or resemble the design of the HPC and City materials. OTHER ITEMS OF DISCUSSION Annual Heritage Preservation Awards City Planner Wittman solicited ideas from the Commission for the annual Heritage Preservation Awards. Chairman Larson noted the Commission consensus that Scott Zahren should receive personal recognition for his service to the City. City Planner Wittman presented possible candidates for the various award categories. The Commission agreed on Scott Zahren for personal contributions; the Wedge and Wheel for signage; Main Street Cafe for façade reconstruction; and the Durenberger home on Chestnut Street East for addition consistent with the Neighborhood Conservation District guidelines. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Mino, seconded by Chairman Larson, to adjourn. All in favor, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink Recording Secretary Page 6 of 7