Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-03 HPC MINCityof Stillwater '"P4q;Heritage Preservation Commissio+ November 3, 2003 Commissioner Johnson call the meeting to order at 7 p.m. Present: Commissioners Peterson, Hark, Johnson, Tomten and Kraske. Absent: Commissioner Lieberman and Commissioner Eastwood Others: Sue Fitzgerald, City Planner Approval of Minutes: October 6, 2003 and November 3, 2003 Discussion of proposed park behind the old Joseph Wolf Brewery, a gift to the city from Sherry and Tom Armstrong. Dewey Thornbeck, architect gave an update on the project. The property is in the historic district so there are soone important issues. There will be 100 feet of topographic change from the bottom of Main and Nelson Street to the top of the bluff. The Armstrong's intent is to restore the old barn to a park activity building. The storage building is in poor condition. The top floor of the old brewery would be an art facility. The old livery stable would be restored. The park would be used from the 1st of May through October. Regarding the old warehouse building, every effort is being made to preserve it but there are some problems. Commissioner Johnson had some observations that the warehouse building serves a couple of purposes. One - if you replace or have use for there for a garage that serves as a garage now, it has an opening on it. Functionally it seems to fit with what the intentions are with the site it also serves as a retaining wall separating the grade from one side to the other and that is reason for some of the bowing inside the wall because that is the portion of the wall that is the retaining wall. Commissioner Johnson would like to see every effort made to keep that building into the plan. It is a stone building, it is one of the earlier buildings on the site. The barn building balconies on the west not to put a balcony on the third level or second level to try preserve the elevation on that level to keep elevation uncovered with balconies. Mr. Thornbeck as if a dormer would be acceptable. Mr. Thornbeck said the intention is to preserve the character of the building in terms of its character. The Art Reach Alliance has also been contacted in regarding the artists displaying their work. Page 1 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 The Armstrong's would also like to have a Stillwater History Museum from all aspects of the lumbering to the early immigrant history from 1850 to current time with artifacts and interpretation. Concerns of the HPC are the preservation of the buildings on the site as much as possible both the barn to stay within the roof lines and reduce the elevations for the primary views to keep those intact as much as possible and also the warehouse building. There is a lot of opportunity to preserve that building to reduce the intense use of the barn. The Armstrong's have a strong interest in the playground for children oriented activities so it is a transitional park. On one hand its downtown park related on the other hand it works to the people in the South Hill area. Settlers Park Monument. Paula Kroening. This will be continued to the December 1, 2003 meeting. Case No. DR/03-64. Design review of building modification at 200 Chestnut Street. Mark Balay, representing applicant. The owners of 200 Chestnut Street would like to put three display windows on the main level of the south elevation. They have asked the applicant to prepare a concept design for removal of the old windows "creating a more functional and an aesthetically pleasing solution". The applicant comments that this building has no visual value to the downtown area (and it is not a historical building) and that approval would help revitalize the building. Mr. Balay was present representing the owners of the building. They want to make sure that whatever is there has a character that doesn't stand out. The applicant is trying to create retail sale space. The Commissioner Johnson said that if the applicant carries the windows all the up to the soffit and is more like a boxed out bay window and done on the east half of the south elevation as well as the west half so that all the windows facing south will have the same look that would carry the symmetry of the building and at least pay some respect to the architecture. It carries the continuity through. Motion by Commissioner Johnson to approve the request as presented with added conditions of approval for review of more Page 2 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 detailed drawings as well as the treatment to be done along the entire south elevation, not only on east portion but the west as well, and that the box bay windows go up to the soffit on the deck area from the floor to the soffit and that these are done as a removal item to the building the masonry opening is not to change. The glazing of the windows will be clear, seconded by Commissioner Peterson. All in favor. Conditions of Approval: 1. All revisions to the approved plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Case No. DR/03-65. Design review of exterior signage for the Edge Marital Arts located at 1654 Market Drive. Nathan Than, applicant. The applicant is requesting design review of signage for the Edge Martial Arts business at the above address. Originally, the applicant requested a sign for the north and east sides of the building; not knowing one sign is permitted by the sign ordinance. The east side sign is proposed. It will be a 33.7 square foot channel neon letters with yellow faces and black inside copy. The sign will be installed above the entrance to the building. The applicant was not present. Motion by Commissioner Tomten to approve as conditoned the request, second by Commissioner Hark. All in favor Conditions of Approval: 1. All revisions to the approved plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission. Case No. DR/03-66. Design review of additional exteior signage for the Stillwater Depot located at 601 North Main Street. Todd Weiss, applicant. The applicant is applying for a variance to the number of signs and a variance to an interior lit canopy at the November 10, 2003, Planning Commission meeting. It is the charge of the Heritage Preservation Commission to review the design of the project. Page 3 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 There is an existing freestanding monument sign on site. The applicant has installed a red canopy over the front entrance. The canopy is lit from the interior. The words "The Stillwater Depot Grill" are printed in white on all three sides of the canopy. The business is open and operating and the sign is up. Mr. Weiss was present. Commissioner Johnson Staff recommendation is to deny the additional signage under the ordinance requirement of only one sign per business as there is a monument sign on the property along the street for the depot and the grill. This would be a second sign on the building and also the sign is internally lit which is against the ordinance. They are externally lit only. Mr. Weiss was present as asked if you can only have one sign on the building. Mr. Weiss said that the monument sign was not on his property it was on the State DOT property. Mr. Weiss stated that he needed to differentiate from the Zephyr as to where his business was. Commissioner Johnson stated that both business are on the monument sign. Grill on either side of the awning would be permitted, but not the full business name. Ms. Fitzgerald said that he can fill within a 1/3 of his windows. Staff recommends approval of design of exterior lit canopy signage and denial of the additional signage to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Tomten commented that the awning could have been more true to the building. The shape of the awning doesn't seem to fit the architecture of the building in character of that type frame or that style just a simple barrel vaulted awning would have been a lot more appropriate. Mr. Weiss stated that they reason for the current awning is because of the buses, there wasn't enough clearance and icicles would become a problem. Motion by Commissioner Johnson to approve the request with the conditions that the monument sign only address the Stillwater Depot or the Stillwater Zephyr and the sign over the restaurant business Page 4 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 only address the Stillwater Depot Grill and only on the west end and the north and south valances can say Grill but not the business name and also the awning sign is not to be internally lit. External lighting option can be submitted to staff for review and approval, any direction signs on the building a comprehensive plan shall be but together, seconded by Commissioner Peterson. All in favor. Conditions of Approval: 1. All revisions to the approved plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission. 2. No additional signage. 3. The canopy shall not be internally lit. Case No. DR/O3-67. Design review of exterior signage for Long Lake Villas located at 2825 Long Lake Drive. Jim Carlson, Elements, Inc, representing applicant. The applicant is requesting design approval of a 96" x 52" x 2" thick with a 80" x 10" removable phone number sign. The overall square footage is 39.5 square feet. The sign will be mounted on two seven foot posts. The colors of the sign are dark green background with off white lettering. The boarder will be metallic gold. The leaves will be an orange -red color with brown veins. Location of the sign will be at the northwest corner of CSAH 5 and Curve Crest Blvd. The sign will be setback 15 feet from the property line as per the sign ordinance. It will not be lit. Mr. Carlson was present to answer questions from the Commission. The telephone number is removable. It is essentially a freestanding aluminum sign cabinet. The graphic are 1/4 inch thick and the graphics are 1/4 inch thick. Motion by Commissioner Peterson to approve the request as conditioned, seconded by Hark. All in favor. Conditions of Approval: 1. All revisions to the approved plan shall Preservation Commission. 2. No additional signage. be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Case No. DR/03-52a. Design review of renovation and expansion for the library located at 223 North Fourth Street. John Mecum, Miller Dunwiddie Architects, representing applicant. Page 5 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 The applicant has submitted a conceptual plan the Commission for the renovation and expansion for the library on September 3, 2003. They are now applying for final approval. Included in the attached letter from the applicant are the design development details that include the following items: 1. The entrance to and exit from the parking garage has been split into two openings on either side of the entrance tower, minimizing the opening size blending it with other openings. 2. Rusticated cast stone and shallow arches at openings have been added at the base of the building (parking garage level). 3. The mid -level is smooth cast stone and this is also carried down to grade at the entrance tower to demarcate it as a pedestrian entrance. 4. The entry tower has increased in height somewhat due to a revised stair layout in the interior. The tower will now accommodate a grand entry stair that connects all three levels of the building. 5. Windows have been changed to reflect the original 1/3 over 2/3 single -hung configuration shown in historic photos. 6. The upper level terrace has been developed to provide an attractive and comfortable outdoor gathering space that includes plantings and a trellis. Renovation work on the existing building is unchanged and will include masonry tuck pointing, roof repairs, window replacement (existing stained glass to remain). Mr. Bill Hickey, president of the Library Board, was present for discussion. The existing building predates the zoning setbacks so therefore does not conform. The St. Croix Collection will be climate controlled and secured. This application request is for final Heritage Preservation Commission approval. The Commission had some concerns regarding the lighting on the building and the plaza area and for security. One access point would need some amount of lighting. Street lighting will remain in place although there will be some relocation. General lighting will be on the terrace. At this point there will be no ornamental lighting of the building, it will functional lighting. Lighting at entries will be under the canopy. The parking spaces will be public with some staff parking up on the surface lot. Page 6 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 Motion by Commissioner Kraske for final approval as conditioned, seconded by Commissioner Tomten. All in favor. Conditions of Approval: 1. All utilities shall be completely screened from public view. 2. A lighting plan showing the fixture type, height, location and exterior lighting intensity shall be submitted with building permit plans for Planning Director approval. All lighting shall be directed away from the street and adjacent properties. Light sources shall be shielded from direct view and protected form damage by vehicles. 3. All landscaping shall be installed before utility release or final project inspection. No project shall be phased unless approval is granted by the Planning Commission. 4. Continuous concrete curbing shall be installed to separate parking areas from landscape areas. 5. Handicapped parking spaces and signage, in compliance with State requirements, shall be shown on building permit plans and installed before final inspection of the project. 6. The trash enclosure shall be made of a sturdy opaque masonry material, with trash receptacles screened from view and compatible with the color and materials of the project. 7. All trees required to remain on site, as indicated on the plans, shall be protected by fencing or other necessary measures shall be taken to prevent damage during construction activity. 8. No roof equipment shall be visible to the general public. 9. All gutters, downspouts, flashings, etc. shall be painted to match the color of the adjacent surface. 10. Construction projects shall conform to the City's Noise ordinance. Construction during the dry season shall mitigate excess dust problem. 11. A sign permit shall be required for all project signs. 12. Grading and drainage plan to be approved by City Engineer before building permits are issued. 13. Sign package to be approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission, including directional signs. 14. All security lights on building shall be downlit. 15. All exterior modifications to the approved plan are to be reviewed by Heritage Preservation Commission. Page 7 City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 Case No. DR/O3-68. Design review of exterior signage and an awning, Antiques on St. Croix, located at 124 South Second Street. Randall Raduenz; representing applicant. The applicant is requesting design review of an exterior sign for Antiques St. Croix. The 4 foot by 8 foot sign will be installed over the windows on the east side of the building (2"d Street). Colors consist of red lettering on a white background with gray trim. It will be lit with two gooseneck fixtures from above. The existing awning shall have the words "Antiques" on the valance in white letters. It will not be lit. Mr. Raduenz was present to answer questions. The color would be a burgundy versus red. Staying away from white lettering would complement the sign more. Motion by Commissioner Peterson to approve as conditioned along with the sign not being a total bright white background and lighting fixtures be gooseneck style and bring in for staff approval and that the awning be permitted as long as it doesn't have the total name on it, seconded by Commissioner Johnson. All in favor. Conditions of Approval: I. All revisions to the approved plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission. 2. Lighting shall be directed toward the wall and not the ground. 3. Awning shall not be internally lit. Case No. DR/O3-69. Design review of exterior signage for Toy Lounge located at 402 North Main Street. Marita Stolee, applicant. The applicant is requesting design review of a 34" by 7" sign for the Toy Lounge. There will be a black 13" ban across the front to cover the previous sign area. The sign will have a green background with the word `Lounge" in black lettering; trimmed in yellow. The word "Toy" will be red with a white background. The star logo will be black. The sign will not be lit. Ms. Stolee was present to answer questions from the Commission. Motion by Commissioner Johnson to approve as conditioned with the exception that if the sign is to be lit, they the applicant come before the Commission for approval, seconded by Commissioner Hark. All in favor. Em City of Stillwater Heritage Preservation Commission November 3, 2003 Conditions of Approval: 1. All revisions to the approved plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Heritage Preservation Commission. 2. No additional signage. Ms. Fitzgerald updated the Commission on the progress of the newspaper vendors. Update on Historic Lift Bridge Monument. Two options were presented for text on the monument. Downtown Plan Update. Commissioner Johnson updated the commission on the progress and issues and we through the different options. Option D was the alternative selected by the Coordinating Committee. Commissioner Johnson will bring back from the HPC there support for Option D. Discussion on building height in the downtown area in some past projects. It was suggested that the Commission take a prudent look at this issue across all of downtown if four stories, 50 feet appropriate everywhere. This would have to be a joint venture between Heritage Preservation Commission and the Planning Commission. Motion by Commissioner Hark, seconded by Commissioner Kraske to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sheila McNamara Page 9