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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-15 HPC MIN HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING May 15, 2019 7:00 P.M. Chairman Larson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chairman Larson, Commissioners Finwall, Krakowski, Mino, Steinwall, Walls, Council Representative Junker Absent: None Staff: City Planner Wittman Commissioners Shann Finwall and Ken Walls introduced themselves. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion by Chairman Larson, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to elect Commissioner Mino as Chair. All in favor, 6-0. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Chair Mino, to elect Commissioner Steinwall as Vice Chair. All in favor, 6-0. Commissioner Steinwall thanked Commissioner Larson for his service as chair. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of April 3, 2019 and April 17, 2019 Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2019 and the April 17, 2019 meeting. All in favor, 4-0-2 with Commissioners Finwall and Walls abstaining. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. 2019-08: Consideration of a Site Alteration Permit for new business signage for the property located at 229 Main Street South in the Downtown Design Review District. Jeff Anderson, property owner and Kelli Kaufer, applicant. Motion by Commissioner Krakowski, seconded by Commissioner Walls, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor, 6-0. PUBLIC HEARING Case No. 2019-09: Consideration of a Demolition Permit for the garage located at 116 Harriet Street North in the Neighborhood Conservation District. Daniel and Allison Boblit, property owners and Jim Barton, applicant. City Planner Wittman explained the case. The applicant is requesting a demolition permit for the garage located at 116 Harriet Street North in order to build a three-car garage. Due to the location, the future garage will require a variance from the Planning Commission. The approximately 900 square foot garage appears to be in the same configuration as the 1904 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map. Although the interior lumber is dimensional, several boards are stamped with “Gould LBR CO. Seattle, Wash.” There is a sag in the loft floor, a sistered cross beam, and the support poles are starting to rot. The exterior paint, determined to be lead, is peeling. On a March 18 site inspection by Building Official Cindy Shilts and Ms. Wittman, the Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 15, 2019 Page 2 of 6 structure was determined to be in fair to good condition. The existing structure could be repaired. Based on the review of the property and associated records, staff made a determination that the property could potentially be locally designated because of one of the following: a) The character, interest or value as part of the development heritage or cultural characteristics of the city, state or county. b) The location as a site of a significant historic event. c) The identification with a person or persons who significantly contributed to the city's culture and development. d) The embodiment of distinguishing characteristics of an architectural style, period, form or treatment. e) The identification as work of an architect or master builder whose individual work influenced the city's development. f) The embodiment of elements of architectural design, detail, materials or craftsmanship that represent a significant architectural innovation. g) The unique location or singular physical characteristic representing an established and familiar visual feature of a neighborhood, community or the city. Thus, as required by the demolition ordinance, the application is before the HPC for review and consideration. The Commission must first determine if the structure is a historic resource and, if so, if it is worthy of designation. Allison Boblit, applicant, pointed out the work they have done on the house since 2014 shows their dedication to maintaining the historic look of the home. The garage is presently more of an eyesore than an architectural feature. They would like to build a more beautiful and functional garage. Dan Boblit, applicant, added that they want to add a third stall to get their car off the street. Chair Mino opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Commissioner Finwall asked the applicants if they considered adding onto the existing garage. Mr. Boblit replied there are many things that would need to be replaced from siding to trusses sagging to garage doors and a cracked floor. Mrs. Boblit added it would cost as much or more to repair everything. They would like to get a third stall. Commissioner Larson explained that in the Conservation District a property owner may add onto or alter a structure without coming to the HPC, but demolitions do come to the HPC and restrictions are tight. Whether a structure has spectacular architecture does not matter, only whether it has historic significance. It may be preferable to have a new structure, but it seems that it is feasible to repair it. Chair Mino asked, what was the structure originally? City Planner Wittman replied it is assumed, but not known for sure, that it was Mr. Swain’s workshop. The garage doors have been altered slightly. At one time there was supposedly a pulley lift system in the floor that would lift things into the attic but it is unclear whether that was part of this structure. Commissioner Larson questioned, if it was built at the peak of the local lumber industry, why was the lumber was imported from Seattle? This makes him question whether this was the original building. Commissioner Finwall acknowledged that its historic significance could be its construction by a person contributing to the history of Stillwater. An addition appears to be feasible. Mrs. Boblit replied she doesn’t think they could do an addition and stay under the square footage restriction. City Planner Wittman explained the existing garage is 916 square feet and the proposed new garage would be 994 square feet. A challenge is how to add a third stall and still maintain the integrity of structure. The depth of the structure is almost 30 feet and a stall is about 10 feet wide, so they could not add another stall and still be under the maximum square footage according to zoning code. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to deny a demolition permit for the garage located at 116 Harriet Street North, Case No. 2019-09, and to forward to the City Council a determination that the the structure is a historic resource and there is a feasible alternative to demolition. All in favor, 6-0. Case No. 2019-11: Consideration of a new infill residence for the property located on XXX William Street North in the RB district. Mulcahy Holdings, property owner and Paul Bruggeman, applicant. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 15, 2019 Page 3 of 6 City Planner Wittman stated that the applicant is requesting a permit to construct a two and a half story, one- family residence at XXX William Street North, a lot in the Neighborhood Conservation District. The proposed house will measure approximately 22’ wide by 48’ deep and will contain a 6’ deep front porch and an attached 24X32’ garage. A 12/6 gable will run parallel with the front lot line. It will contain a 10/12 pitch projection that will not rise to the primary gable. The front gable area will contain a 6’ porch with a 4/12 pitch roof. LP lap siding, to extend to the grade level, and aluminum soffit and fascia is proposed on all four sides; LP board and batten will be located on the front of the home, above the porch and on the garage, to add visual interest. Double hung windows are proposed for the front and sides of the home; the rear will have slightly wider windows. All windows and trim boards will be 1X4” LP Smart Siding. Asphalt shingles are proposed. Staff recommends approval with ten conditions. Paul Bruggeman offered to answer questions. Chair Mino opened the public hearing. Jean Heinrichs (no address given), who lives south of the vacant lot, expressed concerns about disruption that will be caused by construction and the amount of rotten and dead wood at the back of the lot drawing carpenter ants. Chair Mino closed the public hearing. Mr. Bruggeman stated the trees at the back of the lot are not desirable trees and they will be removed. Commissioner Finwall suggested adding a condition requiring removal of the dead trees along the lot line. Commissioner Larson suggested that the contractor ensure that the swale directs runoff as shown toward the street as opposed to the property to the south which sometimes is a concern with new construction. Commissioner Finwall said she likes the look of the structure, but the three car garage wider than the house is off-putting. She asked if the applicant considered stepping it back. Mr. Bruggeman replied he could step the garage back. Another idea is to jog the driveway back or put a window in the garage roof to break up the massing. Commissioner Larson remarked a window dormer centered over the double garage door would help. Commissioner Steinwall asked if the applicant considered side-loading the garage. Mr. Bruggeman responded side-loading the garage was considered but it would be too tight. Commissioner Larson stated the pattern of vertical versus horizontal does not follow all the way around the structure. He suggested the use of vertical board and batten on the garage to achieve four-sided design. Mr. Bruggeman said he could run the board and batten around the other two sides of the garage. Commissioner Finwall suggested adding a condition that the color of the house be consistent with the surrounding neighborhood. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Walls, to approve Case No. 2019-11, a new infill residence for the property located on XXX Williams Street North, with the ten conditions recommended by staff, adding Condition #11 stating “The vertical board and batten shall be extended around all three sides of the garage” and Condition #12, “The vertical board and batten shall be added to the north and south façade gable above the window line” and Condition #13, “A proportional shed dormer shall be added onto the garage” and Condition #14, “The color of the home shall follow the spirit and intent of the Neighborhood Conservation District Design Guidelines.” All in favor, 6-0. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2019-06: Consideration of a Site Alteration Permit for a master sign plan and exterior modifications for the property located at 123 2nd Street North in the Downtown Design Review district. Judd Sather, property owner and Sara Jespersen, applicant. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 15, 2019 Page 4 of 6 Ms. Wittman stated the applicant is requesting approval of façade improvements and signage at 123 Second Street North, a contributing building in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. The request includes: removal of the existing wooden bi-fold doors and replacement with a painted black wood and glass entry door system with gold accents; removal of the arches iron over the entrance and installation of it below the existing awning; installation of iron grates on the first floor windows on the north façade; installation of a 30’ diameter wooden sign above the new storefront entry. The sign will read “The Lumberjack Axe Throwing Bar” in burnt circle with corresponding sign plan; installation of a gas fireplace on the interior of the building, requiring an exterior vent on the east side facade; and installation of new mechanical equipment on the south side of the building in the existing patio area, screened to the west with a 10’ rockface wall and an 8’ chainlink fence. Staff finds the most of the proposed alterations are consistent with the guidelines and recommends approval of the wooden storefront, signage, decorative arched ironwork, awning repairs and painting, as well as all mechanical installations, with seven conditions. However, staff recommends denial of the installation of iron grates on a portion of the building’s windows. Councilmember Junker asked what is the purpose of the iron grates on the lower level. Reagan Nix, Blue Pencil Collective, replied the purpose is building security and protection of the windows. Commissioner Larson asked about the mechanical area, what is there now and what will be new. Judd Sather, applicant, replied the transformer is existing. The the generator will be removed from the interior of the building to the outside, in an enclosure. Councilmember Junker remarked that the alley looks bad. Restaurants on the east side of the alley need to cooperate as Mr. Sather does. There are plans to repave the alley but the City needs cooperation from business owners. Mr. Sather said he is looking at solutions to make the alley a little more walkable. Commissioner Finwall asked if there is an alternative to the grates on the windows for security. Mr. Sather said he is open to suggestions. The windows don’t currently have storm windows and it would be easy to break into the building. Commissioner Larson said adding storm windows would be one alternative. Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve Case No. 2019-06, site Alteration Permit for a master sign plan and exterior modifications for the property located at 123 2nd Street North, with the seven conditions recommended by staff. All in favor, 6-0. Case No. 2019-07: Consideration of a Site Alteration Permit for new siding and railings for the property located at 126 Main Street North in the Downtown Design Review District. Murray and Heidi McAllister, property owners. Ms. Wittman stated the applicants are requesting approval of façade improvements at 126 Main Street North, a contributing building in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. The request includes: replace all north elevation doors with a two-paneled solid door painted dark bronze; back addition modifications to include repair and painting of stucco or replacement with bronze board and batten steel; construction of a new rooftop access, sided in bronze colored board and batten steel with French doors; installation of a black metal and steel cable roof railing system; and installation of glass block on a rear window. Staff finds the proposed alterations are consistent with the guidelines and recommends approval with three conditions. Heidi McAllister, applicant, stated there used to be three apartments in the building, now there will be two. Access doors on the north side have original transom windows in the arches which will be retained but the combination screen/storm doors that are all different will be replaced with a consistent style door. She requested feedback on how to improve the overall look of the building. The stucco is in relatively good shape but the paint is inconsistent in places. They may paint it a color more in keeping with the brick. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 15, 2019 Page 5 of 6 Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to approve Case No. 2019-07, Site Alteration Permit for new siding and railings for the property located at 126 Main Street North, with the three conditions recommended by staff. All in favor, 6-0. Case No. 2019-10: Consideration of a Design Permit for store front remodel for the property located at 225 2nd Street North in the Downtown Design Review District. Ann Engstrum, property owner. Ms. Wittman stated the applicant is requesting approval of the storefront alteration of the structure located at 225 2nd Street North. The request includes: siding below each window with LP Smartside in mahogany lap; siding the columns on each side of the door, as well as above all windows and doors, with vertical LP Smartside in onyx; siding the corners with Versetta stone with the Mission Point color; restaining the building canopy and door to match the mahogany lap; replacement of flush-mounted under-canopy lights; and updating the existing signage. Staff recommends approval with two conditions. Ann Engstrum, applicant, said the new signage will be in the same location and the same size but a different look. This is a one-sided facelift because the building is surrounded by the Crosby hotel, parking ramp, and another building. They are doing the facelift because they have lost a lot of tenants and need curb appeal. She provided samples of the materials to be used. Councilmember Junker agreed the building needs a facelift. However the proposal looks very different from the other brick buildings. The wood siding gives it the feel of a rambler home. Ms. Engstrum said they are avoiding brick because they don’t want the building to look like it is part of the Crosby Hotel complex. Commissioner Larson remarked he appreciates the need to update the look of the building. The Design Guidelines point in the direction of relating to the context of other buildings, not doing something completely different. He finds this a struggle because this is a contemporary building. Everything else on the street is brick and stone except for the Rivertown Commons building. The wood siding feels out of place. Ms. Engstrum asked if the HPC would prefer board and batten like the building on Third Street which is the building she modeled this after. Commissioner Larson replied that the nichiha siding on the building on Third Street is not lapped and looks less residential. He suggested using a thin brick that adheres right to the wall with some stone accents. Commissioner Steinwall disagreed that the guidelines push a modern building to look old. She doesn’t feel the HPC is compelled to suggest this building be resided in thin brick. The guidelines advise that buildings should be recognized as products of their own time. Commissioner Larson agreed it should not be made to look old but brick is compatible with existing buildings. There are other materials that could make it compatible. Ms. Engstrum said she is opposed to all brick. She really wants a modern look to match the building style. Chair Mino recognized there is already a lot of brick on the street and this is a modern building. She likes the way it looks as proposed. Commissioner Finwall said she appreciates the applicant trying to dress it up, but a lot more could be done to celebrate the modern feel of the building, for instance making the door and windows more appealing. She suggested looking at metal siding. Ms. Engstrum replied she considered metal siding for where the vertical siding was going to go, but there was a problem with sizing because it was going to go above the windows. Commissioner Larson said vertical black under the windows would be better. He is concerned with how the materials turn corners. The edge should be finished at the corner rather than a sawed raw edge. He suggested using board and batten in a dark color, with the stone on the corners as proposed. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 15, 2019 Page 6 of 6 Ms. Engstrum said she would be open to that. They originally wanted to use board and batten. The wood front fascia board needs to be repainted. The window trim on the north side would be painted onyx. The rest of the building needs to be repainted but they have not decided on a color. Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve Case No. 2019-10, Design Permit for store front remodel for the property located at 225 2nd Street North, adding Condition #3, “All vertical mahogany LP siding shall be replaced with LP board and batten style siding in onyx” and Condition #4, “Fine design elements of the stone siding and siding trim shall be reviewed by staff” and Condition #5, “The sign plan shall be reviewed by staff.” All in favor, 6-0. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS HPC Ordinances and Design Guidelines In response to a previous question from Commissioner Larson, City Planner Wittman said if there is not a condition of approval specifically tied to an item, for instance color, then it is not enforceable. There was a question about lighting downtown. City Attorney Land said there are no specific lighting ordinances, only guidelines. A business had an awning that was approved by the Commission but the awning did not include lighting so Ms. Wittman advised the property owner they would have to either amend their permit or remove the lighting. The City has standards and guidelines. Guidelines “should” and standards “shall” be followed. FYI Annual Training Program Ms. Wittman requested the Commissioners attend a new training program for all Boards and Commissions members on Thursday, June 6, 2019, 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers presented by City Attorney Land. Washington County Historical Society Commission Representative Ms. Wittman stated the Washington County Historical Society (WCHS) named Matt Thueson as the WCHS representative to the HPC. He will join the Commission after he is appointed by the City Council. National Preservation Month Ms. Wittman reminded the Commission that Tuesday May 21, the Preservation Awards will be given at the City Council meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski to adjourn. All in favor, 6-0. The meeting was adjourned at 10:03 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Julie Kink, Recording Secretary