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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-03-18 HPC MIN HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING March 18, 2020 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present: Chairwoman Mino, Commissioners Krakowski, Larson, Steinwall, Thueson, Council Representative Junker Absent: Commissioners Finwall and Walls Staff: City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of February 19, 2020 Meeting Chairwoman Mino commented that the minutes seem to be quite long and should be more in summary form because they get onerous for the public to read and the video is available should there be any dispute about comments made. Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2020 meeting. Motion passed, 5-0. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Resolution HPC 2020-01, Adopting Findings of Fact for HPC Case No. 2020-03 Case No. 2020-08, Consideration of a Design Permit for window repair at the Historic County Courthouse located at 101 Pine St W in the Downtown Design Review district. Morgan Abbott, PE (MN), representing Washington County, property owner. Case No. 2020-09, Consideration of a Design permit for a Seasonal Outdoor Sales food truck to be located at 127 Main St S in the Downtown Design Review district. Buettner Real Estate, LLC, property owner and Flattop, LLC- Leo’s On Wheels, applicants. Case No. 2020-11, Consideration of a Design Permit for Laurel Street stairway improvement located adjacent to 602 Main Street North. City of Stillwater, applicant and property owner. Commissioner Steinwall requested that Resolution HPC 2020-01, Adopting Findings of Fact for HPC Case No. 2020-03, and Case No. 2020-11, Consideration of a Design Permit for Laurel Street stairway improvement, be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to adopt the Consent Agenda as amended. Motion passed, 5-0. Resolution HPC 2020-01, Adopting Findings of Fact for HPC Case No. 2020-03 Commissioner Steinwall pointed out two typographical errors on the Resolution. She suggested alternate language for bullet point iv to read: “A stone wall that is in character with the stone on either side would be acceptable” striking the introductory words “What would be acceptable would be.” Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 18, 2020 Page 2 of 6 Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to adopt Resolution HPC 2020- 01, Adopting Findings of Fact for HPC Case No. 2020-03, as amended. Motion passed, 5-0. Ms. Wittman asked that Case 2020-11, Consideration of a Design Permit for Laurel Street stairway improvement, be moved to New Business. PUBLIC HEARING There were no public hearings. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2020-06: Consideration of a Design Permit for renovations and business signage for the property located at 204 Main St N in the Downtown Design Review district. Pat Wolf, representing 204 N Main St, LLC, property owner. Ms. Wittman explained that in 2019 the Planning Commission conditionally approved a Use Permit for the operation of a brewery, tap room, and associated outdoor service area to include seasonal vending at 204 Main Street North. A condition of approval requires the applicant to obtain HPC approval for any exterior improvements. The applicant is now requesting consideration of a Design Permit for exterior renovations and site signage as follows. 1. The installation of: a. An aluminum entryway door on the south elevation to be finished in a dark color to match the existing entryway system on the east facade; b. a dark-colored, aluminum-skinned refrigerator on the west elevation; c. an 8’ overhead door on the west elevation, painted tan match the existing wall; d. a cedar slat trash enclosure area; e. rooftop mechanicals screened with a dark brown, vertical metal panel; and f. a new black awing with signage. Signage on the skirt is proposed to read ‘Beans & Brew.” The business logo is proposed for the east face of the awning. 2. The conversion of: a. an existing, non-conforming 80- square foot wall sign to read “Joseph Wolf Brewing Company” in white letters on a black background; and b. an existing, non-conforming freestanding sign to read “Wolf” in white lettering on a black background. 3. The extension of a metal fence around the perimeter of the outdoor service area. Staff finds that, with certain conditions, the project substantially conforms to the Downtown Design Review District guidelines and recommends approval with seven conditions. Pat Wolf, applicant, speaking by phone, added that they reduced the signage that had been in place for 18-19 years to conform to the 52 square feet but they feel it is important to have their logo on the signage. They prefer not to do dimensional lettering because it will not work for the look they desire. They are using the historic logo, script and font. Regarding the clock tower they really worked with the graphic design person on options. The Wolf name in the space at the top of the clock tower seemed to be the best option. They would like the Commission to allow the use of the Wolf name at the top of the clock tower and to approve the type of lettering and signage they are proposing without using the dimensional lettering suggested. Commissioner Larson asked about the color of the refrigerator panels. Ms. Wittman shared that the refrigerator will be the dark colored aluminum as shown in the rendering. Michael Nelson, architect for the applicant, speaking via phone said they are willing to modify it to approximate the color of the existing siding if the Commission desires. Commissioner Larson asked about the garage door design and color. Mr. Nelson said the garage door will be recessed as needed to install, but will be a flush panel, and will be the same color as the siding to blend in. Commissioner Steinwall asked for clarification of the issue of dimensional lettering. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 18, 2020 Page 3 of 6 Ms. Wolf said they do not wish to have dimensional lettering because historically their logo has not been dimensional. The lettering will be printed right onto the sign, not vinyl stick-on lettering. Ms. Wittman added that dimensional lettering means lettering that is raised off the panel, not necessarily a change in the type. The Commission has allowed flat panel signs when the lettering has been proposed to be painted. This may be an alternative to the vinyl cut sticker letters. Chairwoman Mino asked for clarification of guidelines in terms of putting logos on signs. Ms. Wittman said there is no restriction against using logos. The logo is counted toward the square footage and is generally used once. Staff questioned the use of the name Wolf in both the freestanding sign and the vertical sign, however one sign faces east and the other one faces in the opposite direction. Sometimes the Commission has found it acceptable to use the duplicated design when it is not facing the same way. Commissioner Larson asked if the clock is internally lit. Ms. Wittman replied yes, it is an existing non conforming sign. Ms. Wolf stated per the current owner, the existing large sign on the east face of the building and the awning were installed at the same time. The clock has probably been there for 15-18 years. They don’t anticipate using the logo on the south-facing awning but they might incorporate some type of historic ad or signage on that side. They would conform to the 24 square feet. As proposed, Beans & Brew lettering on the valance runs the entire length of the skirt all the way around. They would like consideration in allowing them to run the Beans & Brew along that whole skirt. This would mimic what is there currently. Commissioner Larson commented that he understands the desire to get as much as possible on the sign or valance and he appreciates the applicant making the signs smaller. Some signage may be placed in windows. Ms. Wittman added that City code allows for up to 1/3 of each window area to have window signage without coming before the Commission. The requirement that lettering may not encompass more than 50% of an awning skirt area is in City code, so the Commission may not allow that without a variance. The applicant will need to reduce Beans & Brew to 50% of the skirt area but could use the Beans & Brew in the windows. Commissioner Steinwall asked if a condition is needed to address the grandfathered freestanding clock sign? Commissioner Larson remarked the name Wolf should be somewhat subdued so it is not very bright, and the material should be matt and not shiny plastic. He suggested adding a condition to address those concerns. Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve Case No. 2020-06, Design Permit for renovations and business signage for the property located at 204 Main Street North, removing staff-recommended Conditions #2 and 3, modifying Condition #5 to state: “awning is permitted to have graphics and/or text on the valance/skirt. No graphics or text are permitted for any other portion of the awning. Awning lettering shall not encompass greater than 50% of the skirt/valance area” and adding Condition #8 stating: “the free-standing sign panel shall have a matt or non-glossy finish and a subdued, non-distracting interior light, 3500K or less.” Motion passed, 5-0. Ms. Wolf thanked the Commission and recognized the hundredth anniversary of the closure of Wolf Brewery in 1920 due to prohibition. She and her sister are delighted to say 100 years later they are back in business brewing beer on Main Street in downtown Stillwater. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 18, 2020 Page 4 of 6 Case No. 2020-07: Consideration of a Design Permit for a new rooftop AC unit and other exterior finishes for the property located at 126 Main St N in the Downtown Design Review district. R & G Investments, property owners. Ms. Wittman explained the case. In 2019 Heidi and Murray McAllister received a Design Permit for exterior improvements associated with the conversion of a portion of the building from commercial to residential use. Since that time, the property owners have identified additional improvements needed to complete the residential unit. They are requesting approval of a Design Permit for exterior finishes and rooftop improvements to include: 1. Install a. a 23.5” square, 25.5” tall air conditioner unit on the rooftop, to the west of the permitted rooftop access room; b. installation of one light above the service door of the garage. 2. Change: a. the west façade’s window (visible from the alley) from glass block to a window film of a historic, Stillwater-appropriate image; and b. the approved black, cable rooftop rail system to a post and glass system. 3. Convert the existing (barely operable) green garage door with windows to an automatic multiple-panel, dark bronze/black garage door without windows. Staff finds that, with certain conditions, the project substantially conforms to the Downtown Design Review District guidelines and recommends approval with four conditions. Heidi McAllister, applicant, speaking by phone, said she wants to make sure that the railing system will be approved by the building department. She would like permission for the vertical rail system to put on the west end over the garage portion of the rooftop patio rather than glass, but they would like to use glass on the front on the east elevation if approved because they feel it will have less visual impact on Main Street. Commissioner Larson said he supports a dark garage door and film on the windows as proposed. The single light above the garage service door must be higher than 6’8” to comply with ADA requirements. A dark picket type guardrail is fine as long as the posts are dark so they recede. He asked if the guardrail will be all the way around the perimeter. Ms. McAllister replied the code will require them to have it on the west end above the stucco portion, meeting the parapet of the historic brick area and across the entire east edge returning on the north edge about 5’ until the parapet meets the legal height for railing. She would like it to connect as close to the end of the parapet as possible to look more consistent. It will be whatever the required height is once the decking is installed. The parapet is high enough along the north side to meet code without requiring any railing system on that north wall. Commissioner Thueson asked if the color temperature of the light above the service door should be considered. Ms. Wittman answered if it is truly shielded and down-lit it will probably not be a problem. It would be reasonable for the Commission to ask for a warmer yellow light if possible. Motion by Commissioner Steinwall, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to approve Case No. 2020- 07, Design Permit for a new rooftop AC unit and other exterior finishes for the property located at 126 Main Street North, with the four conditions recommended by staff, adding Condition #5 that “the rooftop rail shall be a dark bronze or black color” and adding Condition #6 stating: “a warmer yellow light should be installed if possible.” Motion passed, 5-0. Case No. 2020-10: Consideration of a Design Permit for rooftop improvements for the property located at 227 Main Street North. Brad Smith, applicant. Neon LLC, property owner. Ms. Wittman explained the case. In May, 2017, the HPC approved a Design Permit for the Site Alteration of the structure located at 227 Main Street South. The storefront reconstruction has been completed and the property owner has moved on to interior finishes. In October of the same year the applicant received Design Permit approval for an HVAC unit to be located on the rooftop. The applicant is requesting approval of a Design Permit for rooftop improvements on the two-story Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 18, 2020 Page 5 of 6 portion of this building to include: 1. Installation of two new rooftop units (RTU) to be used for the office and bar. The units are proposed to be nearly 42” in height on top of a standard rooftop curb. If approved, there would be a total of three units on the rooftop; and 2. Installation of one 42” long by 30” tall makeup air unit (MUA) to be set on a standard rooftop curb; and 3. Installation of an exhaust vent for the distillery; and 4. Installation of a skylight for the second story space. With certain conditions, the project substantially conforms to the intent of the City Code standards and the Downtown Design Review District guidelines. However, the eastern-most mechanical equipment will be visible in at-grade areas of the downtown, particularly from the east. The Commission should discuss whether or not rooftop screening should be provided along the eastern side of the rooftop in the area where no parapet exists. Staff recommends approval with six conditions. Applicant Brad Smith and property owner Mark Miller of Neon LLC, speaking by phone, said they would be comfortable with some sort of rooftop screening if needed. They asked about the height of the screening. Commissioner Larson responded it probably could be no higher than the units sitting on the curb, about 4’8”. The intent is to shield it from Lowell Park. Councilmember Junker asked if a raised platform will be needed. Mr. Smith replied structurally, this building is able to handle the units so they will be standard height and will not need additional framing to raise them up. Commissioner Larson asked about the color of the screening. Mr. Smith said they will try to do a fence in a similar color to make it blend into the brick right below it. Motion by Chairwoman Mino, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve Case No. 2020-10, Design Permit for rooftop improvements for the property located at 227 Main Street North, with the six conditions recommended by staff, adding Condition #7 stating, “mechanicals shall be screened from Lowell Park with a fence material color to be similar to the brick.” Motion passed, 5-0. Case No. 2020-11, Consideration of a Design Permit for Laurel Street stairway improvement located adjacent to 602 Main Street North. City of Stillwater, applicant and property owner Commissioner Steinwall asked if the Commission is approving a new city-wide rail standard by approving these specifications. Ms. Wittman replied if the Commission is favorable to the flat design on the top and the bottom, staff would start using that design whenever a rail on the stairway system is replaced. The only exception is when a guardrail is required, for instance the Main Street Stairs, when there is a fall hazard. Staff is proposing a simple railing design that doesn’t stand out from the stairs. Councilmember Junker voiced support for the simple railing, saying guardrails from top to bottom make stairs nearly impossible to shovel. Commissioner Thueson asked, if a simple design is selected, will stairway projects still come to the Commission for other reasons? Ms. Wittman replied yes, stairs that are in the downtown design review district will come back before the Commission. If the application is for maintenance only, the Commission may not see it but when layout or railings are changed, it would be brought to the Commission. She added that the Public Works Department has been told that all projects in the downtown design review district require design approval prior to installation. Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commissioner Steinwall, to approve Case No. 2020-11, Design Permit for Laurel Street stairway improvements. Motion passed, 5-0. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting March 18, 2020 Page 6 of 6 UNFINISHED BUSINESS There was no unfinished business. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS HPC Ordinance Update & Guideline/Standards Discussion Ms. Wittman stated that as part of the HPC Ordinance update process, staff and the consultant have developed a survey to gather anonymous feedback from the public. She provided homework for the Commissioners to consider. She would like the Commission to get an understanding of the difference between guidelines and standards, and to help determine what “shoulds” need to be “shalls.” She asked the Commissioners to review the materials and provide feedback by April 3. After the ordinance is updated, the guidelines will be updated. FYI 2020 Preservation Awards Ms. Wittman provided a list of all last year’s applications and asked the Commissioners to start thinking about 2020 awards to be issued in May. Project Updates Ms. Wittman updated the Commission on several projects. A request has been submitted for microfilm acquisition and there will be a 4-6 week processing time. Kudos to Commissioner Thueson for pulling this project together. The Lowell Park Pavilion project may be on hold. She will try to get an update next week. The City’s web development firm is working on the Heirloom Home and Landmark Sites Website. Ms. Wittman informed the Commission that City Hall is closed to the public and for the foreseeable future, it is unlikely all of them will come back to a public meeting at City Hall. This is the last meeting where the City is bringing people in to City Hall. Administration and IT staff are working on how best to continue to serve the public for normal business. Some meetings can be cancelled easily but the HPC and Planning Commission have to meet a 60 day review deadline for applications. There is discussion of petitioning the legislature to change this in times of emergencies. City staff are exploring how to handle public hearings. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Chairwoman Mino, to adjourn. Motion passed, 5-0. The meeting was adjourned at 8:33 p.m. Amy Mino, Chairwoman ATTEST: Abbi Wittman, City Planner