HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-16 HPC PacketTHE 11ATNPLACE OF YINNEEOTA
PLEASE NOTE: Heritage Preservation Commission meetings are streamed live on the city website and
available to view on Channel 16. Public can participate by logging into zoom.us/join or by calling 1-
312-626-6799 and enter the meeting ID number: 503 594 024
AGENDA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
September 16, 2020
REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
1. Possible approval of minutes of August 19th, 2020 regular meeting
IV. OPEN FORUM - The Open Forum is a portion of the Commission meeting to address subjects
which are not a part of the meeting agenda. The Chairperson may reply at the time of the statement
of may give direction to staff regarding investigation of the concerns expressed. Out of respect for
others in attendance, please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less.
V. CONSENT AGENDA (ROLL CALL) - All items listed under the consent agenda are considered to
be routine by the Heritage Preservation Commission and will be enacted by one motion. There will
be no separate discussion on these items unless a commission member or citizen so requests, in
which event, the items will be removed from the consent agenda and considered separately.
2. Case No. 2020-24: Consideration of a Design permit for an awning sign at 221 Main Street
North in the Downtown Design Review District. River Market Coop, applicant. TREMAR LLC,
property owner.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
3. Case No. 2020-23: Consideration of a Design Permit for exterior facade improvements and
signage 106 Main Street South in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Peter Hovland,
applicant. RHR Investments LLC, property owner.
VII. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
4. Design Guideline Update Project — No Packet Materials
5. MN SHPO Preserve Minnesota Conference — No Packet Materials
VIII. FYI
6. NAPC Forum Discussion and Attendance Reporting — No Packet Materials
IX. ADJOURNMENT
0 Zoom Meeting I�
c
Participants (9)
illwatec
THE BIRTHPLACE OF MINNESOTA
City of Stith
Fitzie Heimdahl
I•ail=lilt ill
w‘11
Reggie Krakowski Dave Junker
Brian Larson
Matt Thueson
Program
Q Find a participant
City of Stillwater (Host, me)
0
m
®
14
CD
0
0
City Hall (Co -host)
Brian Larson
Fitzie Heimdahl
Dave Junker
Matt Thueson
Program
Reggie Krakowski
Shann Finwall
i \ Ater
THE OIRTNPLACE OF NINNESOTA
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
August 19, 2020
7:00 P.M.
Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:02 p.m.
Present: Chair Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Krakowski, Larson, Thueson, Walls, Council
Representative Junker
Absent: Commissioner Heimdahl
Staff: City Planner Wittman
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Possible approval of minutes of July 15, 2020 Meeting
Motion by Commissioner Krakowski, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to approve the minutes of the July
15, 2020 meeting. All in favor.
OPEN FORUM
There were no public comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
Case No. 2020-20: Consideration of a Design permit for a new 17' x 17.25' generator building on the
property located at 1850 Tower Drive in the West Business Park. City of Stillwater, property owner.
City Water Board, applicant.
Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to adopt the Consent Agenda.
All in favor.
PUBLIC HEARING
There were no public hearings.
NEW BUSINESS
Case No. 2020-21: Consideration of a Design Permit for new Liftbridge Cowork signage to be located at
109 Myrtle Street East in the Downtown Design Review District. Jill Kaufenberg representing St. Croix
Enterprises LLC, property owner and applicant.
City Planner Wittman explained that Liftbridge Cowork, 109 Myrtle Street East, is requesting a Design
Permit for the installation of: 1) an 8.7 square foot freestanding pole hanging sign to be made of
painted wood with vinyl lettering and graphics including the business name and logo; and 2) a 4.9
square foot projecting real estate sign to be made of painted wood with vinyl lettering and graphics.
Staff finds with certain conditions the proposed signage conforms to the standards set forth for design
review and therefore recommends approval with six conditions.
Chairwoman Mino asked, what is the Commission's standard regarding websites on signage?
City Planner Wittman replied the guidelines state signs shall include business name and product
offered only. Real estate signs have generally been allowed, on the assumption that once a building is
fully leased the sign will be removed.
Commissioner Thueson pointed out the real estate sign could be there indefinitely because of the
nature of the space being co -work space.
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 19, 2020
Chairwoman Mino expressed concern that allowing the website on the real estate sign could set a
precedent prompting others to ask for their website to be on their signs as well.
Commissioner Finwall said she finds the sign attractive and has no issue with it.
Commissioner Larson said that if the Commission typically has not allowed contact information it
would be hard to justify now. He agreed with Commissioner Finwall that it is an attractive sign but he
does not want to open the floodgates to websites on signage. The applicant can do whatever they
want in windows so they could put contact info there. He feels it is reasonable to continue to
discourage websites on signs.
Motion by Chairwoman Mino, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve Case No. 2020-21, Design
Permit for new Liftbridge Cowork signage to be located at 109 Myrtle Street East, with the six staff -
recommended conditions, adding Condition #7, "The business contact information shall not be utilized on
either sign." All in favor.
Case No. 2020-22: Consideration of a preferred Chestnut Street Plaza preliminary design alternative.
City of Stillwater, applicant. Minnesota Department of Transportation, owner.
Ms. Wittman stated that with the closing of the historic lift bridge to vehicular traffic, the Chestnut
Street approach to the bridge is no longer needed to support vehicular traffic. In collaboration with
MnDOT which will continue to own the right-of-way, the City will convert the street between Main
and the lift bridge concourse to a non -motorized civic plaza. Three design concepts have been
developed by the City's TKDA consulting team in harmony with community interaction from two
visioning sessions and an on-line survey. It is hoped that a preferred design concept will emerge with
the guidance of the community and Heritage Preservation Commission, that can be submitted to the
City Council and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in September. Future design considerations
will be brought back before the Commission prior to finalizing the construction documents. Staff finds
each of the concepts substantially conform to the adopted standards and guidelines and would
recommend the HPC determine a preferred alternative and make recommendation to the Council for
preliminary design approval.
Kathleen Anglo, TKDA, reviewed Concepts 1, 2 and 3.
Chairwoman Mino asked if bicyclists would need to get off their bike and walk in some of the
concepts, especially Concepts 1 and 3.
Councilmember Junker remarked he is not fond of Concept 2 because of the bike trail that cuts right
through the pedestrian plaza. There is currently a lot of traffic going on and off the bridge. Bikes and
people and strollers and kids don't mix well.
Commissioner Krakowski agreed with Councilmember Junker, he would prefer Concept 1.
Commissioner Thueson stated the fundamental question is whether this plaza should accommodate
bike traffic or not. It's hard to consider all three designs without considering how bikes will connect
with residential areas.
Ms. Wittman recognized the challenge is how to balance the interests of bikes and other users.
Concept 3 suggests there may be a way to get people to slow down, but it is not necessarily dedicated
for bikes.
Commissioner Larson commented that whatever is decided, it will need to be flexible. He likes
Concept 1 because its design is simple and flexible and allows for gatherings of people. If a channel is
created for bikes, that works against gatherings. He asked about the requirements for emergency
vehicle access.
Page 2 of 5
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 19, 2020
Ms. Wittman replied that emergency vehicles need to have access to the bridge. Down the middle is
probably preferable.
Ms. Anglo also said that emergency vehicles and maintenance trucks need to have access to bridge.
The planning team is still trying to flesh out how many feet are needed for emergency access.
Commissioner Larson stated that he doesn't like the rigidity of Concept 2. He gets the river theme of
Concept 3 but it doesn't feel like as much a part of the urban fabric as Concept 1. The element he likes
about Concept 3 is the big turnaround that will slow down the bikes and make everyone figure out
what they will do at that point. He is open to modern furniture and also likes the idea of timber
furniture in Concept 2.
Commissioner Krakowski agreed with Commissioner Larson's comments.
Councilmember Junker spoke about the material to be used in the plaza, whether stamped concrete or
pavers. The City's existing pedestrian plaza, which is smooth concrete, is almost turning into a
skateboard park, so anything that can be done to make it coarse and paver -like to discourage
skateboard activity would be good.
Commissioner Walls responded that would make it less of a multi -use space.
Councilmember Junker said there are other areas designed for skateboards.
Commissioner Walls noted if this promenade is made non -bike, bicyclists have nowhere to continue
to ride their bike after crossing the bridge. They would have to dismount and walk the bike for 1-2
blocks either north, west or south. So the City has a beautiful bike trail but no way to connect to it to
keep riding. Essentially that would mean reducing the multi uses to just a general purpose walking
promenade.
Commissioner Thueson said there is also the question of bike access in regard to the trail and to Main
Street. If it doesn't go through, that changes the nature of Chestnut Street as a bike corridor.
Commissioner Larson asked, is it reasonable to set aside a block of town where bicyclists are not
allowed to ride their bikes? At some point, some things have to be excluded in terms of flexibility. He
likes the flexible scheme as it leaves it open to how it might be used. If riders had to dismount their
bike and walk 1-2 blocks, he feels that is a reasonable compromise.
Ms. Wittman pointed out that the use isn't really under the Commission's purview, just the design.
Commissioner Walls said the discussion is about the design, whether it limits use of bikes or not.
Ms. Wittman summarized that several of the Commissioners are saying that even though it's
important to be bike friendly, this very bisecting design may give too much right of way to cyclists.
Chair Mino remarked she is not sure she completely agrees with that.
Commissioner Finwall agreed that there should not be a designated bike path through there. She likes
Concept 3 with its natural features. She wondered if all alternatives require that Water Street be
closed.
Ms. Wittman replied there have been discussions about the possibility of closing Water Street.
Consultants are still looking at that but it would be hard for delivery trucks and emergency vehicles.
Commissioner Finwall pointed out the Commission is discussing bike traffic but there would be road
traffic driving right through a pedestrian corridor on Water Street and that is a bigger concern. Bikes
come off the bridge really fast. She likes the roundabout that slows bike traffic down. There are
opportunities for bikes to go north or south. This is the opportunity to make this a pedestrian
corridor.
Page 3 of 5
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 19, 2020
Commissioner Thueson opined that the design is so informed by the use requirements that use is a
central question. He asked what is planned for Sam Bloomer Way.
Ms. Wittman stated the hope is that Sam Bloomer Way would eventually become pedestrian only.
Commissioner Larson summarized that he prefers Concept 1, keeping the furniture within tree lines,
keeping the middle open for large gatherings, and it could possibly become a bicycle way through the
middle. He favors a large cul de sac, open in the middle.
Chair Mino said she agrees the design should be flexible and Concept 1 lends itself best. She likes the
idea of more modern furniture.
Commissioners Krakowski and Thueson agreed.
Ms. Wittman said it comes down to how to support the uses in a safe manner. The Council will have to
ultimately decide. She believes that everybody on the Commission likes the idea of a circle that slows
down people down; there may be some desire to not give bikes precedence while at the same time
considering how they can get to those other bike trails safely; and some sort of grid pattern that
carries a sidewalk look on the edges.
OLD BUSINESS
There was no old business.
OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS
Preservation Ordinance Amendment Recommendation
Ms. Wittman reviewed in summary the final version of preservation ordinance amendments for
consideration. Staff is seeking a recommendation from the HPC to forward to the Planning Commission
who will consider the matter in a public hearing on August 26 and then make recommendation to the City
Council for their consideration on September 1 and 15. She asked Commissioners to review and submit
comments to her.
NAPC Forum Discussion and Attendance Reporting
Ms. Wittman asked the Commissioners who were awarded scholarships and attended the NAPC Conference
to submit to her the forms showing what sessions they attended.
MNHS and SHPO Ordinance Amendment Grant Reporting
Ms. Wittman stated she will be sending email asking Commissioners to sign a form to close out the reports
for the ordinance amendments.
FYI
South Main Street Retaining Wall
Ms. Wittman led discussion of the Main Street wall sample.
Commissioner Larson showed photos of what the stone sample looks like. The color looks fairly good. He
suggested asking the contractor if there is a way to make the mortar look older/darker.
Meetings
Ms. Wittman suggested going back to the normally scheduled third Wednesday of the month, which would
make the next meeting September 16.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Commissioner Walls, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting
was adjourned at 8:39 p.m.
Page 4 of 5
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting August 19, 2020
ATTEST:
Abbi Wittman, City Planner
Amy Mino, Chair
Page 5 of 5
Jll!r
FHE 6 I R T H P I A [. E OF MINNESOTA
PLANNING REPORT
TO: Heritage Preservation Commission CASE NO.: 2020-23
REPORT DATE: September 11, 2020
MEETING DATE: September 16, 2020
APPLICANT: Peter Hovland, representing Hovland Academy
LANDOWNER: RHR Investments LLC
REQUEST: Consideration of a Design Permit for facade alteration including painting
and business signage
LOCATION: 106 Main Street South
DESIGNATION: Contributing
DISTRICT: Stillwater Commercial Historic District
Downtown Design Review District
REPORT BY: Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner
INTRODUCTION
Hoveland Academy intends to open at 106
Main Street south. The business proposes
facade alterations including painting, and
business signage.
SPECIFIC REQUEST
Consideration of a Design Permit for:
■ Installation of trim boards on the flat,
black facade; and
■ Painting of the all existing flat, black
facade and newly -applied trim in
Sherwin Williams "Rainstorm"; and
■ Installation of a 4.9 s.f. wood hanging
sign to be painted red with the business logo; and
Street View — Google (May, 2019)
■ An (approximately) 20 s.f. projecting wood wall sign to be painted gray and read "Hovland
Conservatory of Music' in white.
Case No. 2020-23
Page 2
APPLICABLE STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES
City Code Section Design Permit Standards for Review, Sec. 31-509(f) indicates the HPC shall
utilize the following applicable standards:
• Architectural Character: The suitability of the building for the intended purpose; the
consistency of the applications design with approved design guidelines; and the compatibility
of the character of the design with adjacent development.
• Outdoor advertising: The number, location, color, size, height, lighting and landscaping of
outdoor advertising signs and structures in relation to the creation of traffic hazards and the
appearance and harmony with adjacent development.
• Special design guidelines for areas or districts of the city officially adopted by the city
council.
ANALYSIS
The property is subject to the guidelines set forth in the Commercial Historic District Design
Manual, as identified in the Stillwater Downtown Plan. The following applicable guidelines can
help assist the HPC in determining compliance with the guidelines as well as design consistency,
detailing and materials with the existing structure and the previously approved Design Permit.
DETAILING
DISCUSSION
■ Where detailing has already been
removed, every effort should be made to
replicate them. The use of extensive
historic photographic records....is
highly recommended to discover
Review of historic photographs provides little
evidence of the structure as originally constructed.
A 1920's Runk photograph, attached, shows the
corner of the building, implying the building once
has a traditional storefront design. In lieu of
pictorial evidence, the applicant is proposing a
detailing similar to the building's other tenant space,
omitting the circular detailing where traditional
transom windows would have been placed.
missing detailing.
COLOR
• The color of buildings should relate to
the adjacent building's color to create
harmonious effect
• Avoid colors which visually overpower
or strongly contrast with adjacent
building colors and established
downtown color schemer as a whole.
Sherwin William Rainstorm is not an overpowering
color and will complement the darker, subdued
colors in downtown Stillwater. The applicant
should consider a secondary color for portions of
the building to help provide greater detail and visual
interest.
SIGNS AND GRAPHICS GUIDELINES
• Modern sign materials are acceptable
provided their design is handled with an
understanding of the Victorian spirit.
• Only one sign that contains the business
name or graphic logo is permitted per street
facing side.
The applicant is proposing simple, contrasting
designs that conform to the zoning code and with
colors consistent with the district guidelines.
The use of painted wood with the business name
and logo on separate signs conforms to the
guidelines.
Case No. 2020-23
Page 3
• Use simple, bold letting with sufficient
contract between the lettering and the
background.
• The maximum area of the sign is regulated
by the sign ordinance.
• Use painted wood where practicable.
• Reuse of existing mounting brackets, studs
or holes is desirable.
• Support brackets for projecting signs should
be metal, painted black.
• If a project sign is used, keep it simple in
shape, small and utilitarian in design.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
The HPC has several alternatives related to these this request:
A. Approve. If the HPC finds the attached request conforms to the standards of design
review for the Downtown Design Review District, the purpose of the Zoning Code, the
comprehensive plan, and the heritage preservation ordinance, then then Commission
could move to approve 2020-23. Staff would recommend the following minimum
conditions for approval:
1. The designs shall be consistent with those on file in the Community Development
Department, except as modified herein.
2. The existing sign brackets shall be used and, if required, painted black.
3. Facade paint shall not be a high gloss.
4. The applicant shall consider using a two-color paint scheme.
5. 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.
Determination of the distinction between "major" and "minor" is defined in the
Zoning Ordinance.
B. Approve in part.
C. Deny. If the HPC finds that the proposal is not consistent with the standards of design
review for the Downtown Design Review District, the purpose of the Zoning Code, the
comprehensive plan, or the heritage preservation ordinance, then the Commission could
deny the request with or without prejudice. With a denial, the basis of the action is
required to be given. The denial, with prejudice, would prohibit the applicant from
resubmittal of a substantially similar application within one year.
D. Table. If the HPC needs additional information to make a decision, the requests could be
tabled until January meeting and direct the applicant to modify the request for greater
consistency with the Downtown Design Review guidelines.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
According to City Code Section 31-209(h), upon a finding by the design review committee that
the application, subject to any conditions imposed, will meet the standards of design review,
secure the purpose of the Zoning Code, the comprehensive plan and the heritage preservation
ordinance, the design review committee may approve the design permit, subject to conditions as
it deems necessary. If a finding is made that the permit would violate the standards of design
review, it must deny the application. Staff finds with certain conditions the proposed signage
Case No. 2020-23
Page 4
conforms to the standards set forth for design review and for therefore recommend conditional
approval with those conditions outlined in Alternative A, above.
Attachments: Exterior Facade Design Rendering
Trim Design Sample and Color
Wall Sign Rendering
Hanging Sign Rendering
1920s Runk Photograph
cc: Peter Hovland
IIS
Sample of trim design
Facade color will be dark blue grey
We are going to do samples
but are currently planing on using
Sherwin Williams "Rainstorm" SW6230
544
Fla lnaterm
lia-n nh.tcr i : t
Wall Sign Drawing
10.6 feet (19.9 sq ft)
HOVLAND CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC
All wood construction and hand painted field and lettering.
1.5 x 1.5 surround trim
3/4 material in field
Trim and field will be painted deep gray, lettering will be white.
Sample look.
Our sign will have a similar look to this sign below except the
field will be not have the separated boards.
106 Main Street South, Projecting sign
- Hand painted wood sign. 3/4 thick material.
- Burgundy field with white logo.
- The support currently exists (photo included)
- About 5 sq feet in size. (less if lower corners are removed from calculation)
Building
Existing projecting sign support
27.5 in
9 ft 8 in from sidewalk
PLANNING REPORT
TO:
REPORT DATE:
MEETING DATE:
APPLICANT:
LANDOWNER:
REQUEST:
LOCATION:
DESIGNATION:
DISTRICT:
REPORT BY:
Heritage Preservation Commission
September 11, 2020
September 16, 2020
Sara Morrison representing River Market Coop
TREMAR LLC
Approval of a Design Permit for new awnings and an awning sign
221 Main Street North
N/A
Downtown Design Review District
Abbi Jo Wittman, City Planner
CASE NO.: 2020-24
SPECIFIC
REQUEST
River Market
Coop is
requesting
approval of a
Design Permit
for an awning
sign to be
placed at 221
Main Street
North.
ANALYSIS
Street View, May 2019 (Google Street View)
River Market Coop intends to replace all blue awnings. One awning, above the Main Street,
entrance will read `River Market Coop' in white letters. The Downtown Design Review District
(DTDRD) guidelines indicate:
• The maximum area of the sign and minimum height above the sidewalk is regulated by the
sign ordinance.
Case no. 2020-24
Page 2
• Signing on awnings is permitted...on the end panel or front valance only. Use lettering size
proportional to the space available.
The zoning code allows for awning signs so long as the sign size does not exceed 50% of the
area.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS
The Heritage Preservation Commission has the following options:
A. Approve the requested Design Permit with the following conditions:
1. The project shall be completed according to the plans on file in the Community
Development Department, unless specifically modified by other conditions of approval.
2. All future signs shall obtain Design Permit approval to ensure conformance to the City
Code, Downtown Design Review District Design Guidelines.
3. A sign permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of new signage.
B. Deny the requested Design Permit. With a denial, findings of fact supporting the decision
must be provided.
C. Table the request for additional information.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION
Staff finds that, with certain conditions, the proposed request conforms to the City Code and
relevant Downtown Design Review District guidelines. Therefore, staff recommends conditional
approval of the River Market Coop awning sign for the building at 221 Main Street North with
those conditions outline in Alternative A, above.
Attachments: Sign Details
cc: Sara Morrison
.... •
, ......1. ,- ..4.1-*4S7-
. tr ,''''.3/43 :'L'" ."- ::;" .• t 0- 4.-.4 7 . .,,
.,,..,..r.1._,.>.
• • .
, ,,......--.'n
' 2:::: ,. :: ''' 1:. ..r. '''., ' ' -•-•-•1. 4:1 ...
. •,.:- , ..7-7ff Aik:Ag. • . ..."---tr. , •
" . •
- - . • 1.4-'4r2,---.0",.
'• ".. • . _.,......,,,..71e*. Ls.-- .'
...,"1-,,_.
. ..;. ' .. -.4'.2-:'-:* .4 74:-----; - ' ....••":4"."' ....... ...,. -._ -
Q ."^ •Pr.- '7•S •• Vii.f.,...1.' -7. ..'
7-...1"..7.,.,...,.r=2--.4.Z0C '• • ----,.. . " r •L' ..,,.. •
--r"'"=" .50...et. ._ 4.- . . . . , . . . , • .y . .. . :',,.. . r •• . . . _ 1 ..01.-pLYer ...--, 7:e 14 •.,:d..-eiC
, - ..._ .47 ,44tr-
........r.?-' ' 'R'4'''
• ,....„ j. ...1....i...C'i.„,... ' . •'`.. ,,
,v.:.,,,>, ,,,.. _,.'f-P 9'. ---;1.0P,
.- -. - -
.5.4, .
2.' 1A-C-44$1.' d.',. . Z A•r=''t -.' . . " "T;
4,C•-• _ ;V.I.: - .4- .- ........-1:: - - . ...e, ,__ ' -'1,-; ..-1. llgetri,r...
.
...E.,-,?. ;,,-;Okizr•-...,_,-...7,,,,,_:,•.,4*.S.1-tc -e..,7.,,,.,,,,,.....t, .,..- ,... ,
,rt*:,.'..-...... •- el. .1:5:i:- o'-'44.i,.....grk,.•
1-.- ' 1 fi I FL:- dr- ' - ' . • c
10,e.- .._ ,........-_,,.
;•,..--4.". - "..--•-,0"4.'"tr4rtYr...."*L.*-
4.:W3E:r , 1:'1',..-f.;•"?.--'07, 1 • ...AIONOV-c,
re:i41.-Pi-Fpgf-aggif