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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-16 HPC MIN�at Ir IMF LICE OF MIMMEIOf1 HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING September 16, 2020 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:02 p.m. Present: Chair Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Krakowski, Larson, Thueson, Council Representative Junker Absent; Commissioner Walls Staff. City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Passible approvaI of minutes of Au ust 19 2020 Meetin Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to approve the minutes of the August 19, 2020 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM Tom Lynum, introduced himself and his wife Sandy Lynum, 626 North Fourth Street, owners of the William Sauntry Bed and Breakfast, and Judi and Marty Nora, 625 North Fifth Street, owners of the Alhambra (Sauntry Gymnasium). Mr. Lynum explained that since 1999 they have owned these iconic historic buildings which have been featured in many national architectural and historic preservation media. The Alhambra is known as one of the best examples of Moorish architecture in the U.S. Both properties have been for sale for some time. Prospective buyers have approached both owners about reuniting the properties to create a place for events, corporate functions, weddings and similar gatherings. There has been reticence on the part of City representatives they have talked to about this approach. They are seeking others who share their interest in the restoration, maintenance and sustainability of these properties. They are not asking for approval for a big event center or anything that would be detrimental to the residential neighborhood but would like the City to consider the parameters under which they could apply for a Special Use Permit to host small events. They welcome input from the HPC and also plan to talk to the Planning Commission. Councilmember Junker said he would be happy to help the owners communicate with the City Chairwoman Mino pointed out that the HPC is focused on design, so if there were to be changes made to the physical structure, it would come before the HPC. Use -related changes are not under the HPC's purview. City Planner Wittman said she has talked with potential purchasers and with the property owners. Currently the City code does not allow for event centers in residential districts. She acknowledged this is a unique property but there would need to be some sort of code modification to allow the property owners to request a Special Use Permit to hold events. Staff has talked to the Council about State law which prohibits the granting of a use variance for a use that isn't allowed in that district unless a site is designated historic. This is one avenue for looking at how the code might be amended. Ms. Wittman acknowledged the Commission's interest in finding ways to maintain continued use of historic structures. Councilmember Junker cited a similar request about four years ago at the former church north of City Hall whose owners wanted to convert it to an event center. The request was denied by the City Council with the biggest objection being neighborhood parking concerns. Mr. Lynum said he doubts parking will be an issue as these two properties control essentially half the block. There is ample offstreet parking. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting September 16, 2020 Commissioner Finwall commended the owners for maintaining the historic character of the home. As a neighbor, she would be concerned about parking but it sounds like that can be addressed. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. 2020-24. Consideration of g Design 12ermit for an awn ing i gn at 221 Main Stneet No th in e Downtywn Design Revi District. Ri er Ma ket C a QP-1himpt.TREMAR LLC. propertyowner. Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARING There were no public hearings. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2 20-23: Consideration of a Design Permit for exterior f ade improvements and si na eat 106 Main Street South in th tiI water Com ial Historic Mstriat PeterHovland, icant. RHR Investments LLC property wner. City Planner Wittman explained that Hovland Academy proposes fagade alterations involving painting and business signage. They have applied for a Design Permit for: 1) installation of trim boards on the flat, black fagade; 2) painting of the all existing flat, black fagade and newly -applied trim in Sherwin Williams "Rainstorm"; 3) installation of a 4.9 s.f. wood hanging sign to be painted red with the business logo; and 4) an approximately 20 s.f. projecting wood wall sign to be painted gray to read "Hovland Conservatory of Music" in white. They are proposing window signage less than one-third of the window area, which does not require design review. She noted for the record that inclusion of contact information in signage is generally discouraged. Staff recommends approval of the request with five conditions. Peter Hovland, applicant, explained the changes. The goal is to find ways to downplay the bank front look and make it look more Victorian. Chair Mino asked if the applicant has thought about opening up the window area for a more traditional look. Mr. Hovland replied that right now it is not feasible to open up the window area. They may be able to do a bigger project in their next five year lease. Commissioner Larson noted that the entrance and window are different heights and the trim calls attention to that. He suggested placing a single piece of trim across the building facade horizontally, where trims do not align at the door entrance, maybe with a wider piece below the door in order to get the window and door opening to align with trim in some way. Mr. Hovland said he could place one trim piece all the way across the door. He understands the issue. Commissioner Larson voiced concern that use of board and batten relies on caulk joint alone to prevent water from getting behind it. If flat panels are wood it could tend to pick up water and start to peel. Mr. Hovland replied that the trim will be wood, primed and painted all six sides prior to assembly and painted again on the base. If water gets through, it will go to the material that is there now. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to approve Case No. 2020-23, Design Permit for exterior facade improvements and signage at 106 Main Street South, with the five staff - recommended conditions. All in favor. OLD BUSINESS Page 2 of 3 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting September 16, 2020 There was no old business. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS Desi n Guideline Update Project Ms. Wittman stated that staff will start the Design Guideline update project this fall. MN SHPO Preserve Minnesota Conference Ms. Wittman and Commissioner Heimdahl said they attended a virtual session on real estate easements. FYI NAPC Forum Discussion and Attendance Reporting Ms. Wittman asked Commissioners who attended to please submit their attendance forms to her. Stillwater Lights Councilmember Junker reported that the Stillwater Lights Committee is trying to finalize the winter 2020- 2021 plan which includes temporary lights on the gazebo. He is not sure of the design yet. He would like to get comments from the HPC. Ms. Wittman stated she submitted comments to the Chamber with potential concerns about impacts on the historic structure of a temporary light show. More details may be forthcoming. Commissioner Larson said he was taken aback by the light show that was done on the gazebo last year. Because the gazebo is a historic structure, a different type of lighting, for instance ground lights, would be more appealing than moving animation on the structure. Chairwoman Mino agreed that the dignity of the building should be preserved. Lighting that enhances the building would be more appealing. Commissioner Finwall added that cool white lights should not be used. Preservation Ordinance Amendment Update Commissioner Thueson asked if the ordinance passed. Ms. Wittman said the Council adopted the ordinance and it will be published on Friday. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m._ my in , Chair ATTEST: Abbi Wittman, City Planner Page 3 of 3