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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-16 HPC MIN�rateC iY! IIYTY�LE4E Of YIYYEIYf� HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING November 18, 2020 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:03 p.m. Present: Chair Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Larson, Thueson, Walls Absent: Commissioners Heimdahl and Krakowski, Councilmember Junker Staff: City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of October 21, 2020 Meeting Commissioner Finwall requested the following changes to the minutes: 1) page 1, last paragraph, "street trees" should be "three trees"; 2) page 4, fifth full paragraph, she "asked if the owners of the Dock Cafe were concerned about tree removal with the trail construction because she saw a big save the trees sign installed on the fence." Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Walls, to approve the minutes of the October 21, 2020 meeting as amended. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. 2020-30: Consideration of a Design Permit for new business signage at 216 Main St S in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Nick Grunzke, applicant. Mick Lynskey or Lynskey and Clark, property owner. Case No. 2020-29: Consideration of a Design Permit for a multi -tenant sign plan at 321 Main Street South in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Spectrum Sign Systems, Inc., Rick Ferraro, applicant. Patrick Anderson of Marine Leasing, property owner. Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commissioner Walls, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARING There were no public hearings. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2020-27: Consideration of a Design Permit for rooftop improvements at 223 Main Street South in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Ion 4 Group applicant White Bear Ventures LLC property owner. City Planner Wittman explained that Richard Farrell of White Bear Ventures LLC is renovating the third story of the building at 223 Main Street South into a single family residence. As part of the project, he would like to remove the existing elevator bulkhead and a stairwell access from the roof, and reconstruct the elevator access directly adjacent to an existing skylight near the northwest corner of the building. This skylight lights a three-story stairwell that would be extended to the roof. In addition to these improvements, the owner would like to add a 250 +/- square foot area for storage. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting November 18, 2020 The elevator access from the third floor to the roof and the enclosed storage area will require a variance from the Planning Commission. To the date of memo development, no variance request has been submitted. The request was presented to the HPC on October 21, 2020 and the HPC tabled the case until the property owner or property owner's representative could be present. Since that meeting, the applicant submitted revised plans requesting approval of a Design Permit for: 1) the demolition of existing rooftop stairwell, elevator bulkhead and chimney; and 2) construction of a new stairwell access, elevator bulkhead, and a 250 +/- square feet enclosure out of standing seam metal. Ms. Wittman informed the Commission that in June 2020, the applicant asked the building official to consider approving emergency removal of the chimney. Building official Cindy Schilts and Ms. Wittman determined it was a public health hazard and a portion of it would need to be removed, but the chimney would need to be maintained five feet above the parapet level. No further action was taken by the applicant and the applicant is presently requesting full removal of the chimney. She stated that the addition of a minimum code -compliant stairwell and elevator bulkhead on the rooftop in an area of an existing opening and that will tie into the three-story stairwell is appropriate. However, the 10' tall stairwell, in combination with the 14' elevator bulkhead, and the 250 +/- square foot enclosure addition is not compatible with the structure and its surroundings given that it will rise above any other structure on this block. Staff recommends approval of a code -complaint elevator bulkhead and stairwell access with two conditions, but recommends denial of the enclosure addition and chimney removal. Staff also recommends the applicant provide further details on the chimney's condition, citing why repair is not feasible. Kevin Souja, Ion 4 Group LLC, stated that the applicants are willing to repair the chimney or take it down to the five foot height. They are willing to use standing seam metal rather than the corrugated metal as proposed, which is on the existing structures already. Their intent is to consolidate all the structures into one rather than a hodgepodge. They feel the windows will reduce the bulkiness. They are willing to downsize the storage area. If the entrance to the stairs and elevator is not covered, they are concerned about weather damage. Their proposed structure would hide some of the neighboring building's rooftop equipment. Chairwoman Mino asked how the 250 square feet of storage area will be used. She asked about the height, adding that its location makes it very visible from Main Street so a lower profile would be appreciated due to sight lines to the top of the building. Mr. Souja replied it's an exit from the elevator and stairs, also for storage of patio equipment in the winter. The inside ceiling height is 8% with the framing timbers, 97' height on the exterior. When it was designed, they didn't realize there was a height restriction. If they have to go to 7', they could adjust. Commissioner Larson stated that 7' is allowed by the International Building Code so it could be that low. He asked if there is an occupancy separation. Mr. Souja replied that the applicants want to keep the separation between the 1st floor bakery and the 2nd floor. The owner plans to use it as some sort of restaurant bakery in the future and use the 2nd and 3rd floor as a private residence. They intend to keep the stairway between the two. Currently they are framing in the elevator access on the 2nd and 3rd floor. Eventually the elevator will go all the way to the 1st floor. For now, the elevator chase will be a storage area until they can access the 1st floor to get the elevator in and accessible to the top. Commissioner Larson voiced concern about the visual impact of the elevator access. He asked if the applicants looked at using a limited use limited access (LULA) elevator. Mr. Souja replied it is too long of a run. They must be ADA compliant. They wanted to use a residential elevator but a LULA would not fit. Page 2 of 4 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting November 18, 2020 Commissioner Finwall asked if the two existing structures will be removed. Mr. Souja responded yes, everything existing will be removed. They only plan on refurbishing the deck, not increasing the size. They will verify that everything on the deck is up to code for inspection. Commissioner Finwall commented that 250 feet seems large for patio furniture. Mr. Souja answered it's also access to the roof. They can't have anything in front of the door to the elevator per code. Commissioner Finwall asked if the chimney could be rebuilt since it is a contributing factor to the historic structure. Mr. Souja replied the chimney is leaning toward the center of the building, the brick is cracked and mortar is missing. He would gladly rebuild it. Chairwoman Mino asked if the applicants are willing to bring height of all structures down to 7'. Mr. Souja said they are willing to bring the storage area, stairway access, and everything except the elevator shaft down to 7'. The elevator shaft needs to accommodate the steel hoistway inside the elevator. Ms. Wittman remarked this is an intersection between zoning code and preservation regulations. Zoning code allows improvements above a roofline that are customary and incidental to a use. That is why staff is stating that a minimum code compliant stairwell and elevator bulkhead would be allowed by zoning code. Anything excess to that would require variances. So staff is recommending approval of the minimum code requirement which would be 7'. Mr. Souja pointed out that shortening the other structures to 7' may make the elevator shaft stand out more. Commissioner Larson remarked that reducing the bulk wherever possible is a good thing. The intent is to accommodate access to roof but not to add living space or storage space due to the bulk. Mr. Souja clarified that 7' would be the inside height, not the outside height. The framing members would still increase the height so will still be 8'6" on the outside. Commissioner Larson said the standing seam metal roof should be a dark color to recede visually. He feels the color should be approved by staff. Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve Case No. 2020-27, Design Permit for rooftop improvements at 223 Main Street South, with the two staff -recommended conditions, adding Condition #3, the maximum height and area of the rooftop improvements shall not exceed the code compliant minimums for ADA accessibility; adding Condition #4, the exterior facade shall be a dark, subdued standing seam metal; adding Condition #5, the chimney shall be repaired to its current height; and adding Condition #6, the color of the exterior window frame shall be dark and subdued. All in favor. Case No. 2020-28: Consideration of a Design Permit for a patio overhang at 217 Main St N in the Downtown Design Review District. Brad Smith of Traditional Construction Services. applicant. Pugsley LLC, Molly Rice, property owner. City Planner Wittman explained that the applicant is requesting approval of a Design Permit for construction of a 22' wide by 15' deep wooden and copper colored standing seam metal overhang over that portion of the rear deck associated with the Daily Grind. Staff finds that, with certain conditions, the project is compatible with all properties in the area and recommends approval with five conditions. Page 3 of 5 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting November 18, 2020 Chairwoman Mino asked if the adjacent property owners are aware of the proposal. Brad Smith, applicant, explained that he spoke with one of the tenants of the adjoining space to make them aware. Currently the deck spaces are used independently of one another. If the overhang continued across, its roofline would have to be changed slightly because the neighboring space has windows. He feels it will not look odd to have only part of the patio covered. Commissioner Larson asked if the Valley Bookseller signage will be moved. Mr. Smith said he assumes it will be moved just above the roofline. He said it is painted on the building. Commissioner Finwall asked about the alignment of the posts to the existing deck posts. Mr. Smith replied the drawing submitted was rough. The posts will align. Referring to Valley Bookseller, Commissioner Finwall asked, does the City allow painted signs? Ms. Wittman replied the code does not allow painted -on signs but she would have to look back to see how this one was approved. Sometimes the City has inadvertently approved painted signs. Commissioner Finwall suggested adding a condition that any new signage meet code requirements. She asked if the metal skirting under the deck will change. Mr. Smith replied he does not plan on doing anything with the existing skirting. It continues all the way around the other portion of the deck which is not owned by the Valley Bookseller owners. Commissioner Thueson noted that the Maple Island complex has a linear nature to it. He asked if the applicants considered a flat roof. Mr. Smith answered no. Chairwoman Mino noted that the slope of the roof is very gradual according to the submitted materials. Commissioner Finwall said she assumes the awning will be removed? Mr. Smith answered yes. Commissioner Larson remarked that the design is very simple and appropriate especially since it is not a residential building. What is okay in residential areas may not be okay in commercial areas. The material would better fit the building if it were a darker color that doesn't stand out as much, for example a dark bronze or dark gray. Mr. Smith said the owners probably will not be opposed to using a slightly darker color. Commissioner Finwall asked if the Commission wants to see something different like metal posts. Commissioner Larson said he would prefer that but he doesn't think there is enough specificity in the ordinance to require that and there are other instances of timber being used. Commissioner Finwall noted on the examples provided, there are " V" boards coming in. She asked, is that proposed on this application? Mr. Smith said no. It would be a cleaner look. He only showed the pictures because it will be similar but will not have the angled boards on the posts. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to approve Case No. 2020-28, Design Permit for a patio overhang at 217 Main St N, with the five staff -recommended conditions, adding Condition #6, all new signage shall meet code requirements; adding Condition #7, the metal roof must be Page 4 of 4 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting November 18, 2020 a dark, more subdued color; and adding Condition #8, the posts of the roof overhang must line up with the existing deck posts. All in favor. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS There were no other discussion items. Ig1•/ I St. Croix Riverbank Restoration and Riverwalk Project Ms. Wittman informed the Commission that the City Council held a public hearing on this project last week. She reviewed design changes that she hopes are more in line with the Commission's approval. Staff met with representatives of the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to review the entire project. The new wall that will extend in front of the Dock Cafe as part of the river trail is a very vertical board form pattern that is intended to not contrast with this portion of the cultural landscape district. The board pattern is a very prominent design that would have been seen along the shoreline historically. The overlooks have been brought closer to the shoreline. The City is aware the overlooks will be underwater during flood season. Staff is trying to minimize their impact as much as possible. She asked if the Commissioners feel these designs help minimize previously expressed concerns about the bulk and mass of the structures. SHPO feels this is more compatible than the City's previous designs. Commissioners Larson, Thueson, and Chairwoman Mino responded that the design is an improvement. Commissioner Finwall recalled the original plans showing rip rap between the trail and the Dock Cafe. She asked if the large wall has been proposed for more flooding protection. Ms. Wittman replied flood protection is secondary - the wall is a delineator between the private land uses. In order to construct this trail and maintain the public way, a delineating factor is needed. There was concern of the private property owner about things like trespassing and public -private interaction in that location. Commissioner Finwall said she feels the additional landscaping will help soften the wall. The trail will be an asset for the City. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. / my no Chair ATTEST: Abbi Wittman, City Planner Page 5 of 5