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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-20 HPC MINi�r sisi�rrFc{ ao SAW� HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING January 20, 2021 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Krakowski, Larson, Thueson, Walls, Councilmember Junker Absent: None Staff: City Planner Wittman APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of December 16, 2020 Meeting Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to approve the minutes of the December 16, 2020 meeting. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. 2020-34: Consideration of a Design Permit for new business signage for the property located at 126 2nd Street South (118 Chestnut Street East) in the Downtown Design Review Overlay district. David O'Brien, applicant and Se-Tac Properties LLC, property owners. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to adopt the Consent Agenda. All in favor. PUBLIC HEARING Case No. 2020-33: Con iderati n of si n P t r artial demo renovation n -addition of a home located at 13041st Street North, in the Neighborhood Conversation Overlay district Jennifer Cates Peterson, representing C-iF'ne H-Qmes, a1212licant and a-Tac Properties LLC_ property own r . City Planner Wittman explained the case. Se-Tac Properties LLC proposes to renovate the August Neumann Heirloom Home, which was built in 1882. They plan to remove greater than 30% of the exterior of the existing structure, renovate the interior and exterior, and add on to the structure. The home will continue to be a single family residence. The proposal is to remove existing one-story additions including an 8' deep by 25' wide screen porch on the north side, an approximately 4' square, enclosed front portico, and 24' of the western, two-story elevation. New additions will include: 1) an approximately 6' deep by 20' long front porch facing 1st Street North; 2) a 14' wide, two-story addition on the rear (west) side; and 3) a 22' wide, single -story addition on the rear of the new two- story addition. The new home will be connected by a roofed walkway to a new garage. The existing home and additions will be clad in white LP siding with an approximately 4" revel. 4" corner, soffit, fascia and water table boards will be placed on all sides of the home. New windows will be installed, trimmed in black; windows proposed for the addition of the home, as well as on the upper gable of the garage, will have the same design has the historic windows. New black asphalt shingles will be installed on both structures. Staff finds the proposed project substantially conforms to the Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting January 20, 2021 Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District guidelines and therefore recommends approval with seven conditions. Chairwoman Mino opened the public hearing. Jeff and Gayle Hudson, 202 East St. Croix Avenue, pointed out for the record that the existing fence is not the property line. They support the project. Ms. Wittman confirmed that measurements were from the property line, not from the fence. The home is proposed to be 50 feet from the property line. Chairwoman Mino closed the public hearing. Chair Mino asked the applicant to address the windows and the proposed concealment of the new foundations with landscaping,. Jennifer Cates, applicant, replied they will keep the arched window lines with the new windows. If the budget permits, they will place limestone cladding along the small amount of foundation that is showing, to emulate the original. Otherwise they will be strategic about landscaping as in the report. Commissioner Larson asked what the new windows will be like. Ms. Cates answered that the existing windows are in very bad shape, so all will be replaced. Andersen windows will be installed which will replicate the existing windows as much as possible. Commissioner Thueson asked if the window dividers will be on the outside or inside of the pane. Ms. Cates explained the new windows will be simulated divided light that look like they are divided but are actually not, with surface -applied muntins on both sides. Commissioner Finwall asked why they chose to do a small porch rather than running the entire length. Ms. Cates said the home originally did not have a full length porch. The architect was given design freedom and it looks nice and balanced. Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Krakowski, to approve Case No. 2020-33, Design Permit for partial demo, renovation and addition of a home located at 13041st St N, with the seven staff -recommended conditions. Commissioner Heimdahl voiced concern about replacing all of the historic windows. He asked if the applicant explored rehabilitating the windows. Ms. Cates replied that the windows are single pane, not energy efficient, and it would be tough to rehabilitate them. Chair Mino suggested the old windows might be used for salvage. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS 2Perm t fo r new b u iIdin g d esi gn i Rey i w Overlay di tri ct, V roperty 1 oca tcd at 2 0 0 Chestnut Street. I oel Hauck a pp iicant and 200 Che to t Partners. LLC, property owners. Tabled from ❑ecember meeting City Planner Wittman stated that in December, the Commission tabled a Design Permit application from Joel Hauck, representing 200 Chestnut Partners, LLC for the construction of a four-story, 70-unit apartment complex. The HPC advised the applicant to explore design modifications that included reducing the building's height, breaking up the linear mass, enhancing the pedestrian experience and design detailing along Myrtle Street, changing the vertical siding, and potentially reversing the Page 2 of 6 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting January 20, 2021 courtyard location. The applicant has resubmitted updated designs, taking the Commission's direction into consideration. The following changes have been made: 1) Reduction of 5,500 square feet of the fourth story. The new design includes two units (as opposed to eight) and a 4,100 square foot amenity space on the uppermost story. This floor has been pulled back from the north elevation and most of the west elevation but will still be visible from the 2nd Street right-of-way. 2) The Union Alley pedestrian experience is enhanced with a lower concrete wall between the public and private spaces and a three-story masonry bump -out was added. 3) Balconies on the NE corner of the building (at Union Alley and Myrtle Street) were relocated to Myrtle Street. 4) Changed the fiber cement lap siding to a vertical metal panel. Staff finds that, with design alterations and certain conditions, the development might be able to conform to the design standards and guidelines. However, in its current form the building does not enhance the adjacent Commercial Historic District and dominates over the historic buildings within it. Staff recommends the Commission discuss the project with the applicant. If the Commission and the applicant are favorable to additional conditions to reduce the building's overall height and linear mass, then staff could make the findings the design generally conforms to the spirit and intent of the City's Design Permit standards and would recommend approval. Joel Hauck, ESG Architects, summarized the design changes as stated in the staff report. Nick Walton, property owner and developer, explained the logic of retaining two units instead of eight units on the fourth floor. They tried to eliminate all the units there, leaving amenity space only on top, however certain elements were still required by code, so they left two units on the fourth floor. Mr. Hauck said they don't believe the fourth story will be visible from Second or Myrtle Street. The 5' wall previously proposed along Union Alley was replaced with a smaller wall and planters to enhance the pedestrian experience. The building setback from Second Street remains unchanged. The architects felt that reducing the fourth story mass brought down the scale of the Second Street elevation but they are open to discussing additional treatment of that elevation. It will be perceived as a three story building from Second Street. The shifting of the unit balcony on Myrtle Street adds articulation for that pedestrian experience. Mr. Walton added that the design changes have brought the total down to 69 units, a four unit reduction. Ms. Wittman noted that the City received numerous letters in support and opposition. Councilmember Junker commented that starting with 73 units, removing six units from the fourth floor would bring it to 67 units. He asked for clarification. Mr. Walton answered that they had a small amenity space on the first floor. which was moved to the top floor along with two small one -bedroom units. The footprint of building didn't change. Commissioner Finwall asked for clarification of the reasoning behind retaining two units with the relocated amenity space on the fourth floor. Mr. Walton answered that if there is any space on the fourth floor, by code there has to be a second stair and a hallway to get to the second stair. They felt that since they were going to have that hallway, the fourth floor could also accommodate two units, to somewhat mitigate the loss of units. Commissioner Finwall asked if the project still requires a height variance. Ms. Wittman answered yes. Commissioner Larson said the project is much improved and he feels comfortable with the Myrtle, Union and Chestnut Street elevations. He agreed with staff about adding some kind of relief on the Second Street side. He feels the architects have done everything possible to reduce the bulk of the fourth floor. Page 3 of 6 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting January 20, 2021 Chair Mino said she remains most concerned about building height. Even at three stories, the mass will really dominate the area. She is not sure she can support it, even with a smaller fourth floor. Commissioner Heimdahl agreed the redesign looks better than the first proposal. Downtown needs vitality in addition to tourism. He thinks the changes are sufficient. Councilmember Junker said he struggles with having the two units and amenity room on the fourth floor. When the Council votes, he will have a difficult time supporting the height despite the setbacks. It will still be 50 feet high impacting the skyline and changing the visual direction of the downtown. Commissioner Walls commented that the reduction of the fourth floor helps but the overall height still impacts the skyline. He agreed with Councilmember Junker. Commissioner Thueson also agreed. Mr. Walton said they are willing to discuss different material for the fourth floor. Commissioner Thueson responded that it's not the materials, but the height and overall size on the block that concern him. Bob Loken, ESG Architects, explained that the reason they wanted to fill the site from streetfront to streetfront is because that is consistent with the historic fabric of downtown. The mass it occupies on the block is very similar to adjacent blocks and the aggregate of all the buildings on those blocks. Ms. Wittman asked the Commissioners to comment on the Second Street fagade and additional articulation. Commissioner Larson said in general, with the exception of the fourth floor and more articulation on Second Street to break up the mass, he would support the project. On the fourth floor, maybe removing the two units and hallway but keeping the amenity room could help reduce the height, if it were an outdoor walkway to the stair. Mr. Walton said he is not sure that is feasible, but if other Commissioners support that idea, they can explore it. Commissioner Finwall said additional Second Street design changes would be beneficial. On the fourth floor, centering the amenity space more may help. She also would like to see studies to reflect what would be seen from the street elevation, not just from the parking area but also from the sidewalk, for instance. Other than the fourth floor, she is very supportive of the project. Chair Mino said she is also very supportive of the project but struggles with the fourth floor even if it is only used for the amenity room. Stillwater is in a basin so that floor will be seen from many angles. Councilmember Junker added he cannot support anything over the maximum height limit. Commissioner Walls agreed. Motion by Chair Mino, seconded by Commissioner Heimdahl, to approve Case No. 2020-32, Design Permit for new building design in the Downtown Design Review Overlay district, property located at 200 Chestnut Street, with the eight staff -recommended conditions, adding Condition #9 stating that the fourth story shall be removed, and Condition #10 stating that greater articulation, substantially similar in impact to the fagade on Union Alley, shall be made on the Second Street fagade. The design amendment shall be reviewed and approved by staff prior to the submittal of a building permit. All in favor. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2021-01: Consideration of a Design Permit for ne-w windows, -door and doorway trir t=per for the pro er y- located at 102 2nd Street North in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Amy Estenson. representing 102 Second LLC, property owner. Page 4 of 6 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting January 20, 2021 Ms. Wittman reviewed the application. In October 2020, the Commission approved the partial demolition project at the Lowell Inn. The applicant anticipated installation of new windows and a door on the south fagade of the building. The applicant is now requesting approval of a Design Permit for: 1) the replacement of three historic windows with three Andersen 400 series (wood with a vinyl wrap) non -operable windows with five over five grilles; 2) installation of a set of 47.5" wide French doors; and 3) wooden door trim and topper. Staff finds that, with certain conditions, the project is compatible with, and will ensure continued significance and integrity of, all properties within the historic district. Therefore, staff recommends approval with three conditions. Commissioner Thueson noted that the Secretary of the Interior guidelines encourage repair rather than replacement of historic windows. He asked if this is feasible. Ms. Wittman said the applicant has already purchased windows and is not interested in repairing the windows. Chair Mino said normally the Commission encourages applicants to preserve historic windows if at all possible, especially on significant structures. But she understands the staff notation in the report that the replacement windows will match the existing windows in other parts of the building. Commissioner Finwall asked if the side door should match the front door. She agreed that the use of existing windows should be encouraged. She wished the applicant was present for discussion. Ms. Wittman replied that the applicant did not consult her before purchasing their materials. The proposed door is wood and glass. Commissioner Heimdahl remarked there are a lot of misconceptions about the energy efficiency of old windows. Maybe this is a future educational focus that the Commission should address. Motion by Commissioner Finwall to approve Case No. 2021-01, Design Permit for new windows, door and doorway trim/topper for the property located at 102 2nd Street North, with the three conditions recommended by staff, adding Condition #4 that the Commission encourages the repair of existing windows rather than using new windows. Motion failed for lack of a second. Chair Mino said she agrees with encouraging the use of historic windows but is not comfortable putting that condition on this property owner because other windows have already been replaced and are different. Commissioner Thueson said he is not as concerned about the Myrtle Street windows not looking like the Second Street windows. His first choice would be to repair existing windows, and second choice would be to have exterior muntins on windows instead of interior muntins as proposed. Commissioner Larson questioned what the door will look like from the description provided. Motion by Commissioner Walls, seconded by Commissioner Finwall, to table Case No. 2021-01, Design Permit for new windows, door and doorway trim/topper for the property located at 102 2nd Street North, to request more details on the design of the door, a statement of why maintenance of the existing windows is not being proposed, and requesting the applicant be present to discuss the application. All in favor. OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS Ms. Wittman informed the Commission that website redesign is underway. She would like feedback by the end of the week. The House Histories Research Guide, a complement to the Heirloom Homes Program, is almost completed. There are about six Heirloom Homes applications awaiting research. 2021-2022 Work Plan and HPC Grants Page 5 of 6 Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting FYI January 20, 2021 Ms. Wittman stated that the City still has a grant outstanding for the 2021 SHPO conference. As far as she knows, the conference will be held in Stillwater this year. She briefly reviewed other grant projects and told the Commission that workload is still backed up due to the pandemic. Ms. Wittman shared that the library received a grant to digitize 200 1980s and 1990s slides. 2019-2020 City of Stillwater Report Ms. Wittman provided the City's annual report. City of Stillwater Design Guidelines RFP Ms. Wittman informed the Commission that at least two proposals have come in. MNHS Microfilm Grant update Ms. Wittman said the grant is still pending; the conversion of County property assessment records has not yet started. Annual Commission Training Ms. Wittman encouraged the Commissioners to attend a training session for City boards and commissions with City Attorney Land on January 28. ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Thueson, seconded by Commiss meeting was adjourned at 8:52 p.m. ATTEST: Abbi Wittman, City Planner my Walls, to adjourn. All in favor. The Chair Page 6 of 6