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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-19 HPC MIN HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING May 19, 2021 REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M. Chairwoman Mino called the meeting to order via Zoom at 7:00 p.m. Present: Chair Mino, Commissioners Finwall, Heimdahl, Holmes, Larson, Thueson, Walls, Councilmember Junker Absent: None Staff: Community Development Director Turnblad ELECTION OF OFFICERS Motion by Commissioner Walls, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to reappoint Mino as Chair and Thueson as Vice Chair. All in favor. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Possible approval of minutes of April 21, 2021 Regular Meeting Commissioner Finwall noted that on page 2, “Motion by Commissioner Finwall to recommend that the Council deny the Demolition Permit” should be “Motion by Commissioner Finwall to recommend denial of the Demolition Permit.” Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to approve the minutes of the April 21, 2021 meeting as amended. All in favor. OPEN FORUM There were no public comments. CONSENT AGENDA Case No. 2021-19: Consideration of a Design Permit for a stationary seasonal food vendor to be located at 103 Main St N in the Downtown Design Review District. Zafer Al-khatib, applicant and Joe Rmayti, property owner. Commissioner Thueson requested that Case No. 2021-19 be pulled from the Consent Agenda for discussion. He would like to suggest an additional condition of approval. Commissioner Finwall asked how long the food truck will be located on that site. Community Development Director Turnblad said the food truck may stay overnight, 7 days a week during the high season, May 1 - September 30. Commissioner Thueson expressed concern about possible generator noise. He recommended an additional condition that unit be required to use power from a shore connection. Motion by Chair Mino, seconded by Councilmember Thueson, to approve Case No. 2021-19, Design Permit for a stationary seasonal food vendor to be located at 103 Main St N with the three staff- recommended conditions, adding Condition #4, that staff should review the power mode and whether it is possible to prohibit the use of a generator. If so, prohibition of use of a generator should be a condition attached to the Design Permit. All in favor. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 2 of 10 Chair Mino suggested the City look at these types of permits to clarify seasonal versus year round uses. PUBLIC HEARINGS Case No. 2021-18: Consideration of a Design Permit for two, two-family residential structures to be located at 201 Olive St W in the Neighborhood Conservation District and the Downtown Design Review District. Ron Brenner of Brenner Architects, applicant and Greeley Commercial, LLC, property owners. Community Development Director Turnblad stated that this property became vacant after the structure was damaged by fire. Property owners Todd and Laurel Anderson, Greeley Commercial, LLC, purchased the property directly to the south and intend to remove the existing two-stall garage, rearrange the two lot lines and build two, two-family residences facing Olive Street West. Both structures will be accessed in the rear off an improved 4th Street South. Each of the four units will have its own front porch facing Olive Street West and the porches on the end units will wrap around the sides of the structure. Two over two windows will be used on all elevations. Each structure’s front and rear elevations utilize historic roof pitches to help break up the individual mass. Staff recommends approval of the Design Permit with five conditions. Chair Mino opened the public hearing. There were no public comments. The public hearing was closed. Chair Mino asked why there are two separate porches on each structure. Architect Ron Brenner replied to maintain the individuality of each unit, each has a front porch. They are purposely disconnected so the renters are not connected directly to a different unit’s porch. Commissioner Thueson suggested an additional condition of approval that the color temperature of exterior lighting be 3500 kelvin or warmer. Commissioner Finwall asked if the lot division will go to the Planning Commission and Council. Mr. Turnblad responded it has already been to both those groups. It is reconfiguration of lot lines, not creating new lots. Commissioner Holmes asked if the exceptionally large silver maple tree in front will be removed. Mr. Brenner replied the big tree that sits right on Olive will not be touched. Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to approve Case No. 2021-18, Design Permit for two, two-family residential structures at 201 Olive Street West, with the five staff- recommended conditions, adding Condition #6, exterior lighting must be 3500 k or warmer. All in favor. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Case No. 2021-11: Consideration of a Design Permit for deck roof. Property located at 218 Main St N in the Downtown Design Review District. Dariush Moslemi, applicant and Mike Lynskey, property owner. Mr. Turnblad said that in 2020, the HPC approved a patio to be added to the front of the building located at 218 Main Street North, being renovated for restaurant use to be known as the Rusty Mile. Dar Moslemi of the Rusty Mile would like to construct a roof over that portion of the future front patio. On April 21, the Commission tabled the request, asking the applicant to modify the design to include a flat roof with overhang extensions removed. It was also directed that materials and color be shown and that the overhang posts be set back. The applicant has submitted an updated design reflecting the Commission’s direction and is requesting approval of a Design Permit for a 45.5’ wide by 12’ deep metal patio roof. While the applicant is proposing to construct the roof, its supports and the guardrails with metal, the nature of the design is not consistent with the design of commercial structures along Main Street. Staff continues to maintain the granting of the Design Permit will not Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 3 of 10 keep with the spirit and intent of Zoning Code as it would alter the essential character of the building, site and its surroundings. Therefore, staff recommends denial of the application. Dar Moslemi, applicant, said in addition to the designs submitted for the decking, railing and roof, he submitted a design for the gutter. He is considering black galvanized color for the roof. Chair Mino noted that the resubmitted designs cover the motion made at the last meeting requesting the applicant to modify the design to include a flat roof with overhang extensions removed, to show the materials, and that the overhang posts be set back. She said there is concern noted in the staff report that the proposed design does not fit Main Street. While she understands it is not normally what would be seen on Main Street, considering that the building to the north, the Crosby, has an overhang on its patio, she does not feel the overhang on this deck area would detract but would fit in with the building next door. Commissioner Walls agreed with Chair Mino. Seeing the updated materials list, he would be in favor of granting the Design Permit. Commissioner Finwall pointed out that the roof won’t be seen because it is flat. She agrees that the porch does not detract from the scale and character of the existing building, and she supports the design. She asked if the lights above the roof will be removed. Mr. Moslemi replied the lights will remain. The landlord may want them for a second story space. Commissioner Larson said the corrugated roof will be seen from the underside. He asked, what is the edge on the front and does it extend around the short ends of the porch? Mr. Moslemi replied there will be a finish to the end edges, similar to the front to match the support beams. Commissioner Larson he would want that to be shown clearly in the drawings. In general he agrees with Planner Wittman’s assessment that the design does not fit the downtown. While there are other projecting canopies, this front porch feel is not seen elsewhere. He recognizes that the building is a bit of an anomaly in existing design and appreciates the improvement over designs shown last time. He asked what type of columns will be used. Mr. Moslemi said there are more supporting documents that he sent City Planner Wittman including a cross section showing the side view. It will be a standard 4” pipe column. Commissioner Holmes pointed out there was a second drawing showing the gutter wrapping around. Commissioner Larson asked if lighting is proposed for the soffit. Mr. Moslemi said string lights with Edison bulbs are proposed. Commissioner Larson said the lighting should be approved at least at a staff level. Commissioner Thueson agreed with the staff recommendation, it is not a good fit fronting Main Street. Commissioner Holmes said this version has improved dramatically over the original design. The building is unusual in that its entry is already elevated so the deck makes sense. The new flat canopy design complements the feel of the building. He suggested the applicant look at lighting proposed for above the roof because it feels like a remnant of not having a roof there. In general he is inclined to support the request. Outdoor dining is an important part of business downtown. Commissioner Heimdahl agreed the latest design is much better and he would support it. Commissioner Finwall noted there are not many buildings that are set back this far, so there is probably not much opportunity for others to build a porch on the front of their building. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 4 of 10 Motion by Chair Mino to approve Case No. 2021-11, Design Permit for deck roof for the property located at 218 Main Street North, with the four staff-recommended conditions, adding Condition #5 that there will be an edge around the roof and that any lighting proposed for underneath the roof be approved at the staff level. Mr. Moslemi pointed out the roof edge is shown in the packet of submission materials. Chair Mino removed that condition, and replaced it with a new Condition #5 that lighting under the overhang be approved at the staff level. Commissioner Finwall proposed another condition that the roof material be finished black. Commissioner Holmes said black will radiate heat strongly in the summer especially toward upstairs windows. The HPC may want to add a condition that the deck be finish-painted but since the public won’t see it, leave the color up to the applicant. Commissioner Finwall changed the wording of her suggested condition to state that the whole roof be one color including the underside. Underneath the roof she would suggest brushed black, and the applicant should work with staff on the color for the top of the roof to ensure it doesn’t radiate heat. Mr. Turnblad noted that the color could be left up to the applicant. The color is not critical, but it should be finished so it doesn’t rust. Chair Mino agreed other colors like a neutral gray may be as appropriate as black, just so it is the same color throughout. Commissioner Finwall restated her proposed condition to read that under the roof be brushed black and the top of the roof be consistent but not cause heat concerns. Chair Mino said she would still be inclined to leave the color up to the applicant. Commissioner Finwall agreed that the color could be left up to the applicant. Commissioner Holmes seconded Chair Mino’s motion. Motion passed 6-1 with Commissioner Larson voting nay. NEW BUSINESS Case No. 2021-20: Consideration of a Design Permit for a 2nd and 3rd story residential addition. Property located at 225 2nd St N in the Downtown Design Review District. Nat Shea, Tanek, Inc., applicant and Archangel Assets 4 LLC, property owner. Mr. Turnblad reviewed the application. Michael Russ, representing Archangel Assets 4 LLC, intends to add two stories to this commercial structure to accommodate two living units. He is requesting approval of a Design Permit for a 2nd and 3rd story residential addition. The structure’s additions (including materials and façade openings) are not broken up into units of scale. The overall height of the structure, as measured from the Second Street right-of-way conforms to the Central Business District’s height overlay maximum of three stories and 37’. Staff finds that an additional two stories will stand out along this street frontage, and that the chosen materials, color, and mass makes this building stand out against the others. Overall, the height, scale, mass and proportion of the proposed alterations, including façade openings, materials, color and detailing are not compatible with the site and its surroundings. Therefore, staff recommends denial. Michael Russ, applicant, stated the design has changed so that the staircase on the south is now open to reduce the massing. The newer drawings were toward the end of the packet. He also said they would love to have windows on both the north and south elevation but he understands from his architect that because of the zero lot line, the building code would not allow windows. He also said the Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 5 of 10 drawing makes it look like the building is massive but it is 2,000 square feet on each of the two levels, with a very small footprint. Nat Shea, Tanek Architects, said a drawing was submitted showing the open staircase. Due to lot lines, the fire code will not allow for windows on the north and south elevations. Mr. Russ added the building is very modern. Sometimes having a unique design element in a very small building adds to the character of the City. Every decade is represented in housing development throughout the City. Commissioner Larson said he appreciates the comments about contemporary architecture and agrees it can fit in an historic City. Still, the City has a design manual that states new infill buildings shall fit into the fabric of existing buildings and the overall streetscape and not present a jarring contrast with what is already there. He agreed with City Planner Wittman that that has not been done in this contemporary design. It presents a jarring contrast in color, material and design. Most of the time the HPC has not allowed fiber cement but when allowed, it has been a secondary material, not a primary material. Mr. Russ pointed out a modern building that got approved on Third Street. He feels the architect did a great job of maintaining the character of this 60s cement block building. Commissioner Larson said if you start with an anomaly and you make a bigger anomaly, that is not a good direction to go. This addition does not fit. Mr. Russ reiterated that the Third Street office building that got approved has a unique design element, is not red brick, and is a very upscale modern building. He argued that this is a very small project, total 4,000 square feet, with a 2,000 square foot footprint. Putting brick on the side would completely change the character of the building. Commissioner Larson said using material like brick as opposed to the proposed materials makes more sense. He is not against a contemporary design and would not want this to be a fake historic building. Mr. Russ said the architect did a phenomenal job to make this unique. He struggles with making investments in a project that gets designed by a committee. He appreciates the additional feedback on what can be done to make this fit without having to significantly change the design. Commissioner Finwall agreed that adding two stories and creating a mixed use building is what the City would like to see, but the design alters the essential character of the area and does not meet the design standards. Chair Mino agreed with Commissioner Larson, she does not have a problem with modern design but has concerns about massing, height, and how it fits into streetscape. Commissioner Holmes said he is sympathetic to the applicant’s task. The existing building already doesn’t fit in. He too is an advocate for good modern design in the context of historic cities. He has concerns about this design in terms of contextual continuity within the project and with surrounding buildings. He asked why is the two story addition stepped back 38 feet, and what will be the use for the existing one story building that is there? It looks like a hallway is carved out of the center. Mr. Russ said currently it is an office building with a center hallway. He wants to continue to support those businesses and not change that. If he had more parking available he could put more units or build closer to Second Street, but he does not have enough available parking area under the building. For the project as proposed, the Downtown Parking Commission deemed there is plenty of parking under the building. Creating a condominium larger than 2,000 square feet does not make sense for Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 6 of 10 leasing these two units. There is an elevator shaft between the garage and third story. There also is great value in having the river view from the second and third story. Commissioner Holmes remarked that for design continuity and getting the building to hang together visually, it would be better if the addition were closer to the front of the building. It feels like a completely different building has been set on top of the existing building. Mr. Russ responded it actually is two buildings. The building closer to Second Street has a limestone foundation that may not support any additional stories above it. The new block building has a better chance to support the weight of two stories because it has a new block basement. He is essentially building over the top of the new block basement section. Maintaining the integrity of the offices is very important. Commissioner Holmes commented he would appreciate an attempt to make the building design more contiguous, to consider how the existing exposed concrete block might be clad with another material, and to look at the fenestration of the window sizes. Having big storefront windows on the first floor does not relate at all to what is above. Overall, he is troubled with the design for reasons that City Planner Wittman stated in the staff report. Mr. Russ said he could have the windows match more consistently. Commissioner Thueson commented that the two buildings on that block that stand out, this one and the apartment building on the west side of the street, predate the downtown design review district. Rather than trying to extend what is probably not a building that would get approved today, the applicant could instead look at the new part of the building as a separate building with materials that are more sympathetic to the downtown historic district like perhaps brick. Mr. Russ answered that construction changes and material costs change. Brick is great but very expensive and would change the way the building would look. Councilmember Junker said he appreciates this developer designing a building at or under the 37 foot height limit. Not being able to have windows on the north or south side is a disadvantage. Mr. Russ said if this was Main Street he would consider red brick but this is a Second Street project and is hidden in many ways by the Crosby Hotel and other buildings. The Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve it. Chair Mino asked Commissioner Larson to suggest other materials that could be used besides brick. Commissioner Larson said the massing seems unnecessarily complex because there are windows, screening, wood slats, a stair structure. Everything draws attention to itself in a building that he would prefer to recede a bit due to its massing. High quality masonry materials would be a possibility. He agreed with the applicant it should not be designed by a committee. The HPC’s role is to apply the guidelines but he realizes the applicant needs guidance on how to make it stand out less. Mr. Russ asked, if he came back with a proposal for a two story cinder block building that would match what it is currently, is that what Commissioner Larson means? Commissioner Larson said he would not rule that out. It would have to be extremely well designed, maybe burnished block that would have some detailing. Mr. Russ responded textured block is traditional, not contemporary. The back of the building is now all cinder block. He thinks cinder block is out of place in Stillwater. He reiterated that the renderings make it look massive but it is not. It seems large coming down Second Street but is hidden from every other angle. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 7 of 10 Commissioner Holmes said the clean, 60s style, simple mass could be carried forth. There are good reasons to not use cinder block. In the warehouse district in Minneapolis, developers and architects have been faced with how to live side by side with traditional brick. Nitchiha is one possibility. Mr. Russ asked, what about galvanized panels? Commissioner Holmes said trying to unify the building using galvanized panels would look like it’s trying to replicate the grain elevator. Chair Mino said she would like more clarification about the absence of windows on the two sides, and also would like to see what the open staircase looks like. She suggested tabling the application pending further information. Commissioner Finwall said she would agree with tabling it. Some decks on the front might help. The narrow windows on the front of the addition make it look like an office space. Commissioner Walls said he would vote to deny. Although he appreciates the attempt to create more housing, the design does not meet the guidelines. Unfortunately he was taken aback by how the applicant opined that this is not a Main Street project so the rules should not apply. Motion by Commissioner Walls, seconded by Commissioner Larson, to deny Case No. 2021-20, Design Permit for a 2nd and 3rd story residential addition at 225 2nd St N. Chair Mino asked, if this is denied, what are the options for the applicant? Mr. Turnblad said the applicant may appeal the denial to the City Council, or substantially change the design and reapply. They may not apply for substantially the same design for one year from denial. Commissioner Finwall said she would be supportive of tabling it. Commissioner Heimdahl agree with tabling it, if the applicant will act on the feedback. Mr. Russ said tabling would be better than denial. Commissioners Walls and Larson withdrew the motion and second. Motion by Commissioner Finwall, seconded by Commissioner Holmes, to table Case No. 2021-20, Design Permit for a 2nd and 3rd story residential addition at 225 2nd St N, noting the feedback that has been provided to the applicant. All in favor. Case No. 2021-21: Consideration of a Design Permit for a wall-mounted sign at 125 Main St S in the Downtown Design Review District and the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. Image360- Bloomington, applicant and Nordic LUV, LLC, property owner. Mr. Turnblad stated that the CBD House is requesting approval of a Design Permit for a 11 square foot, aluminum channel letter with perforated, LED-faced sign to read ‘CBD House’ in green and black lettering with a white outline. Staff finds that the internally lit, LED sign request is not consistent with City Code. Additionally, though the sign is made of aluminum (a material often determined to be consistent with the historic character of downtown Stillwater), the perforated face is not consistent with the Downtown Design Review District guidelines. Furthermore, mounting the sign to the vertical columns may materially impair the historic features of the structure. Overall the sign is not consistent with the historic character of the Stillwater Commercial Historic District. For these reasons, staff recommends denial. Chair Mino called on the applicant but they were not present. Motion by Commissioner Walls, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to follow the staff recommendation to deny Case No. 2021-21, Design Permit for a wall-mounted sign at 125 Main St S. All in favor. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 8 of 10 Case No. 2021-22: Consideration of a Design Permit for landscape alterations located at 224 3rd St N in the Downtown Design Review District. Mark Troendle, representing Stillwater Public Library, applicant. Mr. Turnblad explained the application. Stillwater Public Library intends to redesign the front library lawn in the future, to provide additional outdoor gathering space for individuals/small and larger groups in addition to providing more exterior accessible pathways and seating spaces. They are requesting a Design Permit for a concept landscape design. Staff finds that, with certain conditions, the project is substantially compatible with, and will ensure continued significance and integrity of this property. Therefore, recommends approval with three conditions. Mark Troendle, applicant, explained that they are still in the conceptual design phase. The Library Board and its facilities committee are aware of issues around maintenance, accessibility and space that need to be further explored. The plan is grant-funded, so the project may need to occur in phases depending on the final scope of the project. Public Works Director Sanders provided input regarding maintenance which will be considered before the final plan is developed. Mr. Turnblad said it sounds like a Design Permit is not being requested now, but rather, discussion on the concept before applying for the Design Permit. Mr. Troendle confirmed that input is very welcome at this point. Councilmember Junker commented that drawings of the entry into the 1904 Carnegie library are beautiful. He asked if there is any history to Carnegie libraries accentuating elaborate walkways. He loves the design so far. Mr. Troendle said some research has been done. In the past years there have been pine trees and ivy covering the Third Street side of the building. The landscape architect feels the circular aspect of the lawn would fit in with other Carnegie libraries and they want to further explore that. Chair Mino applauded the Library for looking at using this space adaptively while leaving some open lawn space and a very good sight line to the historic building. Commissioner Larson voiced approval, saying the concept incorporates the formality and symmetry of the building but still is playful. He agreed with with the City Planner’s report. Chair Mino said she is surprised this building is not listed on National Register of Historic Places. She wondered if the Library has researched this. Minnesota Arts and Cultural Legacy funds can assist with research. Commissioner Finwall said she discovered there are 48 Carnegie libraries in Minnesota, 25 of which are now used as a public library. She likes how the front yard is activated for use by the public. There are probably native plants that would not be too hard to maintain. She wondered if the pergola on the drawings is part of the plan. She also wondered if the Library will consider stormwater elements such as a rain garden. Commissioner Thueson agreed with the other Commissioners and added, if there are elements of the plan that detract from the main façade, maybe they could be more in front of the Margaret Rivers wing rather than the central wing. This may be one of the most beloved public buildings in the City. Commissioner Holmes agreed it is a nice design. He asked about the story houses depicted. Mr. Troendle replied they are reading rooms. It isn’t yet known if they will be feasible. Public Works Director Sanders requested an eight foot path for mowing so there would have to be eight feet between each structure. Commissioner Heimdahl recommended looking at native plantings. He loves the design. Mr. Troendle thanked the Commission for the feedback. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 9 of 10 OTHER DISCUSSION ITEMS Statewide Historic Preservation Conference Mr. Turnblad stated that the SHPO has again decided to host an entirely virtual conference this year, announcing Stillwater is the virtual host community. SHPO staff has indicated serving as a virtual host will not jeopardize Stillwater’s opportunity to host the conference in person in the near future. Staff has discussed with the SHPO several options to spend the grant funds that will fulfill the intention of the grant to provide education on a statewide level. However, many of the alternatives explored would require commitment of staff time; this poses a challenge for the Community Development Department in light of Development Director Turnblad’s upcoming retirement and the fact that there are only a few months left before the virtual conference. SHPO staff has proposed Stillwater consider utilizing National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) membership and training opportunities as ways to spend the grant. If the Commission is favorable, the SHPO and the NAPC request Stillwater Commissioners fill out a Commission Self-Assessment. This will help staff and the NAPC tailor a CAMP program that provides the most benefit to the Stillwater HPC in addition to commissions around the state. If Commissioners are favorable to this approach, staff will email the Commissioners a web link where the self-assessment can be filled out online. Commissioner Heimdahl recalled a few meetings ago, the HPC discussed doing some hands-on workshops. He updated the HPC on potentially a third option to spend the funds. He reached out to Rethos about their educational classes, and to Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps. Both organizations said they could probably do a day long workshop at a cost not to exceed $2,800. If the HPC is interested, he is willing to take the lead on it. Chair Mino suggested that Commissioner Heimdahl discuss the idea with City Planner Wittman. She is generally in support of releasing the funds for the CAMP training. She would like to see Stillwater work on getting the conference in person in one of the upcoming years. Lowell Thompson Great Ideas Submission Mr. Turnblad informed the Commission that Stillwater Area Community Foundation conducts an annual Great Ideas competition , awarding one winner $10,000 to implement a project that betters a Stillwater area community. Local resident Lowell Thompson intends to submit a History in Stillwater’s Streets proposal which, if awarded, would place history plaques on approximately 20 contributing buildings in the Stillwater Commercial Historic District in honor of the district’s 30th anniversary in 2022. As part of the project, Mr. Thompson would assemble a task force of individuals from the Washington County Historical Society, members of the downtown business community and residents, as well as the HPC. Lowell Thompson reviewed the concept for displaying the historic information about the City’s points of interest. He would like the City’s support for him to apply for the Great Ideas grant this year. Commissioner Thueson noted he is on the Board of the St. Croix Valley Foundation but is not involved in selecting the Great Ideas winner. He thinks this is a great idea and he would volunteer to assist. Commissioner Finwall said she is also willing to help out. Commissioner Heimdahl offered additional resources: Minnesota Historical Society’s legacy grants for educational and interpretive projects, and the William G Pomeroy Foundation that funds marker programs. He added that the story of the history of Stillwater should include the original inhabitants of the St. Croix Valley before the buildings went up. The Commissioners wished Community Development Director Turnblad well on his retirement and thanked him for his service to the City. Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting May 19, 2021 Page 10 of 10 ADJOURNMENT Motion by Commissioner Larson, seconded by Commissioner Thueson, to adjourn. All in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 9:43 p.m. Amy Mino, Chair ATTEST: Abbi Wittman, City Planner