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Minutes Historic Preservation Commission 7 17 08THE CITY OF Dubuque DUB E i r Maste iece on the Mississi i (((~' '~' ~' 200 jj MINUTES ~~i REGULAR SESSION Thursday, July 17, 2008 5:30 p.m. City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building 350 W. 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa PRESENT: Chairperson Christine Olson; Commission Members John Whalen, Mary Loney Bichell, Joseph Rapp, Chris Wand, Matthew Lundh and Bob McDonell; Staff Members Wally Wernimont, David Johnson, Bob Schiesl and David Harris. ABSENT: None. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Olson at 5:30 p.m. AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. MINUTES: Motion by McDonell, seconded by Bichell, to approve the minutes of the June 19, 2008 meeting as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Wand, Bichell, Rapp, Olson, Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None. Chairperson Olson asked if any members of the Commission would need to abstain from any of the items on the agenda. Chairperson Olson said that she would have to abstain from the Step by Step project at 759 Bluff Street and the Historic District Preservation Improvement Program for the Four Mounds Foundation. Commissioner Lundh said that he would need to abstain from the Step by Step project at 759 Bluff Street. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of the City of Dubuque for funding from the Historic District Public Improvement Program to repair and reconstruct the W. 11th Street Stairs and the Grove Terrace Retaining Wall located in the West 11th Street Historic District. Staff Member Bob Schiesl explained the request to the Commission. He discussed the repairs and reconstruction of the W. 11th Street steps and Grove Terrace Retaining Wall. He summarized that the reconstruction of the Grove Terrace Retaining Wall will re-use the existing limestone retaining wall block, and a light and black hoop wrought iron railing will be installed along the top of the retaining wall. He indicated that the repairs to the steps will include reconstruction of the walls on top of the W. 11th Street Steps and installation of a vehicular barrier at the top of the steps. He explained that the limestone arch will be structurally repaired and waterproofed. He explained that the Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 2 project includes the reconstruction of Grove Terrace. He explained they are making an attempt to match the previous appearance of the retaining wall and arch. He explained that in previous discussions with the Historic Preservation Commission the project involved the installation of the light at the base of the arch. He explained that the light is not included in the plans at this time. He explained that, if a light were to be included in the plans, that they would place it in the center of the arch opening, and not on the stair landing as previously discussed. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. He explained that this is actually two projects -one that involves the W. 11th Street stairs and one that involves the Grove Terrace retaining wall. He reviewed the previous discussions the Historic Preservation Commission had about the light located on the stair landing at the base of the arch. He explained that the Commission's role is advisory and that they need to provide a recommendation to the City Council. He noted the amount of available funds in the Historic District Public Improvement Program. Commissioner Bichell asked Staff Member Schiesl about the proposed handrail for the W. 11th Street Stairs. Staff Member Schiesl said that the stair railing would be composed of pipe railing. Commissioner Bichell had concerns with the pipe railing because of openings that allow insects get in. Staff Member Schiesl said that the ends of the railing can be welded closed. Commissioner Wand said at the last meeting, the Commission requested that a hoop railing design be carried down through the W. 11th Street stairs. He discussed that the hoop railing could be used as a guard rail and that pipe railing can be installed behind to act as the handrail. Chairperson Olson noted that if the project is using HDPIP funds, the design should fit in with the historic character of the neighborhood. She discussed that the project has been downscaled because of the costs associated with the reconstruction of the Grove Terrace retaining wall. Staff Member Schiesl explained that financing for the project has become available because a street reconstruction project had to be canceled in order to fund the project. Commissioner Wand commented on the light fixture. He said at the previous meeting, they discussed providing up lighting into the arch opening. He said that the previous light was offset and located on the landing and did not look appropriate. Commissioner Lundh had concerns with the arch collapsing during the reconstruction of the retaining wall. Chairperson Olson verified with Staff Member Schiesl that the coursework will be horizontal. The Commission discussed the light fixture. Staff Member Schiesl referred to the photograph that was included in the packet. He said that the pole would be centered in Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 3 the middle of the arch at the front of the opening. Commissioner Wand indicated he had less of an issue with the light being centered in the arch opening than if it was offset. Commissioner Whalen asked if the step alignment will be the same. Staff Member Schiesl said the stairs will be the same design. Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to recommend that the City Council approve the project as presented with the condition that the coursework is horizontal, the proposed light fixture be centered in front of the tunnel, and the tunnel be uplighted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Wand, Olson, Rapp, Lundh and McDonell; Nay -Bichell. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Tim O'Brien/Black Acre Properties for a Certificate of Appropriateness to re-roof the building at 425/441 Bluff Street located in the Cathedral Historic District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that Mr. O'Brien received a Certificate of Appropriateness in 1995 to replace the slate synthetic shingles on the roof with a carriage house shingle. He indicated that the Certificate of Appropriateness is only good for one year. He explained Mr. O'Brien is coming back to the Commission to receive approval to install a CertainTeed Carriage House asphalt shingles. Tim O'Brien, 300 Main Street, Black Acre Properties, was present. Mr. O'Brien said that he had nothing to add. The Commission discussed the color of the shingles. Mr. O'Brien indicated he preferred a reddish color to match the brick color of the structure. The Commission discussed the color of the shingle. They explained that red is more appropriate for a clay the look. Chairperson Olson said that the color of the colonial gatehouse or stonegate gray would be appropriate. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Bichell, to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Wand, Bichell, Lundh, Rapp, Olson and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Portzen Construction, Inc./Sara Davidson, Step by Step, for a Certificate of Appropriateness to restore the front porch and windows, create an ADA accessible entrance on the side of the building, and reconstruct the rear deck, for the property at 759 Bluff Street located in the Cathedral Historic Preservation District. Chairperson Olson and Commissioner Lundh abstained from the discussion. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 4 Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that the applicants are proposing to convert afour-unit property to a seven-unit ADA accessible apartment building. He explained that the front porch columns have been removed and are in the process of being replicated. He explained that the stone on the building is being cleaned. He explained that the windows will be scraped and painted, and that new windows will be installed, as needed, that will fit the same size, style and shape as the existing. He explained that the interior of the building will house an elevator. He explained that a window opening on the side of the building has been shortened to accommodate an ADA accessible door entrance. He explained that this door opening will be accessed by a concrete ramp. He explained that the rear porch will be reconstructed because it is not built to Building Code. He explained that the existing deck will be raised and that an ADA accessible ramp will be installed that will provide emergency access to the Telegraph Herald's parking lot. Housing and Community Development Director David Harris and Sara Davidson of Step by Step were present to answer questions from the Commission. Commissioner Wand questioned the replacement windows and whether they will be replaced with wood windows. Staff Member Harris indicated that the windows will not be replaced; all windows will be scraped, repaired and painted as needed. Chris Olson, Executive Director of Four Mounds Foundation, presented a window that was taken from the Step by Step project and repaired at their wood shop. Commissioner Wand referred to the rear porch hand railing. He explained that the balusters should be located behind the board instead of in front to give more of an historic handrail look. He explained that the balusters located on the front are more of a modern west-end style porch railing. Staff Member Johnson wanted clarification if the side door will be constructed out of steel or wood. Neither Staff Member Harris nor Sara Davison of Step by Step could verify if the door would be made of steel or wood. The Commission discussed that the window opening has already been modified to accommodate an ADA accessible door. They explained that it is not really visible from the public right-of-way. Commissioner Rapp asked if an awning would be constructed overthe door opening. Staff Member Harris indicated that there are no plans for it at this time. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Bichell, to approve the application as presented with the stipulation that the balusters be located behind the bottom rail to give a more historical appearance. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Wand, Bichell, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None; Abstain -Olson and Lundh. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 5 DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Randy Weber, Disco Building Improvements/St. Raphael's Rectory, for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install Lincoln fit double-hung insert windows for the property at 231 Bluff Street located in the Cathedral Historic Preservation District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that the applicant is proposing to install wood exterior windows at the property at 231 Bluff Street. He explained that the applicant is requesting to have these windows installed over several years. Randy Weber, 210 Jones Street, discussed the application with the Commission. He said that the tenants have indicated that the existing windows are not energy efficient, and that the sashes are deteriorating. He said that the Lincoln windows will incorporate energy efficient low E glass. He also discussed the possibility of the use of vinyl clad windows on the exterior of the building. He said he would like to receive approval to replace approximately two windows a year. Because of the number of windows, it could take several years before all windows would be replaced. Commissioner Whalen asked if the windows will have the same divided light as the existing. Mr. Weber indicated that the windows will have the same divided light. Chairperson Olson asked if the muttons would be built into the sash or will be snap-ins. Mr. Weber said that the muttons are built into the sash. He explained the windows are custom and will fit the window openings. The Commission discussed the requested for an open-ended Certificate of Appropriateness that does not expire. Chairperson Olson discussed that old growth windows are better than the new wood windows used today. She discussed the possibility of using wood storm windows on the exterior. Mr. Weber discussed the energy efficiency of a vinyl window. Commissioner Wand explained that window manufacturers typically present information on the glass being energy efficient. He said the installation of the window is where the energy efficiency is most affected. He discussed how the windows need to be sealed to prevent air movement through the sashes, sills and jambs. Commissioner Lundh indicated that the technology of windows has changed over the years and that the proposed window may not be in existence in two to ten years. Commissioner Wand noted that he does not feel it is appropriate to approve an open- ended COA. He indicated that he is open to allow atwo-year Certificate of Appropriateness. He explained that if the proposed window is in existence in two years, that staff can sign off on the additional replacement window, and not have to come back to the Commission. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 6 Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the windows as submitted, and recommend that the approval is for two years with staff having the ability to sign off on the window if it is the same window as being presented. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Wand, Bichell, Olson, Lundh, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Randy Weber/Barbara Schenck for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the existing box gutters with identical box-style gutters, and cover the exposed wood soffit with vinyl beaded soffit on the sides and rear of the house for the property at 1030 Melrose Terrace located in the Langworthy Historic District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that no work will be done to the front of the house. He explained that the applicant is proposing to install vinyl beaded soffit along the sides and rear of the home. He distributed a sample of the vinyl beaded soffit to the Commission for review. He explained that new box gutters will be installed. Randy Weber, 210 Jones Street, explained that the existing soffit has some rotted wood. He explained that the front soffit has been covered with aluminum. He explained that the proposal is to replace the rotten wood and install vinyl beaded soffit. Chairperson Olson asked about the existing box gutters. Mr. Weber said that the proposed box gutters would be identical to the existing ones, except that instead of aluminum, they would be constructed out of steel. Mr. Weber indicated that the soffits would be covered with vinyl beaded soffit instead of wood. Commissioner Wand requested clarification of where the vinyl beaded soffit would be installed and how it would be ended at the corners. The Commission discussed alternative materials. Chairperson Olson explained that vinyl beaded soffit is applied over the existing materials, whereas some alternative materials can be installed, such as PVC soffit. She explained that the covering of the existing wood soffit with vinyl would lead to more rotting of the wood because the moisture would not be allowed to escape. The Commission discussed replacing the soffit with wood or with a PVC soffit material. Commissioner Whalen discussed removing the existing aluminum siding on the front and repairing the existing wood soffit. Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve the gutters as submitted and to repair and replace the existing wood soffit and paint. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Whalen, Wand, Bichell, Lundh, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Julie Lott for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the front and rear porches, windows and siding for the property at 573-579 Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 7 Arlington Street located in the West 11t" Street Historic District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that the property at 573- 579Arlington Street used to have a full length front porch. He explained that the proposed front porch will have a hip roof design and be supported by three brackets. He explained that the rear porch handrails will be replaced with a more historically appropriate double handrail. He explained that the applicant is requesting to install Cemplank siding on the front of the building, and vinyl siding and vinyl windows on the remaining three sides. Julie Lott, 256 Alpine Street, noted that they purchased all the property from Dell Street to Prairie Street along the north side of Arlington Street. She explained that several of the buildings are in poor condition. She explained that several of the properties do not have wood siding. She explained that the existing wood siding is in poor condition. She said that she has no issues with making the front of the building appear more historically appropriate. However, she said it wouldn't be cost effective to repair the siding and wood windows on the remaining three sides of the structure. Commissioner Whalen indicated that the front porch is historically appropriate for this style of structure. Chairperson Olson said the existing wood clapboard siding has been patched and several boards have been chipped. She noted the conditions of several of the homes in the immediate area. She discussed the option of using Cemplank siding on the structure, and that the Commission's preference is to use the smooth side. Mrs. Lott discussed the use of vinyl windows and vinyl siding on the structure. She indicated that she priced the cost between Cemplank siding and vinyl siding and that the labor is less for installation of vinyl. Chairperson Olson discussed replacing the wood windows with new wood windows. She explained that the rear of the property is really not visible. Staff Member Johnson discussed the use of Lead Grant funds and the requirement of a Section 106 review. He indicated that the Section 106 review requires that the property have its wood siding scraped, painted, and repaired instead of installing vinyl siding. He indicated the Section 106 review requires that the windows be scraped and painted or new windows be installed that are the same size, style and shape as the existing windows. The Commission discussed the use of aluminum clad windows instead of wood windows. Commissioner Wand discussed breaking the project into several parts. Motion by Whalen seconded by Wand, to approve the porch designs as submitted with the condition that they meet Building Code. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Whalen, Wand, Lundh, Bichell, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 8 The Commission discussed the use of wood windows on the front and aluminum clad windows on the side and rear. They discussed that the window sashes on the front and side should be painted the same color to match. The Commission discussed the use of wood or Cemplank siding on the structure. Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to approve: 1) The installation of Cemplank siding with the smooth side exposed or to repair and replace the existing wood siding; 2) The installation of wood windows on the front; and 3) Aluminum clad windows on the side and rear. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Olson, Whalen, Wand, Lundh, Bichell, Rapp and McDonell; Nay -None.. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Julie Lott for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a front porch and new screen and storm windows for the property at 637-641 Arlington Street located in the West 11th Street Historic District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He reviewed the historical and architectural significance of the property. He explained that the applicant is proposing to install a front porch hood with a decorative handrail across the top. He indicated that the applicant will re-use the original porch brackets and that the handrail would be constructed of either metal or wood. He explained the applicant is proposing to install new storm and wood windows that match the original window opening. Julie Lott, 265 Alpine, discussed the railing around the top of the porch hood. She explained that she is open to the use of wood or metal in the design. The Commission noted that they prefer the use of metal in the design of the railing. Chairperson Olson asked about the design of the windows. Ms. Lott said they will be reconstructing the wood windows and installing new wood windows that fit the existing window openings Motion by Wand, seconded by Bichell, to approve the application as submitted with the installation of a metal railing on the porch, with the condition that if the applicant proposes to use a wood railing, they need to come back for Historic Preservation Commission approval. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Wand, Bichell, Rapp, Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Robert Trilk/James Schneider for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the first and second floor wood windows in kind and replace the third flood wood windows with vinyl windows for the property located at 1640 Main Street located in the Jackson Park Historic District. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 9 Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that the property at 1640 Main Street is the Schneider Funeral Home. He explained that the existing windows are composed of wood and are one-over-one double-hung. He explained the applicant is proposing to install vinyl windows on the third floor. Robert Trilk, 485 Rt. 20, Peosta, Iowa, explained the location of the windows on the third floor. He explained that during the winter, snow piles up on the Yankee gutters and has caused rotting and deterioration of the window sills. Commissioner Whalen discussed the architectural and historical significance of the building. Commissioner Bichell asked how the circular window will be replaced. Mr. Trilk said that the existing window will be constructed of wood and be identical to the existing window. Chairperson Olson had some questions regarding the window molding around the third floor windows that are being replaced. Mr. Trilk explained that they are replacing the rotted molding with new wood that is the same size and dimensions as the existing molding. Commissioner Wand asked how many windows they are asking to replace on the third floor. Mr. Trilk indicated they would be replacing 11 windows. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to approve the application with the condition that the replacement windows are constructed out of wood. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand, Lundh, McDonell and Olson; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dan Galle, Quality Construction/Jim and Sheila Chambers for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the front porch at 1063 Melrose Terrace located in the Langworthy Historic District. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained that the front porch would be constructed out of wood with the decking being made of composite. He explained the porch columns will have a square design. He said that the handrail will be composed of a top and bottom rail and have a decorative newel post. He explained that underneath the deck, the porch will be framed out with horizontal and vertical lattice. Jim Chambers, 1063 Melrose Terrace, explained the project and referred to several examples of porches in the neighborhood. Chairperson Olson explained that this is an appropriate design of a porch for this structure. She had concerns with the space that the beam had to span in order to carry the load of the porch roof and the possibility of sagging. She discussed the possibility of the installation of four columns instead of two. Mr. Chambers explained that the two columns are original to the front porch, and they have not had issues with sagging of the header. Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 10 He explained that a one side of the porch foundation has been settling, and that the new substructure will support the existing porch. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Wand, to approve the application as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand, Lundh, McDonell and Olson; Nay -None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Chris Olson, Four Mounds Foundation, for a Certificate of Appropriateness and HDPIP Funds to install two interpretive signs and a concrete pad at the Four Mounds Farm campus located at 4900 Peru Road. Chairperson Olson abstained from the discussion and presented the application. She explained that she is the Executive Director for the Four Mounds Foundation, and that they are going through a comprehensive sign program for the Four Mounds site. She explained that this is Phase 3 of the sign program. She explained that Phase 1 included the entrance signage. Phase 2 included signage that described the history of the property, and Phase 3 will be interpretive signage for the gray house and white house. She discussed the locations of the signs on the site and noted photographs will be incorporated in the sign design. She explained that the concrete pad will be installed in front of the garage and a potting shed. She explained that the concrete at Four Mounds is historic, and that the new concrete paving will have an historic appearance similar to the existing paving. She said that the interpretive signage will be ADA accessible. Staff Member Johnson noted that they are requesting $3,681 in HDPIP funds. Motion by Wand, seconded by Whalen, to recommend to the City Council they approve the project as presented. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Bichell, Rapp, Wand, Lundh, and McDonell; Nay -None; Abstain -Olson. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Commissioner Wand discussed the order of the Commission packet. He indicated that he would like to see the Planning staff report located immediately after the application page. Commissioner Wand discussed the age of the railings located around the windows on the Cathedral Rectory. Commissioners Whalen and Rapp indicated those railings have been there for several years. Commissioner Wand asked staff to let Housing and Community Development Director David Harris and Step by Step owner Sarah Davison know about having the top hand railing on the rear porch beveled. Commissioner Wand indicated he had issues with the downsizing of the W. 11t" Street stairs project just because the Grove Terrace retaining wall needed to be repaired. He Minutes -Historic Preservation Commission July 17, 2008 Page 11 indicated that because they are using HDPIP funds, the design of the project should meet the historic character of the neighborhood and should not be scaled down. The Commission discussed the order of the items located on the agenda. They discussed placing the applications in the order they are received. ITEMS FROM STAFF: Building Services Dept. -Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement: The Commission reviewed the report and had discussions about recording violations as part of the property record so people will be aware of violations during sales transaction. The Commission discussed that they would like to have the Certificate of Appropriateness recorded so prospective buyers are aware of issues dealing with the property. Commissioner Bichell discussed her experience at the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions' National Conference in New Orleans. She discussed that some commissions have past commissioners available to be used as alternatives for attendance at commission meetings, if regular commissioners cannot attend. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Wand, seconded by Lundh, to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye -Whalen, Olson, Wand, Bichell, Rapp, Lundh and McDonell; Nay -None. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner Adopted F:\USERS\Kmunson\WP\Boards-Commissions\HPCWIinutesUiPC Minutes 2008U-IPC min 07 17 08.doc