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Minutes Historic Pres. 9 15 05 MINUTES tt~T01lIC P1?~\71inON OOMMl~ION REGULAR SESSION Thursday, September 15, 2005 5:00 p.m. Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library 360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa PRESENT: Vice Chairperson Chris Olson; Commission Members John Whalen, Mike Coty, Mary Loney Bichell and Mirzda Berzins; Staff Members Laura Carstens and Wally Wernimont. ABSENT: Chairperson Dave Stuart and Commission Members Jim Gibbs and Chris Wand. AFFIDAVIT OF COMPLIANCE: Staff presented an Affidavit of Compliance verifying the meeting was being held in compliance with the Iowa Open Meetings Law. CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Olson at 5:06 p.m. MINUTES: Motion by Whalen, seconded by Berzins, to approve the minutes of the August 18, 2005 meeting as submitted. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Loney Bichell, and Berzins; Nay - None; Abstain - Coty. ACTION ITEM: Application of Gronen Adaptive Reuse LLP/Community Housing Initiatives Inc. for Nomination to National Register of Historic Places for the Dubuque Casket Company located at 1798 Washington Street. John Gronen, Gronen Adaptive Reuse LLP, addressed the Commission regarding the National Register Nomination. He reported on the history of the Dubuque Casket Company. He noted that the building would be rehabbed for housing. He explained that the property is part of a tax credit project and that he is required to follow the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. He indicated that there are over 200 windows that will be installed in the building. He indicated that the entire building will be tuckpointed and a cinder block addition will be removed. The Commission also discussed saving the Dubuque Casket Sign. Staff Member Carstens noted that the Commission should recommend whether or not the structure should be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. She reviewed the criteria for significance, and she noted that the nomination indicates that the property is significant under Criterion A. She indicated that Criterion A is a property that is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission September 15, 2005 Page 2 Motion by Loney Bichell, seconded by Berzins, to recommend the nomination of the Dubuque Casket Company to the National Register of Historic Places based on Criterion A. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Coty, Loney Bichell and Berzins; Nay - None; Abstain - Olson. DESIGN REVIEW\1689 MAIN ST.: Application of Merle Ferguson/PALL LLC for a Certificate of Appropriateness to reconstruct porch and expand by 6 inches for property located at 1689 Main Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Merle Ferguson presented the application to the Commission. He noted building improvements to the structure and the construction of an off-street parking space at the rear of the building. He noted that the front porch was deteriorated and tagged by the City Housing Department prior to purchase of the property. He noted that they took several photos of the front porch for photo documentation in order to reconstruct it. He indicated that the Planning Services Department has signed off on the demolition of the front porch and reconstruction. He noted that a bricklayer from Chicago used photo documentation in order to rebuild the front porch. Mr. Ferguson explained that they found problems with a deteriorated foundation and that the porch was not square. He indicated that a Stop Work Order was issued by the Building Services Department because the building expanded outside the original footprint. He indicated that they have used brick, concrete and rebar in order to rebuild the porch and make it stable. He requested permission to reconstruct the porch at the current location outside of the original footprint. Staff Member Wernimont presented the staff report. He noted that the Certificate of Appropriateness is to enlarge the front porch. He indicated that the previous property owners were being cited by the Housing and Community Development Department for a deteriorated front porch pulling away from the front fac;ade. He explained that Residential Housing Inspector Jerry Stoffel verified the footings were insufficient for the porch. He noted that the photos show that the porch was not square. Staff Member Wernimont indicated that he signed off on the reconstruction with a determination of a No Material Effect. It was brought to his attention once the structure was being reconstructed that it was expanded outside the original footprint, and therefore, the Building Services Department had to issue a Stop Work Order. Staff Member Wernimont informed the property owner that they needed Historic Preservation Commission approval for a Certificate of Appropriateness. He noted that the front porch was constructed circa 1910 and the building was constructed in 1879. Commissioner Whalen asked for a photo of the original porch. Staff Member Wernimont distributed a photo of the original porch, and noted the building was probably a duplex at the time. Commissioner Whalen asked about recreating the original porch. Mr. Ferguson noted that interior changes in the building with conversion to apartments make the reconstruction of the original porch infeasible. Staff Member Wernimont noted that the wrought iron railing on the third floor of the former porch was Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission September 15, 2005 Page 3 not in compliance with the City's Building Code. Mr. Ferguson said he had discussed with Jerry Stoffel about what Building Code requirements would be. Mr. Ferguson reviewed the reasons for the enclosed second story of the porch and railing requirements for the third floor of the porch. Mr. Ferguson reviewed ingress and egress from the building for the second and third floors. Vice Chairperson Olson reviewed why the Historic Preservation Commission had to review the project because of the change of the design of the front porch. She also reviewed that the Historic Preservation Commission member who represented this district was concerned that the porch would be 10-12 inches further out. Staff Member Carstens explained that the six-inch expansion had been verified in the field by Staff Member Wernimont. Staff Member Wernimont noted that the concrete buttress and notches in the columns were not going to be replaced on the front of the structure. Mr. Ferguson noted that this buttress was added at a later date to support the deteriorating porch. Vice Chairperson Olson asked about the steps. Mr. Ferguson noted that the first limestone step is deteriorated but the steps will not extend any further than the original. He indicated that the first step will be put back using concrete. Vice Chairperson Olson noted concrete is a material change in character defining feature. Mr. Ferguson indicated a willingness to work with the Historic Preservation Commission and to replace it with a new limestone step. Commission and staff discussed that Zoning Board of Adjustment approval is also required for front yard setback. Vice Chairperson Olson asked about windows on the second floor. Mr. Ferguson said that they planned to replace all the windows in the building with vinyl windows and he has worked with staff. Commission and staff discussed what windows are regulated by the Historic Preservation Commission. Staff Member Wernimont discussed the window policy the Historic Preservation Commission adopted. Commissioners discussed with Mr. Ferguson the enclosure on the second floor porch deck. Mr. Ferguson felt that the planned improvements would be a significant improvement to the building and the neighborhood. Mr. Ferguson discussed financial feasibility of different types of windows and trim. Commissioner Whalen noted that these requirements are what the Historic Preservation Commission expects of property owners in the historic districts. He noted that the porch being replaced is not original, but that staff signed off on the porch being replaced as it was. He felt the expectation was that wood windows would be used if that was what was there. Staff Member Wernimont offered to bring the window policy to the next meeting. Commissioner Loney Bichell explained that the Historic Preservation Commission is trying to reverse the muddling of building features throughout the historic districts. Vice Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission September 15, 2005 Page 4 Chairperson Olson noted that with review of the porch, information on materials being used is lacking. Mr. Ferguson and his contractor indicated that there would only be a material change in the windows on the building. The contractor indicated that the frieze and other porch features would match the removed porch. Commissioner Coty explained the Historic Preservation Commission's role is to review projects at the design step, and to guide renovation of these structures using historically appropriate materials. He added that when people make an investment in historic districts, the Historic Preservation Commission wants to help make this investment be appropriate. He noted the Historic Preservation Commission appreciates their investment. Mr. Ferguson said if the Historic Preservation Commission wants wood windows, they will put in wood windows. Mr. Ferguson's contractor indicated that the existing windows are not all wood. He explained the cost factor of wood windows versus aluminum. Vice Chairperson Olson echoed Commissioner Coty's remarks. Commissioner Coty expressed appreciation for Mr. Ferguson's willingness to use wood windows. Commissioner Whalen asked staff for clarification on the Certificate of Appropriateness for porch with or without wood windows as originally in the porch. Staff indicated that because the windows do not require a permit, their replacement is not regulated by the Historic Preservation Commission. Staff also noted that the window policy requires that windows on city, state and nationally significant structures be replaced in size, style and configuration. Staff offered to meet with the Building Services Department to review the window policy and issues of this case, and then bring back a more informed opinion at the next meeting. Commissioners discussed the project with Mr. Ferguson. Staff Member Wernimont reviewed what portions of the porch are built at this point. Staff Member Wernimont asked if wood posts at the first floor are still needed. Mr. Ferguson said they are not, and they will be removed. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Olson, to expand the front porch and to reconstruct the porch as previously approved by staff with an offer by the Historic Preservation Commission to work on the design for the second floor to allow the applicant to deviate from the staff approval. Motion was approved by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Coty, Loney Bichell, Berzins and Olson; Nay - None. Mr. Ferguson asked if the windows on the second floor could be double-hung. Commissioners offered to review windows and offered suggestions on wood window vendors. Staff Member Wernimont noted that funding for wooden windows is available. DESIGN REVIEW\1638 IOWA ST.: Application of Greg & Kelly Simpson for a Certificate of Appropriateness, a Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant, and a Historic Preservation Revolving Loan to restore soffit and replace stoop and front door Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission September 15, 2005 Page 5 for property located at 1638 Iowa Street and the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Kelly Simpson presented the existing conditions, proposed work, and unknown extent of water damage on the soffits. She stated that restoring the soffit is their first priority, and are planning to replace the stoop and restore with a historically-accurate porch. She indicated that she is working with Mid-America Salvage on columns for the front porch. She indicated that no photo of the original porch could be found. Commissioners suggested several locations with similar styles that have front porches. Commissioners cautioned against using any high pressure washing for removing paint from the soffit. Commissioners discussed contractors and methods for repairing gutters, including using a rubber membrane. Mrs. Simpson reviewed the plans to repair, repaint, and replace in kind the brackets, dentials, windows, dormers and soffit. Staff Member Wernimont reviewed the staff report. He stated the applicant has applied to the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Program and Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. He noted the cost difference in lead-based paint removal if the grant were to be used instead of the loan. The consensus was to apply the grant toward the front porch when a design is ready. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Berzins, to approve the soffit and gutter repairs as submitted and presented, and to approve a $25,000 loan from the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Loney Bichell and Berzins; Nay - None. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: 189 Hill Street: Staff Member Wernimont provided an email from Thalia Cutsforth regarding additional work needed on their property. He noted that they were previously approved for a Certificate of Appropriateness and a Historic Preservation Revolving Loan by the Historic Preservation Commission. Tony Cutsforth distributed photos showing the extent of rotted wood. He reviewed the need for additional $4,000 in loan funds. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Berzins, to approve an additional $4,000 in Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Funds. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye- Whalen, Olson, Coty, Loney Bichell and Berzins; Nay - None. 1689 Main Street: AI Kopchek, representing the Downtown Neighborhood Council, spoke regarding the encroachment into the sidewalk area for the expansion of the front porch. Vice Chairperson Olson noted the Historic Preservation Commission has already reviewed and approved the expansion and that Mr. Kopchek's concerns with the setback are a zoning matter. Staff referred Mr. Kopchek to the September 22, 2005 Zoning Board of Adjustment meeting on the setback for the front porch. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission September 15, 2005 Page 6 649 Arlinqton: Staff Member Wernimont distributed photos of a two-story wood frame addition on a brick home. He noted that he has received a request from Master Siding and the property owner to install vinyl siding due to the poor condition of the wood siding. He noted the building has structural problems. He has provided the homeowner, Tony Anderson, with information on the Historic Preservation Homeowner Grant Program and the Historic Preservation Revolving Loan Fund. The consensus was to reiterate denial of vinyl siding and encourage the homeowner to apply for a grant and loan to stabilize the addition and repair and replace the wood siding. 578 W. 11 th Street: Property owner John Whalen reviewed a handout of the street and alley views for the proposed garage at 578 W. 11 th Street. He noted that the original garage had a flat roof and he is proposing to install a gable roof. Staff Member Wernimont asked the Historic Preservation Commission to determine if he could sign off for the gable roof as being compliant with the Design Review Guidelines. The consensus of the Commission, with abstention by Whalen, was that staff could sign off as No Material Effect based on the Design Review Guidelines. Four Mounds Historic District Public Improvement Grant: Chris Olson, Executive Director of the Four Mounds Foundation, reviewed that the Historic Preservation Commission has approved a $6,000 Historic District Public Improvement Program grant for the Four Mounds signage. She discussed the use of a Four Mound logo as a main entry sign into the property. She described the use of up-lighting on a rock wall to highlight the sign. She indicated the sign would be iron/steel and mounted on the wall. Consensus by the Historic Preservation Commission, with the abstention of Olson, was to proceed with the Four Mounds sign as presented with the finial design, and the lighting to be reviewed at a later date by the Historic Preservation Commission. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: 407 Loras Boulevard: Commissioner Loney Bichell had observed an unusual tuck pointing on the Bluff Street east side of the property at 407 Bluff Street. Commission and staff discussed what might have caused this. 609 Arlinqton Street: Commissioners and staff reviewed prior approval and lack of work recently at this property. Restore-O-Rama Workshop: Staff Member Carstens explained what Dubuque Main Street, Ltd. proposed for a joint Main Street/Restore-O-Rama Workshop with architectural programs for school children in Mayor April 2006. They discussed the possibility of having it as a regional conference for Wisconsin, Iowa and Illinois. The Commission discussed looking at the date of the Homebuilders Show and that preference for travelers to attend a conference is in April. They emphasized April weather is good for outdoor tours. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission September 15, 2005 Page 7 1349 Prairie Street & 1637 Arlinqton Street: The Commission referred to correspondence from the Housing and Community Development Department regarding enforcement on these two properties. Commissioners discussed the condition and timeframe for enforcement on these properties. ITEMS FROM STAFF: BuildinQ Services Department Report: Commissioners received the enforcement report. Commissioner Whalen noted the lack of progress over the last two months at 1163 Highland Place and asked that the Building staff resume inspections and enforcement. Vice Chairperson Olson noted that 1589 Bluff Street may be donated to the HEART Program. Commissioners noted problems again occurring at 970 Olive Street and asked staff to review if the third story windows were installed as per Historic Preservation Commission approval. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Wally Wernimont, Assistant Planner Adopted