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Minutes Historic Pres 4 20 06 MINUTES f11~TORIC PRe~\1tiTION OOMMI~ION REGULAR SESSION Thursday, April 20, 2006 0 RA" 'FT 5:00 p.m. ' " ' " Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library , " 360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa . PRESENT: Chairperson Stuart; Commission Members John Whalen, Chris Olson, Mike Coty, and Mary Loney-Bichell; Staff Members Laura Carstens and David Johnson. ABSENT: Commission Members Chris Wand and Jim Gibbs. 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 Chairperson Stuart at 5:34 pm. MINUTES: Motion by Olson, seconded by Loney-Bichell, to approve the minutes March 23,2006 as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Loney-Bichell, and Stuart; Nay - None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Lynne Devaney for a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow a two-story addition on the south side of the residence, a two-car detached garage in the rear of the property and the repair and replacement of the soffits and gutters for the property located at 1050 Melrose Terrace in the Langworthy Historic Preservation District. Ms. Devaney explained she wished to build a two-story addition, a two-car detached garage and replace the soffits and gutters on her residence. Ms. Devaney explained the two-story addition will include a screened porch, kitchen, bath and family room expansion on the main level. The second story will include a master bedroom and bath. Ms. Devaney explained the two-story addition will maintain the roof line and design elements of the house. She stated the two-car detached garage will be located in the rear corner of the property. Ms. Devaney explained squirrels are gnawing on the soffrt and she has repaired it twice since taking ownership of the house. Ms. Devaney circulated PVC materials which her contractor recommended as an alternative material to wood for the bead board soffit. She explained the wood soffit will be removed rather than covered up with the PVC bead board soffit. Ms. Devaney also stated she wished to use the pve material for siding on the residence. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. He noted the residential addition will only be visible from 3rd Street. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 2 The Commission discussed the use of PVC products verses cemplank products as alternative materials. The Commission explained they liked how the PVC material reflected the profile of the existing wood bead board soffit, whereas the cemplank doesn't. The Commission expressed concern that the PVC material would not breathe as well as wood or cemplank. The Commission stressed the importance of properly installing the PVC material to allow the enclosed areas to ventilate. They recommended using the smooth finish on all PVC material used in the project. Chairperson Stuart asked whether the PVC material can take paint. Ms. Devaney assured the Commission it can. Chairperson Stuart emphasized the importance of following the manufacturer's instructions for preparing the material for paint. The Commission reviewed the construction drawings and list of materials to be used in the project. Ms. Devaney explained the materials used in the addition and garage will match materials on the existing residence. The Commission discussed the roofing material, siding and windows for the addition. The Commission noted the plans show redwood lap siding profile to match the existing siding and casement windows to match the existing windows. The Commission emphasized that the materials in the addition mimic the size, shape and profile of design elements of the existing residence. The Commission discussed the proposed detached garage. The Commission expressed appreciation for the amount of thought that went into the garage; however, they were concerned that the gable roof proposed on the garage did not match the hip roof on the residence. Commissioner Olson explained design elements of the garage should reflect design elements of the house. The Commission specifically addressed the roof, windows and posts. The Commission felt the location of the garage was consistent with the Architectural Guidelines. The Commission questioned whether later approval of the garage would create a substantial hardship. Ms. Devaney explained it would be a hardship on her contractor. The Commission questioned approving the footprint of the garage so concrete work can begin on the garage. Staff Member Johnson explained approval of the footprint would only approve the dimensions and location of the garage. He stated work could then begin and Ms. Devaney could then come back at another meeting to address the design elements of the garage. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Bichell to approve the residential addition as proposed in the construction drawings, footprint of the garage and proposed PVC material for the bead board soffit which matches the profile of the existing bead board soffit, with the conditions that the PVC bead board soffit should have the smooth side exposed and painted, the windows should match the existing windows on the residence, and wood casement with exterior wood cladding with a baked or painted finish from the factory is acceptable. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 3 DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Jan Imhoff/PAL LLC for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the top five steps and platform with cement, replace the bottom two limestone steps with limestone colored cement and replace both wrought iron railings on the front stoop for property located at 1689-1691 Main Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Jan Imhoff, representative of PAL, LLC, explained they have been renovating the property located at 1689-1691 Main Street. She stated they have been before the Commission for renovations to the front porch. She explained in an effort to finish the front porch renovation, PAL LLC is requesting a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the top five steps and platform with cement, replace the bottom two limestone steps with limestone colored cement and replace both wrought iron railings on the front stoop of the property. Ms. Imhoff distributed a photograph of the property and a color pallet for the decorative concrete. She explained the top five steps are cement and the bottom two steps are deteriorated limestone. She explained they propose to replace the bottom two limestone steps with limestone colored concrete. She explained the colored concrete will be durable and natural looking. Ms. Imhoff stated their goal is to rehabilitate the porch and stoop in accordance with the photograph from the 1970s. She noted the concrete steps, porch and other portions of the building. She explained the proposed stoop repair will be a minimal change and would not remove any historical features. She stated the limestone cannot be repaired and therefore the colored concrete will be textured slate rolled. Ms. Imhoff reviewed the projects against the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation. Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report, property history, project and design guidelines for use of alternate materials. Staff Member Carstens noted the use of textured, colored concrete in Old Main. Staff Member Johnson explained the applicants were previously cited for a deteriorated porch by the Housing and Community Development Department. The porch was deteriorated and pulling away from the residence. The applicants applied for a building permit to remove the front porch and reconstruct it to bring it into compliance. Staff signed off on a building permit making a "determination of no material change." The applicants proceeded to reconstruct the front porch based on photo documentation. However, the front porch had been expanded outside the footprint of the existing structure as depicted in 1979 photographs. On September 15, 2005 the applicants received a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow the expanded front porch. Chairperson Stuart noted the Staff sign off on the building permit was for a "no material change of effect". He questioned the change in the footprint of the front porch. Chairperson Stuart explained the front porch was not reproduced as had been Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 4 promised as part of the approval. Ms. Imhoff noted the change in the porch size was brought before the Historic Preservation Commission and the Commission approved a Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Stuart stated he did not agree with the previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness. Ms. Imhoff explained she did not feel the Commission should revisit past Certificates of Appropriateness. She asked the Commission to consider the current application. The Commission reviewed the drawings provided by the applicant. Chairperson Stuart stated the drawings depict the new steps extending beyond the footprint of the existing steps. The Commission expressed concern that the footprint of the existing steps will be extended closer to the sidewalk. Chairperson Stuart stated he would like to see the profile of the existing steps maintained. He explained limitations with maintaining the existing profile since building codes will require a consistent rise and run. Commissioner Whalen suggested that the existing limestone steps be removed and replaced with steps that are textured, limestone colored concrete. Chairperson Stuart noted the Commission did not receive detailed drawings for the proposed hand rail and was therefore reluctant to approve the hand rail as part of the current request. The Commission discussed the hand railing location, style and code requirement. The Commission recommended PAL LLC submit a detailed plan for the porch railing for consideration at a later date. Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen to approve the request with the provision that the footprint of the first step be verified by City Staff and the leading edge of the first step be the same as the existing step, a stamped and stained limestone colored concrete be allowed for the stairs, and the stairs should be compliant with building codes. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dale & Sherry McDonell for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove existing one-car detached garage and replace with a two- car detached garage for property located at 115 Alpine Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Dale McDonell explained he would like to tear down the existing detached garage and construct a new two-car detached garage. Mr. McDonell distributed a revised elevation view of the residence and proposed garage fac;:ades that was not included in the Commission packets. Chairperson Stuart noted that applicant had been before the Commission the previous month for consideration of a two-car attached flat roof garage. Mr. McDonell explained he took into consideration the suggestions the Commission had offered at the previous meeting and revised his garage plans accordingly. He explained he incorporated design elements from the house as well as suggestions from the Architectural Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 5 Guidelines for Historic Structures in his revised garage plans. The Commission reviewed the proposed list of materials provided with the application. Mr. McDonell explained the shingles will match the shingles on the roof of the house. He stated the fiber cement lap siding will match the color of the siding on the house. Mr. McDonell stated he was agreeable to using the smooth side of the cemplank material. The Commission stated the garage windows should be proportional to the windows on the house. Commissioner Whalen suggested the gable window on the proposed garage should match the gable window on the residence. Mr. McDonell stated the side windows and gable windows on the garage will match the profile of the windows on the residence. Dale McDonell explained the pedimented gable on the fayade of the residences will be imitated on the fayade of the garage. He stated the overhead doors are aluminum. He explained the service door will have a window above it. Staff Member Johnson presented the staff report. He explained Mr. McDonell was directed to incorporate design elements from the house as well as page A-59 from the Architectural Guidelines for Historic Structures. Staff Member Johnson stated Mr. McDonell worked with Staff on some of the design issues. Motion by Stuart, seconded by Whalen to approve the request as depicted in the drawings submitted at the meeting which depict a pedimented gable on the garage provided the part of the gable parallel to the garage have sufficient depth and it is flush with the other parts of the gable, and the cemplank be painted smooth side out. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None. DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Dave Stuart/Jade Engineering LLC for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish existing front porch for property located at 1589/1591 Bluff Street in the Jackson Park Historic Preservation District. Dave Stuart removed himself from the Commission table, and stated he is an agent for Jade Engineering LLC. He explained Jade Engineering LLC is the owner of the property. Mr. Stuart explained he was seeking permission to demolish the front porch. He explained the front porch is not original to the structure. He stated the front porch needs to be removed to make repairs to the front fac;:ade of the building. Mr. Stuart explained the architectural survey was incorrect with regard to the front doors. He stated the doors above the porch floor were not originally windows as the architectural survey indicates. He also explained he found ghosting which indicates the original porch was much smaller. Mr. Stuart stated interior features indicate the dormer Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 6 is original to the structure; however, the dormer roof appears to be modified in the craftsman style. Staff Member Carstens stated the staff report explains the basement walkout front doors were sealed beneath the porch which would support the fact that the porch is not original to the structure. Mr. Stuart stated the concrete stairs will remain and a temporary rail will be installed during construction to address safety concerns and satisfy Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements. He stated he has researchers currently looking into the history of the porch and will come back to the Commission for approval of the design. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Olsen to approve the request to demolish the existing front porch. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell; Nay - None; Abstain - Stuart ITEMS FROM PUBLIC: Former Dubuque BrewinQ and MaltinQ Comolex Mike McCoy, 3M Development, LLC, stated he is an owner of the Dubuque Brewing and Malting Complex. He explained he intends to demolish the H & W building. Mr. McCoy expressed frustration over the application process to obtain a demolition permit to tear down the property. Mr. McCoy stated he has had crews lined up to demolish the building that he has had to let go. He stated the process has cost him a lot of money. Staff Member Johnson referenced a letter dated April 4, 2006 addressed to Mr. McCoy which explained that Mr. McCoy had submitted an incomplete application, and therefore his request for a demolition permit could not be placed on the Historic Preservation Commission Agenda. Mr. McCoy stated he did not purchase the building to save it. He stated he purchased the building to salvage it and make money from it. Mr. McCoy stated he took possession ofthe building in December and has not been able to do anything with the building because of the Conservation District that was created. Mr. McCoy questioned the legality of the Conservation District. Chairperson Stuart interjected and explained to Mr. McCoy the Commission will not discuss the legality of the Conservation District. Chairperson Stuart stated the Commission will only engage in a general discussion about the property until such a time that the item is on the Design Review Agenda. Chairperson Stuart stated there are rules established for demolition within Conservation Districts. The rules are in place to protect buildings that have historical and community value and have viable economic uses. He explained there are no standards that say it is alright to tear down a building because you can make more money from demolishing it Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 7 instead of keeping it. He explained Conservation Districts are established by the City Council and identify properties with architectural or historical significance. He stated the burden is to prove that the building isn't economically viable, not that you can make more money by salvaging it. Mr. McCoy stated the materials he submitted to staff support that. Mr. McCoy estimated the value of the salvaged materials. He stated he would welcome offers for the building. He said he received one offer with no real communication. He said they are willing to move, but they will not sell the building for what they paid for it because he knows what he can make on it. Commissioner Olson requested Mr. McCoy submit a complete application so the matter can be discussed in detail. Mr. McCoy stated that he has resubmitted materials and questioned what else was needed to be placed on the design review agenda. Staff member Johnson explained the original submittal had a number of deficiencies, and he had not yet had an opportunity to review the most recent submittal. Mr. McCoy specifically addressed the requirement that an estimated market value after the proposed demolition and after renovation of the existing property for continued use be provided. He stated Jack Felderman was unable to provide that information because it would be illegal. Commissioner Coty stated it is possible. He explained he is working with a bank on a rehabilitation project and the loan was based on an appraisal of the property after the future renovation. Mr. McCoy questioned whether the figures provided in his application were correct. Staff Member Johnson explained it is not his position to judge the quality or accurateness of an application for a demolition permit. Mr. Johnson explained he is responsible for making sure a complete application is submitted. Commissioner Olson reiterated the need to submit a complete application. Chairperson Stuart suggested allowing staff the time to review the newly submitted materials and work with the applicant to get a complete application. Shot Tower Calendar Proiect Staff Member Carstens explained that Central Alternative High School is developing a calendar to commemorate the Shot Tower's 150th anniversary. She explained a portion of the proceeds will go to four organizations, including the City of Dubuque for a new flagpole to be placed on top of the tower once the tower is rehabilitated. The Commission stated they wished to support the project. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Stuart to recommend financial support in the amount of $500 for the Shot Tower calendar project and request the City of Dubuque Historic Preservation Commission be recognized and the calendar incorporate a Historic Preservation Day in May. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell and Stuart; Nay - None. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 8 11 th Street Elevator Area Staff Member Carstens brought to the Commission's attention a letter submitted by Andrew Brachman, who was responsible for transforming the 11th Street elevator area into a park as part of his Eagle Scout project. The Commission stated Mr. Brachman's efforts were exceptional and the park looked great. To recognize Mr. Bachman's efforts, the Commission requested a ribbon cutting ceremony with Historic Preservation Commission and City Council members present during Historic Preservation Month. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION: Update on former Dubuaue Brewina and Maltina Complex The Commission discussed the importance of doing a better job of documenting to the City Council the reasons for their recommendations on demolition permit requests. Chairperson Stuart expressed concern that 3-M Development LLC has greatly overestimated the amount of materials that can be salvaged. He stated he was concerned that the company can walk away from the project and the City may have a half demolished building to deal with should City Council approve the demolition. He recommended a bond be posted to protect the City's financial interests. Commissioner Olson requested an educational session be held for the Historic Preservation Commission and the City Council with regard to economic non-viability of buildings and structures. She requested the session include legal staff, representatives from the National Trust for Historic Preservation or other experts. She felt the education session would help decision makers evaluate demolition permit requests. Commissioner Olson specifically suggested contacting Betsy Merritt, Counsel for the National Trust to see if she can attend or provide case law. Staff Member Carstens recommended that City Finance Director, Ken Tekippe be asked to assist with reviews of any applications for demolition based on economic hardship. Vacant and Abandoned Buildinas The Commission discussed the definition of blight in connection with the Demolition by Neglect section of the Historic Preservation Ordinance. Staff Member Carstens explained extensive research has been conducted to try to better define blight as it relates to Demolition by Neglect and the enforcement of vacant and abandoned buildings. Staff Member Carstens explained the City is considering a consolidated vacant and abandoned buildings chapter of the ordinance or a new chapter. The code would clearly identify responsibility for enforcement and clearly outline administrative procedure for enforcement of blighted, vacant and abandoned buildings. She added the City is considering requiring licensing for vacant and abandoned buildings. She explained the focus of the ordinance changes would be on the exterior elements of a building. She stated the licensing would allow for interior inspections with an emphasis on life safety issues. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission April 20, 2006 Page 9 Chairperson Stuart questioned whether licensing fees and enforcement can be done on a sliding scale with fees rising the longer a building is vacant as a disincentive. He also requested staff check into the Fire Code as it potentially relates to vacant and abandoned buildings. Update on Historic Preservation Month/Mav Meetina Chairperson Stuart stated he had spoken with Amy Boynton about holding the May Historic Preservation Meeting at the Mandolin Inn. He stated Ms. Boynton agreed to have the meeting at the Inn. Chairperson Stuart requested Staff contact Ms. Boynton to work out space requirements. ITEMS FROM STAFF: Buildina Services Dept. - Status Report on Historic Preservation Enforcement Staff Member Johnson reviewed the April Enforcement Report. The Commission requested property owner names be included on the enforcement report. The Commission directed staff to inform Building Services Manager Rich Russell of broken windows at 1349 Prairie Street. The Commission also requested enforcement on 1163 Highland. The Commission explained a Certificate of Appropriateness was issued in 2002 to allow the property owner to repair the front porch provided the columns be made of wood. They explained the repairs to the porch and soffits have not yet been finished. Staff Member Johnson stated he received a request from Greg Stover to extend the timeline for compliance. He stated Mr. Stover has submitted an incomplete application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. He explained Mr. Stover still needs to submit construction drawings for the completed work and future work. The Commission stated they did not wish to extend the timeline for compliance for the property at 1145 Locust. The Commission also discussed revoking the possibility of revoking the building permit for the work done at the property since the plans have changed. They discussed that Mr. Stover's architect can provide the required drawings and attend the Commission meeting in his absence. Motion by Whalen, seconded by Bichell to request the building permit issued for the property located at 1145 Locust Street be revoked. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Whalen, Olson, Coty, Bichell; Nay - None; Abstain - Stuart. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, David Johnson, Assistant City Planner Adopted