Minutes_Historic Preservation Commission 3 21 13Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
I
II
2012
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
REGULAR SESSION
5:30 p.m.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
City Council Chamber, Historic Federal Building
mOQ
Commissioners Present: Chairperson David Klavitter; Commissioners Bob McDonell,
Chris Olson, Christine Monk, Julie Schlarman, and Joseph Rapp.
Commissioners Excused: Commissioners John Whalen, Mary Loney- Bichell and
Otto Krueger.
Staff Members Present: Laura Carstens, David Johnson, and Rich Russell.
CALL TO ORDER: The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Klavitter 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 Schlarman, to approve the minutes of the
February 21, 2013 meeting as submitted. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye —
Klavitter, McDonell, Schlarman, Rapp and Monk; Nay - None; Abstain — Olson.
DESIGN REVIEW /CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: Application of Matthew
and Sarah Kluesner for a Certificate of Appropriateness to create a vestibule for
property located at 342 Main Street in the Old Main Historic Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report. He explained the property owners
would like to install a new door and entrance flush with the front of the building to create
a vestibule in the recessed entrance space. He noted the application states the
vestibule will create a more enjoyable and comfortable dining experience in the
restaurant. He stated the application explains the vestibule will also help conserve
energy and will be reversible should a future property owner want it removed. He noted
the vestibule will be bronzed aluminum and glass that will match the existing storefront
trim.
Tim Greenfield, 801 Cedar Cross Road and 185 -187 Main Street, explained the work is
similar to the entrances seen in surrounding buildings. He clarified the vestibule is
removable and only the door when opened will project beyond the facade.
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March 21, 2013
Page 2
The Commission discussed how the framing for the new vestibule would align with the
current storefront display window. The Commission discussed ADA requirements and
what impact the location of the vestibule and door may have on the ability to meet ADA
requirements. Mr. Greenfield and Commissioners discussed the alignment of the
vestibule and ADA issues.
Sarah Kluesner, owner of 342 Main Street, reviewed other options explored, such as
temporary vinyl doors and vestibules. She explained they would like to protect guests
dining in the restaurant from cold air as people enter and exit the restaurant. The
Commission discussed with Mrs. Kluesner options for locating a vestibule on the interior
of the restaurant. Mrs. Kluesner noted the restaurant would lose some seating. She
also clarified that prior to filing the applications, she consulted with the City's ADA
Inspector, Gary Blosch, on the proposed vestibule.
Building Services Manager Rich Russell explained that an inspection by Gary Blosch is
part of the building permit review process. He reviewed the clearance requirements for
ADA accessibility.
The Commission and applicants discussed the necessary clearance, noting exact
dimensions of the entrance were not provided; however, an estimated seven feet of
space would be required based on the operation of the doors. The Commission
discussed the location of the vestibule and whether it could meet ADA requirements.
The Commission reviewed the architectural guidelines as well as the historic and
architectural significance of the German Bank building. Staff noted the architectural
and historical significance of buildings are not the same and therefore design review is
handled on a case -by -case basis based on the architectural and historical merits of the
building. The Commission noted the German Bank building is an exceptional
architectural example with many original features. They explained the building is
individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Commission stated
the German Bank storefront is unique with many original defining features. The
Commission noted that if the vestibule were allowed, it would be important to recess
new features so the depth and profile of the facade features remained.
The Commission discussed an option to locate the vestibule's framing plane, flushed or
recessed from the plane of the plate glass window. The Commission discussed the
visual impact the option would have on the facade as well as implications on interior
doors and ADA compliance. Commissioners discussed whether or not to include a
condition for ADA compliance; after consulting with City staff, it was decided this was
redundant, as it is included in City Code and part of the building permit review. The
Commission discussed changes to the current vestibule with this proposal as well as
the need and availability of other options.
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March 21, 2013
Page 3
Motion by Olson, seconded by Klavitter, to accept the application as submitted with the
condition that the new vestibule plane be flush or recessed from the plane of the center
plate glass window. Motion failed by the following vote: Aye — Olson and Monk; Nay -
Klavitter, McDonell, Schlarman, and Rapp; Abstain - None.
DESIGN REVIEW /CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATNESS: Application of Shane and
Courtney Clancy for a Certificate of Appropriateness to add ventilation cap and remove
a window on the east side of the home located at 1110 Langworthy in the Langworthy
Historic Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the application and staff report. He noted the living
area is being updated and the applicants would like to remove a window and install a
ventilation cap on the east side of the home to accommodate a fireplace in the interior
of the home. He noted he was unable to find historic documentation on whether the
window to be removed is original.
Shane Clancy, 1110 Langworthy, explained he is updating the home to be more energy
efficient, and would like to install a fireplace at the location of the window. He explained
the window conflicts with the preferred interior location for the fireplace. Mr. Clancy
stated if he were allowed to remove the window, matching siding would be installed
corner to corner, so there would be no evidence of the former window and to improve
the appearance of the side of the house.
Commissioners noted that the window is located on the side or a secondary facade of
the home; however, it is visible from the street. The Commission explained windows
are one of the most important character - defining features of a home. The Commission
discussed the size of the vent cap and louvers with the applicant and staff. Mr. Clancy
noted he would also like to install a ductless heating and air conditioning system that
will require gutter -like tubing on the same side of the home. Mr. Clancy distributed a
photo of what the tube would look like.
The Commission discussed the hierarchy of primary and secondary facades as well as
the importance of windows as character - defining features. Commissioners noted the
fireplace, though desirable, is a non - essential function that would result in removing a
significant character - defining feature in order to accommodate a protruding vent. Mr.
Clancy noted the proposed vent is the closest match to his siding. He explained he has
looked at relocating the window five feet towards the front of the home instead of
removing it in order to accommodate for the vent. He noted another option he
considered was to move the fireplace to the corner of the room, which would locate the
vent closer to the rear of the home.
The Commission discussed the options, noting the option of relocating the window
toward the front of the home in vertical alignment with the end wall corner bay is
preferable to the first option of removing the window, and is a secondary choice to the
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March 21, 2013
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third option of leaving the window and moving the fireplace and exterior vent. Mr.
Clancy clarified that the vent would be approximately seven or eight feet above grade,
and near the bay window with the fireplace in the corner.
Commissioners discussed the various options. The consensus was for Option #2 or
#3, but not Option #1.
Motion by Klavitter, seconded by Schlarman, to approve the following two options:
1. Add the vent between the two windows (preferred).
2. Relocate the window so it is centered under the second story end wall corner bay
and locate the vent in place of that window.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell, Schlarman, Rapp, Olson,
and Monk; Nay — None.
ADVISORY DESIGN REVIEW: Application of the City of Dubuque / Ament Design to
construct public restroom facility located at the corner of 5th and Bluff in the Cathedral
Historic Preservation District.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report and changes in the project design as a
result of the initial Historic Preservation Commission review and recommendations. He
reviewed the need for the accessible restroom facility in the downtown as well as the
design approach. He explained in response to the Commission's suggestions, brick with
red tones were chosen to better compliment buildings in the area. Brick samples were
provided to the Commission for consideration. He explained natural buff colored stone
has been chosen for access pieces and limestone veneer has been selected to cover
the exposed areas of the foundation. He noted glass block continues to be reflected in
the design to allow for day lighting, while maintaining security, privacy and functionality.
He stated a black architectural shingle roof will cover the gable pitch, which takes
direction from many of the roof profiles in the area. He noted a wood and metal canopy
has been added to the south and east elevations to add detail and also break up the
height of the building. He stated a brick reveal was added to the north elevation to add
detail while still allowing for public art opportunities. He explained an externally
illuminated metal restroom identification sign is proposed on the east elevation and a
black metal railing located on the outside of the concrete stairs and ramp will be used.
He stated painted metal doors were added for security.
Staff Member Johnson noted the role of the Historic Preservation Commission in
reviewing the project is to serve as an advisory design review body to the City Council.
He stated the Commission's recommendation will be forwarded to City Council for final
consideration.
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March 21, 2013
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Heather Kakert, Ament Design, distributed updated drawings and project information.
Staff Member Johnson explained the updated information provided to the Commission
reflects additional suggestions of the project committee that were not available at the
time commissioners' packets were distributed. He noted the updated drawings reflect
maintenance concerns expressed by the Leisure Services Department. Ms. Kakert
explained the most significant change was extending the length of the awning on the
south facade to completely cover the walkway and help with snow removal. Ms. Kakert
reviewed a PowerPoint presentation, which highlighted the changes to the building
since the Commission's last review. She explained a brick more in keeping with
surrounding buildings has been chosen. She reviewed veneer options for the
foundation wall, noting a new Mountain Bluff alternative is available which is similar to
limestone found in Dubuque. She noted the limestone is locally quarried.
The Commission stated they preferred the Georgian brick example. The Commission
discussed alternatives for the glass block. The Commission felt the proposed glass
block may be a bit too contemporary. The Commission discussed bottle glass.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the functional needs of the building, noting it is
important that a facility such as this be vandal -proof and easy to maintain. He noted
many of the functional and maintenance concerns are reflected in the design and
materials.
The Commission discussed a glass block alternative that would more resemble prism
glass found on some commercial buildings in Dubuque. The Commission discussed
using a patterned or etched glass block similar to products offered by the Luxfer Prism
Company.
The Commission discussed the awnings. Some Commissioners expressed support for
the awning on the east side of the building believing it made the east side more defined
and inviting. Other Commissioners felt the awning was unnecessary and did not add to
the design. By consensus, the Commission agreed to recommend removing the
awning on the east side of the building.
The Commission discussed the awning material, noting a standing seam metal roof or
canopy in dark green or slate color would be preferred.
The Commission expressed support for the brick reveal added to the north elevation
and suggested the same reveal be added to the east elevation in place of the removed
canopy.
Motion by Olson, seconded by McDonell, to recommend City Council approve the City of
Dubuque Public Restroom Facility at the northwest corner of Bluff and West 5th Street with
the following conditions:
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March 21, 2013
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1. The Georgian brick example is used for the project.
2. The Mountain Bluff limestone veneer covering the foundation is laid in a coursed
pattern.
3. A patterned architectural glass block like Luxfer Prism Glass is used.
4. Canopy option #1 with a formed standing seam metal roof in dark green or a slate
color.
5. Replace the canopy on the east side with the frame brick detail used on the north side.
The cast stone in the wall will remain and be exposed on the east side.
6. Use black powder coated metal railings with finials.
7. Keep the quality and color of lighting the same throughout in warm white in the range of
2700K +1— 250K.
8. Use black colored bollards with banding.
9. Half -round gutters and corrugated downspouts painted in a dark color are acceptable.
10. The black architectural asphalt roof is acceptable as proposed.
11. Retain and salvage the existing gray stone wall adjacent to the structure.
12. Remove the sign on the east side and replace with the framed brick detail.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye — Klavitter, McDonell, Schlarman, Rapp, Olson
and Monk; Nay - None.
EDUCATION TASK FORCE:
Minutes from Previous Meeting(s): The minutes of the March 7, 2013 meeting were
reviewed:
Update on Public Outreach and Education Program: Chairperson Klavitter stated the
Education Task Force approved submission of the Old House Enthusiasts Grant
application to scan City directories. He reported the grant application was successfully
awarded. He noted Staff Members Johnson and Wernimont will also be doing a
property research workshop during Historic Preservation Month in coordination with the
Old House Enthusiasts programming. He stated the Education Task Force has begun
discussing Architectural Days as well as contractor recognition. He noted the selected
approach is to list historic tax credit and Ken Kringle Award winning projects in the city
of Dubuque and identify the contractors who contributed to those projects. He noted
this approach will acknowledge accomplished contractors and artisans while not
offering a recommendation or partiality.
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March 21, 2013
Page 7
Historic Preservation Commission Training Survey Results: Commission Member
Schlarman reported the Historic Preservation Training Surveys have been forwarded to
Charlotte Bonini with the Green Guild and she is waiting to hear back.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
400 E. 22 "d Street: Commissioner Olson excused herself from the Commission. She
noted her position with Four Mounds, and explained they are interested in rehabilitating
the property at 400 E. 22 "d Street. She noted the project will be a HEART project. She
reviewed the location of the building and its relation to the Bee Branch Creek
Restoration Project. She reviewed the history and significance of the building, noting it
was the former Weis Grocery building. Ms. Olson reviewed the condition of the
property, rioting many sanitary and structural issues. She stated the property is in
foreclosure and will be deeded to Four Mounds. She reviewed flood concerns, noting
the property is exempt from federal funding restrictions because it is a historic structure.
She added the building fortunately will also not have to be razed. Ms. Olson reviewed
neighborhood conditions as well as goals and options for re -use of the building.
The Commission commended Four Mounds efforts and vision in restoring this as well
as many other buildings in Dubuque.
ITEMS FROM COMMISSION:
Historic Preservation Ordinance Update: Staff Member Carstens reviewed the
proposed changes to strengthen and clarify demolition review criteria for historic
districts and conservation districts. She noted the Commission reviewed and agreed in
concept with amending the Unified Development Code so that demolition review criteria
are the same and reasonable economic return is defined.
She noted the process and criteria for obtaining a demolition permit in a historic district
and conservation district remain different. She reviewed the process and standards for
obtaining a demolition permit in a conservation district and a historic district. She stated
staff is recommending creating a stand -alone section for uniform demolition review for
both historic and conservation districts in the Unified Development Code. She
explained this way, the criteria process and standards applied would be consistent for a
historic structure regardless of whether it is located in a historic or conservation district.
She reviewed the two -part test for determining whether a property is significant and
granting a demolition permit. She reviewed the evaluation criteria, including surveys
and National Register nominations, noting they will continue to be tools used in
determining whether a property is historically or architecturally significant.
The Commission discussed the standards of review currently in place and that would
continue to be used in evaluating demolition permits. The Commission noted some
times conditions of a property change after a property has been evaluated and
documented in a National Register nomination or a survey, and therefore, it would be
important for the Commission to take those standards for review into consideration but
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March 21, 2013
Page 8
ultimately make the determination whether a property is historically or architecturally
significant. Staff Member Carstens confirmed the ordinance currently allows the
Historic Preservation Commission to make that determination and any amendments
would continue to allow that ability.
The Commission discussed demolition in conservation districts. In response to
questions, Staff Member Johnson provided the definition of "demolition" for the
Commission. The Commission and staff discussed what constitutes an alteration or a
demolition in a conservation district. The Commission noted the threshold for
demolition should be further defined in conservation districts.
The Commission and Planning staff discussed developing a matrix for design review in
coordination with the Building Services Department. The Commission questioned the
definition of Reasonable Economic Return. The Commission recommended adding the
ability to sell a property as another part of the definition for reasonable economic return.
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
Design Guidelines Update: Staff Member Johnson reported the City is in the process of
developing a contract with Winter & Company to assist with the update and
consolidation of the design guideline manuals. He thanked Commissioners Schlarman
and Monk for volunteering to serve on a technical committee to guide the document
and noted the Historic Preservation Commission will be part of the steering committee,
which sets the tone and framework for the update. He stated the project was begin
immediately and will take approximately one year.
Building Services Historic Preservation Enforcement Report Update: The report was
received and filed.
Dubuque County Sustainability Public Meeting: Staff Member Carstens noted this is an
informational and invitational item.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laura Carstens, Planning Services Manager Adopted