Minutes Historic Pres. 11 16 06
MINUTES
tll~rORlC PRe~V'(inON OOMMl~ION
REGULAR SESSION DRAFT
Thursday, November 16, 2006
5:30 p.m.
Auditorium, Carnegie Stout Library
360 W. 11th Street, Dubuque, Iowa
PRESENT:
Chairperson Christine Olson; Commission Members Mike Coty, Mary
Loney Bichell, Robert McCoy, Chris Wand, and David Stuart; Staff
Members Laura Carstens and David Johnson.
PUBLIC:
Rich Henderson, Wayne Buchholz, and Steve and Susan Butts.
ABSENT:
Commission Members John Whalen, Keisha Wainwright and Matthew
Lundh.
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 Olson at 5:31 p.m.
MINUTES: Motion by Stuart, seconded by Wand, to approve the minutes of the October
19,2006 meeting as written. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Coty,
Bichell, McCoy, Wand, and Stuart; Nay - None.
DESIGN REVIEW: Application of Heath Hutchinson for a Certificate of Appropriateness
to construct stairs, landing and deck to provide ingress and egress at the rear of the
building for a loft apartment and commercial space; and replace the ground floor patio;
and install two new doors on the second story porch; and change the front fayade of
164 Main Street to match the fayade of 180 Main Street for property located at 164/180
Main Street in the Old Main Historic District.
Heath Hutchinson introduced himself as the owner of 164/180 Main Street. Mr.
Hutchinson reviewed the project goals and improvements he is making to the building.
He explained he is in the process of renovating the first floor of 164 and 180 Main
Street for use as a restaurant. Mr. Hutchinson explained that he will be installing stairs
and a deck on the rear of 164 Main Street and a deck on the rear of 180 Main Street.
The purpose of the rear deck and stairs is to provide a second means of ingress and
egress to the buildings as well as provide additional outdoor seating for the restaurant.
Staff Member Johnson reviewed the staff report and clarified the request. He also
explained to Mr. Hutchinson that revocable licenses will be required for the deck and
ground floor patio as well as a liquor license.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 2
Commissioner Stuart noted that the windows on 164 Main are much smaller than those
on 180 Main, and the windows on 180 Main are not the windows previously approved
by the Commission. Mr. Hutchinson acknowledged the problems inherited from the
previous owner with the windows at the rear of 180 Main Street. He stated it is his
intention to put the window openings back to their original size and replace the windows
on the rear of 180 and 164 Main Street.
Mr. Hutchinson explained that there are some limitations in opening up all the windows
along the rear fa~ade due to venting requirements for the kitchen and restaurant. He
explained he would like to replace the windows with more energy-efficient windows.
Commissioner Stuart noted how the windows have been filled in. He suggested venting
through the transom. He referred to the design guidelines for examples of doors with
side lights as well as storefronts. He encouraged Mr. Hutchinson to reference the
design guidelines for the fayade and window improvements. He stated maintaining the
historical pattern would enhance curb appeal and business. Mr. Hutchinson agreed
and reiterated that it is his goal to improve the appearance of the buildings as well as
bring in more natural light.
Mr. Hutchinson directed the Commissioners' attention to the drawings provided with the
application. The Commission and Mr. Hutchinson reviewed the drawings. Mr.
Hutchinson indicated the proposed vent for the kitchen is located above the southern-
most window on the rear fa~ade of 164 Main and is not proposed to be opened up to its
original size. Commissioner Stuart suggested that at one time, the windows were
double-hung windows with a transom above. Commissioner Wand disagreed, stating
that the window openings on the Canvas Products building to the north are similar in
size and have double-hung windows without transoms, and therefore transoms were
probably not the style of window used, rather double-hung windows were more typical.
Commissioner Wand suggested that cues for the windows at 164 and 180 Main be
taken from the Canvas Products building to the north.
Mr. Hutchinson indicated that he wants to install fixed pane windows with mullions.
Commissioner Wand noted that if mullions are to be used, they should be centered in
the north and south windows of 180 Main.
Chairperson Olson discussed removing the brick and concrete filler and the windows to
open the windows up to their original size, and allow for one-over-one panels on the
north and south windows. Commissioner Stuart noted that the center opening was
probably at one time a door or what is sometimes referred to as a walk-out window. He
explained the opening is larger and that dividers should be centered with the mullions
on the north and south windows, so consequently, the bottom sash would be larger
than the top sash.
The Commission discussed the location of the window vents. Commissioners agreed
that the preferable location for the kitchen vent would be in a previously filled in window
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 3
space rather than the original brick. Chairperson Olson stressed the importance of
window rhythm and unity throughout the remainder of the rear fayade at 164 and 180
Main Street.
Commissioner Bichell questioned whether the front of 164 Main will be identical to the
front of 180 Main. Mr. Hutchinson explained that it will not be identical; however, it will
be similar. He explained his intention is to not alter any of the permanent historical
features, but rather to cover the existing inappropriate green metal with stained
decorative wood panels to tie 164 and 180 Main Street together. Commissioner Stuart
noted that he would have issues with approving a Certificate of Appropriateness to
create storefronts that match nearby storefronts that were created when there were no
design guidelines in place. His hesitancy was in altering the storefront at 164 Main to
mimic the inappropriate storefront at 180 Main Street. Chairperson Olson agreed with
Commissioner Stuart and stated that her preference is to do the historically appropriate
renovation of the storefront at 164 Main and tie it into 180 Main Street with color. Mr.
Hutchinson discussed the large scope of work, cost constraints and many structural
challenges with the renovation. He explained his budget and stated he has not been
successful in obtaining any fayade grants or other financing. He reiterated he does not
want to alter any of the original features, but rather to cover up existing inappropriate
features to make the storefronts look better.
Mr. Hutchinson noted that 164 Main will not be the primary entrance, and the primary
entrance will remain 180 Main Street. Chairperson Olson noted 164 Main Street is a
distinct storefront, regardless of the level of use. Commissioner Stuart noted the
importance of historically appropriate storefronts in drawing customers. He was
concerned that the storefront design does not meet the design guidelines. Mr.
Hutchinson stated he is mimicking the fayade across the street at Eagle Window and
Door. He stated his intent is to wrap the columns, paint them and leave the windows
without altering them. Commissioner McCoy noted that Eagle Window and Door's
storefront is not a good example to replicate. Commissioner Bichell clarified the glass
will remain but questioned the tint. Mr. Hutchinson explained the windows are to
remain, however, the tint is currently being removed. The columns will be wood
wrapped in metal and the metal will be painted. Chairperson Olson noted the proposed
work is more of a cosmetic change and that the alterations are temporary rather than
permanent. She suggested and Mr. Hutchinson agreed that the columns need to be
kept narrow.
Staff Member Johnson recommended that Mr. Hutchinson check with the Engineering
Department on the licensing arrangements as well as the proposed ramp on the front
fayade of 164 Main. Mr. Hutchinson explained the ramp will be temporary, as it will be
shortly replaced by the City when the sidewalk improvements are made in the spring of
2007. Mr. Hutchinson clarified that the ramp entrance at 164 Main is necessary
because there is no place to provide an accessible entrance to 180 Main Street.
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November 16, 2006
Page 4
Mr. Hutchinson explained that the wood panels used to cover the green metal panels
on 164 Main will be stained and polyurethaned. He explained that the cast iron post is
part of the original storefront are recessed and cannot be made part of the fac;:ade
improvement without significant changes and costs. Commissioner Stuart reviewed
that the only proposed alteration to the front fac;:ade of 164 Main is to install wood
panels and fabricate steel columns to give the steel posts more of a structural look, and
bring the columns out to where they were before. The Commission indicated that they
were more agreeable to the front fac;:ade alteration because the original storefront will
remain intact and only be cosmetically changed through covering up the inappropriate
green steel panels, and the simulated cast iron columns will be painted.
Commissioner Stuart recommended the Commission vote on the front fac;:ade before
moving on to the rear fac;:ade.
Motion by Stuart, seconded by Wand, to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for
the front fac;:ade of 164 Main Street with the following conditions:
1) The columns will be boxed in wood and are to be similar in size or smaller to the
columns at 180 Main Street and painted.
2) The green panels above the windows on the storefront at 164 Main Street are
allowed to be changed to stained and polyurethaned wood panels.
3) The panels on 164 Main Street are to be similar to the panels on 180 Main Street
and the horizontal lines on those panels are to continue and align.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Coty, Bichell, McCoy, Wand, and
Stuart; Nay - None.
The Commission next directed their attention back to the rear fac;:ade. The Commission
reviewed the fact that the window openings on 164 Main should be opened up to the
full size of the original opening, with the exception of the southernmost window, where
the proposed kitchen vent is to be located above the transom. Commissioner Stuart
questioned whether the door on the rear fac;:ade of 164 Main could also be opened up
to its original size. Mr. Hutchinson indicated that he was unsure whether he would be
able to do that at this time. Commissioner Stuart again directed Mr. Hutchinson to the
design guidelines for alternatives on filling in that door opening, and ideas for an
appropriate door. He also encouraged Mr. Hutchinson to investigate architectural
salvage yards for larger doors. Chairperson Olson again clarified that there will be no
changes to the door and southernmost window on the rear fac;:ade of 164 Main. Mr.
Hutchinson agreed, with the exception that he does wish to change the southernmost
window on the rear fac;:ade at 164 Main. He stated he will bring the window size as
high as he can while still providing enough area for the kitchen vent. Commissioner
Wand suggested that a double-hung window be installed in the southernmost window
opening of 164 Main. He explained the top portion can be metal with the vent coming
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 5
through it. Commissioner Wand gave the federal building as an example.
Commissioner Stuart indicated that the pattern would be appropriate for the rear fayade
while also allowing for the kitchen vent. Due to the uncertainty with the door opening on
the rear of 164 Main, Mr. Hutchinson agreed to come back to the Commission with any
alterations to the door only. Chairperson Olson felt the appropriate window would be a
one-over-one panel window with a mullion to be placed between the stone sill and the
stone lintel. Commissioner Stuart reiterated that the mullion on the center window of
180 Main should line up with the windows to the north and south of it at 180 Main. Mr.
Hutchinson stated he may have a difficult time finding a double-hung window that size
and questioned whether the window could be a fixed pane window. The Commission
felt that the window does not have to be operable and a fixed pane window would
suffice so long as the center mullion lines up with the mullions on the windows adjacent
to it.
The Commission reviewed the deck and stated that the handrail is to be a double rail,
and pressure treated lumber is acceptable; however, the deck must be painted or
opaque stained.
The Commission discussed the proposed ground floor patio. The Commission
explained that an aggregate material would not be acceptable. Staff Member Johnson
explained that the City would prefer concrete or stamped concrete. Commissioner
Stuart stated that a brick paver would also be acceptable. Staff Member Johnson
explained that everything outside the footprint of the building is considered public right-
of-way and therefore, any improvement to the right-of-way would require additional
approval from the City. Chairperson Olson explained that should a colored concrete be
used, the coloring should be mixed into the concrete and not sprayed on. All
Commissioners agreed that given the applicant's budget constraints and large
undertaking with the building, they would prefer money be spent on the building rather
than concrete enhancements. Commissioner Stuart reminded the applicant that should
he wish to change out the concrete patio with an alternative material, he should present
the request to the Commission at a later date and the Commission can facilitate the
process with the City.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Coty, to approve the modifications to the rear fayades of
164 and 180 Main Street with the following conditions:
1) The windows on either side of the larger opening on the rear fayade of 180 Main
are to be one-over-one double-hung windows;
2) The windows on either side of the larger openings on the rear fayade of 164
Main are to be appearance-wise the same as the new windows on the rear
fayade of 180 Main, with the exception that the upper sash on the southernmost
window on 164 Main can be made of a solid material for the kitchen vent.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 6
3) The mullion location for the larger window in the center of the rear fayade of 180
Main shall match the mullion location on the windows to the north and south of it
with the option of doing another horizontal at the sill elevation if a large enough
pane of glass is not available.
4) The deck is approved as submitted. The deck will be painted or opaque stained.
5) The door on the rear of 164 Main will be deferred to a later date.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Coty, Bichell, McCoy, Wand, and
Stuart; Nay - None.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC:
233 Main Street roof: Steve and Susan Butts explained to the Commission that they would
like to replace the roof on their building at 233 Main Street. Mr. Butts explained that the
roof on the building is in severe disrepair. He stated that Architect Jerry Anderson
investigated the roof, and was concerned that it would not be able to support a heavy
snow. Mr. Butt stated that in order to repair the roof, the joist would need to be replaced.
He further explained in order to replace the joist, the parapet wall would have to be
removed and rebuilt later.
Staff Member Johnson explained he received a phone call from the Butts the day of this
meeting explaining their situation and concern over the strength of the roof. He stated that
given the emergency nature of the request, he would like to sign-off on the project at the
staff level; however, he was requesting feedback from the Commission.
The Commission discussed the immediate need to repair the roof as well as the plans to
rebuild the parapet wall. The Commission reviewed the plans. Staff Member Carstens
noted that if the applicant were to propose to replace the wall as it is currently built, staff
could sign off on the project as a no material change of affect. However, the applicant
pointed out the proposed drawings indicate the parapet wall to be reconstructed as a
straight wall. The Commission discussed the proposed wall design and agreed the wall
should be reconstructed as a parapet wall with a step down effect to reflect what currently
exists. Commissioner Wand stated that since staff and the Butts were asking for direction,
he explained the Commission would most likely not be in favor of a straight wall rather than
the step down parapet wall at a future date either.
The Commission discussed the capping material on the future wall. They felt that a cast
stone or concrete material with the same size and form as the current wall cap would be
appropriate. Staff Member Johnson again reiterated that he is requesting feedback from
the Commission in order to sign-off on the project.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Stuart, to defer to staff to be able to sign-off on the
changes to the parapet wall, providing the character-defining feature of the stepping
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 7
and slight corbelling of the bricks below the cap is maintained; the cap material may
change to a more appropriate material, such as cast stone, provided the size and form
does not change.
Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Coty, Bichell, McCoy, Wand, and
Stuart; Nay - None.
418-420 Emmett: Commissioner Coty removed himself from the table as he owns the
property at 418-420 Emmett. Mr. Coty explained that he applied for a building permit to
install footings for a future porch to be constructed at 418-420 Emmett. Mr. Coty stated
that the Building Services Department requested Historic Preservation Commission
approval for the footings prior to issuance of a permit. The Commission felt that
footings are not a character-defining feature or a material change of effect and would
not require Historic Preservation Commission approval; however, they should be
installed to code and Mr. Coty should come back before the Commission at a later date
for porch approval.
E.B. Lvons Interoretive Center Exoansion - oresentation bv the Friends of the Mines of
Soain: Rich Henderson, Friends of the Mines of Spain Board Member, and Wayne
Buchholz, Iowa Department of Natural Resources Park Ranger, presented the Friends of
the Mines of Spain's efforts to expand the E. B. Lyons Interpretive Center at the Mines of
Spain State Recreation Area so as to have more space for educational purposes. They
explained the Interpretive Center is owned by the City of Dubuque and managed by the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources. They explained the Friends ofthe Mines of Spain
is a non-profit group, which assists park staff with administration of the Mines of Spain and
the Interpretive Center. They explained the Friends of the Mines of Spain is currently
seeking funding of $1.4 million for the expansion. The expansion would include a multi-
purpose room for programs, special events and meetings, a biology lab and classroom for
school programs ranging from kindergarten through college level courses, creation of new
exhibits and displays for visitors to explore the science and history of the region, and a
library reference room to house identification books, documents, and reference materials.
They discussed the many partners involved in the expansion project, and stated the
Historic Preservation Commission is a key community group that they are seeking letter of
support from and are recommending that the project be added to the City's Legislative
Priorities.
Motion by Olson, seconded by Wand, to send a letter of support and recommend the
expansion of the Interpretive Center be placed on the City's Legislative Priorities list with
the basis that the expansion would enhance the protection and promotion of natural,
historical and cultural resources at the Mines of Spain, assist in the interpretation and
education of historical, natural and cultural resources, and the proposed expansion is
complimentary in design to the existing building. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye
- Olson, Coty, Bichell, McCoy, Wand, and Stuart; Nay - None.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 8
ITEMS FROM STAFF:
AlA Sustainable Desian Assessment Team (SDAT) Grant Aoolication: Staff Member
Carstens explained that the AlA SDAT grant application is a City Council priority. If
selected, the SDAT would provide Dubuque with a team of professionals from the AlA
Center for Design. The professionals would consist of architects and other related
disciplines that would assist the City on working towards sustainable design and
development efforts. She explained the City Council desires Dubuque to be designated as
a green city and the SDA T would assist with that. She explained the Iowa AlA chapter and
City are requesting the Historic Preservation Commission provide a letter of support for the
SDA T grant application and identify a Commission representative who can serve on the
local steering committee. The Commission discussed the merits of the initiative.
Commissioner Stuart expressed interest in serving on the local steering committee. The
Commission discussed and agreed that Commissioner Stuart would make a good
representative to serve on the Steering Committee.
Motion by Wand, seconded by Coty, to write a letter of support for the AlA SDA T grant
application, and nominate Commissioner Stuart to serve as a representative on the
local steering committee. Motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Olson, Coty,
Bichell, McCoy, Wand, and Stuart; Nay - None.
Buildina Services Deot. - Status Reoort on Historic Preservation Enforcement: Staff
Member Johnson reviewed the status report on historic preservation enforcement. He
explained that he met with Building Services Manager Rich Russell and Assistant City
Manager Cindy Steinhauser to review the report.
~ 352 Bluff Street: Staff Member Johnson stated the property at 352 Bluff Street was
before the Commission at last month's meeting and received a Certificate of
Appropriateness as well as funding. He explained Rich Russell will take that
property off the enforcement report once a building permit is applied for.
~ 950 Soruce Street: Staff Member Johnson stated the property at 950 Spruce
Street is an ongoing matter between the City and Mr. Brown, and will remain on
the enforcement report until otherwise informed.
~ 1596 Iowa Street: Staff Member Johnson stated this property has become
compliant with City ordinances. He stated he has met with Rod Conrad and
improvements have been made to the property, which have made the building
again safe and weather tight. He stated that the building will have a tenant on
December 1 sl and the item will be removed from the enforcement report for next
month.
~ 1163 Hiahland: Staff Member Johnson stated a municipal infraction will be issued
for the property at 1163 Highland.
Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission
November 16, 2006
Page 9
~ 538 Wilbur: Staff Member Johnson reported there have been no changes to the
status of 538 Wilbur.
~ 1011. 1015 and 1017 Bluff Street: Staff Member Johnson stated that the properties
are still in violation of demolition by neglect. He explained Rich Russell sent a
letter to all property owners requesting that repairs be made. Assistant City
Manager Steinhauser has recommended that a deadline be set.
~ 180 Main Street: Staff Member Johnson stated that Mr. Hutchinson was before the
Commission to remedy the violation at 180 Main Street, and that matter will be
removed from the enforcement report.
~ 1005 Locust: Staff Member Johnson stated that Mr. Zaber received a Certificate of
Appropriateness in October for the work to the front porch. He stated that this
work is near completion and the matter will be removed the enforcement report.
~ 342 Main St (alkla Silver Dollar): Staff Member Johnson stated the owner's
representatives have received a commitment for a $300,000 Downtown
Rehabilitation Loan and the owners/developers continue to work on the funding
gap.
~ 1921 Madison: Staff Member Johnson stated that the Assistant City Manager
Steinhauser has requested Building Services Manager Rich Russell set a deadline
for the repairs to the property at 1921 Madison Street. The Commission discussed
the length of time that some of these properties have been in violation and listed
on the enforcement report, specifically referencing 1163 Highland. The
Commission requested that Building Services Manager Rich Russell add a column
to the enforcement report which lists the date that the property was found to be in
violation and listed on the enforcement report.
2007 Meetina Schedule: The Commission noted that the revised schedule does not have
the meeting rooms posted on it. Staff Member Carstens stated that an accurate meeting
schedule will be provided at the next meeting.
Quasi-iudicial Nature of Rezoninas: The Commission next discussed the opinion from the
City Attorney's Office which addresses the quasi-judicial nature or rezonings.
Commissioner Stuart stated that after researching the matter, he feels the Historic
Preservation Commission is not a quasi-judicial body.
ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
David Johnson, Assistant Planner
Adopted