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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. Minutes - Historic Preservation Commission 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