HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.20090708Joint Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning/HPC Commission July 08.2009
Michael Hoffman opened the Special P&Z and HPC Meeting in the Council
Chambers at 5:20pm. Commissioners Sarah Broughton, Jay Maytin, Ann Mullins,
Michael Hoffinan, Cliff Weiss, Bert Myrin, Stan Gibbs, Jim DeFrancia, and LJ
Erspamer were present. Staff in attendance were Jim True, Special Counsel, Sara
Adams, Amy Guthrie, Jennifer Phelan, Chris Bendon, Community Development;
Jackie Lothian, Deputy City Clerk.
COMMENTS
Jim True said that a quorum was needed by both commissions, so Sarah Broughton
was needed for the HPC quorum but could not stay or participate in the meeting.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Jim True sent out an email on an open house on an unrelated project regarding ex-
parte communications and the commissioners should disclose conflicts at the
meeting.
Michael Hoffman stated that he legally represented Kathy Markle on another
matter not pertaining to the Wheeler.
Sarah Broughton was conflicted on the Wheeler Opera House because she was one
of the local architects on the Wheeler project.
CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING:
320E HYMAN -WHEELER OPERA HOUSE -HPC Maior Development
Review and P&Z Special Review for Parking
Michael Hoffman opened the public hearing on the Wheeler Opera House. Sara
Adams stated this was the public hearing for Conceptual Commercial Design
Standards for the Wheeler as a joint meeting with HPC and P&Z continued from
June 24~'.
Sara Adams said staff recommended Conceptual Commercial Design Standards
approval. Adams said the public amenity was the rooftop access. The architects
have pulled the addition forward 6 feet so there was a 4 foot setback for the
building from the property line for the addition and eliminates the curved element
but still exposes the corner of the historic Wheeler under the staff memo public
amenity and Section 26.757.030.F.5 which states "public amenity space may not
be 4 feet above grade" however Section 26.575.0300.4 -"Commercial Design
Review may accept any method of providing Public Amenity not otherwise
described herein if the Commission finds that such method equals or exceeds the
value, which may be non-monetary value, of otherwise required cash-in-lieu
payment." Adams said this was providing public access to the rooftop with a
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Joint Meeting Asuen Planning and Zoning/HPC Commission July 08, 2009
capacity of about 90 people for patrons of the Wheeler and does meet the intent of
that public amenity space. Adams said that a condition in the Resolution that
during final review the applicant will show an anticipated schedule for the 4`~ floor,
they just want have a way to quantify that 4`h floor artist in residence that it will be
available to non-profits and won't be booked to an artist or performer the entire
year, which would not allow the ability for the public to rent that unit.
Michael Hoffman asked what was different about the 4`h floor. Sara Adams replied
there was a stair enclosure to allow the public egress.
Sara Adams said that there wasn't really much change to the building height, mass
and scale. Staff found the guidelines 6.27 and 6.28 are met with the proposed
mass, scale and height of the addition. At the last meeting some P&Z members
also brought up some of the uses being brought into the existing Wheeler and into
the addition; the overall mass of the addition has not been changed. Staff
recommended for final review that the applicant study the fenestration. Sara
Adams said the big issue was the entrance with guideline 6.34 for the historic
Wheeler as the focal point of this parcel with an addition of an ancillary use to the
Historic Wheeler.
Sara Adams said the there was the historic grand staircase in the original Wheeler
with the IBC and the new entrance was appropriate. Overall staff finds that the
project meets the applicable review criteria specifically addressed with all of the
exhibits in the packet. Adams noted there was a joint resolution included in the
packet with the condition of approval regarding the public amenity space
requesting the proposed occupancy used for the rooftop unit.
Michael Hoffman asked how the occupancy would work in real life. Adams
responded that staff wanted to make sure that the unit was made available to non-
profits and the public to rent for a reception or performers with information on how
that would work.
Jay Maytin said there were clear guidelines about the entrance but not the interior;
how did you decide to move the entrance rather than the staircase. Adams replied
that it is a guideline with the philosophy of maintaining a Historic entrance with
the historic staircase. Maytin asked with the removal of the existing elevator will
that be a passage way to the new addition. Adams replied that the opening would
be maintained as a passage way. Gram Slaton stated that the original door was
used by Aspen film.
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Joint Meetine Aspen Plannine and Zonine/HPC Commission Ju1y 08, 2009
LJ Erspamer said that all of the egress for the new theatre was on the left side;
should there be an egress on the right side for fire code. Adams replied that the
architects have been meeting with the building department and the fire marshall
and have scheduled a DRC for July 22"d. Erspamer said that pedestrian amenity
has him confused because it says that it has to be on the streetscape but that HPC
and P&Z can decide where it goes. Adams responded that HPC and P&Z could
actually waive the public amenity requirement because it was a development on a
landmark and they were proposed since public amenity was so important that the
rooftop space meets the section of the code the rooftop deck either equals or
exceeds the value, which could be non-monetary value, of the public amenity.
Cliff Weiss asked for the diagram of the rooftop and asked which part was public
access. Michael Farewell stated the cross hatched area was public access. Weiss
asked if the concerns for blank walls were addressed. Adams answered that it
really hasn't changed; the curved piece on the corner was eliminated and moved
the facade forward so the setback was now 4 feet from the property line.
Ann Mullins asked why the building was moved 6 feet forward. Michael Farewell
responded that there was discussion about the guideline of holding the fapade on
the street or should it be met or whether a setback should be maintained of 10 feet
by 60 feet would be used and the while some setback was called for to free the
corner it would show the way the stone turns into brick and that 10 feet would
impact the interior more than what was needed; so the setback was modest and met
the interior needs.
Stan Gibbs asked the square footage of the roof gardens area. Michael Farewell
replied that it was about 30 by 50; the rooftop space would be larger than the
reception space.
Bert Myrin said that he packet mentions a parking requirement that was
recommended that it be waived and there was no mention in the resolution of
parking. Sara Adams responded that parking was under HPC's purview.
Jay Maytin asked about the cash in lieu being public cash being paid back to the
public.
Michael Mills, partner in charge of preservation, introduced Michael Farewell
partner in design. Michael Mills said that his role was to protect the historic
character of the team though research that they have developed a deep appreciation
for the history and materials of the Wheeler. Mills said the preservation planning
Joint Meetin¢ Aspen PlanninH and Zonine/HPC Commission July 08, 2009
for the Wheeler based on the Aspen Historic District Guidelines, which are in turn
based upon the Secretary of Interior Standards for the rehabilitation of historic
buildings. Mills said the preservation for the Wheeler were for two levels of
treatment conditioned by the integrity of the historic fabric and these were defined
by the standards as preservation and rehabilitation; restoration and reconstruction
really don't apply to this project. Mills said the preservation area includes the
storefronts, the stone, cornices, the windows, the doors and all of the trim of the
Wheeler. The preservation zones on the interior are the main stairwell and the
auditorium and the other spaces in the building were support and could be
rehabilitated for other spaces while preserving the significant features like the bank
vaults. The interior has some functional areas that need to be addressed including
inadequate lobby space, the ticket area with poor circulation, fire and egress issues
and heating and air conditioning system that needs to be updated to current
environmental standards. This project offers the opportunity to make those needed
improvements. The design goal was not to imitate but create a quietly confident
work of architecture that fills the program and be useful and a source of pride to
the citizens of Aspen. The public reviews have helped refine the project to
conform to the intent and provisions of the ordinances and design standards; they
look forward continuing this project.
Michael Farewell utilized power point to show the mass of the historic building
and the infill adjacent to it. Farewell said the 4 foot setback provides a larger
queuing space and respectful attitude towards the corner. There were 2 floors
below grade (about 30 feet) and that is taken up by the 235 seat theatre and
balcony and above it with 3 main floors and the apartment with multi-use space on
the top. Farewell said the lower level did not have the 4 foot setback but came out
to the property line. Farewell said the plan shows the current Wheeler offices and
the restaurant has storage down there and the new plan will have storage and new
mechanical space needs with about 1100 square feet left of usable space. Farewell
explained every floor including the employee apartment so there would be an
employee on site. The roof terrace space was reconfigured to be a publically
accessible multi-use space and a 2 bedroom 2 bath apartments with a kitchen and
living room which can be easily setup for receptions. Farewell said there was more
work to be done on the elevations. Farewell said the addition had its own character
and transparency and exhibits the quality and life of the theatre, makes it visible
when you are outside of the building and also opens up to the landscape when you
are inside.
John Rowland said they will be doing another series of open houses and
community outreach to try to address some of the community concerns and make
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Joint Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning/HPC Commission July 08, 2009
sure that everyone is informed and to have the same information when this goes to
the ballot. Rowland said this was a great opportunity for citizens to co-mingle with
community and some groups that want to use this space.
Anne Mullins asked what the connections between the 3`d and 4`~ floors with the
Wheeler and the addition. Michael Mills replied the 3rd floor was a lobby space
maintaining the stairwell. Ann Mullins said when you come up the stairs where
can you actually get to on that 3`d level. Michael Mills responded if you bought
your ticket or have your ticket one option is to take the elevators off to the left to
the uppermost level; the second option was to take the staircase and at the current
lobby level ascend up the next set of stairs to the orchestra level or the third option
was to ascend up the historic stairs. Mullins asked what the proposed access to the
upper level was. Mills answered there would be a potential to make the connection
but can't make an interior connection without raising the roof of the building
which wasn't feasible so they were maintaining that relationship.
Bert Myrin said there were concerns about the view from the north and the Hotel
Jerome viewplane. Michael Mills showed pictures taken from the Hotel Jerome
with angles that they were clearly in that zone and the existing Wheeler was above
the defined viewplane by about 10 feet and the new addition is below that
viewplane.
LJ Erspamer asked where the viewplane is at the Hotel Jerome. Sara Adams said
the origination point for the viewplane that we are talking about is in front of the J
Bar with a determination of eyelevel in the land use code from the survey. John
Rowland replied the height was 5 foot 6 inches and basically the width of the Hotel
Jerome.
Bert Myrin asked about the historic view of the Wheeler from Red Mountain.
Michael Mills responded that the Wheeler would still be seen from all sides and
was so distinctive from any point.
Jay Maytin voiced concern with the cross section which shows the balcony
protruding past the fapade of the Wheeler. Sara Adams replied that the balcony
was not dealt with until final but at this time the concerns were volume, mass,
scale, height and proportions during conceptual. Adams said the balcony will be
discussed during final reviews. Maytin asked if granting this conceptual would
grant this drawing. Adams replied it would not grant the details, the materials, and
fenestration but rather what is the size of the box.
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Joint MeetinE Aspen Plannine and Zonine/HPC Commission July 08 2009
Cliff Weiss asked how important was the tenant revenue of the existing space.
Gram Slaton replied the revenue is going to be key to make this building work and
he is interested in getting a tenant that was a media outlet for the Wheeler in the
subgrade space. Weiss said there was a lot of space dedicated to the entrance
lobby area. Mills said the current lobby cannot accommodate the occupancy of the
theatre and that was a challenge from a life safety point of view, from an
operational point of view and for patrons that want to socialize at intermissions.
Mills said that the lobby had to be safe and accessible. Mills said the theatres
would have staggering time starts and the new lobby picks up the 3`d floor
intermission patrons.
Jay Maytin asked what 90 people get to use the roof; the Wheeler hold 480 some
people; will it truly be a public accessible place or orchestra seats first and balcony
seats second. Maytin voiced concern for this rooftop becoming a VIP area and that
the public has access to it; will there be a plan for that. Gram Slaton replied that
the cut roof from the balcony was just presented to him about 90 minutes ago.
Maytin said that he was talking about the terrace. Slaton said that they were
looking at this as a room not connected to any particular performance and looking
at this as an amenity to be used for a variety of intended uses.
Ron Erickson, chairman of Wheeler board, stated the board's mission statement
was to promote local non-profit arts groups and the use of the Wheeler. Erickson
said they subsidize performances in the Wheeler for local arts groups and all of the
elements of the building would go as a public amenity. Erickson said their goal
was to make this a transparent process. Erickson said the rental income funds the
non-profit grants in this town.
Kathy Markel, member of the Wheeler board, said that many of the local art
groups have asked her to represent their enthusiasm for the type of space that will
allow a smaller venue to fill up with a flexible venue allowing different types and
styles of performance. Markel said that most of the people that she spoke to would
like every square foot of the property maximized as a public amenity; the building
itself was a public amenity.
Pam Cunningham, board member, stated that there was exceptional leadership in
this process that stems from Gram; he was instrumental in setting up the architects
and processes with the city. Cunningham complemented the architects for
listening to the boards.
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Joint Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning/EIPC Commission July 08 2009
Michael Hoffinan read the letter from Lisa Markalunas. Sara Adams included in
the packet the letter from Lisa Markalunas, Bill Wiener, Junee Kirk, Jasmine
Tygre, Susan O'Neal plus 2 more letters from Junee Kirk.
Public Comments:
Lisa Markalunas, public, voiced concerns for parking, the mass and scale of the
building. Markalunas said that the applicant needs to address the parking needs
because of adding more performances and patrons to the Wheeler. Markalunas
was concerned about the glass on the facade of the new building and the nature of
the building. Markalunas said that the Wheeler was one of Aspen's crown jewels
and if it is destroyed it in the process of trying to make it something that it really
can't be a performing arts center that might be appropriate somewhere else.
Page Price, artistic director of Theatre Aspen, thanked the Wheeler for including
them in discussions and offered support in the direction that they were going.
Junee Kirk, public, wanted to say that looking at the viewplane from the Jerome
there was not much to see but if you look at the poster card that everybody
identifies Aspen with from Mill Street and Main with the historic shape of the
building. Kirk said that they have fought long and hard to protect theses iconic
buildings and open space and that open space was bought to protect the Wheeler.
Kirk said that we need to protect our historic structures and there were other places
around town that could be used for performances.
Jeffrey George, managing director of Theatre Aspen, gave a vote of confidence to
this architectural firm in particular to this historic building.
Michael Hoffman closed the public hearing.
Michael Hoffman asked if the trade of public amenity space from the ground level
to the rooftop space and are the balance of the commercial design standards were
satisfied by the application.
Bert Myrin said that he agreed with the public amenity space being the whole
building and saw no need for public amenity space outside the building. Myrin
suggested shrinking the height of the addition but that was another issue.
Cliff Weiss said he had a problem with the rooftop unit because some artist would
have that rooftop as their own space and it would be closed to the public; he
wanted it as a public amenity space at all times. Weiss said the height was pushed
Joint Meetine Aspen Plannin¢ and ZoninE/HPC Commission Julv 08, 2009
up for this fourth story apartment and that was a concern of his. Weiss said he
would like to see the atrium area as a grand lobby but wanted to see this at final.
Hoffman said that these were concerns for final. Adams said that the request was
for both commissions to be weighing in on the height, mass and scale. Adams said
this was an application against the commercial design standards which a review
similar to HPC conceptual review in looking at mass, scale, proportion, context
and how it relates to the historic district. Adams said that in conceptual the
concern was what is this structure going to look like in Exhibit C.
Jim DeFrancia said that he agreed with the statement that the whole building was
an amenity and would like to see the setback on the addition.
Ann Mullins said the rooftop doesn't meet the intent of public amenity space since
it is only for Wheeler patrons and that would only accommodate 90 people.
Mullins said that she would have retained the 10 foot setback; the 4 foot setback is
creating a non space and you might as well go to the lot line. Mullins said that this
needed open space to the front or side of the building both to reduce the mass and
create a public amenity.
LJ Erspamer asked if a public amenity was supposed to be available to the public
24/7. Hoffman replied no. DeFrancia said that a public amenity was a space that
was available to the public and inheritably has hours, character of operation and
whether or not it is free. Hoffman agreed that the whole building was a public
amenity.
Jim True said there was the ability to waive that public amenity or reduce the
amount that is set forth in that section.
Michael Hoffman also agreed with Ann with the spirit of public amenity.
Cliff Weiss said that he was hesitant to eliminate the public amenity space
requirement.
Jay Maytin said that it was important that the public amenity language remain in
the resolution.
Sara Adams said to summarize the public amenity options could be (1) the 25%
requirement; (2) a reduction of the requirement; (3) waving the requirement or (4)
the rooftop access is sufficient to meet the public amenity intent.
Joint Meetine Aspen Planning and Zonin¢/HPC Commission July 08.2009
Stan Gibbs said that he agreed with Bert that the whole building was a public
amenity.
Cliff Weiss said that photovoltaic was a problem.
MOTION: Jim DeFrancia moved for the adoption of the language which is
Section 1 public amenity space; seconded by Bert Myrin.
Discussion:
Chris Bendon provided background on the City's approach to this pedestrian
amenity; it was called open space as a way to recognize the importance both open
space with visual access to the mountain and urban elements that make downtown
fun to be in and lots of different ways to express that. Bendon said in the old code
25% of the parcel was the rule and the City found out that some spaces worked
really well like Paradise Bakery and Zele but other places were not good so the
City went away from a quantitative thing. The Cantina outside dining is pedestrian
amenity space that works well, which contributes to the life and vitality of town.
Bendon says the code specifically grants the authority to come up and understand
someone's contribution to the downtown. Bendon said the importance of the
viewplane was from the Wheeler parcel and there maybe a few times a year for
someone to go up to that 4`h floor deck and enjoy that space and maybe with a
ticket to an event.
Ann Mullins said that it was a great amenity to the project to have a rooftop terrace
but her objection was that it did not add any vitality to the street.
Jay Maytin said that 10 feet was not enough to create vitality but would not support
bringing the new portion to the lot line because the 4 foot setback does create a
distinction to the historic resource.
Jim True said that there needs to be a resolution to approve the resolution then you
could amend the motion.
MOTION: Jim DeFrancia moved to amend the motion for approve the P&Z and
HPC Resolution as presented by staff,• Bert Myrin seconded.
Discussion:
LJ Erspamer asked if they were voting as a group. Jim True replied they were
voting as a group and the majority prevails.
Joint Meetin¢ Asaen Plannin¢ and ZoninQ/HPC Commission July OS, 2009
Michael Hoffman noted that staff directed the commissions to talk about the
height, the relocated uses, the bands on the front fagade and the relocated entrance.
Sara Adams said that the bands on the front facade were a heads up to the design
team for final review so the bands were off of this discussion. Adams said it would
be appropriate to discuss the basement of the addition and the massing of the
addition how it relates to that size of the building.
Bert Myrin said that Section 2, Design Guidelines, 6.25 mentions perceived scale
of the building and vertical fenestration would bring the building down. Myrin
was not convinced that the top 2 floors could shrink enough for the Wheeler to
stand out.
Jim DeFrancia asked Bert if he thought the addition was too high. Myrin
responded that it doesn't fit into the scale of the area and was too high. Myrin said
that Section 3 was more of a fact and was concerned about the height and the Diva
Apartment may have some opposition in an election.
Ann Mullins said the perception of the mass could be changed dramatically
depending upon the type of fenestration and the detail; the height seems to work
well because it is lower than the Wheeler and does not overpower the Wheeler.
Mullins said there should be a storefront street presence that would also bring in
that entry and was unfortunate that we can't resolve something with that entry
because it becomes a secondary part of the development. Mullins said the addition
becomes too much of a departure from the Wheeler and looks too massive, too
uniform and too bulky and detracts from the original.
LJ Erspamer said that he would like to see more articulation. Erspamer said that
there was a minimum of 2 feet between buildings but what was the maximum and
how do you articulate the modulation between the buildings but yet is there some
way to make it softer and more harmonious with the neighboring buildings.
Erspamer said he was concerned about the 4"' floor.
Jay Maytin agreed with the LJ on the 4`h floor that was already too high. Maytin
said that he can't see how the 4`h floor fits in with the rest of the block with the
Motherlode and Crystal Palace buildings.
Michael Hoffman said he was trying to put the pieces together. Hoffman said the
3`d bullet point was additional height in the zone district may be added for one or
to
Joint Meeting Aspen Plannin¢ and Zoning/HPC Commission July 08, 2009
more of the following reasons and one of the reasons was the primary function of
the building was civic.
Sara Adams said they were talking about the placement of an addition, the size,
how it fits into the guidelines, how it fits into the historic district, how it
contributes to the urban fabric and then the applicant will go to Planning & Zoning
and Council to determine the specific dimensional requirements for floor area and
also for height.
Michael Hoffman said that he did not have a problem with the Diva Apartment. LJ
Erspamer asked how many square feet was the 4`h floor. Sara Adams said on the
4th floor the questions were is that mass appropriate and does it fit into the context
adjacent to the Wheeler and sandwiched between the Motherlode and the Wheeler.
Cliff Weiss said they were asking for a height variance and it was a judgment
decision.
Michael Farewell said the roof access will require stairs and a bathroom.
Bert Myrin asked where the solar panels were going. Michael Farewell said that
they were going on the apartment roof. Myrin said that he could support this if the
top 2 floors weren't there as far as mass and scale.
Cliff Weiss asked if they were prepared to have a conceptual vote because a lot of
the details were in a vague description in the resolution and in the PUD would get
to the specifics and they were getting all of the signals. Jim DeFrancia agreed with
Cliff said that the PUD application had to go to P&Z and Council for the necessary
waivers; he suggested that this review approve the height with a qualification.
Sara Adams said that if you approve the drafted resolution then you would be
approving the placement of the building, the shape of the building, the setback.
Adams said the PUD process would include the height variance and floor area. If
the commissions have not resolved the height and mass issues tonight she
suggested continuing to August 4tn
Amy Guthrie read that the commercial design review shall be binding upon the
commission in regards to the location form of the envelope of the structure
addition including its height, scale, mass and proportions no changes will be made
by the commission unless agreed to by the applicant. Sara Adams said the height
was to be defined in the next step, what the height is through the PUD process.
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Joint Meeting Aspen Planning and Zonin¢/HPC Commission Julv 08, 2009
Jim DeFrancia said that there did not seem to be broad support of the height and
Section 3 should be amended or come back and have a more extensive discussion.
Adams said that if the commissioners say this is too tall and needs to come down.
Michael Hoffinan said that he did not have enough information to make a decision
with this joint commission with some structure to evaluate this application.
Hoffman said the applicant has supplied information.
Stan Gibbs said if the commissions move the sentence from Section 3 and remove
the word height and simply puts the reference to height and floor area to Section 3.
Gibbs said the qualitative items would be part of the design guidelines section that
could be approved but the actual floor area and height would be deferred to a PUD
process going through P&Z. Jay Maytin said that he felt it was important for HPC
to vote on the height because of the historic resource next door. Michael Hoffman
said that he was not happy with the current process.
Sara Adams said this was the first joint review for commercial conceptual design
review so it was a work in progress. Michael Hoffman asked to reconsider the
code and come back with a process that actually works. Jim True said that they
were in the process with the joint board. Michael Hoffman said that they could
refashion to address the concerns. Jim True said that they might be able to
refashion to give everybody a comfort level for this whole process to proceed.
Jim DeFrancia and Bert Myrin withdrew the first motions.
MOTION: Cliff Weiss moved to continue the Wheeler HPC/P&Z to August 4,
2009 seconded by Jim DeFrancia. All in favor from P&Z and HPC; APPROVED
8-0.
Discussion:
Cliff Weiss said it was not P&Z's intention to cut out HPC but there were flaws
and he felt the need to continue. Chris Bendon suggested that the code provides
for a modification of review procedures; what might be all the same issues here of
PUD, Commercial Design or the major conceptual at HPC. Bendon said all was
dealing with the height, mass, setbacks and the form of the structure and three
different actions have to take place and 3 different boards to take actions on.
Bendon said they could consider because the August 4~' meeting could be noticed
as this joint board takes action on the Commercial Design Review and the
conceptual PUD to City Council. Jim DeFrancia said that P&Z would review with
HPC as a joint board. Bendon replied yes. Bendon said that the criteria are
observed and the public is noticed properly. Hoffman asked the P&Z if they were
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Joint Meeting Aspen Planning and Zoning/HPC Commission Julv 08, 2009
comfortable in the I-1PC making the joint decision making. Both commissions
agreed to this joint review.
P&Z adjourned at 8:15 pm.
,sC~.+~,
ckie Lothian, Deputy City Clerk
320 E. Hyman Ave. Wheeler Opera House -historic preservation aspects
MOTION: Ann moved to continue 320 E. Hyman until August 12, 2009; second by
Jay. All in favor, motion carried.
541 & 541 '/z Race Street -Project Monitoring
Janvar Derrington, Cunniffe Architects -length of columns. We prefer extending
the columns and leaving the log railing at the same height, otherwise it is out of
proportion.
Sara said condition #2 was that the foundation comes back to the full board
because the foundation that they originally proposed for final review was a rubble
stone foundation and HPC didn't find that it was appropriate. Right now there is a
concrete block and they are proposing an integral colored concrete masonry unit at
the base of all the buildings. This is really a material question for the cabins but
also for the addition.
Janvar Derrington said the existing is raw cinder block on one side and it is painted
on the other side.
Sara Adams pointed out that the cinder block should stay on the cabins because
that was the original and maybe there could be a variation of that for the addition
of the free market cabin. Both historic cabins should maintain their original
foundation even if it isn't attractive. The colored concrete is fine for the additions
but not the cabins.
Charles Cunniffe suggested a concrete block which is the same dimensional unit as
the original but an integral color rather than a painted color. That way it would
stay the same color over time.
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Joint Meetin¢ Aspen Plannin¢ and Zonin¢/HPC Commission July 08, 2009
Janvar Derringtin said we need to be aware that we are replacing all the
foundations because we have too because they are not structurally sound. We are
adding a full basement under the cabins.
Charles Cunniffe said the original cabins have raw concrete block and painted
block. We could use the colored concrete block on the addition and then paint the
concrete block on the cabin with a similar color.
Sara Adams reminded everyone that the cabins are historic landmarks and we need
to comply with our guidelines.
Michael Hoffman said it might not look the greatest but that is what it looked like
historically and let's just keep it that way. Jay agreed with Michael to keep to the
guidelines. Michael said they can use the new material on the additions and use
something that is similar to what was originally there on the cabins and it would be
painted.
Charles Cunniffe said it would subtle and more represent what is there now. There
would be a distinct difference on the addition and we would paint the block under
the historic cabins since it is painted now. Charles said they are not sure that the
concrete block that is there now was original because it is not that old. It might
have been underpinned.
Amy Guthrie pointed out that it is similar to what we do with Victorians. They had
no foundation treatment and lift the building up and put a foundation in we don't
suddenly allow people to make a beautifully sandstone foundation which is
completely inappropriate. That is the same problem we have here. If it has a
simple foundation it needs to have a simple foundation in the future.
Charles Cunniffe said they agree.
Sara Adams said #3 is the porch detail and there was discussion about the grade
changes as part of the Fox Crossing subdivision so the exposure of the front and
trying to still enter into the front door is a challenge with the grading. They will
have to alter the front porch in order to make the head height to meet code in order
to get into the front door.
Sara Adams said option B is the most appropriate. All board members agreed.
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Joint Meetine Aspen Plannin¢ and Zonin¢/HPC Commission July 08, 2009
Sara Adams aid condition #4stated that the porch decking will remain and be
restored and the applicant has agreed to do so.
Sara Adams said condition #5 pertains to the metal roof material and style will be
reviewed and approved by the full board prior to submittal of a building permit.
It will be standing seam non-reflective metal with baked on finish in a dark bronze
color.
Charles Cunniffe said the roof material is for the addition. The cabin roofs remain.
Members were OK with the material for the roof on the addition.
Sara Adams said condition #6 was submitting a landscape plan. Sara said she went
over the plan with the Parks Department and they are OK with it. HPC direction
was to keep the front yard simple because the cabins face the park. Members were
OK with the landscape plan. Jay said his only concern is that you can see through
to the open space and it looks like you can do that.
Sara Adams said condition #7 -lighting fixtures and lighting plan. Ann said the
lighting plan looks good. Members agreed on the plan.
Sara Adams said condition #8 are the two line shack signs and that they should be
retained in their current location which is by the side doors. The applicant is
proposing to move them to the parks side and staff feels that is not appropriate.
Janvar said on cabin II the sign is between the two buildings and you won't be able
to see it.
Jay agreed with Sara that the signs should remain in their original locations.
Michael disagreed because the context has changed entirely. Signs to remain in
original locations.
MOTION: Jay moved to adjourn, second by Ann. All in favor, motion carried.
Meeting djourned at 8:30 a.m.
~~
Kathleen J trickland, Chief Deputy Clerk
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