HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.20160323ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
1
Chairperson, Willis Pember called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioners in attendance were Nora Berko, Patrick Sagal, Michael
Brown, Bob Blaich and Sallie Golden. Absent were John Whipple,
Gretchen Greenwood and Jim DeFrancia.
Staff present:
Debbie Quinn, Assistant City Attorney
Amy Simon, Preservation Planner
Jennifer Phelan, Deputy Planning Director
Kathy Strickland, Chief Deputy Clerk
Nora said there is an apparent conflict of interest on the Meadows. Her
family came here for the Institute. Nora said she has total ability to be
objective on this application.
Jessica Garrow, Community Development Director introduced herself and
went over the moratorium that will be in place for a year that was passed by
City Council. In the commercial zone districts, downtown, commercial
core, C1, neighborhood commercial, mixed use and SCI zone districts we
cannot accept any new land use applications during the period that the
moratorium is in place. There are also limits on what building permit
applications can be taken in. If a building permit application were coming in
that didn’t trigger a land use review but was asking to increase height or
FAR that is something that would be caught in the moratorium. City
Council wanted to make sure that they have some breathing room and time
to work through code amendments to better incorporate the Aspen Area
Community plan into the land use code. As we move fo rward we will be
asking HPC for input.
Amy said she issued a certificate of no negative effect at the Ute City
Banque building for skylights that were leaking.
540 E. Main Street – Aspen Police Station Planned Development –
Project Review, Major Development, Conceptual Review, Demolition &
Relocation of designated historic properties, Conceptual Commercial
Design Review, Conditional Use review for the provisions of Affordable
Housing Growth Management Reviews for an Essential Public Facility
and for the development of affordable housing, public hearing cont’d
from February 24th
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
2
Jennifer said there was a site visit today to inspect story poles, Exhibit N.
The scope of the project is to demolish the existing ranch house and a
cement block garage, construct a new police station along Main Street and a
new multi-family building for affordable housing behind the police station.
There will also be a new trail connection from Main Street to Obermeyer.
As part of the project the proposal is to relocate the historic resource on the
site and move it forward. Direction was given at the last meeting that the
barn could be removed because it wasn’t of the same period of significance
as the historic house and the shed. The house and shed to remain on site as
an interpretive building. There were two proposals for siting the house, one
was square to the street and the other at an angle. Staff is recommending the
square to the street angle. There was discussion on wanting to know where
the resources will be temporarily located during the redevelopment of the
site. The initial was Burlingame but there has been some talk about
Anderson Park. The applicant is still trying to determine where they would
be stored and recommends that be a condition of final. The Board asked
how the two resources would be maintained as an interpretive building on
the site. There is still discussion how that would occur. Currently the
applicant is committing to maintain the two structures on the site by getting
them on foundations and stabilizing them. The applicant isn’t sure if the
Historical Society will operate the interpretive building.
Jennifer said another question was to look at the fencing of the rear
courtyard and how it may block views of the resource. A 3/1/2 foot fence is
proposed and staff is recommending that the fencing impacts the view of the
resource and should be removed. There was also discussion about reducing
the height of the police station which is over 30+ feet. There are several
zone districts in that area. In the commercial core and C1 district a two-
story building is giving the height limit of 28 feet. Some of the height has
been reduced. HPC needs to determine if they are OK with the height and if
it is suitable to the character of the building for its use and that it is
compatible with the neighborhood. Staff’s position is that it be as close to 28
feet as possible. The board also asked for more renderings and views which
should be presented by the applicant during their presentation. Changes for
affordable housing are included in the packet. The reso is to approve the
project with conditions; maintain the height of 28 feet for the police station;
removing the fencing along the perimeter of the courtyard; there is also
concerns about the elevator near the affordable housing. It is almost like a
standalone mass and maybe it can be incorporated into the building better.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
3
We need to look at the exposure of the garage level from Rio Grande Place
and if the mass can be reduced by landscaping, dirt etc. The ramping being
proposed to connect the new trail is mostly on the Concept 600 building
property. We would like consent from the adjacent property owner by final
on the trail. Parks is also concerned that there is enough turnaround for
cyclists. The temporary storage should be outlined in the development for
final. In the resolution is a requirement to have a more detailed plan on how
the resource shall be maintained as an interpretive building on the site and
also a detailed plan for restoration and repair of the materials on the historic
resources. The rear addition to the cabin can be removed.
Nora asked about stabilization vs preserving the historic buildings.
Amy said in this case we don’t want to take the work on the building to far.
There is an appreciation for the state that it is in now and we don’t want to
disturb the unique materials. We would like to fix it where it is and allow
that condition to be maintained for the long term.
Debbie pointed out that new renderings will be presented tonight that you
haven’t seen. If the board does not have sufficient time to look at what they
are going to present you can ask for a continuation. The applicant is to
provide staff with a copy of what they are presenting for the record.
Michael asked about the rear of the parcel and what is allowed in the SCI
zone district and CC and C1. What is the height of the rear building at its
peak point?
Jennifer said if it is a two-story building in the CC and C1 it can be 28 feet.
For a three-story in the commercial core it is 38 feet and C1 is 36 feet. The
heights are a little higher for the SCI zone. On the rear you measure from
the third-story down to the entry to the garage. The top of the roof form
down to the finished grade. That is at 46.6 feet.
Michael also asked what the rear setbacks are for adjacent zone districts.
Jennifer said Obermeyer was a PUD and it probably has minimum setbacks.
The CC and C1 have O setbacks.
Applicants: Alan Richman, Planning Services; Jack Wheeler and Jeff
Pendarvis from the Capital Asset Department. Richard Pryor and Bill Lynn
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
4
from the Police Department. Charles Cunniffe architects; Charles Cunniffe,
Scott Smith, Jim Kehoe, Design Workshop, Darla Calaway.
Alan pointed out that they were specifically asked to bring information to
the meeting for today. We were asked to respond to certain specific items
and bring a 3D rendering. We will respond to the direction that was given
by the HPC. We ask that you keep in mind the importance of the functions
of the overall plan. The property was purchased by the city 15 years ago to
meet long term community needs. At one point in time it was considered for
the Fire Department but they decided to stay on Hopkins. The civic master
plan started 10 years ago. The police department is in an immanent need of a
new home. This location allows them to coordinate their operations with the
Sheriff’s and it is in close proximity to the jail, court house and to city
administration buildings. In 2015 the property was rezoned to public. The
zone district permits the uses which is clearly outlined in the staff report. It
also requires that the dimensional requirements get set by the adoption of a
Planned Development Plan.
Alan said there are three primary standards for a planned development
1. There exists a significant community goal to be achieved through the
proposed dimensions.
2. The proposed dimensions represent a character that is suitable for
and indicative of the primary uses of the project.
3. The project is compatible with or enhances the distinct identity of
the neighborhood and surrounding development patterns, including
the scale and massing of nearby historical or cultural resources.
Alan said there are clearly significant community goals that can be achieved
here. We are creating a public building that will serve the community for
many years to come. We are also providing onsite affordable housing and
we are preserving a unique historic resource. The dimensions are necessary
to achieve the purpose and primary uses of the project. This is not another
building on Main Street it is a special building being used for a public
purpose. We are also doing a LEED certified building and the City wants to
lead by example. In 50 years I would like to think people will view this as a
memorable space and worthy of recognition. The dimensional limits in the
surrounding zones are one way to judge whether the project will be
compatible with the neighborhood. The code doesn’t require absolute
adherence to those limits. The surrounding zones do allow for more height
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
5
and we do have three stories in the affordable housing building. When
looking at the neighborhood you need to consider the buildings on either
side of the site. We measured the court house plaza and that is 35’3 inches
and the Concept 600 is 32’6”. The new courthouse addition is a three story
building. The floor area of this building is well below that of surrounding
sites. The floor area is 1.1 to 1 on this site. It is about 30,000 square feet on
a 27,000 square foot site. The CC and C1 allow the floor area of 2.75 to 1
and 2.5 to 1 respectively. SCI allows 2.25 to 1. We are way below the
surrounding properties. That is because we consolidated our floor area and
we have limited foot prints. For a downtown property we have large
amounts of open space. We are accommodating a trail and a public plaza.
The buildings tend to be more vertical and the foot prints are limited and the
open space is considerable.
Darla Calaway did a power point on two site plans. The police station is on
the west property line and there is affordable housing. There is also an
historic structure and the Hunter Creek trail connection which is a mid-block
connection that connects pedestrians, bicyclists through the connection.
There is also a public courtyard that allows the police to hold their public
functions and an employee courtyard. The Concept 600 building is to the
east. The Hunter Creek trail connection currently exists in a stair ramp
configuration. We need to reconfigure the stairs and the ramp. We are
lining the trail up with the cross walk to make the connection more direct.
There is 12/1/2 feet of grade change to navigate through. We can do
beacons etc. to make pedestrians aware of the garage doors. The alleyway is
an emergency access and it is a patient drop off for Aspen Medical. The
ramp is on the Concept 600 property and at final design we will address that.
Regarding the historic structure we heard that the visibility is important to
the HPC and how can we increase that visibility. The interior of the historic
structure is very important to the board. If the building is too close to other
buildings we would have to fire rate it and that would have implications to
the interior. We have lowered the screening around the police courtyard
from 5 feet to 3 ½ feet so that the view is not blocked.
Richard Pryor, Chief of Police
There are two elements why we would like to maintain the fence in the
courtyard area. On the northwest area is an employee break area and just to
the south is the main operations area and patrol. That is where people come
and go and they are right near the windows. The courtyard ties into the
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
6
employee break area. We are hoping to provide an area where the police
offices have an area to do reports and take a break and a few interviews.
Most importantly is the security aspect. We do not want people just walking
up to the windows of the police department and look in. There needs to be
some kind of private space. A visual barrier is needed to indicate that it is a
private area. There is 3 ½ feet of delineated space in which we can maintain
our private space.
Darla said there is a fence separating the Hunter Creek trail system
connection which also serves the employee housing units and the police
functions. Then there is a ten foot separation. It is out intent to separate the
uses. We have not determined what the fencing is. It could be a trellis,
plantings, and screen. It is not a privacy fence but will allow the police
officer to be seated at a table and have a conversation without being
completely exposed by those coming by the Hunter trail system. The trail is
misleading as it is a midblock connection.
Willis inquired about the ramp and accommodating a bike.
Darla said the turning radius of a bike depends on design speed. You can
walk a bike down the ramp or ride.
Michael said bikes are not permitted on the sidewalks.
Darla said we will involve Obermeyer Place and Concept 600 building
regarding the ramp, snowmelt etc. Darla said the start of the ramp is within
the easement and as it switches back it is on the Concept 600 property and a
portion is in the alley right-of-way.
Alan said there was a pedestrian easement granted by Obermeyer.
Michael said we are being asked to approve a site plan in which the
applicant doesn’t have control of the land.
Willis said they are proposing to have those approvals in place at final.
Charles said we are confident that progress is in place. Charles said at the
last meeting the request was that we come in tonight with supplemental
information. Charles presented a 3D power point of the project. The best
presence of the historic house is along the trail. One concern was the
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
7
visibility of the elevator tower from the Rio Grande side of the site. There
was conversation of making the elevator go to the second floor and have the
third floor be walkup. There is a preference to make everything
handicapped accessible and we can sort that out at final. Our goal is to get
the building at 28 feet except for the clearstory which gives us ventilation
and extra light and the elevator override. At final we can explain the
benefits of LEED and WELL.
Jim said the building will be cooled by ventilation with a radiant floor
system which will have cooling properties. The windows will be automated
so that fresh air flows from the lower level into the core of the building up
through the circulation area and out the clearstory. Daylight is important in
this building and it reduces the carbon footprint. Half of the building is
internal because it abuts the existing court house plaza building.
Housing
Charles said the pulled the units in the center back to allow a little bit more
outdoor livability. We also added storage closets. Every unit has either a
deck or balcony and every unit has a storage closet. Our housing component
is smaller than the county building about four feet.
Jennifer asked if a fully sketch up model is available which she requested.
Charles said we will have that for final. We provided a 3D which is a walk
around.
Jennifer clarified that the direction from the board was to provide additional
perspectives so that you could actually see more of the buildings and that
they would have a fully functional sketch up model so you could actually
ask to see this view or that view.
Michael asked what the height of the clearstory is.
Charles said it is currently at 4’.3” and our intention is to lower that. The
overall goal is to keep the building at 28 feet except for the clearstory.
Michael said the building is two story. Is there a reason you couldn’t do the
clearstory if you maxed out at 28 feet.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
8
Charles said it is really difficult. In the commercial design standards the
ground floors are supposed to be 13 to 14 feet high and we are down to 12
feet right now. We don’t want the building to look disproportionate to look
like a horizontal building. We would like to keep the vertical emphasis and
also allow the building to have presence and stature in the community. The
buildings around it are quite large.
Michael said the interesting thing is that the building to the west is three
stories and the same height and the building to the east looks like it is four
stories and the same height.
Alan said the building to the left is dug out a full story below where we are
and it exposes four stories.
Jim said this building is essentially an office building with a public
component. With that we have air movement, lighting requirements and all
that happens below the floor plate. Those in design create limitation to
reductions of floor plates and height.
Willis asked what the ceiling heights are on the second floor?
Jim said we are proposing 12 feet floor to ceiling. Underneath the structure
we have 12 inch mechanical ducting and below that we have the lighting and
fans. We have about 9 feet with three feet of mechanicals.
Jack Wheeler said the elevator overrun is in front of the clearstory. If we
reduce the clearstory the elevator overrun will be at the higher elevation.
Taking the clearstory down is not going to reduce the mass of the building.
The overall building is below 28 feet. We will try to minimize the
clearstory. The clearstory is a function of the LEED and it is important that
we are the City of Aspen hang that plaque and get the LEED certification.
We feel the mass is appropriate in what we are trying to do.
Charles said Gretchen asked us to lower the front portion of the building in
front of the elevator and we did and we also did a reduction of the brick.
Willis clarified that the building is at 28 feet except for the clerestory and
elevator override.
Michael said the way the city measures the height is at 33’4”.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
9
Patrick asked how far back the clearstory is.
Jim said it is approximately 30 feet back from the east wall. The clearstory is
behind the elevator shaft.
Charles said no matter what we do the county building will continue to
overwhelm this building.
Michael asked if they discussed tucking the second elevator in between the
police building and the affordable housing.
Charles said it is tucked in against the county building and it is also usable
between us and the county because there is a connection between our
building and the county sheriff’s office.
Jack Wheeler said the reason it is on the north end is that it can service the
parking area and loading area at the lowest level.
Charles said we also can’t put it in the middle of a secure police parking
area. The handicapped parking is also at that area.
Jim said the idea is that people can do gown the elevator and walk across to
the park.
Patrick said he supports the police in wanting a separation. Would it be
possible to move the historic resource up front toward Main Street so that
the police could have that entire area back there?
Darla said it could move to the front but then it compromises the firewall
requirements under the code.
Nora asked if a transparent wall could be incorporated so that you could see
the historic resource.
Darla said there needs to be a balance between maintaining the use of the
space. A total transparent wall would diminish that space. We could use an
open screen or possibly a trellis with plantings etc.
Amy said the county building will be coming before HPC but it is an
advisory review and HPC is not in a position to deny their proposal.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
10
Sallie asked if there are areas that need railings that are not shown in the
drawings.
Darla said guardrails and handrails for the ramp and stairs will be provided.
Bob asked if the public amenity space is basically for the housing. By
maintaining the historic building in its location you have to compromise
that.
Darla said the police station needs are accommodated. There would be an
opportunity to do a specific scheme for the affordable housing including a
landscape berm.
Charles said the courtyard to the front is a very active place to interact with
the community.
Chairperson, Willis Pember opened the public hearing.
Lisa Hancock, curator for the Historical Society
Lisa said she is here to represent their needs. We were approached about
taking the three buildings to the Holden Marolt site. The discussion was is
this an added value to the Marolt site and it was determined that it was. It
would work for us to take these buildings. I was alarmed at the last meeting
when HPC recommended to keep the structures onsite which for us is not
our preference. Then there was discussion that we would use those as an
interpretive site. There are many reasons why that will not work for us. It
does work at Holden Marolt because it is an added value. There are two
structures at Marolt, the salt shed and the barn itself. Having these other
structures of the same time period gives us an opportunity especially with
school children and with visitors to see the extra interpretive component.
The other part is that staffing is in place. Since we lease the property from
the city it could be added to the lease that the site is used for interpretive
purposes.
At its present location it is not a very acceptable site to interpret. The story
that this building tells is a domestic interior. We tell that story already with
the Wheeler Stallard house. If we can add this to the mining and ranching
story that we already tell at Holden Marolt it just makes that story complete.
To have it as a total separate site it isn’t very compelling. It isn’t a site that
would be manned on a daily basis. It is diffi cult to attract visitors to the sites
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
11
we currently have (4) Holden Marolt, barn, lixiviation plant, Wheeler
Stallard house and we operate the Independence ghost town and Ashcroft
ghost town and how are we going to attract visitors to 5 site. At the last time
we were here at the meeting we weren’t consulted.
Sallie asked what staff preferred.
Amy said there was a lot of discussion at the last meeting and the board
decided for the integrity of location keeping the buildings on the site and
part of the mix and fabric of town was the right thing to do. We have had no
dialogue about this. Maybe it’s not the Historical Society that does the
interpretation. It is up to the HPC whether the decision should be back on
the table but we weren’t expecting that toni ght.
Nina Gabrielle, vice president of education and programs for the Aspen
Historical Society. I work with the public and children. Imagine that you
are 8 years old and I’m trying to tell you how people lived in 1885. If I
could take them inside a building that would awesome and it would be
priceless in trying to get them to understand. The Holden site was a large
industrial plant and the largest in Pitkin County. Being able to interpret the
families that lived here is invaluable. It could be done on the existing site
but it could be done better on the Marolt site. I would be able to bring 120
kids onto the property. I don’t think this is the appropriate site.
Patrick asked how many kids and adults are at the museum yearly.
Nina said she has been doing this for 8 years. An average of kids is 400 to
500 per year and the adults are around 800 that come to the Holden Marolt
site. In 1885 the Holden Marolt site was undeveloped.
Jeff Pendarvis said he is coming as a parent of a 2nd grader. I went on the
tour when my daughter was in 3rd grade and the tour is awesome. The
context with that house at the Marolt makes sense. With the house on our
site and trying to tell the story doesn’t make any sense to a 3 rd grader of 4th
grader. Nina’s argument is very compelling.
Jerome Sennesich, represented Obermeyer Place
We have been meeting with the development team and they have been
responsive and we have made excellent progress. We are working on what
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
12
the stairway should look like and we have discussed a bike channel. We are
generally in support of the project for the police department as a whole.
Bob asked if there was any discussion about the interpretive center and was
it positive or negative about the tenants.
Jerome said the buildings have historic value and we recognize that and also
the interiors. If there is someone wanting to take that stewardship I would
suggest you reconsider. Having them sit closed up or locked up and not
open to the public is a shame. If they stay there who is going to make them
accessible. Obermeyer appreciates the value of them and understands that it
is an historic property and at the same time we have been looking at the
buildings with nothing going on. We would love to see something happen to
them.
Patrick asked Jerome what he thinks about a clear elevator as opposed to the
stairs and you wouldn’t need the ramp.
Jerome said Obermeyer would encourage a rolling access point rather than
an elevator. Concept 600 is willing to give an easement.
Amy pointed out that at the last meeting it was clear that the board wanted
the buildings to stay. Since that time we as staff have heard nothing from
the Historical Society and nothing from the applicant to suggest a different
plan was needed. It is HPC decision and if they move the affordable
housing should be restudied. The project should be continued if the
applicant would like to look at moving the buildings to Holden Marolt then
you have the opportunity to look at the design of the affordable housing.
Michael said he was originally for moving it off site and in particular
Gretchen spoke and we decided to keep it on the site. We all thought the
Historical Society was going to operate the facility. That has some weight to
it not that it is on the original site.
Sallie said she doesn’t understand why this is coming up right now and if we
should address it or not.
Jerome said at the last meeting he heard the board wanted to keep it there
and the board would like it accessible. What I am hearing tonight is that the
Historical Society doesn’t believe they can take the stewardship. If the
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
13
choices is on-site un-accessible or Holden Marolt and accessible to me it’s
the accessible factor.
Jack Wheeler, Asset Management said we want to do what you want us to
do. If you want us to keep the resource on site we are willing to do that. As
I stated at the last meeting the operational component is a big question mark.
We are also prepared to take care of the financial investment off site.
Charles said if the house stays onsite it will never been in its original
position onsite. Originally the site was very large.
Jennifer said at the last meeting the discussion was how many employees are
generated by the police building and it is up to city council to say you have
to mitigate at a certain rate. The commission was comfortable with the
generation of 39 employees with the new police station and that will be the
recommendation. How much is mitigated will be handled by City Council.
Willis identified the issues:
Mass and scale: Staff recommends that the police station should not be
greater than 28 feet and the removal of 3 ½ foot high fence and the applicant
chooses not to do that for reasons we already heard. Staff is recommending
that the stand alone elevator in the AH piece be a detached mass. The
applicant has presented otherwise and want to stay with their original
expression of the elevator in the back. Staff is recommending the turning
radius and site lines be accommodate for cyclists on the ramp. Management
of the historic resource will be discussed further.
Debbie said given that the relocation issues is back on the table and staff at
the last time said if it gets relocated off site we want a restudy of the
employee housing units. Maybe HPC should discuss what the desire of the
commission is about relocation off-site. If it is going offsite the meeting
should be continued until you see a final site plan with those buildings
offsite.
Nora said she is disappointed that this is back on the table because we really
vetted it the last time and had good discussions. We are picking away of
what the fabric of this town used to be. This was a building that was in the
middle of the town. It was not a farming and mining cabin. It might b e seen
in a different light. There is very little that you can walk around this town
and recognize. For the kids to see that there was a log cabin right in the
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
14
middle of town is really powerful. I am disappointed that we are circling
back to this and I hope we keep in mind what our job is which is to preserve
the town and its character.
Patrick said he agrees with Nora’s intent but looks at it as something that
was on a ranch. I would support moving it to the Marolt because of
education which is why the Historic Preservation is beneficial. Leaving it
where it is looks like it is in a tunnel with the 3D picture. It is really tucked
behind everything. If it is moved to Main Street we need to meet the fire
codes and that would probably destroy the interior character. Move it to
Holden Marolt and let the employee housing be redesigned. The building
area might be office space before it is employee housing because wherever
city hall goes space for offices might be needed before the new building is
being built out and this could be potential office space in the near future and
then housing.
Bob said he envisioned the space as currently planned and knowing that the
building would be sitting there not used or be another function is a concern.
If the building were moved it would be a much better space for the function
of the affordable housing. It would be a good area for kids to play that live
in the affordable housing complex. Bob said he has been many places where
they have taken existing buildings and brought them togethe r in a context for
the purpose of education and for the public.
Sallie said there is a thing called imagination and having this building right
in town and imagining what was around it is a good thing. What is fighting
against this are the big walls on either side and it is hidden in a hole. We
don’t have to approve it being hidden in a hole.
Michael said Gretchen spoke eloquently at the last meeting about keeping it
onsite. I also agree with what Nina said. The way it is presented in this
fashion it is not going to do the community any good.
Sallie said we need more perspectives and I don’t feel we have enough
information.
Michael said if the site plan has no other option as to how that building can
sit there, then I’m struggling with it and Ho lden Marolt starts to look like a
good alternative. I’d like to see some other site plans.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
15
Willis pointed out that they presented two site plans if it stays onsite. We
need to discuss whether it stays or goes.
Nora commented that we spent the entire evening the last time discussing
this.
Willis said the center of Obermeyer Place is a dead zone essentially. At that
time the connectivity was between Main Street and the skate park. There is
not enough room to create outdoor space except in front of the police station
on Main Street. The little structure backs up to a 42 foot wall. It has lost its
expression as an historic structure. The public interest is best served having
it at the Marolt ranch. There is too much going on at the site. The
opportunity to redesign the employee housing is a good thing. It is a tight
urban space.
Bob asked what is on the Marolt site that might have been moved from
another location that might be a reference point.
Nina said the three buildings that exist were on the site. The Zupancis
property was not the center of town it was the outskirts and the undeveloped
part of town.
Willis said if it goes to Marolt there is the opportunity to redesign the
employee housing. There are too many confused uses in a tight urban space.
Patrick agreed.
Richard Pryor said the trail is used frequently with people going to the
medical center.
Nora said the story poles don’t tell how high the affordable housing is. Our
charge is preservation. We are a 360 degree town and our view from the Rio
Grande should meet the same expectations as Main Street and to be looking
at a solid wall back there is really difficult. I would like to see the historic
resource stay onsite.
Willis said he would make the motion to support the historic structures
moving to the Marolt property.
Amy said you can give clear direction but it’s difficult to split the motion.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
16
Michael said it is a directive to the applicant.
Debbie said you could take a straw vote. We might have the same problem
next time with the different members. If the direction of this board is to
relocate and continue the meeting to restudy the employee housing you
could make that motion.
Willis said he would like to propose to restudy with the historic structures
considered offsite. Allow the applicant to choose where it goes pending
further discussion with the historic society.
Bob said the client can come back with another proposal and say we
restudied it and we would like to keep there.
Sallie said we are continuing the application for a restudy across the board
and we can give them a directive as to what each of us think. That is what
the motion should be.
Willis asked the HPC what they think of the Main Street elevation of 28
feet; clearstory etc.
Patrick said once it was explained the clearstory is OK. The clearstory is 30
feet back and won’t be an issue as far as visibility. The historic resources
should be moved offsite and the housing should be restudied to make it
lower so that there is a view which is what Nora, Michael, Sallie and myself
want.
Nora said she would like it to be 28 feet and the clearstory 28 feet because it
is still a building.
Michael said you can do a clearstory. Basically if the entire building is 24
feet you can do two stories. You still would have room for the clearstory
and you fit within the 28 feet.
Willis said this is a civic project and the applicant said it should embody
civic pride because of its uniqueness. Today this town feels there is a certain
pride in modesty not pushing the envelope to exceed what people perceive
as small town character. If you lead by example it should be in a modest
way. Anything you can do to comply with the 28 feet and the clearstory and
the LEED aspects to decree the volumes is supportiv e.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
17
Sallie said the applicant needs some kind of direction.
Michael said the board thinks it should remain onsite but not in this site plan
that is being shown to us. There is too much on the site and it is
overwhelming the historic resource. As a board if we are considering that
site plan then I think you are hearing a lot of the people on this board want to
see it go off site. No one is saying definitively move it off. We are open to
seeing other site plans.
Willis said he would definitively move it off the site. There are too many
functions on a small site. It is a civic place. The historic interpretive center
is over the top and it should go to Marolt where kids can enjoy it.
Sallie said staff has good points and if the applicant works with s taff that
might be helpful. Having more views is recommended. We cannot design
their project.
Patrick said if they are going to change the employee housing they will have
to move it to where the historic house is currently.
Alan said we don’t have dramatic options to place the historic structure. It
has always been in the central location on the site.
Jack Wheeler said since we started this the historic house was to remain
onsite. The entire conversation from day one was that the historic house was
to remain onsite. If this was a normal project we wouldn’t be looking at the
interior of the unit. I’m concerned that we will get direction again with a
different board makeup at the next meeting. You wanted us to keep it onsite
and we addressed all the concerns.
Michael said we thought that would include a plan for the Historical Society
or somebody to create vitality there and have it be worthwhile.
Jack Wheeler said at the last meeting the Historical Society said they would
not operate this location. We are not in a position to operate the historic
interpretation. This is an ongoing dialogue that has no precedence.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
18
Nora said at the last meeting we understood that the Historical Society said
no and we all said this is important enough to have in the middle of town
and that there will be a solution.
Jennifer said if the historic house remains on the site the city has agreed to
maintain the structure. It doesn’t mean that it will be operated and open to
visitors. It will be put on a foundation and will be repaired so that it doesn’t
deteriorate anymore. There is no guarantee that you will have an operator
for that structure. The question for the board is does it remain onsite. The
board also had concerns about the massing of the affordable housing and
how it affects the Rio Grande perspective. If it moves offsite it might have a
better chance with the Historic Society as an interpretive building and more
room would be freed up. If can stay onsite but there is the possibility that
the interpretation may not occur.
Sallie said if it moves offsite it gives them the chance to relieve some of the
stress on the site.
Jeff Pendarvis said we were told at the last meeting to leave the historic
house onsite. HPC also commended us on the employee housing
component. We followed the direction that the board gave us. We are within
the height of the zone district. Our 38 feet above grade is within the height
of the zone district. We are compliant with the affordable housing.
Amy said there are two possible direction; keep them onsite until another
interpretation can be figured out. More than likely the applicant is not going
to reduce the mass and they already lost one of the affordable housing units
that was supposed to be in the historic structure. Or you can go in the
Holden Marolt direction and get a reconfiguration of the massing of the
affordable housing.
Michael and Willis agreed that there is too much on a small space.
Bob said you could let it stay there as a building and you preserve it and you
don’t describe any function for it. And you don’t prescribe that any
organization would take it over. Maybe in the future the city could
determine a new function for the space.
Amy said one of the most important things is that this building be used for
interpretive purposes. Any other use is going to gut the building.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
19
Charles said the historic house has to be moved off-site to do the
construction. We would like to get direction for the police element because
of the timing.
Jennifer said either the resource stays onsite or it gets moved and what I am
hearing the HPC would like the affordable housing be re-designed to create
more breathing room on that site.
Amy said at the next meeting have them present two different site plans.
Sallie said they are going to come back with the same site plan.
Willis said they can present both options.
Jack said when we talk about the 28 feet that is for a two story building and
we could turn it into a three story building and be compliant with the CC
zone and be under 36 feet.
Jennifer said the zone for the cc allows lodging to have a third story.
Alan pointed out that they are not in the cc zone district. This is zoned
public.
Jack said when you measure the affordable housing from the jail road it is 46
feet and a four story building. When you look at it from Main Street it is a
three story building and it is smaller than the building next to it. We put the
third floor on the affordable housing to accommodate the affordable housing
mitigation and to get a good mix with 3 bedroom units. We looked around
and stayed below the heights of the buildings surrounding. We are in a
public zone district yet you keep pointing at 28 feet. If we move the house
the fourth floor would come off.
Nora said she understands what Jack is saying but we have a 360 degree
town. The Rio Grande is not an alley.
Willis said you can have a clear story with 28 feet and we also know that
this is a PD and we can make up any dimension we want to in affect or we
can choose the 28 feet. Leading by example is being less tall than the
buildings on either side.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
20
Straw vote on moving the house to Marolt: Patrick, Willis, Bob, Michael
Nora voted to keep the house onsite. Sallie didn’t vote.
Willis said Bob mentioned his concern that if the resource stays on site and
the interpretive center fails because of the nebulas location and then it would
be converted to affordable housing in which case we have lost the unique
quality of the interior as a civic asset. That might not ever happen but it is a
concern.
Bob said his other concern is if a two bedroom affordable housing unit is a
good application for the house. I can’t imagine that being a good
application. An interpretive center is a better use for the building.
Nora said we don’t know down the road if there will be an interpretive
application.
MOTION: Patrick made the motion to continue 540 to a date certain and
that they move the historic house off-site and show a redesign of the
employee housing and that they keep it to 28 feet with the clearstory.
Patrick withdrew his motion.
MOTION: Willis made the motion to continue 540 E. Main to April 27 th
with direction to show two elevations, one with the resource onsite and the
other with the historic house offsite. The police station be lowered and the
affordable housing mass and scale be restudied and height lessened.
Michael pointed out that the affordable housing should not be at 46 feet.
The city has pushed for lower height everywhere.
Motion second by Patrick. Roll call vote: Patrick, yes; Nora, yes; Willis,
yes; Bob, yes; Michael, yes; Sallie, yes. Motion carried 6 -0
845 Meadows Road, Aspen Meadows Reception enter, Conceptual
Major Development, Growth Management, Planned Development,
Public Hearing
Jim Curtis, presented
Amy Margerum Berg, Executive Vice-President for Aspen Institute
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
21
Debbie said she reviewed the public notice and asked Jim what boundaries
he used in connection with the mailed notice.
Jim said he went beyond the 300 foot radius and went to 325 feet and used
the boundary of property 1A. This is an amendment to Lot 1A within a
larger SPA.
Debbie said given the neighborhood outreach that has been done and
because we have multiple forms of notice the notice is acceptable.
Amy said HPC is reviewing the planned development and making a
recommendation to city council. Council will make the determination and
then it will come back to HPC for details. Planned Development is a special
designation given to unique properties in town that gives more flexibility for
uses, dimensions etc. HPC will also have conceptual review and growth
management. The building was originally called the Central building and
was built in 1958. Fritz Benedict and Herbert Bayer designed the building
together. The proposal is for the expansion of the lower level of the building
where the Plato restaurant is. The entire Meadows area received approval in
1991 for a master plan which included the Institute the Music Associates and
the Physics Center. The Institute has done numerous improvement to the
site. Expansion limits were set in 1991 and we are close to the limit. They
are about 1500 square feet past their limit in terms of building and about
2,000 in decks. We need to talk about traffic and affordable housing and
they will need to meet today’s criteria. The applicant was required to
compile a Transportation impact analysis which is a newer process where
you calculate the proposed square footage and determine what kind of
improvements are needed for the overall transportation system and
pedestrian activity. The applicant did that but we feel the numbers are
incorrect. We are recommending continuation to redo the TIA. Part of their
proposal is to improve how pedestrians and disabled people would come in
the front of the reception building and down to the new patio. There is a
proposal to expand the dining room area on the lower patio and also make an
addition on the north side of the historic building to accommodate in house
needs. While we understand the need, staff questions the need of impacting
the historic structure on all sides. Perhaps there is an area below grade so
that the historic materials are not impacted. On the dining room expansion it
is on an angle to the historic structure which I am sure is intentional but it is
a departure from the Bayer/Benedict idea. It might be a way to distinguish
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
22
old from new or it might be too disruptive and cause attention to itself. We
would also like discussion about the height difference between the historic
resource and the addition. The new addition is about two feet taller than the
ground floor of the dining room. We have also asked for more detail how the
new construction actually physically attaches to the historic building. The
project includes creating a new pedestrian bridge from the sculpture out to
the new terrace. We aren’t entirely clear how that works so we need to
know what the requirements are etc. The last topic are the trees. The trees
have grown and they are quite large and it is hard to see the front of this
building and it is an important piece of architecture. There should be some
discussion whether some of them could be removed to provide more view of
the architecture. In general this project is good and the architect is trying to
be compatible with vocabulary of the institute.
Willis inquired about the allocations.
Amy said in 1991 the master plan had certain allocations for expanding the
various buildings and the institute campus. There was square footage for the
lodging, health club etc. As things progressed there was a tracking method
but there seems to be an error.
Nora said the health center has 1500 square feet unused.
Amy said we just need better clarification on the numbers.
Michael asked about the area of the total site.
Amy Margerum Berg said there is 40 acres on the site.
Amy B. said she was the Planning Director for the City of Aspen and after
that she was the City Manager for the City of Aspen. It was an historic
effort to plan this property and it was important for the community. The
music festival was almost at the time bankrupt and the institute was
bankrupt. The reason the master plan was done in the first place is the
institute sold all the property including the land under the physics and music
festival to a developer as part of the package for the St. Regis Hotel. The
City got together with the developer and the four non-profits which included
the International Design conference and we created a consortium and
together we worked with the neighbors and the community to come up with
the master plan. We have been very careful to develop the property in the
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
23
spirit of the Aspen Idea, Mind, Body and Spirit. We have worked hard to
keep the property in the same feeling as 1958. The property still has the
original spirit that the Paepcke’s and Bayer’s wanted it to have.
Amy B. identified the team: Becky Ward, facilities coordinator
Jud Hawk, general manager of the hotel. Amy said we own the hotel but
contract out the services to a hotel management company which is Dolce
International. Jeff Berkus is the institute’s architect.
Amy B. said Donny Lee was here to support the Aspen Institute but had to
leave.
Amy B. said regarding the FAR we have been careful in keep track of our
Floor Area. We have never intended or wanted to go over our floor area
ratio. We have been talking for the last 5 and ten years what we want to use
our last FAR for. We had discussed increasing the size of the fitness center
and lodging. We feel it is important for us to have a restaurant that fits the
number of hotel rooms that we have. In 1958 there were 100 seats in the
restaurant and only 48 lodge rooms and now we have 98 lodge rooms and
still only have 100 seats in the restaurant. When we have double occupancy
which is most of the year they all can’t come together to eat breakfast or
lunch. The hotel company has done a masterful job of managing that and we
have put up tents. The tents aren’t heated as well as they should be. Many
times our meals are centered on having a speaker. Having one room
connected with the addition would make it feel like one big space and within
keeping the architecture. Each time we went through the city process we
had a resolution approved by City Council and recorded with our square
footage and how much we deducted each time. The resolution shows that
we have 2,229 square feet left. We have raised money and we are relying on
that. After we build this building we aren’t coming back to ask for more
square footage. We just had a donner give us a million dollars to put a
conservation easement on the old historic race track. It is zoned open space
and it can’t be developed. Someone could come before City Council and ask
that it be rezoned. We are cognizant not wanting to come back to ask for
more square footage. The addition is in the academic zone district which is
meant to fulfill the mission of the Aspen Institute which is bringing
intellectual activity to the Aspen community.
Jim Curtis said he has been involved since 2003. Staff and myself will get
together and work through the history of the numbers. We would prefer to
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
24
defer that discussion tonight. We would like to request that the next meeting
date be changed as the architect is out of the country. HPC and staff were
gracious to move us up to tonight’s meeting.
Jeff Berkus, architect said it is an honor to work on this final building for the
institute. I have been engaged with the institute for the last 13 years. When
I do architecture with the Institute I bring in body and spirit. The main thing
in the building is the elegance of the structural systems and they are clean
and very thin. We started with how do we maintain the light elegant pattern
that the first two architects have done, Harry Teague and Herbert Bayer.
When we start a project we look for the heart or center of the project. When
we were asked to add an addition for 100 people the first thing we did was
try to determine how to make it as small as possible. It is 15 square foot per
person, with 100 people equals 1500 square feet. That is as big as this
building is going to be. This space is the only space on the property that is
indoor/outdoor. All summer we have a tent that is the same square footage.
The piece by Bayer is on the side of the building. People would like another
way to come to the building rather than the front door to go to the terrace.
The bridge is on the axis of the arrival court. We are asking for a
subordinate amount of square footage to be added and it is pushed back from
the front façade. We angled the building to the energy of the Maroon Creek
valley. It makes a different in the building the way people feel. We continue
to honor the natural landscape around the buildings that we are creating and
create the views to nature. By angling the building away from the existing
building it preserves the view of the existing space. The stair is necessary
for egress from the roof and also down to the sub-basement. The basement
will go under the new pavilion for storage and we want to connect with a
tunnel link so that we have ADA access through a new service elevator.
There are storage sheds in the parking lot so in order to get rid of those we
might need more basement storage.
Jeff addressed the roof terrace. The top of the building will have a skylight
to bring light to the center. We want to have a flat usable deck. The roof
terrace is at 12’8”. It is only two feet above the existing terrace. It was
mentioned that a percentage of terrace was over. If you are over terrace by
city code it means it goes to FAR which is not our intention. We
intentionally designed this to not go over the FAR. We are concerned
about the back of the Bayer building. We made the stairway that goes
downstairs low so that the view is maintained out of the existing lounge. We
added a very eloquent line structurally above and very simple concrete posts
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
25
and the same Bayer grey and white. The wing is the exact overhang of
Bayer’s bldg. The courtyard that was created outside of the lounge is a place
where people will love to sit and look up the Maroon Creek valley.
Jim said the pedestrian bridge is mandated by the building codes. It also
gives us the opportunity to remove the 2005 stairway that imposes on the
that side today.
Questions:
Nora asked the applicant how they felt about the trees.
Amy B. said they love the trees and all of Aspen had large trees. The trees
are majestic and add green and outdoors. We can clearly limb some of the
trees so that you can see the building. We feel the trees soften the building.
Patrick asked if the organic growth of the tree is something that Bayer
thought of going forward through time with his designs.
Amy B. said Lisa did her thesis on Herbert Bayer and she is the curator for
the Institute.
Lisa said all of his architecture is in tune with the environ ment. The reason
for all the low buildings is to be completely in context of the environment. I
believe he would see the trees as part of the environment.
Bob said he remembers meeting Herbert Bayer in 1960. The thinking
behind the presentation is well thought out.
Patrick asked about the plan for the bike path. It is an aesthetic entrance to
Plato’s.
Jeff said there is a very weak connection to the path right now. We are trying
to create an accessible connection to connect the terrace to the trail.
Nora asked if there could be a collaboration with Parks to eliminate any
more erosion of the trail.
Jim Curtis said we are having this discussion.
Michael asked about the elevations of the north addition.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
26
Jeff said we were very careful to not cover up the front corner and 33% of it
and there is a window that we didn’t cover up. The second window is
covered up and part of the original structure is covered up.
Amy B. said the lobby is very small and when we have groups come in all at
once from the airport the luggage storage is a huge issue. It is also noisy. It
is important to have that extra storage space up above on the top floor.
Amy S. asked if any space could be used where the mechanical corral is.
Jeff said it is an interesting idea and we need to reassess all the mechanical
equipment as it is at the end of its lifetime. The connection might be tough
but we could look at going up by the elevator lobby.
Nora asked if that would free up room so that you didn’t have to destroy the
historic fabric of the building.
Bob said where the last house was built that area isn’t the prettiest view and
anything you can do to mast that out would be beneficial.
Michael said he thought decks for commercial projects were exempt from
floor area.
Amy said they are not. We want to work out a solution that works for
everyone. It has been debated with most current projects. We want to make
sure we are accounting for everything in a fair way. Commercial core
properties have recently become exempt from decks.
Michael pointed out that we see a lot of projects proposing roof top public
amenities which are really not roof top amenities. This looks like a real roof
top amenity.
Amy said the top of the roof is public amenity.
Michael said the walk out patio that they have doesn’t count but when you
put it on the roof it counts.
Amy S. said so does the part that is cantilevered in the back.
Jeff said none of it every counted before.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
27
Amy S. said we can have a discussion as to what counts and what doesn’t
and they can take that into account with their planned development review.
Amy B. we have had the deduction of floor area that we have used for 15
years and we have been very careful to count every square foot. We also
have a recorded exhibit with the deductions. We wanted to design a
building that fit within what was allowed.
Amy S. said HPC will make a recommendation to council including
variations if those are an issue and they will make the final decision.
Nora asked what was needed for continuation.
Amy S. said the calculations are not clear and there are a few design issues
that were mentioned.
Chairperson, Willis Pember opened the public hearing. There were no
public comments. The public hearing was closed.
Willis identified the issues:
Willis said the square footage calculation can be addressed at the next
meeting.
TIA analysis and transportation. They have always been good stewards of
people coming and going in the remote location that they are.
Mass and scale.
Additions, one on the north and one on the south .
Articulation of the decks and the impression of the architecture as it relates
to the historic resource which now has two major additions and this is the
third.
Staff raised the two foot height difference from the roof deck to the
restaurant level.
Pedestrian bridge and stair leading to the new addition was also called out by
staff. Where should the bridge connect and land.
Michael said the applicant did an exceptional presentation and they were
well prepared on the heights and showing us where it would measure on the
historical asset. I think the project is fabulous. It is probably the best project
I’ve seen since I have been on the commission. The clean lines and how
elegant and light and simple the design is goes with what is there. The
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
28
height in the historical resource is too low. The site is large and the floor
area can be worked out. It is a terrific project.
Sallie said the project looks great. It is important that the trees stay there
and they are an important element of surprise and discovery.
Bob said the floor area can be solved. The removal of part of the north
addition and creating the function in the basement for storage is needed. I
eat at the bar and it can be disruptive. It isn’t as welcoming to go by the
desk etc. The design works very well. The trees can be addressed by Parks.
This project is another jewel in the crown for the Institute. I am very
supportive of the project and we can work through some of the details.
Amy S. said you are missing information that is important, the growth
management impacts, square footage, and parking.
Nora thanked the applicant for a great presentation and a great site visit. I
was shocked that it is small. Possibly you can save the northe rn wall and
utilize the mechanical area. It is a beautiful project.
Patrick said he knows the site intimately from decades of being there. The
design is great and it is a continuation of the Doer Hosier. The trees are part
of the organ growth and should stay. The baggage storage should be looked
into. The height difference is fine.
Willis said engaging in the kaleidoscope panels that Bayer did is a good
thing because they are not entirely present as one engages the entrance
unless you look for it. I was a huge Bayer fan when I moved to Aspen and
his work is near and dear. The west elevation is entirely changed and
completely altered. I don’t see the constructive eloquence in the fabric of
the addition and that will be for final because it is not mass and scale.
Bob said this project is honoring the past and celebrating the future and
honoring Herbert’s intent in the building.
Willis said the stair and the view doesn’t add up to connectivity. It distracts
from the view.
MOTION: Patrick moved to continue 845 Meadows Road, Aspen Meadows
Reception Center to May 25th; second by Nora. Roll call vote: Nora, yes,
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
29
Sallie, yes; Michael, yes; Willis, yes; Patrick, yes; Bob, yes. Motion carried
6-0.
City Clerk Minute review
Linda Manning, City Clerk gave a history how the clerk’s office has
approached minutes over a decade. This past year we have scanned the
minutes from the 50’s from hand written bound books. Back then they were
action item minutes only. A lot of clerks to day do action item minutes only.
Our minutes are summary minutes and we give a brief summary of the item
and we try to get the details, who asked the questions and what the response
was and the general discussion. City Council loves the HPC and P&Z
minutes. Those meetings are not aired on Grassroots TV. If someone comes
in they can get the audio of the meeting. For Council you can go online and
listen to the meeting. Constantly Council says they rely on the minutes from
HPC and P&Z and that is how they know what happened. It seems like
every project that is called up comes back to you and Council looks at the
minutes to base their decision off of. We try to give a thorough enough
summary in those minutes so that when council is looking at them they have
enough information to understand what HPC was talking about that there not
going to call it up. We are more than happy to make changes to the minutes.
You can state what you want in the record and say that you want it in the
record and it will be typed. We can’t put it in there unless you say it. If you
have an issue or think we aren’t doing a thorough enough job please come
and talk to me. We are more than happy to tweak things. We are trying to
be innovative and we want to do a good job and if you think we can make
improvement please let me know.
Patrick said this board is the final decision and the only person that has
recourse is the applicant and is it possible that we could get it on video so
that people could look at it.
Linda said we have talked about that before but it is costly and we haven’t
found it necessary at this point.
Michael agreed with Patrick on the video.
Patrick said maybe we can video larger projects.
Linda said we can look into it.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
30
Michael asked what council gets on the call ups.
Amy said she gives council all the minutes and resolutions in the packet.
Michael said regarding St. Mary’s he was very opposed to St. Mary’s and I
didn’t feel the minutes accurately reflected that. Now council will see that.
Bob said he has the feeling that council tends to want to take another look
when a vote is very close. Sometimes the vote is close because we don’t
have enough people.
Linda said there was good discussion on the Crystal Palace and the minutes
show that. I’m interested to see if it will be called up because it was a great
discussion.
Debbie pointed out that Council has called up a project that the vote was 7 -0.
On a call up if one person wants it called up they support it.
Patrick said he doesn’t feet there is anything bad about projects being called
up. HPC has opinions from an HPC perspective and Council has opinions
from their perspectives. If they want to share that perspective with us that is
what a call up is. I don’t find it negative when they do call it up.
Michael agreed. Out board and P&Z have misplaced authority in that we are
the final review for projects is mind boggling. We are appointed not elected.
I’m suggesting if they don’t like our decision they can revoke the decision
that was made. All they have right now is the ability to remand it back to us
for further consideration. It is kind of misplaced authority.
Linda asked about the I pads.
Amy said everyone was open to the idea but no one wanted to get rid of the
printed sets of drawings. A few members still want a printed packet.
Linda said the packet can be put as one document in dropbox. You would
then be able to annotate it.
Michael said he would be fine with that but he still wants the large copies of
the plans.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MARCH 23, 2016
31
Patrick asked about showing the public at the meeting what design he is
referring to.
Linda said we can hook your I-pad up and you could mark your drawings
and it could pop up on the screen.
Nora said she would prefer a hard copy.
Bob also agreed that he likes a hard copy. He sits down and yellow marks
things that should be brought up.
Linda said we want to do whatever is comfortable for the board.
MOTION: Willis moved to approve the minutes of January 27th, 2016,
second by Patrick. All in favor, motion carried.
MOTION: Willis moved to approve the minutes of February 10, 2016,
second by Patrick. All in favor, motion carried.
MOTION: Willis moved to approve the minutes of February 24 th, 2016,
second by Patrick. All in favor, motion carried. Bob didn’t vote.
MOTION: Willis moved to approve the minutes of March 9th, 2016, second
by Patrick. All in favor, motion carried. Michael didn’t vote.
Michael thanked Linda for the adjustments.
MOTION: Patrick moved to adjourn, second by Willis. All in favor,
motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
Kathleen J. Strickland, Chief Deputy Clerk