HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.20030514 ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
MINUTES OF MAY 14~ 2003
331 W. BLEEKER - FINAL REVIEW ....................................................................................................... 2
311 S. FIRST STREET - MINOR DEVELOPMENT ............................................................................... 6
432 W. FRANCIS - MINOR DEVELOPMENT ........................................................................................ 8
202 S. GARMISCH - REQUEST TO DE-LIST ....................................................................................... 10
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Chairperson, Jeffrey Halferty called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
Commissioners in attendance: Derek Skalko, Teresa Melville, Valerie
Alexander, Michael Hoffman and Nell1 Hirst.
Staffpresem: Assistant City Attorney, David Hoefer
Historic Preservation Planner, Amy Guthrie
Kathy Strickland, Chief Deputy Clerk
Intern, Katie Ertmer
MOTION: Neill made the motion to approve the minutes of April 9. 2003;
second by Jeffrey. Motion carried 5-0. Derek abstained.
Disclosure:
Valerie recused herself from the meeting. She just returned from vacation
and is not adequately prepared to discuss the items.
635 W. Bleeker - Monitoring issue - solar panels to be installed for the hot
water system. Katie went over guideline 7.3 which states one must
mimmize the visual impacts of skylights. Solar panels on the front view
plane are not allowed. Solar panels should not interrupt the plane of the
historic roof and should be positioned below the ridgeline.
David Hoefer informed the board that they cannot prevent a solar panel
under state law. The board basically needs to deal with the location.
Jeffrey said the proposal is to place the skylights at the highest point of the
roofline. David said the board does not have to approve the skylight at the
maximum point, anywhere on the roof is acceptable. That is the board's
ability to control it and minimize the impacts to the historic house. David
requested that the board continue the item until he can provide clearer
information as to what options HPC has at the next meeting.
Teresa inquired why the HPC did not see the skylights during the regular
presentation. The applicant said originally he thought he could put the
skylights flat on the roof but the company said the skylights need to be at a
45% angle.
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428 E. Hyman -Monitoring - Amy said the approval for this project was to
paint the storefront The applicant would like the window frames and door
painted and leave the rest in a stained condition as they are now. The
second issue is that they have no window ceils; it is just brick at the base of
the windows. Staffdoes not know if that was the historic condition. The
owners would like to add a thin stone ceil. Staff's concern is when stone is
used on historic buildings it is adding a feature that might not have even
existed. Possibly a wood ceil should be used.
Jeffrey said he is the monitor and vertical joints exist at the base of the
double hung windows, which is never a great condition for the water
infiltration and seepage. They are afraid the water will flow down to the
unexposed ceil and go down to the newly created historic storefront. A hard
surface would be practical in this application but originally it was covered
by a hug~ store sign. Jeffrey also Suggested some type of epoxy.
Derek said the water-dripping situation will only get worse.
Teresa asked what other solutions are available. Amy said wood or a thick
piece of stone. Teresa suggested that the applicant contact the National
Historical Society regarding what solutions have been used in the past on
historical buildings. Neill also suggested that the National Parks Service be
contacted. Amy said she would bring back the request after further
information is provided.
MOTION: Teresa moved to approve the painting of the window frames and
door as presented: second by Derek. Motion carried 3-2.
Teresa, no; Neill, no
Michael, yes; Derek. yes; Jeffrey, yes
Katie said a Certificate of no negative effect was issued to Valley fine arts
for a display case. A certificate was also issued to the Aspen Historical
Society to change a double hung window out to a casement window.
331 W. BLEEKER - FINAL REVIEW
Affidavit of posting was entered into the record as Exhibit I.
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Photos were entered as Exhibit II.
Sworn in: Chris Berry, Mitch Haas, David Brown
Katie said conceptual approval occurred April 9, 2003 There was one
condition from conceptual and that was to restudy the width of the pathway.
They have made it a straight line and reduced the width of the pathway.
There is a privacy fence and staff has no problems with that. The lighting
plan is also appropriate. Staff has some concerns with the material palate.
The proposed materials are more of a commercial image than what was
typical in the West end and the neighboring historic building, which is
wood siding. The rear portion material palate is acceptable. Staff
recommends further study of the material palate.
Amy said she met with the applicant to discuss the materials issue. There is
a difference of opinion. The masonry is not appropriate and guideline 11.8
discusses using materials that are similar in scale and those used historically
On the site. The finish is a major issue. The historic building is on the
National register and all of the siding and trim is painted and that is not the
case with the proposed front, which is sandstone and brick. This is an
historic lot split and an important benefit that the city has created. The trade
off is for the HPC to review the buildings and come up with the best
possible results.
Mitch reminded the HPC that we are not adding onto an historic building
and that it is a vacant lot.
David Brown said the existing building is a highly ornate Queen Ann. They
feel they have made the building subordinate to the historic resource by
stepping it back and making the scale of the elements smaller than the
existing building. No one would confuse the building with the historic
structure. David presented pictures of historic houses in town that have
masonry on the front faqade specifically the Katie Reid building. There is a
significant amount of shingles on the proposed house. The banding echoes
banding that you might find on historic structures. St. Mary's rectory has a
high wasted base up to the Window ceil. The sandstone and masonry is a
nice collage with the horizontal and shingled siding proposed.
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Mitch said when we are dealing with a vacant lot not every single guidelines
has to be uniformly met. They feel all o£the guidelines have been met. The
only guideline in question is 11.8. Chapter 11 deals with new buildings on
landmark properties and historic lot splits. The guidelines say you don't
want to imitate the historic style. The new design should relate to the
fundamental characteristics of the historic resource. The design is a
traditional palate with a modem interpretation. The fagade is broken up by
the use of horizontal banding. The building is large and iS visible on two
sides because it is on the comer of the block. We are not asking for a FAR
bonus.
David said his client likes the use of brick. Mitch said if you used a
horizontal siding or clapboard it would start to mimic and confuse the
context of the building.
Chairperson, Jeffrey Halferty opened the public hearing.
Brandon Marion, owner of the Queen Ann Victorian next door. When I
reviewed the model I was relieved and the project look really good. There
are other houses in the West End with brick.
Chairperson, Jeffrey Halferty closed the public hearing.
Derek said regarding guideline 11.8 the material itself does not create scale.
It is how the architect uses that material palate. Derek said he is in favor of
the architects design. In this specific condition the material palate works.
The houses are adjacent and not combined.
Neill said the architecture is suitable for the neighborhood. There is a lack
of exciting new architecture in this town and he doesn't want to stifle a
brand new building as long as it doesn't overwhelm the nearby historic
resource. The broader banding brings down the overall perception of the
height.
Michael said the difference between the historic structure and the new
structure should be different enough that you recognize the new structure as
a product of its time. The new structure should compliment the historic
structure. He also agreed with staff that the material palate is somewhat
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abruptly different. Michael said he is trying to think through how the
materials used in this project differ in scope from the Teague project on 513
West Smuggler with respect to our guidelines.
Teresa said the project is sensitive in mass and scale to the historic building.
The banding is appropriate around the bottom; however, she supports staff
regarding the masonry. On an historic lot split next to a beautiful large
ornate building she cannot vote for the masonry. She would prefer to
"highlight" the large ornate old building. Using a high style material is
unacceptable.
Jeffrey stated that he also agrees with staff concerning the material palate
for the front portion. The applicants have done a nice job with the massing
etc. This is an historic lot split and the new house is still part of that lot
although it is not attached. The style begins to confuse and is conflicting
compared ~o the Queen Ann Style. The buildings will read as two separate
buildings.
Amy said the determination needs to be made as to how to achieve a balance
between the QUeen Ann and new construction. This particular use of
masonry is almost abrupt and so different that we are uncomfortable with it.
Neill said to be so picky about this brick when we allowed the addition to
the Teague project seems to be inconsistent. He does not see the brick as a
violation.
Michael said the brick is one of the things we are to consider and this is not
a black and white deal.
MOTION: Michael moved to approve Resolution (411, 2003; second by
Derek. Motion carried 3-1.
Yes vote: Michael, Neill, Derek
No vote: Teresa
Jeffrey abstained.
Derek is the monitor.
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311 S. FIRST STREET :- MINOR DEVELOPMENT
Affidavit of posting entered as Exhibit I.
Sworn in: Elaine Sandler, Raul Gawrys
Katie said the property contains an historic structure that was attached to a
new structure by a basement and small connector piece. That addition was
built in 1980. The original building was constructed in 1887~ The applicant
desires to remove the non-historic connector piece between the two
buildings and do some maintenance on the historic house; re-roofing,
painting and repair the wall where the connector piece currently is. On the
1980 structure they ~vould like to construct a one-car garage and do some
faqade changes. The guidelines encourage removal of later additions that
detract from the historic character so staff supports the removal of the
connector. Staffalso finds the addition of the one car garage in the non-
historic building to be appropriate. The garage doors are on the opposite
side of the structure from the historic resource. There are concerns with the
residential design standards. The proposal is for half moon shaped windows
and the standards do not allow for more than one non-orthogonal window
on a fagade. There is also concern with the removal of whatever existed on
the front porch and the standards require the use of a front porch. The
materials selected are more complimentary to the historic structure than
what exists. Staff recommends continuation for further study. The
applicant said they would change the windows and create a front porch.
Raul said if they could split this into twO different lots they wouldn't have
to be here. This house has been in the P&Z and HPC process for over a
year and they desire to "get it off the books".
Amy said this addition was done in 1980 with no HPC approval and our
goal should be to do everything possible to pull it together. The changes are
modest to the house.
Raul said the building permit would probably take place next year. They do
not have complete drawings yet.
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Katie said the issues that can be approve are the elimination of the
connector piece, the faCade changes of the structures and window changes.
She would also put in a condition about the porch.
Elaine Sandler said she bought the houses and they were connected and the
HPC prefers that they not be connected. She is also required to pay
$125,000 for employee housing and she is willing to do that. She wants
leeway with regard to the design of the other house.
Chairperson, Jeffrey Halferty opened and closed the public hearing.
Neill said this is the type of project that should not have been on our
agenda. The multiple ~ssues such as the non-orthogonal and porch are
issues that the entire board should approve not just staff and monitor.
Amy relayed to the applicant that HPC approves any changes to the exterior
of a landmark property. Once the connector goes away the HPC may want
to review the architecture on the newer house.
Michael said this applicant has gone through numerous procedures and we
need to get them out of that situation. For that reason he is comfortable
approving the application with clear indicatiOn to staff and monitor that
adherence to the guidelines will be required, specifically the porch and
window. Derek agyeed with Michael's position. Teresa also agrees with
Michael.
Jeffrey said in order to approve faqade changes the board typically likes to
see elevations, cross-sections etc. We are trying to eliminate the long drawn
out procedure. We need to keep to our standards of not approving piece
meal applications.
Amy asked the board if there were any issues with the material palate
presented. No one had issues with the materials.
Amy explained to the architect and owner what would be needed for the
next meeting, as they were not clear that they needed elevations.
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MOTION: Teresa moved to continue the public hearing and minor
development of 3! 1 S. First St. until May 28th, 2003; second by Neill.
Motion carried 5-0
Yes vote: Teresa, Michael, Neill, Jeffrey, Derek
David Hoefer said his experience through eight years of doing meetings the
later it gets the less professional decisions become. As a group we need to
do a much better job filling the agendas because we end up at the end doing
something in ten minutes that really requires an hour or long to get a fair
decision.
432 W. FRANCIS - MINOR DEVELOPMENT
Bill Poss, architect was sworn in.
Affidavit of posing entered into the record as Exhibit I.
Katie summarized the proposal which is to add an roof deck to the garage
which is non-historic at the rear of the property and to add a dormer to the
historic carriage house. The deck addition entails adding a railing and a
staircase to a flat roof garage on the alley. Staff had some concerns with the
proposed metal material which are somewhat out of character with the
historic building. Staff finds that a railing made of wood would be more
appropriate for the deck railing and staircase. There are also concerns with
the addition of the second dormer on the carriage house. The proposed
dormer is on a facade that is visible from 4th Street and the proposal is built
to the ricigeline of the roof. Staff's concern is that the dormer is not
subordinate to the roof The dormer is quite large and goes to the ridgeline
and is quite visible to the street. A dormer smaller and lower in profile
would be more appropriate. Staff could support the project if the materials
were changed for the railing and deck.
Bill said his staff chose metal thinking it would be lighter in appearance.
He is willing to work out the materials with staff and monitor. The upper
portion of the addition to the carriage house has low head height. He feels it
is subordinate to the house. If we were to lower the dormer off the ridge
there would have to be such a shallow pitch that they would not be able to
keep the same materials which is asphalt shingle. It is the intent to be
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consistent with the dormer on the opposite side and not make it confusing.
The new dormer would be used as an art studio and we want to get as much
north light in as possible.
Nell1 asked if there was a spiral staircase in the proposal and Bill said it was
in the courtyard and located on the north elevation. It is on the new part of
the structure. Bill said a new garage and kitchen were added ten to 12 years
ago.
Chairperson, Jeffrey Halferty opened and closed the public hearing.
Derek said he agreed with the architect regarding the ridgeline. To change
the material of the roof is not appropriate. Derek relayed that the project is
a nice conscientious addition.
Teresa relayed that she opposed dormers on historic properties. In the past
she voted for them because they enlarged the living space that could
otherwise be put into another building or addition on an historic house but
that is not the case here. She supports staff's recommendation of reducing
the size of the dormer.
Michael said he would like to see this Work but the structure has an awful
lot of floor area and adding a dormer will give it a greater sense of mass and
bulk. Michael endorsed staff's recommendation to make the dormer.
smaller.
Neill pointed out that we are about to review a de-listing and part of the
rationally of the applicant is that there have been so many changes to the
house that it can no longer be recognized as an historic structure and
therefore it should be de-listed. If we keep going with things like dormers,
spiral staircases and roof decks we are going to end up eventually !n the
same situation down the road. He also stated he is against the dormer as it
does not en-grace the building whatsoever. This is a very important house
and has already been expanded. The proposed dormer changes the character
of the historic property. He is also opposed to any spiral staircase on any
historic property.
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Jeffrey said he also agrees with staff regarding the dormer size. The s~ze
and width is onerous compared to the historic part of the existing carriage
house. He persOnally would like to see a pitched roof gable which would be
more sympathetic. Regarding the treatment on top of the garage, the thinner
the better. A wood element might be too much. The wall size of the shed
dormer us too great.
Bill requested tabling to take HPC's comments and studying them.
MOTION: Michael moved to continue the public hearing and minor
development until May 28. 2003: second by Teresa. All in favor, motion
carried.
MOTION: Teresa moved to continue the public hearing and minor
development of the Meadows Trustee Townhomes, Unit 2 until May 28,
2003. second by Derek. All in favor, motion carried.
202 S. GARMISCH - REQUEST TO DE-LIST
Sworn in: John Ke.lly, attorney
Lisa Purdy, Gary, Bishop, Pearl Bishop
Affidavit of posting entered into the record as Exhibit I.
Amy informed the board that the first inventory of historic structures was
done in Aspen in 1980 and re-visited in 1986. By the early 90's when it
was revised again there are ordinances that document how the property
officially became listed on the inventory. The applicant did appear to not
have the property included on the inventory. This is the second de-listing
since the new system has gone into effect. There are only two criteria, one
that the property has to be at least 100 years old and it needs to possess the
all-important characteristic of integrity.
The house is a 19th century miner's error building. It does not have large
additions as other cottages have that destroy the structure. However, when
you examine the alterations that have been made it did not add up to the 50
points that are required on the scoring system. The changes that have been
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made have taken away a lot of the features that were important to the
character of the building originally.
Staff walked the applicant and board through the scoring which was
distributed in the packet.
Michael pointed out that the scoring sheet is a tool that we use and it is not
code and not part of our regulations.
Neill said the board should have done a formal site-visit with this
application and done the sconng process.
John Kelly, attorney entered Lisa Purdy's qualifications into the record.
Pearl Bishop, present owner knew what the house looked like in the 20's,
"the quiet years" as she used to walk by the house as a child on the way to
school. Once integrity is lost it is lost. When the new ordinance was being
written the city hired Debbie Able, an outside consultant. She stated that
once something is lost it is lost. John went over what integrity is, based on
the Aspen Historic Preservation Design Guidelines of 2000.
John said they believe that the house has been so changed that it no longer
has integrity. The house appeared on the radar screen in 1980. In 1986 a
moratorium was placed on properties that were scored a zero or one and
then property was rated a one. Then Phase I occurred and this property was
not on the list and on Phase II it was included. Jack Miller, architect wrote
a letter of support regarding Lisa Purdy's scoring, Exhibit III.
Lisa Purdy did the research on this house and agrees with staffthat the
house does not deserve to be designated anymore. The form is a guide to
help make these determinations. The footprint has been enlarged about 30
or 40%. On the front there was a wrap around porch that was very
significant and was removed. There was a similar porch on the side of the
house that faced what is now the alley and that also was removed. When
the side porch was taken off it was enclosed to make a vestibule and the
roof over it was changed to accommodate the vestibule. There was a large
shed addition on the east side of the house and in order to do that they had
to tear down the house next door. A bedroom addition was put on the back
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and there were two exterior closet additions built. The large barn behind the
house was removed.
Lisa also went over the different roof fo~ns and window that were changed.
John pointed out the house has a Garmisch address instead of a Hopkins
address. Where the door was is now a picture window.
Pearl Bishop said she would walk to school and always loved the wrap
around porch. The trees were all cottonwoods and were replaced pines.
The house is a lot large because of several, additions. She also said there is
only one entrance on Garmisch Street.
Gary Bishop said his parents bought the house in 1945 and most of the
additions had already been made. The only addition his parent put on was
the enlargement of the closet on the north side of the house. The picture
windows were added in the early 50's. The trim was also changed on the
house.
Chairperson, Jeffrey Halferty opened the public heanng.
Chuck Tower said he didn't understand why HPC was listening to the
presentation with both applicant and staff agreed to de-list. Jeffrey said the
board would not be a quasi-judicial board if they constantly agreed with
staff.
Neill said the historical context of the house is more important to him than
the scoring or assessment.
Jeffrey thanked the Bishops and the excellent presentations. He is of the
opinion that all buildings are retrievable if you believe in archeology. A
building 200 years old should have some integrity but that is not what we
base our de-listing on. The major part of this resource has been removed or
altered.
John thanked staff for their research done on the house.
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MOT[ON: Derek moved to approve Resolution #12, 2003; recommending
to City Council that 202 S. Garmisch Street, The Bishop Residence be de~
listed from the Aspen Inventory of Historic Landmark Sites and Structures;
second by Neill. All in favor, motion carried 5-0.
Yes vote: Neill, Teresa. Michael. Derek. Jeffrey
MOT[ON: Jeffrey moved to adjourn: second by Michael. All in ~favor.
motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Kathleen J. Strickland, Chief Deputy Clerk
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