HomeMy WebLinkAboutresolution.hpc.030-2004RESOLUTION OF THE ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION (HPC)
ENDORSING A PROPOSAL FOR THE ASPEN MEADOWS CONFERENCE CENTER
AND MEETING HALL, WITHIN THE ASPEN MEADOWS SPA, CITY AND
TOWNSITE OF ASPEN, COLORADO
RESOLUTION NO. 30, SERIES OF 2004
PARCEL ID: 2735-121-29-008
WHEREAS, The Aspen Institute, represented by Jeff Berkus Architects and Jim Curtis, have
requested a referral comment from HPC for a proposed new Conference Center and Meeting Hall
located within the Aspen Meadows SPA, City and Townsite of Aspen. The project will be
formally reviewed as an Insubstantial SPA Amendment at the Planning and Zoning Commission
and City Council; and
WHEREAS, the area where the new structure is to be built is not designated historic, however it
is generally understood that the campus as a whole has architectural and historic significance to
Aspen and therefore HPC's comments are sought, as they were during the 1991 SPA review; and
WHEREAS, HPC and the applicant discussed the project over the course of several meetings
and site visits and had a productive interaction which resulted in a number of amendments to the
project that both parties found were improvements; and
WHEREAS, as the basis for a referral comment to the Planning and Zoning Commission and
City Council, Amy Guthrie, in her staff report dated October 13, 2004, performed an analysis of
the application using the HPC review standards, found that the review standards and the "City of
Aspen Historic Preservation Design Guidelines" have been met, and recommended approval with
conditions; and
WHEREAS, at their regular meeting on October 27, 2004, the Historic Preservation
Commission considered the application, found the application was consistent with the review
standards and "City of Aspen Historic Preservation Design Guidelines" and approved this
resolution in support of the project, with conditions, by a vote of 6-0.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
That HPC hereby snpports the development of the Aspen Meadows Conference Center and
Meeting Hall with the following conditions:
1. HPC supports the selective removal of trees around the pond in front of the Health Club
and new Conference Center for the purpose of restoring the historic landscape, as it is
documented to have existed in the early years of the Institute. HPC feels that the
landscape architecture at the Meadows has the same significance as the architectural
resources.
2. Further refinements of the project, including materials, new landscaping, and the design
for a trellis at the entry door are to be reviewed by HPC as information becomes
available. HPC would like to see some continued work on the following issues: some
trees planted along the pathway in front of the new building, simplification/refinement of
the rear elevation, removal of the rock from the center of the pond, and carrying the
design of the paving that is used in front of the Conference Center over to the Health
Club.
HPC does not support the conversion of the existing clay tennis courts to special events
parking, but rather supports the continued use of parking along Meadows Road for
special events. The board is in favor of efforts to restore the landscape and all5e of trees
that characterize the entrance to the Meadows.
APPROVED BY TItE COMMISSION at its regular meeting on the 27th day of October,
2004.
Approved as to Form:
David Itoefer, As~s a~Fant City Attorney
Approved as to content:
HI__AT,OM, MISSION
Jeffrey~ferty, Chair
ATTEST: /
Kathy Stdcldand, Chief Deputy Clerk