HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.19880322HISTORIC PRESERVATION CO~O~ITTEE
MINUTES
City Council Chambers
1st Floor City Hall
March 22, 1988 2:30 p.m.
Meeting was called to order by chairman Bill Poss with Georgeann
Waggaman, Nick Pasquarella, Charles Cunniffe, Charlie Knight,
Augie Reno and Joe Krabacher present. Excused were Patricia
O'Bryan and Zoe Compton.
~OTION: Georgeann made the motion to approve the minutes of
March 8, 1988. Charles Cunniffe second. Motion carries.
COMMITTEE MEMBER AND STAFF COMMENTS
Roxanne: I'm waiting for responses to my memo and also comments
on National Historic Preservation Week.
Georgeann: Possibly we could implement a school program so
children are aware of preservation.
Bill: We should start with the Mayor's proclamation. Possibly
a walking tour of some of the houses that have been restored. We
could coordinate events with the Historical Society and have a
press article on some of the older victorians and a banner on
Main St.
Charles: We could do an announcement of the Guidelines.
Georgeann:
We could do annual award plaques.
222 E. HALLA~--DEMOLITION
Bill Poss: This is a public hearing for the demolition of an
existing historically evaluated structure.
Charles Cunniffe stepped down.
Gideon Kaufman: We are here to look at the structural
deficiencies and economic hardships that were not addressed at
the last meeting. When my client purchased this property he
thought it was structurally sound. Two structural engineers
were hired to evaluate the property and they agreed with the
architect as to the unsoundness of the structure. We were
originally going to rehabilitate the structure but after two
reports our philosophy changed to demolition. Rehabilitation was
our first priority but it didn't make structural sense or
economic sense. Section 24-9 specifically says it's not the
intention of a designated score to place economic hardship on an
owner of a property that has been rated. All during that process
the public was told that the HPC did not wish to harm owners
economically, that was not the intent of this ordinance. We were
also told that the City Council would pass incentive programs to
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
economically help people whose properties had to go through
historic review. Even if the rating did hurt them a little
economically they were told they would be given good incentives
to off-set that. I think HPC and the owners were both short
changed because the City Council chose to abide by its strict
landuse concern, budgetary concerns and it did not come up with
any meaningful incentive programs for people with historically
rated but run down properties. The difference between
rehabilitation and construction of a new house exceeds $300,000
yet all the City offers is a $2,000 incentive program. There are
six standards in 24-9.5: The first criteria is that the
building is not structurally sound. Unfortunately the Eng. and
Planning Dept. came up with a new criteria, criteria that is not
in the code. They talk about serious structural failure and
imminent threat of failure. None of that language is in the
code. Both of our structural engineers have come to the
conclusion that the building is not structurally sound and it
cannot economically be rehabilitated or reused which is the
second criteria for demolition. We have supplied letters
verifying that we cannot remodel the existing structure without
causing its virtual collapse or engage in extensive rework. The
third criteria is that the building cannot be practically moved.
We have supplied a letter from a house mover saying it can't be
moved and the finding is confirmed by the structural engineer and
by the staff. The fourth criteria is the demolition and
redevelopment plan that is submitted when required which
mitigates to the greatest extend practical any impact that occurs
to the character of the neighborhood. A letter from our historic
expert Lisa Purdy that states when taken with the structural
problems that rehabilitation and removal problems justifies a new
structure on the site and a newly designed victorian which she
feels would mitigate the impacts on the neighborhood. The
Planning Office contends that the review criteria of ~4 can only
be satisfied in a partial demolition but that is not what the
code says; the code says demolition, redevelopment or partial
demolition in addition if you accept that position then no
demolition can ever be possible since a total demolition
according to Steve is contrary to the standard. You can't have
standards that you cannot meet. The fifth criteria talks about
historic importance and we agree with the Planning Office that no
historic association has been identified to the existing
structure. The last criteria is that the demolition mitigates to
the greatest extent practical any impact on the architectural
integrity of the historic structure. We feel that the
architectural significance of this house is not significant.
This ordinance says we don't want to economically burden the
owner. The last review is the economic feasibility. The
ordinance only asks for one expert and we have supplied five
experts to make our position clear. We have come up with proof
that we are entitled to a demolition permit.
2
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Larry Doble, President of Integrated Engineering Consultants: In
my report dated Feb. 22, 1988 I stated that 63% of the
foundation, 51% of the floor framing system, 35% of the roof
framing system is not structurally sound. 24% of the
serviceable roof framing system needs a new foundation added to
prevent potential damage. I have concluded the structure is not
structurally sound. The structure cannot practically be
rehabilitated or reused. The structure cannot practically be
moved to another site. The following is new information not
presented in my report: Section 24-9.5.B.1 does not address
structural failure. My report did not address structural failure
because structural failure is the result of a structural
inadequacy not an indication of. The work from previous owners
has contributed that the structure is not structurally sound.
The high probability of damage to the structurally sound area
that can occur during rehabilitation is the result of the
existing structurally unsound areas created by previous owners in
their attempts to maintain the structure. A second report by Mr.
Pattillo concurs that the structure is not structurally sound,
cannot be practically rehabilitated without extreme expense and
cannot be practically moved.
Bill: It appears in Bob's letter and in yours basically that it
is not only an upgrade of the joists to come up to code loaded,
it is just a lot of carrying down of loads unsupported.
Larry: Unsupported loads; the resulting configuration of the
roof because of the many additions to it. Interior walls that
were not intended to be bearing walls have become such. The
foundations walls are deteriorating so fast that even areas of
the roof that are sound aren't going to stay up much longer
because the foundation is going to deteriorate.
Bill: That occurs in a lot of these houses. Can that be
corrected with a reasonable cost.
Larry: Anything can be corrected with the right
money. It is my professional opinion that it can't be
with a reasonable cost.
amount of
corrected
Bill: Bob's letter states basically that the foundations are
non-existing and that a whole new foundation system would have to
be done.
Larry: We differ slightly on that as there is a small area of
the north east corner of the foundation that was reconstructed.
There are two portions of the house that new foundations were put
in when the additions were made and they appear to be serviceable
at this point. There is no way of telling without digging holes
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
to see how far down they go for frost protection but at least
they haven't cracked due to movement.
Lisa Purdy, President of Preservation Consulting firm: I am
here to discuss the impact and appropriateness of the design of
the new house on both the adjacent parcels and the historic
neighborhood around it. I interpret the last three standards of
demolition to say if demolition is found to be a feasible
alternative the new structure needs to mitigate as much as
possible in its design impacts to the neighborhood and the
adjacent structures. I have reviewed the new design and it is
compatible with the neighborhood and adjacent structures in terms
scale, fenestration, roof lines, setbacks and style. Also the
massing is not out of scale with the neighborhood. The
replication style is appropriate because it is the same era as
the Glidden house next door. Standard 95 we agree that there is
no historic importance to the historic structure being proposed
for demolition. Standard #6 talks about mitigating the impact to
the architectural integrity of the historic structure. Since we
are proposing demolition of the historic structure we are not
going to mitigate that much. I interpreted that as saying lets
mitigate the impact to the adjacent historic structure. If you
are designing a new house in a historic neighborhood do you make
it look victorian in this case or do you design something that is
totally contemporary that will not be confused with what is
authentically historic in the neighborhood. I would suggest
today for you to make your decision as to the validity of the
structural and economic issues and ~2 if demolition is warranted
then work with us to refine the design within the house.
Bill: We need you to comment on the structural integrity as to
whether it really can be saved from an historic preservation
standpoint.
Lisa: Anything can be saved but what is the cost involved to
save it. In this case there is about a $300,000 difference in
cost in which I concluded that it is an economic hardship.
Charlie: What is your analysis of the two buildings the Glidden
house as opposed to the Amato house. Do you feel that the
Glidden house was significant and worth replicating and do you
think that the Amato house is worth replicating if that is the
ultimate.
Lisa: Louise Vigoda wanted a house that looked old. Generally
it is not deemed acceptable to have a complete replication of an
historic building and confuse the public as to what is
authentically historic with what is a replication. Aspen is free
to set up their own standards for what they deem locally to be
important.
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Gideon: What Charlie is saying if you look at the two houses in
terms of the era is the Glidden house or the Amato house more
representative of that era. You didn't feel that the Amato house
was deserving of a 4 rating but would you have felt that the
Glidden house was deserving of a 4 rating.
Lisa: Yes, before it was rebuilt. I assume the Glidden house
looked like the current house.
Bill: The committee might have made a mistake then allowing
that to be replicated as opposed to being restored.
Lisa: Yes before it was replicated I would assess it as an
historic house.
Bill: Do you think that the two styles are equal.
Lisa: No, not for the miners cottage.
Bill: For the record there is no historic significance of the
house. The rating was given because it contributed to the
neighborhood.
Steve: There was no historic importance with persons or events.
Don Westerlind, President of Alpine Construction: I have been
requested by Mr. Amato to make a cost analysis on remodeling or
renovating this house. To renovate the house from an historical
aspect in other words to save every drop of wall paper and
anything that is damaged be replaced with an original type of
construction I came up with a cost of $850,000 which calculated
out at $343. a square foot. The second item was to renovate the
house by saving all the exterior walls and building a new
structure within it and reapplying the existing walls would cost
approximately $420,000 which is $169. a square foot. That is
like what they did with Elli's downtown. Those two examples
would give a 2000 sq. ft. house and a 472 sq. ft. workshop. To
demolish the existing house and build it to the plans that
Cunniffe & Assoc. drew up it would cost $408,000 or $113 a sq.
ft. That would be completely demolishing the house. In my
estimating the house is not worth anything as it sits there.
Bill: Don, how did you establish these costs of $343 a sq. ft.
Don: You have to go through and replace all the glass and
plaster as this is a complete renovation not a replication. This
is using old building style methods and it is extremely labor
intensive.
Bill: So most of the costs are based on your file data.
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HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Don: Based on 30 years of experience.
Georgeann: Isn't there some middle ground between only saving
the exterior walls and doing a renovation that is so complete and
it even uses lath and plaster.
Don: You can save that structure
and the $850,000. It is a matter
spend.
somewhere between the $420,000
of how much money you want to
Bill: Do you concur that a lot of the structural loads are
unsupported and the foundation system would need to be replaced.
Don: Yes.
Bill: Does the total foundation need to be replaced or from
your experience as a contractor could it be shored up in certain
ways that don't require full replacement.
Don:
have
time
I feel you would have to replace everything. You would
to pull the house up and replace the foundation a piece at a
so that you didn't loose part of it.
Bill: In my experience I feel the one amount is low. We did
some restoration work and it came to around $150 a sq. ft.
Dan Levinson, owner of Red Mtn. Construction presented pictures
to the Committee depicting roof and seal leaks; celloutex, water
that is coming down from the roof and underneath the siding which
was only done a few years ago. The wood also has dryrot. This
building cannot be brought back.
Richard Klein, Project Architect for Charles Cunniffe &
Associates: Joe Amato originally hired Cunniffe & Associates to
explore ways to remodel and renovate his newly acquired residence
on Hallam St. We explored numerous solutions including two story
schemes. Because of the hap hazard existing room layouts all
plans included extensive interior demolition. This included
relocating numerous bearing walls. Integrated Engineering
Consultants was then retained to analyze the structural
implications of our various schemes. We learned that any attempt
to remodel or renovate the existing residence was not
structurally or economically feasible. For this reason it was
decided to seek permission to demolish the existing structure and
build a new two story residence. As you are aware this was first
attempted with the repeal of the score and now we are here with
you with an application of demolition.
6
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Gideon: We have talked to the structural engineers and given
the rot and the fact that the structure is gone you can't just
jack this house up and put a foundation on it as the whole house
would crumble.
Steve: Ord %11 of 1987 did indeed create strict standards for
review of demolitions. It was very much with the intention of
discouraging demolition of structures that were identified on the
inventory as significant historic structures. The first standard
is the structural soundness and obviously the applicant has
presented some new evidence that was not available for myself or
for the Eng. or Bldg. Dept. to review including Mr. Pattillo's
letter and Dan Levinson testimony today. Perhaps they have
demonstrated that the structure is unsound which is criteria %1.
Then criteria %2 is that potential for rehabilitation and reuse;
perhaps there is no potential for rehabilitation and reuse in a
practical manner. The Bldg. and Eng. Dept. raised some doubt
about the severity of the structural problems. Typically there
are remedial actions that are not outside the realm of
feasibility in terms of cost and both the Bldg. and Eng. Dept.
raised questions as to whether there may be methods that are
remedial and that are basically the minimal costs of preserving
the structure, not the maximal of converting it perhaps entirely
to a new structure or something that would be well in excess of
what people typically do when they rehabilitate old wooden
structures. If the Committee is satisfied that they have
demonstrated that these are not feasible then I would think the
applicant has met the criteria. We have touched on the cost of
rehabilitation and question whether $800,000 is the minimal cost
of preserving the structure; what is the minimal cost. If there
is a minimal cost for restoring the structure making certain
internal rearrangements of the space since that appears to be
inadequate for Mr. Amato. What else can be done; can they expand
it to the rear; can they take advantage of the incentive which
allows for a second structure on the property, there is enough
land in the R-6 zone districts that they are eligible for that.
Gideon: We have 6,000 sq. ft.
Steve: With the R-6 zone Ord.%42 a conditional use allows for
two separate dwelling units on 6,000 sq.ft, or a duplex use.
There is also a $2,000 grant. It may not be totally infeasible
to undertake a rehabilitation of the structure adding on to it;
perhaps removing some of the older additions and making a larger
space. The third criteria is can the house be moved. The
Bldg. Dept. evaluated that it would not be a good thing to try
and move that structure. The fourth and fifth criteria are
demolition redevelopment plan to mitigate to the greatest extent
practical impact on the neighborhood and on the historic
significance of this structure. We believe that the total
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
demolition of the structure does significantly and negatively
impact the character of the neighborhood and the historic
significance of the house. In a partial demolition you can save
certain facades and you might be able to remove additions and do
a certain project of partial demolition that would be mitigating
what they can for removing of the historic structure. The
Committee has to consider the factor of loss; what is the extent
of loss to the community of this structure.
In the memo from the Planning Office we listed three alternative
actions: ~1 To approve the demolition finding that there are no
practical alternatives to demolition that the redevelopment plan
does mitigate to the greatest extent practical impacts on the
neighborhood. ~2 Deny the demolition and redevelopment and
finding that they haven't demonstrated that the house cannot be
retained and used for beneficial use. #3 Table the action on the
application and ask them to provide further alternative feasible
options and approaches to demolition. #4 The suspension of
action which is a special provision put into the demolition
review that allows for basically the HPC to request more
information from the applicant and possibly at that point to
request City Council to help fund further studies of feasible
options. We have recommended the third option because of all of
the information that has been given it may be very appropriate.
Maybe there is no need for them to go the next step of asking
other experts to study this property but we felt that there are
enough questions about whether they have demonstrated that they
meet the criteria for demolition and that in general the
indication should be that HPC is unwilling to allow the
demolition and that they should study other options.
Bill: We will take public comment and then go through each
standard and get the Board's opinion.
Kermit Sutton: I live at 131 E. Hallam and we recently finished
restoring the victorian on the corner of Hallam and Aspen
Streets. My interest and concern is in the character of the
neighborhood. Assuming the house in its present state is a
disaster my concern is that if enough of a disencentive is made
to renovate it, that is it would take it totally to spend the
amount of money it would need to make the restoration, would not
the essential character of the neighborhood be better served by a
replication that could be controlled and improved by this
Committee as opposed to the continuation of an existing miners
cabin that is in a total state of disrepair.
Debbie Seguin: I live 203 E. Hallam and
I have a question as to how many square
including the garage.
I am across the street.
feet are in that house
8
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Richard Klein: About 3,000 sq. ft. and including the garage
around 3,200 sq. ft.
Gideon: 6,000 is R-6 and the rest is SCI probably 9 to 10
thousand is flat and 6,000 or so that isn't.
Joe Amato: The total square footage of the lot is about 16,000
sq. ft. of which 6,000 is in the R-6 zone and 9,000 is in the SCI
zone. The new home fall in the guidelines and the percentage of
the coverage on the lot is about 14% and there is 86% open space.
It meets the height requirements etc.
Bill: So it is a proposed single family residence in the area
of 3,000 sq. ft.
Debbie Seguin: The neighborhood used to be small mining
cottages as evidence of 101, 105 and 123 E. Hallam. 222 looks a
lot like 123 to me and if it could be saved and do whatever you
want behind it. Get rid of all the additions.
Bill: Joan Light owner at 219 N. Monarch sent a letter to HPC
stating she has no objection to the demolition of 222 E. Hallam.
MR. Light and I hope strict adherence to the off-street parking
regulations are met as well as property boundary lines drawn to
assure the privacy of their most immediate neighbors to the east
and west. Traffic control around that very busy corner is a
concern to the residence. The most important element of that is
the safety of the school children. Letter dated March 14, 1988.
Fred: My comment relates to the standards and a prelude of what
your deliberation should entail. You must show whether the
structure is sound and if it isn't sound whether it can be
rehabilitated. My primary comment on that is that I feel Steve
is right in his assessment that these were written as strict
guidelines and the intent is to preserve the structures
identified as opposed to allow them to be demolished. The key
word: the structure cannot be rehabilitated or reused to provide
any beneficial use. I would interpret the work beneficial to be
a fairly broad word. It would require the Board to make a
determination if no beneficial use was to be made that the house
was simply unusable as is, that you could not put any money into
that house and make a beneficial use out of it. It seems to me
that the applicant is not proposing necessarily a renovation of
the existing structure but an expansion of it. It will be up to
the Board to decide whether or not they have proposed to you a
plan, whether a plan could be proposed that makes some beneficial
use of the structure. The next category would be whether you can
move the house. The next three standards would be a secondary
level of review. If you determine the house cannot be moved then
you have to consider whether or not you want to get into a total
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
or partial demolition. If so you must have a detailed plan
submitted if you request it as to what the subsequent use of the
property is going to be.
Gideon: It can't just be a beneficial use.
Fred: There has to be a balancing of that beneficial use with
economic hardship. When was the house purchased.
Gideon: It was purchased after evaluation.
Fred: The
an historic
be made.
owner bought the house knowing it was rated a ~4, was
structure and there was limitations on what use could
Joe Amato: The owner bought the house with every opportunity in
the world to get a demolition permit. The owner went to his
architect and said lets try and save this home. I tried to do
everything I could to save the house when it came down to it I
hired two structural engineers and both said forget it as it is
too expensive. I would like you and the Board to know that the
spirit of this ordinance was followed to the letter.
Bill: ~1 The structure proposed
structurally sound despite evidences of
properly maintain the structure.
for demolition is not
the owner's efforts to
Bill: We have the evidence presented by two structural
engineers and supported by two contractors and the architect
concurs with the findings. Does the Board concur that the
building is structurally unsound based on the evidence presented.
Nick: I agree.
Steve: After the Bldg., Eng., and Planning Office looked at the
structure they weren't convinced that there weren't some rather
ordinary remedial actions that might be taken to save this
structure. New evidence has been presented and should be
evaluated.
Augie: I feel comfortable with the evidence and Steve is
probably saying how do you solve the problem of structural. I
read it to say that the Bldg. Dept. agrees that it is
structurally unsound and to whether it can be brought upgraded
that hasn't come up yet. That is the second standard.
Bill: For the record we can say the first standard has been
met.
10
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Bill: 92 The structure cannot be rehabilitated or reused to
provide for any beneficial use of the property.
Gideon: The Glidden house had important features on it and so
there was a desire and need to replicate that house. This
structure was given 94 because of the impact on the neighborhood.
I don't think that the impact on the neighborhood given the
mitigation that can take place with working with you is justified
making someone restore or replicate a house that does not have a
significance especially when you're looking at replicating it
with a layout that doesn't work, something that is an economic
hardship. To me beneficial use has to be done in terms of
economics.
Steve: I think Gideon is confusing the standards by saying now
is the time to consider whether the structure is worth
historically and architecturally saving. The standard reads very
clearly can it be rehabilitated or reused and I would think that
your focus would be on that. There are three aspects of that
question, one being the practicality of structural repair, the
second economic feasibility and the third in terms of livability
that limitations in the size layout on the site of the house.
Gideon:
be met.
We have addressed those and have proven that they can't
Bill: Don Westerlind will report on how he achieved the costs.
Don Westerlind: This is a 2,000 sq. ft. house and I came up
with a base price of $135. per sq.ft, to renovate it. That was
determined by going through my books on electrical etc. Then I
had to add to that the partial demolition of the existing house
and the rebuilding including the workshop. That total was
$419,000. To renovate the house completely was the $850,000
figure. There are different degrees of renovation and how much
do you save. That price could come down a little.
Joe Amato:
of money.
We tried very hard to work it out and it costs a lot
Charlie: I took the time to go through the building and I came
to the conclusion that it is very difficult to figure out where
you would go back and find the original house in this structure.
It is extremely chopped up inside and there is no significant
architectural features to it. This house is a piece of junk and
it will be extremely difficult to restore. When it is restored
it will perhaps have some significant architectural feature
outside but inside the building will be very hard to live in.
11
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Dan Levinson: This building has no redeeming value what so
ever. It has no architectural line, no continuity and no flow.
Larry Doble: The City Staff experts did not go inside the house
and look under it or up in the attic or anything else. It is
really easy to cast doubts. What is the other way. If they did
a careful analysis they would discover that almost any wall you
move in that house is in some bearing function to that hodge
podge roof. That house is held together by 1,000 little strings.
As soon as you start to do any kind of remodeling in that house
to renovate you are going to discover more and more problems.
The majority of the foundation must be underpinned and at which
point any section of the upper portion of the house might
collapse. Right now we have found that the foundation is bad,
the seals are bad and I'll bet when the siding is pulled off
there will be condensation in those walls. Where do you stop
before you can establish that the house is of no beneficial use.
Joe Amato: I was told if I turned the heat off in the house
that a good portion of the house would collapse.
Bill: So it is your professional opinion that the house cannot
be rehabilitated.
Larry: Not in an economically practical solution.
Augie: Did the Bldg. Dept. declare this building unsafe.
Steve: Not that I am aware of.
Augie: Do you think Larry that this building is unsafe.
Larry: Portions of the building are definitely unsafe.
Georgeann: I am completely convinced that there is nothing
about this building that justifies keeping it. I would vote for
demolition. This building got a 4 because of the significance of
the neighborhood. With a 3 the applicant could demolish the
building and not have gone through this. The applicant has
offered to work with us on the new building. I would like to set
a precedence that when a building is demolished that the
applicant would work with us on the new building. We can solve
our responsibilities as HPC to the neighborhood and adjacent
structures by working with this applicant on a new building that
in massing and detailing etc. this could be an addition to the
neighborhood rather than patching up this building.
Fred: You just have to make a decision that there is no
beneficial use.
12
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Charlie: I'm not sure that this building will adapt itself to
what staff has recommended but that is important to bring up in
terms of the direction we would normally look at for the future.
Demolishing these buildings will be hard to swallow particularly
when they are on Main St. etc.
Bill: We want each one judged on its own merits. Does the
Board feel that the structure cannot be rehabilitated or reused
based on the evidence presented.
Yes, Georgeann, Charlie, Augie, Nick.
Bill: ~3 States that the structure cannot be practically moved
to another site in Aspen. Based on the evidence that has been
presented does everybody concur with that.
Nick: We don't have any place to move it.
Bill: The evidence was that the house was made up of almost 10
parts and the house movers felt that because of the ten parts the
house could not be moved. The Bldg. Dept. and staff concurred
that also.
Bill: ~4 A demolition and redevelopment plan is submitted when
required by HPC which mitigates to the greatest extent practical
any impact that occurs to the character of the neighborhood of
the parcel where demolition is proposed.
Bill: Basically we didn't see the redevelopment plan. We
concur with the demolition plan and we would like to table that
and go into it with more detail. I think the plan can be worked
out.
Gideon: You are saying we are going to establish the standard
and say that demolition is appropriate but further work needs to
be done on the redevelopment proposed plan.
Bill: Is everybody in agreement.
Augie: The architects need to show us what that streetscape
looks like.
Bill: We don't think you can go ahead with demolition until we
give approval of the redevelopment plan.
Gideon: That is fine but if we could put in here that we dealt
with the standards and demolition is approved then Joe doesn't
have to bring people in all the time.
13
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Fred: You should move that the demolition permit be granted
subject to a review and approval of the redevelopment plan.
Georgeann: I think we should review the demolition plan.
MO~ION: Charlie made the motion that we approve the demolition
on the Amato house at 222 E. Hallam conditional on the approval
of a redevelopment plan by the HPC which action will table the
actual demolition until which time the plan is approved.
Georgeann second the motion. Ail favored, motion carries.
Augie: You can't demolish until they bring in and we approve
the redevelopment plan.
Charlie: In comment we should realize that we are dealing with
a residential neighborhood and dealing with a resident out of the
historic district and for the record had this house been on Main
St. with a ~4 we may have said we wanted it in place.
Gideon: I need clarification for the next step now, what do you
want us to do. We submitted that and we then bring that back and
we have a meeting which we discuss that. I guess it is too late
to give comment on that.
Bill: If you don't mind.
Joe Amato: Can we have a beginning with the plan that we have
submitted to you because that is the plan that we worked out
based on input and Lisa commented on that plan to mitigate the
impacts of the community.
Charlie: Could it be on the next agenda.
Steve: Sure we can and a streetscape type of comparison would
be very helpful for the Committee to make the judgment as to
whether you think it is compatible or not.
Bill: Would anybody like to comment on the redevelopment plan.
Augie: The scale (height) looks much larger than what I
perceive in the neighborhood.
Bill: I concur with Augie and I feel it is much higher. The
Glidden second story is hidden and this house has two stories
with a roof or gable on top of it. The scale of the cross gable
is a lot smaller than the other gable end houses that are in the
immediate neighborhood and further study should be given to that
scale.
14
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Augie: Now that the miners cottage is gone I would discourage a
pseudo-victorian from being put back in its place. A building
that relates to the surrounding shapes and forms is more in
keeping.
Joe Amato: I gave the architect photos and books on victorian
architecture of what I was interested in.
Bill: That was a miners cabin and a smaller structure and I
would be looking for a building that is much smaller and more
compatible in scale.
Georgeann: I concur with everyone else about the size and a
street elevation which showed yours and the two houses next to it
would be helpful. I am not unhappy with a victorian but in this
case the Glidden house is an exact replication and is a fine
looking building. Your building right now is too elaborate and
will overwhelm and it should be a quieter and more simple
building. Instead of maybe having the second floor come out all
the way to the front let that step back.
Charlie: I like the building and it is your choice to do a
victorian. There is an awful lot going on on the street and it
will be more elaborate than anything else in the neighborhood and
perhaps if you want all that detailing maybe there is places to
put it from different angles so from the streetscape it doesn't
overwhelm the Glidden house.
Nick: I concur but it is an awful lot compared to the houses on
both sides. If you could give us some other way to get the same
square footage, maybe different elevations.
Roxanne: I also concur that it does need to be simplified and
possibly a model of the streetscape for the Committee.
113 E. HOPKINS,
PARTIAL DEMOLITION AND CONCEPTUAL DEvzLOPMENT REVIEW
Gary Bucher, owner: We are proposing partial demolition of the
structure and redevelopment to that structure. The original part
of the house was built in 1888 and was added on to in 1970 and a
metal roof was added in 1976. There are no photos available as
evidence of what the building looked like in 1888. In the 60's
there was renovation of total removal of the skin, redoing that
and adding a two story addition on the back which went from 660
sq. ft. to 1348 sq. ft. In 1976 the owner then applied a metal
roof. The front portion is original I presume and exterior
materials are not original. The inside is not original as they
are sheet rock rather than plaster. In 1980 during historic
surveys the house was classified as notable and designated after
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HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
that. The house was sited as historic because it represents a
type, period or method of construction. The historic
significance of this residential structure is not of those who
owned it, or lived in it nor of its architecture. The structure
is important by illustrating a family home, environment and life
styles. We are proposing to remove the 1972 addition and add on
a more fitting and more appropriate addition to function as a
house. Steve and Roxanne had concern for the tree that we
propose to move about 15 feet forward. I contacted the Parks
Department and a tree mover and the tree mover will take a back
hoe and dig a trench and basically pull the tree forward into its
new location rather than picking it up. We didn't want to take
the tree down and it will also be used as a screening mass of the
addition. The site is unusual as it stair steps up about 5 or 6
ft., flattens out and stair steps back again. You are looking at
a site that goes more across the lot than back the lot. There is
also another tree 15 ft. behind the building, blue spruce. So if
we were to move back at all we would impinge upon the root
structure of the tree. If we were to realign the east wall the
problem there is the roof line of the house as it is more of a
shed roof coming down. If we were to add an addition and block
that six foot of area would create a roof drainage problem and
also an ice and snow problem. I have photographs of that. The
original facade of the house has scalloped shingles on presently.
The other problem stated was massing: the current structure vs.
the proposed. I'm going from 1348 sq. ft. to 2388 sq. ft. The
prominence of the addition is 20 feet back from the current
facade of the house and 50 feet back from the street so I don't
think we are putting forth the addition of that house as current
with what is existing. Due to the tree being moved and other
blue spruces shielding I don't believe you are being impacted by
that addition. I looked at houses that were historically
designated notable that had additions that were added on to
during this period of time and my house is relatively small.
Mr. Bucher presented the Committee with several photos of houses
with additions that were historically designated.
Gary Bucher: What I am trying to do is in compliance with Ord.
#11 and in keeping with the house. If you say I can't build on
lot C and D then I have a park next to me that I can't build on.
Bill: We haven't said anything yet.
Roxanne: The applicant is requesting significant development
review with partial demolition. Basically we are reviewing this
as a significant development as opposed to more of the demolition
because the demolition is of the 1972 addition to the home. He
also wishes to demolish the rear shed and add a one car garage
with storage.
16
, HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
This is a public hearing and a two step process. Since this is a
major demolition request we stress that special care be given to
not undermine the structural stability of the historic structure.
We are concerned about moving the large tree but after the
information presented today I am feeling a little better about
it. The development plan is appropriate in many areas however we
feel that the siding mass in detailing, if they were designed to
me more compatible with the original home that distinct
architectural qualities of the house will be preserved. The
Committee may find that by taking advantage of the historic
preservation incentive for encroachment of the side yard setback
for siting may improve the situation. Architecturally details
could be simplified which would focus more attention on the true
historic elements of the home instead of creating a more of a
high style queenann out of a more simpler miners cottage the
addition may be more sympathetic. The Planning Office recommends
tabling the action on the basis that there are more than minor
changes that need to be made to a development plan to obtain
historic compatibility with the original structure.
Steve: Gary's point about the landscape was addressed in
Roxanne's memo and states that the guidelines do indeed consider
how development relates to the landscaping on the site and when
the HPC is reviewing the application they should take a look at
whether the development occurs at the cost of a significant piece
of land.
Gary: I am willing to spend $4,000 to save one single tree and
since I don't have to have a permit to do it then my question is
I could move that tree wherever I want basically.
Fred: You are saying you are going to spend the money anyway so
give me consideration for spending it.
Roxanne: Prior to recommendations in my memo I have given the
Committee alternative actions.
Gary: As stated in the 1980 inventory there were no
architectural qualities of the house.
Gary: There is a 95% probability that the tree will survive.
Bill: I'll open the public hearing.
hearing.
I'll close the public
Nick: I'm in favor of tearing down
proposed. I'm not concerned about the
proposing is probably the safest.
the 1970 addition that is
tree as the method he is
17
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Georgeann: I am happy where the building goes and approve of
the tree. I am not unhappy with the level of detailing that the
applicant is putting on the addition. I am concerned about the
window that seems to sit over the old part of the building. I
think it will conflict with the old building. I am also
concerned about the porch that is going to be on the new
addition which conflicts with the old porch. Again it is back
behind the tree but if it is on the north side and you have a
huge tree in front of it I think it will be a dreary porch.
Augie: I don't have any problems with the project proposed but
I am not a fond believer in recreating an era with a new
building. In this particular case you have done it in a manner
that you can still tell which is the original building and what
is new.
Bill: I concur with what everybody else has said and I am in
agreement with the plan. I would support the demolition of the
new structure as staff has recommended. I have no problem with
you moving your tree. I'm not fond of mirror imaging and
planting of a tree in front of it to hide it whether it is good
or bad. I support staffs recommendation that we keep it more
simple and would like to see the redevelopment plan stay with
that simple motif on the miners cabin and keeping the identity of
the miners cabin when the new structure is added onto the back.
Bill: There was a comment on the eaves in regard to the
overhang.
Roxanne: In looking at these drawings I find that the eaves
aren't hanging over as much on this plan.
Gary: In the plans we tried to maintain the same slope that is
on the existing roof and eave structure.
Bill: Does anybody have any problem with the stainless steel
roof.
Gary: To lessen maintenance the roof is a stainless steel sheet
coated with a alloy to get the older effect and we would not have
to paint it. Roofs at that time were grayish zinc or tin. It
will be an oxidized alloy.
Roxanne: The Sanborn map shows that this home had two different
roofs, shake on front and the back was metal. Representation of
materials should be added into the motion.
Bill: In the motion I would add to study the dormers as to
whether they are too much like the rest of the house. Possibly
two dormers.
18
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
MO~ION: Georgeann: I move to approve the demolition of 113 E.
Hopkins and to give preliminary approval of a new addition and
asking the applicant to provide alternate design studies in
respect to the dormers, porch and windows on the front elevation
and that he come back with detailed samples of materials and to
present information on your demolition plan i.e. protecting the
structural integrity of the existing building for final review.
Augie second the motion. All favored, motion caries.
411 E. Hopkins Ave, Sculpture Garden Entry Gate and Wall
Bill: We have an amendment to the approved plan.
Bill Lipsey: We revised the entry element and made it off to
the side and made it less formal. We changed the water element
to a more linear type that you walk under to make it subtle. We
added a trellis.
Georgeann: Where does the water go.
Bill Lipsey: Comes out of the elevated horizontal element on
the top and projects across. You can walk under the projecting
water.
Georgeann: Are these modernistic in character or turn of the
century.
Bill Lipsey: Somewhere in between. We reduced the height from
5 ft. to 4 ft.
Bill: I like it and moving it over would make your garden look
better.
MOTION: Georgeann: I move that we approve the alternation to
the design of the garden presented by Bill Lipsey. Nick second
the motion. All approved. Motion carries.
CLARIFICATION OF NOTION-334 W. BALI. AN
Bill Poss stepped down:
Trish Harris: I need clarification of the motion on the
carriage house. What is the feeling on the connection of the
main house to the carriage house which is through the car port.
Charles: While some of the Commission didn't want the
connection I was making the motion conclusive so that the
connection could be allowed and studied further.
Georgeann: What is the Committee's intention.
19
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Augie: I agree with Charles that the intention was to allow for
a connection.
Nick: That is my concept also.
Georgeann: It was asking that maybe we could look at a
simplified connection so that it wasn't quite so dominant so
strong.
Charles: Make it look less like one continuous building but
still allow for a physical connection.
Trish: The way it sits there right now I don't think it is
obvious. If you look at the site plan it is less dominant.
Georgeann: The Planning office wants you to clarify the 2 ft.
addition to the carriage house.
Trish: It shows on the plan and we are adding 3 ft. to the
back, east. We want it larger because we need the carriage house
to work space wise inside and in order to function and we are
still following the lines of the existing house.
Roxanne: How are you renovating the carriage house with
completely changing the roof and the foundation and siding.
Trish: We are keeping the exact same lines of the roof and
adding on to not changing it.
Georgeann: Is there going to be something left of the original
carriage house when you are through.
Trish: We are very hopeful. Once we get into the construction
phase we are going to save as much of it as we can. When we dig
down under and find out the foundation is not a foundation that
is well enough to support that structure we might have to
demolish portions of it more than we are saying right now and the
Committee must be aware of that.
Steve: The Commission did not grant demolition and if your
proposal turns out to be demolition then you need to get that
approval.
Trish: The plan will be detailed at final.
Georgeann: If it gets to that point you have to let us know.
What is it 30% renovation 70% demolition, etc.
-- 20
HPC.MINUTES - March 22, 1988
Roxanne: The motion that was passed was to further study the
detached approach, was that not correct.
Charles: That was the motion that started to be made and I
suggested the motion be amended to include their ability to study
the connection. We didn't necessarily want it detached but so
much as to look more detached than it was.
Steve: It should be further studied for final development
review and the inclination of the Committee is to allow for it to
be attached.
Charles: Except that the design was to make it look less
attached than it looks in the presently proposed plan.
Augie: What about the 3 ft. addition. We talked about
retaining the carriage house and if we add 3 ft. to it we are
doing something other than what I was concerned with. I would
rather see it the existing building.
Trish: By adding the 3 ft. to the rear which is really the
east side which is the back yard side of it we didn't feel it
would be detrimental to the historic shape of the existing
structure.
Adjourn: 6:00 pm.