HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.19880510HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS .
CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 300 W. MAIN
212 WEST HOPKINS- CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
222 E. HALLAM-REDEVELOPMENT REVIEW
513 W. BLEEKER-SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMITTEE
MINUTES
Old City Council Chambers
2st Floor City Hall
May 10, 1988 2:30 p.m.
Meeting was called to order by chairman Bill Poss with Georgeann
Waggaman, Charles Cunniffe, Zoe Compton, Augie Reno, Charlie
Knight and Joe Krabacher present. Nick Pasquarella and Patricia
O'Bryan were excused.
MOTION: Charlie made the motion to approve the minutes of April
12, 1988. Augie second. Motion carries.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS
Bill Poss: The Historic Preservation Committee would like to
congratulate all of those individuals who made this first Annual
Preservation Awards presentation possible. We had excellent
responses to the call for nominations. Seven distinctly worthy
projects are honored this year with an engraved brass plaque.
The plaques are designed to be mounted to a base of your
choosing, then securely fastened to your historic property in a
prominent place for viewing.
The importance of historic preservation in Aspen cannot be
underestimated. In the words of Mayor Stifling, it is a "pivotal
and fundamental phenomenon here in our community". Each of your
projects serve as an example of preservation excellence which
will encourage other property owners to do the same in the
future. Historic Preservation has long been considered a
particularly important factor contributing to the quality of our
environment and life.
131 E. Hallam - The Dexter Reynolds residence, built 1892. This
is a newly renovated private residence. Bill Poss accepted the
award for his firm.
332 W. Main - The Taylor House, built 1888. Now the office for
Showcase Properties, representing a renovated historic residence
adaptively used as office space int he Main Street Historic
Overlay District. Owner of property accepted plaque.
The Wheeler-Stallard House, built 1888. The home of the Aspen
Historical Society, the restored historic home of Aspen
financier Jerome Wheeler, now a house museum and community
showplace, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Carl Bergman, president of historic society accepted plaque.
The Aspen Community Church, built 1890, listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, currently undergoing restoration.
MaryAnn Downes minister of the church accepted the plaque.
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
The Wheeler Opera House, built 1889, representing the arts in
Aspen, about to celebrate its centennial next year. Listed in
the National Register of Historic Places. Eve Homeyer, chairman
of Wheeler board accepted the plaque.
The Hotel Jerome, also built in 1889, representing the Commercial
Core Historic Overlay District and an outstanding example of
commercial renovation, and listed on the National Register of
Historic Places. Dick Butera, one of the owners accepted the
award.
Bill: Most of the buildings that are outstanding in our
community today were built in a two to three year period in 1889
and 1891 and about 1/2 exist today.
The last one we are presenting is the Pitkin County Courthouse,
built in 1890, representing the public sector and is also listed
on the National Register of Historic Places. Augie Reno,
architect for the courthouse accepted the plaque.
Three of these projects are also be honored by the Colorado
Preservation, Inc. with a statewide historic preservation award
to be presented in June in Denver. The Wheeler-Stallard House
for its contribution to the community in history and preservation
education; the Aspen Community Church for its contribution to the
community in architectural style; and t our own Zoe Compton, for
her contribution as Interior Designer for the Hotel Jerome
renovation.
The Historic Preservation Committee looks forward to continuing
this annual awards program in the future, and would like to again
thank those of you whose projects are being honored here today.
Eve Homeyer: I have to thank you formally for doing this and I
would also like to make notice of the fact that the Wheeler Opera
House could not be built today. It is built lot line to lot
line, 54 ft. tall and never came before a committee. It was
built in the style, class and private money.
Public: I thank Roxanne because it was her idea to start giving
awards and I hope you continue every year.
Steve: I'm about to take my vacation which will be permanent
and I have enjoyed working with the HPC and has been a privilege.
Bill: We're sorry to hear that and we have enjoyed working
with you and Steve has been very influential in getting a lot of
these programs started.
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Dick Butera: I would like to thank you and we are planning the
100th anniversary of the Hotel Jerome as well as the Wheeler and
if anyone has ideas that should be incorporated your input would
be greatly appreciated.
Roxanne: You could start by having the awards presentation next
year for Preservation Week.
Dick: That would be a great idea!
Carl: The Stallard House is also planning this summer a
celebration.
Bill Lipsey: We are requesting to be put on the agenda today
the sculpture garden which went before you before. We would like
to have approval of a modification of a bar that incorporated all
the service facilities of the Brand Bldg. and would have an
extension of an existing awning.
Bill: Bill Lipsey came to me this morning to ask whether it was
a modification to an existing approval or whether it needed new
application. I asked him to come today because I could not speak
for the board.
Augie: Is that permanent.
Bill: It is an awning over a wall that has a counter built onto
it. Certain things are permanent. It will be used June, July
and August.
NO~ION: Georgeann made the motion to add Bill Lipsey's proposed
modified service structure to sculpture garden to todays agenda.
Augie second the motion. All approved. Motion carries.
MONI~ORING PROJECTS
Augie: They just started to ad the additional porch on the
Barnett building to the west.
Roxanne: There is excavation being done at 113 E. Hopkins to
remove the location of the tree.
Charles Cunniffe: Monitoring 113 E. Hopkins, Gary Bucher
residence.
CONNX~TEle NENBER CONNENTS
Bill:
here.
code
My comment has to do with the attendance of the Committee
I looked through the by-laws and the new code and the new
only allows for 4 absences within one calendar year. I
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
would like to get the attendance turned around on this committee
so that we have a big quorum. In the by-laws it states that you
are only allowed three absences and those are excused absences.
Excused absences are when you are out of town or due to an
illness. Please keep an eye on this so we can process these
applications on a more uniform basis because we need continuity
in members as we review them. It is quite a problem when we have
applicants coming in on consecutive meetings and we don't have
members here that remembered what transpired on the meeting
before and we would be processing our applications more
uniformly.
CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT REVIEW 300 W. HAIN
Roxanne: At the last meeting of April 26th we reviewed plans
which addressed most of the committees concerns. We were
encouraged with the plans and felt that for the most part all the
areas that HPC had stressed concerns had been met. We
recommended at that time to HPC to give us direction to prepare a
resolution granting conceptual development approval for your
consideration today which is attached to the memo. They have
gone before P&Z for designation which was recommended to Council
and first reading was approved. Second reading in June. They
have presented some revised plans now and we are very pleased to
see these and I will let them present now.
Scott: On the east elevation there was concern about the shed
dormer which has been brought in from the north face quite a bit.
It allows light for a bedroom and a bathroom. We considered the
option of having a gable on this elevation but due to the offset
from the Main building; it would look like essentially like a
slot and very deep so we are sticking to the shed dormer.
The north elevation would have two garage doors. We put in a
fire door and a ramp for wheelchairs.
Nothing has been changed on the west elevation.
On the south elevation the windows are uniform and the
fenestration is the same from top to bottom and there is a
skylight which was there on our last meeting and affords light
for the bathroom.
We brought in a sample of the channel lap and the roofing
material for the Committee to review. We have two sample shades
of green for the roofing.
Charlie: On the south elevation the french door on the first
floor are they going to be the same as the three doors on the
second floor.
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Scott: They will be the same mullion and same spacing. There
will only be one opening door on the second floor.
Charlie: The transom on the south side on the second floor is
that the same as was presented or was there a triangular one.
Caroline: There was a triangular one and Welton liked the
square one but we would prefer the triangular.
Roxanne: Regarding the south elevation gable end we find that
this gable end approach is responsive to your concerns however we
recommend further study of a simplified upper floor fenestration
to be presented at final review. Regarding the egress and
handicapped access we are expressing our concern that no damage
be done to the original log cabin. Great care should be taken by
the applicant regarding the construction of the doorway which is
cutting into the original logs. The resolution has the
conditions that the applicant shall address at their final
development review the simplified south elevation upper floor
dormer window and door fenestration. That detailed plans or size
of panes and the true divided lights and all the window trim be
reviewed and that an accurate representation of all the siding
materials and roofing materials be brought to us at final. The
applicant at final should supply structural analysis of the house
sufficient to assure that the proposed alterations will not
undermine the structure leading to major reconstruction or
demolition.
Scott: On structural that is a Building Dept. requirement and
is straight forward.
Bill: Could you give us that in writing so we are assured that
it will not be structurally damaged and the code calls for that.
Scott: I don't understand the simplification, you mean window
trim.
Roxanne: Comments from HPC is that there is too much glass, too
much transparency on that one elevation.
Bill: Actually the window detail will probably be entailed at
the final presentation.
Bill: This is a public hearing regarding this project and if
anybody would like to speak please stand up.
Peggy Stephens: I'm active in the Historical Society and
historical architecture is a hobby of mine. I feel this is the
kind of project we want to get forward. It is innovative reuse
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
of a building and they are going to be there in their own home on
the same property. It is an ideal project. This type of small
project where we are reusing buildings instead of arguing about
trying to tear them down and arguing that they aren't historic to
me is what we want to happen in Aspen. I urge you to go forward
with it. The applicants have been here many times and they are
cooperative and I don't think they should have to go too many
more times. Thank you for listening.
Ruth White: I live at 323 W. Bleeker and I am pleased with the
conceptual idea of the building itself. I'm glad they added a
double garage. My concern is the traffic.
Bill: I did receive a copy of the letter that Ruth White sent
to both myself and Welton Anderson who is chairman of the P&Z.
Ruth's house is adjacent to the McDonald property and owns two
units directly across the alley. She is concerned with the roof
and height and she understands that the new addition is to be no
higher than the existing log structure. It is a little bit
higher. She agrees with adding a non-glare roof and would
object strongly to any shiny roof. The applicant has presented
a non-glare roof. She is also concerned with parking and that is
addressed at P&Z under conditional uses. She has some concern
about the windows on the alley side which are directly across
from her property. She is concerned about the noise and traffic
and the use of this structure as a restaurant and that is also
handled by P&Z.
Bill: I'll close the public hearing.
Charlie: The shed roof dormer on the east elevation; one of our
concerns was that it be reduced or modified, narrowed down and
had to be brought in from the alley side, was that done.
Scott: It was done and brought in about another 8 inches from
what it was before. It now looks more like a shed dormer with
about two feet in the difference of the roof lines.
Charlie: I still see the angle parking and can you give us an
update on that.
Scott: That is actually up to Engineering and we have nothing
to say about that. That is on public land and we meet the
parking requirements.
Charlie: Are you requesting parking.
Scott: No and we put it in there as an option.
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Scott: A sidewalk will be put in and we have a total of seven
parking spaces including the two car garage. We have five spaces
to our property line.
Caroline: When we went to P&Z we requested not to pave the
parking spaces as the trees need drainage, air and water. We
would rather not have the angle parking because it is hazardous
to the trees since they are so old.
Steve: At the P&Z meeting they did create a seven space parking
area, two in the garage and five along the alley and P&Z was
satisfied with that configuration and it wgs not determined that
it had to be graveled or paved but one of the two.
Augie: The only concern I have is the wide east dormer. I
noticed that you did pull it into the south a couple of feet but
what might be more appropriate as long as you didn't take the
gable approach is to maybe split that dormer up. You have the
two rooms the bathroom and the bedroom so that you basically get
a two dormer scenario that has a smaller scale.
Scott: We thought of that but on the inside you start chopping
the rooms up significantly.
Augie: I think it is still too broad across the front and needs
a breakup and cut down.
Zoe: This is a vast improvement; on the south elevation since
this is an addition I don't have any problem with the square
window. On the east elevation I agree with Augie that the scale
is too massive and it should be lesser of an impact if it were
broken up. As a suggestion on the roofing material I'd prefer
the darker roof, green or brown tones. Maybe the dormer could be
broken up in another way. From the original presentation the
south elevation has improved drastically.
Georgeann: It is a tremendous improvement and I'm especially
pleased with the way the west elevation and the north elevation
have changed. I'm very happy with the south elevation. I think
you can make a triangular window in there if you want, I'm not
concerned either way. I am a little concerned with the sky
light as I thought we as a board were opposed to skylights on
major visible surfaces.
Zoe: That is a trade off for light.
Joe: My only comment is on the south elevation, the first
floor. We are talking about the siting that we are going to use
and how that is going to match with the original house and I
don't see much matching there. It looks basically like french
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
doors and all windows.
major concern.
That is my only concern and it is not a
Georgeann: I think that enclosed porch look is fine and the
glass doesn't bother me.
Charles: I agree that some progress has been made but I don't
think that I have seen a lot of progress since the last meeting
when we continued to this meeting in order to give the applicant
time to make the changes that we were talking about at the last
meeting. I don't think that house has changed much and I don't
see the applicant really coming forward and trying to reduce the
massing and trying to change the direction that we have been
struggling with. We have not seen any general changes to the
house or to the concept of the house. I still see the massing as
too large and the matching up of the addition to the original
house as being not fully resolved and I'm afraid that if we go
past conceptual review you aren't going to get any change because
we have come this far hoping to see a change and it hasn't
happened. We made a motion to continue the hearing to allow the
applicants time to make further changes, not to leave it the same
and just try for another meeting to see if it passes this time
and I am uncomfortable with that. I'm still not convinced by the
floor plans and the elevations that the building works and the
reason for that is I don't know that what we see is what we are
going to get. Again it happened with Elli's. I would rather see
it worked out on paper.
Scott: Roxanne will you clarify what we need.
Roxanne: Staff feels that what they have presented is what they
need for a complete application for review. Floor plans might be
a little bit more than what is required but I understand Charles
has wanted that so that he can see the configuration. That is
something that could be volunteered by the applicant but I don't
know that it is absolutely required by this Committee.
Georgeann: We have floor plans in our packets.
Bill: To clarify that Scott a lot of times when you are trying
to think of three dimensions and think of massing when you look
at drawings and a model floor plans and site plans are helpful.
Scott: I submitted them.
Bill: I see some improvements and the massing is there but that
is a program requirement. I think they have come a long way and
helped reduce somewhat the presence of the massing by their roof
shapes and I would compliment them on that. I tend to agree with
Augie to about the rhythm or proportions of that long dormer on
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
the east elevation and I would like to see further study on that.
I'm a little troubled with the south elevation with the enclosed
porch but I'd let it go at this time. As far as the guidelines
go I don't think the proportions of the windows are similar to
the existing structure although we could make an argument that we
want it to be different so that you can tell the difference
between the new and the old structure. The applicants have done
a good job and have tried to accommodate some of the concerns
that we have.
Bill: Staff has recommended the acceptance of a resolution and
if the Committee feels the dormer needs more study that should be
included in the resolution.
Zoe: I have been one of the committee members that has followed
this closely from the very beginning and have been very sensitive
and picky about the stairs, windows, roof etc. We want to
improve ourself every time something is presented and when we
made mistakes we want to profit by our mistakes and don't want to
make the same mistakes again. I think we are picking at this now
as they started out with an awful presentation product and sought
professional help and you have been very cooperative. The
presentation is good, the elements that you are using are good,
the roofing material is good and the exterior siding is good. The
material selection should be written down on paper and it should
be monitored (Georgeann) to make sure we are getting everything
that we see on the drawings and that is with any project.
Georgeann: Why are we doing this in a resolution form instead
of a standard motion form.
Steve: When we embarked on a rather lengthy conceptual it was
felt that we should make a very clear motion in a resolution form
that does act instead of the minutes to capture the exact motion.
Georgeann:
left in.
Lets take a straw vote.
How many people want l(a)
Charles: I think it should be left in because it says "for the
consideration of", they can or cannot consider it.
Georgeann: At any rate they can come back in with a triangular
window if they want.
Georgeann: Do we still want a more detailed plan to the size of
the panes or do we want Scott to bring us the catalog and show us
what kind of windows that he is going to put in.
Bill: I agree with the resolution that we just want it
documented that it is going to get built the way it is drawn.
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Zoe: What is the material on the garage doors.
Scott: It will be rough sawn plywood.
Georgeann: That would be covered in %2 where we require a list
of the specific materials. Roxanne, what are we asking for in
%3.
Roxanne: Structural analysis can be from a certified engineer
or a contractor etco
Scott: Ail plans are submitted to the Building Dept. and
checked off to see if they meet the code requirements.
Charles: In a case like this we don't want to just rely on the
Building Dept. or the applicant because we have to have some form
of reliance to know that we are approving something that can
indeed get built the way we are reviewing it.
Scott: I know what I have to do and I don't want drawn out on
all of these conditions.
Charles: HPC has a code that you have to comply with and does
require a structural analysis of an historic structure.
MOTION= Georgeann made the motion to adopt the resolution as
drawn up for granting conceptual development approval for
alterations and additions to 300 W. Main St. Zoe second the
motion.
Augie: I really think the applicant should look at the east
dormers.
MOTION A~ENDED~ Augie made the motion to amend the motion made
by Georgeann to add item (1.C.) that the applicant shall study
the east dormer specifically the mass and scale. Bill second the
amended motion. Yes vote: Zoe, Charles, Bill, Augie Joe. No
vote: Georgeann and Charlie. Motion carries, 5-2
Bill: We do have a motion on the floor to adopt a resolution
all in favor say I. Yes vote: Charlie, Zoe, Bill, Georgeann,
Joe, Augie. No vote: Charles. Motion carries.
212 WEST HOPKINS- CONTINUED PUBLIC HEARING
Charles Cunniffe stepped down.
Roxanne: Since there was no quorum for this particular item on
April 26th it was tabled to today and the public hearing was also
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
tabled until today. This project goes before P&Z for designation
May 17th if approved conceptually here. You have already
approved the designation and we are approving now a partial
demolition and the conceptual development review. It was
approved for designation with the condition that the front porch
be restored or made transparent if still required as an airlock,
as it serves now.
Jan Derrington: The south east corner of the building has the
predominant feature of the enclosed porch. The baluster, railing
and posts are the original porch structure which was enclosed at
the time the committee gave it a ~4 rating. The windows that are
inside of the openings that were the original porch openings do
not restrict the opening of the porch much more than do the
columns themselves. The only thing that could be done to make it
any smaller would be to build a wall behind the railing. The
only thing they could do to make it more transparent would be to
glaze in the opening between the columns and you wouldn't have
any insulation and it would become practically useless as an
airlock. We don't really feel that it can be made more
transparent. They do have a stained glass piece in one window
which produces I suppose its transparency. The owner would like
to keep it as an enclosed entrance, vestibule type air lock. A
lot of the victorian residences in town have enclosed their
porches and become airlock vestibules and we feel this is in
keeping with the others that have been down throughout the town.
With due respect we would like to request that stipulation be
withdrawn and the porch allowed to be remained as it is.
The partial demolition is for a shed because it is structurally
incompatible with the addition that is to be added and that space
would be enveloped in the new mud room. The peak of the roof of
the adjacent house is about in the same proportion and scale as
the proposed addition would be and it is very much in keeping
with the surrounding property and scale of the neighborhood.
Augie: On the north elevation the section of the building on the
right is that the existing height of the building right now.
Jan: Yes.
Roxanne: The partial demolition is pretty straight forward.
The applicant wishes to take advantage of the incentive in ~Ord.
#42 which has been incorporated into the new code to build the
addition encroaching into the rear yard setback. In cases where
the proposed development would extend into the front yard, side
yard or rear yard setbacks HPC would find that such variation
from the underlying area in bulk requirement more compatible in
character. The original house is encroaching in the west side
yard required setback of five feet. As it sits down it is 1.4
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
ft. from the property line at the south west corner and about 1.6
feet at the north west corner from the house and the proposed
addition would be located about 5 1/2 ft. from the rear yard
setback for the garage only but 10 ft. for the principle
building. We feel that this siting is acceptable. THe proposed
height is just under 25 ft. It seems as compared to the two
additions of the adjacent properties much higher. It seemed to
over take the original house somewhat because of the height
however since it is set back approximately 60 ft. from the very
sidewalk, from the front facade it appears less dominant. The
height of the project should be discussed. We strongly recommend
that the applicant renovate the original facade by restoring the
front porch. That was dealt with specifically at the last
meeting when we officially dealt with this and the other members
of the committee agreed and that motion carried unanimously. The
guidelines discuss importance of porches as a common element in
residential streetscape and we feel that the porch is a very
important part of the architectural style of this home. I have
made reference to color in this and of course HPC doesn't have
jurisdiction over color selection but it is dealt with in the
guidelines. We just want to inform the applicant that in our
opinion a more subdued choice in color would probably diminish
the dominance of the new addition and it would be more
historically accurate. We do find that the new addition is in
keeping with the adjacent new additions of the properties next
door and it doesn't detract from the original structure or the
adjacent parcels.
The setback variations specified in the code finding that the
addition is more compatible in character with the historic
landmark. We feel very strongly about the front porch being
restored or at least made transparent, it is not transparent now.
In addition that accurate building material representation be
made at final review.
Bill: Do you mean on the front porch that the insulated wall
should be removed and not used as an airlock.
Roxanne: When we discussed that for designation we specifically
talked about either completely restoring the front porch as it
originally was or making it completely transparent; keeping it as
an airlock understanding that they need an airlock and that is
why it is there. We are fine with that as long as it is
transparent. There are examples of transparent porches all over
the west end.
Bill: Public hearing open.
committee comments.
Public hearing closed. I'll take
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Charlie: On the setback of the new addition can you tell me
what it is going to be to the east lot line.
Jan: The east lot line would be within the required 5 ft.
setback. It is slightly more than that probably.
Charlie: Can you tell me how much higher it is to the neighbor
on the east, their addition.
Jan: I have not measured it but siting it from behind, the
alley side it appears that the neighbor to the west is higher
than the required 25 feet to the medium. That may be a mere
optical illusion.
Charlie: I feel pretty strongly that the neighbor to the west,
that building kind of looms over the original victorian that is
in front and I kind of feel the same thing happening here and
will be out of proportion, it looks too large. I agree with
staff on the front porch that it would be nicer to have it as an
open porch as we continue to add more massing to the building and
taking away open space.
Georgeann: I'd be inclined to agree with Charlie that there
should be someway to enclose the porch and keep it transparent.
When I look at the back it does seem out of scale with the front
and possibly there is someway to drop that roof line back down
about three feet which would lower the proportions as it seems
too tall.
Jan: The cornice of that addition to the rear is actually about
1 foot lower than its drawn on the drawings and the actual
height of that whole back element would be a foot lower.
Zoe: I agree with everything Georgeann has
relation to each other. Possibly it is
window.
said. It is out of
the design of that
Jan: We have also kept the same 12 and 12 pitch. Using the HPC
guidelines we weren't trying to imitate the original house.
Augie: I would like to see the roof relate more to the
structures on the north elevation. If they want historic
designation I feel the porch should be restored as close as
possible to what was really there.
The new zoning has a new aggregate setback so one of the things
we need to be aware of is if we are granting a variance with
regard to setback on the side we should talk about that. What I
see now would mean that we are granting a variance.
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Jan: The only side yard encroaching is the existing house
itself which is encroaching on the west boundary 1.4 ft. from the
west boundary as opposed to the 5 ft. required setbacks.
On the east side we are about 4 inches back from the required
setbacks and the overall building is 49'8" and the required
allowed building envelope is 50'. We are requesting that the
addition come to the 5ft. setback on the rear for the garage and
the room above.
Steve: Is there any dimensional variation requested for the
front rear dimensions.
Jan: The existing setback in the front is 18.75' and that added
to the existing setback in the rear of 5ft. would five is 23.75
ft. as opposed to the new regulations which require an aggregate
of 30 ft. The existing structure is not in compliance with the
regulations that were just passed.
The side yard setback would be 6.4 ft. as opposed to 10 ft.
The existing floor area is 2205 ft. and the proposed addition
exempting the garage is 687 ft. and the total proposed floor area
of 2892 sq. ft. of FAR and the allowed floor area for that
property is 3240. The proposed site coverage is 2243 sq. ft. and
the allowable site coverage is 2400 sq. ft.
Bill: I'm in agreement with what everybody else said. I
supported this project from the last meeting and my only problem
was the front porch and I think if there is an alternate solution
that I would be in favor of supporting the historic designation.
Jan: Are you suggesting that we put a sheet of glass 8ft. by
8ft. along the front porch and go to an all glass doorway. The
door is a victorian style door and it can't be anymore
transparent then that.
Bill: Maybe the porch could be handled in such a way that it
looks like an enclosed porch and we could still see the details
beyond.
Roxanne: We have an original front porch here that should be
preserved period. Nothing should be removed and we have given
him enough direction on it.
Augie: If we give this historic designation does the committee
feel the porch should be enclosed or not. Vote: 3-3 airlock or
open porch.
Charlie: The board was giving the applicant direction that we
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HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
based the porch as the most prominent feature on this cottage and
we wanted it restored.
Zoe: I agree that the porch should be kept intact.
Georgeann: I feel you just haven't found the right solution for
the enclosed porch.
Jan: You either have a wall behind it to frame
you stop the glass into these openings in the
railing and between the columns.
the glass to or
existing porch
Bill: What the board is saying if you can find an acceptable
solution to the board that allows you to have the airlock and
still keep the transparency.
Jan: Is that an acceptable solution.
Augie: I don't support the airlock, I support putting it back
as the original porch.
Zoe: I agree with Augie.
Georgeann: I have mixed feelings.
Joe: We would like to see the original porch; if you can come
up with an alternative that preserves it yet accomplishes what
you want which is an airlock or an enclosed vestibule then I
would like to see that.
Georgeann: Possibly you could build a very light framework
behind the porch to hold the glass.
Jan: You can't have a light framework less than a 2 by 4 stud
wall to hold a door. You either have the framework or you don't
have the framework.
MOTION: Joe made the motion that we table conceptual approval
and direct the applicant to restudy the height of the addition
and the enclosure of the porch, whether it is going to be
enclosed or just restored. Georgeann second. Ail favored.
Motion carries.
Bill: The public hearing has been tabled also.
Roxanne: We will have to pick a date for the public hearing and
if you want that date for the next meeting I will need the packet
information by Monday otherwise we could table it until the next
meeting in June.
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
MOTIONs Joe made
until May 24, 1988.
carries.
the motion to continue the public hearing
Second by Augie. Ail approved. Motion
222 E. BALLA~-REDEVELOP~EI~T REVIBW
Richard Klein: These particular sketches address the square
window vs. the round window in the turret. We are here today to
seek conceptual and final approval for our design. At the last
meeting we were asked to investigate the arch windows vs. square
windows in the turret. We feel that the square windows do not
enhance the design as the arch windows do, in fact they detract
from the continuity that the arched windows are able to provide.
From the drawings I have presented you can see the comparison of
the round windows vs the square. We did this study awhile ago
and we decided at that time it was not a direction we would like
to proceed. We feel very strongly that arched windows are the
window forms that best work with the house.
Roxanne: They are requesting redevelopment approval which is
different from conceptual approval. General comments regarding
scale, detailing of the streetscape were made to direct the
applicant at the formal review on March 22nd. On April 12th we
formally reviewed revised plans and we are generally pleased with
the scale down design approach. We have concerns particularly in
massing. HPC members expressed concern that the height and the
massing of the new house maybe be more than that of the adjacent
houses in the neighborhood and tending to dominate the block
rather than fit in with the neighborhood scale. The proposed
redevelopment is a very large two story contemporary victorian
definitely new and not reflective in anyway of the existing
historic structure to be demolished on that site. It is staffs
opinion that the general massing of the proposed structure is out
of scale with the neighborhood and should be diminished to soften
any negative impacts. The west and east elevations are very long
with minor setback breaks which do not adequately address the
issue of breaking up those walls as HPC had mentioned before.
The Planning Office recommends further study of the west
elevation including the separation of the garage or pulling the
garage in to the east and south, which would bring the main house
back into scale with the adjacent structure. This elevation is
important as to how it relates to the Frost House next door and
how much of the continuous wall is visible from Hallam Street.
The scale of the east facade is important as it has fairly high
visibility from Hallam St. beginning at the intersection with
Monarch Street. In staffs opinion the bulkiness would be reduced
if the height of the cross gable were no greater than that of the
adjacent Frost House. If the height of the turret and the cross
gable could both be reduced compatibility and massing would be
improved in our opinion. The site plan contrasts with the two
16
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
adjacent properties by having a deeper setback than what
currently exists. The new footprint is approximately 10 ft. to
the west of the existing house, closer to the Frost House and
requiring removal of a line of shrubs. The applicant appears to
be trying to minimize the streetscape impact from this large
house by sitting it back further than the neighboring houses. We
are concerned that the new house will still have a great impact
on the streetscape because of its massing while not respecting
the street alignment now intact. Staff believes that the most
appropriate solution is a smaller-scale house, more closely
resembling the scale and siting of the historic resource
currently on the site. We also suggest that the applicant
address whether he will save or replant the existing shrubs along
the western property line retaining the historic landscape
pattern that gives a soft buffer and visual break between the
properties. Some HPC members expressed concern about detailing
about the appropriateness of using the neo-victorian high style
detailing on this house. The applicant was asked to consider
simplifying some ornate replication features that may tend to
muddle architectural interpretation. We share the concerns
about this detailing and the turret in particular continues to be
overwhelming and a very dominant element. Its staffs
recommendation that further study be made of the architectural
element with direction to scale it down in relation to the other
details of the proposed house. Fenestration: HPC's concerns
were primarily with the arched windows, and the applicant was
asked to present other window options which they have here. We
do believe the longer slimmer windows presented are better in
staff's opinion. Materials as presented: The roof will either
be ceder shake or metal standing seam. In our opinion cedar
shake would be more appropriate and would aid in softening the
general mass of the new house. It is our recommendation that HPC
table their approval on the redevelopment plan based upon the
concerns of scale, siting, landscaping, massing and fenestration
and give direction to the applicant to further study those areas
presenting changes at a future meeting.
Gideon Kaufman: The questions that Roxanne has asked were the
questions that you asked of us March 22nd. At the April 12th
meeting we went through these things in great detail and it was
my impression that the HPC was very pleased with the solution we
came up with. When we left that meeting we had a strong
impression from the HPC that the only issues that were left to
resolve were the issues around the windows. From the minutes you
were unanimous in terms of what the old building was compared to
the new building in terms of scale and height.
Joe: That is exactly what I recall happening that we went
through all this once before and the only comments were on the
windows.
17
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Georgeann: This particular building falls in a unique area and
we have to remember this was just a demolition plan. It was
because we demolished the building that we have review of this
building and I think this was supposed to be kept a more minor
review than a typical review of an existing victorian.
Joe: Difference between redevelopment and conceptual.
Georgeann: The degree of review that is supposed to go into
this as compared to a standard application.
Gideon: In the motion that was made March 22nd by Charlie: the
motion was made that we approve the demolition of the Amato house
condition on the approval of redevelopment plan which we will
table until the action on the demolition is done.
Gideon: At the time of the April 12th meeting we addressed all
issues.
Roxanne: At that time the committee didn't have a memo and they
didn't have anything in their packets to review prior to that
which is why we are doing it now.
Gideon: You had
it and everyone
through this.
the original redevelopment plan and we reviewed
left happy. It's up to you, we will take you
Augie: I don't have any problem with the massing but I have a
philosophical difference of bringing into a community basically
not a replica victorian but something that looks a lot closer to
a victorian house than something that looks a little bit
different but yet might relate to the victorian image. What I'm
afraid of is if we allow one house like this to happen then we
will allow more, like other areas that have these victorian
buildings that really don't relate historically.
I don't have a problem with the massing, I have a problem with
the design of the building.
Bill: We have a conflict between what you are presenting, the
re-working of the windows and what the staff is recommending=
that we review siting, detailing, fenestration etc. Does anybody
else on the Committee feel the need to discuss those issues any
longer.
Steve: Height and massing were the key issues that Roxanne
mentioned in the memo and I agree with Gideon that there is not a
need to go into the level of detailing.
18
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Georgeann: My only issue was the landscaping and the hedge.
Richard: The hedge will remain.
Georgeann: I'm not unhappy with the massing and I feel the
person has the right to design a house in the style that they
want to as long as it is not something that is so far out that
it is a real shock to the neighborhood. We will have enough
change in design, victorian, art deco, modern that the mix in
the community will be compatible and we will not have a
"Telluride".
Joe: I prefer the arched windows and it is a matter of taste.
The massing, siting we have gone through and was pleased with the
reduction that they made.
Zoe: To lessen the neo-victorian styling of a house as large as
this is I think the square rectangular shaped windows are more
appropriate. The massing doesn't bother me anymore.
Bill: I agree we did review this earlier on and I think I
brought up the restudy of the windows. I can go either way on
it and the massing is such that the window fenestration becomes a
small point now that I see it drawn up. I don't want to go back
on anything that we already reviewed. If there aren't any
questions I would entertain a motion.
Joe: Are you seeking conceptual and final.
Gideon: Yes.
Roxanne: It is redevelopment approval.
Gideon: There is as problem in the code, it says two different
things in two places so it is confusing. Roxanne's memo calls it
a redevelopment approval. In terms of significant development on
page 17 we say significant development is defined as the
redevelopment of the site of a historic landmark which has
received approval for demolition when a redevelopment plan has
been required by the HPC. On one hand it could be that and on
the other it could mean what Roxanne is saying. In this code the
same thing is called by two different names.
Joe: It seems from the language you read there that if we have
approved demolition subject to a redevelopment plan therefore it
is a significant development review.
Gideon: The code needs fixed up.
19
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Bill: Staff recommends and the applicant concurs that we go
along with redevelopment.
Bill: You would like to go back to the original window design
that you presented.
Richard: Yes.
Bill: After reviewing the two window designs I don't see that
much of a difference and if the applicant would like to have the
design that was presented April 12th with the overall window on
the door and arched windows I would concur that the applicant
should have what they want.
MOTION: Joe made the motion to grant redevelopment approval for
the Amato residence based upon the plans that Richard is going to
have marked for the meeting dated May 10, 1988. Georgeann second
the motion. All approved except Augie. Motion carries.
Steve: Joe's motion is fine and stands as final review.
513 W. BLEEKER-SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT REVIEW
Roxanne: This is unusual as we are going for conceptual and
final at this meeting. I felt that due to the simplicity of this
project that we could deal with it this way. In the
recommendation it is stated that you approve conceptual and then
approval final. This is a public hearing. We don't want to set
a precedent by doing this. The applicant is requesting a garage
addition connected to the main house with a 3ft. by 4ft. breeze
way. Total square footage is just under the 500 sq. ft. maximum
for exemption from FAR. The existing carriage house will also be
connected to the proposed garage via a similar breezeway and it
will receive new roof singles and interior renovation. We find
this development plan appropriate in many areas, the garage is a
one story structure with a shallow pitched roof, very low
profile. The breezeway connectors between the carriage house and
the proposed garage and the main house link all three of the
structures together and we find it to be compatible. The setback
of the new proposed garage and the renovation of the existing
carriage house is in keeping with the character of the
neighborhood and consistent with the guidelines. The garage is
tucked behind the large main house and prevents it from being
significantly viewed from Bleeker Street although we do feel this
lot itself is largely built out and minimum open space remains
to compliment the structures. The simple design and low profile
and siting of the garage allows the historic structure to stand
out architecturally. We recommend approval of conceptual and we
also recommend approval of final at this time providing the
accurate representation of all building materials be approved
2O
BPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
and in your final development approval that any conditions that
you might place on the conceptual that the applicant needs to
respond to it.
Bill: How does this relate to the house, and do we have the
drawings, the roof shapes.
Jesses Graber, contractor: There are porches there that have
fairly insignificant roof pitches that more or less surround the
house and the slope of the garage roof is compatible with the
slope of the porch roofs.
Georgeann: I would like to know where the breezeways go.
Jesse: On the site plan there is a breezeway between the
carriage house and the garage. The other one comes out off of
the side of the garage more or less the same walk thru in between
the garage and the carriage house it goes straight to the back
porch.
Georgeann: I don't mind approving these but it is hard from
this little bit of information to figure out what is going on.
Bill: I'll open the public hearing. I'll close the public
hearing.
Zoe: What is the material.
Jesse: Cedar shingles which are on the house and the siding is
bevelled siding. The garage door are wood doors and will be
painted.
Charles: To do a conceptual and final approval I think we would
have to have better drawings submitted.
Georgeann: Where are the cow horns.
Jesse: On the rear facing the alley above the garage door.
Georgeann: No one even presented this.
Jesse: Welton had to leave town and I'm trying to do my best to
present this as I can. Now Welton has this all tied together I
can't really speak for him.
Georgeann: I feel we have slipped into getting approval a
little too quick without anybody really having a chance to
understand this.
Bill: Is this a designated structure.
21
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Roxanne: Yes.
Joe: I was curious why the applicant wanted conceptual and
final approval all at once.
Roxanne: The applicant had requested it and the only thing that
made this particular project go into the conceptual stage is that
it was over 250 sq. ft. The rest could have been reviewed as
minor as a one step process. This is not a precedent setting
ca se.
Zoe: It is hard to say it is compatible with the house because
we don't know what the house looks like.
Charles: I think that the house has to be shown in context with
the garage. The carriage house was remodeled and now they are
adding a garage. I have trouble finding this compatible with the
original intention of the redevelopment of the house. I don't
think a garage per say is a problem but maybe a garage that looks
like its from the cattle country isn't necessarily appropriate.
This is supposed to be a high victorian house and now it is going
to have a garage that doesn't really fit with the character of
the house. A lot has happened with this house and at what point
do you say wow and start looking at something that would improve
the house.
Charlie: I'd be curious what the FAR is on this house. I look
at this project having watched it get developed and it says it
has an historic designation status as excellent. It is my
opinion that it should have no status at this point. It reminds
me of the Elli's project and I think we have been trampled on. I
don't think there is anything wrong with the house, it is
beautiful. I just think that the process was inappropriate;
HPC has been ignored. Things have been continuously done without
our approval. I don't think that the house is anywhere near the
character that it had originally when it had an excellent rating.
I think that if there is any consideration that we are making
because of its designation that I feel like Charles that the
proliferation of this house has gone on and on and not to the
benefit of HPC only to the benefit of the applicant. I think at
this point that if the applicant needs us for any reason that my
answer to the applicant is no as you have not done anything
necessarily with our blessings. Maybe it is not all the
applicants fault but that is my feeling.
Roxanne: It does not encroach into the setbacks and is under
the 500sq. ft. maximum for FAR exemption.
22
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Charlie: I disagree with staff completely because I have seen
this process go on.
Charles: There is a two year history on this house already.
Charlie: At this point I feel it is not an historically
designated house.
Bill: Is it within the FAR without the garage and the garage is
a 500 sq. ft. exemption.
Roxanne: I can't answer that directly but I do believe so.
Georgeann: When we were giving the ratings we got to Kathryn
Thalberg's house and gave it a #2 because it had no relationship
to what was originally there. Maybe this house should not be
designated. If this is an exemption that it only gets because it
is historically designated then that is a concern.
Bill: Take away the designation and they don't have to bring
the garage before us.
Roxanne: There is a provision to rescind the rating.
Joe: It is difficult for me to see whether the garage and
breezeways are compatible with the rest of the house without
seeing what the rest of the house looks like. I also have some
problem with doing it all in one meeting. We don't want to
establish a bad precedent not that I am opposed to this project.
Georgeann: I'd be inclined to suggest that we give this
conceptual approval only and ask the applicant to come back with
photos of what is going on in the house for the people who aren't
as familiar with it or until we have a chance to go and look at
it and see if it is in keeping with the main house. That would
also solve the problem that Joe brings up of not setting a
precedent of doing both in one meeting.
Augie: I agree with everything that has been said about
compatibility with the house also it has to relate somehow to the
carriage house. I don't have a problem approving it in one
meeting but it definitely has to be what we want.
Zoe= I have trouble with it relating to the house.
Jesse: The carriage house has been remodeled in the past so it
is not a perfect victorian and was done several years ago. When
we come back I want the committee to know that is not one of the
things that we did.
23
HPC. MINUTES MAY 10, 1988
Zoe: I have no problem with the
exceptions to the rules but feel photos
could do the conceptual.
one step as there are
are necessary. I feel we
Charlie: Is this glass in the garage doors.
Jesse: They are divided panelled.
Charlie: It says full glass doors.
Bill: I don't have a problem with adding a garage on to the
project but I don't feel this roof line is in keeping with the
prominent 12 x 12 pitched roofs on the main house and what
appears on the carriage house beyond without the dormer. So I
wouldn't approve it. The roof pitch is too low and not
compatible with the victorian structure and we are stretching its
limits of designation quality and we would like it to be in
keeping with our guidelines.
Jesse: Is it possible that I can amend my application and just
ask for conceptual at this point. Is that appropriate.
Bill: We could table the conceptual approval with a restudy of
the roof.
Zoe: Does anybody object to doing a two step in one
occasionally.
MOTION: Joe made the motion to table conceptual approval until
our next regular meeting with the direction that the applicant
study the roof pitch of the garage and continue the public
hearing until our next regular meeting. Charlie second the
motion. All approved. Motion carries.
Joe: If we feel comfortable with conceptual at the next
meeting we could consider final.
Charles: In order to get final approval certain requirements
such as material representations etc. should be presented.
MOTION= Charles made the motion to add the Sculpture Garden to
the next agenda. Augie second. All approved.
Adjourned 7:00pm
Kathleen J. Strickland, Deputy City Clerk