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HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.19770208RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves A regular meeting of the Historical Preservation Committee was held at 1:00 in the Council Chambers of City Hall on February 8, 1977. Those members present were Lary Groen, Norm Burns, Mona Frost, Florence Glidden, Bob Marsh, Terry End, and Tom Wells. There has been a request to add Clayton Meyring, Building Inspector to today's agenda. Burns so moved, seconded by Ms. Glidden. ELEVATOR REQUIREMENT Mr. Meyring is present today to discuss with the HPC the requirements now in the building code requiring any building over one story to provide ramps or elevators for handicapped persons. The problem is that smaller area buildings also come under this regulation it it imposes a hardship. Meyring is suggesting a proposal to be submitted to Council that in any case where theoccupancy load is less than ten the requirement be lifted. One building that is specifically being discussed is the proposed bookstore in the Thallberg Residence, where they have designed a mezzinnine type situation in that small building. Meyring does not feel Historic buildings should be completely exempt from such regulations, but some of the controls can be lightened to fit their needs. Meyring has developed a proposal to submit to Council the 14th. The various problems of historic buildings vs. the flexibility of newer buildings was discussed with Mr. Meyring. RUBEY PARK BUS STOP This item will be added to the agenda. Bill Smith is present at this meeting, and introduced himself to the members of the committee. He stated that about three weeks ago he received a request from Mick Mahoney to enclose the Rubey Park Bus Stop, had received a buidling permit and all, and was then told that he had to have HPC approval as this is in the Historic District. The type of material that could possibly be used to accomplish this enclosure was dis- cussed, such as rock, wood, are all glass. The economic aspect of the glass was discussed. The rock is really too hard to obtain in sufficient quantity, and Smitty suggested possibly enclosing the building only on three sides with some type of rough cedar siding. The problem of vandalism was discussed as it is a very strong consideration. Smitty went over the proposed diagraham for the enclosure of that bus stop. He would prefer to enclose the building with some type of plexiglass with a type of mylar coating, that would pro- tect it from vandals. It is almost unbreakable. The idea of enclosing only on three sides was suggested so that it could remain open during the summer. Smitty also suggested possibly being able to remove the rear wall in the summer for even more an open space effect. The concern of the members is for the growth of this facility, and where will it stop, when it encompasses that entire block? Will they be asked next to add pop machines, cafaterian, etc.? Smitty does not have the authority to say what will evolve from this. The South side will remain exposed. Groen stated that he would rather see the entire structure remain open, and he also feels that the City should require the same quality of work for its own projects as it does for any private builder. He doesn't feel that a lot of time and thought has been put into this proposal, it looks pretty hap-hazard. Smitty stated that the problem came down from the Council and County BOAT TOW HISTORICAL TOURS APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioners, who have requested the building be enclosed. Marsh adamantly opposes this plan. The pavilion effect of that structure is the concern of the members, and they want to preserve that. They each feel that this is one of the most important structures in that area, the tourists come there to catch the busses, and its impact is highly important. If the building has to be enclosed, it should be done with utmost care and respect for its importance in that downtown area. Wells also strongly questions the need for the en- closing of that structure, and feels that the design that has been presented should be denied. The approach to enclosure should be made with more concern for the asthetics of this structure. Ms. Glidden also questions the need for enclosing this structure, but if it has to be done it should be done more tastefully than what is being presented. Burns feels the design should be looked at carefully, and questions whether there is a need for enclosure. Ms. Frost feels basic- ally the same, but again questions the extent of this boards authority, and whether Council cares whether they deny it or not. Ms. End feels it should be tabled. Marsh feels it shouldn't be enclosed or heated nor does this have to be done now. He definitely does not like the design presented here. Groen feels the whole design should be reworked and the project held off. Burns moved to deny this application on the basis of the opinion of the feelings of the members on the design presented as stated in the poll above. This was seconded by Ms. Frost, all in favor, application denied. Smitty stated that he also received the project of the Boat Tow structure. The bus turnaround that was at the Rio Grande has been removed and is being used as the shelter for the Boat Tow. He asked what this group would recommend as further modifications to that structure, such as cement, etc. The idea is just to make sure the Boat Tow is protected, not as a museum. There has been some vandalism in that area, of which the members are concerned. Such vandalism has also had its effects on the gazebo Paepcke park. Ms. Frost moved to add Susan Smith to the Agenda, seconded by Burns. Ms. Smith is here to discuss with the members the part of the historical tours she conducts. She covered the different areas in her tour, such as the old mining sights: Pride of Aspen, and the residences such as Sardee home, Bucksbaum home, etc. She discusses with the people the various aspects of true Victorian architecture. She discussed the West End Association and their attempts to point out the architectural features in that area. Marsh stated that he did not feel the Historical Society should be running busses through the West End, especially by his home. He feels this is the Beverly Hills routine. Wells does not feel this adds sufficient traffic to the West End to cause any problems, they are public streets. The tour also goes through the downtown area, and the recent weather has really encouraged attendance. Ms. Smith feels that any time you go to an interesting town, you can take a tour of some type for the purpose of learning more about the town itself. Ms. Frost stated that she felt Ms. Smith does an excellent job of conducting the tours. Ms. Glidden moved to approve the minutes of the January llth meeting, seconded by Burns. RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS 100 Leaves Historical Preservation Committee Regular Meeting February 8, 1977 DESIGN CONTROLS GROWTH MGT. PLAN DESIGN REVIEW WHEELER OPERA HOUSE Stanford discussed with the members several leaflets that have been obtained on the question of Historic Districts. He has consulted an attorney before any further steps have been taken in the expansion of the Historic District. The question once again comes up of some type of architect- ural control on projects within the city limits. Such towns as Santa Barbara have very stringent controls on building and Wells added that he would be glad to do some research on this and possibly get copies of Ordinances that are used to enforce this type of control. Stanford attempted to explain to the members the way the proposed Growth Management Plan would work. There would be allowed so many dwellingunits and so much commercial space allowed on any building. This is to be operated on a "contest" basis whereby each proposal is submitted and the list of criteria similar to the historic criteria are used to determine points, such as proximity to public transportation, employee housing, etc. The staff makes a recommendation to the P & Z, and another board will review yearly all the various projects. He feels that a lot of the architectural control being strived for will evolve out of this program. The only concern was that this type of program could result in projects being very expensive even to research and propose. Burns pointed out that we have an election coming up in May, and that two of the council members we feel strongly support us will be up for re- election. The problems that might come up trying to desig- nate further historic areas were discussed. Stanford stated that the proposed amendments to the criteria were still not officially added. The amendments suggested that new construction shall respect existing rhythms of solids and voids along a street as established by buidling facades separated by open spaces; architecture in the His- toric District that reflects contemporary design but that is visually compatible with the scal~and visual impression of nearby Historic structures shall be encouraged rather than new construction that imitates or copies authentic historic architecture. Exterior renovations to designated historic buildings shall maintain the original architectural appearance. The new buildings such as the one on Hopkins and Hunter were discussed. Burns moved to add the two above proposed amendments to the HPC set of guideline criteria. Ms. ~rost seconded, all in favor. Motion carried Stanford reviewed with the members the creation of the Community Facilities Board by the County Commissioners, and their job of trying to designate uses for the Wheeler Opera House, Holy Cross property, and the hospital building. He further explained their attempts to develope the Wheeler into a performing arts center, the attempt topurchase the adjacent Shaw lots, and the possibilities this would open for expansion of the existing building. Eventually it will be possible for a person to walk from Wagner park to the Hotel Jerome without walking down streets. Several sketches of different ideas as to how the Wheeler facility could be improved. The members discussed the use of the Wheeler Opera cafe, and the Pub, and the hazard of having a restaurant in the COMMITTEE COMMENTS The Pub has now gone to a Tavern license, and only serves sandwiches. The proposed buildings adjacent to the Wheeler would eliminate that extra parking there. The question of what problems this would create with loading and unloading were discussed. Groen stated that we do have a vacancy on this committee because of the resignation by Arthur Langenkamp, and that Nancy Snell has requested to be considered for this position. The meeting adjourned at 2:45. Ellen L. Atkins, Deputy City Clerk