HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.19970319Historic Preservation Special Meeting March 19, 1997
Suzannah Reid was appointed acting Chair and called the meeting to order at
5:10 p.m. with Melanie Roschko, Gil Sanchez and Susan Dodington present.
Commissioner and Staff Comments
Amy Amidon, community development department, told the Commission the
Entrance to Aspen meeting has been postponed until April 9 so that everyone can
get involved. There will be a photo simulation of a train coming down Main
street. Ms. Amidon reminded the Commission of the site visit at the Paepcke
house next week.
There were none.
514 East Hyman Avenue Minor Development
Amy Amidon, community development department, reminded the Commission
this was reviewed March 12. The staff recommendation was not to approve the
proposal. A second plan was shown at that meeting and tabled to this meeting.
Ms. Amidon recommended the Board approve some aspects but not all of the
proposal. Ms. Amidon said this recommendation is based on the fact that this is
not a historic structure but is located in the historic district. Ms. Amidon said
staff feels the details proposed are in conflict with the character of the existing
building and make the building not fit in with either historic or new buildings in
the commercial core.
Ms. Amidon pointed out in this proposal the ornateness has been pulled back, the
cornice is more stylized, the sandstone is smooth faced - more in keeping with
the existing building. Ms. Amidon recommended approval of the awnings, the
smooth faced sandstone trim and the medallions, relocation of the door and new
light fixture, the soffets can be replaced with a more high quality material. Ms.
Amidon recommended not approving the sandstone pediment and the frieze and
the corbels as well as the columns. Ms. Amidon said these are too much in
conflict with the existing architecture and trying too much to create a central
emphasis on the building. The column is supporting an element that is meant to
be cantilevered.
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Historic Preservation Special Meeting March 19; 1997
Jim Colombo, representing the applicant, said they are not trying to preserve a
1980 modem structure. The criteria for historical preservation is that it is
compatible in general design, massing, scale and site planning with designated
historical parcels and structures located on those parcels. Colombo pointed out
only the Elks building and Ute City Banque building are the only 2 historic
structures in this block. The rest of the structures are not of historical
consequence. Colombo said the compatibility with the historic structures and the
neighborhood is with neo-Victorian in-fill and those two historic structures. The
street is very eclectic.
Colombo said another standard is that the redesign does not detract from existing
historic structures. Colombo said this building does not. Another standard is
that this is consistent with the character of the neighborhood. Colombo reiterated
this neighborhood has two historic structures and an eclectic mix. These are the
standards by which to judge the project; this is not preservation of a 100 year old
building. Colombo said he is proposing applications to a building that is very
modern looking, which should make it fall more into the character of the block.
Colombo said the two standards staff does not agree with is that this building is
not compatible with the block nor is it consistent with the surrounding
neighborhood. Colombo said this building will be consistent with the existing
structures when these applications are made to it. Without these applications, it
is inconsistent with the neighborhood. These additions to the Mason and Morse
building will make it a transition between the Pitldn County Bank and the Elk's
building.
Colombo told the Commission they are giving the Mason and Morse building a
whole new facade. They are trying to make the building more compatible and
consistent with the neighborhood. One application that is of concern is the
pediment; a pediment is a very neo-Victorian styling and is very similar to the
building on the east. The pediment is to be smooth sandstone, which gives the
building a light hearted feel. Colombo said he plans on using stylized corbels out
of smooth sandstone with a hint of Victorian styling. Colombo presented
photographs of historic and new buildings in the commercial core to illustrate
architectural details. Colombo said neo-Victorian is a play off of historic styling.
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Historic Preservation Special Meeting March 19, 1997
Colombo said the columns are another issue. These are meant to be fun, not
historical. These columns are used to support a modern cantilever on this
building.
Larry Yaw, architect and neighbor of the Mason and Morse building, said he
feels this design is knitting the block together and the block will be better because
of this design. Yaw urged the HPC to approve this design. John Hamwi, owner
of Little Annie's across the street, agreed with the spirit of this proposal and
commended the applicants for this. Hamwi said he likes the cantilever and
column. Hamwi said this building has never looked like it is in context with
anything on that block. Scott Ledoux, Hyde Park Jewelers, told the Commission
he does not think the Mason and Morse building fits in its block. Ledoux said he
supports this proposal.
Colombo requested the HPC make this decision based on the standards in the
code, whether this detracts or is compatible with the buildings in the area, and
whether or not it is consistent with the neighborhood.
Melanie Roschko said to her the pediment feels like it is stuck on. Ms. Roschko
asked if the pediment can be made more of the existing building. Colombo
explained the design is to replace the entire existing facade with sandstone which
will continue up into the pediment so that it will not seem detached from the
existing structure. Colombo said he feels the frieze across the top with the
corbels breaks up the building. Ms. Roschko said this building is contemporary
and the pediment does not fit; it makes it more Victorian feeling.
Susan Dodington said the building is asymmetrical and this is a symmetrical
pediment and makes the building feel off balance. Gil Sanchez said this proposal
is better than the previous one. It is getting away from literal detail. Sanchez
said all the buildings on this block have flat roofs. The Building fits into the
massing of the block. Sanchez said the plan makes the building seem disjointed.
The pediment is very symmetrical and conflicts with this asymmetrical building.
Suzannah Reid said this building has a strong asymmetrical and deep element and
it will never be like the buildings next door. Ms. Reid said there must be a way
to achieve softening and blending into neighborhood and adding character with a
more modern approach. Ms. Reid said this could be using the materials in a
more contemporary way.
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Historic Preservation Special Meeting March 19; 1997
Colombo said this building is very symmetrical and the design is trying to lessen
the asymmetry and bring the building back into line. Bob George, applicant, said
this building is a box, not asymmetrical. Colombo pointed out this is a very
bright structure with large glazed areas and inviting courtyard. Colombo
reiterated this is not preserving a 1980 building. The standards the HPC is to be
voting on is that this fits in with the rest of the structures and that it is compatible
and consistent with the rest of the structures in the neighborhood. The Board is
to make sure the infill structures meet the standards that have been set for the
Board. Colombo said the HPC should look at this in a spirit of renovation, that
the owners have decide to make a costly venture to improve the neighborhood.
Colombo requested a straw vote from the Board and a tabling to another meeting
for redesign and the full Board review.
Ms. Reid said the Board is reacting to the elements and the details, which detract
from the historic structures in the neighborhood. Ms. Reid said the other historic
buildings in the block have a sense of self.
Ms. Roschko moved to table 514 E. Hyman, Mason and Morse building, for
further design consideration; seconded by Ms. Dodington.
Sanchez said he feels this building is very asymmetrical and the recesses matter a
lot to this building. Sanchez said playing up the asymmetry might be the best
way to reach a solution.
All in favor, motion carried.
Colombo said they would like to be on the March 26th meeting. The changes
will be simple to identify. Ms. Amidon said she will supplement the packet with
information from this applicant.
Bob George said he is frustrated on what will satisfy the staff and the
Commission. Ms. Amidon said she has a problem with the pediment, frieze,
corbels and the column. Ms. Amidon said tin and sandstone as elements are all
right. Ms. Roschko said the Board has discussed the building as a whole and
feels this is an asymmetrical building and that this solution does not fit to make
the building work as a whole. Ms. Reid said the shape of the pediment and
corbels is not the issue; the approach to putting a Victorianesque pediment on this
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Historic Preservation Special Meeting March 19, 1997
building is the problem. Ms. Reid said the design needs to be rethought. David
Hoefer, assistant city attorney, said the Commission looks at the overall project
in relation to the standards in the Code. Sanchez said a successful solution will
resolve the application of symmetrical historical detail on this asymmetrical
building. Sanchez said he feels there is a way to apply the details to the building
to emphasize the asymmetry.
Ms. Dodington moved to adjourn at 6:20 p.m.; seconded by Sanchez. All in
favor, motion carried.
Kathryn S. Koch, City Clerk
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