HomeMy WebLinkAboutminutes.hpc.20001108 ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8, 2000
515 GIILLESPIE - VARIANCE REQUEST, LOT SPLIT ...................................................................... 1
303 S. CLEVELAND .................................................................................................................................... 1
203 S. GALENA - BRAND BUILDING ..................................................................................................... 3
501 W. MAIN - CHRISTIANIA - PROJECT MONITORING ............................................................... 7
447 E. COOPER - MINOR DEVELOPMENT .........................................................................................9
303 S. CLEVELAND .................. : .............. , ................................................................. , ............................. 10
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8 2~.~000
ChairPerson Suzannah Reid called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
Members in attendance were Susan DodingtOn, Gilbert Sanchez, Lisa
Markalunas, Rally Dupps and Jeffrey Halferty.
Gilbert and Rally disclosed that he will step down for 515 Gillespie.
Suzannah disclosed that she will step down for 303 S. Cleveland
Rally volunteered for DRAC
515 GiILLESPIE - VARIANCE REQUEST, LOT SPLIT
Rally stepped down.
Suzarmah opened the public hearing.
MOTION.. Jeffrey moved to continue the public hearing on 515 Gillespie to
January 10, 2001; second by Susan. All in favor, motion carried.
Yes Vote. Jeffrey, Susan, Lisa, Suzannah
Suzannah closed the public hearing.
303 S. CLEVELAND
Request to be removed from Inventory ( cont'd from 10/11/2000)
Suzannah stepped down.
Fred Jarman, planner informed the board that this is a request to be removed
from the Inventory of Historic Sites and Structures. 303 S. Cleveland was
identified as significant in the 91-92 inventory and formally adopted by City
Council Ord. 34, 1992. As a matter of process, the HPC has final decision
on this matter and the applicant can appeal to city council only on the basis
of denial or due process or if it is felt that the HPC exceeded its jurisdiction
or abused its discretion. This is a continued public hearing.
Gilbert asked if City Council would deal with the due process.
ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8, 2000
Fred said the issues with respect to noticing and due process are legal issues
and HPC is not the board that can make any action or decision on. If the
applicant wants to talk about architectural integrity with respect to the
historic structure site they can do that.
Gilbert informed the board that the basis of discussion tonight are
designation, perhaps why it was designated and what is the significance of
it.
Michael Hoffman, attorney for Mr. Tower owner of the property at 303 S.
Cleveland. Mr. Hoffman stated that the procedural question asked at the
last meeting in terms of asking the commission to reverse the 1992 decision
to exclude the property on the inventory was discussed with the Assistant
City Attorney, David Hoefer. The City Attorney decided that it was not
appropriate for this body to make that decision and he was to send a letter
confirming that decision in order for Mr. Tower to have a letter of record.
That letter has not yet been received. Therefore, the applicant would like to
continue that question until the letter is received or he can bring it back to
the board to request a reversal of the 1992 decision.
The immediate prOcedural question is due process. One of the reasons for
the record today is to encourage the city to redo their process because he
feels it is constitutionally defective.
Fred said the application before the board and the public notice that was
noticed is to address the inventory and this house is on it. The client's
property is listed under a certain criteria and it is that criteria that the HPC
judges whether it should be on the inventory or not.
Julie Ann Woods, Community Development Director relayed to the board
that the case might be continued if legal issues are going to be discussed
that she is not comfortable with related to due process. She also informed
Michael Hoffrnan of her concern and he is aware of the issue.
Gilbert said the purview is establishing the significance of the property.
The board said they would not discuss due process without the city attorney.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8. 2000_
Michael Hoffman said the case can not be discussed without talking about
due process because the inventory sheet and Amy's memo are the result of
the process. The process used is inadequate and in order for the HPC to
have a product that is legally defensible you need to go through a different
process.
Gilbert relayed that part of the process is how this property got on the list
and it was determined to be historically significant. How the survey was
formed and how noticing took place are topics this board cannot discuss.
Michael said he needed a few minutes to think about whether he can make a
presentation to the board or not. Michael said the board is uncomfortable
about hearing legal issues without the Assistant City Attorney.
Gilbert said if you are interspersing legal issues with items that we feel we
need to make decisions on we'll hear that but we will not be making any
decisions on legal issues. We are prepared to hear topics related to the
historic significance of the property. That is our expertise here. If you feel
the topics are inter-related then it is to your advantage to have this
continued.
MOTION: Jeffrey made the motion to move 303 S. Cleveland ro another
part of the agenda so the attorney can discuss with the applicant whether or
not they desire to proceed tonight; second by Rally. All in favor, motion
carried 5-0.
203 S. GALENA - BRAND BUILDING
Sworn in were architects, Wayne Stryker and Steve Buettow
Fred relayed that this is a continued public hearing from October 11, 2000.
The applicant is proposing a addition roof deck remodel to the top of the
Brand Building which is listed on the National Register of Historic places
and within the commercial core historic district. At the last meeting the
applicant was requested to consrrnct mockups on the top of the building to
show what the proposal would look like. The development on the roof
includes several things and the applicant will respond.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8 2000
Steve Buettow said the drawings focus primarily on three things, stair
expansion, the west handrail and the north handrail, all which were mocked
up on the building by two by fours. The site elevations from grade which is
the same as the first floor and the very top of the existing stair is 38.1 feet.
We have 1 ½ feet to work with. We are requesting a variance of seven to
eight inches on top of the stairway to build a new roof and to possibly put in
a larger circular stairway head height to eliminate the problems of the head
bumping problems of the existing stair tower,
Clairifications:
The guard rail of woven wire and wood will be painted black. The board
had concerns of the connections.
Steve relayed that it will be attached with metal fasteners. ' The stair tower
will basically be about the same square footage but in a different
configuration. The west handrail will consist of a three-foot high very
simple wood handrail with plywood or wood siding horizontal painted a
dark color so that it can blend in.
Suzannah inquired about the stair enclosure and the wooden beam which is
the break point for the roof and what kind of headroom clearance is there.
Steve said it is an existing situation and is about seven feet.
Suzannah opened and closed the public hearing.
HPC MEMBER COMMENTS
There is an existing stair location but the desire would be to have it further
back in the site. The color is important on the guardrail to keep it minimal.
The six by six posts should be thinner.
There is concern about the rough sawn cedar for the guardrail. The flashing
of the wood cap is very important visually.
The board had concern with the material selection and the stair bulkhead.
Rough sawn cedar does not fit in with the character of the building.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8 2__~_~000
The stair bulkhead is highly visible and should be explored to move it back
and less visible.
Some members felt that the objects there now detract from the building and
the notion to make it bigger is not appropriate.
The stair should be pulled back from the street and should not be as visible
aa it is now.
The materials for the handrails could be look at and possibly be metal.
In the past the board has been very careful about bulkheads even on
particularly taller buildings and on the impact to the downtown historic
district.
The board was not in favor of expanding the bulk head partly due to the
location so close to the north facade. The west and north handrail could be
approved.
The entire project needs refined in terms of its materials and as minimal as
it can be. There is concern of the complexity of the roof shapes.
Applicant response.
Steve said the rough sawn cedar is on the inside so it would not be seen.
The north handrail will not be seen. There will be no exterior lighting.
MOTION: Rally moved to adopt Resolution 50, 2000 approving a minor
development for an exterior expansion of the roof deck of the Brand
Building condominiums, Block 88 located at 203 S. Galena Street, City and
Town Site of Aspen with the following conditions as outlined in the
resolution 1 through 8; second by Gilbert.
Vote: No vote: Jeffrey, Rally, Susan, Gilbert, Suzannah, Lisa Motion
denied.
MOTION: Jeffrey moved to adopt Resolution 50, 2000 approving a minor
development for an exterior expansion of the roof deck of the Brand
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8 2000
Building condominiums, Block 88 located at 203 S. Galena Street, City and
Town Site of .4spen with the following conditions:
1. That the applicant agree that all improvement will be held back a full
three feet from the north building wall.
2. That the applicant agrees to construct the railing along the north wall to
be open so that snow is not trapped against the parapet.
3. That the applicant agrees to plant nothing but flowers and low shrubs in
box planters. Trees shall not be permitted.
4. That the applicant agrees that no furnishings on the roof shall be taller
than six feet in height from the roof surface:
5. That the applicant agrees that no roofing shall be constructed over any
part of the decking of the roof.
6. That the [-[PC Staff and monitor will need to approve the type and
location of all exterior lighting fixtures; and
7. That all representations made by the applicant in the application and
during pubic meetings with the Historic Preservation Commission shall
be adhered to and considered conditions of approval, unless otherwise
amended by other conditions.
8. All exterior hand rail sizes and materials to be approved by staff and
monitor.
9. The existing stair tower will not be expanded.
motion second by Susan.
Yes IZote: Jeffrey, Suzannah, Gilbert,
No Vote: Rally, Susan, Lisa
Tie vote, motion dies.
Lisa was concerned about the six-foot height of the furnishings, which is
almost as high as the stair tower.
Fred explained that the zone district is 40 feet and nothing can go above that
height.
MOTION: Jeffrey moved to adopt Resolution 50, 2000 as stated above with
conditions 1- 7 as written and
8. All exterior hand rail sizes, heights, materials to be reviewed by the
entire HPC board
9. The existing stair tower will not be expanded.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8 2000
motion second by Rally.
Yes vote: Jeffrey, Rally, Suzannah, Gilbert, Susan, Lisa
Motion carries 6-0.
501 W. MAIN - CHRISTIANIA - PROJECT MONITORING
Suzannah stated for clarity this is just for the two buildings on the alley that
have gone through final.
Nick Lelack, planner met with Rally the monitor and determined that the
project needed to come back to the HPC due to the significant changes on
the facades on both buildings. Staff's concerns are on the duplex on the
west facade that faces 5th St. There is no longer a door on the ground level
and staff feels that is a nice feature that brings pedestrian activity from the
sidewalk and street to that side of the house.
The board went through the exhibits and discussed the changes.
Steve Buettow, architect said essentially they have the same building, same
scale and same materials and colors. There are minor re-arrangements of
the doors and windows. The porch on the new drawing is expanded.
Julie Ann Woods, Community Development Director relayed that the HPC
needs to decide whether the changes should be reviewed more in depth as
opposed to being a monitoring issue.
Jeffrey said part of the problem is the existing scheme is trying to match the
exi,sting penetrations of the openings and the applicant is trying to allow for
better living but the board needs to question the plans under the approval
process.
Suzannah said the issue here is similar to 330 Lake. The set of drawings is
significantly different than the final approval and it is more than a
monitoring issue.
Gilbert said this is different because they are not historic buildings and they
are not attached to an historic building. It is not the same as Lake Avenue.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8 2000
Suzannah relayed that she feels the project should be reviewed as a cohesive
project and would be reluctant to sign off on all the changes.
Gregg Hills, applicant indicated that he wanted to proceed the right way in
the approval process.
Wayne Stryker said it was the intent to keep the overall character of the
buildings. He feels the window change is minor.
MOTION: Gilbert moved to approve the submitted revisions to the
Christiana Lodge duplex and four plex that were previously approved;
second by Lisa.
No Vote: Jeffrey, no; Rally, no; Suzannah, no; Gilbert, no; Susan, no;
Lisa, no;
Discussion:
Suzannah said there is also the issue of demolition of the panabode and that
might push it uP into a different review. There is probably about 50%
demolition.
Julie Ann Woods said to play it safe the minor development should be re-
noticed and re-looked at.
Fred said the other option is to go with what was submitted without the
demolition.
Gregg Hills said what transpired during the alternations of the panabode it
cam to the point of keeping a little point of the Lincoln log wall here and
there. Once the entire second floor was torn offyou have the main floor
with an inadequate flooring system and we wanted to replace the flooring
system so now you have four perimeter Walls of the first floor. It made the
most sense to tear the buildings down and keep the foundation the same and
build the structures the same. It just didn't make sense to keep it the way it
is.
Suzannah said there are two issues: One we need to eValuate the demolition
aspect technically regarding code issues because that was not part of the
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF~
November 8, 2000
original submittal. Secondly is Gilbert's concern as to whether it is
appropriate to demolish the walls and rebuild them and the roof issues.
Greg said both buildings have the panabode structure on the second floor.
Gilbert said rebuilding the first floor and changing the plate heights of the
second floor is significant as it addresses height.
Greg said he can rebuild it by retaining the walls if he needs to fall in the
over 50% bracket.
Gilbert said in general the walls should be saved but the problem is so much
has been done to these buildings already and the questions is, is there any
value in that in this specific case.
447 E. COOPER - MINOR DEVELOPMENT
Sara Oates, planner informed the HPC that the building is not designated
historic but is in the commercial core historic district and the applicant is
proposing changing windows and doors on three of the facades. Staff is
recommending approval.
Jim Columbo was sworn in.
Jim relayed that the location is the Guido Meyer building and in the historic
overlay of the downtown area. It is not an historic building.
Gilbert said the space was divided up a long time ago and River Valley
Ranch moved into the left side and Stefen Kaelin gave up part of his space.
At the same time the window on the right was the same size as the window
on the left and Stephen wanted his windows bigger and came to HPC and
got approval for the enlarged window.
Jim said the awning will be removed.
Notice was provided.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8, 2000
Suzannah said if the awning is being replaced exactly the same but a
different color staff and monitor could review it.
MOTION: Rally moved to approve the minor development for 447 E.
Cooper Street with one condition to be added to the resolution 51; Material
selection to be reviewed by staff and monitor, material selection is to match
the existing; second by Jeffrey.
Yes vote: Jeffrey, Rally, Suzannah, Gilbert, Susan, Lisa,
All in favor, motion carried 6-0.
303 S. CLEVELAND
Michael Hoffman, attorney for the applicant stated on Sept. 13th they gave a
full presentation and the HPC decided to keep the buildings on the
inventory. The property was categorized as being rustic but the expert says
the property is not rustic and Suzannah agreed that the property was not
rustic. If you label a particular type of structure then you should evaluate it
in that way.
Michael provided the board with a memo from John Feinberg.
The legal argument is ultimately this process is driven by the Historic
Preservation Commission.
Gilbert said Feinberg had a list of characteristics of what rustic buildings
are.
The conversation that Gilbert had with Feinberg was, is it reasonable to
expect any building to have every single characteristic and his answer was
no. He asked if it was 50% of the items or 65% that preservation is used to
characterize a particular style and again his response was no.
Michael said the factual arguments are the ones that HPC has purview over.
Gilbert said it seems that no new evidence is being presented here tonight.
Michael said he needs a decision to proceed to city council or you need to
make a decision that you want to change your process.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8, 2000
Gilbert said the I-]PC needs to vote whether the property should stay on the
inventory or not. The I-{PC cannot discuss legal issues.
Julie Ann Woods stated that the memo has been presented and it is new
evidence and the HPC has not had a chance to read it and she recommends
tabling.
Gilbert said this should be tabled in order to have all of the issues discussed.
Julie Ann said ifHPC keeps the cabins on the inventory the applicant can
appeal to city council whether or not the procedure was proper, not the
issue.
Jeffrey said the HPC needs time to review the memorandum and it is
important to have legal council present at future meetings.
Rally said the property can be added to the process that we are going to be
doing anyway.
Michael asked the board to make a decision on the representation given
September 13, 2000.
MOTION.. Jeffrey moved to continue the public hearing on 303 S.
Cleveland until Nov. 15th in order for the board to have time to read the
memo and have proper council; second by Susan.
Discussion:
Gilbert said he could vote and he feels confident about his recollection of
the conversation. He does not feel the issue of due process is related to the
topic of whether the HPC can determine whether this building is worthy of
maintaining on the inventory.
Yes vote: Jeffrey, Susan, Lisa
No vote: Rally, Gilbert,
MOTION: Jeffrey moved to adjourn; second by Gilbert. All in favor,
motion carried.
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ASPEN HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES OF,
November 8, 2000
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
Kathleen J. Strickland, Chief Deputy City Clerk
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