Landmark Commission Minutes - 10/30/2018MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
October 30, 2018
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michele Derr
■ Vice -Chairperson
John Dickinson
■ Member
Stacie Flood
■ Member
Christy Graham
■ Chairperson
Jim Johnson
■ Member
Jackie William Lebow, J r.
■ Member
Andy Lee
■ Member
Rodney Martin
■ P&Z Liaison
Cindy Ramirez
■ Member
Karen Gagne, Planning Administrator ■ City staff
APPLICANTS/ GUESTS:
Carol Sales, CPO, Arts Council WF Area, INC.
Christine Heidebrecht, Education Coordinator, Arts Council WF Area, INC.
Tyler Sales, Arts Council Board Member
Tom Wainscott, Volunteer, The Woman's Forum
Steve Berend, Electrical Volunteer, The Woman's Forum
ABSENT:
Eric West ■ Council Liaison
I. Call to Order, and Introductions
Chairperson Christy Graham welcomed and called the meeting to order at 12:10 p.m.
The Chair asked everyone to introduce themselves. Welcomed guest Carol Sales,
Christine Heidebrecht, Tyler Sales, Tom Wainscott and Steve Berend all from The
Woman's Forum/ Arts Council WF Area, INC.
II. Review & Approval of Minutes from September 25, 2018
Chairperson Graham called for review and approval of the September 25, 2018 Landmark
Commission meeting minutes. Mr. Rodney Martin made a motion to approve minutes;
Mr. Andy Lee seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.
III. Action Item - Design Review Application -- 2120 Speedway -- City Landmark/RTHL:
The Women's Forum
• Install Solar Panel Covered - Parking Structures
• Replace Existing HVAC Units In Same Location
Chairperson Graham introduced the case. Ms. Gagne presented the case and stated
staff were working with The Forum's staff on potential energy efficiencies and have
requested the review and approval of solar panel covered parking structures in the
Landmark Commission 2
October 30, 2018
parking lot and upgrades to the existing HVAC units. Ms. Gagne stated the project site
location is between Harrison and Taft, south of Kell Blvd. The Forum was built in 1927
and made a City Landmark in 1984 and previously a Registered Texas Historic
Landmark (RTHL) in 1980. In the process of putting together this application The Forum
staff had already contacted the Texas Historical Commission who indicated the parking
lot had no historical character defining qualities. Ms. Gagne stated the actual structure
will have no work done other than the upgrades to the HVAC units, only the parking lot is
going to be affected. The solar panel covered parking would be located along the
western portion of the parking lot and north property line towards the back of -the
building. The Texas Historical Comnnission Regional Reviewer, Alexander Toprac stated
in email that the project would not affect the designated historic building or other historic
features of the property. Ms. Gagne stated according to local historical guidelines this
would fall under energy efficiency. The guidelines state any new construction or
alterations to an existing structure shall be done in a way to maximize energy efficiency
while maintaining historic character which in this case the structure will not be impacted.
Ms. Gagne turned the floor over to Ms. Christine Heidebrecht to give additional
information to -the corrimission. Mr. Martin asked which way -the covered parking would
slope. Ms. Heidebrecht advised it would slop towards the front of the vehicles with a 9 ft.
raise at the lowest point and an 11 ft. raise at the tallest point. Ms. Heidebrecht also
stated the solar panels have a non -reflective coating on them to ensure no glare and
comply with SAFE encroachment requirements. Mr. Lebow stated the way the panels
are sloped they would not be getting the maximum sunlight. Ms. Heidebrecht stated with
the layout they have achieved enough collection of energy to sustain both structures,
both -rhe Forum and the Arts Council location at the Kemp Center. Mr. Sales advised
they would be getting energy credits that would be shared with both locations and the
company they are working with out of Dallas requires $0 down from The Forum. It's
estimated the HVAC units will cost approximately $160,000 for both sides and will also
be coming inside to do LED retrofits. Mr. Martin asked what the companies name was
and if they had any designs for the covered parking structures. Mr. Sales stated Environ
was the company name and they will do a 120 day due diligence period and send out 3rd
party engineers to do design and layouts. Ms. Heidebrecht stated they are envisioning a
standard steel structure. Mr. Lebow asked if the large tree would be removed for
maximum efficiency. Mr. Sales stated not sure until engineers look at it but if it needed
to be removed they would try to relocate somewhere on property. Ms. Ramirez asked if
they are going to provide handicapped covered parking and if those spaces would be
wider. Mr. Martin stated typically ADA will want one or two spaces. Ms. Ramirez also
stated they would want a gutter to catch water runoff so that it didn't damage sidewalks.
Mr. Sales confirmed they would use local subcontractors for the gutters and designation
of handicapped parking spots. Ms. Ramirez asked they keep the commission up to date
on design and they needed something that would blend with the character of the building
and not something ultra -modern beside a historic structure.
Ms. Graham asked if there were any further discussion. Mr. Martin made a motion to
approve installation of solar paneled covered parking & HVAC unit replacement @ 2120
Speedway and Mr. Dickinson seconded. Ms. Derr asked about contingency to see
design structure. Mr. Lebow stated no need for that since THC already approved.
Motion unanimously approved.
Landmark Commission 3 October 30, 2018
IV. Other Business:
a) Monthly Reports:
Depot Square and Historic District:
Ms. Michele Derr gave an overview of activities coming up in the Depot Square:
• Oct. 31 st — Downtown Halloween
• Nov. 17th - City of Lights Parade
• Nov. 1 St — 4th Christmas Magic
• Nov. 10th — 11 th Hangar Holiday
• Now --- Nov. 4th Wichita Theater — Aladdin
• Nov. 16th — Dec. 15th Wichita Theater — Beauty & The Beast
• Nov. 9th — 11 th Wichita Theater Clue The Musical
• Nov. 23rd — Dec. 15th Back Door Theater — White Christmas
• Nov. 17th Farmer's Market — Thanksgiving Market
• New business opened up at 724 Indiana Crashworks STEAM Studio
• New restaurant in the Hamilton Building called Progressive & Provisions
Craft Kitchen
• Masket Building moving forward — conversion to affordable residential units
• WCHS has on going activities
• Rodney — donate to capital campaign for the Kell House Restoration
project
West Floral Heights District:
• Prepping for the Turkey Trot event
Morningside District:
• Luminaries — Dec. 8th
o Discussion about Landmark involvement with district. Mr. Johnson advised
the commission there is a petition circulating in the neighborhood to withdraw
from national designation. Mr. Martin asked what the process would be to
withdraw from the national designation. Mr. Johnson stated he does not
know steps but that there is a mix of opinions in that area with some wanting
the designation and others wanting cheaper homes with less restrictions. Mr.
Dickinson stated majority knew requirements when purchased but possibly
not about landmark standards. Ms. Flood stated according to Cornell School
of Law in order to be removed from the national designation one of the
following would have to apply; 1) Ceased to meet qualifications, 2) Not
sufficient significance and/or 3) Error in designation process. Mr. Johnson
stated it starts with one owner painting brick, another doing a chain link fence
another installing vinyl siding and before long all historic structures are lost.
Staff and Commission will continue to follow up with THC on these issues.
b) Design Review Updates - 1501 & 1601 Tilden
No permits pulled and stickers on windows possibly within 1-2 years of manufacturing. Mr.
Martin stated previous owner of 1501 Tilden passed away 8-9 years ago.
Landmark Commission 4 October 30, 2018
c} Design Review —Staff Authorized —Minor Alteration/Repairs:
0 1507 Tilden was requesting to widen his drive way
0 1100 Travis was needing to update wiring with no changes to historic
structure
Ms. Gagne stated staff signed off on both requests.
d) Articles & Periodicals / THC Items:
o THC Email -- Special Call for CLG Pilot Community
Mr. Lee advised this program could help with downtown historic preservation with short
timing since the deadline to apply is November 13th 2018 and it's a free grant. Staff
indicated there would be significant time from planning and commission members in order
to make project successful. Ms. Graham recommended from Landmark to apply. Staff
noted management approval is required prior to any city employee applying for
grants/special programs.
e) Touring Wichita Falls Brochure -- Reprint via CVB
Ms. Gagne advised committee boxes of brochures are all gone from the CLG grant
brochure project in fall of 2010 and CVB is offering to pay to print more. Ms. Graham
stated interest in updating brochures. Ms. Flood advised WCHS gets calls requesting
brochures frequently. Staff indicated brochure needed to be reviewed, updated and minor
corrections prior to any reprint.
Next meeting is November 27, 2018 at 12:00pm .
V. Adjourn:
Meeting adjourned at 1:02 p.m.
/ta
Christy Graham, Chairperson
Date