Landmark Commission Minutes - 05/28/2019MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
May 28, 2019
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Michele Derr
■ Vice -Chairperson
John Dickinson
■ Member
Christy Graham
■ Chairperson
Stacie Flood
■ Member
Jim Johnson
■ Member
Andy Lee
■ Member
Rodney Martin
■ P&Z Liaison
Cindy Ramirez
■ Member
Marcela Trice
■ Member
Tim Brewer
■ Council Liaison
Amy Gardner, Legal ■ City Staff
Karen Gagne, Planning Administrator ■ City Staff
Rita Miller, Code Enforcement & Housing Administrator ■ City Staff
ABSENT:
N/A
I. Call to Order, and Introductions
Vice -Chairperson Michele Derr called the meeting to order at 12..03 p.m. Ms. Derr had
Commission members introduce themselves and introduced guests; Christine
Heidebrecht, West Floral Heights Association President, Claire Kowalick, Times Record
News and Syd Litteken, Syd Litteken Design Concepts Architects.
II. Review & Approval of Minutes from April 23, 2019
Vice -Chairperson Derr called for review and approval of the April 23, 2019 Landmark
Commission meeting minutes. Mr. Rodney Martin made a motion to approve minutes,
Mr. Andy Lee seconded the motion. Minutes were unanimously approved.
III. Other Business:
a) Monthly Report — Depot Square, West Floral Heights Historic District &
Morningside Historic District
Ms. Derr highlighted upcoming activities in the Depot District/Downtown:
Depot Square:
• June 611 — After Hours Art Walk
• June 6th — Bike Rack Unveiling
• June 7th -22nd Wichita Theater — Frozen
• Now — June 8th — Backdoor Theater — Mama Mia
0 June 14th — June 29th — Backdoor Theater — Kalamazoo
Landmark Commission 2 May 28, 2019
West Floral Heights:
• Flags out for Memorial Day
• Four dumpsters for clean up in the neighborhood, well -coordinated and
appreciate pride in keeping area cleaned up.
Morningside:
• Home on corner of Grant and 9th Street being restored; excited to see the
craftsmanship and thorough work going into the home.
b) Update - Morningside National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) Meeting
with Ad Hoc Committee (Christy Graham entered meeting and presides). Ms.
Gagne stated she was very appreciative to have had Christy Graham, Chairperson,
Jim Johnson, Residential District Representative and Amy Gardner, legal
representative at the meeting. Ms. Gagne gave a general synopsis stating initially
staff was contacted the day of the meeting, May 131h for a 6pm meeting. Mr.
Johnson was able to attend. A follow up meeting was requested to discuss non-
binding advisory review and what the City's involvement would be and what
"monitoring" included. At this time Morningside is requesting a letter from the Texas
Historical Commission (THC) defining what "monitoring" means to them and what
extent the involvement of the city, state and Morningside National District would be.
Ms. Gagne stated she believed consensus among Morningside to be between 80%
- 90% in favor of this arrangement.
Mr. Andy Lee spoke of the work that went into the Morningside designation and
how hard it was to obtain. Mr. Lee added THC administers and coordinates with the
National level (Department of Interior) and CLG coordinators. He commented it's
hard to have a National Register district without any sort of oversight. Mr. Lee
thanked the Commission members for their work and willingness to listen to
Morningside issues.
c) Updates — 2106 Hiawatha Boulevard & 617 7th Street
2106 Hiawatha Boulevard
Ms. Christy Graham stated she contacted Ms. Gagne regarding this property as she
noticed work being done to the home. Ms. Gagne stated the new owner and
contractor completed a walk through with building inspections to see what permits
would be needed and what would require a landmark review. The subject property
used to be the Blackwood Home, also known as the Frasier Home. The new
owners are doing updates before relocating to the property. Two rear windows, not
visible from the public right-of-way have already been permitted and replaced with
vinyl windows. The property owner is aware what will trigger a landmark review
going forward.
617 7th Street
Ms. Gagne stated staff had met with Matt Bitsche, with Wichita Brewery who is
looking to do some expansion on the vacant lot behind his property. He would like
to lease the property and build an outdoor patio area. Staff along with property
management and building inspections visited the property and discussed with Mr.
Bitsche what might trigger a landmark commission review. Tables and chairs are
not permanent however any awning or covered space would be a permanent
change and highly visible from 7►h Street due to subject property being a vacant lot.
Landmark Commission
3 May 28, 2019
d) Legislative Update: Status HB 2439/SB1266 and HB2496/SB1488
Ms. Gagne strongly advised the Commission to review these bills as they are
particularly impactful to cities that have their own design standards for brick facades
and things of that nature. For historically designated properties they will be more
protected than those that don't as a result of a text amendment to original bill
language. Discussion among members about details of what building materials
would be allowed uses. Staff noted more information is pending depending on
whether the governor signs the bills by the June 16th deadline.
e) Design Review — Staff Authorized — Minor Alteration/Repairs
• 1615 8th St (Landmark — 1HP) — change out HVAC
• 1401 Garfield (West Floral Heights) — roof replacement, composition shingle
remains
• 3100 Hamilton (Landmark) — change HVAC system
2106 Hiawatha Blvd. (Landmark) — replace 2 rear windows; vinyl (not visible
from public ROW)
f) Articles & Periodicals/THC Items:
National Trust — Preservation — Spring 2019
IV. Action Item: Design Review Application: 615 711 Street Keller -Durrett Hardware
Building — Depot Square Historic District (National Register & Wichita Falls
Designation)
Major Structural Rehabilitation and Remodel:
o New Roof
o New West Wall Using Pre -Engineered Structural Framework for Weigh Bearing
o Rebuild North Fagade/7th Street — New Awning & Door
o Repair Rear Wall — Brick, Windows, Door
Ms. Gagne stated staff worked with Mr. Scott and his architect, Syd Litteken, whom was
present. Ms. Gagne advised this had first come before City Council due to code
enforcement presenting it for demolition after being identified as a life, health and safety
concern when the west wall collapsed in 2017. The subject property dates back to the
1890's in the Depot District which has national and local designation, known as the
Keller -Durrett Hardware building which used to have an archway connection to the
adjacent, abutting Keller Building. Mr. Litteken has had his group out to the property to
comply with requirements to brace up the front as well as submitting architectural
drawings to show the intended improvements. In his plans Mr. Litteken originally called
for a metal wall with an optional brick base. The floor plan showed the second story loft
at the rear of the building for storage.
Ms. Gagne stated this was a major renovation and very critical that Landmark
Commission be involved because it includes facades, doors, windows and architectural
style elements. Some of the key things involving the store front if it does not exist or has
to be replaced is to ensure the same configuration and size finishes are utilized as well
as appropriate materials being used.
Ms. Gagne turned the floor over to Mr. Litteken for further details. Mr. Litteken gave a
background of the purchase and renovation plans in the past. Mr. Litteken stated he and
the owner want very much to keep the original fagade of the business and the 7th St
Landmark Commission 4 May 28, 2019
facade along with the back wall can be salvaged. Mr. Litteken stated what remains has
been stabilized; they would like to attach to steel frame with steel cross bracing. Would
also be able to use 2" x 6" wooden beams for bracing and support while keeping with an
original roof. Would like to use materials on roof that would not rot, possibly a metal roof
but Mr. Litteken stated he would defer to Landmark Commission for the best solution. It
has 2 foot slice along west wall when the wall collapsed. Mr. Litteken stated slab is in
horrible shape and will need to remove some concrete for foundation work.
Discussion among Commission and Mr. Litteken in detail as to what materials were
deemed appropriate for use to update facade as well as using insulated glass. A time
line from the City was a question and Mr. Litteken advised that City staff had wanted to
see permits/progress by July 28th 2019.
Ms. Rita Miller, Code Enforcement & Housing Administrator, wanted to clarify the
timeline City Council gave.
• 5 calendar days to stabilize structure, which was done
• Obtain a restoration permit within 90 days
• Substantial completion within 120 days as approved by building official
• Ordinance has to be followed and need to see construction started with substantial
work completed to avoid the Dangerous Building order and demolish order
Commission and staff also expressed concern this would get derailed and that they
hoped to see project completed to avoid demolition.
Mr. Rodney Martin made motion to break items into step motions as follows;
1. New Roof
2. New West Wall
3. Rebuild North Facade
4. Repair Rear Wall
Ms. Derr seconded motion. Motion unanimously passed.
1) New Roof
A new roof design to match original design slope rear to front of building with
materials to meet code.
Mr. Martin made motion to approve, Ms. Flood seconded, motion unanimously
passed.
2) New West Wall (currently no wall remains)
Use pre-engineered structural steel as outlined in application/architectural plans
provided it has appropriate parapet that conceals the roof slope covered with
brick.
Ms. Derr made motion to approve, Mr. Martin seconded, motion unanimously
passed.
4) Repair Rear Wall, Windows & Door
Approve repair to rear wall, windows and door as outlined in application.
Mr. Martin made motion to approve, Mr. Lee seconded, motion unanimously
passed.
Landmark Commission 5 May 28, 2019
3) Rebuild North Fagade (7'h Street)
Mr. Martin made motion to break down into 4 Items:
1. Lighting/Signage
2. Brick Fagade
3. Doors, Windows, Transom Window
4. Canopy
Ms. Derr seconded, motion unanimously passed.
1) Lighting/ Signage
Ms. Derr made motion to table Lighting/Signage, any decisions made would need
to come back before Landmark Commission, Mr. Dickinson seconded, motion
unanimously passed.
2) Brick Fagade
Use original brick if can be cleaned, if not try to match original brick
Mr. Dickinson made motion to approve, Mr. Martin seconded, motion unanimously
passed.
3) Doors, Windows & Transom
Windows, low E, wood frame, no aluminum, salvage transom frame as much as
possible and match fame and glass as much as possible to replicate original.
Mr. Dickinson made motion to approve, Mr. Martin seconded, motion unanimously
passed.
4) Canopy/Awning
Ms. Ramirez stated not enough information. She suggested to table case until
further information provided.
Mr. Martin made motion to approve tabling the canopy/awning request, Ms. Derr
seconded, motion unanimously passed.
V. Action Item: Review, Consideration and Appointment of a West Floral Heights
Historic District Volunteer District Design Review Committee
Ms. Gagne stated staff was contacted by Ms. Koch and Ms. Heidebrecht about
reactivating their Neighborhood Review Committee. Requirements are having to own
property and the second having an interest. A total of five applications were submitted
and that was the minimum. Mr. Lee made motion to approve applications submitted, Ms.
Flood seconded, motion unanimously passed.
Next Meeting Date: June 25, 2019
VI. Adjourn:
Meeting adjourned at 1:57 p.m.
6a C; ZoJ9
Christy Graham, Chairperson Date