Landmark Commission Minutes - 04/26/2011MINUTES
LANDMARK COMMISSION
® APRIL 26, 2011
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Christy Graham, Chairperson HECEIV'EU �N ■ Mmbm
Stacie Flood CITY CLERKS OFFICE-
■
John Kidwell ATE: S - Ai6 -i ■
Andy Lee ■
Scott Stillson E3Y: TIME: 1
31 -iVe, ■
Diane Thueson ■
Steve Wood ■
Councilor Michael Smith, Council Liaison ■
Norman Standerfer, Director of Community Development ■ staff
Karen Montgomery- Gagn6, Planner III ■
Leo Bethge, Planner II ■
ABSENT:
Marilyn Carper ■ Members
Cindy Cotton ■
Michael Koen ■
GUESTS:
David Moore, Principal, HHM, Inc. ■
Emily Payne, Architectural Historian, HHM, Inc. ■
I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS
Chairperson Graham opened the Landmark Commission meeting at 12:09 p.m. She introduced
and welcomed the design guideline consultants from Hardy -Heck- Moore, Inc., consisting of Mr.
David Moore, Principal, and Ms. Emily Payne, Architectural Historian. Also in attendance was Mr.
Nathan Moore, applicant/contractor, for the owner of 1415 Garfield, requesting a new accessory
garage door.
II. REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM MARCH 22, 2011
Chairperson Graham requested the Commission review the March 22nd meeting minutes. Councilor
Smith questioned the building status of 400 Ohio Avenue. Ms. Gagn6 stated she has not heard of
any additional proposals from the Property Management Division. Mr. Kidwell motioned to approve
the March 22nd, 2011 Landmark Commission minutes as presented, motion seconded by Mr.
Stillson. Motion passed unanimously.
III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW - 1415 GARFIELD - ACCESSORY GARAGE
DOOR
Ms. Gagn6 provided an overview of the application and passed around color photos taken of 1415
Garfield. Members discussed the request for replacing an existing garage door. The request from
Mr. Nathan Moore, initially came as a staff review for a house foundation repair and kitchen
remodel. Upon additional review Ms. Gagn6 felt with the garage being so visible on a comer lot,
this matter was worthy of Landmark Commission review. Chairperson Graham and Ms. Flood
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agreed. Mr. Moore, the applicant/contractor, stated the new garage door is a white 16- raised panel
uninsulated door. The garage door will not include any decorative hinge hardware. He stated that
he fixed the structural supports and deteriorated wood siding since the garage was failing down;
® hence, the need for a new garage door. He feels the new garage door will complement the garage.
Chairperson Graham felt with the garage in direct view from the comer, this will be an improvement
to the District. Mr. Wood motioned to approve the new garage door, for 1415 Garfield, as
presented. Motion seconded by Mr. Kidwell. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Moore inquired
about the next steps in order to obtain a building permit. Staff indicated they would inform Building
Inspection and mail him an appeal letter. Mr. Moore thanked the Commission for their assistance.
IV. OVERVIEW & DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS FROM DESIGN GUIDELINES PUBLIC
FORUM
Before discussion commenced, Ms. Gagn6 stated questionnaires are still available to distribute to
neighbors. They will also be posted on the city's main webpage for about two weeks to increase
the response rate.
Mr. Moore, Principal of Hardy -Heck- Moore, Inc., consultants for the revision to the design
guidelines, stated he was impressed and pleased with the tum -out of the April 2e Public Forum.
There was lively discussion. The Landmark Commission members at the forum commented on
many issues that will need to be addressed in the design guideline revision, such as, carports,
fences, roofs, doors and windows, property types and character - deflning features. Currently, Mr.
Moore and Ms. Payne are conducting field work, taking pictures, identifying issues and starting to
craft the design guidelines based on what's important He stated that ultimately, this will make the
decision process easier for the Landmark Commission. Mr. Moore stated they forgot to discuss
paint, in terms of painting bricks, or the re- pointing of bricks. Another matter not discussed was
infrastructure, such as different types of curbs and different types of concrete stampings (e.g.
historic district streets, ADA ramps, etc.).
® Ms. Payne stated the document will be easier for the applicant to work through the review process.
She further stated the deadline to retrieve all questionnaires is May 20"'.
Mr. Lee brought up the issue of windows. He stated original glass and transoms, in downtown retail
stores, is not code compliant since the glass is not insulated or energy rated. Ms. Gagn6 stated
she is concerned with these potential conflicts, since custom windows are historically accurate due
to their craftsmanship/materials, as compared to buying a new vinyl aluminum energy efficient
window; however, these custom, Individually produced windows are not code compliant. Ms. Payne
recommended the City start a running list of issues, to compare for code compliance reasons.
Ms. Gagn6 recommended that possibly these issues should be brought to the attention of the
Construction Board of Appeals, or consider incorporating a waiver for designated historic buildings.
Mr. Lee continued, stating he had several meetings with the Texas Historical Commission (THC)
when replacing the windows at LaSalle Crossing. His question is how to retain existing windows
without being penalized since historic windows are not energy rated. Mr. Wood added that an "opt -
out" clause is needed, and that Building Inspection should be approached about this issue.
Councilor Smith added there should be an appeals or waiver process, to allow for the restoration of
existing doors and windows In designated historic structures.
Ms. Thueson stated another option is to look into subdivision deed restrictions. The deed
restrictions, as she stated, however, usually don't address design issues. Ms. Gagn6 advised that
possibly if the subdivision has a neighborhood association they might be aware if there's a deed or
recorded covenant to address design or architectural issues. Ms. Thueson further stated, according
to the Texas Constitution, these documents may not be deemed lawful.
V. OTHER BUSINESS
a.) West Floral Heights Historic District — Monthly Report
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There was no report for this month.
b.) Staff Administration — Design Review for April 2011:
1513 Tilden - Ms. Gagn6 stated this property received a sidewalk replacement since the
original was in poor shape due to exposed tree roots — project selected as a Neighborhood
Association improvement project.
1601 Grant - Ms. Gagn6 stated this property received an installation of a new sidewalk —
selected as a Neighborhood Association improvement project.
1415 Tilden — The Landmark Commission approved this request on April 26th.
1509 Tilden - Ms. Gagn6 stated this is a double lot, with the house built on one lot. The
owner requested a low decorative fence, 40" in height, with concrete footings — only located
in rear side yard.
1414 Tilden - Ms. Gagn6 stated the owner requested two pergolas and one gabled pavilion
in the rear yard. The design mirrored the front of the house. This was reviewed since the
property is a comer lot with increased visibility from the street, and based on the need for a
building permit.
501 Indiana - Ms. Gagn6 stated this request was for an interior restroom remodel at the
Backdoor Theatre, located in the Depot Square Historic District.
c.) Preservation Articles & Journals
Ms. Gagn6 discussed two periodicals of interest for the Landmark Commission: The first being
Preservation, which is the publication of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; the second
being The Medallion, which is the publication of the Texas Historical Commission. This state
periodical also provides information of many up- coming state preservation conferences.
Q Next Regular Meeting — May 24, 2011 -12 p.m.
VI. ADJOURN
Chairperson Graham requested a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Thueson motioned and Mr.
Wood seconded to adjourn the meeting, at 12:47 p.m. Motion passed unanimously.
ChairpersonMraham
Date
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