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Landmark Commission Minutes - 03/28/20070-a c� MINUTES RECEIVED IN • CITY CLERK'S OFFICE LANDMARK COMMISSION % Date ht'" �d ` �0 March 28, 2007 By Time W-001 MEMBERS PRESENT: Ken Dowdy, Chairperson ■ Members Michael Collins ■ Cindy Cotton ■ Ron Fox ■ Stacie Flood ■ Christy Graham ■ Dianne Thueson ■ Councilor Charles Elmore ■ Council Liaison n David A. Clark ■ staff Karen Montgomery-Gagne ■ ABSENT: Jan Schaaf ■ Pat Sullivan ■ I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Dowdy called the meeting to order at 2:35pm after a quorum of members was obtained. II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF OCTOBER MEETING MINUTES Mr. Dowdy called for review and approval of the November 14`h, 2006 meeting minutes. Ms. Thueson introduced a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Dr. Collins seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. III. UPDATE REGARDING CASA MANANA PROJECT Mr. Dowdy requested staff provide an update regarding redevelopment of the site. Ms. Gagn6 indicated staff worked with restaurant owners during their TIF #1 application process. Currently, owners have replaced the original 60 -year old electrical wiring, heating /A.C. systems, plumbing connections and relocated the kitchen from the rear of the building to the former storage area in the west portion of the building. The majority of interior remodel is complete and the final component of the project involves the facade. The TIF #1 Board recommended and City Council approved a request for $23,764.00 in TIF assistance to help with completion of the facade portion of the project. Staff indicated all three sections of the facade would be renovated, including the Shoe Shine Parlor on the east side of the building. An allocation of TIF funds is available on a reimbursement basis. Staff was informed the exterior component of the project should be complete within 3 months (facade and replacement of neon sign). Mr. Dowdy inquired if the owners were still following the design parameters set out by the Landmark Commission? Based on discussions with the owners the exterior rehabilitation will follow the design plans approved by the Commission. The only change is the inclusion of the Shoe Shine Parlor portion of the facade. Landmark Commission March 28, 2007 page 1 IV. CONSIDERATION & RECOMMENDATION TO NOMINATE THE HOLT HOTEL AS A CITY LANDMARK Allk Chairperson Dowdy informed Commission members Bundy, Young, Sims & Potter was working qr with a contractor to install historic plaques on the Littlest Skyscraper and at the Holt. During that process, Mr. Dowdy realized the Holt Hotel building was situated within the Depot Square Historic District but had never been nominated for an individual City landmark. He recommended to the Commission the Holt Hotel building deserved recognition as a Wichita Falls Landmark. Dr. Collins suggested a concurrent application process for City designation and registered Texas historic landmark along with National Register status. He added that certainly the building would qualify when it is situated within a National Register recognized District. Ms. Thueson suggested contacting Mr. Robert Palmer, president, Wichita County Historical Commission and /or Ms. Lita Watson, Wichita County Archivist to begin the process of applying for a Texas registered landmark. Ms. Thueson noted the Texas Historical Commission changed their policies in January 2007 for applying and processing Texas historic marker nominations. Chairperson Dowdy called for a motion and Ms. Flood introduced a motion to recommend to City Council that The Holt Hotel be designated as a City landmark. Ms. Graham seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Clark commented the recommendation would be presented to City Council at their April 17th meeting. V. REVIEW & DISCUSSION OF PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE LANDMARK ORDINANCE WITH REGULATIONS FOR MURALS /PAINT ON MASONRY Chairperson Dowdy outlined concerns with existing City policies relating to landmark structures and historic district buildings because they don't prevent a person from painting a mural on unpainted masonry. Mr. Clark confirmed the City doesn't have policies to protect building materials. Mr. Dowdy used an example of a downtown building with painted, exterior walls. The wall is in poor condition and the paint is flaking off along with a layer of brick. If the existing paint is removed, it will severely damage the bricks. He stated there's a need to have something that trigger a review when masonry will be painted. He suggested amending the Landmark Ordinance to ensure when a building permit application is received it results in a review process. Mr. Clark pointed out currently building permits aren't required to paint a building. Mr. Dowdy stated this policy would only apply to unpainted masonry — buildings with painted masonry would not be impacted by this policy change. Members recalled when the current Design Review Guidelines were developed any reference to paint/color were removed due to: 1) concerns from previous city administration and; 2) paint being considered a temporary structure alteration. Mr. Clark clarified two components an ordinance amendment needs to address: 1) request review for painting any bare or unpainted masonry surface; and 2) painting murals on painted building facades. Dr. Collins shared similar concerns of Mr. Dowdy - the ordinance wouldn't address structural integrity issues and appropriateness of the design to be painted on the building. He added 'art is in the eye of the beholder' but when that art is proposed for historic structures it needs to fit the character of the district. Ms. Thueson stated these concerns weren't even an issue 3 -5 years ago when the guidelines were being updated but have come to the forefront during the mural contest. Councilor Elmore provided an overview of how the mural contest idea began and the stipulations for entries. Chairperson Dowdy called into question whether the issue was reviewing the color of paint or reviewing content of the proposed mural. Members responded the issue related to content of the mural. Ms. Graham commented the majority of Depot Square buildings were built during an era with soft brick content and many owners have painted them to try and preserve the underlying material. Mr. Dowdy pointed out that these owners essentially exacerbated the brick's deterioration because now the paint is peeling and now they are dealing with a major maintenance issue. Landmark Commission March 28, 2007 page 2 Dr. Collins introduced a motion requesting City planning staff prepare language for designated historic sites /districts addressing paint on unpainted masonry for the next Landmark Commission meeting to present to City Council. Ms. Thueson seconded the motion. Discussion of the motion ensued. Mr. Fox said he understood new construction permits are required but how would an owner find out a permit will now be required for painting historic buildings. Both Ms. Cotton and Chairperson Dowdy commented Building Inspections staff has a lock on all City historically designated buildings (either landmark or historic district) so no permits can be issued until clearance is obtained via design review at a Commission or planning staff level. Ms. Cotton commented the design review process works well in the West Floral Heights District because the volunteers appointed to the review committee have tried to raise awareness within their area about the steps required whenever an exterior of a house and /or garage /shed is proposed for alteration. Dr. Collins added often a lack of or miscommunication leads to problems. He asked if this proposed change to the Landmark Ordinance could be communicated at a neighborhood level in the West Floral Heights District so people don't interpret the Commission as trying to control paint color. The issue is about structural integrity and character not paint color. Ms. Cotton agreed and indicated residents receive information via the monthly newsletter with a section regarding the steps required when exterior modifications are anticipated. Chairperson Dowdy stated lack of communication is a problem with any policy /ordinance revision. Members inquired if staff had the ability to mailout information to the Depot Square and landmark property owners. Ms. Cotton added if staff would provide her with the information /materials she would distribute in the West Floral Heights District. Chairperson Dowdy also requested the policy revisions be mailed to all architect offices in Wichita Falls. Mr. Clark responded staff would prepare draft language for the Landmark Commission's review prior to scheduling for City Council review /consideration and information mailed to historic property owners upon Council review. He added from his experience not many historic property owners paint their brick walls but those that do need to understand the reasoning for developing this Landmark Ordinance revision. The original motion passed unanimously. VI. DISCUSS POTENTIAL FOR MURAL DESIGN & PLACEMENT (600 OHIO) Chairperson Dowdy asked if members had an opportunity to look at the building at 6t' /Ohio Streets. He noted the north wall is in poor condition. He contacted a professional painter to inquire if there was a way to restore the exterior. The painter responded it would be a miracle to develop a solution to fix this common problem with aging masonry. Ms. Graham suggested placing a mural on hardiboard (cement board) which is a Portland cement board base that could then be attached to the exterior of older buildings in a manner that wouldn't continue to deteriorate the exterior. Mr. Dowdy explained hardiboard doesn't warp like plywood and special placement is necessary to avoid further damage to the surface of 600 Ohio. Councilor Elmore indicated concern with creating another surface on the exterior of the building — what can /should be done can be two very different things. He informed the Commission that both building tenant and owner are interested in having something done with the surface of the structure. Councilor Elmore requested if the Landmark Commission would allow the building wall at 600 Ohio to be pursued for a mural? He asked if the building site was in the TIF #1 District in order to apply for funding. Mr. Clark commented Council members and the Landmark Commission, as a Council appointed Board /Commission aren't eligible to apply for TIF project funding. He added Downtown Wichita Falls Development, Inc. (DWFDlnc.) is the entity involved with mural projects downtown and any group proposing additional murals should coordinate with their staff /board. The building owner of 600 Ohio would need to apply /request TIF #1 Funding assistance in order to be eligible. Mr. Clark stated this is a surface issue and at some point the owner will have to remove the paint and fix the brick to reduce water leakage and continued deterioration. Mr. Dowdy added it will be a major project to fix the existing wall surface because the peeling paint is Landmark Commission March 28, 2007 page 3 taking the exterior of the brick. Ms. Cotton suggested power spraying the exterior. Mr. Dowdy responded that would further damage the quality of the brick and in the Department of the Interior Preservation Briefs, approved techniques are posted for preserving masonry and sandblasting /power washing are not recommended. Mr. Dowdy stated 600 Ohio is a good building for a mural since the exterior is screaming for help and this may preserve the north wall. Chairperson Dowdy indicated three items of concern for the Landmark Commission: 1) wall preparation; 2) preservation of the building; and 3) design content. Mr. Fox agreed with the need for Commission review of any proposed mural within the District but questioned the parameters used to review submissions and if the Commission's recommendation would be taken seriously. Ms. Graham suggested this issue also impacts Downtown Wichita Falls Development Inc. (DWFD, Inc.) and TIF #1 Board. She offered to discuss the issue with DWFD, Inc. Board at their April 12th meeting. Councilor Elmore volunteered to attend DWFD, Inc's meeting to obtain Board input regarding other mural projects in downtown. Mr. Fox inquired if he were submitting a mural design what are the requirements. Councilor Elmore stated prior to announcing a mural contest specific requirements need to be developed, including: a) size /scale; b) historic theme /content; and 3) must incorporate bicycle and butterfly somewhere in the drawing. Chairperson Dowdy stated the mural must depict something of local, historic significance. Members discussed various historic themes /events /buildings that would be ideal to depict in a mural. Ms. Graham along with other members were in agreement with a local historic theme but expressed concern with requiring a bicycle and butterfly to still be incorporated. Mr. Fox stated the Landmark Commission shouldn't be obligated to select a mural contest entry if none meet their criteria. VII. UPCOMING NATIONAL TRUST & LOCAL LANDMARK PLAQUE PLACEMENT Chairperson Dowdy informed members Bundy, Young, Sims & Potter Inc. is scheduling a contractor to erect the National Trust plaque at the Holt and the City Landmark and National Register plaques at the restored Littlest Skyscraper building. Both Mr. Dowdy and staff commented this would be a great opportunity for media coverage for the Depot Square Historic District. Dr. Collins suggested applying for a National Register listing for the Holt Hotel and attach all plaques at one time. Ms. Thueson suggested Mr. Dowdy check with Ms. Watson at the County Archives regarding the application process for Texas and National markers. VIII. OTHER BUSINESS a) Historic Preservation Documentary —Staff informed members Public Information office submitted the documentary for the area 'ADDY' Awards, a component of the American Advertising Federation Awards, and it won in two categories. A presentation is scheduled with City Council on April 17th and Commission members were encouraged to attend. b) West Floral Heights District Update — Ms. Cotton informed members Mr. Greg Smith, National Register contact at THC, conducted a site visit to their historic district as a component of the review process for the National Register application. Mr. Smith was impressed with the quality and quantity of historic properties and was positive the application will be approved. The Neighborhood Association will need to prepare the background documentation and verify which buildings are contributing /non- contributing along with scheduling a public meeting for all residents of the area proposed for inclusion with the National Register designation. Mr. Smith recommended the neighborhood devote one year to accomplish the nomination /designation process. c) National Trust Nomination — Ms. Gagne referred members to their meeting packets, indicating the Holt Hotel restoration /rehabilitation project was nominated for a second year for a National Trust Preservation Honor Award. Hopefully the project will receive recognition this year since the building is complete, trees installed, awnings in place and sidewalks finished. Landmark Commission March 28, 2007 page 4 d) TX Historical Commission Annual Conference - Staff encouraged members to consider registering for the annual THC conference, scheduled for April 12 -14`h in Lakeway (Lake Travis). e) Periodical & Preservation materials — information included with meeting packets. Chairperson Dowdy informed members the Holt project was featured this month in Texas Architecture magazine. f) Next Meeting — set for Wednesday, April 25, 2007 Chairperson Dowdy polled members regarding their preferred meeting time and they requested meetings be held at 3:30pm. Mr. Clark informed members of a major City bid project for consultant planning services to develop a Downtown Plan, a Defense Diversification Plan and a local update. This process was initiated by City Council during their 2005 Strategic Planning meetings and will be a major endeavor including series of public meetings. Ms. Thueson inquired if one consulting firm will be hired? Mr. Clark responded that ideally the City is looking for one large firm, probably with national exposure and expertise with economic development, design and long -range planning capabilities to conduct the project. The deadline for submitting proposals is April 20, 2007. IX. ADJOURN The Commission adjourned the meeting at 4:04 pm. Ken Dowdy, Chairperson //'? S Zoo Date Landmark Commission March 28, 2007 page 5