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Landmark Commission Minutes - 04/27/2005M I N U T E S CITY CLERK'S OFFICE LANDMARK COMMISSIO 4 Date �� ✓ ✓���� April 27, 2005 By _Time MEMBERS PRESENT: Jan Schaaf, Chairperson ■ Members Ken Dowdy, Vice Chairperson ■ Shirley Craft ■ Stacie Flood ■ Doug James ■ Dianne Thueson ■ David A. Clark ■ Staff Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■ GUESTS: Jennifer Fashimpar, Exec. Dir., Wichita County Heritage Society ABSENT: Michael Collins ■ Drew Hayes ■ James Esther, Jr. ■ Council Liaison II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES The Chairperson called for discussion and approval of the March 17th meeting minutes, there being no discussion. Mr. Ken Dowdy introduced a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Ms. Dianne Thueson seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. III. PRESENTATION FROM THE WICHITA COUNTY HERITAGE SOCIETY (WCHS) — 2005 THC CONFERENCE The Chairperson welcomed Ms. Jennifer Fashimpar, Executive Director, WCHS who provided an overview of the recent 2004 Texas Historical Commission Conference in Austin during mid - April. Ms. Fashimpar provided handouts from a session of particular interest — `Analyzing Architecture with an Eye Towards Protection.' She referred Commission members to useful reference material within the report that may assist members as they and consider buildings /sites for future landmark status. Ms. Fashimpar outlined the National Register's four key criteria for evaluating buildings along with the Seven Aspects of Integrity: a) location; b) design; c) setting; d) materials; e) workmanship; f) feeling; and g) association. Ms. Craft inquired about other components of the conference, Ms. Fashimpar noted that there were 300 attendees with the majority being city planners. Representation from other non - profit agencies was limited to about 30 people. Ms. Fashimpar outlined that she also attended an informative seminar about the process of surveying historic cemeteries. She provided an architectural key for use by staff and Commission members. The Commission and staff thanked Ms. Fashimpar for her presentation. Landmark Commission April 27, 2005 page 1 IV. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — Littlest Skyscraper The Chairperson introduced the application and Mr. Dowdy indicated that he had a conflict of interest and would abstain from voting. He proceeded to explain the design review request and answer questions regarding the upcoming restoration project for the Littlest Skyscraper building complex at 507, 509 and 511 Seventh Street. The architectural plans depict the restoration and replacement of the traditional storefront windows and framing along the Seventh Street facade, windows will be repaired and painted and a new canopy constructed at the north entrance to the 4 -story skyscraper building. The masonry will be repointed and the south wall that sustained significant damage during the windstorm in 2003 will be stabilized. Ms. Craft asked if Bundy, Young Sims & Potter were no longer partners in the project with Mr. Marvin Groves Sr. Mr. Clark noted that the application listed the ownership as 'Littlest Skyscraper, LLC' Mr. Dowdy indicated that to his knowledge Mr. Groves Sr. was still involved with the partnership. Mr. Dowdy noted that the attached buildings are a component of this restoration project. Members asked what level of designation existing for the Skyscraper complex? Mr. Dowdy and staff indicated that it is situated within the Depot Square Historic District and National Register. However, only the Littlest Skyscraper building has an individual landmark designation. Mr. Dowdy stated that the project partners might proceed with an application for national tax credits however additional review by THC would be required. Mr. James inquired whether there was a proposed tenant for the buildings? Mr. Dowdy indicated that a tenant exists with a retail oriented business. Ms. Thueson asked about the hooks in the photos along the Seventh Street facade. Ms. Craft responded that the hooks, in past decades, would have anchored a metal canopy. Mr. Dowdy commented the new storefront design would echo that of the Route Building at 503 Eighth Street. Ms. Craft inquired about the interior finish and whether the exposed brick walls would be maintained. Mr. Dowdy and Mr. Clark both commented that when an application for tax credits is submitted, issues often arise at the State level of review regarding exposed brick. At this time, THC requires all internal exposed brick walls to be resurfaced with plaster. Mr. Clark added that this was a major ($70,000) unbudgeted expense with the Holt project. Commission members were surprised to hear that THC no longer permitted the exposed brick in historic buildings. Ms. Craft named examples in Dallas -Fort Worth where exposed brick still exists inside the renovated buildings. Mr. Dowdy commented that the developers of those buildings probably didn't pursue historic tax credits during the project and that in recent years THC has changed their position on allowing exposed brick. Mr. James commented that being a purist is not always realistic. Mr. Dowdy stated, in his experience, THC staff is not sensitive to the cost factors related to their stringent requirements (ie. disallowing exposed brick) for historic building renovation. Ms. Thueson introduced a motion to approve the design review application for the Littlest Skyscraper building complex as presented. Ms. Craft seconded the motion. The motion passed with unanimous support with the exception of Mr. Dowdy who abstained from voting. V. REVIEW & ENDORSEMENT OF `NOTICE TO REQUEST VOLUNTEERS' POSTING FOR THE WEST FLORAL HEIGHTS HISTORIC DISTRICT Planning staff provided Commission members with a draft notice for posting on both the City's website and on Cable Channel 11 in an effort to encourage West Floral Heights Historic District residents to apply for the Design Review Committee volunteer positions. Staff noted that in 2003 • when the preservation documents were updated, there were provisions for the appointment of a Historic District Preservation Liaison and Design Review Committee. Ms. Craft and Ms. Thueson both requested staff revise the draft notice to have a less formal style in the hope of encouraging Landmark Commission April 27, 2005 page 2 M more neighborhood applicants. The Commission discussed some of the content for the notice and staff indicated that the information had already been forwarded to Ms. Carolyn Looney with the West Floral Heights Neighborhood Association. The request for neighborhood volunteers to serve on the design review committee will be published in their May newsletter. Staff indicated that they are aiming for a June 1 application deadline in order for the Commission to review submittals at the June meeting and forward a recommendation to City Council for the West Floral Heights Historic District Preservation Liaison. According to the City's Preservation Ordinance, the neighborhood Liaison is a non - voting member of the Landmark Commission. Commission members asked what the neighborhood design committee would review. Staff responded that they anticipated the local design committee would review minor design review requests within the neighborhood and the Preservation Liaison overview see the design committee and provide monthly updates to the Landmark Commission. Some members inquired about the City's system for ensuring no permits are obtained prior to design review. Mr. Clark explained that upon City Council's designation of a landmark or district, the street address along with the legal description is provided to the Building Inspection Division. The Inspections staff enters the designated lots into their main database so whenever a contractor, etc. applies for a permit it 'flags' the database and the Planning division is contacted for verification. Staff indicated that they would conduct an experiment with the West Floral Heights Historic District and randomly pick some property addresses to ensure that the review system is in order. VI. REVIEW, COMMENT & APPOINTMENT OF A SUBCOMMITTEE FOR THE CLG GRANT VIDEO PROJECT & MEETING SCHEDULE FOR RESEARCH Ms. Thueson informed Commission members that she located a copy of the video from her work in North Dakota in the mid 1990's. She explained that at the time, technology was not as advanced and the taped presentation consisted of three simultaneous slide projectors showing historic segments from the community. Ms. Thueson did note that the video is more engaging than traditional video because someone taped the multi -slide presentation as it was presented. Ms. Thueson stated that at the time it was very effective for the purpose of getting the community to support preservation as it was prepared for a general audience of any age group. Ms. Craft inquired if our CLG video project would have similar goals of being informational and educational for the community. Ms. Thueson stated that in North Dakota third grade is the entry level of studying local history. She added that a local professional was involved with the project to provide narration services. Planning staff indicated that City Council had endorsed the appropriations ordinance for CLG Grant funds and Mr. Berzina, City Manager, signed the grant. Planning staff have started the process of contacting people identified to serve on the steering committee, there are approximately ten people including two Commission members and staff. Contacts have been made with both the Cityview and Wichita Falls ISD curriculum staffers to obtain their input during the initial project - planning phase. Staff concurred with a comment from Ms. Thueson that Wichita Falls schools also begin teaching local history in third grade. The Members general consensus was to contact Dr. Collins to develop a timeframe for our initial steering committee meetings and then invite the other committee members. Staff indicated that technically this is considered a 2005 CLG grant and we had until September 2006 to complete and submit the educational video. VII. DISCUSSION & COMMENT REGARDING POTENTIAL SLIPCOVER REMOVAL AT 615 & 617 OHIO • Planning staff provided a brief overview of the request for preliminary design review at 615 & 617 Ohio. The property owners are investigating the potential for renovating /rehabilitating the Landmark Commission April 27, 2005 page 3 0 remainder of their building. They would like to remove the metal slipcover to see the condition of the underlying brick fagade. Mr. Dowdy clarified that the request was only to remove a small portion of the slipcover and staff agreed. Mr. Clark provided additional information regarding the plans to renovate the second story of the Kerr - Hursh- Templeton building. The Chairperson inquired about the uses for the second story, Mr. Clark commented that some ideas might include a bed & breakfast, apartments, etc.; however, no specific use was identified by the owners at this time. Mr. Dowdy commented that mortar prior to 1900 is architecturally unstable. Mortar was composed of sand and lime prior to 1900 and in some cases when slipcovers are later removed the original mortar has disintegrated and significant work is required to fix the mortar /brickwork. Ms. Thueson asked other members if they know the age of the metal slipcover, it was discussed that it probably dated back to the 1950's/60's based on the slipcovers placed on other buildings (ie. Muehlberger's and Big Blue). Ms. Thueson stated on behalf of the entire Commission that the property owners should be commended for their commitment to downtown and working to improve the aesthetics. The Commission wished the property owners well with their project and to allow them to remove a section of slipcover to determine the condition of the brick fapade. Mr. James introduced a motion to approve the request for design review for partial slipcover removal and Mr. Dowdy seconded the motion. Motion passed with unanimous support. VIII. OTHER BUSINESS: a. Holt Hotel Progress Report Mr. Clark and Mr. Dowdy updated the members on the progress of the renovation project. Mr. Clark indicated that the design committee selected colors for the main lobby on April 191h. Mr. Dowdy noted the building will have 41 units for rent at market rates. The units will range from 1 to 2 bedrooms with 15 differing floor plans. Ms. Thueson inquired about the cost to rent a unit and Mr. Clark responded that the smallest 1 bedroom would be approximately $500. Members asked if any units were pre- rented or if provisions were in place for a waiting list. Ms. Flood indicated that Ms. Fashimpar with the WCHS is maintaining a master list of names and there are approximately 25 -30 people interested in renting. b. Preservation Newsletters & Publications — staff referred members to information included in the meeting packets. Staff indicated they received a request for information through the THC's listserve for resources pertaining to World War II. Mr. James suggested the Museum of North Texas History as they have significant information regarding Call Field Airfield. Ms. Thueson recommended the Heritage Center at SAFBase. Staff indicated that they would email this information along with a contact name and phone number to THC staff. IX. ADJOURN The Commission meeting adjourned at 4:50 pm. "J ✓ 'i W Jl n Schaaf, Chairp rson ,i Landmark Commission April 27, 2005 Daie page 4