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Landmark Commission Minutes - 11/17/2005. M MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION CITY CLERK'S OFFICE 5--06 Date -Vf� 6 November 17, 2005 1 By Time MEMBERS PRESENT: Jan Schaaf, Chairperson Ken Dowdy, Vice Chairperson ■ Members Michael Collins ■ Shirley Craft ■ Cindy Cotton ■ Stacie Flood ■ Douglas James ■ Dianne Thueson ■ Charles Elmore ■ Council Liaison Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■ Staff GUESTS: Larry Karr, applicant, owner Original Casa Manana ■ Aaron Karr, applicant, manager Original Casa Manana ■ ABSENT: David A. Clark, Dir., Community Development ■ Staff I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTION Ms. Schaaf, Chairperson called the meeting to order and introduced Ms. Cindy Cotton as the West Floral Heights Preservation Liaison, who is a non - voting member of the Landmark Commission. II. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES The Chairperson called the meeting to order and called for discussion and approval of the October 20th meeting minutes. Mr. Ken Dowdy introduced a motion to approve the October meeting minutes as presented. Ms. Dianne Thueson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. III. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — ORIGINAL CASA MANANA The Chairperson introduced the applicants, Mr. Larry Karr and his son Aaron Karr, owners of the Original Casa Manana Restaurant at 609 81h Street. The owners explained the proposed rehabilitation project was in conjunction with moving and enlarging their kitchen. The kitchen will be updated with ceramic floor, drain and duct work to comply with City codes and provide an air conditioned area for the cooks. Ms. Craft questioned if any seating area would be lost. The owners indicated that the kitchen will be relocated to the portion of the building formerly used for storage and the seating will remain the same. Staff distributed photographs of the proposed fagade revisions. Mr. Karr noted they intend to place imitation green marble on the new fagade along 8th Street, similar to the materials at the Holt. Mr. Dowdy commented that the lower portions Landmark Commission November 17, 2005 page 1 of the Holt facade were traditional green marble not imitation, and in his experience, with architectural materials, he hasn't found an exterior imitation green marble only interior - application imitation marble. Mr. Karr indicated that he didn't realize the Holt had real marble and they intend to use marble panels. Mr. Karr continued to outline the proposed alterations, including repainting and raising the 8th Street sign above the tree line and replacing the neon. Staff referred members to the photos that show two existing iron pilasters and then to the architects drawing where the pilasters are missing and requested clarification. Mr. Karr stated that the iron pilasters will remain and were simply missed on the facade drawing. Ms. Craft asked if the door would be recessed on the west side of the building. Mr. Karr noted that by making the storefront flush it would gain an additional 4ft for the new kitchen — but the door and storefront windows will remain with the Casa Manana logo to match the existing entry windows. Mr. Dowdy commented that the upper transom area was probably originally glass based on the age of the business and last period of significant alteration (1950's). He suggested using spandrel glass with wood framing instead of green marble since it would be more consistent with the historic character of the building. Mr. James explained spandrel glass or facade glass is non - transparent (e.g. Wells Fargo — main branch). Mr. Dowdy stated that using the glass option for the transom area will be more cost effective than installing marble. Ms. Thueson also commented the marble look was not appropriate for the upper transom area. Mr. Dowdy explained installing clear glass with blinds to block the view above the storefronts might be the most cost effective option to maintain the building's character. He noted when a historic building project is undertaken generally a period in history is chosen for the restoration /rehabilitation. He agreed with Ms. Thueson that the proposed marble facade materials don't relate to the building. Mr. Dowdy provided the applicants with information regarding spandrel glass and commented if clear glass were installed and not covered it may provide additional natural light into the kitchen area. Mr. Karr explained the new kitchen will have 8ft ceilings to provide sufficient space for ductwork installation. The clear glass option without any cover may provide too much visibility. Staff commented that Casa Manana previously submitted and received approval for an alley sign using an iron pipe frame mounted to the brick wall in March 2002. Mr. Karr commented that shortly after receiving approval and installing the banner sign indicating 'Parking in Rear', the sign was torn down by vandals. Ms. Craft inquired about the number of parking spaces available and the applicant said there are 10 leased off - street parking spaces in the lot directly behind their building. Mr. Karr stated the banner sign on the alley facade is proposed for replacement. The Commission questioned the addition of the word 'CAFE' along the main portion of the facade. Mr. Aaron Karr outlined they found a 1947 postcard of the facade appearing to have the word CAFE printed in black, block letters across the white tile. Staff encouraged the owners to submit a TIF application and also consider renovating the entire storefront - including the eastern 1/3 of the building. Mr. Karr commented he was trying to get the project completed quickly so the new kitchen would be operable and not result in lost revenue. Ms. Gagne indicated the proposed facade rehabilitation project would be an ideal candidate for submission to the TIF #1 Board and encouraged the applicants to contact the planning office to discuss the items necessary for submittal. Mr. James introduced a motion to approve the proposed signage alterations (repainting and raising the 8th St. sign along with replacing the banner sign on the alley facade) and storefront facade rehabilitation subject to changing out the proposed marble materials in the upper, transom area with either clear glass with blinds or spandrel glass. Ms. Thueson seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Mr. Dowdy commented the use of clear glass and blinds is the preferred option and is more consistent with the historic character of the building. The proposed 'CAFE' letters on the white the may require placement via decal instead of paint to ensure they bond to the surface. Commission Landmark Commission November 17, 2005 page 2 members thanked the applicants for their proposal and continued longevity in downtown. Staff indicated that a Certificate of Appropriateness would be mailed confirming the Commission's recommendation. IV. OTHER BUSINESS: a) Holt Hotel — Update & Award Staff informed members the Holt Hotel project was successful in obtaining a Texas Downtown Association award at annual conference in Laredo Nov. 3rd. Planning staff nominated the project in September and received confirmation that it was 1 of 10 finalists in the statewide 'Best Physical Improvement — Rehabilitation project' category. Mr. Dave Clark accepted the award along with Ms. Stephanie Dugan, National Development Council, (major partner in the Holt project), and Ms. Vickie Milam, Downtown Wichita Falls Development Inc. Ms. Gagne passed the award among members so they had an opportunity to see the blown glass artisan plaque and also thanked everyone on the Commission for their involvement in making the Holt a reality. Members continued to discuss the status of the building, recent news articles featuring first tenants and obtained updates from Ms. Flood on occupancy. b) CLG History Overview Mr. Collins announced that he had compiled the draft history timeline of Wichita Falls for the preservation video project. The draft report is approximately 10 -pages and touches on the major themes throughout the development of the City. He provided copies for each of the Commission members to begin reviewing. Mr. Collins indicated that he is in the process of preparing the secondary component that discusses the preservation aspect. Ms. Thueson inquired about the project time line and if steering committee meetings would resume in January. Ms. Gagne commented that staff anticipated having a follow -up steering committee meeting prior to Christmas. Staff requested Mr. Collins forward an electronic copy of the report for distribution to everyone on the CLG Steering Committee. Mr. Collins noted, based on discussions from previous meetings, the history document wasn't just about the physical structures but also a story of the people that developed the community. Commission members were in agreement with that philosophy and discussed the importance of having the video focus on images and the narrated voices rather than having one narrator. Ms. Craft and the entire Commission thanked Mr. Collins for his dedication and work in preparing the historic timeline. Mr. Dowdy inquired if the document had been timed and Mr. Collins commented that there were probably 18 minutes of script talking at a regular pace. c) Commission Roster Update Ms. Gagne provided the Commission with a revised roster noting the loss of two members this fall with architectural expertise due to career moves. Staff encouraged members to contact people they know in the community who may have the necessary qualifications to become Commission members. City Council will be considering re /appointments to City Boards and Commissions during December. V. ADJOURN The Commission adjourned the meeting at 4:50 pm and Ms. Schaaf reiterated her appreciation to Mr. Mi hael Collins for the level of research, time, and effort put into preparing the historic context for h vid o. Thp Commission members echoed her comment by applauding Mr. Collins' work. 1,210 Jae- Setraaf, ChairlSerson Date Vice. Landmark Commission November 17, 2005 page 3