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Landmark Commission Minutes - 01/13/2009I RECEIVED IN I CITY CLERK'S OFFICE i MINUTES Date 1t, t w ° LANDMARK COMMISSION! By ;me January 13, 2009 v MEMBERS PRESENT: Dianne Thueson, Chairperson ■ Members Marilyn Carper ■ Stacie Flood ■ Ron Fox ■ Christy Graham ■ John Kidwell ■ Jim Newsom ■ Steve Wood ■ Pat Sullivan ■ Councilor Charles Elmore ■ Council Liaison David Clark, Director, Community Development ■ Staff Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ■ Gail Smith, Executive Director, Backdoor Theatre ■ Juan Rojo, property owner 1509 Tilden ■ 40 ABSENT: Cindy Cotton ■ I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS Chairperson Thueson called the Commission meeting to order at 3:35pm, after a quorum of members was obtained. II. ELECTION OF COMMISSION CHAIR & VICE CHAIRPERSON 2009 Chairperson Thueson called for nominations for the election of a 2009 Chairperson and Vice - Chairperson. Mr. Newsom introduced a motion to acclaim Ms. Dianne Thueson as Chairperson for 2009. Ms. Carper seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Mr. Newsom introduced a motion to nominate Ms. Pat Sullivan as Vice - Chairperson for 2009. Ms. Flood seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Staff indicated they would inform the City Clerk's office of the new Chairperson and Vice - Chairperson positions. 111. REVIEW & APPROVAL OF OCTOBER 2008 MEETING MINUTES Chairperson Thueson called for review and approval of the October 6, 2008 meeting minutes. Mr. Ron Fox introduced a motion to approve the minutes as presented and Ms. Sullivan seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Ms. Sullivan raised concerns regarding an advertisement for late -night clubs in the downtown district. Members and staff discussed some of the key concerns relating to the January 1" murder outside one of the late- nights clubs. Staff noted the Downtown Wichita Falls Development Inc. (DWFD Inc.) organization is working with the organization's Board members, Mayor, Chief of Police along with business owners to submit a 4 request to City Council to consider limiting the hours of operation for late -night clubs situated in the downtown core /historic district area. Landmark Commission January 13, 2009 page 1 IV. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW REGARDING BACKDOOR THEATRE — RAMP /ENTRANCE REHABILITATION Chairperson Thueson requested staff provide an overview of the application. Ms. Gagne referred members to their meeting packets and explained The Backdoor Theatre recently attained their capital funding campaign goals. Previously, the organization had applied and received a TIF #1 funding allocation contingent upon meeting their fundraising goals. At the time, staff indicated design review approval would be necessary before any exterior modifications were conducted. The Backdoor Theatre worked with the architectural firm of Michael E. Koen and his conceptual drawings highlight the proposed final design — renovations will include demolition of the existing courtyard structures and new construction for the theatre entrances, handicapped access ramp, courtyard fountain and false, brick wall along the alley. Ms. Gagne introduced Ms. Gail Smith, Executive Director for the Backdoor Theatre and asked if she would provide additional details. Ms. Smith highlighted three key revisions proposed for the exterior of the building, which include the courtyard that will be completely redesigned, the rear concrete wall will be replaced with a brick fagade and the handicapped ramp originally installed in 1981 will be replaced. The wooden ramp's been a problem for some time and this is the perfect time to re- evaluate the existing arrangement and design and reestablish the ramp arrangement for access to the dinner theatre. Ms. Smith noted the original theatre opened in 1974 and was not designed with handicapped access. It is difficult for anyone with knee problems to access the main dinner theatre. The architect's plans include a concrete ramp with a brick fagade wall to hide the switchback. Ms. Sullivan inquired about materials for the ramp floor. Ms. Smith stated it would be steel with an underlay of concrete. Ms. Smith indicated the project will also address issues at the corner of 5th & Indiana by the dressing room stairs. The proposal includes tearing down the stairs and putting the stairs on the 5 1 Street side of the building so they aren't as visible from Indiana. Chairperson Thueson questioned the main fagade being Indiana when the main access and use of the building centers on the courtyard. Chairperson Thueson called for additional questions or comments from Commission members. Ms. Graham inquired about the windows facing the courtyard, noting in photos from 1970's they look new and wondered if they will be exposing the original fagade. Ms. Smith indicated the windows in the archway by the dinner theatre were covered up in the 1980's with flat glass. She noted it was the Theatre's long term goal to remove the existing windows and install curved glass to bring back the original look of the building. Mr. Fox asked about the fagade on Indiana and if the site plans called for brick replacement. Ms. Smith noted the ramp will have a concrete base with a brick fagade — other suggestions were considered but with the wood shifting, soft spots and the existing concrete steps cracking the construction was no longer stable for the dressing room access via Indiana. It is safer to remove /replace with concrete and add the brick fagade — more aesthetically pleasing to move the access for actors to the 5th Street entrance. Members seemed in agreement with this proposal - the view from Indiana would be improved by relocating the access to the side street. Ms. Smith explained they are trying to salvage materials during the renovation process and noted the conceptual plan included four grassy areas in the new courtyard. Originally the first night the dinner theatre opened there was a pond in the courtyard but the water continually leaked out and after numerous failed attempts it dried up and was covered over. She added it's not feasible to dig up the buried concrete pond to plant grass so river rocks will be utilized around the fountain. Councilor Elmore asked if the Theatre might someday return to the pond in the courtyard. Ms. Smith indicated in the foreseeable future there will not be a pond in the courtyard area because there are no walls /sides to contain the water and lessons were learned the first time. Mr. Fox introduced a motion to approve the proposed exterior building renovations as outlined in the design review application and accompanying architectural plans prepared by Michael E. Koen Architects. Ms. Graham seconded the motion. Chairperson Thueson called for questions and additional discussion, there being none the motion passed unanimously, with one member abstaining. Landmark Commission January 13, 2009 page 2 Ms. Smith informed the Commission they aim to begin construction before the end of January and the projected completion date is July 1, 2009. The Theatre will also be selling brick memory ® blocks to be located in the courtyard if anyone is interested in purchasing a brick. Note for the record. The Vice - Chairperson (Ms. Sullivan) is also a Board member with the Backdoor Theatre and therefore abstained from voting on this agenda item to avoid any potential conflict of interest. V. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW —1509 TILDEN — WINDOW REPLACEMENT Chairperson Thueson introduced the application and requested additional information from staff. Ms. Gagne explained staff initially contacted Mr. Rojo during the summer after receiving a call with concerns they were attempting to cover -up /fill -in the windows on the south fagade of the home. Staff met with Mr. Rojo to discuss his proposed plans and he indicated both a side and a rear bedroom window had already been replaced. Staff provided a design review application and explained any additional exterior modifications would require review via the Commission because the house was situated within a designated historic district — Ms. Gagne noted the replacement windows required pane dividers to echo the existing window style (eg.3 /4 over 1 pane). The current application proposes to replace the 2 windows previously replaced during summer 2008 because they are in violation of the 2006 International Energy Code (IEC) and the International Residential Code, Section Emergency Egress. The Building Inspection office requires the two windows in the rear bedroom to be replaced because they don't provide sufficient opening for a secondary emergency access and do not meet the low -E energy requirements. Mr. Rojo, applicant, explained he now understood the requirement for design review for any exterior alteration. He asked the Commission: a) if there was a possibility of removing the vinyl siding and; b) for suggestions for an alternate material for siding the house. Commission members ® discussed ideas and they concluded replacement was dependent on the quality of the underlying material. Mr. Rojo indicated the vinyl siding was placed over wooden siding. Councilor Elmore inquired to the condition of the wooden siding and Mr. Rojo responded he was not sure if the condition had deteriorated due to trapped moisture. Chairperson Thueson had questions regarding the replacement windows, requesting clarification that the entire rear window would be removed and a larger opening created to comply with the Building codes. Staff agreed, the windows had both design review and building code issues — the rear window is currently illegal under the City's adopted International Building Code because the size is too small for adequate fire safety egress. Mr. Rojo explained he will be replacing the two illegal windows along with three original windows on the south fagade but eventually would like to replace the other twelve (12) windows for energy efficiency. Mrs. Carper asked if the replacement windows were vinyl or wood. Staff stated the replacement windows will be vinyl but the original wooden sills and molding will be retained and repainted. Mr. Newsom introduced a motion recommending approval of the application with the following condition - any new windows replicate the original window pane style being either a 3 over 1 or 4 over 1 design and the wooden window sills and molding be retained. Ms. Sullivan seconded the motion. Chairperson Thueson called for discussion, there being none the motion passed unanimously. Mr. Newsom noted a point of clarification about windows; traditionally the Commission does not review rear window replacement when not visible from the street right -of -way. Chairperson Thueson encouraged Mr. Rojo as he moves forward with renovation plans, the Commission is very particular about windows and any additional exterior alterations in the future would still require design review consideration by the Landmark Commission. Mr. Rojo asked the Commission about the awning on the Tilden Street fagade — can the style be changed? Ms. Gagne referred members to the photos of the picture window north of the porch. Mr. Clark noted Landmark Commission January 13, 2009 page 3 a building permit was not required for the awning. Mrs. Carper asked the applicant if it was a west facing window and Mr. Rojo agreed and wanted something energy efficient but didn't like the awning. Chairperson Thueson cautioned the applicant that whatever he was considering for the window it needs to be appropriate for the house style. As a follow -up to Mr. Rojo's question about removing the vinyl siding, Ms. Gagne suggested taking photos when the window openings are cut to determine if the wooden siding has been damaged or if there is any termite damage rather than removing large sections of the vinyl not knowing the underlying materials' condition. VI. ANNUAL CLG PROGRESS REPORT TO TX HISTORICAL COMMISSION Ms. Gagne referred members to the report in their packets and highlighted some of their accomplishments over the past year, including distribution of 201 letters to property owners in the West Floral Heights Historic District; working with area title companies to flag historically designed properties at property closings; submittal of CLG grant application to develop a historic sites book I et/pod cast; reviewed 24 requests for alterations; and preservation issues /stories were featured on ten occasions in the local paper. VII. COMMISSION GOALS & PROJECTS FOR 2009 Chairperson Thueson and Ms. Gagne outlined three top priorities for the Commission in 2009: 1) renewed focus on the Preservation Ordinance's (No. 92 -2003) ultimate purpose; 2) revise & update the Design Review Guidelines to create a document with clear direction for appropriate alterations in commercial and residential applications; is in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior's minimum Standards for Rehabilitation; while providing local photo examples; and 3) consider 2010/2011 CLG Grant application process to submit for funding assistance to update the Ellen Beasley Historic Preservation Plan & Survey prepared in 1982. Chairperson Thueson explained she met with staff to discuss some of the recurring design issues over the past few years. The current guidelines are ambiguous for both staff and Commission members to interpret so it is very difficult for anyone else to understand what type of alteration is ' acceptable. Based on previous research, Chairperson Thueson recommended the existing Design Review Guidelines were in need of revision to address key areas: building additions, fencing, masonry materials, murals /graffiti, carports, tiles /roof materials, vinyl /aluminum siding, windows, etc. In order to accomplish this goal, additional meetings will be necessary each month (limited to 1 hour) to compile research, review proposed language revisions, etc. Chairperson Thueson suggested the creation of a subcommittee that would meet monthly and have an update for the monthly Commission meetings. Members discussed the Design Review project and were in agreement to call a work session. The Chairperson requested staff notify everyone via email regarding a work session date /time. Mr. Clark noted he discovered slides from his work /travels that included examples (good /bad) of historic structures. Chairperson Thueson noted how useful photos /sketches are for examples of quality historic alterations. Mr. Newsom inquired about other project priorities for the Commission, including consideration for nomination of additional City landmarks and the potential for expanding the Depot Square Historic District. Members discussed these ideas and the possibility for contacting the Boys & Girls Club on 6'h Street to inquire if they would consider a Landmark nomination. Numerous members commented on their recent addition and the care taken to maintain historic integrity of the building. VIII. COMMISSION MEETING SCHEDULE FOR 2009 In discussion with the Commission Chairperson and scheduling conflicts, the Landmark Commission meetings will be moved to the third or fourth Tuesday of each month for 2009. Chairperson Thueson indicated in previous years the Commission has conducted meetings as applications /nominations, business developed but with numerous projects outlined for 2009 it is Landmark Commission January 13, 2009 page 4 .important the Commission maintain a regular, monthly meeting schedule. A tentative meeting schedule was included in members' packets with the following dates: ® January 13th — 3:30pm Februa7 24 "' — 3pm March 24 1' — 3pm April 28` — 3pm May 19'h — 3pm June 23rd — 3pm July 21s'— 3pm August 25`h — 3pm September 22nd — 3pm October 27'h — 3pm November 17`h — 3pm December — TBA All meetings will be held in the City of Wichita Falls Memorial Auditorium, Council Conference Room (15' floor) unless posted otherwise. IX. OTHER BUSINESS: a) Updated Commission Roster 2009 — copies provided to members b) West Floral Heights Historic District update Ms. Carper noted the Neighborhood Association is still trying to obtain 501c3 status in order to apply for grants to assist with preservation projects. c) Newsletter and Periodical update — Staff provided copies of recent preservation publications. d) CLG update — Ms. Gagne indicated TXHC is awaiting clearance of funds at the federal level before any commitments can be issued. If we don't receive a positive response due to funding cutbacks, Ms. Gagne suggested reworking the application and submitting it for the 2010 CLG grants. e) Mr. Newsom announced the Morningside Homeowner's Association is interested in hiring someone to research and prepare a Historic District nomination packet for consideration as a City historic or local historic designation. ® f) Mr. Clark highlighted the Texas Cooperative magazine published a feature on U.S.287 and it was worth reviewing. g) Ms. Gagne informed members TXHC conducts a 106 review anytime federal funds may be utilized for a proposed demolition to ensure buildings that may be eligible for the National Register are not demolished without thorough review. City Code Enforcement conducts semi - annual public hearings at City Council with proposed buildings for demolition that have been abandoned or pose a health and safety issue. TXHC contacted the Planning office on Dec. 23`d indicating they required additional information for two properties - 618 6`h and 1626 Collins. Ms. Graham questioned the demo of 618 6'h Street and if it were in the Depot Square Historic District. Staff explained the building owner requested the demo permit (no federal funds utilized) after he was unable to give the building away for a potential rehab due to so many issues with the site(decaying building and concern of underground storage tanks) — the site is not within the Depot Square Historic District. h) Downtown Projects - Mr. Kidwell inquired about the fencing in the downtown area. Staff explained as a component of implementing the Downtown Master Plan, they partnered with property owners for a downtown demonstration project at 8'h /Indiana as part of a TIF #1 project to install low- perimeter fencing and sidewalk trees to show how minor alterations can have a major visual impact on downtown. X. ADJOURN The Commission adjourned the meeting at 4:45 pm. The next Landmark Commission meeting will be February 24, 2009 at 3pm. Jai ianne Thueson, Chairperson Date Landmark Commission January 13, 2009 page 5