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Landmark Commission Minutes - 12/15/20090 MINUTES LANDMARK COMMISSION December 15, 2009 MEMBERS PRESENT: Dianne Thueson, Chairperson Marilyn Carper Stacie Flood Christy Graham John Kidwell Steve Wood Karen Montgomery- Gagne, Planner III ABSENT: Cindy Cotton Jim Newsom Pat Sullivan Ron Fox Councilor Charles Elmore I. CALL TO ORDER & INTRODUCTIONS ■ Members ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Staff ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ Council Liaison Chairperson Thueson called the Commission meeting to order at 4:22 pm after waiting to obtain a quorum of members. II. APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW — 2900 10th STREET Commission waited to proceed with the application as applicant was not present. During the interim, planning staff provided an overview of the case indicating the property is situated within the West Floral Heights Historic District and the accessory structure sits along the alley & Tilden Streets making any alteration highly visible within the District. The applicant originally came to the Building Inspection office the week prior to the Commission meeting and realized the permit could not be issued without going through the Design Review process due to highly visible exterior modifications. A preliminary building permit was issued only for interior plumbing /electrical work — staff clearly stated the exterior modifications were not permitted /allowed without Landmark's review & sign -off. The applicant was converting an accessory structure (ground floor) from garage space to artist studio /work space while removing the existing metal garage doors. The main house was constructed in 1919 and based on discussion and structural similarities it was determined the accessory garage /apartment building was constructed in a similar timeframe. Chairperson Thueson questioned the need for the Commission to review the fagade and staff reiterated the accessory structure almost sits on the alley & Tilden Street which is a main entry point into the historic district. Ms. Gagne added if this accessory structure was not so visible from two public right -of -ways the exterior alterations would be reviewed via staff /administrative review. Mr. Wood questioned the proposed materials to replace the metal garage doors. The applicant's basic sketch was difficult to determine whether windows or false doors would be installed in place of the garage doors. (Staff excused themselves from the meeting to call the applicant — no answer; but left a message.) The members continued reviewing the existing site photos, sketch and application and Mr. Kidwell suggested tabling the application since the applicant, Ms. Moller was not in attendance to answer key questions. Chairperson Thueson stated it would be difficult to replace the existing garage doors without changing the style of the building. Mr. Carper stated if the fagade is changed it needs to replicate the original style. Members debated the application and Chairperson Thueson stated Landmark Commission December 15, 2009 page 1 that it was critical for interpretation of the Guidelines that the Commission be consistent with it's' determination as each decision has the potential to set a precedent. Ms. Flood commented the garage doors were similar to another house that dated to the 1920's; as the door is pulled up, it lifts up and outward. Ms. Graham and Mr. Wood noted the center support between the two doors is load bearing and needs to remain. Staff pointed out the applicant is also trying to shore up some structural issues and pour a concrete slab inside for long term stability. Ms. Flood noted the exterior materials (siding spacing) match the house so the garage must be constructed at the same time. Ms. Carper stated she believed the replacement doors or fagade materials need to be the same style /scale as existing to maintain the character. After significant discussion and debate, Chairperson Thueson suggested the option of tabling the application since the applicant was not in attendance to provide additional information needed. Members discussed this option and Ms. Carper introduced a motion to table the design review application at 2900 10th Street due to lack of information from the applicant. Ms. Graham seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. Staff indicated they would contact the applicant to discuss the application and reschedule for the January 26th Commission meeting. Note: Mr. Wood, architect, during the meeting developed a sample sketch for a suggested fagade update with panels to fill in the former garage door area that would maintain existing character. Commission members were in agreement with Mr. Wood's sketch and requested staff discuss this idea with the applicant. III. WORK SESSION — 2009 CLG GRANT — HISTORIC SITES BROCHURE Chairperson Thueson discussed the draft format with members and planning staff and the issue of graphics arose. Ms. Gagne indicated the planning office has a detailed GIS mapping system and worked with the Wichita Co. Heritage Society to develop the maps for their historic map tour. Staff will work with Mr. Cutis Pope, GIS technician for the map after the final list of sites is determined. All members agreed the proposed list of inclusion is too long and items need to be cut from the booklet. Mr. Wood suggested a limit of about 100 words per item and Ms. Graham agreed and noted there are still some duplicates in the draft report. Members took the time to go through page by page to delete any duplicate entries. Chairperson Thueson stated the goal for January was to work on the layout — balancing the text and photo spaces. She requested staff prepare the current document with spaces for future photo inserts to see how many pages it will take either using 8.5 x 11 or 8.5 x 8.5 paper sizes. Members discussed potential map size /layout setup looking at the folder of sample brochures from other communities. The group reached a decision with keeping 8.5 x 14 size paper with a center tri -fold map. Ms. Graham indicated she would work on the brochure prior to the January meeting and finalize some photos — there was also a question of copyright & ownership for the photos. Based on her experience with the Fargo brochure Ms. Thueson indicated acknowledgements would be noted in the brochure. Ms. Flood stated at some point copyrights do expire and suggested reviewing both the historic & reproduction postcards to see if there is any information that can be referenced. IV. REVIEW & DISCUSSION 2009 DRAFT ANNUAL REPORTS — TXHC Planning staff provided draft copies of the annual report for the TX Historical Commission for review — the final report is due in Austin prior to December 30, 2009. V. OTHER BUSINESS: a) West Floral Heights Historic District update Ms. Carper and Ms. Cotton indicated they are preparing for the West Floral Heights annual Christmas meeting. Ms. Carper indicated the Association had discussed the preservation video developed by the Landmark Commission and the City of Wichita Falls and requested a copy. Staff indicated they'd check with Public Information to see if they had any extra Landmark Commission December 15, 2009 page 2 f 4; E, copies or if they could copy a DVD. Members discussed similarities between the video and the brochure projects considering there will also be a podcast. Mr. Kidwell explained the podcast is an interactive html file with pop -up information which can be downloaded or accessed via a laptop or cell phone with photo capabilities. Members discussed the ease of this medium for people to obtain the digital brochure information. Mr. Wood suggested a secondary idea as a simplified version — consider compatibility with IPODs for information access. Staff indicated they hoped to work with Mr. Kidwell, Mr. Wood and Mr. Levy, Public Information with the podcast component of the grant project. b) Newsletter and Periodical update — Staff informed Commission members of upcoming preservation seminars (Preservation Texas Summit & Most Endangered - February 4 /5th in Austin) sent out via the TX Historical Commission's listserve. Ms. Gagne also brought copies of the most recent Medallion and Preserve publications for members to review. c) Other Items for Discussion: i) Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 26th, 2010 VI. ADJOURN The Commission meeting and work session adjourned at 5:25 pm. Planning staff passed on holiday greetings to all Landmark members and looked forward to working with them in 2010. ../Zs� /JULY `��1_ Dianne • •- • �_ Landmark Commission December 15, 2009 page 3