Landmark Commission Minutes - 06/24/2013§ E .. 7 IV r=
® w;ITY G1- E_HK'S OFFICE MINUTES
DATE: - L- LANDMARK COMMISSION
BY: _ __ TIME : - 3� ✓ June 24, 2013
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Stacie Flood, Chairperson
a Mwnbem
Christy Graham
Andy Lee
John Kidwell
Steve Wood
Michael Koen
Karen Montgomery-Gagn6, Planning Administrator ■ Staff
Peter Scott, Assistant City Attorney II ■
Monique Coleman, Planner II a
Bob Hardy, Contractor, Backdoor Theatre Window Project ■ meats
Councilor Michael Smith E cound Ualaw
ABSENT:
• Jackie Lebow E Memeem
Marilyn Carper E
Carolyn Looney n
I. Cali to Order and Introductions
Chairperson Flood called the meeting to order at 12:04 p.m. Ms. Gagn6 introduced Mr. Bob
Hardy the Backdoor Theatre contractor hired for the window alterations
II. Review and Approval of Minutes from May 23, 2013
Chairperson Flood called for approval of minutes from the May 23, 2013 Landmark Commission
meeting. Mr. Kidwell motioned for approval and Mr. Koen seconded. The motion carried.
III. Application for Design Review - Backdoor Theatre (501 Indiana) - Window
Alterations
Ms. Gagn6 informed the Commission the window alterations first came to staffs attention when
Mr. Hardy applied for a building permit. Initially staff thought the window alteration could be
reviewed administratively by staff, however, after further review and inquiry with the
Commission Chair and Vice Chair, it was determined windows are a significant architectural
feature and therefore the window alteration request required consideration by the Landmark
Commission. Ms. Gagn6 stated the design application requesting window alterations addressed
three key items: the south fagade%urtyard area - three arched windows (along the dimmer
theatre), the alley windows that have been partially bricked in, and the northern building wall
windows (along a Street) that have also been partially bricked in and painted as well as the
office windows with the awnings. Ms. Gagn6 requested Mr. Bob Hardy elaborate further on the
nature of the window alterations request.
Mr. Hardy provided the Commission with pictures of the full arched windows at Backdoor
Theatre. Mr. Hardy informed the Commission he built the dinner theatre and installed the
windows — donated by PPG — with volunteers. Mr. Hardy stated that at the time PPG was only
able to provide square cut window glass so the windows as shown in the pictures were inset
into the brick and the glass corners were caulked together. The full height of the dinner theatre
® windows is approximately 130 inches. Mr. Hardy said the caulked joints/glass have since
deteriorated and need to be replaced. Mr. Hardy also informed the Commission the existing
windows are regular plate glass windows and federal law now requires windows that go all the
way to the floor to be safety glass. Mr. Handy stated in the past they had problems with the
windows being broken by vandals and the existing windows also have difficulty regulating and
retaining heating and cooling.
Councilor Smith asked Mr. Handy if they planned to paint the brick Mr. Hardy stated they did
not plan to at this time; the focus at this time is installing and dosing off the windows. Mr.
Kidwell asked when the alley windows were partially bricked In. Mr. Handy stated the original
building was altered in the 195O's when It was used as a warehouse. Mr. Wood asked if the
windows will be inline or recessed at the brick arch. Mr. Hardy said yes, the glass will be in the
arch and stated that is where they were originally. The windows are currently set back about 10
inches. Mr. Kidwell asked if the brick will be able to hold the glass. Mr. Handy said yes because
the base is concrete and a former loading dock.
Staff indicated the Theatre would also like to make the lower 42 inches (3.5ft) of the dinner
stage window openings solid to reduce the temperature variation and to prevent vandal access.
Mr. Handy noted they will use filler board (EIFS) for the bottom portion of the window opening
and the low-E, tinted double pane glass above. Mr. Koen and Commission members expressed
concern with using EIFS (Exterior Insulation Finishing Systems — e.g. dryvit, etc.) on the
building. Mr. Wood indicated the goal was to try and replicate original materials and suggested
use of spandrel glass for the bottom 42 inch section of the arched dinner stage windows and
is build up a lower interior wall.
Ms. Graham stated the building is situated in a National Register District and Department of the
Interior guidelines encourage repair and rehab over removal. She added it is aesthetically
important to retain the arched window openings on both the dinner stage and the alley (east
fagade). Mr. Hardy indicated the building blueprints showed full windows on the building but he
was only familiar with the building condition from 1972 forward. Mr. Lee commented as one of
the people who prepared and submitted the application for National Register status, the
People's Ice House is a pivotal building that contributes to the Depot District. Use of EIFS may
result in it being considered for de-certification. Mr. Koen added the main goal with the design
review process Is to maintain integrity of the building so it is important to retain the windows and
avoid use of EIFS.
After the Commission revisited the issue of whether to allow EIFS on historic designated
buildings they opted not to set a precedent. EIFS is not considered an acceptable replacement
material, particularly in the Depot Square Historic District. Mr. Wood inquired about
timing/phasing for the project. Mr. Hardy noted the dinner theatre/stage arched windows are the
first priority under phase I followed by the alley arched windows (phase II) and phase III will
commence in 2014 to complete work on the 5t' Street windows. The Commission
recommended alternatives to the original request and approved the following project work-
1. Dinner Theatre Arched Windows (3):
Recommended replacement windows be the same architectural style as the original windows
with aluminum mullions and placed in the arched masonry frame rather than recessed. Allow
® replacement of the existing tinted, single pane glass with tinted low-E double pane glass and/or
spandrel glass at the base to comply with current safety codes. No EIFS materials permitted to
fill in the base of the window area. Mr. Koen made the motion, Mr. Lee seconded; the motion
carried.
LANDMARK COMMISSION June 24, 2013 page 2
2. Alley Arched Windows (3):
Approved repair of existing windows/frame, retention of current window size; allow installation of
® plywood Insert, painted black, on the interior of the building. Ms. Graham made the motion, Mr.
Koen seconded; the motion carried.
3. 5th Street Windows (5):
a) Three windows closest to Indiana Street:
Recommended the windows be retained and mullions remain white but if necessary an option to
paint the glass panes black was authorized and If interior coverage is also required paint black
not white.
b) Two office windows (awnings):
Recommended window size/location be retained but the existing windows may be replaced with
Insulated, aluminum frame windows with white mullions.
Ms. Graham made the motion, Mr. Koen seconded; the motion carried unanimously. Staff
indicated they will Inform Building Inspection of the Commission's recommendations.
IV. Other Business
a) West Floral Heights Historic District— aMonthly Report
• No report. Ms. Looney and Ms. Carper were absent and not available to give a
report.
b) Design Review — Staff Authorized — Minor Alteration/Repalm
• 2106 Wenonah — storm shelter grant — rear yard, below ground — no Impact
Ms. Gagn6 stated Wichita County has been successful in applying for multiple
rounds of FEMA storm shelter rebate program grants which allow property
owners to receive up to a 50% or $3000 rebate for installation of an approved
storm shelter, however, if the home was built prior to 1945 additional approval
® is required for historic properties. Ms. Gagn6 inforrned the Commission that
staff was able to approve this request because the shelter will be built in the
back yard, in the ground and will not alter or affect the historic character of the
house.
• 1404 Hayes — replace driveway /approach, sidewalks due to damage from tree
roots.
• 28111 01h St — new heating/air system — unit in rear yard.
• 1510 Garfield — inquiry about painting brick house to cover patched areas; this
property is not in a historic district so no action was taken.
• 1700 Hayes — inquiry for replacement composition roof.
• 1501 Hayes — mechanical (heating & air) system upgrade.
Ms. Gagn6 stated they were busy this month with numerous staff reviews for
minor alterations and inquiries as stated above. Nevertheless, staff is pleased
to see that residents in historic districts are starting to inquire about building
and development before construction instead of after construction.
c) Articles A Periodicals — TX Main Street Matters publication
Ms. Gagn6 stated she found the Texas Main Street article Main Street Matters,
which focuses on 'Inappropriate Building Materials on Main Street.' Ms. Gagn6
stated this was a timely article in light of the request for EIFS materials with the
window alteration project in the Wichita Falls historic depot district
d) Holt Hotel Project - TXPTF Grand (Amended Fagade Easement) & Transfer of
Ownership
Ms. Gagn6 stated staff received a letter from the Texas Historic Commission (THC)
authorizing the transfer of sale for the Holt Hotel. Staff also coordinated with the
title company and property management to record the corrected fagade easement
agreement paperwork to satisfy the requirements of the financial institutions and
THC. Ms. Graham stated she and her husband Rick Graham, Mike and Michelle
LANDMARK COMMISSION June 24, 2013 Page 3
Derr and Andy Lee purchased the Haft Hotel Logs. Michelle Derr will oversee the
leasing of the property and Ms. Graham will oversee the financial management of
® the property. Ms. Graham stated in an effort to support downtown development
they felt it was important for the Holt Hotel to be owned locally.
e) Council Updates — 2108 Wenonah — Landmark Nomination scheduled July 16
Ms. Gagn6 stated staff coordinated with the Butler's regarding their availability and
the landmark nomination is tentatively scheduled to go before the City Council on
July 16.
v
V. New Business
Ms. Flood stated the Landmark Commission will not meet in July. The next meeting Is
scheduled for August 27, 2013 —12pm.
VI. Adjourn
The meeting adjourned at 12:56 pm.
Lj-
Stade Flood, Chairperson
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Date
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