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Landmark Commission Minutes - 04/29/2014 RECEIVED IN CITY CLERK S_OFFICE MINUTES DATE: { LANDMARK COMMISSION By: _TIME: April 29, 2014 MEMBERS PRESENT: Stacie Flood, Chairperson ■ Members Jackie Lebow • Andy Lee • John Kidwell • Steve Wood • Kevin Bazner • Cindy Cotton • Michele Derr • Councilor Michael Smith • Council Liaison Karen Montgomery-Gagne, Planning Administrator • Staff Peter Scott, Assistant City Attorney II • Leo Mantey, Planner I • Syd Litteken, Syd Litteken Design Concepts •Guest/Applicant Cynthia Laney, Executive Director, DWFD, Inc. •Guest/Applicant e . Brandi Shaver •GuestiApplicant ABSENT: Michael Koen • Member I. Call to Order and Introductions Chairperson Flood called the meeting to order at 12:01 p.m. and introduced members of the Commission. The Commission welcomed the guests attending; Mr. Syd Litteken, who is the co-applicant/architect for the restoration/renovation design review of the Zales building located at 800-802 Ohio, Ms Cynthia Laney executive director of Downtown Wichita Falls Development (DWFD), Inc. and Ms Brandi Shaver staff with the Andy Lee Company. IL Review and Approval of Minutes from February 25, 2014 Chairperson Flood called for review and approval of minutes from the February 25, 2014 Landmark Commission meeting. Mr. Wood motioned for approval and Ms Derr seconded. The motion carried. III. Application for Design Review—Zales Building. 800-802 Ohio— Restoration/Renovation Ms Gagne informed the commission that Andy Lee and Kevin Bazner are key DWFD, Inc. board members involved in the project and will declare a conflict of interest when it LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29,2014 Page 1 comes to voting on the final decision; they will therefore abstain from voting on the agenda item. Staff presented the Commission with architectural drawings submitted by the applicants, which included historic and new photos of the Zales building and intersection of 8th and Ohio, and rendering image of the proposed final look of the building. Ms Gagne stated staff is excited to present this case to the Commission. She gave a brief presentation on the proposed project; stating the building was originally named the Zales building and was known as the Defoor's building in recent years. As shown in the pictures, the building was not maintained over the years. However, much of the Zales façade was covered and remained over the years. The proposed restoration project will maintain the original style of the building. She said the building will have 4 leasing spaces and an additional secondary space which is on the west end of the building. Ms Gagne deferred to Mr. Litteken for the opportunity to address the Commission by highlighting key proposed changes to the building. Mr. Litteken informed the Commission that the Zales building is not aesthetically pleasing or architecturally accurate at the moment and that should justify the need for the restoration. He said it was originally a stucco building which has maintained its original facade except the windows. In general the project is aimed at preserving the building to the Zales occupancy era (1925-1931).The project will restore and replace the luxfer prism transoms, replace the original door openings, while patching and repairing the original art deco stucco, and replace the storefront window glass. The building will be repainted to match the original color. He also said the architectural cast stones on the building will be maintained, they will clean, patch, and repair all cracks according to the Texas Historical Commission (THC) requirements. He said fortunately none of the exterior stones have fallen off so only repairs and maintenance are required. He said the biggest alteration/demolition change over the years had been the false facade covering the windows and original storefronts and removal of all the glass. Fortunately, the entire original wooden framework of the windows is still in their possession. The project plans to reinstall the original window frames on the upper and lower floor to match the original structure. Project architect, Syd Litteken explained that the transforms were intact; they are composed of 4"x4" prism glass tiles that were installed in 1924, and were placed to refract sunlight to better display jewelry in the store. When it was realized about 200 panes were missing, they looked for a source online and fortunately found a person in West Virginia who had 600 pieces of the same type of glass tiles for sale. Mr. Litteken admitted it will take significant work to fix those glass tiles. They will be cleaned up and fixed back to protect the transforms. They will also place protective sheet glass over the exterior to protect the prism glass tiles. Mr. Litteken informed the Commission the project also involved improving the intersection at 8th and Ohio Street. He stated it will include an improved sidewalk that is ADA accessible. They will also add landscaping, ramps, curbs, light poles and concrete benches similar to the other 8th street intersections (Indiana, Scott and Lamar) downtown. Mr. Litteken stated he believes the project, after its completion will be the first intersection in the Depot District to be restored. Mr. Litteken indicated that DWFD Inc, already had potential tenants contacting them about leasing space in the building, and as such they are putting in every effort to make the project a success. He stated the building will have four units - 25ft by 80ft thus LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29,2014 Page 2 adding up to about 10,000 square feet spaces to rent out to tenants. He said the interior of the building was cleaned; they hope to lease the first two units for restaurant/bar use. The other two large spaces can be used for a winery or other uses. He also said the building has space for future development. Mr. Litteken stated they hope to sprinkle the building; it depends on the 4B application for funding assistance. He said in general it has been a fun project and they also discovered some treasures while cleaning up the building. Mr. Lee gave a short history on the Zales building. He outlined the building was originally developed as a general store front in 1885, in 1910 was sold to the National Bank of Commerce and they started renovation in 1915. Prior to 1922, the building was altered for the art deco era which happened to be the first ever in Wichita Falls. It was later purchased by the Zales family for their jewelry business. Mr. Litteken noted that research showed the Zales building was the second brick building to be built in the city of Wichita Falls and is still in good condition. Mr. Lee stated they also want to reproduce the old 'Factory City "sign originally at the east end of 8th street. The replacement sign would be placed at the intersection of 8th and Ohio Streets. The purpose is to update the farmers market sign to make it more appealing. He said the sign will have a green theme signifying growth. Ms Laney informed the commission that, the sign improvement for the farmers market is currently under discussion and is yet to be approved by management. Mr. Wood made a motion to approve the proposed historic Zales building restoration and rehabilitation project as presented and outlined in the design review application. Mr. Lebow seconded. The motion was unanimously approved with the exception of Mr. Lee and Mr. Bazner who abstained from voting. IV. Review & Recommendation — Streetscape/Intersection Improvement—81h and Ohio Staff presented the Commission with architectural drawings and renderings for the proposed signage, streetscape design, and intersection improvements submitted by the applicants DWFD Inc. Ms Gagne informed the Commission that as part of the restoration of the Zales building, the applicants would like to improve the streetscape and sidewalk for 8th and Ohio Streets. She stated they have already submitted an application requesting 4B funds for completion of the project; the proposal would improve all four corners at 8th /Ohio, provide handicapped accessible sidewalks, installation of a replica gateway "Factory City" sign while promoting a pedestrian friendly environment as recommended in the Downtown Master Plan(2008). Mr. Lee explained they would like to improve the farmers market and its signage as part of their project. He said it was erected in 1985 and has never been improved. Mr. Litteken informed the Commission they intend to paint/replace the sign located below the cupola and it is included in the DWFD's 4B application for the farmers market. He also said they are proposing the columns, cupola and beams to be red, green and white with dark blue accents. They will also paint the rain harvest installed on the west side of the building if they receive approval of the 4B funds. The background for the sign will be green which references to fresh vegetables and nature. LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29,2014 Page 3 Mr. Kidwell asked how many bricks will be torn up to create the star pattern on the ground as shown in the architectural drawing provided. Mr. Litteken said they want to dig in 12 inches deep across the edge of the walk way. He stated they do not have plans to tear out existing bricks in the street, they will do so only when necessary. They will keep the red bricks, clean up and allow for engraving of names if possible. He They will also stability and durability. beneath it far st Y stated the star will have concrete Y saw down and run electrical conduit for decorative lighting for the entire intersection. Councilor Smith asked if the recommendation they need from the Commission includes the original downtown sign. Mr. Lee responded saying they need the Commission to give their views on that as well. Councilor Smith commented City Council has in the past talked about that sign and are therefore in support of it. Ms Flood stated that, from the Wichita County Heritage Society (WCHS) point of view, it was a shame the City's original intersection improvement project did not start with 8th and Ohio Street because that is the heart of downtown but it was overlooked and believes that is where it should have started. There was discussion that a fourth intersection (Ohio) was considered by the city but there was insufficient funding beyond the initial three sites (Lamar, Scott and Indiana). Mr. Wood asked if the uptown/ downtown signage was originally on the east side of the intersection at 8th and Ohio Street. Mr. Litteken replied saying it was and they intend to maintain it at the same location. Mr. Kidwell asked if they will take into consideration the height requirements for placing signs across street intersections. Mr. Litteken replied saying the project will meet the entire height requirements, he said they must have at least 14 feet clearance for high vehicles. He also stated the sign might be 12 feet tall so in total they are looking at placing the sign 30 feet high from the ground. Councilor Smith asked if they are planning on putting up a lighted sign. Mr. Litteken and Ms Laney commented they had not thought about that option, but would love to incorporate that in their plan. Mr. Wood agreed with Councilor Smith and said it would be a good idea since it was mentioned in their application with light poles at each intersection. Mr. Litteken stated they would like to put light poles at each street corner with decorative or flood lights to illuminate the area and underground wiring if possible. Mr. Litteken also informed the Commission that the lower section of the sign will have about 6ft truss area that will display banners advertising events or activities in the city. Mr. Bazner asked if there had been thought on updating the wording on the sign. Mr. Litteken replied saying they have not at the moment but will think about it. Ms Derr made a motion to approve and recommend the 8th /Ohio intersection/signage proposal via a letter to the 4B Board in support of DWFD Inc.'s application. Ms Cotton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved with the exception of Mr. Lee and Mr. Bazner who abstained from voting V. Other Business a)West Floral Heights Historic District— Monthly Report Ms Cotton informed the commission they had their neighborhood meeting last night, April 28. She stated they are in the process of completing the installation of vintage stop signs in their district which was started weeks ago. She said they had Cody from Shady Tree Nursery give an informational presentation about how to survive in the drought season. She said there have been a few concerns with theft and vandalism in the Momingside district but fortunately there have been no safety issues in their district. LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29,2014 Page 4 Ms Flood suggested staff add Depot Square District monthly update to the monthly agenda. Ms Gagne said that was a good suggestion and staff would work on that. b)Design Review— Staff Authorized Minor Alteration l Repairs 1300 7`" Street(Memorial Auditorium)--fire clearance inspection & roofing replacement/repair 1413 Hayes —foundation repair 1717 Hayes — rear accessory garage—repair flat roof Ms Gagne stated there was a design review application for roof replacement/repair for the Memorial Auditorium Building at 1300 761 Street and hoped members had heard about the project because it was reported on the front page of Times Record News. She said it went through staff review because they were not altering the design of the building; it was just repair/replacing the roof which will have no impact on the design of the building. Ms Gagne informed the Commission that Ms Cotton applied for her permit from Building Inspection after the Commission had reviewed and approved the design review request for the window replacement. She stated there was also a foundation repair design review. Ms Gagne informed the commission that Building Inspection uses a software company called MyGov for all their digital permitting. Staff recently expressed concern after noticing some properties in the historic districts no longer had historic tags on them. She said Mr. Bobby Teague was contacting the software company to find out why the historic properties were losing their tags. Staff worked with Building Inspection staff to update the list of all the designated properties to ensure they all have the historic notes in their database. c)Articles & Periodicals— No items were presented. VI. New Business: Mr. Lee informed the Commission that he wanted their thoughts on the proposed farmers market sign. Mr. Litteken said the new sign will be the same size and shape as the original but with a different color. Ms Flood stated that if it is just a color change it does not need the Commissions' approval. Mr. Kidwell made a recommendation for the sign to be addressed via staff review. Ms Derr provided an update regarding Depot Square Historic District activities. She indicated work is ongoing on the old post office building (801 Ohio) downtown. The new owner(s) pulled the tanks out of the ground; they didn't have any problems with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) concerning the four tanks. Councilor Smith informed the Commission that the TIF 4 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) convened for a meeting and went on a tour of the proposed outline of the TIF 4 area which is basically the downtown areas. He said they noted lots of historic buildings LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29,2014 Page 5 as they drove through the area (Lincoln St to Kell Blvd and from Austin St to east of railroad tracks). Ms Gagne stated the CAC had been looking at a much larger area to include the hospital district in 2011. She said management had concerns about whether the improvements would make a visible impact in such a large area. A new smaller area has been ro osed, eliminating all gap strips. She informed the Commission the CAC P p will meet this week to decide on the final boundary. Ms Derr informed the Commission the city vending building was purchased, and is being used for other activities. Next month's meeting is scheduled for May 19 at noon. VII. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 1:16pm. emu. Ch4 O'er 1L c I Opt Stacie Flood, Chairperson Date LANDMARK COMMISSION April 29,2014 Page 6