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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-04 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes March 4, 1998 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at the Community Center by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:40 p.m. Members present were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Vava Bailey, Dale Shostrom, Keith Chambers, Carol Abrahamson and Joan Steele. Also present were Associate Planner Mark Knox and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Members Curt Anderson and Joyce Cowan were absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Skibby clarified on page 2 of the February 4, 1998 Minutes, he does not question the use of accessory units, rather he questions turning alleys into streets. Steele moved and Bailey seconded to approve the minutes as clarified. The motion was unanimously passed. NEW BUSINESS Location of Electric Facilities Director of Electric Utilities Pete Lovrovich addressed the Commission to open a dialogue regarding the siting of electric utilities. He suggested forming a committee to look at more unique ways of siting the facilities. Lewis stated he realizes there are certain code requirements the Electric Department needs to deal with, but he hopes the committee will be able to come up with a better placement for these facilities. Lovrovich related this needs to be addressed in initial planning stages. Abrahamson, Shostrom, Skibby and Bailey volunteered to meet with Lovrovich at 2:00 p.m. on March 19. PUBLIC HEARINGS Planning Action 98-021 Site Review and Conditional Use Permit 44 North Second Street Trinity Episcopal Church Knox explained this proposal is for the approval of a Campus Master Plan, and site and building design approval for an 860 square foot addition to the west side of the existing Parish Hall. Each phase of the Master Plan will need a separate site review. Since a church is not permitted outright in the Downtown Commercial zone, a Conditional Use Permit is required. Staff feels Phase I (Parish Hall) is appropriate in size and scale. The primary concern is what will happen on Lithia Way. The City is aware of the church's need to have the block recognized as belonging to the church and a long range commitment to that fact. Staff recognizes the site for that type of use, but doesn't feel the overall design for the master plan is appropriate for the site. The City is looking for a Main Street look at sidewalk grade. Bailey suggested the buildings may be too high toward Lithia Way. Knox said Senior Planner Bill Molnar (planner for this project) has stated Phase II will deter from the existing church, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Gary Afseth, architect for the project, stated the church is 102 years old. Great pains have been taken in the design for the Master Plan in meeting with the Historic Commission at full commission meetings and at Review Board meetings. He said it was his belief the Commission recognized the church site was compatible with the downtown area. The church is not commercial, so he doesn't agree the proposed buildings should have the look of downtown, rather they should have a religious feel. When he drew the plans, he wanted to avoid low ceilings and big spaces. He noted the Parish Hall will be for the community. He also said he has been responsive to the massing of the existing buildings. If the buildings were designed with flat roofs, as in the new Downtown Design Standards (note: these have not yet been adopted), he feels they would look bigger. He countered the Staff Report, stating he has paid attention to the street scape in the area. The buildings that have been proposed step back at various levels from the street, as does the building directly behind the church on Lithia Way. The church members also have a good feel for the proposed design. He has used the design standards that are in effect. The siding on all the proposed buildings will match the existing buildings, which is horizontal board with "v" groove. Also, the color and trim will match. Afseth added SHPO is receptive to the design also. Skibby asked about the size of the windows along Lithia Way. Afseth said he didn't know if they would be single or double hung, but that he is following the Site Design and Use Standards. He also noted the Lithia Way side has the potential to have some commercial business in the building. After being questioned about the overhang, Afseth said the roof pitch will be the same as the existing building, but the overhang will be less. He also noted he wanted to keep the windows scaled down. He then explained the difference between a study model (which he has submitted) and a scale model (which has more detail). Skibby then asked about the Morgan House (also known as the Beach-Good house in the Heritage Landmarks List), which is currently located on the corner of Second Street and Lithia Way and is proposed to be demolished or moved. He noted the more we lose buildings in the Historic District, the more we lose the Historic District. Afseth stated negotiations are on-going at this time to move the house. He also related both the Morgan House and the church are platform buildings. If the house were to be moved within the church property, it would have to be raised even higher, resulting in a negative effect for the house. He then explained how the ramps in the Parish Hall, the church and sanctuary will tie in and address ADA regulations. The covered walk will probably have a flat roof scheme. Steele asked what would be included in Phase I. Afseth clarified it would include the internal renovation for the chapel and a new raised roof on the addition that was not part of the original church. It also includes the construction of a new 860 square foot addition on the Parish Hall (administration building). Lewis asked about SHPO approval. Afseth said he has talked on the phone a couple times and has been sent Preservation Briefs and the Department of Interior Standards that would apply to the project. Abrahamson asked if SHPO has seen the conceptual drawings. Afseth answered he hasn't felt the need to do that yet, but will after final approval is received. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes March 4, 1998 Skibby stated his main concern is with the windows and the strong contemporary look they give the buildings. Afseth said he does not want to mimic the church because all standards discourage that, but added they will be sash units. He is unsure whether they will be single or double hung. He would be willing to have the details available, however in the design development. Skibby maintained since the existing church is on the National Register and in the Historic District, he has concerns about the proposed windows being too contemporary. Catharine Church, 166 Pilot View Drive, stated the church membership gave Afseth a tremendous job to come up with a design for the project. The church is full every Sunday and they need at least 50 more seats. After the members come in on Sunday, they tend to stay downtown to eat, take care of errands, shop, etc. They are vital to downtown Ashland. Steele said she was concerned about the use of the retail space in a future phase. Church stated they are thinking about a Christian bookstore. Bill Emerson, 90 Fifth Street, related his main concern is the fate of the Morgan House. Church stated the congregation definitely wants to see the house moved rather than demolished. Emerson stated he would like the church to agree not to demolish the house. Church said the people that are interested in moving it have previously restored a house and have a lot on the corner of Beach and Henry Streets. Abrahamson inquired if the Commission needed to look at this application in relation to the new proposed Downtown Design Standards. Knox said the Standards should be adopted within three months, and the Commission should look at the draft. Afseth stated he has already addressed five sets of design standards in this application. Knox clarified the standards have only been addressed for Phase I. Chambers said there is a need to separate Phase I from Phase II, but they are integrally linked. He asked if Phase I is approved, can the phases be separated if there is not enough money now to go ahead with Phase II? Afseth said the congregation would be disappointed, as a lot of energy has been put in Phase I; however, the phases are a package. The campus is an integral part of the design. Chambers acknowledged the design between the two phases is compatible. Steele asked the Commission how it felt about a flat roof concept for churches. Bailey said she would not like a flat roof on a church. Most all churches have steep roof pitches. She then said she likes Phase I, but commented the rest of the design for the Master Plan is not oriented toward Lithia Way. The problem is that car traffic comes down Lithia Way and the only portion of the buildings that will be visible is the back. She has a problem with that. Lewis stated Lithia Way and Second Street has the potential to be a major corner in Ashland because the property across the street is currently vacant. His concern is the church is in a commercial district. He agrees the existing church is in a wonderful location and he sees nothing wrong with it. He said it is important to ask if the Commission is looking at the design concept for the City of Ashland or for the church. Shostrom stated he can't separate the two phases. He likes Phase I and the village quality, and realizes it is in a transition area. However, he feels like a commitment for the entire Campus Master Plan would be too much, Ashland Historic Commission Minutes March 4, 1998 especially if future phases aren't built for another five or ten years. Abrahamson agreed and said it is difficult to separate the two phases. She likes the concept, but wondered how to make it work with the design standards. Chambers listed the Commission concerns as follows: 1) How does the Master Plan relate to the sweep of Lithia Way? When talking about the next 100 year scenario, the Commission needs to take the Downtown Design Review Standards into account. 2) It is in a transition area, similar to Bard's Inn. When the Bard's Inn annex was built, the City got a hybrid and no one was really happy with it. 3) It is important to remember the church is the church. The other buildings are auxiliary, so the Commission needn't feel they have to look like the church. He feels these buildings could work with more of a commercial design. Knox also noted since these buildings are being set up for possible retail use and assembly, they don't have to take on the shape of the church. Staff still feels the street scape needs to be taken into account. Lewis stated many designs are adaptable and listed downtown buildings that have been adopted to other uses. He said it should not matter what the interior use is, the exterior design needs to be compatible with the downtown area. Skibby said he feels the corner could be used more. The scale and massing is huge and if it is going to be used commercially, maybe the design should reflect more of a commercial feel. Knox added he feels Staff has been clear in the design concept since the beginning. Staff would not like to lock into the proposed design for the Master Plan. He then read the two approval options recommendations by Staff. Steele moved and Chambers seconded to recommend approval for Phase I only with the six conditions suggested by Staff. The Campus Master Plan would be approved in concept, allowing for the future expansion of church facilities, but not supporting the schematic design concept. This recommendation does not endorse the schematic architectural elevations and site plan for the Master Plan. The motion was unanimously approved. MORE NEW BUSINESS Bill Emerson - Golden Spike Commemoration Designer Bill Emerson presented his concept for the commemoration of the Golden Spike in the Railroad Park. He explained when he was working on the design for the Railroad District Park he left the area near the end of the park on Eighth Street, which is the closest to the actual driving of the spike, for the display showing the history of probably the most historic event of the City. He has come up with an outdoor theater design with a main stage and arbor behind it. Seating would be on the sloped lawn. The stage area is already naturally lower. He also suggested display panels denoting the historical significance of the Golden Spike. The existing sidewalk needs to be replaced in its same location at an elevation level with the curb in order to provide the slope for the seating. He said it would be a place to have children put on plays, to have community talks, etc. Emerson also stated the sign is at the exact location of the entrance to that area and suggested it be moved to a more appropriate place. Steele recommended the sign that states RAILROAD DIST. PARK be replaced with a sign that states RAILROAD DISTRICT PARK. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes March 4, 1998 The Commission agreed the design was wonderful. Therefore, Chambers moved to send the design to the Parks Commission, as the Historic Commission enthusiastically supports Emerson's innovative design. Abrahamson seconded the motion and it passed unanimously. Lewis said he would be glad to go to the Parks Commission meeting when it is on the agenda. The Commission commended Emerson for his fine work. Emerson stated it would be a good idea to have the neighborhood see the design first, then present it to Traffic Safety Commission, Bike and Pedestrian Commission, etc. prior to the Parks Commission. MORE PUBLIC HEARINGS Planning Action 98-022 Site Review and Variance 112 Helman Street Community Health Center Knox related the applicant bought this building to relocate the Ashland Community Health Clinic. The application is for a five space parking Variance and Site Review for the medical office. Staff is requesting an upgrade of the front facade, including awnings over the windows. Since Central Avenue will be soon be a through street, the front portion of the building will be very visible. Staff is recommending approval. Shostrom commented on the parking, stating most landscaping just doesn't work next to parallel parking because when you get out of the car on the curb side, you step right into the landscaped area. He also said the area has more of a downtown feel rather than residential. Chambers moved to recommend approval of this application and Steele seconded the motion. Abrahamson amended the motion to include a recommendation the windows be covered with awnings. The motion was unanimously approved. At 10:00, Chambers moved and Steele seconded to extend the meeting until 10.'15. The motion passed unanimously. BUILDING PERMITS Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the months of January and February follow: 64 Third Street 21 South Second Street 455 Siskiyou Boulevard 111 "B" Street 58 East Main Street 259 Idaho Street 64 Third Street Annschild/Thomaschefsky Allen Drescher City of Ashland Joe Collonge Allan/Sallie Sandler Isabelle Burns Annschild/Thomaschefsky Demolish Rear Porch Remodel Reroof Innkeeper's Unit (B&B) Replace Door Addition Remodel Ashland Historic Commission Minutes March 4, 1998 195 Sherman Street 237 North First Street 265 Fourth Street 570 Fairview Street 51 Water Street 60 East Main Street 333 North Main Street 190 Oak Street 337 East Main Street 11 North First Street Ron Butz Ashland Community Food Store Davi Traister Martha Williams Beasy's on the Creek Tudor Guild Wood's House Earth Alert The Infinite Eye Grizzly Peak Roasting Co. Addition Remodel Interior Remodel Carport Sign Sign Sign Sign Sign Sign REVIEW BOARD Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday from 3:00 to at least 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department: March 5 March 12 March 19 March 26 April 2 Skibby and Bailey Skibby, Lewis, Steele and Cowan Skibby, Abrahamson, Bailey and Shostrom Skibby, Abrahamson, Lewis and Cowan Skibby, Chambers, Steele and Shostrom OLD BUSINESS Project Assignments for Planning Actions PA # 96-086 96-110 96-143/97-030 97-018 97-053 97-075 98-021 98-022 Address 685 "A" Street 499 Iowa Street 136 North Second Street 661 "B" Street 565 "A" Street 40 North Main Street 44 North Second Street 112 Helman Street Person(s) Assigned Curt Anderson/Jim Lewis Joyce Cowan Terry Skibby Jim Lewis Jim Lewis Dale Shostrom Dale Shostrom Vava Bailey Ashland Historic Commission Minutes March 4, 1998 Southern Oregon Landmarks Commission Training Workshop The Commission agreed the workshop was a success and it would be worthwhile to get together with other commissions in the area annually. It was also recognized in the future, workshops should be designed so they are more locally oriented. Southern Oregon Historical Society Presence in Ashland Lewis stated the self-guided tour booklet is almost ready to be printed. The committee has still not located a downtown site for the building but it is still looking. Skibby presented a letter from Edmund Dews to Allen Alsing regarding the necessity of a SOHS presence in Ashland. Grant Application for National Register Online Travel Itineraries Steele reported she submitted the grant application prior to the deadline. The Commission thanked her for all the work she put into it. Steele said she learned a great deal about Ashland through her research. AND MORE NEW BUSINESS National Historic Preservation Week The Commission discussed which tours should be offered this year, and decided the Lower Lithia Park and Downtown area should be one. Also, since the Railroad District may soon be on the National Register o£Historic Places, there should be at least one tour in that area. Skibby will get a photo for inclusion in the bill stuffhr. 101 Oak Street The Commission reviewed a letter received from the Department of Interior regarding National Register status for 101 Oak Street. In order to be placed on the National Register and receive tax credits for renovation, the front door that was removed needs to replaced. Although the Commission did not agree, it did not want to jeopardize the listing. Heritage Committee Meeting Skibby announced the next Heritage Committee meeting will be held on March 25 at 4:30 p.m., probably in the Swedenburg House. ADJOURNMENT With a motion by Chambers and second by Skibby? it was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:17 p.m. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes March 4, 1998