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