HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-08-07 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
August 7, 1996
ORIENTATION
Members Terry Skibby, Joyce Cowan, Vava Bailey, Larry Cardinale, Keith Chambers, and
Curt Anderson, with Associate Planner Mark Knox and Secretary Sonja Akerman, gathered
at the Community Center at 4:00 p.m. From here, the group toured portions of the Historic
District, focusing on new structures which are in the process of being built and some which
have been finished within the past few years.
At 5:30 p.m., Cliff Llewellyn joined the group at Bailey's house. Knox briefly discussed the
history of land use planning, emphasizing historic resources and the role of the Historic
Commission. He then examined the process applications go through, beginning with the
pre-application conference. He also reviewed the types of planning actions requiring
Historic Commission review and stressed the importance of reaching a decision based on
criteria.
Historic Preservation Consultant George Kramer then spoke to the Commission about
recent legislative actions, including the ramifications of Senate Bill 588 and how it affects
Statewide Planning Goal 5. He also discussed design review and showed slides of
commercial and residential buildings, mostly in the Rogue Valley.
Knox asked the Commission to think about goals it would like to accomplish within the next
year. Among the goals which will be considered are: 1) fund raising for purchase of the
1913 City of Ashland fire truck, 2) Railroad District nomination to the National Register,
3) completion of the cemetery nomination to the National Register (Ashland Cemetery and
Mountain View Cemetery have already been placed on the National Register), 4) Council
adoption of the Historic Preservation Ordinance, 5) Council adoption of the Street Name
List, and 6) attainment of Certified Local Government status.
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Vice Chairperson Terry Skibby at 8:40 p.m. Members
present were Terry Skibby, Vava Bailey, Joyce Cowan, Keith Chambers, Curt Anderson,
Cliff Llewellyn and Larry Cardinale. Also present were Associate Planner Mark Knox and
Secretary Sonja Akerman. Members Bill Harriff and Jim Lewis were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Skibby clarified Lewis was contacted by the City regarding the Golden Spike Marker, not
himself.
Cowan then moved and Cardinale seconded to approve the July 3, 1996 Minutes as
corrected. The motion was unanimously passed.
STAFF REPORTS
Planning Action 96-097
Conditional Use Permit
467 Scenic Drive
Cynthia Wright and Pete Jaeger
Knox explained the applicants are requesting approval to operate a two-unit travellers'
accommodation as it had previously been used in the early 1980s. Since around 1984, it has
been a single family residence. The new owners are proposing the same number of units
as originally approved and will not be changing the exterior. He noted that although four
off-street parking spaces are required, one of the spaces will be. on Scenic Drive, utilizing
an on-street credit. This will enable the owners to save a large portion of a nine foot laurel
hedge. The hedge, along with a wooden fence will screen the off-street parking on the lot.
Staff is recommending approval.
Cardinale moved and Llewellyn seconded to recommend approval of this planning action.
The motion was unanimously passed.
Planning Action 96-098
Site Review
190 Oak Street
Doyle Brightenburg
This application is for the construction of a two-story, mixed-use building related Knox.
There will be 1784 square feet of commercial space on the first floor, and two 500 square
foot apartments on the upper floor. Staff is recommending approval with seven conditions.
The only concern noted by Knox was that the steps should go directly into the porch area
on the Oak Street side of the building rather than off to the side.
Designer Doyle Brightenburg stated his clients have owned the property for many years.
The lot originally had a fairly large house on it, but it burned quite a few years ago. The
owners want to keep a residential character in the design and provide two living units.
Economic viability dictated the square footage.
When Knox questioned Brightenburg about recessing two steps in order for the steps to
directly access the porch, he said the steps would encroach into the handicapped ramp
access. Brightenburg clarified the access to both the Oak Street side and "B" Street side
would have wood handrails. He said he was looking for the most straight forward way of
doing the porch. Brightenburg agreed to examine this again, however, when Knox said he
would like to see a design with the steps leading directly into the porch.
Brightenburg then said he had designed the upper story to meet the same setback as the
second story on the Ashland Sanitary building and the Northwest Nature Shop. The
setbacks are als() sensitive to the Old Ashland Armory across the street.
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Minutes
August 7, 1996
Page 2
Skibby commented it is a nice design, but he too would like to see the steps in front go
directly to the porch, as it would add more of a sense of entry. Cardinale also agreed and
added the sense of entry is lost with the stairs on the west elevation. Skibby also noted the
design is similar to existing houses in the area. He likes the mixed use also.
Anderson asked how it was determined the primary entrance would be on Oak Street. To
him, it looks as though the entry on "B" Street could be the primary one rather than the Oak
Street entry. Knox stated on corner lots, property owners try to get the best benefit and can
usually orient the structure accordingly.
Cardinale questioned the entries off Oak Street for the commercial area. Brightenburg said
if there is only one renter, there will only be one door. However, if there ends up to be two
renters, two doors will be installed.
Chambers said he agrees with the residential look and mixed use. However, he wondered
if it will be too "crowded" looking with the narrow setbacks. Brightenburg said he pictured
the building as walking down Oak Street toward the Armory and sees it as a transition. The
second story is set back the same distance as Ashland Sanitary. Only the commercial area
is set forward. Skibby asked what would be lost if the building were to be moved back.
Brightenburg said parking would be lost. Knox clarified the units don't require parking
because it is a mixed use, but if the building were to be moved back, the site would have
only three parking spaces. Too much would be lost.
Anderson asked if it would be possible to construct the Oak Street entry the way Knox had
suggested so it would be more traditional. He would also rather see the steps lead directly
to the porch rather than to the side. Brightenburg said he will check again to see if it would
be possible.
Anderson moved to recommend approval of this planning action with the condition the
applicant explore the possibility of locating the steps so they access the porch directly
on Oak Street. Bailey seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Planning Action 96-086
Site Review
685 "A" Street
Patricia Murphy
Knox explained the owner is asking to modify the building design of the previously approved
spa by eliminating the multi-purpose room and replacing it with a private outdoor swimming
pool. The building design will mostly be the same. The only change will be the pool area,
in which case the roof will be removed. Overall, Staff does not see this as a major change,
but there will be a loss of significant roof lines. Ornate iron grills will be placed in the six
openings on the building wall facing the park. The changes may seem minor, but Staff is
seeking advice from the Historic Commission.
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Minutes
August 7, 1996
Page 3
Owner Patricia Murphy, 159 Laurel Street, explained the changes from the original approval.
The footprint will remain basically the same. There will be hipped roof over a small
addition for two interior dressing rooms on the front. The pool area will be open on top
with a 12 foot wall on the exterior. There will also be a pump room constructed in the rear.
She emphasized the need to have some way to keep the building secure so people won't get
in and use the pool at night. She also said she feels the view from the park is an
improvement.
Architect Joyce Ward, 549 Auburn Street, said she was new to the project so she feels she
came in with a fresh approach. She presented elevations of the proposed building with the
changes (including two other alternate designs). She related she has kept with a typical
Craftsman look while maintaining the same rhythm and size of the openings. The building
will not look like walls without a roof, but rather a walled garden, as there will be ample
landscaping. The first alternative design employes the use of columns, the second adds a
trellis atop the columns at the entrance to the parking lot and to the front courtyard. Ward
said the column theme is already existing in the building design.
Philip Lang, 758 "B" Street, stated this development is an example of everything that's wrong
with planning in Ashland. Nevertheless, it was approved by the Historic Commission and
Planning Commission, then appealed to the City Council, whereby some conditions were
changed. At the time of the first application, a community meeting room which would be
available to the public was proposed. He then quoted from the December 6, 1995 Historic
Commission minutes and the December 12, 1995 Planning Commission minutes emphasizing
the remarks regarding the community room. Now, Lang said, the developer wants to do all
these changes and the community room will become a member only lap pool. The Staff
Report states there will be less traffic, but Lang pointed out in his opinion, this is based on
greed. He also stated he and his neighbors fought for the Railroad Park and now they will
be looking up to a 12 foot wall. He wanted the Commission to deny the change or build
it as it was originally approved. Lang also noted he had talked with someone from the State
of Oregon who told him the median income for Ashland is $23,579.
Ward acknowledged Lang brought up valid points, but stated issues such as those need to
be discussed in committee and it won't serve to deny this application. She maintained the
building will not be difficult to look at from the park because of the landscaping, vines on
the wall, and openings on the wall.
Murphy said Lang used strong language and denied she was being dishonest or trying to con
anyone. At first, she wanted the multi-purpose room, but due to Health Department
regulations and other things that have happened, it just won't be feasible anymore.
Skibby recognized the fact the Review Board has seen all the design variations and he has
been following the changes. He related he was most comfortable with the first alternative
design using the columns.
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Minutes
August 7, 1996
Page 4
Cardinale remarked more landscaping will soften the column lines. Ward said there will
be a lot of landscaping, as the columns will be standing out eight to ten feet, making them
a little whimsical. Chambers said he likes the free standing whimsical look, and because he
had to leave, wanted the Commission to know he was in favor of this alternative. (He left
at 10:00.)
Anderson remarked the trellis design is for holding plants, while the free standing columns
don't serve a function. Bailey stated the owner could put in the columns, then add the
trellis later if she doesn't like them.
The gate to the courtyard was then discussed. Murphy said she will leave it open during the
day and close it at night. It won't be a barricade people can't get through, but she said she
hopes that by closing the gate, it will help deter people from entering the area.
Anderson moved to recommend approval of this application with the condition the column
design be built. He also made note the trellis cap be an option to add to the columns if
needed in the future. The Commission also asked the owner and architect to explore the
possibility of continuing the rock wall around the southeast elevation. (The Review Board
will see the final building plans.) Cowan seconded the motion and it was unanimously
passed.
At 10:30, Anderson moved to extend the meeting another 15 minutes. Bailey seconded the
motion and it passed unanimously.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
July follow:
120 High Street
521 North Main Street
10 Calle Guanajuato
88 Granite Street
120 North First Street
10 Calle Guanajuato
600 East Main Street
93 Oak Street
548 North Main Street
266 East Main Street
84 Fourth Street
250 Oak Street
Norbert Bischoff
Scott Young
Hal & Barbara Cloer
Jed & Celia Meese
U.S. Post Office
Pilaf & Global Pantry
Rogue's Inn
Rita's Relics
Ashland Retirement Center
Sister Moon
Headwaters
Jungle Taco
Remodel/Deck
Addition
Interior Remodel
Demo. Deck/Window
Covered Bike Parking
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
Sign
REVIEW BOARD
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 7, 1996
Page 5
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:
August 8
August 15
August 22
August 29
Bailey, Skibby and Cardinale
Chambers, Skibby and Cardinale
Cowan and Skibby
Cowan and Skibby
OLD BUSINESS
Project Assignments for Planning Actions
Anderson and Lewis were assigned to PA #96-086 and Bailey volunteered to oversee PA
#96-098.
Street Name List
Knox stated he will write a memo to the City Council for adoption of the Historic Street
Name List.
NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business. Election of officers will be held during the September meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by Bailey and second by Llewellyn, it was the unanimous decision of the
Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:48 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 7, 1996
Page 6
ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Agenda
August 7, 1996
L
III.
ORIENTATION/GOAL SETTING: Members to meet at Community Center - 4:00
Tour of Historic District ~ 4:00-5:00
Be
Orientation - Getting familiar with the Zoning Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan,
Site Design and Use Standards, Rehab Rights, and Rehab Oregon Right - and
how to use them (Mark Knox) ~ 6:00-6:45
C. Legislative Update and Design Review (George Kramer) ~, 6:45-7:30
D. Discussion/Questions ~ 7:30-8:00
E. Goal Setting ~ 8:00-8:15
REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER: 8:30 p.m. - ASHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER
59 Winburn Way
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: July 3, 1996
STAFF REPORTS:
PLANNING ACTION 96-093 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to increase the
number of units from six to seven, which includes the owner's unit, located at 451
North Main Street. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential;
Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #: 39 1E 5DA; Tax Lot(s): 7200.
APPLICANT: Wayne E. and Elisabeth M. Jonas WITHDRAWN
PLANNING ACTION 96-097 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit to operate a
three unit (includes owner's unit) traveller's accommodation located at 467 Scenic
Drive. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2;
Assessor's Map #: 39 1E 5DB; Tax Lot(s): 3602.
APPLICANT: Cynthia Wright and Pete Jaeger
PLANNING ACTION 96-098 is a request for a Site Review to construct a two story
buiMing, including 1784 square feet of commercial space on the first floor and two
residential units (500 square feet each) on the second floor, to be located at 190 Oak
Street. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Commercial; Zoning: C-I; Assessor's Map
#: 39 1E 9BB; Tax Lot(s): 12300.
APPLICANT: Doyle Brightenburg
IV.
PLANNING ACTION 96-090 is a request for a Site Review to construct a second
resMential unit at the rear of the existing resMence located at 317 North Main Street.
Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family ResMential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's
Map #: 39 1E 5DD; Tax Lot(s): 3000.
APPLICANT: Peter Cipes
PLANNING ACTION 96-086 is a request for a Site Review to modify the buiMing
design of a previously approved health spa located at 685 "A" Street. Modification to
involve the elimination of the multi-_purpose room and replacing it with a private
(members only) outdoor swimming pool. Comprehensive Plan Designation:
Employment; Zoning: E-I; Assessor's Map #: 39 1E 9AB; Tax Lot(s): 6507 &
6508.
APPLICANT: Patricia Murphy
OLD BUSINESS:
A. Review Board ,, appointments/volunteers
B. Project Assignments for each Planning Action
C. Street Name List
D. Other
NEW BUSINESS
A. Election of Officer; (time permitting)
B. Other
VI. ADJOURNMENT