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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-09-06 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Minutes September 6, 1995 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:40 p.m. Members present were Terry Skibby, Jim Lewis, Fredricka Weishahn, Casey Mitchell, Bill Harriff and Bill Emerson. Also present were City Council Liaison Steve Hauck, Associate Planner Mark Knox and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Members Keith Chambers, Larry Cardinale and Chloe Winston were absent. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Skibby moved to approve the August 2, 1995 Minutes as submitted and Mitchell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. STAFF REPORTS PA 95-099 Conditional Use Permit, Site Review and Variance 493 North Main Street Catalina Physical Therapy Group Knox explained the application is to construct a new 2,000 square foot professional office building located on a vacant lot at the corner of North Main and Coolidge Streets. The building will appear to be a single story structure, however there will be an additional 480 square feet within the second floor dormer. A Variance is being requested to reduce the rear yard and side yard setbacks from ten feet to six feet. The parking area will contain five spaces with an additional handicap space. The main entrance will be provided on the Coolidge Street side. The Review Board has met with the designer and given tentative approval of the design, however, it was noted the design had incorporated horizontal siding and this proposal had vertical siding. There are many features of the design with architectural merit, including the primary orientation of the building facing North Main Street, with the parking area to the side and screened with landscaping. An arbor will also be constructed to further screen the parking area from North Main Street. On the parking lot side will be an open beam porch. The windows are nicely designed with compatible trim. Also, the use of the eaves and columns make the design visually pleasing. Knox also commented on the use of a portion of the existing retaining wall as part of the building. Staff, he said, felt comfortable with the design and is confident it is one of the best designs for the lot. Therefore, approval is recommended with four conditions, one of which is the use of horizontal siding instead of vertical siding as depicted in the elevations. Doyle Brightenburg, building designer for the project, stated the siding got changed because the owners were interested in staying with the residential feel, yet since it is a commercial building, want it to look more commercial. The group also wanted a contrast between the gables and the first story. Emerson stated the overall design is good and acknowledged it was a difficult space to work with. He also likes the use of the shingles. Skibby reported on the Review Board meetings and noted the Board had recommended the use of horizontal siding. Knox added the Site Design and Use Standards discourages vertical siding in the Historic District. Jane Richardson, 781 Liberty Street, said she was part of the Catalina Physical Therapy Group. The Group had looked for property around the hospital and this lot was the closest location they could find. She mentioned the new medical building on North Main Street not far from this site, noting it had vertical siding, and said the group felt vertical siding would give the building more of a professional look. Mitchell said she specializes in health care design and feels the horizontal siding would have more of a positive effect on the clients. It would go better with the design and she added it will not interfere with the care given to the clients. Knox noted it was Staffs belief it will have a professional appearance with horizontal siding. Jack Evans, 70 Coolidge Street, stated he had called this action up for a public hearing because he was concerned with how the project will impact the trees and retaining walls adjacent to the site (his property). Since he is now living out of town, he wanted to be able to review the plans, and hopefully, there would be no need for a public hearing. He also said he agrees the horizontal siding will keep the historic feeling of the area. Skibby said he feels strongly about the horizontal siding. He also noted the other medical building mentioned is outside the Historic District. When asked, he said the site was once a gas station. Emerson said he is bothered by the tudor details, but admitted it was hard to see the design and read the small print on the reduced copies in the packet. He maintained the siding should be horizontal, not vertical, and also feels strongly the shingles should remain. He also added he likes the use of the arbor. Harriff said he personally feels horizontal siding would look better, but does not think the guidelines are strong enough to dictate this as a requirement. Skibby disagreed and noted the retirement center will be using horizontal siding. Harriff said again he agreed it would look better, but would recommend it be used, not require it be used. Skibby moved to recommend approval of this action with the requirement horizontal siding, with ornamental shingles on the gable ends be used. Weishahn seconded the motion and it passed will all voting aye except Harriff, who voted nay. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 2 PA 95-103 Site Review Plaza City of Ashland Emerson stepped down from the Commission and sat in the audience because he is the designer of the project. Knox related the addition/remodel of the kiosk had been previously talked about at Review Board meetings and earlier Historic Commission meetings. He went on to report this proposal is for a 100 square foot addition attached to the existing information booth (kiosk). This addition has caused controversy, mainly because of the four and one-half foot bump out into the street. Staff has done some field work, however, and feels it will not create problems. It also believes the design is compatible with the Site Review chapter. The existing building will have the brick veneer removed and will be white stucco, as will the addition. The roof shape and material will remain the same. The door will be relocated to the northeast side. Also, the phones will be moved and placed on the northeast side. This will eliminate the clutter. As noted in the Downtown Plan, the booth should be expanded to accommodate the Chamber of Commerce. The walls will be insulated for a better physical working environment, thus allowing for the extension of the season to remain open. A police officer will also be able to stay in the Plaza year round. The bump out is one of the main concerns. Knox justified the reasons Staff felt would be adequate distances for backing out conflicts, through traffic conflicts and delivery truck conflicts, as noted in the Staff Report. City Administrator Brian Almquist said the genesis of this expansion was the availability of a grant through Regional Strategies. The City received $11,000 in grant money, matched it with $11,000, and added $2,000 in-kind services. Money, he explained will be tight, but the City feels the importance of maintaining a police presence in the Plaza area is crucial. He noted Bill Emerson worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and the Police Department in the design. He said he was present to answer technical questions and asked the Historic Commission to focus on historic issues. Emerson spoke about the proposed addition, noting he had attended the Review Board meeting when the original plans came down. He had his own concerns so he got involved in the design. One concern was that the design began with two separate buildings with a corridor adjoining them. Also, the addition was proposed toward Iron Mike (H.B. Carter Memorial Fountain). In the process of coming up with a better design, the addition was incorporated into the existing building (and located on the opposite side of Iron Mike). He said he also figured out ways of making the roof work whereby it would be easier to build. In addition, he removed the brick corners because they provide too many vertical lines, and he incorporated archways in the windows which are reminiscent of City Hall. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 3 Almquist added Emerson was able to fit the phones on the building itself and also worked out a means to get rid of the wooden structure behind the existing phones. This will clean up the area. He noted Emerson did a good job in picking up old features of City Hall and assimilating them in the design of the booth. Skibby asked if the existing roof would stay. Emerson said it will. Two existing panels will be moved and incorporated with the new roof. When asked what the exterior finish would be, Emerson answered it will most likely be synthetic plaster because it is more water proof. He is also recommending 5/8" plywood for backing to add more support. Types of windows were then discussed. Emerson said he had contacted numerous window companies and has had a hard time locating widows that will open all the way. He said the City may have to buy windows and apply hinges. When asked about air conditioning systems, Almquist noted the mechanical equipment will be located on the roof. Richard Hanson, 25 North Main Street (Gold & Gems), said he is 100% in favor of the expansion of the information booth for the purpose of allowing expanded use by the Chamber of Commerce and having a police officer on the Plaza. However, he is 100% opposed to the location. He has taken pictures (which will be available at the Planning Commission meeting) which show how delivery trucks park -- with the wheels over the curb. to decrease even one foot of space for truck parking is wrong. Also, there is a safety issue. This is a giant step in the wrong direction. Because he has been in his store at all hours of the day and night, he has noticed cars do not slow down. When someone sees another person walking to a car, that person stops and waits for the space to open. Cars can generally get by now, but they won't be able to with the bump out. He said he feels the best space to have the kiosk is in the middle of the Plaza where it won't impede traffic or deliveries. He also said he was speaking for other Plaza merchants who were unable to attend the meeting. He then stressed his opposition to the location, not the concept. He went on to say he appreciated Staff's efforts in the measurements, but they just won't work. He then noted he had received a letter from Phyllis Smedes and was glad the Commission also received copies. Almquist responded to Hanson that at first, the bump out was larger and the Review Board felt the addition (on the opposite side) would intrude visually on the Carter Fountain. Hanson replied eight out of ten citizens don't even know who Iron Mike is. Even if the booth were to be moved, there would be a dear view of it from the park, First Interstate Bank, etc. Moreland Smith, 6381 Wagner Creek Road, said he was a downtown business owner for ten years. He was also a member of the Downtown Planning Advisory Committee (DPAC). He is very interested in the Plaza and he said he would like to echo Hanson's concerns. He is also concerned that the Planning Staff is employed by the City; therefore, Staff has to justify the employer's proposal and cannot be objective. The master plan for the Plaza, he said, called for moving the kiosk. He noted the out-of-town architect that worked on the Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 4 Downtown Plan recognized the kiosk was out of place. It detracts from Iron Mike where it is now. He said he has observed a lot goes on in that space. He does not feel the City should take a bad idea (existing location) and make it worse by going out in the street. He also disputes Staff measurement figures and said any narrowing of space will be bad. There is a great need for the traffic to flow smoothly. There is already a shortage of loading truck areas and there always will be because of all the restaurants on the Plaza. DPAC made deliveries worse because it got the City to close off Guanajuato Way during the day. Smith also said one of the reasons the phone booths are where they are now was a step in the direction of moving the kiosk. He then said the City wanted to get a police officer immediately last spring when the plans first surfaced. Since the summer is now gone, he thinks the proposal should be delayed a couple of months to do it right. He also said he would offer his time to help build the kiosk correctly. Emerson then said he had an alternate plan. Knox reminded the Commission members it their duty to recommend a decision to the Planning Commission of the submitted design for the addition/remodel of the existing booth which includes the bump out. Harriff said he would prefer to not make a recommendation before he hears another proposal and added he thinks it is important to hear Emerson's alternative so he can make a better informed decision. The Commission concurred. Emerson continued and submitted plans that remove the existing booth and rebuild a larger six-sided booth. As background information, he said up until a few years ago, the Plaza was broken up and a person couldn't walk from one end to another. Pedestrian use was created with a pathway from the fountains to the flagpole. This created another area for the information booth. When he worked on the design for the Plaza after the adoption of the Downtown Plan, he had originally designed around the Japanese Maple to accommodate a different location for the booth. The intention was to move the booth to where the maple was subsequently moved by the Parks Department. He has since talked to Donn Todt (from the Parks Department), who has determined the tree could be moved during the winter, then brought back to be replanted without damaging the tree. With the alternate plan, the design for the new booth would give 28 square feet more than the with the remodel/addition. Also, no bump out would be required. Emerson then said he had talked with a contractor who estimated it would cost $23,800 to remodel and add on to the existing booth, and $26,800 to build a new one. At this point, Almquist took exception to the references of an adopted master plan for the Plaza. He stated the language that was adopted was that the existing building be added on. Emerson went on to say John Fields had given a rough estimate of $40,000 to remodel and add on to the existing booth, and $33,000 to build a new one. The higher costs took into account the angles of the buildings. Emerson pointed out a few items that needed to be done to the old building so insulation could be installed. Almquist said the insulation becomes problematic because the windows will be open. However, Emerson said the booth will be used more in the winter because of police use. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 5 Doris Mullen stated the issue is safety, especially for pedestrians. To drive in the Plaza area is terrible as it is. She suggested taking more time to hear options rather than approve the bump out. Roger Floyd, 351 Granite Street, said he is the owner of Lithia Stationers, and he strongly supports what the other merchants have already said. Safety and traffic issues are his main concerns. Darren Busich, Munchies' manager, said most people on the Plaza are opposed to the bump out. He also stated he thinks Emerson's alternate plan is better than the original plan. Skibby commented the reason the addition was moved to the opposite side was because of the closeness to Iron Mike. Another side was ruled out because of the large ash tree. He feels Emerson's design (with the bump out) is more compatible. He also feels the alternate plan is compatible and would be the ideal solution. The project has evolved over the months and the design has improved. Weishahn commented that with the addition added to the old kiosk, it would be a new entity and would look extremely odd. She does not feel it would be a nice thing to do to the Plaza. Harriff said he would vote against the proposal because of safety issues even though it should not be a concern of the Historic Commission. The historically commercial nature of the Plaza will be shifting to a pedestrian oriented area with the decrease in the parking/delivery truck area. He is against the bumping out and feels there are better proposals, including Emerson's alternate plan. Mitchell said she agreed with Harriff 100%. Skibby noted this is difficult to discuss. He also wanted it noted that Betty Matteson, Information Booth Coordinator, had told him it would be better to move (relocate) the building, and she was against the addition. Also, Barbara Gray had spoken with him earlier in the day to tell him the same thing. Harriff then moved to recommend denial of the proposed application with the addition/remodel of the existing information booth, which includes the bump out. In addition, he moved to recommend other proposals be looked at, including Emerson's alternate plan. Weishahn seconded the motion. Discussion ensued. Harriff noted people do not stay within the ten foot aisles allowed in the Plaza, as it never seems to work out quite that well. Even though it may seem a small bump out, it will change the historical nature of the Plaza. He said he also feels the concerns of the merchants and citizens should be listened to. The motion passed with Harriff, Lewis, Mitchell and Weishahn voting aye, and Skibby voting nay. Emerson abstained. A short discussion of cost followed. Hauck said the City will lose the money if the booth is not built within the grant allowance, including the in-kind contribution. Emerson stated he had talked with the woman who administers the grant money and discovered the design Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 6 and location could be changed. She would just need to know where the extra money would be coming from if needed. Emerson then rejoined the Commission. BUILDING PERMITS Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of August follow: 225 "B" Street 225 "B" Street 130 Helman Street 201 Gresham Street 80 Coolidge Street 139 North Second Street 762 "A" Street 230 Strawberry Lane 588 North Main Street 588 North Main Street 65 Granite Street 370 Lithia Way 265 Sixth Street 277 Fifth Street 45 North Main Street 559 Scenic Drive near 325 "A" Street Walter Duthie Walter Duthie Jacquelyn Bruni William/Melody Ashworth Nola O'Hara Judith Ginsburg Anna Bjernfalk Ed/Jane Barrett ODOT ODOT Janice Jacobson Vivian/Irving Korn Robert Blake Fifth Street Dental Office Inti Imports Jackson Co. Physical Therapy KC's Railroad Sausage Co. Garage/GuestRoom Remodel/Addition Addition Remodel Porch Extension Interior Remodel Residential Conversion Studio Apt/Garage Demolition SFR Demolition Garage Porch Addition Remodel Remodel 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: September 7 September 14 September 21 September 28 Lewis, Emerson and Skibby Lewis, Emerson, Weishahn and Skibby Harriff, Weishahn, Cardinale and Skibby Harriff, Skibby, Cardinale and Mitchell OLD BUSINESS Historic Preservation Ordinance Study Session Lewis commented a large portion of the study session was spent on the definition of "demolition". Also discussed was the restructuring of the Historic Commission in order for it to qualify for Certified Local Government (CLG) status. Knox said the restructuring Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 7 would be a change in the Municipal Code, not the Historic Preservation Ordinance, which will become a section in the Land Use Ordinance. Copies of the corrected ordinance will be given to all members. Mountain Avenue House Lewis described the open house (park) which was held for the new Mountain Avenue Park. Between 50-60 people attended. Experts on various aspects of the park (sports and nature) were present giving talks and tours. He gave tours of the old house. He said he feels very positive about the park. Skibby said he heard the house was moved in 1964. Street Naming Committee Lewis stated he, Skibby and Knox had met once and decided to get approximately 100 special names (including flora, fauna, special events and significant persons), then cateogrize them and submit to the City Council for approval. NEW BUSINESS Demolition of 482 Iowa Street Emerson said since he was the person who designed the remodel/addition for this house, he was shocked to see the building gone, especially since the owner took great pains to carefully strip and clean the interior of the house, thus indicating the house would not be demolished. A permit had been issued for the remodel/addition only. When asked about a citation, Knox said the city had the option to cite the owner and/or builder for a maximum of $500. Lewis said something should be done because this is a violation of the Municipal Code. Approval was not received from the City Council. Emerson stated $500 could be a minimal fine to some people. He stressed the need to address neglect in the ordinance. He also wanted it noted that part of the Planning Action which was approved for this project included the remodel/addition of the existing house, so this site is also in violation of the conditions of the Planning approval. Knox said the City Attorney is now dealing with this. Rehab Oregon Right Workshop Knox stated he will be driving to Roseburg for this free workshop on September 23rd. He encouraged all members to attend. Skibby said he would for certain. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 8 OLD BUSINESS continued ..... Goals Weishahn wondered if the Commission could learn strategies for designs of buildings in certain districts and would like to come up with suggestions for builders. She said she would also like to learn how to define characteristics. She then asked about Demuth/Glick's guidelines and Knox said he would call and have something sent to the City. Emerson volunteered to take a look at the draft Railroad Plan. Knox said the Planning Department received the draft last month. It will go to public hearings before it is adopted by the City Council. Harriff declared it should be possible to key off Glick's Railroad draft for characteristics of the area. ADJOURNMENT With a motion by Emerson and second by Weishahn, it was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:20 p.m. Ashland Historic Commission Minutes September 6, 1995 Page 9 ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION Agenda September 6, 1995 L II1. CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m. -ASHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER 59 Winburn Way APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 2, 1995 STAFF REPORTS: PLANNING ACTION 95-099 is a request for a Site Review and Conditional Use Permit to construct a professional office at 493 North Main Street. A Variance is being requested to reduce a rear and side yard setback from ten feet to six feet. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's Map #: 5DA; Tax Lot: 6900. APPLICANT: Catalina Physical Therapy Building PLANNING ACTION 95-103 is a request for a Site Review to remodel and construct an addition to the information booth located on the Plaza at N. Main Street and Winburn Way. Comprehensive Plan Designation: Commercial Downtown; Zoning: C-I-D; Assessor's Map #: 9BB. APPLICANT: City of Ashland OLD BUSINESS: A. Review Board ~ Appointments/Volunteers B. Discussion of Historic Preservation Ordinance and Study Session C. Mountain Avenue House ~ Update D. Discussion ~ Street Naming Committee Meeting Goals (time permitting) NEW BUSINESS A. Demolition of 482 Iowa Street (no permits or City Council approval obtained) - Ranked as secondary on Heritage Landmarks List B. Rehab Oregon Right Workshop - September 23rd in Roseburg VI. ADJOURNMENT