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