HomeMy WebLinkAbout1995-02-08 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
February 8, 1995
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:37 p.m. Members present
were Terry Skibby, Larry Cardinale, Jim Lewis, Chloe Winston, Keith Chambers, Bill Harriff
and Casey Mitchell. Also present were Associate Planner Mark Knox, Assistant Planner
Maria Harris, Council Liaison Steve Hauck, and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Steve Ennis was
absent. H.L. Wood has resigned.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Winston moved and Mitchell seconded to approve the Minutes of the January 4, 1995
meeting as submitted. The motion passed with all voting aye except Chambers, who
abstained because he was absent during the December meeting.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 95-010
Site Review and Conditional Use Permit
570 Siskiyou Boulevard
Laura and Laurence Shrewsbury
Harris explained this application is for the expansion of an existing traveller's
accommodation from three to four units. She explained there are two structures on the
property. The house at 570 Siskiyou Boulevard houses the owners' quarters and one of the
three guest rooms. The house located at 115 Sherman Street contains two guest rooms.
This application is for a 325 square foot addition on 570 Siskiyou Boulevard for the owners'
unit and an additional guest room. A Building Permit was obtained a year ago for a 120
square foot addition on the 570 Siskiyou house, however, since the addition will now be 325
square feet, construction has not been initiated. There are five existing parking spaces; six
are required. Since the lot has 173 feet of frontage on Sherman Street, the applicant can
utilize one on-street space. Staff administratively approved this application because the
Conditional Use Permit criteria has been met. One of the conditions will be that an
additional street tree be installed in the Siskiyou Boulevard parkrow, and also in the
Sherman Street parkrow. She also noted concerns have arisen about the original approval,
which stated no exterior changes, would occur. The windows and siding were changed on
the Sherman Street house, as well as the addition on the rear. The owner had submitted
two letters in February of 1990 stating the windows would be replaced and retrimmed to
more closely match the original by the first of May in 1990. This was never done.
Therefore, Harris stated another condition of approval will be that the windows be replaced
and retrimmed to match the originals, or as approved by the Historic Commission Review
Board.
Laura Laurence distributed new elevations of the proposed addition on 570 Siskiyou. She
also clarified the existing three guest units are all located in the 115 Sherman house. In
addition, she said she had not changed the windows in the 570 Siskiyou house as noted in
the Staff Report.
Skibby explained the changes in the siding and windows that had taken place in 1989 and
passed around before, after, and current photos. Laurence then gave the members copies
of photos of the Sherman Street house, and provided background information of what
transpired five years ago. She said the original siding had been damaged by beetles, so her
contractor replaced the siding and also put in different windows. She admitted there was
a miscommunication with her contractor at that time. Laurence then said she has checked
into changing the windows, but has heard it will be necessary to take off the siding and trim
in order to put in narrower windows. (This was addressed later in the meeting.)
Knox explained the Review Board will have the final say on the plans for the addition
because the applicant was requested to submit more accurate drawings. Chambers said he
would like to address the bulk and scale of this larger addition. The elevations which were
just submitted are obviously quite different than the ones which were included in the packet.
Laurence interjected the drawing in the packet was inaccurate. Chambers continued his
concerns are with the Conditional Use criteria, specifically with the similarity in scale and
bulk, and the architectural compatibility with the impact area. This house is very visible on
Siskiyou Boulevard. If the addition was 120 square feet, it would probably be alright,
however, the 325 square foot addition is just too much, as it increases the house by more
than 50% in the front. He said he felt it would be a glaring change and could not support
it.
Skibby noted the differences in the plans in the packet and the ones submitted to the
Review Board, which were both different than the ones just received. The long addition,
he declared, would be a significant change.
Lewis questioned the setbacks. Laurence said the addition will be ten feet from Sherman
Street. Lewis stated that according to the elevations, the eaves will be three feet. Knox
clarified there is only an 18 inch overhang allowance in the setback area. He added the
applicant is in violation of the original approval because the windows were changed and she
was suppose to replace them, which she never did. The current request was administratively
approved based on elevations submitted at the time of her application. There are now
concerns with the long addition depicted on the elevations which were just received. He
suggested the Commission request the Hearings Board call up this action in order to address
the scale, bulk and compatibility issues. If it is called up for a public hearing, it will be
heard in March.
Lewis noted he was at the Review Board meeting when the inaccurate plans were reviewed
and he would have made different recommendations had he seen the revised elevations.
Chambers stated the 570 Siskiyou house is a classic craftsman bungalow and will almost
become a California suburban house if the proposed addition were allowed. He suggested
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Minutes
February 8, 1995
Page 2
the owner rethink her goals because it is so visible. Maybe she can find another way to add
325 square feet.
Laurence asked how the Commission would feel if she took the addition back to eight feet.
She was told the members would need to see drawings first. She noted the lot has unique
angles and does not feel the addition will have such an impact, however, she agreed to
shorten the addition. Harriff suggested the next set of drawings be accurate and to scale.
Too often, he said, plans approved by the Commission/Review Board are changed during
construction. It was also noted the site plan was inaccurate.
Replacing the windows on the 115 Sherman Street house were again discussed. Bill
Emerson, 90 Fifth Street, suggested that instead of removing all the siding, remove one side
only, then put in the windows and replace the remaining siding. The Commission concurred
and said it would save a considerable amount of money.
Chambers then moved to recommend denial of the application based on the fact there are
major discrepancies with the scale and bulk, and the addition is incompatible with the
original house. He also moved to recommend the Hearings Board call this action up for
a public hearing or require the applicant to resubmit accurate drawings to the Review
Board. Winston seconded the motion. Cardinale asked if the applicant's letters dated
February 5 and February 8, 1990 need to be addressed. After discussion, Chambers
amended his motion to include the applicant be required to comply with her statements
regarding replacement of the windows and trim in her above mentioned letters. Winston
seconded the amendment. The motion, as amended, passed unanimously.
PA 95-015
Site Review
20 East Main Street (Ashland City Hall)
40 East Main Street (Pioneer Building)
City of Ashland/Oregon Shakespeare Festival
Knox explained this application was processed as a Staff Permit and has already been
reviewed and approved by the Staff and the Review Board. The application includes a
second story addition, an addition of a new entry and stair tower at the south end of the
Pioneer Building, a second story addition on the City Hall, and an elevator to be constructed
for use by both buildings. Architect Gary Afseth decided to attend the full Commission
meeting in order to receive Historic Commission support for retaining the windows on the
west side of the Pioneer Building (Fire and Life Safety has said the windows should be
removed), and to keep the full Commission informed of plans for the two buildings.
Afseth explained internal seismic work has recently been completed in the Pioneer Building.
This application involves the next phase. The size, texture and color of the brick for the
additions will match the old brick as well as possible. All the windows will be new wood
double hung. Since the Pioneer building is situated so close to the property line, the State
Fire and Life Safety will not allow windows on the west side. Since this is an historic
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Minutes
February 8, 1995
Page 3
building, Afseth said they are asking for Historic Commission support in the form of a letter
asking for the windows to be left as they are. OSF desires to retain as many windows as
possible for natural light and ventilation. The Commission agreed to write a letter in
support. Afseth also noted there are no plans to restore the north facade of the Pioneer
building other than to replace the windows.
Skibby moved to support OSF in retaining as many windows as possible on the west side of
the Pioneer Building. (Afseth will revise drawing to indicate windows.) Winston seconded
the motion and it passed unanimously.
Afseth then explained because the elevator will be constructed in the alley, the driveway
area will be cleaned up. The asphalt will be replaced with concrete and drains will be
installed.
Bill Emerson asked why the elevator was designed with a metal faced sloped roof. Afseth
answered it recalls the old bell tower of the fire station. Emerson said in his opinion, he
thought it would look better if it was a flat roof with a mansard, rather than the tower,
which doesn't go with either building. Skibby said he thought the metal roof would be fine
as it is not replicating the old bell tower.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
January follow:
137 North Main Street
291 Gresham Street
63 Bush Street
45 North Main Street
101 East Main Street
38 East Main Street
239 Oak Street
586 East Main Street
486 Siskiyou Boulevard
14 South First Street
Brad Parker
Steve Faro
Robin Foster/Colleen Curran
Henry Daw
Brent Thompson
OSFA/Ashland Bakery Cafe
Sue Blaize
Kate Jackson
Shirley Grega
The Bead Studio
Innkeepers' Quarters
Swimming Pool
Remodel
Windows
Replace Window
Seismic Upgrade
Interior Remodel
Remodel
Stairway
Sign
REVIEW BOARD
Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every
Thursday at least from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department:
February 9
February 16
February 23
March 2
Lewis and Skibby
Lewis and Skibby
Mitchell, Cardinale, Winston and Skibby
Chambers, Cardinale and Skibby
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Minutes
February 8, 1995
Page 4
(Mitchell left at this time - 8.'55 p.m.)
OLD BUSINESS
Railroad Park Update
Bill Emerson reported it is now up to him to give the angle on the roundhouse and the
coordinates of the Golden Spike Marker to the Engineering Department.
Landmarks List/Neighborhood Meetings
Knox said there was nothing further to report on the Landmarks List at this time. The
neighborhood meetings, however, are beginning.
Lewis stated he had talked with George Kramer regarding HB 2124. It is currently stalled
in the Senate, as they can't get enough votes to override the veto. He also said Senator
Lenn Hannon is introducing a bill whereby there is no voluntary clause. Kramer is in
support of Hannon's bill. Lewis proclaimed it would be beneficial to obtain a copy of this
bill and if the Commission is in support, letters should be written.
Ron Thurner, 1170 Bellview Avenue, expressed his frustration over the non-progress of the
List. He said he finds it ludicrous the List has not been adopted yet and that it is extremely
important for the historic integrity of Ashland it be adopted as soon as possible. Knox
stated the List will be adopted at the same time as the Historic Preservation Ordinance,
hopefully this spring.
Citizen support of historic preservation was then discussed, along with the necessity of
educating the public.
Golden Spike Marker
Knox reported the golden Spike marker has been put in storage at one of the cemeteries.
He said the Commission should think of a temporary site to place it since it may be a while
before a permanent spot near the original placement of the maker is found.
NEW BUSINESS
January 24, 1995 Editorial
Winston stated this was a very poor editorial and obviously the author didn't do any
research. She suggested inviting Cable Access and newspaper reporters to attend meetings.
Harriff recommended the Commission have a column in the paper in order to educate the
public about historic preservation.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
February 8, 1995
Page 5
Lewis volunteered to go in to the Tidings to talk with Jeff Keating.
Hauck said the City will be exploring different aspects of what goes on in the City. Assistant
City Administrator Peggy Christiansen would be the person to talk with about getting
something on Cable Access. Lewis remarked an educational forum explaining the reality
of the ordinances, etc. would be appropriate. Chambers added a program could be
produced not only showing portions of a Historic Commission meeting, but also shots of
historic homes, etc.
Thurner suggested a small block in the paper which would briefly describe what transpired
at the meeting.
(Chambers left at this time - 9:30 p.m.)
Railroad District Meeting
Knox declared the next Railroad District meeting will be on March 16th at 7:00 p.m. at the
Mark Antony Ballroom.
Restructuring of Commissions
Hauck reported the City Council will be looking at what each commission is doing and
deciding if added duties or restructuring will be necessary. Lewis informed Hauck the
Commission is in the process of becoming a Certified Local Government and will make sure
he gets drafts of the new ordinance, etc. Hauck said he would appreciate input within the
next couple of weeks.
Hauck also noted next year each commission will be formally asked by the City Council to
submit a list of goals.
(Cardinale left at this time - 9:35 p.m.)
Miscellaneous
Harriff led a discussion of impartiality and perception.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
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Minutes
February 8, 1995
Page 6
ASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Agenda
February 8, 1995
L
CALL TO ORDER: 7:30 p.m. -ASHLAND COMMUNITY CENTER
59 Winburn Way
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 4, 1995
III. STAFF REPORTS:
PLANNING ACTION 95-010 is a request for a Conditional Use Permit for a one-unit
addition to the traveller's accommodation located at 570 Sisldyou Boulevard.
Comprehensive Plan Designation: Multi-Family Residential; Zoning: R-2; Assessor's
Map #: 9BD; Tax Lot: 4400.
APPLICANT: Laura and Laurence Shrewsbury
IV. OLD BUSINESS:
A. Review Board ~ Appointments/Volunteers
B. Railroad Park Update ~ Jim Lewis
C. Adoption of Heritage Landmarks List/Neighborhood Meetings ,~ Update
D. Golden Spike Marker ~ Update
E. Other
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion of Editorial in January 24th Tidings
B. Railroad District Meeting
C. Other
Vl. ADJOURNMENT