HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-03-06 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
March 6, 1991
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairperson Jim Lewis at 7:40 p.m. Members present
were Jim Lewis, Terry Skibby, Thomas Hunt, Susan Reynolds, Keith Chambers, Mark
Reitinger and Deane Bradshaw. Also present were Associate Planner Bill Molnar and
Secretary Sonja Akerman. Commission members Jean MacKenzie and Lorraine Whitten
were absent.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Skibby moved and Hunt seconded to approve the Minutes of the February 6, 1991 meeting
as mailed with the comment that on Page 5, the Minutes should reflect the fact that he
knows the year (1891) City Hall was constructed, but he has been unable to pinpoint the
exact month and day it was completed. Motion passed unanimously.
STAFF REPORTS
PA 91-041
Site Review
77 Sixth Street
Chuck and Sue McKereghan
Molnar explained since this house is on the National Register of Historic Places, any
exterior change is required to be processed as a Site Review.
Jac Nickels, architect for the project, first presented an old photo of the house, then stated
he wants to take the existing front facade and restore the porch and bay window as they
were, with a few exceptions. The owner has the original porch posts and the pickets will
be duplicated. The location of the door will be moved in order to create a small vestibule,
thus making the space more functional. The existing picture window will be removed and
replaced with two smaller ones. Nickels added he has been in contact with James Hamrick,
Acting Deputy Director for the State Historic Preservation Office, who will give them input
on tying the proposed rear addition in to the existing house. They want it to tie in, but not
mimic the design.
The Commission agreed the elevations presented were a positive improvement. Therefore,
the Site Review was unanimously recommended for approval with a motion by Reynolds
and second by Skibby.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
March 6, 1991
PA 91-010
Extension of Previously Approved Site Review and Variance
133 Sixth Street
Robert Martindale
Molnar informed the Commission this application was originally approved in 1989 and this
would be the second extension. This is a 7,100 square foot lot. The owner wants to convert
the existing duplex into one dwelling unit and build a separate house toward the front of
the property. Attached units require 5,000 square feet for the first unit and 2,000 square
feet for the second. For two detached units, 5,000 square feet is required for each. The
extension is a Type I planning action, but was called up for a public hearing. Molnar said
the reasons will become moot within a couple of months because of affordable housing
revisions which will most likely be approved by the City Council soon. Although these
revisions will not become effective immediately, the clause which would require 10,000 has
been eliminated. Traffic generation is the same for attached as it is for detached units.
Parking is adequate. When questioned about future division of the property, Molnar
assured the Commission it could not be done.
When asked about the condition of the duplex, Bob Martindale stated it is remarkably well
built. He does not plan to alter the outside except to seal in the stairway.
It was the consensus of the Commission that although the plans had been previously
approved, concerns include window sizes and trim, siding and drawings to scale.
Chambers moved to approve the extension and concept of the project, however, in order
to reflect Historic Commission concerns, the following amendments to Section 3 in the
Findings, which were adopted by the Planning Commission March 13, 1989, were
recommended: 4) That a deed restriction be placed on the property preventing the
construction of a carport addition that could later be enclosed; 5) That prior to final
building permit approval, architectural plans which are drawn to scale be submitted, and
that these house plans be reviewed and approved by the Historic Commission; and 6) That
the applicant comply with the recommendations of the Historic Commission. Bradshaw
seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
PA 91-026
Request for Inclusion on Historic Sign Inventory
166 East Main Street
Varsity Theatre
Molnar stated this is the first application to go through the process of being placed on the
Historic Sign Inventory for Ashland. The main concern is the level of detail in the
application. Since this will go before the City Council, it is necessary to establish a
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Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
March 6, 1991
foundation for applicants to follow in the future. More facts supporting the criteria are
necessary.
John Schweiger, owner of the Varsity Theatre, 'said the neon sign will be fully restored and
they have been able to duplicate the color tubes with the original ones.
The Commission agreed the neon is historically significant, as the sign architecturally
integrates the design of the building. Since Schweiger is completely restoring the front of
the building, including the replacement of tiles and 1937 poster cases (which would
duplicate the original theater), a percentage of the originality would be missing if the neon
were not restored. Although the art deco building is not a common style for Ashland, it
was a common style of theaters, of which neon was an integral part.
Schweiger added he has been working with Bill Emerson on the color scheme of the
building.
Skibby moved and Bradshaw seconded to recommend approval of this application to City
Council. The motion was unanimously approved. (Kay's survey of the theater will be
attached to the Historic Commission recommendation when sent to Council.)
PA 91-043
Site Review
290 East Main Street
Allen Drescher
Molnar explained this is another structure on the National Register of Historic Places. The
contractor, Fred Cox, has proposed to expose the existing windows above the door and
display windows which had been covered up years ago. Cox has talked with James Hamrick
(SHPO).
The Commission agreed this is a positive step in the restoration of the original facade and
unanimously voted approval of this project with a motion by Skibby and second by
Reitinger.
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the month of
February follow:
Willard & Judith Brown
Marta Traister
Martha Wilhelm
165 Almond
265 Fourth
480 Rock
Remodel/Wind ow/Doo r
Remodel
Addition
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
March 6, 1991
Bank of America
Matthew Kirk Gooding, M.D.
101 E. Main Reinforce Floor
125 Maple Sign
OLD BUSINESS
Review Board '
Following is the schedule (until the next meeting) for the Review Board, which meets every
Thursday from 3:00' to 3:30 p.m. in the Planning Department:
March 7
March 14
March 21
March 28
Reynolds, Skibby and Hunt
Bradshaw, Chambers, Hunt and Skibby
Lewis and Skibby
Hunt, Chambers, Lewis and Skibby
Heritage Landmarks List
Molnar explained the final adoption of the Heritage Landmarks List has been postponed
in order to receive more information from the State.
On this same order, possible ramifications of Senate Bill 750 were discussed. It was
decided the Commission should draft a letter for Council review, then send it to SHPO and
Representative Jerry Barnes for testimony against this bill.
National Historic Preservation Week
It was decided to use the same brochure (bill stuffer) as last year. Skibby described events
which will be sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce during Cultural Heritage Month
(May). He will be giving a walking tour and supplying old photos to be displayed in the
Downtown shops.
NEW BUSINESS
The Commission unanimously agreed to endorse and express support for the proposed
Black Rock Desert-High Rock Canyon Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. This
area in Nevada includes a portion of the historic Applegate-Lassen Trail.
ADJOURNMENT
It was the unanimous decision of the Historic Commission to adjourn the meeting at 10:10
p.m.