HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-08-05 Historic MINASHLAND HISTORIC COMMISSION
Minutes
August 5, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at the Community Center by Vice-Chairperson Terry Skibby at 7:40 p.m. Members present
were Terry Skibby, Vava Bailey, Dale Shostrom, Keith Chambers and Joyce Cowan. Also present were City Council Liaison
Steve Hauck, Associate Planner Mark Knox and Secretary Sonja Akerman. Members Joan Steele, Curt Anderson and Jim
Lewis were absent. The Commission is currently one member short.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Bailey then moved and Cowan seconded to approve the Minutes of the July 8, 1998 meeting as submitted. The motion was
unanimously passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Planning Action 98-065
Conditional Use Permit
868 "A" Street
Betty Camner
Knox explained this application is for a Conditional Use Permit to expand an existing two-unit travelers' accommodation to
three units. The portion which is currently a hair salon will be remodeled to accommodate the unit. No exterior changes are
proposed. Staff is requiring a sidewalk to be installed and the curb cuts to be filled in. Chambers asked about traffic. Knox
responded the trips per day for a travelers' accommodation are less than for a hair salon.
Chambers moved and Shostrom seconded to recommend approval of this proposal to the Planning Commission. The
motion was unanimously passed.
Planning Action 98-070
Site Review and Variance
595 North Main Street
Ashland Community Hospital Foundation
Knox related this application is for the construction of a 9,775 square foot medical office building. Architectural elements are
consistent with the area and should compliment the surrounding area. The initial design was discussed at last month's
Historic Commission meeting with the architect. The applicant is also requesting a parking variance. 28 spaces are required
and although the applicant shows 30 spaces, six will be stacked and designated employee only. Generally, stacked parking
is not approved in commercial developments. Staff feels, however, this will work since it is only for employees. Parking is
based on square footage and the Planning Commission will make the decision on this.
Skibby asked how the building would be affected if the parking variance was not allowed. Rob Saladoff, architect for the
project, answered it would reduce the size of the building. Saladoff also stated he addressed the concerns the Commission
had at last month's meeting. Exterior materials will be horizontal wood lap siding, and architectural composition shingle
roofing will be used. The second entrance off Maple Street (along with the deck and stairs) was eliminated, the primary
entrance will be off the parking lot side and there are less windows on the south elevation.
Shostrom discussed the parapet on the roof which will conceal the mechanical equipment. He suggested hipping the roof
on the west side because as you come down Maple Street, the roof line will be very visible. Shostrom then moved to
recommend approval of this application with the condition the west elevation mechanical specs be looked at and possibly
eliminated, with the suggestion the architect look at parapet walls, to create more of a sense of entry, and mitigate the roof
on the parking entrance side. Also the final design will be approved by the Review Board. Bailey seconded the motion and
it was unanimously passed.
Planning Action 97-072
Conditional Use Permit and Site Review
440 East Main Street
Steve MoraschlAstro Gas Station
Knox explained this application originated last year, but there were many problems associated with it. Since then, architect
Jac Nickels has been working with the applicant. He has also worked with the planning staff to mitigate the size of the
canopy, which is now as small as it will get. The proposal is to modif7 the gas pump area. The station is the entrance to the
downtown area so it is very visible. Staff also had traffic flow concerns. The asphalt areas will be screened with
landscaping, and staff is asking for a new eight foot sidewalk system to replace the existing one, which will be more
pedestrian oriented. Trees will also be replaced. The applicant is asking for one employee parking space on site, but this
is not characteristic of the downtown area and staff does not feel it should be there, especially because it is such a highly
visible corner. Therefore, staff is asking the applicant to explore the relocation of the space. Knox clarified the Land Use
Ordinance does not support gas stations downtown and non-conforming uses cannot be expanded, so no pumps are being
added. The application is for upgrading the site.
Nickels stated the applicant is eliminating one of the existing four pumps. Two will remain for gasoline and one will be for
diesel.
Skibby related he is a walker and wondered how the site will change pedestrian-wise. Nickels stated wider sidewalks will
be installed and he feels the traffic situation will be improved. Nickels also noted Astro has come a long way since its initial
application. The WELCOME ASHLAND, OREGON sign was designed not to be part of the gas station, but to be a part of
the community. Astro, he said, is concerned with the community. Skibby then asked about the lighting. Nickels responded
the lighting will be in the canopy. The pole lights will shine down and not project onto adjacent buildings. When asked about
the roofing materials, Nickels said it will be light weight concrete and will look like tile. He then explained the color system
and noted the existing building will also be painted. The bright yellow color will be gone.
Skibby then asked about the traffic flow. Nickels said ingress and egress will be both off East Main Street and Lithia Way.
- -Chambers commented he thinks traffic will be-increased. Bailey said she-likes thesidewalk<iesign, it. will.be-more open to
pedestrian traffic.
Cowan moved and Bailey seconded to recommend acceptance of the changes submitted by the applicant, including the staff
conditions regarding the sidewalk and relocation of the employee parking space. The motion was unanimously approved.
Planning Action 98-075
Site Review, Parking Variance and Landscape Variance (includes demolition decision)
542 "A" Street
Mark and Rebecca Reitinger
Knox reported this application is for a Site Review for a new building, a Landscaping Variance, and a Parking Variance which
would allow the a reduction in the total number of spaces and a stacked parking configuration. The applicants have been
to a full Historic Commission meeting. They are proposing a two and a half story building, with commercial offices on the
first two floors and an apartment on the third floor, utilizing a portion of the second floor. The design is compatible with the
neighborhood. An earlier concern of the Commission was the proposed projecting balconies on the second floor. These
have been eliminated and replaced with a flush railing in the window jamb to allow French doors to be used as windows.
The lot is only 25 feet wide, which only allows for three parking spaces, hence the request to utilize a stacked parking
configuration. The proposal, as presented, requires eight spaces. The applicants are requesting the City allow six stacked
spaces, a handicapped space on the corner of Fourth and "A" Streets and the elimination of the eighth space. In reality, Knox
stated they are asking for a five space variance. Parking is generated by the type of use in a commercial building. The
variance being requested surrounds the commercial use. The second floor is dictating the variance. Staff would like the
applicants to eliminate the commercial use on the second floor and dedicate it for residential use instead, thus eliminating
the need for the variance. The landscape requirements for the commercial downtown area have just recently been dropped
in the standards, so staff supports this variance. Knox also explained the applicants are requesting approval to demolish
the existing building, which is currently ranked as a secondary structure on Ashland's Cultural Resource Inventory. This
ultimately requires City Council approval. The building is possibly the only remaining pre-1910 commercial wood structure
in the Railroad District. One letter was received from property owners across the street who have concerns about the parking
variance.
Staff believes the proposed building and site improvements are consistent with Ashland's design standards, however, the
parking demand created by the building's total floor area far exceeds the amount of available on-site parking. If the
commercial space on the second floor was eliminated, only four spaces would be required. Stacked parking is normally not
acceptable in commercial situations. Residential and commercial neighbors would feel the parking impact the most.
Rebecca Reitinger said she was under the impression staff was supporting the parking variance, so she was unable to
respond to this item. The second story commercial space is what she and her husband would like for their office space. With
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1998
the present building, there are zero parking spaces. With the six stacked parking spaces in the rear, they will increase the
number of parking spaces to six. She explained the reasoning for the handicapped space on the corner even though the
proposed building is in the middle of the block, stating the handicapped parking in the area is rarely used and would not be
far from the building. In consulting with an engineer, this was the best solution. Parking in the back will be used for residents
of the building. She also noted there is almost enough footage for one space in the front. Mark Reitinger debated Knox's
statement regarding stacked parking. Becky Reitinger also spoke about the poor condition of the existing building. In her
opinion, the building is not architecturally pleasing so she and her husband wanted to create something which would
contribute to the historic integrity of the Railroad District. They would like to see "A" Street develop with an historic flair. They
would salvage material from the existing building to use in the new one; however, they won't know what is salvageable until
they begin the work.
Skibby asked about the exterior material. Mark Reitinger stated the building will be stucco with brick accents, and a stone-
looking base on the store front, wood parapets, and brick corner cornices. He said he will bring the color scheme to the
Review Board. He also said there will be no projection, as he decided to make the railing flush in the door jamb.
Knox defended the Staff Report and said he feels staff made its concerns clear in the pre-application conference and that
staff and the commissions need to make decisions based on the adopted ordinances which were well thought out. Staff
cannot justify the second floor commercial space based on the information the applicants have turned in.
Skibby said he feels if the second floor cannot be used as commercial, it would have an economic impact on the project so
he is unsure which way to go. The Reitingers stated they would have to rethink the application if not allowed to go ahead
with the commercial business on the second floor.
Chambers maintained the letter received from the neighbor across the street has valid points. If the parking variance is
approved, the overflow will go to the nearby area. Other owners have had to follow the ordinances and he feels the project
can be scaled back to meet staff concerns. He also noted the design of the new building is attractive and will be an
improvement to the block.
Shostrom moved and Chambers seconded to support the demolition of the existing structure, but not prior to the approval
of a Site Review, whether it be the current applicants or someone else. The motion was unanimously approved and will be
forwarded to the City Council for final approval after a decision is made by the Planning Commission.
Bailey moved to recommend approval of the facade. Shostrom said he has a problem with the French doors and flush railing
as he feels it looks odd. It would be more traditional if there were four similar windows. Reitinger stated he has seen the
French door/flush railings in Europe and Canada. Chambers asked what the rock-like material would be. Reitinger
answered it will be a stone material, but they have not picked it out yet. Shostrom noted the Commission would like to see
more details of the demarcation of the depth/relief of the building design. Chambers added he would like to see alternative
designs for the details and would like the applicants to work with the Review Board on this. Cowan added the design should
be subject to Review Board approval with respect to the relief drawings. Chambers then amended the motion to state in
principal, the Commission feels the design is close to attaining its endorsement, however, the reveals need to be submitted
to the Review Board and the French doors need rethinking. The Review Board will see the alterations. Cowan seconded
the motion as amended and it was passed unanimously.
Shostrom moved and Bailey seconded to recommend approval of the landscape variance to the Planning Commission. The
motion passed unanimously.
Chambers said he is not comfortable with the parking variance because there is already congestion in the area and there
will be an impact on the neighbors. He then moved to pass along the parking variance recommendation, noting staff's
concerns were taken seriously. Shostrom seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
(Chambers left at this time.)
(With a motion by Shostrom and second by Barley, the Commission unanimously voted to extend the meeting beyond 10:00.)
After discussing the matter, the Commission and staff agreed applicants should not come to the Historic Commission
meetings prior to pre-application conferences.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1998
BUILDING PERMITS
Permits
reviewed by members of the Historic Commission and issued during the months of June and July follow:
360 Pearl Street Ron Peck Re-roof
199 East Main Street BJ's Ice Cream Remodel
307 Meade Street Cynthia Ceteras Addition
531 North Laurel Street Dennis Robertson Addition/Remodel
925 "B" Street Gary & Karen Foil Interior Remodel
276 Almond Street Marilyn & Ted Koutunovich Porch Addition
595 North Main Street Ashland Hospital Foundation Body Shop Demolition
250 North Pioneer Street Valley of the Rogue Bank Re-roof
209 Almond Street John Javna Pool House
235 Fifth Street Ashley Henry Remodel
348 Pearl Street Michael McKee Addition/Carport
209 Almond Street John Javna Swimming Pool
499 Iowa Street Tom Marvin Sunroom Addition
872 "B" Street Dan Heller Garage
123 First Street Marvin Wood Interior Remodel
27 North Main Street Sam Wong Re-roof
285 Oak Street Brad Roupp Moved Shed
295 Oak Street Brad Roupp Moved SFR
132 Eighth Street Paul Rostykus Remodel/Addition
74 Granite Street Deborah Martin Remodel
31 North Main Street M & F, Inc. Remodel
101 Oak Street Standing Stone Brewing Col. Trellis
270 North Second Street Roger Funk Shop Conversion to SFR
259 "B" Street Steve Sacks Interior Remodel
94 Granite Street Craig & Annette Mesco Addition
40 North Main Street Ashland's Outdoor Espresso... Sign
25 East Main Street Nimbus Sign
199 East Main Street BJ's Ice Cream Sign (2)
64 Third Street Thomashesfky, M.D. Sign
525 East Main Street Jackson Travel Sign
265 Fourth Street Peerless Restaurant Sign
REVIEW BOARD
Following is the August schedule for the Review Board, which meets every Thursday from 3:00 to at least 3:30 p.m. in the
Planning Department:
August 6th
August 13th
August 20th
August 27th
Skibby and Bailey
Skibby, Lewis and Cowan
Skibby, Chambers and Bailey
Skibby, Cowan and Shostrom
OLD BUSINESS
Proiect Assignments for Planning Actions
PA #
96-086
97-018
98-022
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1998
Address
685 "A" Street
661 "B" Street
112 Helman Street
Person(s) Assigned
Curt Anderson/Jim Lewis
Jim Lewis
Vava Bailey
PA # I Address I Person(s) Assigned
98-082 141 LJthia Way Dale Shostrom
98-034 221 Oak Street Dale Shostrom
98-039 Holly Street Joan Steele and Joyce Cowan
98-045 122 Church Street Vava Bailey
Between 548 & 628 North Main
98-047 Street Joyce Cowan
98-070 595 North Main Street Terry Skibby and Dale Shostrom
97-072 440 East Main Street Joyce Cowan
98-075 542 "A" Street Jim Lewis
There was nothing new to report
Meter Locations
Grant for National Re.qister Web Site
Steele was unable to attend the meeting, but sent word she will begin working on the abstracts when she is well.
NEW BUSINESS
This was already discussed.
Request for Demolition (542 "A" Street)
Trianclle Park Gazebo Facelift
Skibby informed the Commission that David Mason, who has been volunteering to give the Triangle Park Gazebo a
facelift, needs input from the Commission on how to restore the column bases. Shostrom recommended metal corners
with exterior stucco. Skibby said he also would like to repair the flag pole on top. When asked about the shingles, the
Commission noted it would be best to leave in a natural state rather than stain them. The Commission also agreed the
color of the columns should be stained the same as the posts. Staff will write a letter stating appreciation for the work
Mason has already accomplished.
ADJOURNMENT
With a motion by Shostrom and second by Bailey, it was the unanimous decision of the Commission to adjourn the
meeting at 10:25 p.m.
Ashland Historic Commission
Minutes
August 5, 1998