HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2010_10_14Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
October 14, 2010
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday,
October 14, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Pam Merchant, Janet
Gritzner, Dennis Willert, Mary Bibby, Les Rowland, Ryan Hall and Pat Powers (left at 4:32
p.m.). Shari Thornes, City Clerk, was also present.
Chairperson Willert called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m.
Preserve America Signage Conference Call. The Commission provided design and
content comments to Leigh Raderschadt, SHPO Preserve America Coordinator, on the
proposed Preserve America signage. They recommended the use of a grid pattern and
more use of color.
Merchant presented samples of other signs. Staff was asked to s end suggested
examples to Raderschadt for consideration. She was asked to prepare samples of one
city and one university sign for BHPC review prior to preparing the full set for approval.
Due to funding deadlines and ordering timelines, she asked for final approval by
December. Thornes noted additional city approvals will also be needed after the
commission signs off on the designs. Design and location approvals will be needed from
the City Brand Manager, City Park and Recreation Director, City Manager, downtown
representatives and potentially County officials.
Agenda: A motion was made by Merchant, seconded by Hall, to approve the agenda.
All present voted yes; motion carried.
Minutes: A motion was made by Bibby, seconded by Hall, to approve the September
minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried.
Next Meeting: Thursday, November 18th @ 4:30 p.m.
New Business:
CENTRAL DISTRICT: City/County Governmental Center - Phase 2/ Exterior Site Plan &
Elevations. The Commission was provided with Case Report Phase Two for review and
possible comment.
Commission members shared concerns regarding the current south and east designs
because both lacked architectural interest. They noted the east façade is particularly
important as primary facing the Central Residential Historic District.
They reviewed SHPO staff September 13th comments regarding the design and
suggested changes to those elevations:
“Here are the scans of the design modifications that Jason Haug, our Director of Historic P reservation, and
our NE National Register Coordinator Jennifer Brosz concurred with me that would be low cost, sensible
additions to the design that would enhance the visual appeal of the building, with only very minor
alterations to the design as it stands.
I first examined the photographs of the Courthouse, Carnegie Library, the schools, and the Old City Hall
building to get a feel for the architectural resources in the area, and better understand what the architects on
this project had in mind with incorporating elements of the historic buildings that are in proximity to this
new building. The one element that really caught my attention was the use of belt coursing on the
courthouse to visually reduce the height of the building at the first floor level . If you look at the pencil
lines I have added to the third floor of the building, I have added the suggestion of a belt course at the
lintels (top of the windows) that extend the width of the facades as well as a secondary course at the
vertical division of the windows. You can see my circled notes as to what I was thinking. Also on the east
side elevation that will face the historic houses, the stucco panels that go between the first and second floor
windows on the north and west facades should be rep eated on this side of the building. By adding the belt
courses to the stucco elevations, this will visually reduce the height of the walls and the stucco panels will
also break up the massing of the east facing facade more. We think the dark brown banding color used on
the belt courses of the north and west elevations will look sharp on these other suggested areas as well.
We also wanted to tell the architects on this project that we are pleasantly surprised by the design presented
for this building. The stepped and recessed elevations add a lot of character to the building, as well as
breaking up the massing, and we feel this will fit well into the built environment. It is obvious they put a
lot of thought into designing this building. We are especially excited to see what kind of relief design is
finalized for the north elevation.”
Paul Porter, SHPO
The Commission discussed the Joint Powers Board’s process for identifying other design
alternatives. Willert noted that the Board considered six opt ions before selecting the
proposed design. He felt the Commission should review all designs as part of its
evaluation of the process to explore all alternatives in order to prepare final case report
comments.
Jeff Weldon, City Manager, responded to questions and was asked if the changes
proposed by SHPO staff could be incorporated into the proposed design. The
Commission asked to see all designs considered by the Board. It was clarified that no
other case reports would be needed if the other designs were reviewed.
No action was taken.
UNIVERSITY DISTRICT: Formal comment on 11.1 Review for 821/825 9th Street. The
Commission briefly reviewed the case report for 821/825 9th Street and requested the
owner be invited to the next meeting to respond t o questions. No action was taken.
Request to for BHPC member to serve as ex-officio on Preserve Brookings. A motion
was made by Bibby, seconded by Ryan, to appoint Janet Gritzner as the BHPC’s ex-
officio to the Preserve Brookings organization. All present voted yes, motion carried.
A motion was made by Merchant, seconded by Gritzner, to table the remaining agenda
items for the following meeting. All present voted yes, motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.
Submitted by Shari Thornes