HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPCMinutes_2017_11_091
Brookings Historic Preservation Commission
November 9, 2017 Minutes
A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, November 9, 2017 at
5:00 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Angie Boersma, Greg Heiberger, Carrie Kuhl, Janet Gritzner,
Virginia James (by phone) and Dennis Willert. Absent: Leah Brink, Janet Merriman and Jessica Garcia
Fritz. Others present: Shari Thornes (by phone) and Laurie Carruthers.
Chairperson Boersma called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. A motion was made by Heiberger,
seconded by Willert, to approve the agenda. All present voted yes, motion carried. A motion was made by
Heiberger, seconded by Kuhl, to approve the October 12, 2017 minutes. All present voted yes; motion
carried.
THANK YOU FROM MAYOR CORBETT.
DISCUSSION AND OFFICIAL COMMENT ON AN 11.1 REVIEW CASE REPORT FOR A ROOFTOP PATIO AT THE 9BAR, 305 MAIN
AVENUE (TABLED FROM OCTOBER 12, 2017 MEETING)
Project Location/Historic Significance: The owner’s application lists the address as 305 Main Avenue;
however, the National Register Nomination address for this property is 303 Main Avenue. It was built
originally as a pool hall in 1936 by Fred Best and is designated as a contributing structure in the Brookings
Commercial Historic District. The 1988 National Register of Historic Places nomination describes it as a
“one-story brick commercial structure is of yellow toned variegated brick arranged in interesting patterns
and designs. Stone trim outlines the exterior façade that peaks in the middle. The condition of the brick
is good, but the store sign covers a large portion of the original brick.” The signage and shingle awning
were later removed. It is one of 32 structures in the District considered as Early 20th Century American
Commercial Style representing the largest architectural influence of 54 percent. The nomination
characterizes the style as “constructed of red brick in a variety of bonding patterns with a general brick-
front organizational design.”
Project Description: The owners of Cubby’s Sports Bar & Grill, 307 Main Avenue, also own the 9Bar at
305 Main Avenue and have submitted the attached application to extend their rooftop patio. Lynda
Pierce, DesignArc, submitted the application on behalf of the owner “requesting to extend the metal
railing that is currently installed on Cubby’s Sports Bar and Grill patio. The owner intends for the rooftop
of the 9Bar to function as a support space for the Cubby’s rooftop. The only material to be used on this
project would be the same metal railing as the adjacent building. Because the 9Bar and Nightclub building
parapet is taller than that of the adjacent Cubby’s property, the railing would be less visible than the
railing installed along the Cubby’s storefront. The placement of the railing in relation to the front façade
will be the same as the Cubby’s railing placement.”
The State Historic Preservation Office reviewed the application and based on the information provided,
felt the project has the potential to encroach upon, damage, or destroy historic property that is included
in the National Register of Historic Places. They have requested an abbreviated case report responding to
questions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 10. For item #10, they requested the Brookings Historic Preservation
Commission review and comment on the abbreviated case report within 180 days of receipt prior to
submittal to the SHPO. DesignArc submitted an abbreviated case report responses and supplemental
information.
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BHPC August 3, 2017 Review. The applicant was unable to attend the August meeting and asked the
Commission to table this item until September. The Commission asked the applicant to define the barrier
that will be structured to the south and west. To minimize the visual from the street, it was suggested to
move the current bar 90 degrees to the west. Will there be any structure or steps between the roofs of
the 9bar to Cubby’s? Are the preliminary drawings accurate as to the visual from the street? What are the
long-term plans for the new rooftop space? Will there be a dance floor, umbrellas, seating (if yes, what is
the height of the seating), etc.? Will plantings be installed to soften the visual impact from the street?
Thornes added that the alcohol licensing needs to be clarified with City Council action. Thornes advised
that the Commission has no authority on any nonpermanent temporary furnishings.
Previous motions:
ACTION: A motion was made by Brink, seconded by Kuhl to accept the findings of the case report
with the assumption that no additional structures will be built and future structures will be
reviewed by the Historic Preservation Commission. Brink made a friendly amendment to the
motion that the height of the barrier would not exceed the current height of Cubby’s barrier, would
not have any horizontal members/supplemental roof or pergola structures and be made from the
same material as Cubby’s.
A motion was made by Willert, seconded by Heiberger to table the current motion until the end of
the meeting to see if the applicant could be reached to answer questions. All present voted yes;
motion carried to TABLE. Staff was unable to reach the applicant’s representative.
A motion was made by Brink, seconded by Merriman, to retract the current motion and all
subsequent amendments from table. All present voted yes; motion carried.
A motion was made by Willert, seconded by Merriman, to table this review until a specific
definition of the barrier wall is provided with architectural drawing or the applicant or their agent is
present. All present voted yes; motion carries.
Lynda Pierce, DesignArc was present by phone. Members questioned the height and purpose of the
dividing barrier on south side of Cubby’s. Pierce advised the main purpose of the fence was to prevent
people from getting onto the roof of Allegra building. She thought it would be approximately 7 feet from
the new floor of rooftop. Heiberger questioned why it would be taller than the railing on east side, which
is a 42-inch barrier from street. Pierce advised the owner wanted the barrier higher, so people would not
scale the roof of Allegra or throw anything over. The Allegra roof is higher than the 9Bar. The owner could
certainly specify the height of the barrier. Boersma referred to the current wall behind Cubby’s bar that
doglegs north and asked if that would be the maximum height and material for the proposed barrier wall.
Boersma thought 6 feet should be sufficient to keep patrons out. Pierce advised that the owners are
considering removal of the Cubby’s barrier wall in order to supervise the proposed new addition. The new
barrier would be the same material with manufactured decking in three colors. There would be no step
between the Cubby’s and 9Bar roof. The parapet was removed with the new roof structure. Heiberger
questioned the material since the logic is for safety. In order to have minimal impact, could it be made
from the metal railing to match the current fence surrounding Cubby’s?
Gritzner arrived at 5:23pm.
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Boersma requested a section drawing as it is challenging to visualize the proposed project without one.
Pierce advised the structure has not been designed yet, so there are no dimensions. With the roofline of
the Allegra building, the wall would get taller as you go west. Pierce requested the BHPC define the
transparency and height of the barrier. Willert stated that the BHPC is not here to advise architects how
to build. This project appears to be in the planning phase and he proposes it be tabled until a final design
can be submitted. Pierce advised DesignArc was not hired to fully design the area, just to assist with the
application for the BHPC. Pierce asked about the construction check or verification on projects. Willert
advised that if the contractor builds outside the purview, it would go back to the building permit. With
rooftop projects, they appear small in scope, but large in impact for downtown and the neighbors. Pierce
will go back to the owner to produce section and elevation drawings. Boersma advised everything is
definable and measurable. Since common walls are shared, adjacent property owners need to be
informed. The BHPC will prepare a letter to the owner, which outlines the requested information.
A motion was made by Willert, seconded by Heiberger, to table this review until a definitive design can be
presented and adjacent property owners have an opportunity to comment. All present voted yes; motion
carried.
PROJECT/ISSUE UPDATES & REPORTS
District Plaque Installation. The current list of properties with installed plaques and those still needing to
be contacted was in the agenda packet. Please let Thornes know if you can contact any of the property
owners and their responses. The contractor will be scheduled after enough have been lined up. University
District – A master book of property photos and addresses for the contractor has been completed.
Festival of Lights. A letter was sent to the Central District property owners. McCrossen Boy’s Ranch will
provide one trolley for the event for $500.00. They are also providing documentation of insurance. The
Children’s Museum has agreed for the trolley to load in front of the museum. The Brookings Arts Council
Director also invited the trolley to load at the BAC; however, understood the 4th Street location was
better. The docents will note the new BAC renovations in the tour. Boersma & Merriman have agreed to
be the primary docents and Willert & Brink are backups.
Comprehensive Master Plan Advisory Committee (Boersma & Garcia Fritz) – Boersma advised next
meeting is November 13 and a draft document will be presented.
Public Arts Commission – Thornes advised Jennifer Johnson is proposing a statewide initiative for a
sculpture art trail and is working with the SD Department of Tourism.
State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)
December 8, 2017: SDSHS Board of Trustees in Pierre.
April 27-28, 2018: The 2018 history conference will be held April 27-28 in Rapid City. The program is
being organized by the Archaeology office and the theme is “Infinite Variety: Past, Present, Future.”
May 16-18, 2018: The 2018 CLG conference will be held May 16-18 in Vermillion, with guest speaker
Donovan Rypkema. The Clay County CLG is organizing the conference. Contact Jim Wilson or Ted
Muenster if you have any questions.
Executive Committee/Staff Updates
Dubuque Conference | Steeple Square Project – Thornes will schedule this presentation at a later
meeting.
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2018 Meeting Schedule – Discussion and action on the 2018 Commission meeting schedule:
Recommended dates, if meetings remain on the second Tuesday at 5:00 p.m.
January 11
February 8
March 8
April 12
May 2, if needed
July 12
Aug 9
Sept 13
Oct 11
Nov 8 (This may conflict with the Trust Conference)
Dec 13
A motion was made by Heiberger, seconded by Gritzner, to approve the 2018 meeting schedule as
amended. Willert abstained. All present with the exception of Willert voted yes; motion carries.
Intern projects – Thornes contacted SHPO inquiring if grant funds can be used for interns and
discovered there would be additional paperwork, but it is a workable option. Note that the
Sustainability Intern is currently available to work on BHPC projects.
Jail Expansion – The architect representing Brookings County is expected to submit the initial 11.1
application this week for a jail expansion proposed located on the Courthouse Square. This
project will not be on the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission's agenda until SHPO has
made a determination regarding the project's potential to cause harm on a historic resource and
until the applicant has submitted the required documentation to the BHPC.
Armory – Merriman and staff are finalizing the official letter to the State along with all supporting
documentation.
Site visits – SHPO staff were in Brookings on October 19th to tour and meet with a number of
residential, business, and nonprofit property owners. Heiberger questioned infrequency of the
state visits. Thornes advised that a formal request could be made to the state for regular site
visits, and this would be an excellent question to raise at the CLG meeting. Thornes advised one
person is covering the entire state – Kate Nelson.
Membership – The terms of appointment for Members Gritzner, Merriman, and Kuhl are expiring
on December 31, 2017.
Historic Tax Credit Threatened – the House Ways and Means Committee released a proposed tax
reform bill that eliminates the federal historic tax credit (HTC) as part of a sweeping effort to both
pay for tax cuts and simplify the tax code. The National Trust is requesting assistance to retain the
historic tax credit and continue investment in our communities.
City Building Code | Downtown Historic Buildings – A downtown property owner has raised
concerns regarding changes to the city building code and historic property owners potential
inability to conform with the requirements and retain historic integrity. Staff will arrange a
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meeting with City Engineering staff, BHPC leadership, and the property owner to discuss the
matter.
Licensing Contractors – The City is considering establishing licensing requirements for contractors
working within city limits. The City Engineer is holding roundtable discussions with contractors
and stakeholders later this month. This may be presented to City Council yet this year for
consideration. Having a list of licensed contractors could provide it easier to offer HPC education
and information. Rapid City and Sioux Falls provide testing and CLE credits.
Annual Reports – The City Annual Report will be due March 1 and the National Park Service
Annual Report is due January 31.
Announcements/Correspondence/Communications/Calendar
Nov 30 Trolley Tours – Festival of Lights
Dec 7 Mayor’s Holiday Party
Dec 8 SDSHS Board Meeting, Pierre
Dec 14 BHPC Meeting, 5 pm
Apr 27-18, 2018 State Historical Society Annual Meeting, Rapid City
May 3, 2018 City Volunteer Appreciation Reception, 5-7 pm, McCrory Gardens
May 16-18, 2018 South Dakota Statewide CLG Conference, Vermillion, Donovan Rypkema
Keynote
June 16-18, 2018 St. Paul’s Episcopal 100th Anniversary Event
June ____, 2018 Preserve Iowa Summit, date & location pending
July 18-22, 2018 NAPC Forum, Des Moines
Oct 2-3, 2018 Growing Sustainable Communities Conference, Dubuque
Nov 2018 National Trust Conference, date & location pending
Meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
Submitted by Laurie Carruthers