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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2018_03_141 Brookings Historic Preservation Commission March 14, 2018 Minutes A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Thursday, February 8, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. in City Hall. Members present: Angie Boersma, Greg Heiberger, Carrie Kuhl, Janet Gritzner, Janet Merriman and Jessica Garcia Fritz. Absent: Dennis Willert, Leah Brink and Virginia James. Others present: Shari Thornes and Laurie Carruthers. Chairperson Boersma called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. A motion was made by Gritzner, seconded by Merriman, to approve the agenda. All present voted yes, motion carried. A motion was made by Gritzner, seconded by Kuhl, to approve the February 8, 2018 minutes. All present voted yes; motion carried. 11.1 PROJECT REVIEW – PROPOSAL TO CONSTRUCT TWO-STORY ADDITION ON 420 MAIN AVENUE, BROOKINGS COMMERCIAL DISTRICT STAFF REPORT Property Address: 420 (422) Main Avenue Property/District: Brookings Commercial Historic District Status: Non-Contributing Primary Structure Proposal: Dusten Hendrickson, Brookings Built Green, has submitted a proposal to construct a two- story addition on the former one-story Bosses Pizza building located at 420/422 Main Avenue. Residents will have off street parking with a ten-spot parking lot on the east side of the building. Purchase of the property is pending outcome of the review. A copy of the applicant’s case report is enclosed. The structure was built in 1928 and was formerly the Ben Franklin Department Store. It was designated as non-contributing in the 1988 National Register nomination due to numerous alterations made to the storefront. The proposed project includes: 1) Remove awning 2) Remove diagonal wood-plank storefront 3) Reconstruct store front with original window openings 4) Restore historic "Ben Franklin" signage 5) Construct a two-story addition for apartments Key issues: a. Height: 34’ requested  SDAR 24:52:07:04 - (2) Height. The height of new buildings or additions to existing buildings may not exceed a standard variance of ten percent of the average height of historic buildings on both sides of the street where proposed new construction is to be located.  The State Supreme Court ruled on a case where a new home was constructed within a historic district in Sioux Falls. There were several issues with this project, but one of them dealt specifically with the height of the new structure. The Supreme Court ruled that the new home violated the height requirements for historic districts as specified in 2 ARSD 24:52:07:04, and the new home would have to be torn down or brought into compliance with the standards. Knowing that, we need to find the average height of the buildings on both sides of the street in this block of Main, calculate the average height, and then ensure that the proposal for new construction does not exceed a standard variance of 10% of that average height. Supreme Court’s ruling: http://ujs.sd.gov/uploads/sc/opinions/28234d9s8w7g.pdf  The applicant evaluated the height of properties across the street and adjacent and found the average height is 26.75’.  Adjacent structures to the north and south are 35.5’  34’ minimum is needed to build this addition b. Appropriateness of proposed materials: white stucco exterior and over-sized aluminum-clad windows c. Proposed set back from first floor façade by 10-15 feet. The applicant is open to suggestions on setback and design.  SDAR 24:52:07:04 - (10) Setting. The relationship of new buildings or additions to existing buildings must maintain the traditional placement of historic buildings in relation to streets, sidewalks, natural topography, and lot lines. Generally speaking, this is the advice SHPO gives regarding rooftop additions: 1. Rooftop additions are almost never appropriate for buildings shorter than 3-4 stories tall, because they are highly visible when located on shorter buildings. 2. Rooftop additions should be set back from the primary elevation to reduce visibility from public rights-of-way. 3. Rooftop additions should be only one story. 4. Rooftop additions should not damage the historic building’s character-defining features. 5. Rooftop additions should be subordinate to the historic building in size and design. 6. Rooftop additions should be compatible with the massing, scale, materials, and features of the historic building.  Another factor is that this is a non-contributing building. Should it be considered and treated as “infill” with a zero lot in keeping with other downtown commercial structures?  SHPO said it’s up to the local preservation commission to interpret the standards on this issue. They didn’t know of any other examples in the state in where a two story addition was constructed on a one-story non-contributing commercial structure. SHPO will post an inquiry on the SHPO and NPS listserv and will advise if they receive any further guidance.  Staff contacted the City of Deadwood for assistance and will provide their recommendation at the meeting. In addition to the Secretary of the Interior Standards, staff recommends review the following: 1. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties: https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/treatment-guidelines-2017.pdf 2. Secretary of Interior Standards for Design https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards.htm 3. SD 24:52:07:04 for New Construction & Additions: http://sdlegislature.gov/Rules/DisplayRule.aspx?Rule=24:52:07:04 3 4. SHPO Standards Review Comments on this project (attached) 5. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/treatment-guidelines-2017.pdf 6) ITS # 36 https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/applying-rehabilitation/its-bulletins/ITS36-Rooftop- Additions.pdf 7) ITS #47 https://www.nps.gov/tps/standards/applying-rehabilitation/its-bulletins/ITS47-RooftopAdditions- MidSizeBuildings.pdf 8) Preservation Brief #14: New Exterior Additions to Historic Buildings: https://www.nps.gov/tps/how-to-preserve/briefs/14-exterior-additions.htm 9) Design Guidelines: a. Boulder Design Guidelines (pages 50-54) i. https://www-static.bouldercolorado.gov/docs/section-t-general-design-guidelines-for- historic-districts-and-individual-landmarks-1- 201305201317.pdf?_ga=2.78367124.1067392096.1520539022- 1321739246.1484768796 b. Pagosa Springs CO Design Standards – Chapter 5 i. http://www.pagosasprings.co.gov/vertical/sites/%7B175F1D4C-10BE-47AA-AF3E- C1BCDE2446A6%7D/uploads/Chapter_5_Additions__Alterations.PDF c. New Orleans Design Standards – Page 12-13 i. https://www.nola.gov/nola/media/HDLC/Guidelines/12-New-Construction-Additions- Demolition.pdf d. Denver Guidelines – Page 70 i. https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/646/documents/landmark/ design_guidelines/Denver_Landmark_Guidelines-Additions.pdf ACTION: The BHPC has been asked by the SHPO to provide official comment on the case report. The Commission may: 1) Determine insufficient information in case report to provide comment, request additional information from the applicant and table action; 2) Determine further review of options is needed and table action; 3) Agree with the findings of the case report and provide additional comments, 4) Disagree with the findings of the case report and provide additional comments; or 5) Decline to comment on the findings of the case report. Thornes confirmed the height requested is 34 feet. Thornes advised there are not clear guidelines for this project since it is noncontributing. She has reached out to several sources, but no one had any clear cases or direction on a project similar to this. The applicant Dusten Hendrickson advised that in order to improve a downtown façade and make it profitable, residential units need to be included. This building is relatively easy to return to the historic façade, compared to other buildings. They are also fortunate to have parking in the back of this building. Their plan is to restore the commercial kitchen and have retail on the lower level. The second story addition would include rental units and a set back with an outdoor balcony common space to the street. There would be an outdoor garden on top. As the parapet goes down, he can install egress windows to the south. The side units would face east. A few units would face true south. He researched setback options and found the best looking buildings were set back on the second level. He would use a material 4 that would match the rest of downtown. There is a parapet wall on the Ben Franklin building and he may need to rebuild the roof to provide structure. Hendrickson and his partner Kelan Bludorn did not intend to fast forward this project, but must have an answer to seller tomorrow. They need to have an income stream on the building in order to move forward with the purchase. Boersma asked what materials or windows will be used. Hendrickson advised that smooth white stucco was the first option, but he is open to suggestions. Boersma stated a darker brick on façade may be an option. Garcia Fritz advised that she has concerns if the windows get smaller, you would see more of the stucco. Hendrickson advised that he intends to install bigger windows, but it will depend on the number of units. He is considering clad jam windows with an interior wood finish. Garcia Fritz stated that not many downtown windows have internal grills or the colonial look. Hendrickson advised if the grills do not work, he does not need to use them. Boersma advised that the HPC needs to approve the final design. However, in this case, it needs to approve the concept in a project of this nature. The HPC is not opposed to the idea of a second story addition, but needs to approve the final design, which would include materials, windows, section and elevation drawings. The exterior would need to compliment downtown. A darker brick would blend in more. The HPC needs to decide if the two-story addition is allowable at that scale for the building height massing limitation. It was asked about the possibility of covering the windows on the IDS building. Hendrickson has not spoken with the owner, but he will. He could either build the second story setback or flush. If the height follows the 10% rule, it would be 29.5 feet, which the 34 feet requested height exceeds. The highest point will be at the street front. The appropriate head clearances need to be dealt with, but could get by with a quarter slope. 45 feet height allowed downtown and throughout city. It was suggested to maintain the height below the corner anchor building. Heiberger asked what percentage of buildings along Main Avenue are noncontributing one story structures. The height limitation and setback are the issues. Hendrickson advised that the reality is they want to buy this property, but only if they can build up. Bludorn advised there is increased pressure for density and mixed use. This block is non-contributing. Heiberger advised that the HPC will set a precedent whether this building is a zero lot line or setback. The impact of the neighbors also needs to be considered when blocking the windows. The city allows for property owners to rebuild the entire structure on a zero lot line. The HPC discussed a 34 foot height vs. 30 foot height and the scale compatibility. The math is hard with so many non-contributing structures. A motion was made by Garcia Fritz, seconded by Heiberger, to approve the height of this building as proposed in the Commercial Historic District provided it does not exceed a standard variance of ten percent of the average height of contributing historic structures on both sides of the block. An amendment to the motion was made by Garcia Fritz, seconded by Merriman, to not exceed the height of the adjacent corner building. All present voted yes; amended motion carried. A motion was made by Merriman, seconded by Heiberger, the approval is contingent on receiving the detailed final plans, which show the design meets the same form, materials and does not duplicate, but distinguishes the addition from the original building and meets the case report standards. All present voted yes; motion carried. 5 The Commissioners discussed that if the addition material is substantially different than historic façade, they like the idea of setback as this would not duplicate, but compliment the original building. New additions are subject to scale. Boersma commented that anchor buildings are a distinguishing historic structures from non-contributing structures and they maintain dominance in the block. 1. PROJECT/ISSUE UPDATES & REPORTS A. Events/Special Projects  Green Drinks & Register Article, April 26 – Boersma will provide a report. Garcia Fritz will assist on the topic of sustainability of historic structures. Certain materials are no longer fabricated.  Historic Sites on Bikes, April 27 – Boersma will provide a report with a focus on historic materials.  33rd Annual Mayor’s Awards – Release enclosed. Deadline to submit nomination is April 5th. The BHPC will select the 2018 winners at the April meeting. The award event is tentatively scheduled for September.  Email staff with suggested nominations by April 5th for inclusion in the April agenda packet  Merriman requested projects for last year to consider. Several outside district.  Recommendations on Comprehensive Master Plan – The BHPC reviewed a draft of the Comprehensive Master Plan for the City and submitted the attached comments to the City’s Community Development staff for consideration. The Plan has been revised and is scheduled for review at the March 12th Planning Commission meeting.  Members are asked to review the latest version and be prepared to make any additional recommendations at next week’s meeting.  http://www.cityofbrookings.org/DocumentCenter/View/4822  Boersma attended the Planning Commission meeting, where they tabled the action as they did not have adequate time to review the revisions. Asked map of historic district be included. Staff will send letter from HPC to Planning Commission asking the map of historic district be included as well as include the Secretary of Interior Standards in Comp Plan. Comments should be submitted by this Friday.  Discussion on Historic Preservation Education & Awareness initiatives – There will be a general discussion regarding public education and awareness initiatives to be implemented in 2018. This will be a brainstorming session. Staff will present suggestions for consideration. Tabled until next meeting. B. Liaisons Reports 1) Comprehensive Master Plan Advisory Committee (Boersma & Garcia Fritz) 2) Public Arts Commission (Brink) C. State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO)  Katelyn Weber has left the South Dakota SHPO. They are currently advertising the position and will let us know when it is filled. In the meantime, Kate or Liz are our contacts. 6  The SDSHS website was recently updated. Some of the links are not working. SHPO is working with their IT department to resolve the problem.  CLG grant applications are due March 31.  The next SDSHS board meeting will be held April 26 in Rapid City in conjunction with the annual history conference.  The annual history conference will be April 27-28 in Rapid City. Registration is open: https://sdhsforg.presencehost.net/2018-history-conference-schedule-sponsors.html D. Executive Committee/Staff Updates ACTION REQUESTED:  Schedule May meeting date: The Commission wasn’t planning to meet in May unless there was a pressing issue. Staff recommends getting a date on calendar and suggests Wednesday, May 9th at 5 p.m.  ACTION ITEM  11.1 Reviews:  Proposed revisions to 11.1 review application – Staff has reformatted the 11.1 application to include more detailed questions in order to facilitate a quicker review process.  Enclosed  Implementing immediately  Annual 11.1 Mail  Enclosed – Last year’s brochure and letters  RECOMMENDATIONS REQUESTED on any new content  Preservation month replace plaque section -  Contractor letter – residential contractor license  Pending 11.1 Reviews  Jail Expansion – Tabled on 2/13 pending additional information. No further information has been submitted on this project.  308 Main Avenue, window and front façade – pending submittal  426 Main Avenue, second floor window replacement – pending submittal  505 Main Avenue – Gold Metal Gym exterior renovation - currently under staff and state review  SDSU bungalow removal, parking lot design, moving to Central District – pending submittal. Alter 15.5 foot front yard, requesting 15 feet back. 9f set back, 19.4 average, 15 feet previous. Adjacent properties are 13 feet and 12 feet. Thornes needs a member to stand in the space with Dan McColley.  521 8th Street – Stoltenburg.  317 5th Avenue – roof  Registration for National Alliance of Preservation Commission’s Conference  Registration for the NAPC conference opens on April 1st. Members are asked to notify staff regarding their attendance not later than March 27th.  RESPONSES REQUESTED – notify Thornes by last week in March. 7  Registration for the Statewide CLG Conference, May 16-18, Vermillion - Attached is a DRAFT schedule. The Clay County HPC is working on the final schedule and registration information and will email it as soon as it’s available.  Enclosed  Update on National Park Service Funding Submittal – strategic plan goals – updated Preservation Plan, combine 2 fiscal years. Winter & Company out of Denver is best company. They are submitting a scope of work.  Request for Brookings to host 2020 State Historical Society Annual Meeting  Hartinger Gothic Arch Barn, Aurora, SD, listed on the State Register of Historic Places  Annual Reports – Attached are the final reports to the City of Brookings and to the SHPO/National Park Service.  Enclosed – City Report & National Park Service Report A. Announcements/Correspondence/Communications/Calendar  March 31 - Funding application deadline April 26 – Green Drinks  April 5 - Mayor’s Awards Deadline  April 12 – BHPC meeting  April 24 - City Council meeting – action on Comp Master Plan  April 26 - Green Drinks – 6 pm  April 27 – Historic Sites on Bikes  May – Historic Preservation Month  Apr 27-18, 2018 State Historical Society Annual Meeting, Rapid City  May 16-18, 2018 South Dakota Statewide CLG Conference, Vermillion, Donovan Rypkema Keynote  May 24, 2018 City Volunteer Appreciation Reception, 5-7 pm, McCrory Gardens  June 7 - Volunteer Coffee with Mayor  June 16-18, 2018 St. Paul’s Episcopal 100th Anniversary Event  July 18-22, 2018 NAPC Forum, Des Moines  Sept 27- Combined Mayor’s Award Event  Oct 2-3, 2018 Growing Sustainable Communities Conference, Dubuque  Nov 2018 National Trust Conference, date & location pending Meeting adjourned at 7:07 p.m. Submitted by Laurie Carruthers