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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBHPCMinutes_2021_04_08Brookings Historic Preservation Commission April 8, 2021 Minutes A meeting of the Brookings Historic Preservation Commission was held on Wednesday, April 8, 2021 in City Hall. Members attending virtually: Jessica Garcia-Fritz, Janet Merriman, Jon Stauff, Greg Heiberger, Janet Gritzner. Tom Thaden joined at 6:40 pm. Angie Boersma and Matthew Weiss were absent. Also present Mike Struck, Community Development Director, Gail and Rosemary Robertson, David Kneip. Chairperson Garcia-Fritz called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. A motion was made by Merriman and seconded by Gritzner to approve the agenda as amedned to include item 4g Discussion on Downtown Brookings/Arts Council grant for historic signage. All present voted aye. A motion by Merriman, second by Gritzner to approved the March 11, 2021 minutes. All present voted aye. Updates on 11.1 Review. Struck provided an update on 414 4th Street, a window replacement approved by State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). 11.1 Review Case Report – 825 6th Avenue Gail and Rosemary Robertson, residents of 825 6th Avenue are proposing to replace two windows on the front façade of their home. Gail Robertson explained the wood windows are rotting and the sash weights were removed prior to purchasing the home. The windows are inoperable and they would like to replace with a more efficient and operable window. Previous windows on the side and rear of the home have been replaced and the style of window would be similar to maintain consistent throughout the home. The proposed windows will have an alluminum frame with a full screen. Heiberger asked if preservation has been explored on these two windows. Robertson explained it has not on these two windows, but was explored on previous window replacements as Mark Kelsey, local contractor, did inspect previous windows and deemed those windows not restorable. Heiberger emphasized the importance of exploring the restoration prior to replacement as the home has been maintained and is an important asset to the historic district and community. Merriman would like to see additional information such as how the storm window inlet will be replicated. Garcia-Fritz was concerned with the lack of clarity from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) letter. As the home is viewed from the street, the front façade hierarchy is the front windows of the porch and the proposed replacement windows are secondary as they are setback from the front porch façade. Gritzner raised concerned with the functionality of the existing windows. Merriman is concerned with the proposal as the two windows in question were included on the nomination form. Motion by Merriman, second by Heiberger that BHPC would like to further review options to include potential for preservation and for replacement in kind of the two front windows and the action is tabled until the following information can be obtained: DocuSign Envelope ID: 78B00D88-3E26-4521-82C3-BC89A6D24E80 For potential of preservation, BHPC would like to see evidence from a contractor that preservation of the windows, to include returning their functionality, is not feasible. For replacement in kind, the BHPC would like to see information and drawings on a product that more closely mimics the character defining features of the existing windows, to include the dimensions and presence of multiple frames for the window frame and storm window or screen casing, and to preserve the proportion of the tracery (grill) so that it remains consistent with that of the existing windows. All present voted aye. 11.1 Review Case Report – 903 8th Street David Kneip, owner of 903 8th Street, is proposing to change the use of the property from a residential use to a commercial use as an office for his property management company. A change of use is subject to the 11.1 Review. Kneip explained the proposal to reglaze the existing windows and preserve what current exists. Exterior landscaping will be enhanced and the potential for a small sign in the future may be requested. Gritzner questioned if a rezoning of the property is necessary. Struck explained an office use is allowed by conditional use in the Residence R-2 District. The conditional use process will start with the Planning Commission in May. Staff have reviewed the application and would recommend approval of the change of use with the following conditionsL No off-street parking is required of the applicant. The office use is approved for the applicant only for use as a property management office. Staff justifications for the conditions is to meet the off-street parking requirements would required the existing green space north of the structure to be converted to asphalt and deem this to have a negative impact on the property and surrounding properties. In addition, screening of parking is required on commercial lots when adjacent to residential areas. An existing boulevard parking area is available along the entire west lot line and provides sufficient parking for the office needs. Motion by Merriman, second by Heiberger that the BHPC agrees with the findings of the case report as it meets the Secretary of the Interior Standards for a change of use without changing any of the character defining features of the site and environment. All present voted aye. Adoption of Brookings Historic Preservation Plan. Motion by Merriman, second by Stauff to adopt the Brookings Historic Preservation Plan. All present voted aye. Subcommittee Discussion/Project Updates. Special Projects – plaque project is weather dependent Public Relations – building history from 1926 for Historic Preservation month Public Education – Merriman had 8 posts on Facebook in the month. Thaden recommended distribution of publications available at City Hall. DocuSign Envelope ID: 78B00D88-3E26-4521-82C3-BC89A6D24E80 March – Commission members should try to obtain an oral history of the Armory to archive for future generations. Discussion on CLG Grant Application. Discussion on priority areas to apply for grant funding. Discussed utilizing past projects from 3-4 years ago that were unable to be completed. Additional areas for consideration may include partnering with Downtown Brookings and the Brookings Arts Council in a research capacity on the alley naming project. History Conference. The History Conference will be held virtually April 23-24, 2021. Registration fee is $25 for non-members. Gritzner will be presenting on South Dakota Icons. Downtown Brookings/Arts Council – Grant for Historic Signage Kirsten Gjerdal presented information on the downtown alley signage project. Pursuing grant opportunity to assist with signage and have been researching historic names. Intent is to provide name and biography and allow community to vote on the names. More and more businesses are locating in the alley and challenging to find them. Alley naming would help alleviate confusion. Garcia-Fritz & Heiberger though the potential alley names could be extended to people, places, values, historic events. Future Meeting Schedule & Time Next meeting is scheduled for May 12, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Jessica Garcia-Fritz, Chairperson Mike Struck, Community Development Director DocuSign Envelope ID: 78B00D88-3E26-4521-82C3-BC89A6D24E80