Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010 Design Review Subcommitee (9) Minutes Design Review Subcommittee of the Elgin Heritage Commission July 13, 2010 The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Located on the 2nd floor of City Hall)by Chairman Stroud. MEMBERS PRESENT: Betsy Couture, Paul Durrenberger, Pat Miller, Dennis Roxworthy, Steve Stroud and John Wiedmeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Briska CITY STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Fritz-Williams, Historic Preservation Planner; and Cindy Walden, DRS Secretary PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION: Old Business None New Business 155 N Channing Street—Replace handrails and steps on front porch 375 Prairie Street— Install gable ornament 117 Hinsdell Place—Replace windows 137 N Porter Street—Install driveway 161 Ann Street—Replace staircase to second floor unit 715 N Spring Street—Replace one window 27 N Porter Street—Build a deck 165 S Gifford Street—Remove front porch OTHERS PRESENT: Holly Wiedmeyer APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No minutes were provided to the committee members for review. ITEMS TABLED: r 155 N Channing Street—Replace handrails and steps on front porch; tabled due to non-representation. 117 Hinsdell Place—Replace windows; tabled due to non-representation. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 2 of 11 NEW BUSINESS: 155 N Channing Street—Replace handrails and steps on front porch Project Background: The owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the handrails on the front porch and both steps. Staff has provided two options for the homeowner and the DRSC to consider. Originally, the front porch was proposed to be lined with a flower box and no railings at the steps. Staff is proposing to install a flower box as designed in Exhibit G1. Or, the homeowner may choose to install handrails to match the ones suggested for the stairs on either end (Exhibit G2). Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Porches A. should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing. B. should have steps of the same material as the porch floor(e.g. porches with wood floors should also have steps made of wood, not concrete or brick). C. should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the facade, if the porch floor is made of wood. Porch Columns and Railing A. should be preserved and maintained. Where repair is required,use materials to match the original in dimensions and detailing. B. should be rebuilt in historic designs if the original columns and railings have been removed or replaced. C. should have new balusters for the railing, if required. Porch balusters (also called spindles) should be appropriate for the building's style and period. The height of the railing should be in line with the window sill level, if present, and no greater than 30 inches in height. Porch Staircase and Steps A. should be retained in their original location and configuration, if original to the property. Wood and concrete steps should be repaired with materials to match the original. B. should be replaced with wood rather than brick or concrete, if the porch floor is made of wood. C. should have their tread constructed in either 5/4x12 or 2x12 lumber. The ends of the treads should be bull-nosed and overhang the riser by no less than 1 inch. D. should have newel posts and balusters, treads and risers, to match original porch construction. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: The owners and DRSC agree on one handrail option. ***** Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to table due to non-representation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couture. The motion passed unanimously. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 3 of 11 rik 375 Prairie Street—Install gable ornament The owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the shingles removed from the porch gable. The shingles were removed when the roof was being redone. The property owner would like to add a decorative element to this gable similar to 57 S Gifford, 313 North, or 224 N Commonwealth. No photographic evidence exists to show if the shingles were original or not. Shingled and decorative gables would have both been common for this Queen Anne residence. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Architectural Details and Features A. should not be added unless there is physical, pictorial, or historical evidence that such features were original to the house or consistent with the style which would allow them to be added to the house. These features should match the original in materials, scale, location, proportions, form, and detailing. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: Design and materials are approved by staff prior to beginning any work. ***** Stroud: Common gable ornament is needed. Could be similar to other designs in the area. The owner should choose a design for committee to review. A concept approval could be given. Wiedmeyer: How will it be reproduced? Beth Tierney (owner): Not sure yet. Not aware of any place to purchase such an element. Miller: Will it be put directly onto the "unpainted"board? Typically the pattern/element was placed on either a solid board or on bead board. Owner: Willing to install the element on the appropriate board behind the ornamental piece. Fritz-Williams: Decorator's Supply in Chicago makes pieces from plaster. Owner should use their recommendation for installation. Motion made by Commissioner Wiedmeyer to approve concept for gable ornamentation; actual design to be brought to the committee for final approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Roxworthy. The motion passed unanimously. 117 Hinsdell Place—Replace windows Kane County"Get the Lead Out' program has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace five windows on the second floor of this multi-unit residence. The children in this unit tested high for lead poisoning. Four of the windows are not original, only the casement dormer window is believed to be original. Three non-original windows will be replaced with pairs of double hung, aluminum-clad wood windows. One non-original double hung window (east side) will have the sashes replaced with aluminum clad wood double hung. The casement window will be replaced with another casement, aluminum clad wood. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 4 of 11 Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Windows A. which are original should be preserved in their original location, size, and design and with their original materials and numbers of panes (glass lights). B. should be repaired rather than replaced, but if replacement is necessary, the recommended replacement should be in-kind to match the originals in material and design. Windows clad in aluminum or baked-on aluminum are acceptable as replacement windows for use throughout the structure. Factors to be considered in determining whether the severity of deterioration of windows requires replacement shall include but not be limited to the following factors: damage, excessive weathering, loss of soundness or integrity of the wood, deterioration due to rot or insect attack, and cost to repair. As to the factor of the cost to repair windows, a particular window may be permitted to be replaced rather than repaired if the estimated cost to repair the windows is more than the estimated cost of the purchase and installation of appropriate replacement windows. C. which are new should not have snap-on or flush muntins. True divided muntins are preferred over these types of muntins which do not have the same appearance as historic windows. New muntins which are an integral part of the window sash and installed on both sides of the glass are preferable to snap-on simple grilles. D. that are approved for replacement may be fitted with new double-paned Low-E glass that will improve the energy conservation on the interior. Only low-e glass that does not contain a tint should be used. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. *** Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to table due to non-representation. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couture. The motion passed unanimously. 137 N Porter Street—Install driveway The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a driveway. Per the plat of survey, the house sits just twelve feet south of the property line. Currently,there is a 5' wide sidewalk along the north side of the house. The owner wishes to install the driveway right up to the sidewalk (Exhibit G1). Staff has proposed an alternative layout (Exhibit G2). Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Driveways A. should always be preserved in their original designs,materials, (cobblestone, concrete, brick, etc.), and placement. B. should be of brick, concrete, or concrete tracks (narrow strips) if it is a new or replacement driveway in the front or side yards. Asphalt or textured concrete designed to look like brick pavers are also appropriate materials. Gravel driveways are discouraged Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 5 of 11 because gravel migrates and is difficult to maintain. If approved, gravel driveways should have proper edging in brick, stone, concrete, or metal installed. C. should have their parking areas located behind the front building line and be screened with hedges, shrubs, or fences where noticeable from the street. The width of driveways in front of the building line should not exceed ten feet. In width, sidewalks should not be constructed adjacent to the driveway and should be distinguished by a landscaped barrier. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: 1. The sidewalk is removed along the length of the driveway and house. 2. At least 12" of gravel or landscaping is maintained on the north side of the house. ***** Couture: Very narrow lot. Stroud: Putting concrete next to the house/foundation is typically a bad idea. Temperature changes (especially freeze, thaw) typically can cause problems with basement leakage. Planting along the driveway will be much better. Both Lily of the Valley and Hosta's are great plants for edging pavement with. Walden: Zoning preference was shown to the homeowner from the Plat of Survey(exhibit G2). Two feet from the neighbor's property line; and one foot from his house. (Translation was given to the homeowner by his son—Aldari Ojeda) Couture: Could they install pavers? Fritz-Williams: Yes, if the homeowner desired to use pavers, the material would be acceptable. Wiedmeyer: What material is proposed? Marco Ojeda(owner): Concrete. (translated by owner's son- Aldair Ojeda). Wiedmeyer: Will the sidewalk be removed from along the driveway? Owner: Yes. (translated by owner's daughter- Brenda Ojeda). Motion made by Commissioner Roxworhty to approve as amended by staff comments. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wiedmeyer. The motion passed unanimously. 161 Ann Street—Replace staircase to second floor unit The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the exterior stairs to the unit on the second floor. The current layout and condition of the stairs are not code compliant. The revised layout will turn the stairs towards the back of the property. The area under the stairs will be screened and used for garbage can storage. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Fire Escapes A. should be located at the rear of dwellings only, where they will not be readily visible from the street. B. should be of wood construction with simple balusters and handrails, if built on the exterior. Metal fire escapes may be applied if they are not readily visible from the street. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 6 of 11 Staff Recommendation: 4111) Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. ***** Wiedmeyer: Will the risers be open? Josh Harris (owner): No. They will be closed to meet Code requirements. Fritz-Williams: Committee members should note the drawings indicate the railing and handrail will be 36"per Code requirement, due to the height from grade. Owner: Treads will be bull nosed. The staircase goes down towards the back of the lot. Wiedmeyer: Will the structure and stairs be painted? Owner: No. Due to salt used by the tenants. Salt will cause the paint to peel, which will become a Code violation for the property. Wiedmeyer: Pressure treated lumber is being installed? Owner: Yes. Roxworthy: Are you painting the enclosure/apron? Owner: No. This is the only egress and is required by the city. Stairs cannot be seen by from the street. Painting the that many treads will be a liability during the cold and/or rain. Couture: There are stains that could be used instead of paint; would give some color to the finished structure. Owner: Willing to concede to stain the apron/enclosure,but not the staircase. As the wood weathers, it will closely match/blend with the existing house color. Wiedmeyer: The apron/enclosure is a very large mass. Owner: Willing to remove the enclosure if the committee desires. The enclosure is for the garbage cans, etc. Without the enclosure,the entire staircase will be quite visible. Stroud: Once you take the apron/enclosure away you will have a big"sore thumb" showing until the staircase weathers. Would like to see a blended painting of the battens. In the historic days, they did not have pressure treated wood,however they did not leave wood unpainted either. The stair treads could be painted with sand added to assist with gripping in the wet and/or cold. Durrenberger: Any other options then to put sand in the paint mixture? Stroud: Alternative material used for garage/workshops? Owner: It will look more like a deck and not a stairway. Wiedmeyer: By staining only the apron/enclosure a dramatic difference will be given to the structure. Owner: Maintenance of painting and staining is an annual issue. The apron/enclosure is not required by Code or the Preservation Guidelines. Still willing to removing the apron/enclosure from the project. Miller: The risers, stringers and posts should be painted. I don't believe we have approved bare wood. Wiedmeyer: Exhibit G1 indicates 1x4 tongue and groove wood for landing. Owner: That is an error on the exhibit. Without a roof over a tongue and groove floor, the landing will deteriorate in no time. Need to make landing of 5/4" x 6"boards; with a miter ribbon along the edge. Miller: What will the joints be made of? Owner: Use 1x6 pressure treated wood. Wiedmeyer: Framing material will be reviewed by the building department. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 7 of 11 Fritz-Williams: It will have to be pressure treated lumber to meet Code requirements. Also, the framing will need to change directions. Owner: If I put a ribbon around, you will not be able to tell the flooring was laid the wrong way. Wiedmeyer: When I compare what is there, to what is being proposed; this is more appropriate. Stroud: This is not a fire escape,but the principal entrance/exit for this unit. Fritz-Williams: It is the only exit for this unit. Wiedmeyer: Do the guidelines require back/side decks to be painted or stained? Fritz-Williams: Yes. Motion made by Commissioner Durrenberger to amend the landing material with 5/4 x6 boards with trim ribbon. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Roxworthy. The motion passed 4-2. Yeas: Couture, Durrenberger, Roxworthy and Wiedmeyer. Nays: Miller and Stroud. 715 N Spring Street—Replace one window The contractor has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace one basement window at the back of the property. The fixed window is currently in a bathroom and needs to be operable for ventilation. The contractor has not been able to find an aluminum clad wood window to fit the narrow specifications. He has proposed glass block with a vent or vinyl slider type window. This window is not visible to the street. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Windows A. which are original should be preserved in their original location, size, and design and with their original materials and numbers of panes (glass lights). • B. should be repaired rather than replaced, but if replacement is necessary, the recommended replacement should be in-kind to match the originals in material and design. Windows clad in aluminum or baked-on aluminum are acceptable as replacement windows for use throughout the structure. Factors to be considered in determining whether the severity of deterioration of windows requires replacement shall include but not be limited to the following factors: damage, excessive weathering, loss of soundness or integrity of the wood, deterioration due to rot or insect attack, and cost to repair. As to the factor of the cost to repair windows, a particular window may be permitted to be replaced rather than repaired if the estimated cost to repair the windows is more than the estimated cost of the purchase and installation of appropriate replacement windows. C. Vinyl extruded windows are not permitted for use in historic districts. D. that are approved for replacement may be fitted with new double-paned Low-E glass that will improve the energy conservation on the interior. Only low-e glass that does not contain a tint should be used. Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 8 of 11 Staff would recommend a custom wood window be manufactured to be awning or hopper style to fit the existing opening. ***** David Rice (owner): Basement window is for bathroom ventilation only. New window will match the existing window in size and muttons. Contractor has been found to construct a new operative solid wood window. Fritz-Williams: The COA will need to be amended. Which way will the window open? Owner: Hinges will be at the bottom. Fritz-Williams: A hopper style opening. Motion made by Commissioner Wiedmeyer to approve as amended (staff recommendation) and by the applicant: solid wood, with hopper style hinges; same size opening, same size muttons. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couture. The motion passed unanimously. 27 N Porter Street—Build a deck The contractor has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to install a deck at the rear of the property. Currently the deck is just one step above grade. The new deck will be level with the first floor. The contractor has provided drawings that show the layout and balustrade details. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Decks A. should be located at the rear of dwellings only, where they are not readily visible from the street. B. should be stained with an opaque stain or painted to blend with the colors of the dwelling. C. should be kept simple in design. Wood decks are recommended to have traditional style wood balusters complimentary to the design of the building. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. ***** Scott Savel: (contractor): The grade changes dramatically on this lot. Wiedmeyer: Are the doors at equal height? Contractor: Yes. Also,both sets of concrete steps will be built over. From left to right corners of the house there is about 2 %2 feet difference. Durrenberger: Garbage cans are shown in photo. Do you know where they are going? Savel: No. The deck will go out to about where the recycling bin is at. Fritz-Williams: Will the deck be painted or stained? Savel: The owner is considering the two options. Wiedmeyer: Skirting is 1x2's? Savel: Yes,because of the contour of the grade. In addition, the pier is typically covered, and the 1x2 will cover it better. A horizontal board could be added in the middle if the committee would desire. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 9 of 11 Miller: Need a frame member where the floor meets, the newel posts and corners. Need to define the top under the deck. Savel: The horizontal board across will break-up the long vertical. Fritz-Williams: Two rows of horizontal boards could be installed. Miller: Will still need to define the corners. Stroud: This is a deck. Nothing is going to make it look Victorian. The bottom edge of the boards will always be prone to damage from moisture and rain splatter. Wiedmeyer: How about a 1x8 behind the verticals? Stroud: The three sided frame will look unfinished. The horizontal board in the middle will dress it up. Wiedmeyer: Agree the two boards should be installed; one at the top and one in the middle. Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to amend as follows: 1- middle horizontal board is required; and 2- installation of a top board to be reviewed by staff. If found to be inappropriate, the top board will not be required. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Durrenberger. The motion passed 5-1. Yeas: Couture, Durrenberger, Roxworthy, Stroud and Wiedmeyer. Nays: Miller. 165 S Gifford Street—Remove front porch The owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to remove the front porch. The owners would like to investigate the area around the existing porch for evidence of the original details on the house. The current porch, while consistent with the Sanborn maps in size, has been altered. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Porches A. should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing. B. should be repaired or replaced to match the original in design, materials, scale, and placement. C. should not be removed if original to the dwelling. Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted. Staff would recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: The owners have one year to submit plans for the new porch based on the evidence uncovered. ***** Dan and Pat Miller (owners) were present for consideration of this COA. P.Miller: I will recuse myself from voting (due to ownership of property). Stroud: Any discussion. Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 10 of 11 Wiedmeyer: I plan on recusing myself from this vote. Because of the disrespect that you (Dan) have shown towards this committee, its members, and to city staff has gone on too long. Your personal attacks on members of this committee because of decisions that you disagree with, has to stop. Your disregard for the rules, your insults to city staff members and your personal attacks upon Chairman Stroud are completely uncalled for. Your questioning of this committee's lack of knowledge of old houses is wrong. All the people on this committee have a diverse knowledge of old houses. It may be different from yours, but it is just as relevant. Dan, personal attacks are very unbecoming of professionals. Because of your words and actions, an apology is in order to all members of this committee. Because of my strong feelings on this matter, I choose to recuse myself from this item this evening. (copy submitted by Wiedmeyer) Stroud: I recuse myself from this discussion due to the petitioner's repeated and unrepentant attacks,both verbally and through electronic means, on myself, the Design Review Subcommittee and City Staff. Because of this, I feel that I cannot at this time give a fair hearing to this petitioner. (copy submitted by Stroud) Roxworthy: Are there be enough committee members to vote? Walden: Yes. At this point there are enough members present (3 of 6 members remained). Roxworthy: Although I respect Chairman Stroud position; I also acknowledge that as a committee member Dan and Pat Miller has submitted a COA for consideration. Durrenberger: I hereby recuse myself tonight for the reasons stated by my fellow committee members. Dan, it is a shame that with all the good you have done for historical preservation, it 41) has come to this. Stroud: With these actions, I request Dennis Roxworthy to sit as Chair Pro-tem. Roxworthy: Without a quorum, this item will be tabled. Couture: Motion to table due to lack of quorum. P.Miller: When will this COA be heard? Fritz-Williams: This item will be placed on the next agenda under Old Business. Suggest the statements made tonight by the committee be thought upon,prior to the next meeting. P.Miller: We have already been delayed two weeks. How do we know the COA won't be tabled again. D.Miller: Staff indicated there were too many items on the last agenda, and this was held back. Fritz-Williams: No, that is incorrect. Your COA was received on Monday, June 14th. The cut- off date for this meeting was Friday, June 11th P.Miller: How do we know the COA won't be tabled again. Fritz-Willaims: The item will be placed under Old Business on the next agenda in two weeks. As applicants, you should attend. Item was tabled, due to insufficient quorum of committee members. CORRESPONDENCE: None 415 Design Review Subcommittee—July 13, 2010 Page 11 of 11 elk MISCELLANEOUS: Committee members were reminded of the requested site visit to 327 W. Chicago Street immediately following the adjournment of this meeting. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Durrenburger. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wiedmeyer. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy A. alden Approved: Design Review Subcommittee Secretary 7 0.25/C DESIGN REVIEW SUBCOMMITTEE Site visit notes of July 13, 2010, taken by Cindy Walden (Secretary) Re: 327 W. Chicago Street MEMBERS PRESENT: Betsy Couture, Paul Durrenberger, Pat Miller, Dennis Roxworthy, Steve Stroud and John Wiedmeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Briska CITY STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Fritz-Williams, Historic Preservation Manager; and Cindy Walden, DRS Secretary OTHERS PRESENT: Holly Wiedmeyer Site visit began at approximately 7:45 p.m.; and concluded at 8:20 p.m. Exterior inspection/review of structure, including by not limited to the shingle siding, stucco gables, lap siding on west elevation. fWith the property owner's permission, the committee members walked around the house to exam prior to group comments. Wiedmeyer: Lap siding on the west elevation should be clear cedar siding. There are knots showing. Couture: Replace only the siding shingles necessary. Stroud: Scrape and paint the existing shingles. Replace only what is needed to blend the area of damaged or missing shingles. Wiedmeyer: All shingles are the same width; which is unusual. Need to retain the existing shingles where possible. Roxworthy: Replacement shingles need to be "real" siding shingles, not roofing shingles. Wiedmeyer: Some shingles on the west elevation were replaced and look wrong. Miller: Should not be completely torn off. Durrenberger: Prep is the most important part of the job. Get it down to the original wood if possible. Wiedmeyer: All fasteners/nails need to be hidden, not exposed at all. Conclusion: Notes will become part of the COA notes for consideration at the next Design Review Subcommittee meeting. Since the work involved is not life-threatening and not listed on tonight's agenda, motion for consideration was not permitted. ePs- .�. a5 7/0 �SC �ece raQS