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HomeMy WebLinkAbouth Minutes Design Review Subcommittee of the Elgin Heritage Commission August 10, 2010 The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Located on the 2nd floor of City Hall)by Chairman Stroud. MEMBERS PRESENT: Bill Briska, Betsy Couture, Pat Miller, Dennis Roxworthy, Steve Stroud and John Wiedmeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Paul Durrenberger _ CITY STAFF PRESENT: Jennifer Fritz-Williams, Historic Preservation Planner; and Cindy Walden, DRS Secretary PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION: • Old Business None New Business 477 Park Street—Replace retaining wall 844 N Spring Street—Replace one window 706 Douglas Ave—Install new garage door OTHERS PRESENT: None APPROVAL OF MINUTES: No minutes were provided to the committee members for review. ITEMS TABLED: None NEW BUSINESS: 477 Park Street—Replace retaining wall The contractor has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the eillk retaining wall in front of the property. The existing retaining wall is constructed of landscape Design Review Subcommittee—August 10, 2010 Page 2 of 4 timbers and is failing in several locations. The proposed retaining wall would be cast stone, split-faced, and tumbled. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Retaining Wall A. should be of poured concrete (not concrete blocks) or in stone designs such as cut stone, random rubble, coursed rubble, or cobblestones. Retaining walls of brick are less appropriate but may be constructed. If constructed of artificial or cultured stone, textures, colors and random designs should replicate natural stone. If located in front yards, the walls should be constructed using up to two courses and an additional cap course, not to exceed twenty inches in height. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: The color is submitted for review and approval of staff. ***** Eric Zimmerman (contractor): Sample of stone brought for display. A cap will also be installed. Color will be sandstone. Briska: Are you requesting 5 courses above grade plus the cap? Contractor: Yes, plus one below grade for foundation. Walden: Over 24" of retaining wall will need to be reviewed by the city's Plan Examiner; sealed plan are typically required over 24'. Multiple tiers could be installed with each tier setback back appropriately in distance. Miller: The height of the retaining wall is drastic compared to what is there now. Also the neighboring properties on both sides are much shorter. Would recommend tiers for the retaining wall. Contractor: Existing wall is 33" in height. Roxworthy: What is in front? It looks like rocks and concrete in the photo. Contractor: Erosion has occurred over the years. Wiedmeyer: Retaining wall will look much better straight across, not varying in height like it does now. Contractor: There will be returns on both sides back to the house. Briska: Visually, two exposed rows and cap would look the best. Contractor: Request COA to be amended to install only two exposed rows and a cap. Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to approve as amended (two exposed rows and a cap). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wiedmeyer. The motion passed unanimously. 844 N Spring Street—Replace one window The owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace one window on the south side, second floor of the house. The owner is proposing an aluminum-clad wood window to match the existing opening. Staff investigated the condition of the window Design Review Subcommittee—August 10, 2010 Page 3 of 4 F from the exterior only. I observed some peeling paint and missing glazing putty. I did not see any broken glass, broken rails, or obviously rotten wood. The window looks to be repairable with a new storm window for energy efficiency. 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 as submitted. Staff would recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: The window is repaired. ***** Dennis & Kelly Dee (owners): Will withdraw the COA and obtain quotes to have the window repaired. Fritz-Williams: If a repair to be completed, staff can approve the COA over the counter. COA withdrawn by applicant. 706 Douglas Ave—Install new garage door The contractor has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the garage door. The existing door is not original and does not fit the new opening created by raising the garage. The contractor has proposed a steel, raised panel door, white with no windows. The owner has specifically requested no windows for security reasons. r Design Review Subcommittee—August 10, 2010 Page 4 of 4 Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Garage Doors A. should be raised panel designs, with a solid core, if proposed to be in metal designs. Flush design doors (without raised panels) unless retrofitted to look like traditional doors and hollow core metal doors should be avoided when possible. B. should have windows simple in design with clear glass, if windows are necessary. Muntins in a simple design may also be used. The use of ornamental stained glass and openings in decorative shapes such as sunbursts and oval designs are not permitted. C. should have painted metal panel doors to match the house in a color appropriate to the period of the house. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted ***** Note: Adella Bedwell (homeowner) requested staff to represent her at tonight's meeting. Fritz-Williams: Garage is now 6"higher. Owner prefers to have no windows. Originally access to the garage was from the alley. There was water coming in, so the garage foundation was raised. Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to approve as amended (no windows). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Briska. The motion passed unanimously. CORRESPONDENCE: None. ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Durrenburger. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couture. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy A. Of den Approved: Design Review Subcommittee Secretary O '/?y/a 0/ 415