HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Design Review Subcommittee (3) •
... Design Review Subcommittee
of the Elgin Heritage Commission
August 23, 2011
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:04 p.m. in the City
Council Chambers (Located on the 2"d floor of City Hall) by Chairman Stroud.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Bill Briska, Betsy Couture, Pat Miller, Bill Ristow,John Roberson, Dennis Roxworthy, Steve
Stroud and John Wiedmeyer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Jennifer Fritz-Williams, Historic Preservation Planner; and Cindy Walden, DRS Secretary
,,,,. RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT:
None
PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION:
Old Business
70 S Chapel Street— Replace front steps
288-290 Villa Street—Replace six windows
New Business
364 Bent Street— Handrail
1020 N Spring Street—Replace window, door and side stoop
472 North Street— Replace siding
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion made by Committee Member Ristow to approve the minutes of July 26, 2011 as
amended (pg 3—Couture: Rental property or ownership, pg 4 Miller 1 1/8", pg 8 with staff
recommendations) and August 9, 2011, as submitted.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Wiedmeyer.
The motion passed 7-0.
Abstain: Briska
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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ITEMS TABLED:
288-290 Villa Street— Remained on the table, due to non-representation.
OLD BUSINESS:
Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to un-table items El for discussion
(representatives for the properties in attendance for tonight's meeting).
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Couture.
The motion passed unanimously.
70 S Chapel Street—Replace front steps
The owner's representative has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to
replace the front stairs to match the original plans for the house and a historic photograph.
However, the entire front porch has been altered over the years including the porch column
placement. In order to put the stairs back as originally designed, the columns would need to be
relocated.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Porch Staircases 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 conditions:
1. The columns are relocated so the stairs can be the original width.
2. The stairs and handrail match the original drawing and photo.
Debbie Sanders (Power of Attorney for Corrigan and Shelley Clay(owner]) was present.
Fritz-Williams: Relocation of columns will place them on the piers. Similar to 809 N Spring St.
Briska: Columns are where the gutters are now. That's how wide it will need to be.
Fritz-Williams: Staff recommendation is to move the existing piers.
Michael Gibbons: I am concerned about columns being moved too far, the roof will sag.
Couture: Is this the beginning of a "bigger project"?
Sanders: Not sure. They do work as funds are available. We know the stairs need work.
Stroud: Original squared columns were wrapped and slightly tapered.
Wiedmeyer: Are you wanting to replace the column and railings?
Gibbons: Want to put back to the original design, but narrower as they are now.
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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Miller: If matched to existing size, then in the future the columns are restore, the stairs will be
inappropriate.
Gibbons: Since this is a multi-tenant building, not sure when columns will be replaced.
Stroud: Will the wing walls go back?
Gibbons: Yes.
Miller: Curved handrail part of this approval?
Fritz-Williams: Yes.
Couture: None of the columns will be wrapped?
Fritz-Williams: No.
Ristow: Compare old to current. The balcony will look different.
Roberson: Any idea when the columns were moved?
Roxworthy: Would need to check box beam for seam.
Wiedmeyer: Posts were added to carry the weight of the roof.
Couture: At this point we are looking at two options. #1- Move columns closer, and look
wrong or#2-Leave column, and the stairs look wrong. Correct?
Wiedmeyer: Could open box beam, confirm construction. Add support if needed to move
columns.
Stroud: Very reminiscent of a "Belle", although the plans don't show it. The symmetry of the
porch will be compromised.
Fritz-Williams: Staff was requesting columns be moved. Code would need to inspect.
Roberson: If left where they are, do they need additional support?
Gibbons: Some 6x6's further under the porch.
Miller: The apron will need to addressed too. If based on the changed porch, it will affect the
apron and columns. Need to decide the spacing of columns.
Stroud: Columns being were they are today vs. where they were originally, changes the
doorway. Porch should be as wide as the entire doorway.
Fritz-Williams: Will need to setup appointment for building inspector to review spacing and
load bearing.
Stroud: Suggest approving staff recommendations. Then in the future,the columns could be
wrapped. Columns should be moved outward and build the wider staircase.
Motion made by Committee Member Wiedmeyer to approve with staff recommendations.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
364 Bent Street— Handrail
The owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow the
handrail to remain at 36" AFF. The COA to replace the handrail was approved on July 12 at the
normal 30" AFF height. Upon inspection by staff it was discovered that the handrail had been
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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installed at 36". The property owner does not want to lower the handrail due to concerns over
the height of the porch above grade, more than 48".
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Porch Columns and Railings
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.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted.
Fritz-Williams: On other properties, we have allowed 36" due to safety issues.
Wiedmeyer: Applicant was approved as finished?
Fritz-Williams: Top of the railing is 36"; above finished floor (deck).
Wiedmeyer: Additional details are need: Top rail needs cove moulding; and bottom needs a
one by for bulk.
41)
Couture: Sections of the top and bottom of the railing is bowing in the photos.
Miller: Don't want to add bulk under the railing.
Amy Hitchinson (Weststar Industries): We will be adding a block in the center for rail support.
Did not want to install until the height issue was resolved.
Wiedmeyer: Staff recommendation has drawings showing 3/4"-1" cove moulding.
Miller: Easier to add to the top rail, more difficult to add to the bottom rail.
Cody Tyler(Weststar Industries): Can we drill holes between the spindles?
Fritz-Williams: What is the space between the lower rail and the decking?
Hitchinson: Approximately 4".
Fritz-Williams: should be able to install a one by underneath and still meet the 2" minimum
height clearance.
Hitchinson: Was not planning on painting project until the end of the ft season. Stairs will not
be wood;they will be parged.
Motion made by Committee Member Roberson to approve as amended: 1-cove moulding
under upper railing (3/4"-1"); 2-one by four below lower rail; 3-two by four support spacer to
be painted after 1st season.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy.
The motion 6-1-1.
Yea: Briska, Couture, Ristow, Roxworthy, Stroud, Wiedmeyer
Nay: Miller
Abstain: Roberson
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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1020 N Spring Street—Replace window, door and side stoop
The owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to re-install a side
stoop, door, and window. The door opening and window opening are original and remain in
place, although covered over on the inside. The new window will be double-hung, wood or
aluminum-clad wood. The new door can be wood, fiberglass or metal. However, staff has
provided a recommended style to complement the house.
One contractor provided some drawings on a potential new stoop. The drawings are very
reminiscent of a rear deck and since the stoop is on the side of the house and very visible to the
street, it is not recommended to go with a design this simple. Staff has recommended a slightly
improved version that is more appropriate for the house.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Doors and Door Features
A. should be replaced with new doors appropriate for the style and period of the dwelling.
Replacement doors should be similar in design to the original in style, glazing (type of
glass and area) and lights (pane configuration). Wood or solid core fiberglass is
acceptable materials for use in replacement doors.
B. should be constructed of solid wood panels, such as the four-panel Homestead or
Italianate design may be used on the front if appropriate to the style of the house.
C. should involve glazing in clear etched or beveled glass as appropriate to the style of the
house, if applicable.
D. should only involve artificial materials such as "lexan" or other acrylic based materials, if
applicable.
E. should not be removed or altered. The original size of the door opening should not be
enlarged, reduced, or shortened in height.
F. should not be replaced by doors with new designs, especially those at the front
entrance or at side entrances which are readily visible from the street.
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. which are not original should not be added to primary facades or to secondary facades
where readily visible.
C. 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
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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windows is more than the estimated cost of the purchase and installation of appropriate
replacement windows.
D. which are original of steel or aluminum should be repaired with materials to match the
original. If repair is not feasible, replacement should be with new windows to match the
original as closely as possible in materials and dimensions. Aluminum extruded windows
are an acceptable replacement substitute for original steel sash windows, as long as
their size, shape and profile match the original windows.
E. Vinyl extruded windows are not permitted for use in historic districts.
F. 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.
G. screens and/or storms should be wood or baked-on or anodized aluminum and fit
within the window frames.
H. 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.
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 be screened only if the structural framework for the screen panels is minimal and
the open appearance of the porch is maintained. Screen panels should be placed behind
the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide decorative details
or result in the removal of original porch materials.
D. 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).
E. should have poured concrete steps if the porch, patio or terrace floor is made of
concrete (see section on Porch Steps).
F. should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the facade, if
the porch floor is made of wood.
G. should have trellises made of wood, if trellises are appropriate.
H. should be filled in as traditional for the type and style of the house, or with decorative
wood framed skirting, vertical slats, or lattice panels, if open areas in the foundation
exist.
should not be removed if original to the dwelling.
J. should not be enclosed with wood, glass, or other materials which would alter the
porch's open appearance.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions:
1. The stoop matches Exhibit F2.
* *
415
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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Fritz-Williams: Window on west side will stay; drywall inside. Deck plans were made to move
out to 5'7". There would be two 1/2 columns and a newel post constructed of 4x4 wrapped with
1x1. The 2x2 spindles to be turned on angle. Door recommended is a tall 3 panel with small
window above. Participate of the 75/25 grant program.
Wiedmeyer: Asked owner if they have seen and agree with the staff drawings and
recommendations.
Leola Ellsworth (owner): Yes.
Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve with staff recommendations and
staff comments above.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Couture.
The motion passed unanimously.
472 North Street—Replace siding
The contractor has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to restore the
original siding. 8" aluminum siding was removed revealing asphalt shingles on masonite boards.
The contractor has removed portions of this layer to reveal the original clapboards underneath.
From these locations it is clear that the corner boards and water table boards have been
removed. It is not clear what trim details may be missing around the doors and windows.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Wood Siding
A. should be repaired rather than replaced, if original. If replacement is necessary, wood
siding and shingles should be replaced with new cement board or shingles to match the
original in size, placement, and design. Wood that has been concealed beneath
synthetic sidings such as aluminum, asbestos, or vinyl should be repaired and the
synthetic sidings removed. Following the removal of synthetic sidings the original siding
should be repaired to match the original, caulked and painted. If the "ghosts" or outlines
of decorative missing features are revealed,these should generally be replicated and
reinstalled. If these features are not replaced they should be recorded through
photographs or drawings for future replication.
B. should be insulated if the addition of the insulation does not result in alterations to the
siding. The creation of plugs or holes for blown-in insulation is not acceptable.
C. should have original asbestos shingles kept stained or painted. If asbestos shingle siding
is deteriorated or poses a health hazard, it may be removed and replaced with wood or
other substitute siding. Removal of asbestos siding should follow hazardous material
guidelines.
D. should not be concealed beneath synthetic materials such as vinyl, masonite, or
aluminum, if original. Original siding should also not be concealed beneath wood based
materials such as particle board, gyp board, or press board.These materials generally do
not possess textures or designs which closely match original wood siding. However, if
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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more than 50%of the original siding material is damaged beyond repair, or missing,
substitute materials may be applied if the following conditions are met:
o the existing damaged siding materials are removed prior to the installation of
substitute materials;
o Vinyl material is not permissible. Rather, cement board is and should be smooth
without knots and be accented with trim
o Finger jointed board stock is acceptable, however, natural continuous board
stock is preferable for use as siding.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions:
1. The corner boards and water table boards are replaced.
2. The aluminum trim is removed from the windows and door trim.
3. Any details uncovered after all the siding is removed is replaced.
*****
Fritz-Williams: Requested contactor to remove sections for staff review and recommendations.
There are two sizes of corner board for consideration for this project. Smaller piece would be
more appropriate for the scale of this house.
Wiedmeyer: Does the corner piece stick out past the house?
Fritz-Williams: The design shown is slightly exaggerated.
Briska: My house is slightly less than the corner; approximately 1".
Miller: Do we know the age of the house?
Fritz-Williams: No.
Stroud: Neighboring properties are 1870 & 1920's.
Wiedmeyer: Upper detail should have a flashing or install angle to keep water out.
Miller: Water table location question... how to attach?
Fritw-Williams: The spacer will cap the span of the foundation.
Nick Jawnyj (contractor): Holes will need to be filled in with what?
Stroud: Power washing is not allowed; puts water behind the wood.
Fritz-Williams: The small porch on back of house has no siding. Hardy board found with same
profile as siding on house.
Wiedmeyer: Either wood putty or epoxy for the holes; either material is okay.
Roxworthy: Prefer the use of wood putty.
Wiedmeyer: Do not use spackle.
Roberson: Any details about the area at the back of the addition?
Jawnyj: Back addition is like a mud room. Siding is dirty, very little paint. How will I know what
is approved to do?
Fritz-Williams: The COA approval will state exact details required for repairs
Jawnyj: Gutters are attached to the roof too.
Roxworthy: Strapped to the roof?
Fritz-Williams: K-style gutter or 1/2 round gutter can be installed in aluminum or copper.
Strapping must be placed under the shingles.
Jaynyj: Would prefer a seamless K-style gutter.
Design Review Subcommittee—August 23, 2011
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Wiedmeyer: There is a contractor in the area that does seamless K-style gutters. Staff can
provide you information for contractors.
Motion made by Committee Member Ristow to approve with staff recommendation and
amendments: 1)flashing on drip edge, 2) trim around windows and door to be reviewed by
staff, 3) replace missing corner boards, 1" beads, drip edge, water table.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
CORRESPONDENCE:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Roxworthy.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Ristow.
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Cindy A. Walden Approved:
Design Review Subcommittee Secretary October 25, 2011
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