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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 Design Review Subcommittee (8) .. Design Review Subcommittee of the Elgin Heritage Commission November 8, 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 2nd floor of City Hall) by Chairman Stroud. MEMBERS PRESENT: Betsy Couture,John Roberson, Dennis Roxworthy, Pat Segal, Steve Stroud and John Wiedmeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Bill Briska and Bill Ristow CITY STAFF PRESENT: Sarosh Saher, Senior Planner; and Cindy Walden, DRS Secretary RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT: None PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION: Old Business None New Business 168 S Gifford St—replace stairs on the south side of building 809 Douglas Ave—replace one window on west elevation 850 Douglas Ave—replace front steps and wing knee walls 223 Dundee Ave—install cast stone on front facade APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Committee Member Roberson to approve the minutes of September 13, 2011, as amended (pg 11—Roxworthy: aluminum "will" bend. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy. The motion passed 5-0. Yeas: Couture, Roberson, Roxworthy, Stroud, Wiedmeyer Abstain: Segal ITEMS TABLED: None Design Review Subcommittee—November 8, 2011 Page 2 of 7 NEWBUSINESS: 4111) 168 S Gifford St—replace stairs on the south side of building The property owner has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace the stairs and railing on the southerly front porch to the structure. The existing stairs to the building are inappropriate and do not meet the requirements of the building code. The Italianate style building has been altered on the exterior with respect to its exterior cladding material, and the design, configuration and materials of the two front porches. The property owner does not intend to restore the front porches at this time. Staff has provided the property owner with stair and railing details that would complement the house, but not represent that they were original to the house. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: 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 windowsill level, if present, and no greater than 30 inches in height. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the request to replace the stairs and railing in wood, in a design that is complementary to the house. The details have been provided to the property owner. Saher: Owner was replacing iron railing. Steps will need to be replaced to comply with building and Code requirements (height and depth of risers). Roxworthy: Spindles to be square? Saher: Yes. Stroud: The proposed design will suffice, since the originality of the building is not definite. Roxworthy: Number of steps? Saher: Will probably need 4 risers, and therefore a railing system will be required. Wiedmeyer: Should the staircase be wider? By making the steps about 6" wider on each side, the posts would then look appropriate on the bottom tread. The railing can then end at the existing porch rail, instead of needing posts on the top riser too. Saher: Staff will provide new drawings indicating the staircase to be wider, posts on bottom tread,with railing ending at a 45 degree angle to the existing porch railing. Wiedmeyer: Need to ensure the treads are bulldozed with a 1" overhang. Felipe Rojas (owner): Agreeable to the changes by committee. Design Review Subcommittee—November 8, 2011 Page 3 of 7 r► Motion made by Committee Member Roberson to approve staff drawing with amendments: 1-staircase to be 6" wider on each side to accommodate post on lower riser, 2-treads to be bulldozed with a 1" overhang, 3-railing system from post to meet at existing porch with a 45 degree angle. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Wiedmeyer. The motion passed unanimously. 809 Douglas Ave—replace one window on west elevation The property owner has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace one window on the west side of the house. The window is located on the west elevation, 2nd floor, and is the northerly one of the pair of windows on that side. The current size of the window is approximately the same as the window to the south on the second floor, but smaller than the pair on the first floor. The window was installed as part of an overall rehabilitation to the structure in the 1950s. The applicant is proposing to replace the window to accommodate a wall that was constructed on the interior that covered the interior trim on the window. The replacement window will be approximately 6 inches narrower. The trim and siding will be adjusted to accommodate the narrower window. 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. 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 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. Design Review Subcommittee—November 8, 2011 Page 4 of 7 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. Staff Recommendation: Even though the change in the size of the window is not recommended by the guidelines,the magnitude of the change is small that its effect on the front elevation is negligible. The property owner proposes to center the new window above the first floor window to further reduce the effect of the change on the elevation. Staff therefore recommends approval of the COA as submitted. ***** Saher: Window is located on front facade, within a bathroom on the second floor. Glenn Murphy(owner): House was remodeled in 1952, and it appears that is when the interior wall was moved. Want to increase the energy efficiency of the window. We discussed installing a smaller window, which would reduce each side by about 3". This would allow for the trim to be installed evenly around window. Since we are gutting the room, we felt this is the proper time to make the window look right inside. Cherie Murphy(owner): We talked about possibly leaving the window as is and modifying the trim on one side of the window too. Couture: If replacing the window due to drafts and energy efficiency issues, why not order the same size window? Roxworthy: In older houses, the trim work inside was reduced to accommodate the location of a window or doorway. Wiedmeyer: They used to build "outside to inside". Construction is now done "inside to outside"to allow for room placement, windows and doorways. It is best to keep the exterior visual appearance historically correct. G.Murphy: I have refurbished several windows within the house. Since the window has been located within a bathroom since 1952, I am concerned the sash will be deteriorated beyond repair. Wiedmeyer: The sash can be replaced with staff's approval. There are companies that can assist with new weather stripping, etc too. G.Murphy: We are withdrawing the application to replace the window. We will repair the existing window and modify the interior trim work. COA application was withdrawn by applicants. Design Review Subcommittee—November 8, 2011 Page 5 of 7 1 ► 850 Douglas Ave—replace front steps and wing knee walls The property owner has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness to repair the masonry steps and knee walls on the front of the house. The steps and knee walls are constructed in concrete. The knee walls are finished with an additional top layer of plaster that has considerably deteriorated. The design of the knee walls includes a decorative T-shaped design facing the front, and upside-down cove molding that runs around the entire base of the knee walls and the house. Both these features are constructed in plaster. The applicant proposes to repair/rebuild the stairs and knee-walls in the existing configuration, with the exception of replicating the T-shaped feature constructed in plaster. The applicant believes that the feature is not a significant feature on the house and will be structurally difficult to maintain in plaster. 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. Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the COA and concurs with the applicant's proposal for the knee walls to be constructed without the T-shaped feature. Saher: There is an upside down coving along the edge of the knee wall, which also runs along the entire house. Owner has requested the "T" design of the not be included in the knee wall. Staff is agreeable to the option. Couture: The "T" shape is also on the house. Would seem the design on the knee wall was original to the construction. Stroud: Jensen book indicates the details. A copy of the details is available at the museum, should the homeowner like to obtain a copy. The "T" design was original to the house. Wiedmeyer: Any idea on what process the contractor is using to reconstruct the knee walls? Blake Dolph (owner): Unsure. Contractor has not been selected yet. Saher: The concrete could be poured with the "T" shape. Staff could assist with explaining to the contractor on how to construct the forms. Wiedmeyer: If poured block, when the forms are removed it will need to be parged to a smooth surface. Then they could fix the coving too. Owner: Is it too late in the season for concrete to be poured? Roberson: Concrete can be installed in cold conditions;just not during a blizzard. Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve to replacement of steps and knee walls as amended: 1- "T" shape design on knee wall, 2-parging exterior for smooth finish. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Couture. The motion passed unanimously. r Design Review Subcommittee—November 8, 2011 Page6of7 223 Dundee Ave—install cast stone on front façade The property owner has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness to install new cast stone bases on the columns and pilasters on the building. the new construction of the building was approved in 1998. The work on the property is complete. The applicant intended to add the features to the building to enhance the aesthetics of the building. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Architectural Design and Features D. 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 a COA after the fact, as the changes do not detract from the character of the building. Saher: Building was constructed in 1998. The full columns on the rotunda and side columns were part of the original design. Tom Bozonelos (owner): Water and salt had caused damage to the full columns. Repairs were made and the cast stone added to the columns to give a uniform appearance. Wiedmeyer: It looks unfinished. Should have a "cap" added above the cast stonework. By adding the cap, it will appear as if the columns are sitting on the pier. Cap should be a minimum of 2"thick with a 1 %Z" overhang. Motion made by Committee Member Wiedmeyer to approve as amended: cap to be installed above cast stonework on all columns: 1- minimum 2"thick, 2- overhang of 1 %z", 3- on full columns;the cap must encompass the entire column. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roberson. The motion passed unanimously. Additional Staff Comments: 432 S Liberty St—Wiedmeyer presented update on restoration project: Photos of the progress were brought and shared with committee members. Improvement on the project was seen already. Homeowner has displayed great enthusiasm in properly restoring the home. I Design Review Subcommittee—November 8, 2011 Page 7 of 7 Time has been spent with the homeowner by both S.Saher and J.Wiedmeyer. Instructional techniques have been provided for: how to remove without damaging the previously installed 4" reveal siding; how to cutting siding down to the correct profile; mitering of corners; and installing a sash for the windows. The 1x4 eaves will be replaced with 1x8 boards. Concern brought to committee is on the front elevation. Recommending using MDO plywood (that is smooth)to allow for the curvature of the beam. Needed for the appearance of a box beam. CORRESPONDENCE: None ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Roxworthy. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Wiedmeyer. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, i Cindy A. Walden Approved: Design Review Subcommittee Secretary December 13, 2011 r