HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-10-2013M Design Review Design Review Subcommittee
Of the Elgin Heritage Commission
December 10, 2013
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:
Steve Stroud, William Briska, Dennis Roxworthy, Scott Savel, and John Wiedmeyer
MEMBERS ABSENT:
John Roberson and Pat Segel
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Amy Munro, Historic Preservation & Grants Planner
RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT:
Dan Miller
PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION:
OLD BUSINESS
1. 109 Hill Ave.—Reconstruct Garage (Tabled 11-26-13)
NEW BUSINESS
1. 559 Wellington Ave. — Reconstruct front porch
2. 366 May St.— Reconstruct roof and install siding
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Commissioner Wiedmeyer recommended an amendment to the minutes regarding clarification
on the 10-12 S. Geneva St. property handrail dimensions and baluster spacing. A motion was
made by Commissioner Savel to approve the November 12, 2013 minutes as amended. Motion
seconded by Commissioner Segel. The motion passed unanimously.
ITEMS TABLED:
109 Hill Ave.— The item was tabled so additional information could be obtained.
Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy table the item. The motion was seconded by
Committee Member Commissioner Savel.
The motion passed unanimously.
559 Wellington Ave.— Reconstruct front porch : The item was tabled so additional information
could be obtained.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
Page 2 of 10
Motion made by Committee Member Wiedmeyer table the item.The motion was seconded by
Committee Member Commissioner Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
109 Hill Ave.— The item was tabled so additional information could be obtained.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel table the item.The motion was seconded by
Committee Member Commissioner Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
366 May St—The item was tabled so additional information could be obtained.
Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy table the item.The motion was seconded by
Committee Member Commissioner Wiedmeyer.
The motion passed unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS:
Motion made by Committee Member Wiedmeyer to untable the item.The motion was
seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
109 Hill Ave.— Construct new garage
THIS ITEM WAS TABLED ON NOVEMBER 26,2013 DUE TO LACK OF PROPERTY OWNER REPRESENTATION.
Project Background:
The applicant has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to construct a
new garage.
The property's garage was demolished in 2012. (This demolition was approved by the Design
Review Subcommittee on December 13, 2011.) Since that time the applicant has submitted
drawings based upon a Home Depot pattern titled, "Cape Cod."
The applicant has proposed the following a garage that will follow a similar footprint to the
demolished garage's. features of the proposed garage include the following: wood
construction,two dormers on the front and rear elevations, carriage style overhead doors,
Queen Anne Style service door, and vinyl windows.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Secondary Buildings:Garages,Sheds,Other Outbuildings
A. Should be smaller in scale than the dwelling; clearly secondary in
nature.
B. Should be simple in design but reflecting the general character of
the associated dwelling. For example, use gable roof forms if the
dwelling has a gable roof, hipped roof forms if the dwelling has a
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
Page 3 of 10
hipped roof etc.
C. Should be built at traditional locations for outbuildings in the locally
designated districts. These include at rear lot lines, adjacent to
alleys, and at the back side of a dwelling;
D. Should be compatible in design, shape, materials, and roof shape to
the associated dwelling;
E. Should be of an exterior material to match the associated dwelling
such as clapboard, stucco, or brick. However, if not readily visible
from the street, secondary buildings may have exterior substitute
siding materials such as cement fiber board with appropriate trim
and exposure and cementitious materials.
F. Should be of traditional materials if readily visible. For garages,
wood paneled doors are more appropriate than paneled doors of
vinyl, aluminum, or steel. Wood paneled overhead roll-up doors are
widely available and are appropriate for new garages. For two car
garages the use of two single doors instead of one larger double
door is more appropriate for use in a historic district. However, one
double is unacceptable for garages of less than twenty-two feet.
G. Should have windows in the garage doors are recommended, but
windows may not be appropriate in every case for garage doors.
H. Should have raised panel steel doors are acceptable and should be
painted to match the house and set off the relief of the panels.
I. Should be in designs that are more appropriate for use with
traditionally designed structures, if prefabricated sheds are proposed
to be used.
J. Should not be constructed of rough sawn cedar with knots.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff would recommend approval if the following conditions are met:
1. That the proposed garage siding material will be clear cedar (no knots) and installed
smooth side out in a profile and exposure to match the house's existing wood siding.
2. That the garage door windows have a linear rather than arched design.
3. That the windows are double-hung 1/1, wood or aluminum clad wood windows to
match the dimensions of the existing double-hung windows on the house.
4. To further complement the house, that the garage design has only one center dormer
on the front and rear elevations.
5. That the proposed windows match the house's original window dimension details.
6. That the brackets not be included on the overhead garage door.
7. That the Y2 light Queen Anne Service door has two recessed panels.
8. That all other details meet the Design Review Subcommittee's recommendations.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
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The property owner, Richard Hirschberg, was present to answer questions of the
Subcommittee. Mr. Hirschberg acknowledged agreement with several staff recommendations;
however, he had concerns about staff recommendations for the windows as well as the center
dormer.
The Subcommittee discussed the design as submitted by Mr. Hirschberg.The drawing
submitted by the applicant reflects its Cape Code style. It was suggested that the two dormer
appearance be modified to a single dropped dormer similar to the original garage dormer. The
Subcommittee recommended that Mr. Hirschberg look at other garages within the historic
district, including Commissioner Briska's. Mr. Hirschberg agreed to modify his submitted
drawing and will-resubmit the drawing for concept approval at a future meeting.
Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to table further review of the COA until revised
drawings are submitted.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Savel.
The motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS:
559 Wellington Ave.—Reconstruct front porch
Project Background:
The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)to
reconstruct the front porch of the house. The existing porch was recently replaced without a
COA permit. As a corrective action, the property owner submitted this request to retain the
existing porch. The property owner has expressed that he was unaware that he needed to
replace the porch if the replacement matched the current porch. Also, he installed the new
porch to address safety concerns due to the former porch's deterioration.
Staff has advised the applicant of the City's Design Guidelines expectations for historic district
property owners. Staff has also advised the applicant that the newly constructed porch does
not meet the Design Guidelines.
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.
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).
F. should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the facade, if
the porch floor is made of wood.
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.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
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I. should not be removed if original to the dwelling.
I should not be enclosed with wood,glass, or other materials which would alter the
porch's open appearance.
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.
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 5/412 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 does not recommend COA approval to retain the existing porch. However, should the
applicant pursue the reconstruction of the porch, staff would recommend approval with the
following conditions:
1. The wood decking shall be 1 x 4 tongue and groove (Douglas fir, pressure treated or
composite) and be installed perpendicular to the house.
2. That the porch columns are turned posts.
3. The balustrade shall be at a minimum 30" but no more than 36" in height above finished
floor(AFF).
4. The handrail shall have 2 x 4 top and bottom rails with chamfered edges, with V cove
molding.The top rail shall terminate in the square base of the column, not the turned
portion.The bottom rail shall be installed 2" AFF.
5. That the balusters are 2x2's with W cove at top, and spaced no more than 3" on center.
To ensure that the balusters have straight corners rather than round. corners, it is
recommended that the balusters be cut from 4x4s.
6. That the newel post shall be a 6x6 post, have a 2x flat top and have a 5"ball cap.
7. That the newel post is attached to the bottom stair tread.
8. The skirt frame shall be 1 x 6 with a 1 x 4 lower board.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
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9. The vertical skirting board shall be 1 x 4 and installed behind the frame, 1"spacing with 8"
header.
10. The stair tread shall be constructed in 5/4 or 2 x 12 lumber and the treads shall be bull-
nosed with 1"overhang on two exposed sides, min. 10" wide, and overhang the risers by
1".
11. Wood shall be used for the porch features and architectural details. The porch shall be
primed and painted.
The property's representative, Anthony Simmons was present to address questions of the
Subcommittee. Mr. Simmons advised the Subcommittee that the existing stairs and porch were
installed to address safety concerns.
The Subcommittee discussed the project and identified several concerns with the existing
staircase and porch. Due to the design and building code issues,the Subcommittee advised Mr.
Simmons that he should re-build the porch and stairs to reflect compliance with the Design
Guidelines and with Code. Mr. Simmons agreed that he would submit drawings for approval at
a future meeting date.
Motion made by Commissioner Wiedmeyer to table further review of the COA until revised
drawings are submitted.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
366 May St.- Reconstruct roof and install siding
Project Background:
The applicant has submitted a COA to reconstruct the house's roof. Due to fire damage, the
roof was destroyed. The applicant has proposed a roofline to match the original roof.
Additionally, a significant amount of siding was destroyed and will require replacement. The
existing siding is aluminum and the applicant has requested the installation of fiber cement
siding. The building's skirt boards will also require replacement. Staff has consulted with the
applicant. The drawings show lattice skirting; however, staff recommended vertical 1x4 boards
and the applicant has agreed to this.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Roof replacement
A. Should be retained in their original shape and pitch, with original features (such as
cresting, chimneys,finials, cupolas, etc.), and, if possible, with original roof materials.
B. Should be re-roofed with substitute materials such as asphalt or fiberglass shingles if the
original materials are no longer present or if the retention of the original roof material is
not economically feasible.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
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C. Should be in appropriate colors such as dark grey, black, brown or \shades of dark red; red
or green may also be appropriate for Craftsman/Bungalow period dwellings for new asphalt
or fiberglass shingled roofs.
D. Should have sawn cedar shingles added only after a complete tear-off of the existing roof
materials is completed. This is necessary to provide adequate ventilation and proper drying
of the roof during wet conditions.
E. Should have soldered metal panels added as the surface material, if the roof is flat. If not
readily visible, rolled composition or EPDM (rolled rubber) roofing materials are
acceptable.
F. Should have proper water-tight flashing at junctions between roofs and walls, around
chimneys, skylights,vent pipes, and in valleys and hips where two planes of a roof meet.
Metal flashing should be used instead of the application of caulking material or bituminous
coating, which can deteriorate due to weathering and allow moisture damage.
G. should not have new dormers, roof decks, balconies or other additions introduced on fronts of
dwellings.These types of additions may be added on the rear or sides of dwellings where not
readily visible.
H. should not have split cedar shakes, in most cases.
Wood Siding(Applicable Guidelines)
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 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 particleboard, gyp board, or pressboard. These materials generally do not possess
textures or designs which closely match original wood siding. However, if 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:
• the existing damaged siding materials are removed prior to the installation of
substitute materials;
• Vinyl material is not permissible. Rather, cement board is and should be smooth
without knots and be accented with trim
• Finger jointed board stock is acceptable, however, natural continuous board
stock is preferable for use as siding.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
Page 8 of 10
J. Should not be constructed of rough sawn cedar with knots.
Porches(Applicable Guidelines)
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 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).
F. Should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the facade, if the
porch floor is made of wood.
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.
I. 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 COA as submitted and as per the following conditions:
Roof
12. That the shingles are architectural shingles.
Skirting
1. That the replacement skirting boards shall be vertical 1 x 4 and installed behind the
frame, 1" spacing.
13. If the skirt frame and trim boards are replaced,that the skirt frame shall be 1 x 6 with a 1
x 4 lower board.The skirting shall have an 8" header.
Siding
1. Due to the fire damage,the siding will require compete replacement. Although
ssmooth cedar(no knots) in a profile to match the building's existing wood siding and
installed smooth side out is preferred, cement fiber board is acceptable in a profile to
match the existing clapboard profile.
2. Should new cement board siding be installed, proper trim around windows, corner
boards, base boards, fascia boards and soffits under roof overhangs must be installed.
3. Nail holes must be patched with putty, epoxy preferred.
4. Windows may not be wrapped with aluminum.
5. Siding shall be (sanded, if wood replacement) primed and painted.
All other details to follow applicant's submitted drawings and Code requirements.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
Page 9 of 10
The property's representative, Karolina Boldyrew was present to address questions of the
Subcommittee. Ms. Boldyrew provided an overview of the project and reviewed the submitted
drawings. Windows located on the upper level of the east elevation are being considered for
removal.
The Subcommittee discussed the project and agreed with the raised roof. Discussion took place
regarding the existing windows. The two second story windows should be two double-hung
windows and located side-by-side. Window trim and caps should be installed and the aluminum
wrapping should be removed from the existing windows. The window hood with flat top should
be similar to the front door. Additionally,the rafter tails should be trimmed and the fascia tails
should be square cut rather than plumb cut, quarter round should be added to the corner
board to give it definition.
Due to the amount of detail that was not included on the drawings, the Subcommittee
requested that the applicant return to the January meeting with detailed drawings.
Motion made by Commissioner Roxworthy to grant concept approval for the structural roof
component of the project, but to table further review of the COA until revised detailed
drawings are submitted for the remainder of the project.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wiedmeyer.
The motion passed unanimously.
OTHER:
Mr. Dan Miller shared his recent database project which includes porch details identified from
Chairman Stroud's pictorial history books. Details can be sorted by type, architectural style etc.
Mr. Miller also shared his revised pictorial porch guidelines. He asked the Subcommittee to
consider incorporating this into the existing Design Guidelines. The Subcommittee discussed
the Guidelines and agreed with Mr. Miller that this is an important tool for Elgin's historic
district property owners. The Subcommittee expressed their appreciation to Mr. Miller for
drafting the Guidelines and recommended that he continue to work on the details with the goal
that this will be submitted to the Elgin Heritage Commission for inclusion in the Design
Guidelines. Ms. Munro shared Subcommittee and Elgin Heritage Commission Chairman William
Briska's emailed comments that perhaps the Heritage Commission could underwrite some of
the printing costs for the project.
In conjunction with this project, Chairman Stroud proposed that the Subcommittee consider
taking fifteen to twenty minutes at the close of each meeting to view historic photos of Elgin's
historic district properties. In doing so, opportunities to further enhance the porch pictorial
Guidelines Mr. Miller has put together as well as other house detail guidelines would be
increased. The intent of the historical viewing would be to pull sample historical photos for
staff to recommend and applicants to consider for their Certificate of Appropriateness requests.
Design Review Subcommittee—December 10, 2013
Page 10 of 10
STAFF COMMENTS:
CORRESPONDENCE:
None.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn was made by Commissioner Savel.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Roxworthy.
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 7:19 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Amy Munro Approved: February 11, 2014
Historic Preservation & Grants Planner 'n