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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-27-16 DRSC approved 10-11-16Design Review Subcommittee of the Elgin Heritage Commission September 27, 2016 Minutes The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:03 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Located on the 2 "d floor of City Hall) by Chairman Wiedmeyer. MEMBERS PRESENT: Rebecca Hunter, John Roberson, Dennis Roxworthy, Scott Savel, and John Wiedmeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: Lynne Diamond, and Bill Ristow CITY STAFF PRESENT: Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation; and Cindy Walden, DRSC Secretary APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve the minutes of September 13, 2016, with spelling correction on page 5 from "satin" to "stain ". The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter. The motion passed 5 -0 -1. Abstain: Wiedmeyer RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT: John Marston (Heritage Commissioner) PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION: Old Business None New Business 508 Grace St — Window and Door replacement 18 N Porter St — Demolition of rear garage 265 Douglas Ave — Change in design of side porch stairs 263 -267 Douglas Ave — Reconstruction of rear balconies 269 Douglas Ave — Reconstruction of rear balconies ITEMS TABLED: None Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 2 of 13 NEW BUSINESS: 508 Grace St — Window and Door replacement The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness request for the replacement of all of the windows and doors due to the presence of lead. The applicant is a part of the Kane County's Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Program which requires licensed lead contractors to perform the work as this is a Federal Program. Due to this, this increases costs associated with restoration. The following scope is proposed for the exterior: 1. Removal of 15, double -hung windows to match existing; 2. Removal of five, basement three -lite awning windows with single lite window; 3. Installation of two storm windows to be placed at fixed window locations at front elevation 4. Removal of front storm door and replacement with full -view storm door; 5. Removal of existing four panel side door with four panel, metal insulated door 6. Removal and replacement of front entry threshold to match existing; 7. Prep and paint exterior wood /trim and porch beadboard. Staff, along with Chairman Wiedmeyer and Commissioner Savel completed a site assessment on August 31, 2016. It was found that the windows and doors were in fair to good condition. However, due to costs associated with using a licensed lead contractor per Federal standards for abatement, it was noted that restoration would be cost prohibitive. 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). A. 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. E. Vinyl extruded windows are not permitted for use in historic districts. Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 3 of 13 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. Screen, Storm and Security Windows A. Should coincide at the original meeting rail, if a sash window is uneven. Screens A. Should be correctly sized to fit the window opening, including round arched windows. B. Should be wood or baked -on or anodized aluminum and fit within the window frames, not overlap the frames. Screen window panels should be full -view design or have a meeting rail match that of the window behind it. Storm Windows A. Should be sized and shaped to fit the window opening. Round arched window openings should be preserved and not closed off with wood panels in new storm windows. B. Should preferably be of wood but aluminum full -view design and with baked -on enamel or anodized finish in dark colors are also acceptable. C. Should have built -in lower screens, if triple track 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. G. Should not be added at locations where they did not originally exist. If needed to meet safety codes or to enhance the use of the property, doors should be added at the rear or sides of dwellings where they would not be readily visible. Screen and Storm Doors A. Should be correctly sized to fit the entrance opening. Door openings should not be enlarged, reduced, or shortened for new door installation. B. Screen doors should be preserved and maintained if original Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 4 of 13 C. Should preferably be made of wood, but aluminum full -view design with baked -on enamel or anodized, if new combination storm and screen doors are required. A kick plate may be used in combination with storm and screen door, with a maximum height of twelve inches. D. Should not involve ornamentation on storm door Staff Recommendation: Due to extenuating circumstances including the applicant's participation in the federally funded Lead Based Paint Hazard Control Program, Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the following conditions: 1. That all windows shall be aluminum clad wood and must fit original window openings with the following requirements: a. Top Rail: 2 1/4" b. Stiles: 21 /4" c. Meeting Rail: 1" d. Muntins: 1" (if existing window has a muntin) e. Bottom Rail: 3" f. Replacement windows that have muntins shall have a simulated divided lite with a spacer g. The window replacements must match the profile of the original windows. h. Window glass shall not be tinted. 2. That the side door must fit existing door opening with the following requirements: a. Door must be 4- panel doors to match the existing 3. That the front storm door is to be replaced with a Full -View glass storm door and the existing front door is to remain. a. Must fit existing door opening and not be enlarged, reduced or shortened b. Shall be aluminum full -view design with backed -on enamel or anodized finish in colors complementary to the house c. Should not involve ornamentation on storm door 4. Storm windows shall fit the existing window opening with the following requirements: a. Aluminum full -view design with baked on enamel or anodized finish in colors that are complementary to the house. Removal of front entry threshold to match the existing in material, size, and profile. Amanda Collier (owner) and Lowell Tosh (Community Contacts) were present for tonight's COA discussion: Lead issues /poisoning is caused by friction. The opening and closing of doors and windows cause lead dust to occur. Typically, only operable windows and doors are a concern. However, this house interior is unique, since high levels on lead ratings were also found on interior window trim (looks like a varnish /lacquer coating), with the highest lead ratings found on the kitchen walls. Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 5of13 Community Contacts has a maximum budget allowed per structure and usually address homes having high lead ratings by installing new vinyl windows, encapsulating (painting) the exterior trim and porch features and replacing the interior window trim. However, since this house is within the historic district, vinyl window windows are not an option for this project. This proposal is for the installation of new wood windows with aluminum clad for all operable windows. Insert style window replacements to be installed are to match window opening. Based on insert style windows products on the market, committee members acknowledged the glass /pane size will be reduced slightly. Rails and styles are not to be the thin /narrow design. Old wood storm windows will be removed. Damaged or rotten trim, sills, etc. will need to be replaced. There are three (3) fixed windows that will not be removed. Installation of storm windows for these fixed windows has been proposed. Awing basement windows currently have two styles of panes, single lite and triple lite. Commissioners indicated windows visible from the street should be installed with the triple lite design, which was common practice in the building time period. The front porch will also receive lead paint abatement practices (light wet sanding, then painting). Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve with staff recommendations and the following requirements: 1) replacement sills, window trim, etc. must be replaced in kind (style, thickness, etc.), deviation requires staff approval for appropriateness; 2) all windows to match existing lites, deviation requires staff approval. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roberson. The motion passed 4 -1. Nay: Hunter 18 N Porter St — Demolition of rear garage The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to demolish the c. 1910 repair shop /garage on the property. The repair shop /garage was built between 1903 and 1913 and is a contributing secondary structure. Staff inspected the repair shop /garage on September 23, 2016 and found that there are some areas of deterioration, however, the building is not beyond repair. The most exposed side is the south elevation where the clapboards were in worst condition. The east elevation was in the best condition as it was covered by the roof overhang. The roof structure at the open air "carport" is rotted and causing areas of the roof to sag. Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 6 of 13 The application has indicated that at this time, they are only requesting demolition of the structure to remove the hazard from the property. There are currently two garages on site. Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications: Guidelines for Demolition A. Should be avoided of any original feature or part of a pre -1945 building. B. should not occur, unless: 1. An emergency condition exists and the public safety and welfare requires the removal of the building or structure; 2. A building does not contribute to the historical or architectural character of the districts and its removal will improve the appearance of the districts; or 3. The denial of the demolition will result in an Economic Hardship on the applicant as determined by Chapter 20.10 of Title 20 of the Elgin Municipal Code — "Elgin Historic Preservation Ordinance." 4. The denial of the demolition will impede rehabilitation, or redevelopment of the site, and /or adjacent properties from substantially improving the aesthetic, architectural or economic value of the affected properties and surrounding area. Staff Recommendation: Staff does not recommend approval of the demolition of this structure as the building is not beyond repair. However, if the Design Review Subcommittee approves demolition, staff has the following comments and recommendations: 1. Allow the structure to be available for documentation such as measured drawings and photographs. Paul Bedner (owner) was present for tonight's COA discussion: Single car garage in northwest corner would remain. The workshop with canopy structure with would be demolished due to condition. The canopy area has a crumbling concrete floor, which would be removed too. Several features would be salvaged prior to demolition and retained on site. Should a future property owner decide to build a larger garage or carriage house these pieces could be incorporated into the potential project. There is one set of double doors leading into the workshop, one fixed window and four (4) 4over4 double hung windows. Owner indicated the workshop is about 18" from the west property line. Overhead utility lines run along the west property line too. Building has termite damage, two bowing areas on the roof and no support on majority of the west wall. Building floor appears to be a mud /dirt. East elevation of the workshop seems sound, south elevation has lots of damage. From inside the building, the west elevation wall can be seen bowing out about 10 -12" with no support except the corners. Canopy roof supports are severely damaged. Ceiling and exterior Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 7of13 Ms. Sundquist indicated during her site visit of the property she did see bowing of the west wall, however she did not have access to the interior of the building for further assessment. Based on the construction details shown of the accessory structure with canopy, committee members felt the canopy area was added on after the building's construction was completed. Committee not sure if this accessory structure should be deemed a contributing secondary structure, since it appears not to be built at the time the house was constructed. Committee indicated other accessory structures within the historic districts boundaries have been raised and appropriate foundation and wall supports installed, which have saved those accessory structures from demolition. A site visit by committee members to assess the building condition, should the property owner would like to schedule an appointment prior to voting on the request for demolition. Owner requested decision tonight by the committee. Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter. Chairman Wiedmeyer requested a roll call vote. The motion failed 2 -2 -1. Yeas: Hunter, Roberson. Nays: Roxworthy, Wiedmeyer. Abstained: Saval. Appeal must be received within 10 business days of this committee's determined. Staff provided appeal process details to the applicant. 265 Douglas Ave — Change in design of side porch stairs The applicant has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to redesign side porch landing and stairs. The proposed side porch stairs and landing were approved at the April 12, 2016 Design Review Subcommittee meeting. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the applicant is proposing to reconfigure the stairs to run parallel to the home versus perpendicular. To note, the design of the side porch will mimic the front porch design that was approved on April 12, 2016. 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 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 Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 8of13 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 fagade, 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. 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. 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 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 as submitted. John Roberson (architect) was present for tonight's COA discussion. As a reminder, Mr. Roberson noted the roof was being eliminated from this staircase. The drawings provided today indicate the decking of the originally approved porch has been reduced to the width of the staircase that will run along the side of the building. Although the Design Review Subcommittee —September 27, 2016 Page 9of13 width has been decreased, the length was increase to head room and access to the basement door below. Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve with staff recommendations with the following amendment: with the exception of the width, porch details (spindles, railing, newel post, caps, skirting, etc.) must be installed as previously by the committee in April 2016. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter. The motion passed 3 -0 -2. Abstained: Roberson (architect) and Saval (prior contractor). 263 -267 Douglas Ave — Reconstruction of rear balconies The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to rebuild the rear multi -story porch on the building. The rear deck and access to the building is proposed to be rebuilt. The structure would not be visible from the street but is visible from the neighborhood park that is adjacent to the building. Due to the lower visibility of the structure from the street, the property owner is proposing a simpler design. The posts will be 6x6 posts with 2x2 balusters. Newel posts will be designed with pyramidal post caps. Details of the porch reconstruction are included in this packet. 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 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 fa4ade, 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. 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. Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 10 of 13 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 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 recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the following conditions: 1. The handrail shall have a 2x4 top rail with chamfered edges, W cove, 2x2 square, balusters, with a maximum spacing of 2.5 ". That the bottom rail is a 2x4 with chamfered edges, installed 2" above finished floor. 2. All rear porch details shall match the attached drawing. 3. All rear porch details shall be primed and painted. John Roberson (architect) was present for tonight's COA discussion: Support is needed for this tall /massive porch system. Concrete piers to be installed and will be visual about 2 feet above grade. Not only do the piers provide adequate support, should a vehicle hit the pier it will be less likely to cause damage to the porch posts and structure. Staircase moved directions (up /down) to provide access to the basement door. Newel posts are 6x6 and should be wrapped with base board accordingly. Square hip cap to be added (6x6 is not to be notched). Visibility of this porch is limited at best from any street view. Committee would prefer the stair treads to be bullnosed, but not required for this porch system. Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 11 of 13 Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve with staff recommendations with the following amendments: 1) wrap 6x6 posts with base board, and 2) square hip cap to be added to newel post. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter. The motion passed 4 -0 -1. Abstained: Roberson (architect). 269 Douglas Ave — Reconstruction of rear balconies The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to rebuild the rear multi -story porch on the building. The rear deck and access to the building is proposed to be rebuilt. Due to the lower visibility of the structure from the street, the property owner is proposing a simpler design. The posts will be 6x6 posts with 2x2 balusters. Newel posts will be designed with pyramidal post caps. Details of the porch reconstruction are included in this packet. 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 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 fagade, 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. 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. Porch Columns and Railing A. Should be preserved and maintained. Where repair is required, use materials to match the original in dimensions and detailing. Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 12 of 13 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 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 recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the following conditions: 1. The handrail shall have a 2x4 top rail with chamfered edges, %" cove, 2x2 square, balusters, with a maximum spacing of 2.5 ". That the bottom rail is a 2x4 with chamfered edges, installed 2" above finished floor. 2. All rear porch details shall match the attached drawing. 3. All rear porch details shall be primed and painted. John Roberson (architect) was present for tonight's COA discussion: First floor decking of this porch is approximately 4.5 feet from grade. Overall length of this porch has been reduced by roughly 8 feet compared to the existing porch structure. The upper 3rd floor porch roof is being eliminated in this new design, which will help to reduce the overall appearance of this massive structure. Concrete piers to be installed and will be visual about 2 feet above grade. Again for both stability and construction integrity should a vehicle hit the pier, less likely to cause damage to the porch posts, structure and building. Motion made by Committee Member Roxworthy to approve with staff recommendations with the following amendments: 1) wrap 6x6 posts with base board, and 2) square hip cap to be added to newel post. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter. The motion passed 4 -0 -1. Abstained: Roberson (architect). Design Review Subcommittee — September 27, 2016 Page 13 of 13 ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS: 1) Open house from noon to 4pm on 10/01/16 — Cobblestone house on W Chicago Street 2) 312 North St — COA from 09/13/16, owners will not sign waiver for lower railing /handrails. They will be installing at 36" height with a graspable handrail returning into the post. Newel post will not contain fluting. CORRESPONDENCE: None ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Savel. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, r Cindy A. den Approved: Design R iew Subcommittee Secretary October 11, 2016