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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDRSC 10-24-17 - approved 11-14-17Design Review Subcommittee of the Elgin Heritage Commission October 24, 2017 Minutes The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:01 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) by Chairman Wiedmeyer. MEMBERS PRESENT: Lynne Diamond, Rebecca Hunter, John Roberson, Dennis Roxworthy, Scott Savel, and John Wiedmeyer MEMBERS ABSENT: 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 October 10, 2017, as amended (typos). The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roberson. The motion passed unanimously. RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT: None PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION: Old Business None New Business 653 Douglas Ave – Installation of new window; replacement of two windows 431 E Chicago S – Installation of rear stars ITEMS TABLED: None Design Review Subcommittee – October 24, 2017 Page 2 of 5 NEW BUSINESS: 653 Douglas Ave – Installation of new window; replacement of two windows The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to create a rear (East) attic window (double-hung) for additional ventilation. The applicant is also proposing to remove and replace two rear in-swing windows with two double-hung aluminum-clad wood windows. The applicant noted that they wanted additional ventilation and lighting in the attic and are proposing to install a window that is proportional in size for an attic window. Existing trim is to remain with the window set into this space. The two in-swing windows are not original to the home as this section of the home used to be another porch. The in-swing windows are proposed to be replaced with two-double-hung aluminum-clad wood windows. The windows are visible from the public way (Lovell Street). 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. 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. Design Review Subcommittee – October 24, 2017 Page 3 of 5 Staff Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the following conditions: 1. That the proposed windows shall be 1/1 double-hung, aluminum-clad wood, and must match in kind to the existing windows. 2. Window glass shall not be tinted. 3. The trim around the attic window shall be retained and details shall match those found on other windows found on the home. It is recommended that the details found at the adjacent windows be replicated to match and installed at the attic window. 4. The proposed two double-hung windows at the in-swing windows shall fit into the existing window opening. ***** John Wiedmeyer (contractor) was present for tonight’s COA discussion: Contractor noted the inside the attic the original rafters and remnants of the prior fire damage can be seen. Attic is fairly shallow in height. The sill of the proposed window will be roughly 18” above the attic floor. Due to the limited space, the proposed window will be more of a square, rather than elongated. Trim details of the 2nd floor window will be replicated for the attic window. Commissioners noted the replacement of the casement windows with double hung windows will look more appropriate to the style of the house. Motion made by Committee Member Diamond to approve with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy. The motion passed 5-0-1. Abstain: Wiedmeyer. 431 E Chicago S – Installation of rear stars The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to rebuild the rear egress stairs. The rear egress stairs are proposed to be rebuilt. However because of the lower visibility of the structure from the street, the property owner is proposing a simpler design. To note, the stair structure is not visible from the street. 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 Design Review Subcommittee – October 24, 2017 Page 4 of 5 the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide decorative detail s 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 façade, 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. Staff Recommendation: Rear Egress Stairs Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: 1. All porch elements to be primed and painted. 2. All other details shall match the submitted drawings. ***** John Roberson (architect) was present for tonight’s COA discussion: The current staircase structure is partly supported by the basement access vestibule. Proposed construction will extend the landing just beyond the vestibule outer wall, which will allow the staircase to be independent of the vestibule. The 6x6 supports proposed are due to the proximity of the staircase and the driveway. From the staff photos, commissioners observed several concerns for the existing staircase: open risers, varied height of stairs, squared treads, open/spacing of railing system, etc. Commission indicated the simple design proposed is appropriate for a rear entrance. Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Diamond. The motion passed 5-0-1. Abstain: Roberson. ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS: Staff acknowledged in the November 2017 edition of Popular Woodworking Magazine, Chairman Wiedmeyer was the winner of “Readers’ Choice” winner for his Frank Lloyd Wright inspired light cover. The article stated more than 800 pieces of oak, glass, plywood and veneer was used to make this stunning looking light cover. Design Review Subcommittee – October 24, 2017 Page 5 of 5 CORRESPONDENCE: None ADJOURNMENT: Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Roberson. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 6:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Cindy A. Walden Approved: Design Review Subcommittee Secretary November 14, 2017