Historic District Commission

1 of 44 AGENDA Historic District Commission Meeting Date: Monday, November 13, 2023 Time: 4:00 P.M. Where: City Hall, Room 301 1. Call to Order: 2. Attendance: 3. Additions or Deletions to Agenda: 4. Approval of minutes: 5. Correspondence: 6. Old Business: A. H10-23 (291 CHAMPION STREET) The petition, filed by Mr. Jim Coughlin of Roach Home Improvement on behalf of Mr. David Ellis, 291 Champion St., is for the proposed application of 4” vinyl siding over the deteriorated existing 4” wood siding. Parcel #5020-00-047-0. 7. New Business: A. H11-23 (316 W VANBUREN STREET) A petition, filed by Mills Siding and Roofing on behalf of Vince Pavone, 316 W Van Buren Street, is for the proposed replacement of the flat roofing section on the north end of the building with an EPDM material and not visible from the street. Parcel #0255-00-005-0 B. Administrative Approval Quarterly Report 8. Comments by the Public: 9. Comments from Commission members and Staff: 10. Adjournment: The City of Battle Creek will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered in the meeting upon notice to the City of Battle Creek. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aides or services should contact the City of Battle Creek by writing or calling the following: Office of the City Clerk, P.O. Box 1717, 10 North Division – Suite 111, Battle Creek, MI 49016, (269)966-3348 (Voice), (269)966-3348 (TDD) Division Site 117 Battle Creek M Fax (269) 910 N. Di 10 N. DIVISION ST. P.O. BOX 1717 BATTLE CREEK MICHIGAN 49016-1717 PHONE (269) 966-3320 FAX (269) 966-3555 WWW.BATTLECREEKMI.GOV  2 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 10 North Division, Battle Creek, MI 49014 Minutes for Monday, October 9, 2023 MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: By Chairperson Newman at 4:02 p.m. This meeting was held in-person. ATTENDANCE: A roll call was taken: Comm. Newman, Present Comm. Simpson, Present Comm. Drozdowski, Present Comm. Davis, Present Comm. Sallee, Absent Comm. Thornton, Present Comm. Steinbrunner, Present Staff Present: Travis Sullivan, Planning and Zoning Administrator, Melody Carlsen, Administrative Assistant, Marcel Stoetzel, Deputy City Attorney. ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO AGENDA: Addition: 2024 Proposed Meeting Dates and Deadlines MOTION MADE BY COMM. THORNTON TO APPROVE THE 2024 PROPOSED MEETING DATES AND DEADLINES, SECONDED BY COMM. DROZDOWSKI. A vote was taken and all those in favor to say “aye”: ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION APPROVED. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approval of September 11, 2023 minutes. MOTION MADE BY COMM. DROZDOWSKI TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FOR JULY 10, 2023. SECONDED BY COMM. THORNTON. A vote was taken and all those in favor to say “aye”: ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION APPROVED. CORRESPONDENCE: None. OLD BUSINESS: None. NEW BUSINESS: A. H10-23 (291 Champion St.) Petition for a Certificate of Appropriateness, filed by Mr. Jim Coughlin of Roach Home Improvement on behalf of Mr. David Ellis, 291 Champion St., is for the proposed application of 4” vinyl siding over the deteriorated existing 4” wood siding. Parcel #5020-00-047-0. 1  3 of 44 Application Presentation: Travis Sullivan presented the staff report for property located at 291 Champion St. Staff recommends approval of this item, as the proposed residing of the building meets the standards outlined in Chapter 1470.09 “Review of Application,” Chapter 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, as well as maintains consistency with previous siding jobs approved by the Historic District Commission. Applicant Presentation: Applicant and homeowner were not present to speak or answer question from Commissioner. Commissioner Comments: Commissioner Simpson questioned if the trim would be wrapped. Commissioner Thornton questioned the age of the two different types of siding. Commissioner Newman mentioned using cement board siding, something that would not hold moisture. Asked attorney if the Body could require a moisture barrier. Commissioner Steinbrunner inquired to the color of siding being used and if a moisture barrier would be used. Commissioner Simpson ask if the wood siding would be removed before adding the vinyl siding. Public Comment: None. MOTION MADE BY COMM. DROZDOWSKI TO POSEPONE ITEM #H10-23 UNTIL THE NOVEMBER MEETING, ALLOWING TIME FOR THE BODY’S QUESTIONS TO BE ANSWERED. SECONDED BY COMM. SIMPSON. A roll vote was taken: ALL IN FAVOR, MOTION APPROVED. COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC: None. COMMENTS FROM COMMISSION MEMBERS AND STAFF: None. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Newman adjourned the meeting at 4:29 p.m. Submitted by: Melody Carlsen, Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant 2  4 of 44 Battle Creek Historic District Commission Staff Report Staff Report 291 Champion St. Meeting: November 13, 2023 To: Historic District Commission From: Travis Sullivan, Planning and Zoning Administrator Date: November 6, 2023 Subject: The petition, filed by Mr. Jim Coughlin of Roach Home Improvement on behalf of Mr. David Ellis, 291 Champion St., is for the proposed application of 4” vinyl siding over the deteriorated existing 4” wood siding. This item is returning before the Commission as a continuation from the October 9, 2023 regular meeting at which the Commission postponed action on the item until more information could be provided. Summary At the October 9, 2023 regular meeting of the Historic District Commission, the Commission considered an application for the re-siding of the home located at 291 Champion St. As a result of the applicant’s request to utilize a vinyl siding material for this project, the Commission voted to postpone a decision on the item until more information could be gathered, with a decision anticipated at the November 13, 2023 regular meeting. The Commission directed staff to address the following questions with the applicant prior to the November 13, 2023 meeting: 1. Have you (of the homeowners) considered other possible materials for the job that are not vinyl? 2. If vinyl is going to be used, is a vapor barrier being installed behind the vinyl? 3. The homeowner indicated to staff that the existing fiber cement tiles will not be sided over. The Commission is curious about why the entire house won’t be sided, or if this is a fazed project that may include siding over the fiber cement tiles at a later date. 4. Will the trim around the edges and windows be replace, or will the original trim remain? 5. Will the architectural features (along the roof’s edge on the front of the house at the peak) and above the front second floor window be replicated with the new siding? In the email correspondence attached to this staff report, the applicant has provided responses to the additional questions posed by the Commission at the October 9, 2023 meeting.  5 of 44 Recommendation Attached to this memo, staff has provided information to supplement the October 9, 2023 staff report, including responses from the applicant, as well as additional email correspondence from the homeowners and a building permit from 1948 for the enlargement of the side enclosed porch. Additionally, the original staff report and supporting information presented at the October 9, 2023 meeting has been included in this meeting packet. Staff would recommend that the Commission pursue action on the item in question at the November 13, 2023 regular meeting. Should the additional information provided by the applicant be pleasing to the Commission, staff recommends approval of the proposed re-siding project for the building located at 291 Champion St. Support Material Supplementary Correspondence From Applicant 1948 Building Permit Original Historic District Commission Application October 9, 2023 HDC Staff Report Supplemental Photographs 2 of 2 10/24/23, 8:13 AM RE: 291 Champion St - Travis A. Sullivan - Outlook 6 of 44  Delete  Archive  Report   Reply  Reply all  Forward   Read / Unread  RE: 291 Champion St  Thanks for responding. I could only get financed for $25,000, and it would cost too much to reside the house. About 20 years when Calhoun Action Agency insulated the house they told me that the old fiber cement tiles had asbestos in them, I have never had them tested because I can not afford it. I am on SSDI. I would love to have the whole house done, but if the Fiber Cement Tiles do have asbestos in them, I could not afford it because you need a contractor that is licensed to deal with asbestos. If the tiles do not have asbestos in them then I would have to wait until my wife starts getting SSA from my record, and that is another 3 years. I wanted the wood areas covered because every 2 to 3 years I get a citation from Code Compliance to paint and because of my health and back problems I can not do it anymore and I do not have family or friends that will help, and I can not afford to hire some one. I wish the city had a program that could help. David Ellis Sent from Mail for Windows From: Travis A. Sullivan Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2023 2:51 PM To: Robin Ellis Subject: Re: 291 Champion St Hi David, Unfortunately, the Commission had some additional questions about the project and was not prepared to make a decision until those questions can be addressed at the November meeting. I was in touch with Roach Home Improvement yesterday morning to go over the details of what the Commission is still looking for, and they are preparing a set of responses to provide for the November meeting. I believe they also intend to have someone present at the meeting to help answer any additional questions that the Commission may have. I sincerely apologize for the delay on this, and I'm hoping with some more information from Roach that the Commission will be able to reach a decision in November. For your information, the list of questions the Commission asked to have addressed are as follows: 1. ​Has Roach (or the homeowners) considered other possible materials for the job that are not vinyl? The Commission would, if possible, like to see something more along the lines of a cement b d idi g th t ld d th df i t th t f th h b t id about:blank 1/1 10/24/23, 8:13 AM 291 Champion Photo - Travis A. Sullivan - Outlook 7 of 44  Delete  Archive  Report   Reply  Reply all  Forward   Read / Unread  291 Champion Photo  RE Robin Ellis <ellisrobn64@gmail.com>      To: ​Travis A. Sullivan ​ Thu 10/12/2023 11:07 AM Email sent from outside of the City of Battle Creek. Use caution before clicking links/attachments. Jim from Roach Home Improvement said that committee may have found a photo of the house from the 1880’s, I only have been able to find a photo from the 1940’s (From Willard Library). If possible I would like to see the photo. I do know that the original address was 89 Champion St, and the Lockwoods owned the property, and sometime in the late 1890’s the address was changed to 291 because of more houses being built. As for the year the house was built 1918, that is on the BS&A site, but after looking at the date for Ann J Elementary 1996, I believe some one may have made a huge mistake. Robin Ellis 291 Champion St, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Sent from Mail for Windows  Reply  Forward about:blank 1/1 10/24/23, 8:11 AM 291 Champion permit - Travis A. Sullivan - Outlook 8 of 44  Delete  Archive  Report   Reply  Reply all  Forward   Read / Unread  291 Champion permit  RE Robin Ellis <ellisrobn64@gmail.com>      To: ​Travis A. Sullivan ​ Fri 10/20/2023 10:28 AM Email sent from outside of the City of Battle Creek. Use caution before clicking links/attachments. Attached is a building permit from 1948 that shows when the porch was enclosed, also the original porch was enlarged by 2 feet. I still have not found when the roof was raised, the front window added, back half of the house added (Kitchen and the lower room that Fiber Cement Tiles on it). Apparently this house has been altered a lot over the years. Robin Ellis 291 Champion St, Battle Creek, MI 49037 Sent from Mail for Windows  Reply  Forward about:blank 1/1 11/6/23, 1:34 PM RE: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION - Travis A. Sullivan - Outlook 9 of 44 RE: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION Jim Coughlin <jim.coughlin@roachhomeimprovement.com> Fri 11/3/2023 3:05 PM To:​Travis A. Sullivan <tasullivan@battlecreekmi.gov>​ Responses below each question sir!! From: Jim Coughlin Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 8:31 AM To: Kelsey Cohoon <kelsey.cohoon@roachhomeimprovement.com> Subject: FW: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION From: Travis A. Sullivan <tasullivan@battlecreekmi.gov> Sent: Tuesday, October 10, 2023 8:20 AM To: Jim Coughlin <jim.coughlin@roachhomeimprovement.com> Cc: Darcy Schmitt <dcschmitt@battlecreekmi.gov>; Melody F. Carlsen <mfcarlsen@battlecreekmi.gov> Subject: Re: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION Hi Jim, Following up with you on last night's Historic District Commission meeting, the Commission has elected to postpone a decision on the item until the November meeting. The Commission had the following questions/concerns that they would like for staff to try and address prior to the November meeting. The questions are as follows: 1. ​Have you (or the homeowners) considered other possible materials for the job that are not vinyl? The Commission would, if possible, like to see something more along the lines of a cement board siding that would reduce the need for maintenance on the part of the homeowner, but provide for better durability and a longer life for the product. *Homeowners are on a very limited budget. They took a loan out to do the vinyl! Cement board is at least double the cost. Vinyl siding is also maintenance free! 2. If vinyl is going to be used, is a vapor barrier being installed behind the vinyl? The Commission has concerns about the impact of the vinyl being applied over the wood siding and the potential for the trapping of water and further deterioration of the wood siding underneath. *With wood siding we always put a ¼” fanfold over to level the wall out. It has a built in vapor barrier on the outside. We also tape the seams. If needed at bare minimum we would install a house wrap & tape seams. 3. The homeowner indicated to staff that the existing fiber cement tiles will not be sided over. The Commission is curious about why the entire house won't be sided, or if this is a fazed project that may include siding over the fiber cement tiles at a later date. *As of right now we only have contracted to cover the wood parts. Also, homeowner is on a budget! They talked about after they are able to pay loan down that maybe they would do the remainder of the house! 4. Will the trim around the edges and windows be replaced or will the original trim remain? *Original window & door trim will stay the same. Homeowner talked about painting it next spring. 5. Will the architectural features (along the roof's edge on the front of the house at the peak) and above the front second floor window be replicated with the new siding? *I assume you are talking about the plywood that is mounted at peak and about:blank 1/3 11/6/23, 1:34 PM RE: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION - Travis A. Sullivan - Outlook above window. We did not look at that as architectural feature. I believe it would 10 beofbest 44 to remove and side over, especially above the window so we can put drip cap on and be sure it won’t be a leak hazard! Let me know if you can help provide some answers to these questions. If so, we'll include them in an updated staff report for the November meeting. You'll also definitely want to make sure that either yourself or the homeowner is at the meeting, as the owner did not make it yesterday and it seems like the Commission has a number of questions on this one that they'd like answered before they can make a decision. tasullivan From: Travis A. Sullivan <tasullivan@battlecreekmi.gov> Sent: Monday, October 9, 2023 1:12 PM To: Jim Coughlin <jim.coughlin@roachhomeimprovement.com> Subject: Re: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION No problem. I think the application and staff report were pretty self-explanatory, so the Commission should have all the information they need. Thanks! tasullivan From: Jim Coughlin <jim.coughlin@roachhomeimprovement.com> Sent: Monday, October 9, 2023 12:15 PM To: Travis A. Sullivan <tasullivan@battlecreekmi.gov> Subject: RE: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION I do apologize, I am not feeling well today and will not be able to be at the meeting today. I can be available from email if needed. I do believe the homeowners will be there! From: Travis A. Sullivan <tasullivan@battlecreekmi.gov> Sent: Tuesday, September 26, 2023 9:53 AM To: Jim Coughlin <jim.coughlin@roachhomeimprovement.com> Subject: Re: 291 CHAMPION HDC APPLICATION Thank you. One final item... will the proposed vinyl siding have a matte finish to it? Also, if you have a picture of a sample of the material and could send that over, that will help provide the Commission with a visual image to work from. Provided the new siding has a matte finish to it, staff will be recommending that the Historic District Commission approve this application, as approval would be consistent with past approvals of vinyl siding. Thanks! tasullivan From: Jim Coughlin <jim.coughlin@roachhomeimprovement.com> Sent: Monday, September 25, 2023 5:14 PM about:blank 2/3 11 of 44  Battle Creek Historic District Commission Staff Report Staff Report 291 Champion St. Meeting: October 9, 2023 To: Historic District Commission From: Travis Sullivan, Planning and Zoning Administrator Date: September 26, 2023 Subject: The petition, filed by Mr. Jim Coughlin of Roach Home Improvement on behalf of Mr. David Ellis, 291 Champion St., is for the proposed application of 4” vinyl siding over the deteriorated existing 4” wood siding. Summary Staff recommends approval of the subject petition at 291 Champion St., as the proposed residing of the building meets the standards outlined in Chapter 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Chapter 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, as well as maintains consistency with previous siding jobs approved by the Historic District Commission. Figure 1: Red pin on aerial points to subject site (291 Champion St.) located within the local Old Advent Town Historic District. Photo courtesy of Google Maps. Site & History The subject site is located at 291 Champion St. near the southeast corner of Champion St. and N Cass St. within the Old Advent Town local historic district. The home on the site was constructed in 1918 with an area of 1,248 sq. ft. and is currently in use as a single-family residence. The building is a 2-story single-family home consisting of a façade with 4” wood siding over the majority of the structure. A number of alterations can be observed when comparing photos from June 2023 to the historical photo of the property from the Willard Library collection, including the enclosure of the front porch area and an alteration to the roofline and addition of a window along the east side of the building. As it pertains to this project, a comparison between the two photos shows that the 4” wood siding covering most of the building currently is not the original siding material. Portions of the east and south side of the building still contain a small amount of the original cement wall shingle siding material. The homeowner has stated that these areas will not be resided, and will only be painted. Figure 2: Historical photo of structure on the subject property (undated). Photo courtesy of the Willard Library digital collection. 2 of 7 Figure 3: Street view of the subject site at 291 Champion St. facing southwest, June 2023. Photo courtesy Google Streetview. Summary of Request The applicant has filed the subject HDC Certificate of Appropriateness application for the residing of the building at the subject site with new 4” vinyl siding (Certainteed American Legend, Herringbone color) to be placed over the existing 4” wood siding and the original siding (possibly asbestos-based cement tile). The proposed 4” vinyl siding consists of a matte finish. The applicant states that the existing wood siding is damaged beyond repair, and requires replacement. Photographic evidence of the siding concurs with the applicant (included as supplementary information in this packet), and provides a sound basis for a request to reside the building with a vinyl material which matches the size and general aesthetic of the existing wood material. It is also important to note that should any asbestos exist within any of the original cement wall shingle siding material (presence of asbestos is unknown), the material is not proposed to be removed or altered with the exception of painting. No exposed (or currently covered) original siding material will be removed. 3 of 7 Applicable HDC Guidelines and Analysis for a Certificate of Appropriateness for various repairs and replacements of deteriorated external features of the house. This property is reviewed in accordance with City of Battle Creek Building and Housing Code Chapter 1470 "Historic Preservation", as amended, the Michigan's Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and the criteria for the National Register of Historic Places as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines. Specifically, the Commission shall follow Section 1470.09 Review of Applications, as follows: (b) The Commission shall also consider all of the following: (1) The historic or architectural value and significance of the resource and its relationship to the historic value of the surrounding area. (2) The relationship of any architectural features of the resource to the rest of the resource and the surrounding area. (3) The general compatibility of the design, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used. (4) Other factors, such as aesthetic value that the Commission finds relevant. (c) The Historic District Commission shall review and act upon only exterior features of a resource and shall not review and act upon interior arrangements… And 1470.17 PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC FEATURES. (a) Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a resource which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure or site and its environment, or to use the resource for its originally intended purpose. Staff finds that the existing siding on the resource is significantly deteriorated, and requires replacement. The proposed replacement with a vinyl material with matching dimensions would, in staff’s opinion, be the minimum alteration necessary to maintain the resource in good condition, while also maintaining the historical character of the resource as closely as possible. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (b) The distinguishing original qualities or character of a resource and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features shall be avoided when possible. The distinguishing original qualities and character of the resource and its environment will not be destroyed as a result of the proposed residing. The 4 of 7  existing wood siding which covers most of the building is not original, as can be seen in the historical photo of the resource. Additionally, the likely original siding still present on the building may contain asbestos, which would prevent an in-kind replacement. Additionally, the applicant has attempted to match a vinyl material with the dimensions and generally aesthetic character of the existing wood siding. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (c) All resources shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historic basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged. The proposed residing will not create alterations that would result in an earlier appearance. The proposed new siding material is intended to match the wood siding which currently covers most of the building as closely as possible from a dimensional and aesthetic standpoint, while providing the property owner with a more economical option which requires less attention to maintain in good condition. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (d) Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a resource and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected. No changes which may have taken place in the course of time will be altered as a result of the proposed residing of the building. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (e) Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a resource shall be treated with sensitivity. The proposed residing of the building is intended to maintain the home in good order, and will not impact any stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize the resource. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (f) Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on 5 of 7  conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other resources. It is important to note that on this particular block, just two residential structures remain; the building which is the subject of this application (291 Champion St.), and the building located at 36 N Cass St. The building at 36 N Cass St. is currently clad with a vinyl siding material, and allowance for the usage of vinyl siding at the subject site would not alter the general character of the immediate vicinity. The applicant’s proposed use of a 4” vinyl siding product with a matte finish is consistent with the only other existing residential use in the area, as well as matches the dimension and general aesthetic of the existing wood siding. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (g) The surface cleaning of resources shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic materials shall not be undertaken. Intensive cleaning application such as sand blasting will not be necessary for the project. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (h) Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project. It is not anticipated that any digging will be required of the applicant, and as such this standard is not relevant to this project. (i) Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing resources shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historic, architectural or cultural material and when such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment. Staff finds that the use of a vinyl siding material matching the size and aesthetic qualities of the existing wood siding would constitute a contemporary design which would not destroy significant historic, architectural or cultural material, and that such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material, and character of the property and the surrounding neighborhood. The case for this standard being met is strengthened by the fact that only one other residential structure exists on this block, with that structure being clad in vinyl siding itself, with the other adjacent surrounding parcels currently vacant. The Commission may find this standard to be met. 6 of 7  (j) Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to resources shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the resource would not be impaired. The installation of the new proposed vinyl siding will be done in such a fashion that, if removed in the future, would not impair the essential form or integrity of the resource. Additionally, the existing siding will remain in place underneath the vinyl material, should any owner of the property in the future desire to attempt repairs and refurbishing of the damaged material. The Commission may find this standard to be met. Recommendation The applicant’s proposed residing of the structure on the subject property seeks to maintain the resource in good and habitable order. While repair of the existing wood siding may be preferred, the use of a vinyl material with a matte finish and the same dimensions as the existing 4” wood siding matches as closely as possible the aesthetic form of the siding which currently covers the majority of the home, while providing the homeowner with a more economical and easier to maintain option. Additionally, the proposed vinyl siding would not impair the character of the surrounding vicinity, as the only other residential structure on the block features vinyl siding itself, with all other adjacent properties being vacant. Based upon staff’s analysis of the application and site conditions, the proposal does comply with all standards outlined in Chapter 1470 Historic Preservation and is recommended for approval. As contained herein, staff does not find any conflict with Chapter 1470 Historic Preservation, the Michigan Local Historic Districts Act, or the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Therefore, planning staff recommends approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed residing of the home at 291 Champion St., as the request meets the standards outlined in Section 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Section 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, as outlined in the staff report. Support Material Historic District Commission Application Supplemental Photographs 7 of 7 14 of 44 15 of 44 16 of 44 17 of 44 18 of 44 19 of 44 20 of 44 21 of 44 22 of 44  23 of 44 Battle Creek Historic District Commission Staff Report Staff Report 316 W Van Buren St. Meeting: November 13, 2023 To: Historic District Commission From: Travis Sullivan, Planning and Zoning Administrator Date: November 2, 2023 Subject: The petition, filed by Mills Siding and Roofing on behalf of Vince Pavone, 316 W Van Buren St., is for the proposed replacement of the flat roof section on the north end of the building located at 316 W Van Buren St. with a black EPDM material. Summary Staff recommends approval of the subject petition at 316 W Van Buren St., as the proposed flat roof replacement meets the standards outlined in Chapter 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Chapter 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Figure 1: Red pin on aerial points to subject site (316 W Van Buren St.) located within the local Old Advent Town Historic District. Photo courtesy of Google Maps. Site & History  24 of 44 The subject site is located at 316 W Van Buren St. between N Washington Ave. to the east, N Cass St. to the west, Champion St. to the north, and W Van Buren St. to the south. The building on the site was originally constructed in 1947 with an area of 7,104 sq. ft. A 2,304 sq. ft. addition to the north end of the building (area of the building which is the subject of this application) was constructed sometime after, bringing the total square footage to its current 9,408 sq. ft. The building on the site is a single-story commercial structure with a façade consisting of a combination of masonry and concrete block with a dome-style roof over the majority of the building, with the north end of the building (subject of this petition) featuring a flat roof design. Based upon the historical photo obtained from the Willard Library collection, the building has undergone a number of alterations since its original construction as a gas/automobile service station. The building currently appears to be vacant. Figure 2 below provides a historical view of the property courtesy of the Willard Library collection. Figure 3 shows the property as it exists today from a similar vantage point along W Van Buren St., while Figure 4 shows the property from the north along Champion St. The north portion of the building is the subject of this application. Figure 2: Historical photo of structure on the subject property (undated). Photo courtesy of the Willard Library digital collection. 2 of 8  25 of 44 Figure 3: Street view of the subject site at 316 W Van Buren St. facing north, November 2023. Photo courtesy of City of Battle Creek staff. 3 of 8  26 of 44 Figure 4: Street view of the subject site at 316 W Van Buren St., facing south along Champion St., November 2023. Photo courtesy of City of Battle Creek staff. Summary of Request The applicant has filed the subject HDC Certificate of Appropriateness application for the reroofing of the flat roof over the north portion of the building at 316 W Van Buren St. This portion the building is currently covered by a built up flat roof, likely consisting of multiple layers of asphalt material. The applicant is proposing to replace the existing flat roof system with an EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber system. The applicant states that the roofing material will not be visible from the road. Applicable HDC Guidelines and Analysis for a Certificate of Appropriateness for various repairs and replacements of deteriorated external features of the house. This property is reviewed in accordance with City of Battle Creek Building and Housing Code Chapter 1470 "Historic Preservation", as amended, the Michigan's Local Historic Districts Act, as amended, and the criteria for the National Register of Historic Places as outlined in the Secretary of the Interior's Standards and Guidelines. Specifically, the Commission shall follow Section 1470.09 Review of Applications, as follows: (b) The Commission shall also consider all of the following: 4 of 8  27 of 44 (1) The historic or architectural value and significance of the resource and its relationship to the historic value of the surrounding area. (2) The relationship of any architectural features of the resource to the rest of the resource and the surrounding area. (3) The general compatibility of the design, arrangement, texture, and materials proposed to be used. (4) Other factors, such as aesthetic value that the Commission finds relevant. (c) The Historic District Commission shall review and act upon only exterior features of a resource and shall not review and act upon interior arrangements… And 1470.17 PRESERVATION OF HISTORIC FEATURES. (a) Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a resource which requires minimal alteration of the building, structure or site and its environment, or to use the resource for its originally intended purpose. Staff finds that, based upon the photo provided by the applicant, the existing roofing material is significantly deteriorated and requires replacement. The proposed replacement with an EPDM rubber material would be the minimum alteration necessary to maintain the resource for its originally intended purpose. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (b) The distinguishing original qualities or character of a resource and its environment shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features shall be avoided when possible. The portion of the building which is the subject of this application appears to be an addition, and was likely not a part of the building as originally constructed in 1947. The material proposed to be removed is not visible from the street and does not constitute a distinctive architectural feature. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (c) All resources shall be recognized as products of their own time. Alterations that have no historic basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance shall be discouraged. The proposed reroofing will not create alterations that would result in an earlier appearance. The proposed new roofing material (EPDM) match the existing material in function (flat roof design) while also not being visible from the street. 5 of 8  28 of 44 The Commission may find this standard to be met. (d) Changes which may have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a resource and its environment. These changes may have acquired significance in their own right, and this significance shall be recognized and respected. The portion of the building which is the subject of this application appears to be an addition which was constructed sometime after the original 1947 construction of the building. The proposed replacement of the existing built up roofing with an EPDM rubber material will not aesthetically impact any changes to the original building which may have acquired significance in their own right. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (e) Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which characterize a resource shall be treated with sensitivity. The proposed reroofing of the building is intended to maintain the structure in good order, and will not impact any stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship which may characterize the resource. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (f) Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced wherever possible. In the event replacement is necessary, the new material should match the material being replaced in composition, design, color, texture and other visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing architectural features should be based on accurate duplications of features, substantiated by historic, physical or pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural designs or the availability of different architectural elements from other resources. Based upon the photograph provided by the applicant, the existing built up roof is significantly deteriorated, likely beyond the point that restoration of the material would be possible. The proposed EPDM rubber material will allow the design of the roof (flat roof) to continue as it exists while not being visible from the street and maintaining this portion of the building in good order. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (g) The surface cleaning of resources shall be undertaken with the gentlest means possible. Sandblasting and other cleaning methods that will damage the historic materials shall not be undertaken. 6 of 8  29 of 44 Intensive cleaning application such as sand blasting will not be necessary for the project. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (h) Every reasonable effort shall be made to protect and preserve archaeological resources affected by or adjacent to any project. It is not anticipated that any digging will be required of the applicant, and as such this standard is not relevant to this project. (i) Contemporary design for alterations and additions to existing resources shall not be discouraged when such alterations and additions do not destroy significant historic, architectural or cultural material and when such design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, neighborhood or environment. Staff finds that the proposed use of an EPDM rubber flat roofing material would not destroy any significant historic, architectural or cultural material. Further, staff finds that the proposed EPDM material would be compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property, allowing for the existing flat roof over the north portion of the building to be maintained in good order while not being visible from the street. The Commission may find this standard to be met. (j) Whenever possible, new additions or alterations to resources shall be done in such a manner that if such additions or alterations were to be removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the resource would not be impaired. The installation of the new proposed EPDM rubber material will be done in such a fashion that, if removed in the future, would not impair the essential form or integrity of the resource. The proposed roofing material could be replaced in the future with a material matching either the existing built up roofing or the new EPDM rubber roofing without altering the fundamental function, design or use of the building. The Commission may find this standard to be met. Recommendation The applicant’s proposed reroofing of the structure on the subject property seeks to maintain the resource in good working order. EPDM material provides a cost-effective option for replacement of the built up material, while not requiring any architectural alterations to the structure, nor any alteration which would be visible from the street. Based upon staff’s analysis of the application and site conditions, the proposal does comply with all standards outlined in Chapter 1470 Historic Preservation and is recommended for approval. As contained herein, staff does not find any conflict 7 of 8  30 of 44 with Chapter 1470 Historic Preservation, the Michigan Local Historic Districts Act, or the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines. Therefore, planning staff recommends approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the proposed reroofing of the building at 316 W Van Buren St., replacing the existing built up roofing material with an EPDM rubber material, as the request meets the standards outlined in Section 1470.09 “Review of Applications,” Section 1470.17 “Preservation of Historic Features” and the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines, as outlined in the staff report. Support Material Historic District Commission Application Letter of Agency Supplemental Photographs 8 of 8 31 of 44 32 of 44 33 of 44  34 of 44 Aerial view of roof to be replaced (proposed area of replacement highlighted in yellow)  35 of 44 Existing roofing proposed for replacement.  36 of 44 Example of EPDM rubber roofing system, proposed to be applied to the northern portion of the building at 316 W Van Buren St.  37 of 44 Battle Creek Historic District Commission Staff Report Staff Report Administrative Approval Quarterly Report Meeting: November 13, 2023 To: Historic District Commission From: Travis Sullivan, Planner Date: November 6, 2023 Subject: Quarterly reporting of all minor classes of work approved administratively in any of the local historic districts, as required by Section 1470.10 (Delegation of Authority) Summary Section 1470.10 of the City of Battle Creek Code of Ordinances requires that the Historic Commission review, on at least a quarterly basis, the certificates of appropriateness, if any, issued for work by the authorities delegated pursuant to Section 1470.10 to determine whether or not the delegated responsibility should be continued. Given this requirement, staff has provided in this packet an inventory of each certificate of appropriateness issued for a minor class as specified by resolution of the Commission adopted on April 18, 2019. Such certificates were issued during the first quarter of the year 2023. 2023 Quarter 3 Administrative Approvals 1. 12 W Michigan Ave. – Approval for the replacement of the awning material on the existing frame at the rear of the building located at 12 W Michigan Ave. 2. 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave. – Approval for the replacement of the roofing over the house and porch with a roofing of matching materials on the building located at 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave. 3. 265 NE Capital Ave. – Approval for the replacement of the roofing over a flat portion of the west side of the house with roofing of matching materials on the building locates at 2665 NE Capital Ave. 4. 238 NE Capital Ave. – Approval for the like-for-like reroofing of a portion of the home (red asphalt shingles for red asphalt shingles), as well as the replacement of vinyl siding at the rear of the building with a similar vinyl material replicating clapboard and of not more than five inches. The portion of the home being reroofed is located along the rear of the property near the west side of the building and will not be visible from the road. 5. 11 Wilkes Ave. – Approval for the like-for-like reroofing of the building located at 11 Wilkes Ave.  38 of 44 Support Material HDC Minor Class of Work Resolution 12 W Michigan Ave. Certificate of Approval 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave. Certificate of Approval 265 NE Capital Ave. Certificate of Approval 238 NE Capital Ave. Certificate of Approval 11 Wilkes Ave. Certificate of Approval 2 of 2  39 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPART MENT – PLANNING & ZONING 07/24/23 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL 12 W Michigan Ave. Petition submitted by Burkett Signs on behalf of Chris Edwards Salon for the replacement of the awning material on the existing frame at the rear of the building located at 12 W Michigan Ave. Burkett Signs 15886 E Michigan Ave. Climax, MI 49034 By authority given by the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek Planning Department, staff may review applications for approval on minor renovations on behalf of the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek. By decision of the Planner, your request to replace the awning material on the existing frame at the rear of the building located at 12 W Michigan Ave., as described in the Minor Class of Work application you submitted meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings for property located at 12 W Michigan Ave. has been APPROVED as submitted with the stipulation that it meets City Code. Note: Historic District Commission only requires approval of exterior renovations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Travis Sullivan, Planner at 966-3320 ext 1506. Sincerely, HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BATTLE CREEK Travis Sullivan By Direction of the Chairperson CC. Building Inspections ________________________________________________________ 10 N. Division St., Suite #117/ Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 966-3320 / Web Site: www.battlecreekmi.gov  40 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK COMMUNITY SERVICES DE PART MENT – PLANNING & ZONING 07/27/23 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave. Petition submitted by the Calhoun County Land Bank Authority for the replacement of the roofing over the house and porch with roofing of matching materials on the building located at 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave. Calhoun County Land Bank Authority 315 Green St. W Marshall, MI 49068 By authority given by the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek Planning Department, staff may review applications for approval on minor renovations on behalf of the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek. By decision of the Planner, your request to replace the existing roofing over the house and porch with matching materials on the building located at 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave., as described in the Minor Class of Work application you submitted meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings for property located at 68/70 Frelinghuysen Ave. has been APPROVED as submitted with the stipulation that it meets City Code. Note: Historic District Commission only requires approval of exterior renovations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Travis Sullivan, Planner at 966-3320 ext 1506. Sincerely, HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BATTLE CREEK Travis Sullivan By Direction of the Chairperson CC. Building Inspections ________________________________________________________ 10 N. Division St., Suite #117/ Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 966-3320 / Web Site: www.battlecreekmi.gov  41 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK COMMUNITY SERVICES DE PART MENT – PLANNING & ZONING 08/10/23 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL 265 NE Capital Ave. Petition submitted by the Mr. Joe Rocha for the replacement of the roofing over a flat portion of the west side of the house with roofing of matching materials on the building located at 265 NE Capital Ave. Mr. Joe Rocha 265 NE Capital Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017 By authority given by the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek Planning Department, staff may review applications for approval on minor renovations on behalf of the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek. By decision of the Planner, your request to replace the existing flat roofing over a portion of the west side of the house with matching materials, as described in the Minor Class of Work application you submitted meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings for property located at 265 NE Capital Ave. has been APPROVED as submitted with the stipulation that it meets City Code. Note: Historic District Commission only requires approval of exterior renovations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Travis Sullivan, Planner at 966-3320 ext 1506. Sincerely, HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BATTLE CREEK Travis Sullivan By Direction of the Chairperson CC. Building Inspections ________________________________________________________ 10 N. Division St., Suite #117/ Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 966-3320 / Web Site: www.battlecreekmi.gov  42 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E S D E P A RT ME N T 10 N. DIVISION STREET, ROOM 117 ● BATTLE CREEK MI 49014 PHONE (269) 966 -3406 ● FAX (269) 966-3555 ● WWW.BATTLECREEKMI.GOV HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL 238 NE Capital Ave. Petition submitted by Donald McLellan for the like-for-like reroofing of a portion of the home (red asphalt shingles for red asphalt shingles), as well as the replacement of vinyl siding at the rear of the building with a similar vinyl material replicating clapboard and of not more than five inches. The portion of the home to being reroofed is located along the rear of the property near the west side of the building and will not be visible from the road. Donald McClellan 238 NE Capital Ave. Battle Creek, MI 49017 By authority given by the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek Planning Department, staff may review applications for approval on minor renovations on behalf of the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek. By decision of the Planning and Zoning Administrator, your request for a like-for-like reroofing of a portion of the home (red asphalt shingles for red asphalt shingles), as well as the replacement of vinyl siding at the rear of the building with a similar vinyl material replicating clapboard and of not more than five inches. The portion of the home to being reroofed is located along the rear of the property near the west side of the building and will not be visible from the road, as described in the Minor Class of Work application you submitted meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings for property located at 238 NE Capital Ave and has been APPROVED as submitted with the stipulation that it meets City Code. Note: Historic District Commission only requires approval of exterior renovations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Travis Sullivan, Planning and Zoning Administrator at (269) 966-3320 ext. 1519. Sincerely, HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BATTLE CREEK Travis Sullivan By Direction of the Chairperson MISSION: TO ENSURE A SAFE, PROSPEROUS AND CULTURALLY ENRICHED COMMUNITY. VISION: WE ENVISION BATTLE CREEK AS AN EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY WHEREPEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY.  43 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK C O M M U N I T Y S E RV I C E S D E P A RT ME N T 10 N. DIVISION STREET, ROOM 117 ● BATTLE CREEK MI 49014 PHONE (269) 966 -3406 ● FAX (269) 966-3555 ● WWW.BATTLECREEKMI.GOV CC. Building Inspections MISSION: TO ENSURE A SAFE, PROSPEROUS AND CULTURALLY ENRICHED COMMUNITY. VISION: WE ENVISION BATTLE CREEK AS AN EXTRAORDINARY COMMUNITY WHEREPEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE, WORK AND PLAY.  44 of 44 CITY OF BATTLE CREEK COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPART MENT – PLANNING & ZONING 09/21/23 HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE APPROVAL 11 Wilkes Ave. Petition submitted by Teresa Williams on behalf of Deniece King for the like-for-like reroofing of the building located at 11 Wilkes Ave. Teresa Williams 4013 Bluffpoint Rd. Rowlett, TX 75088 By authority given by the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek Planning Department, staff may review applications for approval on minor renovations on behalf of the Historic District Commission of the City of Battle Creek. By decision of the Planner, your request to reroof the building located at 11 Wilkes Ave with materials matching the existing roofing, as described in the Minor Class of Work application you submitted meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for rehabilitation and guidelines for rehabilitating historic buildings for property located at 11 Wilkes Ave. has been APPROVED as submitted with the stipulation that it meets City Code. Note: Historic District Commission only requires approval of exterior renovations. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Travis Sullivan, Planner at 966-3320 ext 1506. Sincerely, HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BATTLE CREEK Travis Sullivan By Direction of the Chairperson CC. Building Inspections ________________________________________________________ 10 N. Division St., Suite #117/ Battle Creek, MI 49014 Phone: (269) 966-3320 / Web Site: www.battlecreekmi.gov