Historic Preservation Commission

Edwardsville Historic Preservation Commission Meeting November 18, 2015 We will have a meeting on the Grandview survey with Terri Foley at 6pm prior to our scheduled meeting. I. CALL TO ORDER ~ Called to Order at 7:05 II. Welcome new HPC members, Jennifer Wilkins and Tom May III. ROLL CALL: Present: Debbie Caulk, Joe Hutton, Cara Lane, Tom May, Bob Nickrent, Casey Weeks, Jennifer Wilkins, Kathryn Biarkis, Cindy Reinhardt Absent: Kurt Ackerman, Elizabeth Edwards, Cheryl Jett IV. DESIGN REVIEW a. COA #1 Location: 301 N. Main Street – Downtown Main Street Historic District Applicant: Amanda Thoron - owner Project: Remove lead paint and tuck pointing brick façade, Replacing windows with aluminum clad wood windows to match existing, Rebuilding the two existing wood and glass storefronts to match the existing “North” storefront. Discussion: The owner discussed that she just bought the Schulte building and that she would like to rent out the bottom floor, and that the top floor will be an art studio/apartment. Her intention is to bring the storefronts back to their original glory and have the two storefronts match including replacing the existing windows. She is excited about working as quickly as possible. Jamie, the contractor, spoke about the condition of the windows. There are 30 windows and about 12 doors on this project; wood, double hung, 4x4 windows with the round top and square pediment. He observed that about 5 are in need of complete replacement and that others need work. Their hope is to rebuild the windows in the same spirit as the Jewelry Store (Yanika’s); cutting street noise and the ability to clean the windows (especially on the 2nd floor) as well as energy efficiency are all reasons for the owners’ belief that this is the best course of action. They are also working on removing all lead from the brick, and replacing the roof, as well as the storefronts. Insulated glass and conventional wood construction are the planned materials for work. Livability is their goal. Jamie stressed that they understand that window preservation is important; however, it is their belief that these windows are not significant enough to outweigh the benefits of replacing them. Cindy commented that these windows have been there for 125 years because of the old growth wood and that any new windows will not have the same shelf life and to consider the environmental impact of the future of those windows that need replaced over and over. She also voiced concern over the precedent that would be set should the HPC approve the COA. Debbie asked about the Yanika Building and the precedent there; however, members commented that the approval for that COA were for widows that were not original to the structure. Bob moved that we break the COA into 2 parts; one with the lead paint and tuck pointing—which do not require a COA and replace the ____and then a 2nd for the replacement of the windows. Cara motioned to vote; Bob 2nd ~ Bob made a motion to approve the Part A of the COA. Motion passed. Bob made a motion to approve part 2, Cara 2nd, Motion passed (3 to 2). Joe Hutton abstained from all voting. b. COA #2 Location: 1201 N. Main – Downtown Main Street Historic District Applicant: Keller Construction, Inc - owner Project: Demolition of the Rusty’s building. Discussion: Per a prior email from Walter Williams, the COA has been broken into two parts, and the HPC is only looking at Part I for voting tonight. Casey read a portion from an email regarding Lewis and Clark’s intention to purchase this building. Dr. Chapman noted in correspondence that the interior wall should be considered for future repurposing of the building. The state landmark commission will be present tomorrow, 11/19 at 10 a.m., to begin their assessment of the brick structure. The vote tonight will focus on phase one only. Motion by Joe to approve; 2nd by Bob. Motion passed. C. COA #3 Location: 1301 N. Main Street – Downtown Main Street Historic District Applicant: Karen Zimmerman - owner Project: Request approval for each of the following options: Remove the 1970’s frame addition and do one of the following with respect to the structure: Option one: In the back portion of the brick structure-fill in the window opening that was retrofitted circa 1860 with brick, return the door that currently leads to the frame addition to its original configuration as a window, reconstruct the chimney to what it was using photos from the First Ward School as a model. Option two: In the back portion of the brick structure, leave the window opening as is, leave the door opening as is, reconstruct the chimney to what it was using photos from the First Ward School as a model. Option Three: in the back portion of the brick structure, leave the window opening as is, leave the door opening as is, reconstruct the chimney to what it was using photos from the First Ward School as a model. Add a frame structure consistent with the Sanborn map circa 1890 and the “paint ghosts” on the existing Brick. Approval for a back porch to be added to the structure that would be consistent with the Sanborn map circa 1890 and would use the porch attached at the Conner prairie House as a model. Approval to erect a structure in the back of the house that would be representative of an 1891 privy Approval to remove all concrete patio surfaces. Discussion: Via an email from Scott Hansen, Option three would require one or more variances from the city. He also specified that this action would supersede the powers of HPC. Ms. Zimmerman commented about the discoveries she has made regarding the windows and doors of the home. Casey asked Ms. Zimmerman to outline her intentions for the home, and Bob commented that HPC’s responsibility is to simply approve what Ms. Zimmerman as an owner decides to use. Jennifer then suggested that Ms. Zimmerman consider focusing on projects that can be reversed. Casey directed Ms. Zimmerman to the National_____ to find more information about requirements and also potential tax credits. Joe asked about her property zone. Because the zone is currently residential, but because it is such an important home that considering an architect to partner with in order to look at the financial costs of this project. Ms. Zimmerman V. CITIZENS WISHING TO ADDRESS HPC A. Amy Sclossen and Julie Cook and Robert Steinman were present. Ms. Schossen spoke first; she is a member of the Grandview Board. She asked if the CLG Funds were applied for prior to or without City approval. Will Krause responded to the question saying that the CLG was applied for via the HPC and that the city approved this after the CLG was approved, and that proper procedure was followed. Will clarified that the money was spent from the National Park Service not from tax dollars, which was in response to Ms. Schlossen’s concern that money from taxpayers was spent without the approval of the residents of Grandview. Will also stressed that this is an educational avenue in order spread information. Ms. Schlossen asked for clarification about the “70/30” split. Mr. Krause clarified that the money was supplemented from monies that are already earmarked for public projects. Mayor Patton also spoke to the complexities of the gathering of data and informing the homeowners prior to any vote. Mayor Patton and Will Krause reinforced that ultimately be up to the residents of Grandview. Cindy spoke to the opportunity that exists with having so many Grandview residents. Mr. Krause stated that the City will not approve the unless they have the support of the majority of residents. Kathy spoke about the local designation process and Will spoke about how the City Council works to represent what is best for the people they represent. Julie Cook spoke about her concern regarding a lack of control for what happens with restrictions. Will talked about being a part of the guideline process for what is valued in your neighborhood. Mayor Patton suggested that a clarifying letter (notification) be sent to Grandview residents in order to educate the residents understand what is happening and what may or may not happen in the future with this information. B. Mayor Patton spoke about the Governors’ Plaza at the corner of Schwartz and Plum St. He talked about the holding pond which will be present and he referenced a visual of the front corner of the property. The Association from the state has given permission to work around the cemetery in order to get the area cleaned out and do stump removal. Other efforts are being made regarding lookout for reflection. The retaining walls have been finished, but the final architecture of the police station and the fire station have not been finalized. Debbie asked about the sassafras tree. Mayor Patton spoke why the tree was moved (with private dollars) because to meet the grade and drainage requirements of the topography where the tree existed, that it had to be dropped 10 feet. Mayor Patton is asking for our input on this project as the State was interested in knowing what plans are for the future. Debbie and Bob will join Cara on working on this project; the names and email addresses should be sent to the Mayor’s Office and it appears that it will be two more months before meetings are scheduled. VI. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF HPC MEETING in August, September, and October a. Cindy submitted her corrections VII. FINANCIAL REPORT a. Route 66 ~ Blue Carpet Corridor Invoice for dues has been approved pending available funds. Walter will take care of this. VIII. CORRESPONDENCE a. Casey shared the newest mail. IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Route 66 ~ Casey said that the sessions she attended were great and informative. Cindy gave a presentation last night regarding the tourist numbers information and shared some of the highlights including cities that experience significant increases in sales tax revenue. Her full report is within the attachment. i. Afterwords Bookstore has a mini-tourist center with postcards, etc. funded by Cindy. ii. Cindy would like to permission to make posters and postcards for next time. b. Archi Room update c. Attaboy letters ~ We discussed changing the terminology of the letter and Bob discussed sending a letter to 501 Franklin. d. Historic Districts and Landmarks updates i. Stephenson House ii. Brick Streets iii. Downtown iv. Leclaire ~ Sunday, Dec. 13th, there will be a candle luminary in the park from 6:30-8:30 v. St. Louis Street ~ Jennifer will reach out to the leader here so that we have a liaison to this area of the city. X. OLD BUSINESS a. Meeting with Mayor Patton (These are all things that people can work on and are here as a reminder for unfinished project) i. Checklist for COA applicants ii. Informational brochures on windows, siding, etc. (public education) iii. State Historic Tax Freeze – education iv. Newspaper articles v. Add restoration resources for our area to IL Landmarks list XI. NEW BUSINESS i. Cindy suggested that the Madison County Historical Society be added to the list of “Historic District” list so that we can stay updated on projects that they are doing. ii. Approval of COA brochure XII. ADJOURNEMENT: Meeting adjourned at 9:32 p.m. a. NEXT MEETING IS Wednesday, December 9, 2015