Historic Review Board

AGENDA TOWN OF FORT MILL HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD September 11, 2018 112 Confederate Street 4:30 PM AGENDA CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. HRB Meeting: July 10, 2018 [Pages 2-5] 2. HRB Meeting: July 31, 2018 [Pages 6-8] NEW BUSINESS 3. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness [Pages 9-19] Applicant Name: St. John’s United Methodist Church Owner Name: St. John’s United Methodist Church Property Address: 112/114 Tom Hall Street Purpose: Request to review and approve the replacement of two windows on an existing residential structure Zoning: LC / Historic INFORMATION / DISCUSSION 1. Discussion of Potential Standardized Color Palette ADJOURN The following press was notified of the meeting by email or fax in accordance of the Freedom of Information Act: The Herald; CN2; WRHI; Fort Mill Times and WBTV. The agenda was also posted at the entrance to Town Hall the required length of time and on the Town website. The Town of Fort Mill is committed to assuring accessibility with reasonable accommodation, of Town services and facilities for all individuals, in compliance with federal law. Please contact the Town Manager’s Office at 803-547- 2116 if you need assistance. 1  MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD July 10, 2018 Council Chambers – 112 Confederate Street 4:30 PM Present: Chairman Louis Roman, LeAnne Burnett Morse, Carolyn Blair, Chip Heemsoth, Planning Director Chris Pettit, Senior Planner Alex Moore Absent: David Booth, Michael Hirsch, Melissa White Guests: Will Bigham, Emili McMakin, Deborah Whitsett CALL TO ORDER Chairman Roman called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Chip Heemsoth made a motion to approve the minutes from the April 10, 2018, meeting as presented. Carolyn Blair seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 4-0. NEW BUSINESS 1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – 135 Confederate Street Planning Director Pettit introduced the request, the purpose of which was to approve an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to convert an existing residential property to an office at 135 Confederate Street. Planning Director Pettit noted in his introduction of the project that a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for 135 Confederate Street originally came before the Historic Review Board (HRB) in February of 2017. Planning Director Pettit further stated that the design of that request was slightly different from the current application and that it received an approval in concept from the HRB in February 2017. While this initial project fell through, the current iteration represents the desire of the new, prospective tenant to redesign the structure. Planning Director Pettit noted the revised changes in the respective portions of the structure since the plan which was presented to the HRB in February 2017. All proposed building materials will remain identical to the previous plan. The applicant was represented by Ms. Emili McMakin of Vinyet Architecture. Ms. McMakin echoed the comments of Planning Director Pettit about the proposed changes. 2  Chairman Roman noted the staff findings as presented within the HRB Agenda and asked if any of the members had questions regarding the report. He noted that the current plans were consistent with the Historic District Design Guidelines. Chairman Roman asked if a color palette had ever been adopted by the HRB. Planning Director Pettit noted that a color palette had not been adopted thus far and reminded the Board that they requested the project come back for final color palette selection. Chairman Roman noted that the adoption of a color palette by the HRB might streamline some of the requests that typically come before the board by allowing staff to approve proposed color changes administratively. Ms. Blair interjected that the plan would not have to come back for color palette approval if it remained unchanged from what is existing. Chairman Roman did not see this as being an issue. Chairman Roman and Ms. Blair then discussed the front porch and indicated that it would remain in compliance with this project as would the proposed new porch on the right elevation of the structure. Chairman Roman noted the left elevation proposals including the ramp and parking. Ms. Blair noted that she agreed with the staff recommendation that additional screening be provided within this area. Planning Director Pettit then noted that the current Google Street-View indicated that the shudders were black. He stated that the board recommendation could be that the approved shudder color remain consistent with what was most recently existing on the structure. This would allow the project to proceed without a color palette being resubmitted to the HRB. Chairman Roman agreed with this sentiment and indicated that it would also not bind the potential tenant to this color in that they could make a change with future HRB review and approval. Chairman Roman then entertained a motion. Ms. Blair made a motion to approve the request for a Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted with the condition that the color palette is to remain the same (unless the applicant comes back for color changes to the HRB) and with the condition that landscaping be added as needed to appropriately screen the Monroe-White side of the project. Mr. Heemsoth seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. 2. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – 229/231/233 Main Street Chairman Roman introduced the request, the purpose of which was to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new projecting sign, new awning, new paint and color change of some trim, a trompe-l’oeil, and minor repairs at 229 Main Street and 231/233 Main Street. 3  Chairman Roman then invited the applicant, Ms. Deborah Whitsett, the owner of Olive’s Mud Puddle, to come forward and describe her request for the COA. Ms. Whitsett discussed the specifics of her COA request involving painting the building and the awning. She noted that the whole point of the request was to make her business and the buildings more attractive and inviting. Ms. Morse asked if the awning would be yellow and white. Ms. Whitsett noted that it was termed yellow and white but that the yellow was more like a pale yellow. Chairman Roman noted that he liked the color selection. Ms. Whitsett then discussed the particulars of the projecting sign. Ms. Morse asked about the color of the sign. Ms. Whitsett noted the color scheme could consist of whatever was required, but that it was her intention that the colors be as presented which includes a blue/green-patinaed finish. Ms. Whitsett also noted that she intended to place the logo of her business on the front doors. Chairman Roman thanked Ms. Whitsett for the information and asked if there were any additional questions from the board. Mr. Heemsoth stated that he was not enamored with the yellow color of the awning. Ms. Blair stated that she believed the color and design were very much in keeping with the type of business. Chairman Roman then briefly discussed the findings within the staff report. He then noted that if there were no other comments from the board that he would entertain a motion. Ms. Blair made a motion to approve the COA request as presented. Ms. Morse seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. 3. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – 204 Main Street Chairman Roman introduced the request, the purpose of which was to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for a new projecting sign and a new wall sign. These signs would serve the proposed new barbeque restaurant at this location, “The Improper Pig.” Will Bigham, owner of The Improper Pig, presented his signage package for this location. He noted that the sign company, Sign Systems, Inc., had previously submitted schematics for both proposed signs. Chairman Roman and Ms. Blair had some general questions about the design of each sign. In response, Mr. Bigham described the specifics on the design of each sign. Planning Director Pettit noted that the projecting sign needed to be reconfigured to fit the parameters of the zoning ordinance. Ms. Blair asked about the gooseneck lighting which was also shown on the schematics. Alex Moore, Senior Planner, noted that the schematics indicated the lighting would be “provided by others,” and thus not part of this application for a COA. 4  Ms. Blair then made a motion to approve the COA application with the stipulation that all signage meet the minimum requirements of the zoning ordinance. Mr. Heemsoth seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. 4. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – 100 Block of Main Street Chairman Roman introduced the request, the purpose of which was to approve an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by the Town of Fort Mill for railing to be placed adjacent to the wall, along the sidewalk, within the 100 Block of Main Street. Planning Director Pettit gave an overview of the proposal and presented the railing design to the Board. He noted that the Town of Fort Mill prefers that the railing consist of vertical design rather than horizontal. Board members had some questions about the design and location of the railing. Planning Director Pettit noted that the primary goal of the railing is to provide safety for pedestrians on the sidewalk. After general discussion about vertical railing design versus horizontal railing design, Chairman Roman then entertained a motion. Mr. Heemsoth noted that there needed to be clarification that the railing should include the entire block. Planning Director Pettit stated that the approval motion needed to include a provision that the railing be vertical in design and that the railing extend the entire length of the 100 Block. Ms. Blair made a motion to approve the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with condition that the railing consist of a vertical design and that it extend the entire length of the 100 Block of Main Street. Ms. Morse seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0. Chairman Roman then asked if there was any other business that the Board needed to undertake. Planning Director Pettit noted that there would be a new member joining the Board at their next meeting. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:16 PM. Respectfully submitted, Alex Moore, AICP Senior Planner July 3, 2018 5  MINUTES TOWN OF FORT MILL HISTORIC REVIEW BOARD July 31, 2018 Council Chambers – 112 Confederate Street 4:30 PM Present: Chairman Louis Roman, David Booth, LeAnne Burnett Morse, Chip Heemsoth, Melissa White, Planning Director Chris Pettit, Senior Planner Alex Moore Absent: Carolyn Blair, Michael Hirsch Guests: Travis Tolson and Steve Tolson CALL TO ORDER Chairman Roman called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Heemsoth made a motion to approve the minutes from the July 10, 2018, meeting as presented. Ms. Burnett Morse seconded the motion. The motion passed with a vote of 5-0. OLD BUSINESS 1. Request for Certificate of Appropriateness – 204-101 Main Street Planning Director Pettit introduced the request, the purpose of which was to approve an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for an extension of the previously approved screening at the rear of the property at 204-101 Main Street. Travis Tolson and Steve Tolson, applicants and owners of Amor Artis Brewing, were at the meeting to answer questions from the Historic Resource Board regarding the request. They noted that the purpose of the screening would be to fully enclose the landscaped area at the rear of the property in order to better screen areas being utilized for the staging of materials used in brewing production. The applicants noted that the intent would be that this project be functional and aesthetically pleasing to the community. Their request was that this screening be allowed to be 10 feet in height. 6  There was some discussion among HRB members and the applicants about the location and height of the proposed fence, along with how this project would affect the existing tree at the rear of the building. The applicants noted that they did not intend to damage or remove this tree. There being no additional questions, Chairman Roman asked that a motion be made on the request. Mr. Heemsoth made a motion to grant the COA for a screening fence, seven-feet in height, utilizing as much of the proposed storage area as is possible based upon the existing topography. Ms. Burnett-Morse seconded the motion. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION 1. Discussion of Potential Standardized Color Palette Planning Staff presented information regarding the possibility of adopting a color palette within the Town of Fort Mill Historic District. This historic color palette would be used when a property or business owner wishes to make changes to the color of surface materials. In such instance, the respective individual would not have to come before the Town of Fort Mill Historic Review Board to request issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness. Rather, this would be an administrative procedure with a review performed by Planning Department Staff if the proposal involved the same paint color or an approved color from the adopted paint color palette. Senior Planner Moore went over examples of color palettes that have been adopted by various historic districts including Grapevine, TX; Barnstable, MA; Marietta, GA; and Richmond, VA. Chairman Roman noted that these palettes bring out guidance based upon various historic periods. Additionally, he noted that having the color swatches would be necessary to make such an adopted palette functional. Ms. White noted that she liked the Sherwin-Williams historic paint palette as adopted by Richmond, VA. Chairman Roman asked if adopting a color palette such as provided by Sherwin-Williams would create the problem of having a one-source vendor. Planning Director Pettit noted that the Sherwin-Williams historic paint palette could be used as an example for the various colors that could be used. An individual would not be required to use Sherwin-Williams, for example. Discussion then shifted to the area within the Historic District that such a color palette would cover. Chairman Roman noted that it was his intention that this palette would cover 7  both commercial and residential areas within the District. The others Board members concurred and further noted that it is intended that review of paint color this be administrative rather than coming before the Historic Review Board. Planning Director Pettit stated that he envisioned the process as being if the proposed paint color is the same as what is already present, it be a quick staff review and approval. If the proposed paint color exists within the approved palette, then it would also involve a staff review and approval. If someone wishes to use a color not present on the approved palette, then the proposal must come before the Historic Review Board. Discussion subsequently shifted to gauging how amenable Board members would be to Staff approval of residential colors. Planning Director Pettit noted that there could be perceived subjectivity in such an action. Chairman Roman agreed. Planning Director Pettit then noted to the Board that Planning Staff is looking for guidance on how the HRB wishes to proceed. Ms. Burnett-Morse stated that she likes the paint color palette that has been adopted by the City of Richmond, but that for example, it did not have a paint style for Victorian period architecture. Chairman Roman concurred. Planning Director Pettit stated that Staff would take the discussion points of this meeting regarding the potential paint color palette and bring further details back to the HRB at a future meeting. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:08 PM. Respectfully submitted, Alex Moore, AICP Senior Planner September 4, 2018 8 Historic Review Board Applicant: St. John’s United Methodist Church 130 Tom Hall Street Tax Map # 020-03-01-012 Zoning District: Local Commercial/Historic Request The Town has received preliminary drawings for a Certificate of Appropriateness to replace two existing windows with new Pella 250 series white vinyl windows at 112/114 Tom Hall Street. Site Description and General Construction Plan The property is located at 112/114 Tom Hall Street and is zoned is zoned Local Commercial (LC)/Historic. The parcel contains a brick home which is owned by St. John’s United Methodist Church. Adjacent properties along Tom Hall Street are used as residences, small businesses, government and church uses. Staff would like to note that the applicant has provided pictures of existing conditions of the west façade of the subject property. Additionally, the applicant has provided a sketch of this respective façade indicating the scope of work. The applicant proposes to replace the existing double-hung windows on this façade with two Pella 250 series vinyl windows. Each of the respective window A/C units will then be reinstalled. New construction material includes: • New Pella (R) 250 Series Windows (2) • Associated components (See Lowe’s spec. sheet, included in packet) • Color: White 9 Historic District Design Guidelines Review Windows – General (Starting on Page 37) o Guideline 3.24 – Preserve the size and proportion of a historic window opening. ▪ The size and proportions of the existing window openings are not being altered. o Guideline 3.25 – Preserve the historic ratio of window openings to solid wall on a primary façade. ▪ It appears that the amount of glass is not being increased, which is consistent with this guideline. o Guideline 3.26 – Match replacement window to the original in its design. ▪ The design of the replacement windows is very similar, if not identical, to the original windows of this building. o Guideline 3.27 – In a replacement window, use materials that appear similar to the original. ▪ The proposed materials of the replacement windows appear to replicate the design of the existing windows. o Guideline 3.28 – Match as closely as possible, the profile of the sash and its components to that of the original window. Using strips of material inserted between double-glazing planes is inappropriate. ▪ It appears that the applicant is very closely matching the profile of the existing window sashing. o Guideline 3.29 - Preserve the position, number and arrangement of historic windows in a building wall. ▪ The historic window opening ratio is being preserved on the on the existing facade. Discussion and Staff Recommendation It should be noted that the Town of Fort Mill Historic District Guidelines state that the replacement of historic windows should occur only if the existing historic material is beyond repair. The applicant does note within the explanation of work that the existing wood windows are beyond repair and are inefficient in blocking the infiltration of outdoor air. Further, the tenant has employed rudimentary measures so that some level of comfort is maintained. However, Planning Staff does note that the Historic District Guidelines indicate that the use of vinyl windows is inappropriate. While the proposed replacement windows do consist of vinyl, the applicant is meeting the majority of the guidelines as indicated within the above findings. Planning Staff recommends that the Historic Review Board grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of the two windows on the west façade of the home located at 112/114 Tom Hall Street. 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19