Historic Preservation Commission

LAFAYETTE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 25, 2012 7:00 PM Lafayette Board of Works Room Attendance: Julie Ginn, Gale Payne, Scott Gilkey, Ellie Haan, Rick Schwarz, Steve Meyer Staff: Brian Bugajski, Julie Edwards Guests: Brian Dekker (907 State Street) Seeing a quorum Commission Vice-President Rick Schwarz called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Approval of Minutes Steve moved to approve the minutes from the April 30, 2012 meeting. Julie seconded. The motion passed 5-0. Committee Reports Public Relations Committee Brian reported that the Public Relations Committee had not met prior to the meeting. District Committee Brian reported that the District Committee had not met prior to the meeting. COA Committee Brian reported that the COA Committee had not met prior to the meeting. COA Requests 907 State Street – Second Story Window to Door Change Applicant Brian Dekker presented his application for a second story window to be converted into a door to provide access for materials and eventually a rooftop deck. Steve motioned to approve the application as submitted, Ellie provided a second and the motion was opened for discussion. Mr. Dekker explained that he installed the door in order to move material to the second story for interior renovations, and plans to convert the roof of the porch into a sun deck, accessible via the door. Once a railing is installed (historic photographic evidence supports a railing) the bottom half of the door will become visually obstructed from the public right of way. Mr. Dekker noted that he purposely purchased the current door, which contains a glass pane with a simulated divided light grid, to match the existing multi-pane windows on the 2nd story of the façade. Rick asked if it was an insulated metal door, Mr. Dekker confirmed that it was. Ellie asked if the window that was removed was wood and original, Mr. Dekker confirmed that with window was wood, and if not original it was historic. Rick praised Mr. Dekker for taking on such a monumental restoration project, but noted that an insulated metal door, with simulated divide lights that did not match the existing windows in shape or quantity was not historically appropriate. Mr. Dekker indicated that he did not purchase an expensive door since the primary purpose was for material access, but that he would be open to a different permanent door once the interior construction was completed. Gale stated that whether the door was permanent or temporary, it is still a conversion of a window to a door, and if the Commission had been approached prior to the installation of the door they may not have approved such a change. City of Lafayette Community development department 515 Columbia Street Lafayette, Indiana 47901 Phone: 765-807-1090 fax: 765-807-1099  LAFAYETTE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Brian indicated that Mr. Dekker may have trouble obtaining a certificate of occupancy if the door is still in place and a railing has not been installed – both require a COA. Mr. Dekker indicated that the window was saved upon removal and could be reinstalled if the door must be removed to obtain a certificate of occupancy. Julie requested an amendment to the open motion, which included approval of a temporary door for construction purposes for up to one year. At the end of one year Mr. Dekker would need to either reinstall the window in its original location, or present a COA to the Commission for the installation of a permanent door. Ellie seconded the amendment and Rick called for a vote on the amended motion. The amended motion passed 5-0. 225 North 4th Street – Non-historic window replacement Applicant Joe Merrill was not present to present his application for the replacement of up to 20 non-historic windows on the 7th and 8th floors of the building. The project would include the metal covered architectural panels that surround the replacement window and reduce the original window opening. Brian presented the application in Mr. Merrill’s absence. Steve motioned to approve the application as submitted, Gale provided a second and the motion was opened for discussion. Brian noted that the current architectural panels and windows were installed in the mid-1970s when the building was renovated. Mr. Merrill met with Brian and indicated that the interior framing and air conditioning systems require that the windows openings be framed in a manner that includes the architectural panels. The current panel and window systems are deteriorated and in need of replacement – this COA calls for replacement of the existing panels and windows with matching panels and windows with the exception of color. Ellie indicated that the darker color of the architectural panel may help the large opening blend with the dark brick of the building, which would tone down the stark contrast made by the current lighter panels. Seeing no further discussion on the motion, Rick called for a vote. The motion passed 5-0. Staff Report Brian reported on the following items:  Julie Edwards has been an intern with the Community Development Department for the summer – she has updated all Commission brochures and the Commission’s website. She is currently working on a lead based paint seminar scheduled for July 27th aimed at the DIY crowd and historic home owners.  There had been no staff approvals during the month of May or June.  A resolution is in the works to allow staff to approve signs and other minor exterior changes as long as they meet the approved guidelines or Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The Commission should expect to vote on the resolution in July. Public Comment There was no public comment. Adjournment With no further public comment and no further business Ellie moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:45 pm. Gale seconded. The motion was approved 5-0. The next meeting of the Lafayette Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled for Monday, July 30, 2012 at 7:00pm in the Board of Works Room, Lafayette City Hall. Respectfully Submitted, Signed _____________________________________ Brian M. Bugajski Carrie Janney, Secretary Historic Preservation Commission City of Lafayette Community development department 515 Columbia Street Lafayette, Indiana 47901 Phone: 765-807-1090 fax: 765-807-1099