Historic District Commission

MANISTEE CITY HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Meeting, Wednesday, September 1st, 2021 This meeting will be held in the City Council Chambers. AGENDA I Call to Order II Roll Call III Approval of Agenda At this time, the Historic District Commission can take action to approve the September 1, 2021, Agenda. IV Approval of Minutes At this time Historic District Commission can take action to approve the August 4, 2021, Meeting Minutes. V Public Comment on Agenda Related items At this time, the Chair will ask if there are any public comments. VI New Business VII Old Business • Finalize Mural Guidelines Permit Review VIII Public Comments and Communications concerning items not on the agenda. At this time, the Chair will ask if there are any public comments. IX Correspondence X Reports DDA Executive & Economic Development Director Museum Curator Museum Director Planning & Zoning Administrator XI Members Discussion At this time, the Chair will ask members of the Historic District Commission if they have any items they want to discuss. XII Adjournment 1  HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 MEETING MINUTES August 4, 2021 A meeting of the 2021 Historic District Commission was held on Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at 4:00 pm, Manistee, Michigan. The meeting was called to order at 4:00 pm by Chair Trucks. Members Present: Shelly Memberto, William Connor, Ron Helmboldt, Dennis Otto, Thad Taylor, and Lee Trucks Members Absent: Nick Hawkins Others: Zach Sompels (City Zoning /Planner 1), and Nancy Baker (Recording Secretary) APPROVAL OF AGENDA MOTION by Commissioner Memberto, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to approve the agenda as printed. Motion passed with a voice vote. Commissioner Connor entered the meeting at 4:01 pm. APPROVAL OF MINUTES There were no minutes to approve. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA RELATED ITEMS None NEW BUSINESS Guideline changes for Murals Mr. Sompels reviewed the guideline for murals. An update was compiled. The sentence under Guideline #11 – Murals, Location; “Murals are only allowed as a reproduction of a previous mural located on the wall of the building. Photographic evidence must accompany the application” is to be omitted. Mr. Fedder stated past murals were advertisements for past businesses. Mr. Sompels stated the HDC conveyed the desire for murals not to be advertisements. He reviewed other city historic district mural regulations. Discussion ensued regarding types, content, location, marque murals. City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision August 4, 2021 Page 1 MOTION by Commissioner Connor, seconded by Commissioner Taylor to adopt the Guideline #11 - Murals as presented. With a roll call vote: Yes; Connor, Helmboldt, Memberto, Trucks, Taylor, Otto. No: none Motion passed 6 to 0. OLD BUSINESS None Permit Review An updated Permit Review listing was presented to the HDC. Mr. Sompels stated the 411/347/349 River permits will show different expiring dates once the court ordered dates are obtained from the judge. Each permit was reviewed with the possible status of the permit. Mr. Sompels will inspect each open permit this fall and close any permits showing completion of the project. COMMENTS AND COMMUNICATIONS CONCERNING ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA None CORRESPONDENCE None REPORTS DDA Executive & Economic Development No one in attendance to submit report. Museum Curator/Director Mr. Fedder stated the museum wishes to rescreen the screen doors with peat material, build up the column base, improve the inner vestibule area. The HDC agreed this permit application is to be reviewed and approved by Mr. Sompels. Mr. Fedder explained the details for the 429 River Street project. He is working with the CVB and Right-Side Design Group as an aspect for the new Walking Tour booklet that covers the history of the area and provides stops for people to visit that explain the history of a particular spot and its connection to Manistee's history, and signage for downtown historic properties and residential area. A USDA grant for these projects has been received with the work occurring over the next year(s). Planning & Zoning Administrator Mr. Sompels thanked the HDC for returning to a regular meeting so soon after a special meeting. City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision August 4, 2021 Page 2 MEMBERS DISCUSSION Commissioner Connor inquired about the 435 River Street windows. Mr. Sompels stated no response has been received from the owner. He will investigate whether a violation notice can be issued. Commissioner Otto inquired about the 355 River Street building. The building needs facade improvements or possibly considered a blight building. He asked if the mural guideline can be amended. Mr. Sompels stated amendments can be done at any desired time. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned by call of the chair at 4:24 pm. _______________________________ Nancy Baker, Recording Secretary City of Manstee 2020 Historic District Commision August 4, 2021 Page 3 Historic District Commission Zachary Sompels 08/23/2021 Manistee County Planner 395 3rd St. Historic District Commission Manistee, MI 49660 70 Maple Street 231.723.6041 planning@manisteecountymi.gov Manistee, MI 49660 www.manisteemi.gov Dear Historic District Commission, At the previous meeting, there was a motion to adopt the Murals Guideline #11 within the City of Manistee Historic District. The next step in the process was to have the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) confirm the Guideline change was allowable. SHPO has granted the changes the City of Manistee Historic District Commission made to the Guidelines on Murals as allowable with a few minor, non- substantial changes. If these minor changes are acceptable, I would ask for a final motion of adoption of Guideline #11 Murals for the City of Manistee. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Zachary Sompels Manistee County Planner  Historic District Commission Planning & Zoning Department 70 Maple Street Manistee, MI 49660 231.398.2805 www.manisteemi.gov Guideline #11 - Murals These Guidelines have been developed by the Historic District Commission to assist applicants. Each request will be reviewed individually by the Commission based on its own merit. Exceptions to these guidelines may be made by the Commission on a case by case basis. The examples used in the guidelines reflect buildings in the district which are Victorian, but alterations to a building should reflect the era in which the building was constructed. The Historic District Commission uses the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation as interpreted by the Preservation Briefs. Copies are available at the Manistee County Historical Museum and the Planning & Zoning Department at City Hall. The Historic District Commission is sensitive to the desire for property owners to enhance their Buildings in the Manistee Commercial Historic District. The Historic District Commission has developed this policy to assist in the request for murals in the district. The Historic District Commission recognizes that murals were used in the Historic District. Typically, murals were signs that were painted onto an exterior wall of the building that related to a business or product that was sold in the building. Definition Mural: Painted graphics that are murals, mosaics, or any type of graphic arts that are painted on a firewall, fence, alley or retaining wall and do not contain copy, advertising symbols, lettering, trademarks, or other reference to the premises, products or services that are provided on the premises where the graphics are located or any other premises. Location The context of the building and the surrounding area is a critical component to the evaluation of an appropriate location for a mural. A mural may only be placed on an exterior wall that have previously been painted. Natural brick or stone my not be painted for a mural. Existing paint on these materials can be chemically removed (no sandblasting) or repainted as per Nation Park Service recommendations. A mural is not allowed to be mounted onto the building. This could cause damage from moisture/condensation behind the attached panel. Historic District Commission Guideline #11 - Murals Converted from a Policy (Adopted 7/9/09 to a Guideline on 11/17/11) Page 1 When a building owner is considering adding a Mural to their building application must be made to the Historic District Commission for consideration. Murals and public art may be permissible within the guidelines supporting historic objectives on secondary facades. Secondary facades are those facades facing the Manistee River i.e. the Riverwalk. If the buildings’ architecture contributes significantly to the historic feel from the Riverwalk murals should be discouraged. Murals should not compete with or overwhelm existing architectural features such as windows with trim, moldings, entryways, or similar detailing. Do not engulf key architectural features with murals. Applicants must provide a budget for the project, and, if the project is approved, funding must be in place before work begins. Any mural that is not maintained, faded, or is in disrepair shall be ordered removed or covered with opaque paint, similar to the primary building materials/colors or other appropriate material by the Historic District Commission. Presentation materials must include: Photos of the proposed location of the mural and complete wall measurements Color drawing that adequately illustrates the proposed mural including actual color, finishes, and material samples with their locations designated on the mural drawing. How the mural considers the social dynamic of the location. How the artwork considers the historical, geographical, and cultural features of the city/county as well as the relationship to existing architecture, landscaping, and streetscape. Statement regarding the durability of the artwork and its potential to require ongoing maintenance. Signed statement by the property owner giving permission for the mural. The Historic District Commission reserves the right to deny mural proposals based upon the City of Manistee policies and the qualifications stated herein. Historic District Commission Guideline #11 - Murals Converted from a Policy (Adopted 7/9/09 to a Guideline on 11/17/11) Page 2 PRACTICAL PRESERVATION a bulletin series of the Michigan Certified Local Government program DESIGN REVIEW CONSIDERATIONS # 1 | AUGUST 2021 | MICHIGAN.GOV/SHPO Changes to Existing Buildings: Murals and Historic Buildings Like other public art, murals can contribute to the vibrancy and HDC DESIGN REVIEW RESPONSIBILITIES vitality of an area, support the cultural identity of a community, provide opportunities for interpreting history, and encourage SHPO’s “Design Review Considerations” series is public interaction and exploration. However, murals are not intended to encourage informed decision-making and appropriate for all locations. A historic district commission (HDC) promote best practices in historic preservation in must carefully consider the role of murals in a local historic consideration of the “Secretary of the Interior’s district to ensure that they complement and enhance rather than Standards for Rehabilitation” (Standards). All content is provided for informational purposes only. detract from or diminish the qualities of the district. In accordance with Public Act 169 of 1970, as amended, Each HDC must decide whether murals are appropriate for areas the local historic district commission should evaluate the under its jurisdiction. Where murals are allowed, sensitive design merits of each proposed project in its jurisdiction in approaches are key to achieving compatibility and harmony. consideration of the particulars of the project, the local Because each mural is an individual, expressive work intended context, potential impacts to historic resources and the for a specific location and every building has different overall district, the Standards, and local historic district constraints, each project requires careful review to ensure design guidelines, if applicable. compatibility. In general, there are three aspects that should be considered when reviewing a mural project: • Compatibility with the Project Site: The location, scale, and materials of the mural should be reviewed for compatibility with the project site. • Relationship to the Historic District: The relationship to and visual impact on surrounding areas should be reviewed for compatibility with the district at-large. • Ongoing maintenance: Selected media, techniques, and project location all impact the longevity of a mural, as do weather patterns, light intensity, and maintenance. Long- term maintenance should be considered for all projects. A NOTE ON HISTORIC MURALS Murals were historically used on the sides of buildings to advertise a business, product, or service. These remain in many communities as faded remnants (“ghost signs”) and contribute to the history of the area. Obscuring, altering, or removing exposed historic murals is not appropriate. Likewise, touching up or overpainting such murals to renew their appearance creates a false sense of history and is generally not appropriate. Design Considerations: Best Practices in Mural Design Mural Location 3. A mural is most appropriate for blank walls or areas of a wall where there is no fenestration (window and door 1. Locate murals only on masonry buildings that have openings) so that it does not distract from the visual historically been painted. Painting contributing masonry integrity and spatial organization of the building. buildings that were not historically painted is not appropriate and does not meet the Standards. 4. Accent lighting compatible with the scale, style, materials, and context of the building may be appropriate 2. Use smooth wall planes. Locating a mural on a building so long as any lighting is shaded, shielded, or directed to with siding features such as bevel, lap, or board and minimize glare and impacts to neighboring properties. batten detailing or split-faced stone is not appropriate. 5. Consider the visibility and prominence of a mural from 3. Locate murals on side, rear, or alley elevations only. adjacent locations within the historic district. A mural Murals on the primary street façade of a building are not should be sensitive to the overall context. appropriate. However, temporary storefront window murals may be appropriate. Murals on secondary street Mural Materials façades of a corner building should be carefully 1. A mural should utilize treatments and materials that considered for visual impact on wraparound storefront promote the district as an area of high-quality design. For elements, where present. example, properly prepare surfaces and use appropriate 4. A mural is most appropriate for non-contributing masonry primers and exterior grade paints to ensure buildings. However, potential impacts to the overall proper adhesion. Power washing or blasting to prepare district must still be considered. surfaces is not appropriate and murals should not be used in lieu of repointing a deteriorated wall. Mural Design, Scale, and Compatibility 2. Luminescent, neon, and reflective paints and finishes are 1. Design a mural so that it does not obscure, detract from, not appropriate and can pose a safety hazard. or cause damage to character-defining features. Murals should not impair one’s ability to interpret the historic 3. Avoid affixing dimensional and imitative materials such character of the building or the overall area. as artificial stone, sidings, and metals. 2. Carefully scale a mural to the property on which it is 4. Encourage murals on removable materials such as located so that its proportions and size are compatible canvas or a wood frame as an alternative to directly with the building. A mural should complement, not painting on a building. Anchor the framing through compete with or overwhelm the architecture or mortar joints (not the masonry face) and install the character-defining features of a building. framing with a small gap between the building so that water can weep between the mural surface and the wall. MURALS AND MAINTENANCE PLANS WHAT SHOULD THE HDC ASK FOR IN A REVIEW? Murals that are not appropriately maintained can Because of their unique nature, murals have special quickly become a visual nuisance. As such, long-term considerations. It may be appropriate to require applicants maintenance needs should be carefully considered seeking a COA for a mural to submit additional detail with when choosing a project location. For example, murals the COA application. Such information may include: that face direct sunlight will fade and peel quicker, and murals in heavily trafficked areas may be subject to • Written approval from the property owner (if the smog and chemicals that can alter paint colors. applicant is not the owner) Maintenance plans that provide guidance on ongoing upkeep and, if applicable, future removal are • An agreement between the artist and property owner encouraged as part of any mural project. identifying responsibilities • A scaled drawing showing the proposed location and size of the mural MURALS VS. SIGNS • A color drawing or rending of the proposed mural Although a HDC does not regulate content, careful distinction must be made to make sure a mural does • Photos of the subject property, the proposed mural not require review as a sign. As a best practice, location, and views from adjacent streets and murals should not include commercial product names, neighboring properties service names, business names, symbolic logos, and other such information that can be perceived as an • A maintenance plan that includes ongoing treatments/ endorsement or advertisement. obligations for the life of the mural The activity that is the subject of this project has been financed in part with Federal funds from the National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior, through the Michigan Strategic Fund, State Historic Preservation Office. However, the contents and opinions herein do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of the Interior nor does the mention of trade names or commercial products herein constitute endorsement or recommendation by the Department of the Interior or the Michigan Strategic Fund, State Historic Preservation Office. This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to: Chief, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs, U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service, 1849 C Street, NW, MS-2740, Washington, D.C. 20240.