HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_03.26.2009Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 2
March 26, 2009
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Meeting
Minutes
Thursday, March 26, 2009, at 6:00 p.m.
Georgetown Municipal Complex 300-1 Industrial Avenue, Georgetown, Texas 78627
Members Present: West Short, Chair; Susan Firth; J.C. Johnson; Will Moore; Larry Moseley; Ron
Pergl; Dee Rapp
Members Absent: none
Staff Present: Robbie Wyler, Historic District Planner; Elizabeth Cook, Director; Valerie Kreger,
Principal Planner and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary
Chair Short called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Consent Agenda:
The Consent Agenda includes non-controversial and routine items that the Commission may act
on with one single vote. A Commissioner or any member of the public may request that any
item from the Consent Agenda be pulled in order that the Commission discuss and act upon it
individually as part of the Regular Agenda. The Historic and Architectural Review
Commission's approval of an item on the Consent Agenda will be consistent with the staff
recommendation described in the report, unless otherwise noted.
1. Review and possible approval of the minutes from the January 22, 2009, regular meeting and
March 5, 2009, special meeting.
Motion by Moore to approve the minutes with the change noted that Will Moore was
elected as Chair of the Commission and that JC Johnson was serving temporarily as chair
of the Sign Subcommittee. Second by Johnson. Approved 7 – 0.
2. Consideration and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for
signage at Lost Addition, Block 14 (NE/PT), located at 1100 S. Main Street. (CDC-2009-003)
This item was not forwarded by the Sign Subcommittee.
Regular Agenda:
3. Consideration and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for
exterior modifications and signage at City of Georgetown, Block 51 (W/PT), located at 116 W.
8th Street. (CDC-2009-004)
Wyler presented the staff report of the application. The applicant is seeking CDC approval
to repaint the exterior trim of the historic building and install new window lettering and a
new projecting business sign. Staff recommends approval of the CDC citing compliance
with Guidelines 5.1, 5.9, 9.2, 9.6, 9.8, 9.13, 9.15, 9.17, 9.18, and 9.21.
The applicant was present and the Commission asked questions for clarification. Moseley
pointed out the inconsistency in the report and confirmed that the sign would not be metal.
Short questioned the height of the hanging sign stating it must be at least eight feet from the
sidewalk. Short also questioned the discoloration of the building and whether that was an
indication of a problem with the structure. The owner stated that was actually part of the
patina of the rockwork and she thought it was beautiful and that the building is in very good
condition.
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 2
March 26, 2009
Motion by Moore to approve the CDC for the repainting of the trim and first story facade,
replacement window lettering, removal of an existing awning and installation of a new
projecting sign facade, as proposed by the applicant. Second by Rapp. Approved 7 – 0.
4. Conceptual review and discussion with the developer of the proposed Contessa infill project,
located at the southwest corner of 8th and Rock Street.
Martin Brown and Eric Visser handed out a color drawing of their projected project for 8th
Street and Rock Street. They are proposing a vertical, mixed use, three story development.
They presented this to the previous commission and wanted to get this commission’s ideas
before the official submittal of the application. They have changed the style of the brick to
blend in more with the public library, they are proposing a smaller elevator shaft and
stairwell, and clear guard rails on the roof, all as suggested by the previous commission.
Mr. Brown stated they would still be asking for a height variance and also easements for
parking lot egress through the city parking lot. They have also discovered that they need an
easement to bring power to the building from the screened transformers at the library. The
balconies of the second and third floors will hang over the right-of-way and will also need an
easement.
Johnson discussed his concern over not preserving an historic building. Mr. Visser described
the deterioration of the structure. He stated the Historic Society of Austin has reviewed the
building and determined that it needs to be demolished. Johnson disagrees and wants the
decision in writing from the THC. He gave a bit of history on the building and suggests that
Mr. Visser talk to the neighbors and black community to determine that they do not want to
save the building. He stated they should be given the opportunity. Firth had the idea that
perhaps a plaque could be installed on the new building that describes the original purposed
of the building.
There was discussion of the parking situation and proposed shared parking. Most of the
commission stated they like the proposal and appreciate Mr. Visser’s efforts to revitalize the
area.
5. Reminder that the next regular HARC meeting will take place on April 23, 2009.
Short reminded everyone of the next meeting. He suspended the meeting at 7:07 p.m. for a
short dinner break.
Workshop Agenda:
6. Training and discussion on using Design Guidelines for project review - Karen McGraw,
Karen McGraw Architect.
Chair Short reconvened the meeting for the training session at 7:24 p.m. and the meeting
continued.
7. Adjournment
Chair Short adjourned the meeting at 9:07 p.m.
__________________________________ _________________________________
Approved, West Short, Chair Attest, Will Moore, Secretary