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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