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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_05.25.2006Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 3 Meeting May 25, 2006 City of Georgetown, Texas Historic and Architectural Review Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, May 25, 2006 at 6:00 p.m. Georgetown Municipal Complex 300-1 Industrial Avenue, Georgetown, Texas 78626 Attending Members: Mike Sparks, Chair; Chris Damon; Clare Easley, Jim Keys, Nancy Night, Linda McCalla, Rick O’Donnell and John Truehardt Members Absent: John Chapman, and Beebe Gray Staff Present: Rebecca Rowe, Historic Review Planner; Bobby Ray, Planning director; Barbara Quirk, City Attorney and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary The Historic and Architectural Review Commission is responsible for hearing and taking final action on applications, by issuing Certificates of Design Compliance based upon the City Council adopted Downtown Design Guidelines. This is a regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission, for consideration and possible action on the following: 1. Chairman may appoint alternate(s) to serve at this meeting. Sparks appointed Nancy Night to serve as the alternate for John Chapman. He also stated that Karalei Nunn had resigned from her position on the commission and Linda McCalla has been elevated to a regular member’s position. 2. Review and possible approval of the minutes from the April 27, 2006 regular. Motion by Easley to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 27, 2006. Second by Truehardt. Approved 8 – 0. 3. Consideration and possible action on a new Vice Chair and new Secretary. Motion by Night to appoint Rick O’Donnell as the Vice Chair and John Truehardt as Secretary, at the Chairs recommendation. Second by Easley. Approved 8 – 0. Regular Agenda: 4. CDC-2006-016 Request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for rehabilitation of a historic structure at City of Georgetown, Block 5, Lot 4 located at 812 Main Street. Rick O’Donnell recused himself from the dais. Notarized Conflict of Interest form is on file. Rowe presented the staff report. The applicant is proposing to rehabilitate and restore the structure at 812 Main Street. This will include removing a non-historic canopy, removing paint from the bricks and restoring the historic configuration of the storefront. The applicant was available for questions. Commissioner Truehardt reminisced about the building being a cafe in the 1930’s, Waley’s Cafe and remembered the door being flush with the building. He questioned the applicant about the status of the canopy. The applicant stated the canopy was deteriorating and needed to be removed. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 3 Meeting May 25, 2006 Motion by Easley to approve the Certificate of Design Compliance for rehabilitation including paint removal, new windows and transoms, new entry location and configuration, removal of the canopy and paint colors should repainting be necessary. Second by Damon. Approved 7 – 0. (O’Donnell abstained.) 5. CDC-2006-007 Request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for height exception, 4th floor design and materials at City of Georgetown, Block 27 located at 501 South Austin Avenue. Rowe presented the staff report. The applicant is proposing to add a 4th floor to his already approved Phase I structure. The proposed 4th floor would bring the building to a total height of 46 feet which is 8 feet over the by-right maximum in the downtown district. The applicant is asking for a height exception as well as approval of the design and materials for the proposed 4th floor. She stated per Section 4.06.020 (B) of the Design Guidelines and Section 4.09 of the Unified Development Code, the Historic and Architectural Review Commission (HARC) can approve exceptions to the maximum height in the Downtown Overlay District with the following criteria: Views to and from the Courthouse and to and from the Town Square Historic District will be protected; The character of the Downtown Overlay District and the Town Square Historic District will be defined, reinforced, and preserved; The relationship of the proposed project to the existing structures in the immediate vicinity remains consistent; The proposed project allows for the best utilization of redevelopment in the Downtown Overlay District and the Town Square Historic District; and, the proposed project protects the historic buildings in the Downtown Overlay District and no historic structures will be directly impacted by this project. Mr. Choi, the applicant, addressed the Commission. He thanked the Commissioners for their time and review during the last few months. The Chair thanked him for his presentations and vision. Easley, O’Donnell, and McCalla all offered commendations on the extraordinary drawings and design and working with the commission to make the building compliant with the Design Guidelines. Mr. Choi was asked what would be on the 4th floor. He responded he envisioned a residence or a spa. He was asked about the windows of the 4th floor, rectangular or arched. Mr. Choi asked to be able to make that decision later. Chair Sparks opened the Public Hearing. Bob Weimer, Serenada resident & President of Downtown Georgetown Association. He looks forward to the future of this building. Other businesses rely on the growth of Georgetown and this facility is a strong sign that Georgetown is growing. Scott Allercon, 1000 Bluff Meadow Cove, Chairman of the Board, Chamber of Commerce and St. David’s Hospital COO. He stated that studies show the wellness improvements like the ones provided in this facility will decrease the cost of overall healthcare. He has had the opportunity to work with Dr. Choi and he appreciates her vision of a healthy lifestyle. He welcomes this facility as a world class geriatric wellness facility. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 3 Meeting May 25, 2006 Ron Swain, 103 Diamond Trail. He and his wife are involved in Georgetown and love it because the people in this city care for each other, and the quality of life and the historic square in Georgetown reminds them of their favorite location, Chapel Hill, South Carolina. As a representative of city residents, he stated that the viability of the downtown area is essential to maintaining a higher standard of living in Georgetown. He spoke in favor of the new project and its contribution to the downtown area. Marlene McMichael, 210 Westbury Lane. VP Public Policy with Chamber of Commerce, Planning & Zoning Commissioner. She supports the Sun Star Plaza, the architecture that compliments the downtown area, the high density use, the building profile with 4 floors, the pedestrian friendly atmosphere and the fact that it will bring many people to the area. Brad Curlee, President Union State Bank. He spoke in favor of increasing the economic viability of the downtown area, and in favor of the 4th floor height variance to improve the investment in downtown and to be successful. He supports the development that will bring a beautiful building and a geriatric center that will bring in higher paid workers and visitors. Mel Pendland, 30207 Oak Tree, President of Chamber of Commerce. He stated the 1000 members of the chamber support this building and thanked the Choi’s for bringing it to the area. He urged the commissioners to vote yes on this project, as it is essential to a viable community. Chair Sparks closed the Public Hearing. Motion by Truehardt to approve the Certificate of Design Compliance and height exception to allow the building to measure 48 feet in height, 4th floor design and materials including both option “A” and option “B” for window design, noting the exceptions for height and meeting the Unified Development Code Section 4.06.02b3 and Sections 4.06.020 and 4.09 of the Design Guidelines for the 4th floor. Second by Damon. Approved 8 – 0. Commissioners and Mr. Choi received applause. 6. Comments, questions and general discussion from Commission and/or staff. A. Reminder of the next meeting of the Commission on June 22, 2006. Motion by Easley to adjourn. Chair Sparks adjourned the meeting at 7:05 p.m. _______________________________ _________________________________ Approved, Chair Mike Sparks Attest, Secretary, John Truehardt