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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_03.27.2008Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 5 Meeting March 27, 2008 City of Georgetown, Texas Historic and Architectural Review Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, March 27, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. City Council Chambers, located at 101 E. 7th St. Georgetown, TX 78626 Members Present: Rick O’Donnell, Chair; Tommy Gonzalez, Vice-chair; J.C. Johnson, Nancy Knight, Linda McCalla, Will Moore and West Short. Members Absent: none Staff Present: Robbie Wyler, Historic District Planner; Elizabeth Cook, Planning Director; and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary The meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. by Chair O’Donnell. 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 scheduled meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission, for consideration and possible action on the following: 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 February 28, 2008 regular meeting. 2. Consideration and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for signage at Lost Addition, Block 64(pt) located at 206 W. 10th Street. (CDC-2008-011) 3. Consideration and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for signage at City of Georgetown, Block 50, Lots 6-7(pts) located at 214 W. 8th Street. (CDC- 2008-012) Motion by Johnson to approve the entire consent agenda with the minutes. Second by Knight. Approved 6 – 0. (Chair obstaining.) Regular Agenda: 4. Consideration and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for façade changes at Lost Addition, Block 66 (Pt), located at 1102 Rock Street. (CDC-2008-008) Wyler presented the staff report. The applicant was proposing to repaint the exterior of the house. Staff recommends approval of the CDC for the repainting of the building with the understanding that only the colors proposed in the applicant’s packet will be used. The new shades will maintain the historic feel of the property. Motion by Knight to approve the application for a CDC, as recommended by staff. Second by Gonzalez. Approved 6 – 0. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 5 Meeting March 27, 2008 5. Consideration and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Design Compliance for signage at City of Georgetown, Block 28, Lots 1-8, located at 500 S. Austin Avenue. (CDC- 2008-013) Wyler presented the staff report. The applicant is seeking a CDC for a Master Sign Plan that will encompass a multi-use development located on the entire block between 5th Street and 6th Street and between Austin Avenue and Rock Street. Staff recommends approval of the CDC for the Master Sign Plan as proposed in the applicant’s detailed guidelines with the minor amendment. The applicant should be allowed to cover no more than 30% of any glass panel for the first floor window signage and that window signage for Monument Cafe should be limited to the entrance doors and adjacent entrance windows. In addition, only the first floor windows should have the option for signage. Secondly, all tenant signs (including window signs) for the property must be approved by both the property owner and city staff before being installed. An administrative letter of approval from the city for each tenant should be provided prior to obtaining a Sign Permit. Commissioner Gonzalez questioned the use of the neon sign. The applicant, Gordan Baker, explained that they would like to relocate and use the existing Monument neon sign to the new location. There was a discussion of the use of neon in the downtown area. Motion by Gonzalez to approve the Master Sign Plan application as proposed and conditioned by staff. Second by Knight. Approved 6 – 0. 6. Consideration and possible action on requests for Certificates of Design Compliance for facade and site changes to include locating a structure moved from 1009 Church Street at Glasscock Addition, Block 36, Lots 1-2 (E/PTS) located at 706 S. College Street in addition to façade changes, signage, and parking at Glasscock Addition, Blocks 23, Lots 1-8, located at 1105 Church Street. (CDC-2008-009 & CDC-2008-010) Wyler presented the summary staff report. The applicant is seeking Certificate of Design Compliance approval to move a Medium Priority house, based on the Historic Resource Survey, from 1009 Church Street to 706 College Street where it will be joined with an existing house. In addition, the applicant is seeking Certificate of Design Compliance approval to change the use of the Wesleyan Retirement Home, a parking lot, and a house; to renovate the exterior of the retirement building along with some site modifications to give it a more appealing look for the planned office use. The applicant is proposing to add Lymestone (a limestone looking veneer) to the first floor of the building, tint the windows, add new parking in the rear of the building which he proposes will save the large pecan trees in the front of the building, add new awnings and side driveway, and install diagonal parking and street lighting on 11th Street. The Comprehensive Plan Amendment and Rezoning applications are scheduled to go to the Planning and Zoning Commission the following week. Wyler introduced Lee McIntosh, the applicant. Wyler stated Mr. McIntosh has an alternative plan to suggest to the Commission based on the opposition that has been received by the City and himself. Mr. McIntosh stated he felt like he was doing the right thing by preserving the house through relocation. His new idea is a redesigned parking plan, which he could do with moving the existing house to the north side of the existing lot and put it in service as a single-family home. He stated he was prepared to withdraw the 7th Street application at this time. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 5 Meeting March 27, 2008 The Chair questioned whether the HARC could change the CDC application. Cook explained that the parcels are the same and notifications had been made so HARC has the authority to negotiate the application. HARC has many options to consider including, reducing the number of required parking spaces, using shared parking on 11th , Myrtle or Church Streets, reduction of the requirements, etc. HARC is not allowed to change the zoning of a structure or make a Comprehensive Plan Amendment, those must go through Planning and Zoning and City Council. Mr. McIntosh stated that this complex will be Class A offices and that the staff in those offices won’t need all the parking initially, but experience tells that in two to three years of completion of the project, he will need 180 – 200 parking spaces. A solution will have to be found or the use and success of the remodeling of this building will be limited. Chair O’Donnell opened the floor for the public comments. Each speaker was given three minutes to share their opinion. Ross Hunter, 908 Walnut Street – Mr. Hunter expressed opposition to the application stating that Georgetown’s value is based on history and by reducing the historical structures’ value, he would be affecting the neighboring property values. Janis Shields, 1002 Elm – Ms. Shields wants the developer to use the existing parking that she says is underutilized at present. She is concerned about a previous building that the developer remodeled not being finished by the developer according to the approved CDC plans. Ellen Davis, 405 E. 10th Street – Ms. Davis expressed concerns about increased traffic generated by this new development. Carol and Larry Rooke, 1001 S. Church Street – Ms. Rooke explained that they have remodeled an historic house immediately next door to the one in question and they do not believe a house in Old Town should be allowed to be destroyed for profit. She stated that everyone should work to stop the decay of downtown because people do not want to come to Georgetown to see commercial buildings; they come for the historic homes. Renée Hanson, Barbara Moyer, 1252 S. Austin Ave. – Ms. Hanson representing the Heart of Downtown wants to preserve the boundaries of the Downtown Overlay in keeping with the vision of the Downtown Master Plan. She stated she felt HARC will set a precedent here. She stated the downtown area is valuable and has the ambience of a heritage that has been written about in many articles. She opposed the application and asked that an alternative parking plan be allowed that would leave the house where it stands. Michele Ledebohm, 1004 S. Church St. – Ms. Ledebohm brought and presented petitions from the neighborhood, in opposition of this development. She wants the HARC to help preserve the heritage and character of the town, not just the Square and to recognize the historical value of these houses. (Petitions and letters placed on permanent record.) Robert Phipps, 1404 Elm St. - Mr. Phipps applauded Mr. McIntosh for developing the Wesleyan as an alternative use, but stated attaching the old house to the new house on College Street is appalling. He suggested using the front of the Wesleyan Building for parking as an alternative to moving the house. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 4 of 5 Meeting March 27, 2008 Rick Williamson, 204 Holly St. – Mr. Williamson wants to emphasize the same sentiments as the others, not wanting to “chip away” at downtown. Chair O’Donnell thanked everyone for coming forward and addressing the Commission. The Commissioners debated several options and thoughts. Commissioner Johnson explained that the church that owns the parking lot that could be used as alternative parking, would lose its non-taxable status on that property if it allowed the property to be used during the week by Mr. McIntosh’s tenants. Mr. McIntosh also stated that he needs to own at least 70% of the parking “fee simple” to sell or lease his property in the future. O’Donnell asked about the denial procedure. Cook explained that the applicant has 175 days if the HARC denies the application for moving the house, delaying the action for negotiations, then the applicant receives an automatic approval from HARC which allows the original action. Discussion of parking alternatives. Motion by Gonzalez to postpone relocation of house until the next HARC meeting of April 24, 2008, after Planning and Zoning and City Council have met and reviewed this. Second by Knight. Mr. McIntosh says he would like to move forward with discussions to figure out an alternative plan because he wants to act in good faith with the city. He does not want to hold the house “hostage”. He reminds the Commission that the Guidelines do not protect historic structures after 175 days. Motion restated. Approved 6 – 0. Motion by Knight to approve alternative parking plan utilizing the nonconforming parking use as suggested by staff. Second by Gonzalez. Amended by Johnson to suggest the applicant and City work with the church for possible parking solutions. Second by Gonzalez. Commissioner Short says he understands based on experience, that keeping non-conforming use of the parking lot and the single-family house ensures it can not be changed to another commercial use and that he is empathetic to the surrounding homeowners. Vote on amended and original motion, approved 6 – 0. Commission took a 5 minute break. Wyler updated the Commission on the monument sign application. The applicant is proposing a new monument sign in the same place as the existing. Since there are not any details designed yet, Wyler is recommending that the proposed monument sign’s design along with the surrounding landscaping be reviewed by staff before a sign permit is granted, so that an administrative approval may be given. Wyler also asked that extra lighting be approved for illuminating trees on the property. Motion by Johnson to approve the staff recommendation for the monument sign CDC, with the final approval of content on the monument sign to approved administratively, and with landscape lighting of the sign. Second by Gonzalez. Approved 6 – 0. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 5 of 5 Meeting March 27, 2008 Motion by Knight to approve the site modifications as shown on the application, with the exception of parking in the rear which should be negotiated with staff, and including staff authority to make changes north of 11th Street. No second of this motion. Discussion of action of Commission. Motion by Knight to approve all the site modifications as presented from 11th Street south and the non-conforming parking lot and giving staff authority to make minor modifications of this plan. Second by Johnson. Approved 6 – 0. Wyler gave an update of the proposed facade changes. The applicant is proposing to powerwash the brick, put a bronze tint on the windows, placing the Lymestone on the first floor, awnings on the front and back of the building, removing large louvers on the side of the building, and placing lights under the trees. Discussion of the look of all the materials together and the removal of the shutters. Motion by Short to approve the window material and all other facade items, but delay a decision on the Lymestone material until the next regular meeting of the Commission. Second by Gonzalez. Approved 6 – 0. 7. Comments, questions and general discussion from Commission and/or staff and reminder of the next meeting of the Commission on April 24, 2008. There was a request to change the time of the Sign subcommittee on the fourth Thursday to 5:30 p.m. All agree. The time will be changed unless the agenda warrants going back to 5:00. There was a question regarding the recommendation and information that would be going forward to Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council. Short suggests asking staff to let them know that HARC does not want the downtown boundary lines moved, or the zoning changed within those boundaries. Staff will take that recommendation forward and Will Moore agrees to attend both meetings as the HARC representative. Motion to adjourn. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m. __________________________________ _________________________________ Approved, Chair, Rick O’Donnell Attest, Secretary, Nancy Knight