HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_01.25.2018City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Minutes
Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 6:00 p.m.
Council and Courts Building
101 E. 71t, Street Georgetown, TX 78626
Members present: Lee Bain, Chair; Terri Asendorf-Hyde; Art Browner; Shawn Hood, Vice -Chair; Karl
Meixsell, Lawrence Romero and Catherine Morales (alternate)
Absent: Justin Bohls
Staff present: Sofia Nelson, Planning Director; Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager;
Madison Thomas, Historic and Downtown Planner; and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary.
Call to Order by Chair Bain at 6:02 p.m. with the reading of the meeting procedures.
Regular Session
A. Welcome and Meeting Procedures
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Consideration of the Minutes from the December 14, 2017 HARC meeting. Karen Frost,
Recording Secretary
Motion by Browner, second by Hood to approve the minutes. Approved 7-0. (Bohls absent,
Morales in seat.)
C. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for the
demolition of a residence located at 703 E 131h Street, bearing the legal description of a 0.16 acres
Snyder Addition, Block 1(SW/PT). — Nat Waggoner, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager
Waggoner reported on the project. The single story residence is identified as a medium priority
structure in the City's 2016 Historic Resources Surveys Reports (HRSR). The residence was built
in 1925 and was originally located adjacent to the former Georgetown Hospital (likely 601 E.
University). The applicant estimates the home to have been relocated from the northeast corner of
University Ave and College St. to its present location on 13th Street ca. 1961-1962. According to
the applicant the home was renovated and the small apartment enlarged in 1964/1965.
As outlined in HRSR, this medium priority structure contributes to the neighborhood character
and high degree of integrity. ACCvrding to tele I-TuT'WR, uti12r2 are 1i ivVJ priority properties
including the commonly owned property at 1205 S. Walnut, 7 medium priority properties and 0
high priority properties within 200' of the subject property. The HRSR does not note any stylistic
influences and identifies the property as a duplex floor plan. There are no other duplex plans
within the immediate area surrounding the property.
The applicant is seeking a demolition of the structure based on unreasonable economic hardship.
The applicant estimates required improvements would exceed $250K. According to the applicant,
in order for the property to be habitable, the residence requires a new roof, a new foundation,
new electrical wiring, and structural reinforcement (currently single wall batton). In present
condition, the residence is not rentable. According to the applicant, the City of Georgetown will
not re-establish electric service until the structure is brought into compliance with current
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Meeting: January 25, 2018
building code. If HARC approves the demolition, staff recommends that HARC consider
requiring the creation of a historical archive including archival -quality photo -documentation,
and/or architectural drawings of the building or structure proposed to be demolished or relocated
similar to those required by the Historic American Buildings Survey to be submitted to the
Historic Preservation Officer as described in the Unified Development Code, 3.13.030. E.3 (b).
Chair Bain opened the Public Hearing:
Craig Cossmer, 705 E 13th Street, expressed concern about drainage in that area and states that the
area retains three to six inches of water when it rains. He asked for that to be addressed before
allowing anything else to be built there.
Janie Barrette, 1305 S. College, expressed agreement with letting the structures be demolished.
With no more speakers coming forth, Chair Bain closed the public hearing.
Motion by Romero to approve the demolition as recommended by the subcommittee with the
archival record required prior to demolition. Second by Hood. Approved 7 — 0.
D. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for
the demolition of a single story residence located at 1205 S. Walnut, bearing the legal description
of 0.160 acres, Snyder Addition, Block 1 (W/PT) - Nat Waggoner, AICP, Long Range Planner
Waggoner presented the staff report and recommendation. The single story residence located at
1205 S. Walnut Street, is identified as a low priority structure in the City's 2016 Historic Resources
Surveys Reports (HRSR). According to the 2016 HRSR, the structure lacks a definable stylistic
influence, floor plan and integrity. The 2007 HRSR indicates that the front door has been replaced,
vinyl windows and a detached carport have been added. As such, the structure does not possess
any significant architectural features, nor does it represent the work of a specific architect or
craftsman.
According to the applicant, a moving company in Bertram expressed interest in the property,
however after close inspection, declined to accept the property due to structural concerns and
moving the structure.
The HARC Demolition Subcommittee including the HPO and Chief Building Official conferred
on 12/6/2017 and reaffirmed the applicant's summary of structural issues. The Subcommittee did
not see any outstanding features that could be salvaged other than possibly the windows for
decorative or art purposes and externally the cypress lap may be of value, however it may contain
asbestos. The subcommittee agreed that nothing is structurally sound enough to save for
reconstruction. If HARC approves the demolition, staff recommends that HARC consider
requiring the creation of a historical archive including archival -quality photo -documentation,
and/or architectural drawings of the building or structure proposed to be demolished or
relocated.
Motion by Hood to approve the demolition as recommended by the subcommittee with the
archival record required prior to demolition. Second by Romero. Approved 7 — 0.
E. Presentation and discussion of conceptual design for the renovation of a residential property
located at 1227 Church Street - Nat Waggoner, AICP, Long Range Planning Manager
Waggoner introduces the proposed changes and the applicant. The applicant is seeking feedback
on the proposed siding replacement and the garage demolition.
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Meeting: January 25, 2018
Matt McConnell states the new homeowners have come from Austin andwant to remodel this
house. They are proposing vinyl, double hung windows instead of the existing windows. He
suggested maybe using a variety of styles to cut costs. The garage is small and they would like to
demolish that and add space to the house with a two-story addition. The applicants are open to
using hardi-siding to replace the existing vinyl siding. They want to add to the character of the
house, not detract from it.
Commissioners asked questions about adding distinction/difference between the old and new
additions. They also asked how this will fit with the surrounding houses. This is a low priority
structure in the 2016 Historic Resources Survey. Hood expressed concern about the scale and
proportion of the replacement windows. He thinks that the wooden windows by Anderson 100
or Marvin wooden windows would be appropriate. He said a using a divided light window
could provide a more historic look. Meixsell asked for pictures of surrounding houses in the
official application.
Waggoner summarized the comments: consider context as it relates to surrounding properties,
consider that in the new design, and consider a historic profile on the old house windows with a
more modern window in the new addition to the rear. Browner wants the new addition to be in
character with the existing house, including the roof materials and style, pitch and design.
F. Presentation and discussion of conceptual design for the renovation of a commercial property
located at '1102 S. Austin 11ve - Nat Waggoner, AE -P, 'Long Range Planner
Waggoner provided an overview of the project.. Signage will still be coming in and all will be
submitted at next meeting on February 22. The applicants are asking for a thorough overview by
the commission.
Vernacular storefronts were explained with cornice features, canopies and treatments of materials
provided by current availabilities when it was built in 1965, with improvement made in 2006. A
development agreement was entered into for this building and how the sidewalks and
landscaping were developed. The applicant is proposing to add a tower addition on the
southeast corner. They are proposing to add a roof parapet to hide rooftop mechanical
equipment. This building will be developed for a single tenant instead of the current multi -tenant
use. The southwest corner doors will be closed. The awnings on the southwest corner will be
remaining but with a different color. Fabric awnings will be retained but with a logo added and
window development. The east elevation will have an additional roof parapet to hide the
mechanical equipment. Retaining existing awnings. The entry ways along this side will be
closed. They will be retaining the cornice and profile of the roof. Glass will be transparent in all
instances, but some will have storefronts behind them. This will allow for internal configuration
of the store.
The south elevation introduces a cloth awning and internally will have a 72" wall, which will
allow transparency and visibility into the space. Material samples and colors were shown. The
applicant is seeking feedback on the primary entrance and window treatments.
All ingress and egress will be from University Avenue. The applicant is proposing a drive-
through pharmacy from 11th Street. The main entrance faces University Avenue. Commissioners
asked questions of the applicant. Jean Pelissero, the applicant, discussed why they wanted the
tower. The main priority is to identify the front door. There was discussion of the internal spaces
which is driving the entry on the main corner. The architect explained the concept.
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Meeting: January 25, 2018
Hood commented that he likes the tower on the south side and the glazing on the east side which
allows people to see into the building. He asked for consideration of a better view on the north
side of the building. They will look into this. Waggoner explained that the list will be reviewed
and addressed for the submittal for action
Chair Bain allowed the public to speak:
William Harris, 560 E 191h St, thanks everyone for protecting this gateway. He is concerned about
the pedestrian loss along Austin Avenue and the loss of access off that street. Mr. Pelissero
addresses his concerns by explaining the tower entrance can be extended to the corner on Austin
Avenue, making the vestibule larger and more open.
Waggoner provides a summary of comments. Commissioners found the tower and storefront
treatments and canopies to be in keeping with the guidelines. Materials are appropriate. Hood
asked about glazing. Existing windows are anodized, dark bronze and they will be adding in the
same color to be consistent. The commission is comfortable repeating both the cantilevered
canopy and fabric awnings. They like the black, red is not preferred. The south elevation with
the tower will meet the guidelines. Hood feels there is an opportunity on the north side to take
some of the stone used in other locations on the building to add to the north side to provide
continuity. Using the tower is a good way to address the focal point.
Waggoner explained the next steps. Hood suggests using landscaping to enhance the building.
Item H was addressed next.
G. Updates of Downtown Projects and upcoming meetings.
• Next regular HARC Meeting, February 22, 2018
• Introduction of Madison Thomas, the new Historic District Planner
Waggoner introduced Madison Thomas and expressed she has a degree in Art History
and is a certified urban planner and is passionate about urban design and preservation.
She expressed her appreciation of being here and working with the commission.
H. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (CCA) for the
demolition of a garage located at 204 E 81h Street, bearing the legal description of 0.33 acres
Glasscock Addition, Block 9, Lot 7 — 8. Nat Waggoner, AICP, Long Range Planner
Waggoner presented the staff report. The applicant is requesting the demolition of the 1930, low
priority structure. It is an accessory structure to the high priority structure on the property that
0111M ' ' _" ' ''� applicant says uuS structure rias been IL161U " liiodliled UVer
vullteu down aiiu was leiitu'veu. 'I'll -Le app y"' � y
time, including hardi-siding and a metal garage -style door. The demolition subcommittee
recommends approval of the demolition of the property, staff concurs. There is a loss of
significance with the main structure being gone. The applicant presented photographs and an
explanation of the application.
Chair Bain opened the public hearing and with no speakers coming forth, closed the hearing.
Motion by Meixseii, second by Assendorf-riyde to approve the demolition as submitted.
Approved 7 — 0.
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Meeting: January 25, 2018
Adjournment
Motion by Romero, second by Hood to adjourn at 7:58 p.m. Approved 7 - 0.
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Approved, Lee Bale hair
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Meeting: January 25, 2018
Attest, Lawrence Romero
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