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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes HARC 02.13.2020City of Georgetown, Texas Historic and Architectural Review Commission Minutes February 13, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. Council and Courts Building 510 West 91h Street Georgetown, TX 78626 Members present: Amanda Parr; Catherine Morales; Art Browner; Steve Johnston; Pam Mitchell; Lawrence Romero; Terri Asendorf-Hyde; Karalei Nunn Staff present: Nat Waggoner, Long Range Planning Manager; Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst; Britin Bostick, Historic Planner Call to order by Commissioner Romero at 6:00 pm. A. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the January 23, 2020 regular meeting of the Historic and Architectural Review Commission. — Mirna Garcia, Management Analyst Motion to approve Item A by Commissioner Johnston. Second by Commissioner Parr. Approved (7-0). B. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for signage that is inconsistent with applicable guidelines for the property located at 708 Rock Street, bearing the legal description of Georgetown City Of, BLOCK 42, Lot 3-4(PTS), ACRES 0.2226. (2019-82-COA) — Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner Staff report presented by Bostick. The proposed signage for 6 Whiskey is two (2) signs, a flush - mounted primary sign above the business entrance facing Rock Street and a flush -mounted sign facing W. 81h Street next to two previously -approved signs for the two other building tenants. The illumination style for the primary sign is a modern interpretation of text backlighting and is not specifically addressed in the approval criteria of Section 9.21 of the Design Guidelines. The proposed sign facing W. 81h Street is different from the existing signs in design, color and alignment, however it is similar in size. The proposed sign for this location on the building is not consistent with the existing tenant signage and does not meet the requirements of Section 9.12 of the Design Guidelines for a multi -tenant sign. The proposed primary sign is a flush - mounted sign that is 21.85 square feet in size. The sign is proposed to be a black and matte gold finish aluminum and vinyl with the business name and artistic detail incorporated into the shape of the sign. The business name portion of the sign — 6 Whiskey — is proposed to be a push- thru illumination style of lighting, which would have a warm illuminated glow along the edge of the "6 Whiskey" lettering of the sign while the rest of the sign — the cutout background and artistic details in vinyl — would not have illuminated features. According to the applicant, the push -through illumination style is proposed for this sign so that the "6 Whiskey" letters can be illuminated, which would not be feasible in other illumination styles due to the fonts and size of the letters that are illuminated. Observers would see the illumination from the sides of the letters while the fronts of the letters would remain black and would not show the illumination. Tile l.V1Vr LC1llpC1CtLULe Vf Lire llgllliilg is prVpVSCd tV bC a VVar11L, gV1dC1L g1VVJ tV l.V111 d11LQLC wIUL Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 6 Meeting: February 13, 2020 the matte gold finish of the sign background. Because this illumination style is a modern interpretation of text backlighting and is not specifically addressed in the approval criteria of Section 9.21 of the Design Guidelines, the request for approval is made to HARC. Commissioner Romero asked the applicant what the type of business this is. The applicant explained that clothing and home goods are sold at the business. Motion to approve Item B (2019-6-COA) as presented by Commissioner Parr. Second by Commissioner Morales. Approved (7-0). C. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the relocation of a contributing historic residential structure at the property located at 1813 S. Main Street, bearing the legal description of EUBANK ADD (BLK 4 LT 9 RESUB), BLOCK 4, Lot 9A. — Britin Bostick, Downtown and Historic Planner Staff report presented by Bostick. The applicant is requesting HARC approval for the relocation of a 923 sq. ft. residential structure currently located at 1813 S. Main Street, which is listed on the 2016 Historic Resource Survey as a medium priority structure, and which can be identified as a minimal traditional style residence. Minimal traditional is a style of house associated with low or intermediate -pitched roofs, often with gables; small, generally one-story in height; roof eaves with little to no overhang; double -hung windows, typically multi -pane or 1/1; minimal amounts of added architectural detail; and rarely has dormers. This house style was predominant before, during and after World War II due to its cost efficiency and ease of construction. The applicant is proposing to relocate the structure to the lot directly behind the current location, which is addressed at 105 E.18th Street. When the applicant purchased the property at 1813 S. Main St. the two lots were still one single lot, and the applicant subsequently re -platted the lot into two lots so that the lot facing E.18th Street could be separately developed with a residence. The existing historic structure at 1813 S. Main needs foundation repairs, and the applicant is requesting to relocate the structure in order to construct a new foundation for the historic structure and a two -car garage addition with a second story. In its current configuration, there is a non -historic addition on the left side (if viewing the structure from S. Main Street or north side) of the original structure of a single car garage. The garage is an addition as the siding of the addition is not aligned with the original structure and the flashing of the roof of the garage addition has been cut into the siding of the original structure. The existing one -car garage addition at 1813 S. Main is to either remain in place or be demolished as it is not constructed on a pier and beam foundation and may not be able to be successfully relocated, and the applicant expects to redevelop the lot with a new residence in the future. In an on -site meeting on January 28, 2020 the Demolition Subcommittee found that the garage addition was not original to the main structure, which was evidenced by the siding of the addition not aligning with the siding of the original structure, and the method by which the roof of the addition was attached to the original structure. The siding of the original structure had been cut out for the garage roof flashing with sealant, rather than installed in the same period of construction. Due to this evidence, the construction of the attached garage and the lack of architectural significance, the Demolition Subcommittee found that the garage addition was not original, lacks historic significance and recommended that the structure be demolished or relocated rather than retained on the site. The proposed new location for the subject structure is directly behind (east) Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 6 Meeting: February 13, 2020 of the current location and the context is similar. The structure will have a different orientation and face a different set of residences. The residences along E.18th Street are generally smaller in size and are situated on smaller lots than the properties along S. Main Street, and their estimated construction dates vary from 1935 to 1950. These surrounding structures are either Minimal Traditional in style, or lack defined stylistic influence, and the subject structure would fit the context of this portion of E. 18th Street because of its similar size and architectural style to the existing structures. Commissioner Romero opened the Public Hearing. Preston Peterson had a question about the old garage, and whether it would stay or be demolished. Commissioner Romero explained that the demolition subcommittee's recommendation is to demolish it. William McGarry commented that the lot should not be divided. This might lead to others wanting to do the same in the future, to make more homes, and also an increase in traffic and ruin the historical value of homes there. Debra McGarry also commented that if allowed, this will set a precedence in the neighborhood. 2 houses on 1 lot should not be allowed. That is not what old town is about. This will increase traffic. She does not agree with the request. Susan Sis-Boyd is also concerned about leaving the old garage. It is not aesthetically pleasing. She is concerned that this will damage the character of the neighborhood. Bostick addressed the public speaker comments and questions. She explained that this proposal is for 1 house on 1 lot. She also explained that if other residents request to subdivide their lots, there must be access to a road. Most would not meet the minimum specifications. Commissioner Parr commented on the demolition subcommittee's discussion, and that the garage structure should not be left standing if the house is relocated. Commissioner Romero closed the Public Hearing. Motion to approve Item C (2019-86-COA) as presented by Commissioner Nunn. Second by Commissioner Asendorf-Hyde. Approved (7-0). D. Public Hearing and Possible Action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness for the following: 3' setback encroachment into the required 20' front setback to allow a residential structure 17' from the front property line;10" setback encroachment into the required 25' garage setback to allow an attached garage addition 24'-2" from the property line; 7' building height modification from the required 15' maximum building height at the 24'-2" setback to allow a building height of 22' at the garage setback; 7' building height modification from the required 15' maximum building height at the 10' rear setback, allowing for a building height of 22' at the rear setback; an addition to a street facing fagade; and the replacement of historic architectural features with non -historic architectural features at the property located at 105 E.1811, Street, bearing the legal description of EUBANK ADD (BLK LT 9 RESUB), BLOCK 4, Lot 9B (0.14 nrrac) — Rrii-in Rncfir1c iln-tnrn+n-Vn7n and Hie+nrir Plannar Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 6 Meeting: February 13, 2020 Staff report presented by Bostick. The applicant is requesting HARC approval for setback and building height modifications for a 923 sq. ft. residential structure, currently located at 1813 S. Main Street in order to construct an attached two -car garage addition with a second story. The property is listed on the 2016 Historic Resource Survey as a medium priority structure and is identified as a minimal traditional style residence. Minimal traditional is a style of house associated with low or intermediate -pitched roofs, often with gables; small, generally one-story in height; roof eaves with little to no overhang; double -hung windows, typically multi -pane or 1/1; minimal amounts of added architectural detail; and rarely has dormers. This house style was predominant before, during and after World War H due to its cost efficiency and ease of construction. The applicant is requesting an addition to a street -facing fagade with the requested addition of the two -car garage and second story above the garage addition. The requested addition is within the floor to area ratio and impervious cover limitations for the lot. The proposed addition is approximately 1,120 sq. ft and the existing structure is 923 sq. ft, and the addition would more than double the size of the original structure. As the addition is proposed to be set back from the primary facade of the original structure it would not obscure the characteristics of the original structure, however due to the height and footprint of the proposed addition relative to the original structure, the addition would not be subordinate to the original structure. Locating the addition to the rear of the original structure would not be feasible due to the orientation and dimensions of the lot, and the addition of the second floor adds square footage to the available living space. With the addition of the garage and second floor, the structure would be larger in size and taller in height than the 7 nearby structures situated along E. 18th, St. which are single -story, although it would be a similar size and/or height to 8 of the 10 structures along S. Main Street between Cyrus Ave. and E. 18th Street. Minimal Traditional as an architectural style includes two-story structures, although single -story structures are more typical of the style in Georgetown. The addition is proposed to have wood siding to be similar in profile to the existing wood siding but not an exact match to differentiate the original structure from the addition. The roof material is proposed to be asphalt shingles to match the existing roof on the original structure, and the windows are proposed to be single -hung vinyl windows. The front 17' setback modification for the 923 sq. ft. original structure is requested to accommodate the addition of an attached two -car garage, which is proposed to have storage and laundry space at the rear, so that the garage addition would not require a setback modification along the rear or north property line to accommodate the depth of the garage addition. If the 17 front setback were approved, the relocated structure would be situated a similar distance from the curb as the existing residential structures across E. 18th Street. The applicant is also requesting a front setback of 24'-2" for the garage addition, which would allow for a two -car garage without encroaching into the rear or north property setback and would still site the front of the garage addition behind the relocated structure. The applicant is also requesting two building height modifications of 7, one at the front and one at the rear of the proposed two-story garage addition. Sec. 4.08.080.C.2 restricts the building height at the prescribed setback of the underlying base zoning district (Residential Single -Family or RS for the subject property) to 15', and the applicant is proposing an addition that would be Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 4 of 6 Meeting: February 13, 2020 approximately 22' in height at both the front and rear setbacks. Other structures along E.18th Street are generally one story in height and have low pitched roofs, and a few structures along S. Main Street have two stories, although most are a single story in height. The applicant is also requesting to replace the existing wood windows with new single -hung vinyl windows and to repair and replace damaged and deteriorated wood trim and siding on the exterior of the original structure with wood materials. The existing wood windows are original to the structure, and in some cases the glass panes have slipped from the damaged muntins. The wood siding is mostly intact, but some of the wood trim along eaves, gutters and at the foundation has either rotted or deteriorated and requires replacement. Commissioner Romero invited the applicant to address the Commission. Lynn Haag addressed the Commission and explained that he tried to keep the same style of the home, and explained the setback encroachment request. Commissioner Romero opened the Public Hearing. Preston Peterson commented on his concern with height of the house. William McGarry is also concerned with the house being two -stories. Deborah McGarry is also concerned with the height of the house. Susan Sis-Boyd, wanted to know what kind of siding will be used for the addition. She is concerned with preserving the historical character on the street. The applicant explained that it will be wood. Motion to approve Item D (2019-86-COA) as presented by Commissioner Nunn, with condition that wood is used for the windows. Second by Commissioner Parr. Approved (6-1), with Commissioner Browner opposed. E. Presentation and Update Regarding the FY2020 Home Repair Program - Britin Bostick, Downtown & Historic Planner Waggoner provided an overview of the home repair program. He presented a video for the Commission (by Habitat for Humanity and the City of Georgetown). He explained the program's strategy, partnerships, and upcoming events. Waggoner also explained that this is a part of the strategy in the Comprehensive Plan. The City hopes to grow the program, and include low income and workforce housing as well. F. Discussion of annual training for Historic and Architectural Review Commissioners. - Britin Bostick, Downtown and Historic Planner Bostick explained to the Commission that she is seeking feedback on what the Commission would like to be trained on, and asked that Commissioners let staff know their requests. Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 5 of 6 Meeting: February 13, 2020 Alternate Commissioner Mitchell commented on the Commission's decision on an item, and explained a previous item that was discussed at a different meeting. There was a similar issue regarding height, however this item was not discussed in detail as the previous item. She reminded the Commission about compliance and uniformity. Adjournment Motion to adjourn by Commissioner Asendorf-Hyde. Second by Commissioner Nunn. Meeting adjourned at 7:40p.m. 04l(�/l Approved, Josh Schroeder, Chair Attest, Amanda Parr; Secretary T� A t4, ✓r .S c rc rL-0--% [-'lac Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 6 of 6 Meeting: February 13, 2020