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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_08.25.2011City of Georgetown, Texas Historic and Architectural Review Commission Meeting Minutes Thursday, August 25, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. City Council and Municipal Court Building, Georgetown, TX 78627 101 E. 7", Street, Georgetown, TX 78626 Members present: Dee Rapp, Chair; Sarah Blankenship; Susan Firth; 'Vella Ibsen Schrum; and Raymond Wahrenbrock Commissioners in Training present: Andy Welch Members absent: Gregg Herriott; David Paul Staff present: Robbie Wyler, Historic District Planner and HARC liaison; Elizabeth Cook, Community Development Director; Valerie Kreger, Principal Planner; Avery Craft, Planning Specialist and Recording Secretary Regular Session - To begin no earlier than 6:00 p.m. Chair Rapp called themeeting to order at 6:01 p.m. The Historic and Architectural Review Commission, appointed by the Mayor and the City Council, 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 and Unified Development Code. Consent Agenda= 1. Review and possibleapprovalof the minutes from the July 28, 2011 Regular FIARC meeting. Motion by Schrum to approve the minutes from the. July 28, 2011 meeting. Second by VVahrenbrock. Approved 5 — O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved;. Herriott and Paul absent) Regular A=enda: 2. Publichearingand possible action on a Certificate of Design Compliance for changes to the exterior of the building including updates to the Austin Avenue canopy and rear loading area, the addition of rooftop mechanical units and the addition of lighting at City of Georgetown, Block 41, Lots 1 — 2 (pts) 8= 4 (pt), located at 704 5. Austin Avenue. (CDC-2011- 022) Wyler presented staff report_ The applicant seeks Certificate of Design Compliance approval to complete exterior renovations to the Austin Avenue canopy as part of an overall maintenance project to the building_ A similar project was recently approved by HARC for 703 and 705 S. Main Street. First, existing framing shall be repaired and replaced as required to maintain structural integrity. New roof sheathing will be applied prior to installation of new flashingand white roofing membrane. Another change in appearance will be the replacement of thecurrent4' x 8' wooden panels with white bead board. The applicant considers this more time appropriate. All other items, including the replacement of aged tie -rod, fascia and soffit materials, as needed, are considered maintenance and do not require HARC approval_ 1 In addition to the canopy maintenance, the applicant proposes adding six (6) four -inch diameter recessed down lights in the soffit of the canopy to provide sidewalk lighting. The applicant also wishes to remove two existing sign lights located at the ends of the canopy and adding a small outdoor mini -light centered on top of the canopy to provide better lighting for the existing tenant wall sign. Next, the applicant will complete updates to the rear, alley -facing, side of the building. An alley door and surrounding infill paneling will beremoved and new double wood doors, similar to the existing single door, will be installed. The transom windows above the door will be exposed as part of the project_ Colors will remain the same. A concrete stoop will be removed and a new concrete loading dock with ramp and steps will be installed_ For safety reasons, a black metal railing will be installed on the loading dock. The new dock and ramp/steps will better serve the tenant and meet path of egress requirements for the exit. An AC unit to the right, south of the back door will be removed and paneling will be installed to match the existing paneling. Lastly, the applicant will install two (2) rooftop mechanical units_ The two AC units will be installed and will not be seen from either Austin Avenue or the alley. The applicant has recently completed similar rooftop installations for both 703 and 705 S. Main Street. Rapp stated that the following eight (8) items would need to be decided on: 1) New roof sheathing, flashing and membrane above the canopy 2) New bead board under the canopy 3) Installation of recessed lighting under the canopy 4) Removal of two (2) existing sign lights and the installation of one (1) centered sign light 5) Removal of at rear, single door, paneling, concrete stoop and AC unit 6) Installation of a double door (similar in material and color as the single door). 7) Installation of at concrete loading dock, steps, ramp and railings - 8) Installation of two (2) rooftop mechanical units Wahrenbrock asked Horac if there would be adequate space from the dumpster to the street. Florac stated that there would be enough space. Firth suggested that the whole panel be replaced where the air conditioner is going to be removed. Horac stated that it would be replaced. Firth asked if the additional two panels :could be replaced as well. Rapp stated that Horac will need similar materials that will match. Rapp stated that the canopy is very wavy and asked if the downspouts are causing the damage on the canopy. Horac did not know for sure what caused the damage but it will be fixed. .Firth asked what the material will look like from inside the building.. Horac stated that it 2 will be. the same color, off-white. Rapp opened the public hearing at 6:11 p.m. No one came forward to speak. Rapp closed the public hearing at 6:12 p.m. Motion by Blankenship to approve the CDC. for all eight items as proposed. Second by Rapp. Approved 5 — O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved. Herriott and Paul absent) 3_ Public hearing and possible action on a Certificate of Design Compliance for exterior changes including an addition, facade updates and a new parking layout at Sparks Addition.,Block 1, Lots 6 dr 5 (w/pt), also known as the Metro Mart, located at. 1911. S. Austin Avenue_ (CDC-2011-023) Wyler presented staff report. The applicant seeks Certificate of Design Compliance approval for a new facade and expansion to the non -historic convenience store, updated signs and an alternative parking agreement for the property. First, Mahogany Builders would like to expand the Metro Mart by 333 square feet to allow for more room inside. The expansion will occur on the north side of the building, towards an industrial -style building currently housing a church and will not encroach any closer to residential properties. to the east. Part of the expansion includes removing a 70.5 square foot concrete pad on the north property making room for a 10' x 10' enclosed dui -Tipster area that Will cover a portion of the removed pad but will be further from the property line, meeting all location and dimensional standards-_ Currently, the dumpster is not enclosed and is located to the south of the building. lat addition to the expansion, the Metro Mart's facade will be updated. Updates include replacing the store front windows with new frames and double pane glass to meet energy requirements. Frames will be bronze in color, similar to the existing ones. The single entry door will be replaced witty a double entry door, also. bronze in color_ Frorntwalls are currently painted wood and will be replaced with stucco, painted Sherwin Williams'L2atte. A new parapet wall will be constructed above the current storefront and centered with the new expansion. A decorative band/cap on the new parapet wall will be painted Sherwin Williams' Rhumba Orange and French Roast. The north, east and south facing sides of the building, which are currently concrete block, will be covered in stucco and painted to match the front of the building, including the decorative cap. The canopy above the windows and doors, currently white with a red and orange stripe, will be painted French Roast to tie into the decorative cap and "Metro Mart' will be painted in white, centered with the parapet wall. Next, the existing pole sign and canopy along Austin Avenue will receive a new face. Because the sign and canopy are considered legal, non -conforming, their size and location cannot be altered but the City does allow for such structures to be maintained and receive new faces as needed. Both the sign and canopy face will be changed from the current. Citgo corporate design to Texaco in lieu of the change in gas providers. 3 The applicant has also requested an alternative parking agreement for the site.-I'he parking on the property is currently undefined. As proposed, new striping, including one required handicap space, will be installed to the south of the building in a concrete area where parking currently occurs. Because the building is being expanded by 383 square feet,, the parking requirement per the Unified Development Code (UDC) increases by two stalls bringing the total number of off-street parking spaces required by the City for the use to eight (8) according tothe parking calculations. Working with City staff, it was determined that the site: currently has four (4) parking stalls, two short of the current requirement of six (6). Because the legal, non -conforming site has been operating with minus two parking. stalls, it needs only to compensate for the expansion, hence resulting in the final parking requirement from the City being six (6) parking spaces. Shown on the provided site layout, the applicant has provided four (4) parking spaces to the south of the building. An additional space can be installed in front of the proposed dumpster as well as another at the southeast comer of the property; although these two spaces are not preferred. Per U'DC Section 9.02.060_1-1, 13Al2C may approve any other alternative to providing off-street parking spaceson the site of the proposed subject development if the applicant demonstrates to the satisfaction of the City that the proposed plan will function equally well in protecting surrounding neighborhoods, maintaining traffic circulation patterns and promotingquality urban design than would strict compliance with otherwise applicable off-street parking standards. The applicant has stated there are six (6) spaces under the filling canopy that could be counted towards parking considering many of the convenience store patronswill also fill their cartipor could use one of those spaces for parking. The City does not count these six spaces towards the off-street parking. With this being said,. the applicant requests 1-1Al2C count two of the canopy spaces towards the total off-street parking number, resulting in the property meeting the parking requirement without having to place a stall in front of the dumpster and at the southwest comer of the property; both of which arenot preferred locations for parking from either the City or applicant_ The applicant has been working with City staff on updating driveways as well as curbs and gutters to better tie into 18.. Street. Portions of these improvements are located onsite and require 1-1Al2C approval. Currently, there is no curb and gutter but rather one continuous concrete approach onto the property which poses a threat to patrons on site. The applicant, with the aid of the City's Development Engineer, has proposed a layout that will suffice for engineering and transportation standards. Mahogany Sunders is currently going through site plan review with the City and awaits 13A72C's final decision before moving forward and finalizing those details_ All other required permits will be obtained prior to commencement of the project. Applicant who is representing the property, 1gillary "or" Butch Canyon stated that he wants to take the old structure and make it look new, while keeping the Old Town feel. Canyon states that it will be an asset to add parking spaces to the site. Board discussed the following five (5) items: 1) A 383 foot expansion to the north of the existing building. 4 2) New Facade and paint colors_ 3) Site layout, including a new enclosed dumpster area. 4) Refacing the pole sign and filling canopy. 5) Alternative parking agreement allowing two spaces. under the filling canopy to be counted towards the off-street parking count. Rapp stated that she was having a hard time getting a feel for the depth of the 383 foot expansion_ Canyon -stated that be was adding 11 feet to the end of the building. Rapp asked how close this: will put the building from the curb. Canyon stated that be would be about 5 feet from the curb. Blankenship stated the signage does not coordinate with the building colors_ Blankenship asked if red could be incorporated to go with the building. Canyon did think it would be an issue. Blankenship suggested making the very top line of the sign red, the "Metro Mart" black, and leave the existing orange. Canyon stated that he had no problem making the changes. Firth asked if the dumpster structure would be stucco and if there will be a gate around it. Canyon stated it would be stucco and there would be a raatural colored wooden gate. The stucco color would be painted same as the Metro Mart. Rapp asked if the color around the design on the canopy was grey. Canyon stated it was black. The only grey is on the poles. Firth stated that the poles should match the black on the. canopy. Rapp asked if the spaces underneath the canopy would be used towards the required six (6) parking spaces if the applicant chooses to utilize it as parking space_ Wyler. stated it will not count towards the six (6)_ Rapp opened the Public Hearing at 6:45. No one came forward to speak. Rapp closed the Public Hearing_ at 6:46. Motion by Wahrerlbrock to approve the 383sq ft expansion to the north side of the building with the condition that the light be retained under the canopy. Second by Schrum. Approved 5 - O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Herriott, Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbroock approved; lie -riot and Paul absent.) 1VIotion by Firth to table item regarding the new facade and paint colors to come up with other options. Second by Blankenship. Approved 4 - 1. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Wahreribrock approved; Schrum opposed; Herriott Paul absent) Motion by Rapp to approve the site layout for the dumpster area. SQCUnd by Blankenship. Approved 5 - O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Herriott, Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; 5 Herriot. acid Paul absent.) Motion amended_ Motion. by Rapp to approve the amendment. Second by Wahrenbrock. Approved 5 — O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, I3erriott, Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; Herriot and Paul absent.) Motion by Rapp to approve the original motion while adding that the applicant work with Staff regarding the fence. Second by Blankenship_ Approved 5 — O. (Rapp, Blankenship, -Firth, Herriott, Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; Her -riot and Paul absent.) Motion by Firth to approve the parking under the canopy with addition to painting the poles to match the sign. Second by Blankenship. Approved 4 — 1. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Wahrenbrock approved; Schrum opposed; Herriott haul absent_) Motion amended_ 'Motion by Blankenship to change the color of the poles to black if it fits into Texaco's corporate signage_ Second by Wahrenbrock. Approved 4 — 1. (Rapp, Blankennship, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; Firth opposed; Herriott Paul absent.) Motion by Blankenship to approve the parking agreement allowing two spaces under the Canopy_ Second by Rapp. Approved 5 — O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Herriott, Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; Herriot and Paul absent.) 4. Public hearing and possible action on a Certificate of Design Compliance for the partial demolition of a detached garage in Snyder Addition, Block 42 (tipt), located at 1502 Olive Street. (CDC-2011-024) Wyler presented :staff report_ The applicant seeks Certificate of Design Compliance approval to remove two sliding wooden doors as part of a renovation project to the historic detached garage. The applicant states that her intentions are to repair and reuse the existing garage that has fallen into disrepair. 'The property is listed as a Low -Priority Historic Structure according to the Georgetown Historic Resources survey. The applicant states the original garage was expanded sometime after 19.36 to its current configuration, minus the addition of the street -facing window whereone of the two subject doors has already been removed. The overall project includes removing the two doors and keeping one half open for a carport_ The picture above shows the project underway with one of the doors removed and a wall with window installed. The applicant will place metal siding along all sides of the garage, over the existing wood which is severely weathered and will proceed with completing other maintenance items to the structure to ensure it is safe for use. Per UaC standards, the applicant needs only to request CDC approval from HARC for the removal of the two wooden doors facing 150, Street_ The remainder of the project, including the siding. mentioned above, can be permitted without special .approval From the Commission and is not part of this application. Firth stated that the and is in bad shape. applicant has proved that the doors Were not original to the structure 6 Rapp opened Public Hearing at. 7:03. No one came forward to speak. Rapp closed the Public Hearing at 7:04. Motion by Firth to approve the CDC as presented_ Second by Schrum. Approved 5 - O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Herriott, Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; Her -riot and. Paul absent.) 5_ Public hearing and possible action on a Certificate of Design Compliance for exterior changes including a new alley door and the removal of brick. at City of Georgetown, Block 50, Lot 8 (w/pt), located at 212 W. 8.. Street. (CDC-2011-025) Wyler presented staff report_ The applicant seeks Certificate of Design Compliance approval to replace a damaged, inoperable door on the backside of the building leading to a rear alley_ This request is part of a larger project that includes interior renovations. to the building. Due to prior construction improvements to the alley, the existing door cut is now below the grade of a concrete patio, resulting in the door being allowed to swing only inward, creating a safety hazard. As a public health and safety issue, this door, in its current configuration, cannot be used as an additional fire exit. The applicant would like to raise the door cut to where the door could swing outward, taking away any safety concerns and replacing the aged, unoriginal door with a flush metal door, like seen next door. This will require approximately 12 inches of brick above the current door to be removed for the new door cut_ Applicant agent, and builder,Tim Todd, stated that the door is not useable. The new proposed door will be a fire door. Theentire wall is masonry and there is no wood structure at all. Todd stated that there was originally a glass insert in the door at one time and was eventually replaced with plywood. Motion by Blankenship to approve the CDC as presented. Second by VVahrertbrock. Approved 5 - O. (Rapp, Blankenship., Firth, 1erriott Paul, Schrum, Wahrenbrock approved; Herriot and Paul absent.) 6. Public Hearing and possible action on a Certificate of Design Compliance for the addition of a landscape fence to the southeast portion of the property at City of Georgetown, Block 28, Lots 1 - 8, also known as the Monument Cafe and Market, located at 500 S_ Austin Avenue. (CDC-2011-026). Wyler presented staff report. The applicant seeks Certificate of Design Compliance approval to install a four foot metal ornamental landscape fence, painted black. at the southeast corner of the property. The fence will be directly in front of the blergartert where a future orchard is proposed and around a recently planted grassy area as shown on the provided site layout. The same style of ornamental fencing was recently approved around the urban garden located at the northwest corner of the property. Motion by Firth to .approve the CDC as presented. Second by Schrum_ Approved 5 - O. (Rapp, Blankenship, Firth, Herriott, Paul, Schrum, Walhrenbrock approved; Herriot and Paul absent.) 7 7. Discussion and possible action in regards to support acid/or feedback yri the topic of the possible conversion of the current police station into the arts center as requested by Commissioner Blankenship. Eric 1-ashly, Director of the Georgetown Public Library, spoke on behalf of the City's Arts and Culture Board. The Board has made a recommendation to create a visual arts center downtown. The primary focus is on the police station and will be available in 2014. Jayne ?? believes that the police station is a unique building and can become an anchor to the square. There is a low to no cost solution to this idea that only requires the support of the community. Wyler stated that staff would work with fIA12C to come up with a letter of support to move forward with this idea prior to 2014. 8_ Discussion and reminder that there will be a Sign Subcommittee meeting taking place on August 10, 2011 and that the next regular 13Al2C meeting and possible Sign Subcommittee meeting will take place on September 14, 201.1 _ 9. Adjournment_ Rapp adjourned the meeting at 7:48 p.m. Appv r6 Yy i ed, Dee a p, Chair 8