HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes_HARC_09.24.2015Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 1 of 3
Meeting: September 24, 2015
City of Georgetown, Texas
Historic and Architectural Review Commission
Minutes
Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 6:00 p.m.
Council and Courts Building
101 E. 7th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
Members present: Lee Bain, Chair; Nancy Knight, Vice-Chair; Justin Bohls; Jennifer Brown; Shawn Hood
and Richard Mee.
Commissioners in Training present: Lawrence Romero; and Patty Eason
Commissioners absent: CIT, Jan Daum
Staff present: Matt Synatschk, Historic Planner; Andreina Davila, Project Coordinator; Sofia Nelson,
Planning Director; Shelley Hargrove, Main Street Manager and Karen Frost, Recording Secretary.
A. Call to Order by Chair Bain at 6:00 p.m. with the reading of the order of business to be conducted.
Chair reported that Commissioner Mary Jo Winder had resigned, she was moving out of the state,
and that the commission would only have six members voting during this meeting.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Review and possible approval of the minutes of the August 27, 2015 regular meeting.
Motion by Knight to approve the minutes as presented. Second by Hood. Approved 6 – 0.
C. Public Hearing and possible action on a request for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for infill
construction at 501 South Austin Avenue, bearing the legal description of City of Georgetown, Block
27, Lots 1-8, 1.3104 acres. This item was continued from the August 27, 2015 meeting.
Synatschk presented the staff report explaining that this project was continued so the applicant could
provide more details for the commission to consider. Those material samples were presented and
included the stucco, the brick, the limestone and a window. A picture of the new railings and light
fixtures was also presented.
Bobby Choi explained that his father had given the commission different options at the last meeting
in deference to the commission. He explained that his father would not put the original Tamiro Plaza
I or other downtown buildings at risk by designing something that was inappropriate. Phil Dupree
also spoke as a friend of the Choi’s and described what an extraordinary contribution to the
downtown this was going to be.
Mr. Choi showed the samples that were brought explaining that the commissioners had asked for
brick on the second floor and he was providing a combination of steel gray brick and stucco. Red
brick would be used on the first floor. He showed how the stucco and brick on the upper levels
formed interlocking “U’s” that would mimic those on the first Tamiro building. He showed
examples of the wrought iron railings, metal canopies and window samples. He explained how the
wall and hanging sconces complimented the design.
Commissioners asked questions. Mee and Knight went on record to express concerns about the
parking situation for this project even though the commission would not review that portion of the
site. Synatschk explained that the Transportation Department would review that part of the site plan.
Chair Bain opened a Public Hearing for those that wished to speak:
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 2 of 3
Meeting: September 24, 2015
Jeff Parker of 30406 Berry Creek Drive spoke in favor of this project and what it could mean for the
downtown area. He feels that this project meets all the city codes, the 2030 Comprehensive Plan, the
Design Guidelines, and the Unified Development Code and helps the downtown area meet the goal
of becoming a signature destination.
Larry Brundbridge of ______ complained about the height of the building and stated he felt the
fourth floor was too plain. He asked the commission to request a revised fourth floor, one that would
be more compatible with the “well-designed” other floors.
Commissioners asked and Synatschk responded that the underlying zoning district of RS-Residential
Single-family height restriction is 35 feet, and the Overlay District of MU-DT, Mixed Use Downtown
has a maximum height limit of 40 feet. This project will exceed that and the applicant can ask for a
10% variance, up to 44 feet maximum height, as an administratively reviewed exception.
Chair Bain closed the Public Hearing.
Motion by Mee to approve the amended application for CDC-2015-025 as submitted for this
review. Second by Hood.
Discussion: Knight expressed concern with the density of the project. She understands the design
complies with the guidelines, but opinions are different and she feels there are flaws in the design,
namely the west facing windows and the parking areas. Hood stated he feels this project will be an
asset to the downtown and appreciates Mr. Choi coming back with his project.
Chair Bain called the vote. Motion approved 6 – 0.
D. Consideration and action to appoint Commissioner Richard Mee to the HARC Historic Resource
Survey Subcommittee. This item was pulled in its entirety and will be brought back at a later date when
more information is available.
E. Questions and comments from Commissioners in Training – no comments
F. Staff updates and reminder of upcoming meetings related to HARC
Historic Resource Survey, the contract is being finalized and an update will be given to City Council.
Grace Heritage Center, the contractor is working on the structure evaluation and the results will be
taken to the City Council Workshop on October 12th for direction.
Downtown West, this project went to City Council on Tuesday of this week and they recommended
changes. Those will be made and taken back at a later date.
Parking Study
National Register project, this project is at the State Board level for review, then will be forwarded to
the National Parks Service.
Future HARC Meetings
Demolition Subcommittee - October 12th @ 4:00 and October 22nd @ 4:00 will not be held, no
applications.
HARC Regular Meeting - October 22nd @ 6:00, will be held.
Other Downtown related events:
September 21st - 3rd Monday Main Street Lunch @ 11:30 (Burger U)
October 12th - Downtown Lowdown @ 8:30 (Roots Bistro)
Historic and Architectural Review Commission Page 3 of 3
Meeting: September 24, 2015
G. Adjournment
Motion by Knight to adjourn, second by Hood. The meeting was adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
________________________________ _______________________________
Approved, Lee Bain, Chair Attest, Richard Mee