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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 Historic District Commission MinutesCITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 5, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Members Present: Philip Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans, & Kara Wood. Members Absent: None. Staff Present: Bill Rieske. Others Present: Jon Brechtelschaur, Ron Staley, and Chad Teeples, of The Christman Co. Brian Anderson, of the Lansing Economic Development Corporation. Robert Christensen, of the State Historic Preservation Office. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Toschach, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the agenda as printed. 3. COMMUNICATIONS None. 4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) A. 217 E. Ottawa Street, Ottawa Street Station Historic District 1. Public Hearing. Mr. Rieske introduced the case and the purpose of the public hearing. This is public hearing is intended to cover all aspects of the project, and all related permits. He introduced the Christman team of Ron Staley, Jon Brechtelschaur, and Chad Teeples. Mr. Staley, et al, discussed the project with several presentation boards and a PowerPoint presentation. He said that the project is being constructed for 50-year useful life. The parapet was removed under a permit prior to the establishment of the district, and its replacement is scheduled for April 2009. Mr. Staley discussed the unforseen problems and steps to correct them. Wall elevations will be reconstructed between April and November, 2009. Window replacement is scheduled for April -December, 2009. The parking structure and the chiller towers are scheduled to be removed by August and October 2009, respectively. Project completion is scheduled for late 2010 or early 2011. Mr. Rieske said that this public hearing is to cover all aspects of the project and all permit items. The Commission will receive periodic updates during the course of the project, and will be asked to consider the approval of permits when required, without additional public hearings. No member of the public offered any comment. Mr. Mondro closed the public hearing. Historic District Commission, .—lutes — January 5, 2009 Page 2 The Commission, by consensus, decided to postpone action until a future meeting (e.g. February 2, 2009). 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 7. PRESENTATIONS — None. 8. BUSINESS SECTION A. Downtown National Register Nomination. This nomination is submitted to the HDC for review prior to consideration by the State Historic Preservation Review Board on January 16. The nomination was funded by the Lansing EDC and the SHPO through a CLG grant to the EDC. Commission members and staff did receive periodic verbal updates, but not earlier drafts of the report. Mr. Rieske said he had not completed his review of the report, and listed some preliminary comments, including: • The report makes no distinction between "significant" and merely "contributing" buildings • The inclusion of the City Club and 217-221 in the report, despite that the buildings are slated for demolition. • There are 15 pages of photos, but some buildings are not depicted with photos (even in streetscape views). Some streetscapes are obscured by cars and trees. • Photos are not labeled and do not appear in the order of the text. • In some cases, the relation of the text and the photos could be improved. Many photos reflect current appearance and the business signs of current users. Listing the current users in the text improves connection between the text and the photos. Commission comments included: • The Squire Havens House (City Club building) should be included in the report, but is mentioned several times, rather than once or twice. • Several pages (pp. 7-23 thru 7-25) are missing from Section 7. • Some of the wording in the text (e.g. "carnage") may be too extreme and reflect a negative connotation. Mr. Christensen addressed the above concerns: • The Squire Havens house is a residential structure in a commercial district, and is thus somewhat of an anomaly. It also has significance in the areas of architecture and commerce, and deserves mention in each of those areas. • He will e-mail copies of the text with the missing pages. • The report has more detail than many multi -property nomination reports. More photographic documentation is available, but a photographic inventory is not required for the report. Many of the properties within the district have been the subject of several studies. Mr. Anderson stated that approval of the report is time -sensitive, as it helps multiple property owners receive rehab tax credits. Commission members decided to schedule a special meeting for 5:30 Mondav, January 12, to complete its review. Mr. Mondro and Mr. Rieske will arrange for food. Mr. Christensen and Mr. Rieske will meet later in the week to discuss the report in greater detail. Historic District Commission, ,,.,Mutes — January 5, 2009 B. Minutes for approval — None submitted. C. New Business 1. 2009 Meeting Schedule. It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Wood, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the schedule as printed. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. C. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures D. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. E. Neighborhood Pattern Book. Page 3 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Mondro noted the need to address appointments due to the shortage of members and the possibility of term expirations. Ms. Toshach suggested that some downtown business/property owners should be considered for membership. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:50 p.m., it was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Wood, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to adjourn. Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, February 2, 2009, in the PND Conference Room P:\PLANNING OFFICE Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2009\Minutes'HDC Minutes 090105.doc CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission - Executive Committee 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, January 12, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 Minutes 1. CALL TO ORDER Members Present: Philip Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans. Members Absent: Kara Wood (excused). Staff Present: Bill Rieske. Others Present: Robert Christensen, of the State Historic Preservation Office. 2. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 3. DOWNTOWN NATIONAL REGISTER NOMINATION. Commission members, staff, and Mr. Christensen continued the January 5 discussion of this document. Mr. Christensen discussed further research on the history of the building at 217-221 S. Grand (immediately south of the former City Club site). The earliest directory containing relevant data is 1918. The property was the site of G.E. Lawrence & Sons, along with another business on the first floor. The Lawrence Apartments occupied the second floor. Mr. Christensen said he was open to suggestions to improving the document. Several suggestions were made to make the document more convenient to readers, including: • A key or table of contents in the beginning to assist with locating certain buildings. • Adding the street name after each address to help readers find properties more quickly and easily. • Adding the current business names (as reflected in the photos) to the property descriptions. • Discussing properties in alphabetical order by street name. • Grouping properties by street but according to which side of the street they are located on. • Widening the margins to 1" on both sides, so the report can be printed on both sides of the paper, and be 3-hole punched for insertion into a binder. Several Commission members also had wordsmithing comments, and Mr. Rieske forwarded Kara Wood's written comments to Mr. Christensen. Committee Action: The Committee agreed by consensus to approve the Lansing Downtown National Register Historic District nomination, subject to final editing by Mr. Christensen. 4. OTHER BUSINESS — Mr. Rieske distributed information about National Preservation Awards through the National Trust. A short discussion ensued, and it was agreed that these awards pertained to leadership in historic preservation, and that no local projects would be likely candidates for the awards. 5. ADJOURNMENT — At 6:30 p.m., the meeting was adjourned by consensus. Next regular HDC meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, February 2, 2009, in the PND Conference Room PAPLANNING OFFICE\Historie District Cmsn\I-IDC 2009Winutes\HDC Minutes 090112.doc CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission — Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 MINUTES 1. CALL TO ORDER Members Present: Philip Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans Members Absent: Cassandra Nelson, Kara Wood Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Lansing Planning Office Others Present: John McAllister, Lansing Development Offce Robert Christensen, State Historic Preservation Office 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — Approved by consensus 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 7. PRESENTATIONS — None. 8. BUSINESS SECTION A. 1610 Davis — Review of Rehab Specifications. This is a review of the specifications of a rehab job using Federal funds from the Community Development Block Grant and Lead -Safe Lansing programs. Mr. McAllister introduced the specifications. The house is a bungalow style, built in 1909 as a single-family structure. It was subsequently converted to 2-family. The proposal converts the building back to single-family, and involves the removal of the second unit and associated stairway. The proposal includes: • Scrap and paint the exterior walls. • Complete lead paint remediation. • Install sashpack wood windows — same design as existing. • The guardrail on front stairway should match that of the front porch, subject to Building Code, provided a variance is available for railing height.) • Install pot roof vent to the rear of the house, plus four knee -wall vents. • Install gutters as needed. • Remove of boxing around the original columns. • Install a full view screen on front door, with divisions to match those of the door window. The applicants were not present at the meeting, but must approve the specifications before work can begin. I The committee by consensus approved the proposal for 1610 Davis as stated above. B. Minutes for approval - January 5, 2009, January 12, 2009. No action taken. C. New Business — None. 9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. C. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures. D. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. E. Neighborhood Pattern Book. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m. Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, March 2, 2009, in the PND Conference Room RTLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2009\Minutes\HDC Minutes 090202.doc 2 Historic District Commission Ivi..., tes March 2, 2009 Page 1 of 2 1 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission — Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Members Present: Philip Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans, Kara Wood Excused Absences: Cassandra Nelson Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Lansing Planning Office Others Present: Gene Townsend Robert Christensen, State HistoricPreservation Office APPROVAL OF AGENDA — The agenda was approved by consensus. COMMUNICATIONS — None. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None. STAFF COMMENTS - None. PRESENTATIONS — None. BUSINESS SECTION A. Committee Reports — None. B. Minutes for approval - January 5, 2009, January 12, 2009, February 2, 2009 meetings. No action taken. C. New Business — Discussion of rehab specifications for the Michigan School for the Blind (MSB) Superintendent's House, W. side of N. Pine near W. Willow. The School for the Blind Historic District proposal is at a standstill, however Mr. Townsend wished to consult with the HDC on the rehabilitation of the Superintendent's House in the northeast quadrant of the site. Mr. Townsend provided background on the overall School for the Blind (MSB) development. He noted that the number of actors involved in developing various aspects of the site has made the development of an overall land plan difficult. (The MSB grounds would be considered a historic resource if the property were designated as a historic district.) On the east end, there are 45 senior housing units planned for "The Abigail". At the west end, 47 site condo units are planned, primarily oriented toward the Historic District Commission Iv _,.tes March 2, 2009 Page 2 of 2 interior, with mixed use buildings facing Willow and single family units on Princeton. There could be 14-15 attached condo units near the corner of Pine and Willow. The Superintendent's House was last used as state offices. Plans are to reuse the building for offices. A rezoning to "D-1" Professional Office District would be required. The Attic would be finished storage, although tenants may also need space in the Library building. About 8-9 parking spaces would be provided, with three angle spaces on the main drive. A low spot in the front yard of the overall site could be used for a pond, perhaps with a fountain and walking path. The barrier -free ramp would be moved to the north side of the site. The white woodwork of quarter -sawn oak would be repainted. Mr. Townsend stated that window replacement is the preferable option due to lower life -cycle costs. Replacement windows would be aluminum clad, with mullions with a similar appearance as the original. A discussion ensued about the windows, that perhaps they could be reused or recycled, although there may be lead paint issues. The existing garage would be demolished — it is not needed and it clutters up the land plan. Commission members offered these comments: • Mr. Townsend may want to consult Dave Votta in the CADL local history room and Mark Harvey of the State Archives, which may have as -built plans of the building in the Leavenworth Collection. • The location of parking relative to the buildings may be an issue if Historic Tax Credits may be used. • Since the grounds are considered a historic resource, it would be advisable to cover the overall land plan with Robb McKay and Brian Lejewski of the State Historic Preservation Office. 9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. C. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures. D. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. E. Neighborhood Pattern Book. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:38 p.m. Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, April 6, 2009, in the PND Conference Room PAPLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2009\Minutes\HDC Minutes 090302 Exec. Cmle.doc Historic District Commission M... ates May 4, 2009 0 3 0 CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 4, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Members Present: Members Absent Staff Present: Others Present: APPROVAL OF AGENDA Page 1 Philip Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans Cassandra Nelson, Kara Wood None Susan Stachowiak, Lansing Planning Office Jeff Riley, Owner of 509 Cherry Street Ms. Toshach made a motion, seconded by Ms. Nelson to approve the agenda as printed. On a voice vote (5-0), the motion carried unanimously. COMMUNICATIONS — None. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) A. HDC-1-09, 509 Cherry Street, Window Replacement Jeff Riley, owner of 509 Cherry Street, showed the board members a model of the windows that he is proposing. He said that they are double pane, double hung windows with insulated glass and screens and although the materials are different, the windows will match the windows that are currently in the house. Ms. Toshach stated that the preferred standard is to replace the windows with like materials if the original windows are not restorable. Mr. Riley stated that he would like to have energy efficient windows and cannot accomplish that with what is currently in the house. He said that he will retain the size of the window openings and the sash and glass dimensions. Mr. Riley said that there are 19 windows in the house and he went through the photos that he provided. Ms. Toshach said that the original wood frames may be under the vinyl siding. She said that it would be important to find out what the original Historic District Commission Mates May 4, 2009 Page 2 frames look like as removing the vinyl siding and renovating the exterior might make the building more valuable. Ms. Winans said that the main Library on S. Capitol Avenue has photos in the lower level. Mr. Riley said that the project is already costing more than the building is worth. He stated that the siding will be the next phase of the project. He said that the windows need immediate attention and that is why they are getting done before the siding. Mr. Riley said that he hasn't applied for tax credits yet and is not even sure if the windows would qualify. Ms. Toshach said that she would prefer to see the existing wood windows restored. She said that she is windows that are similar to what Mr. Riley is proposing and they are already leaking. Ms. Toshach said that she would like to hear what Mr. Lijewski from the State Historic Preservation Office has to say before the HDC acts on this case. Ms. Winans said that she would like to know more about the original window surrounds under the vinyl. She also said that she would like to know more about the original wood windows because replacing them would make a complete restoration of the house at some time in the future a lot more difficult. Ms. Nelson recommended that Mr. Riley contact David Votta who is the local history restoration librarian at the Capital Area District Library to see if there are any pictures of the original house. Mr. Mondro said that Mr. Riley should try to find photos as recommended by Ms. Nelson, allow the board members to view the window surrounds under the vinyl siding and provide documentation to show that the wood windows cannot be reasonably restored. Mr. Riley said that he would have appreciated knowing that this information was necessary before tonight. Mr. Mondro said that there needs to be an application and list of items that need to be addressed before coming to a board meeting. He also said that he would be open to a special meeting to address this case. Mr. Mondro opened the public hearing at 6:40. Seeing no one wishing to comments, the public hearing was closed at 6:41. HDC-1-09 was tabled. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS — None. Historic District Commission Ni�.,ates May 4, 2009 Page 3 7. PRESENTATIONS — None. 8. BUSINESS SECTION B. Minutes for approval - January 5, 2009, January 12, 2009. No action taken. C. New Business — None. 9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. C. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures. D. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. E. Neighborhood Pattern Book. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS A. Ms. Toshach asked that the first Governor's residence be placed on the next meeting agenda. She said that the building is located on W. Main Street. It was being used as a day care center and is now boarded up. B. Ms. Wood asked for an update on the status of the downtown district at the next meeting. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting adjourned at 6:46 p.m. Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, June 1, 2009, in the PND Conference Room Historic District Commission i%..nutes July 13, 2009 CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 13, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER Page Members Present: Philip Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans Cassandra Nelson, Kara Wood Members Absent: None Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Lansing Planning Office Others Present: Chad Teeples & John Brechtelsbauer, of the Christman Company; Lis Knibbe, of Quinn -Evans Architects 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Ms. Wood made a motion, seconded by Ms. Toshach to approve the agenda as printed. On a voice vote (5-0), the motion carried unanimously. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. COMMUNICATIONS — None. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) - None. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. STAFF COMMENTS — None. PRESENTATIONS — None. BUSINESS SECTION A. Committee Reports — None. B. Minutes for approval - January 5, 2009, January 12, 2009 (Exec. Cmte.), February 2, 2009 (Exec. Cmte.), March 2, 2009 (Exec. Cmte.), and May 4, 2009 meetings. It was move by Ms. Toschach, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0) to approve the minutes to each of these meetings. C. Old Business — HDC-4-08, Accident Fund/Power Station project. TABLED. Mr. Teeples, Mr. Brectelsbauer, and Ms. Knibbe briefed the Commission on the status of the building rehabilitation, including the following points. • The parapet wall is completed on the east side. Brick repointing is completed on the gtn floor and up. • Old windows had leaded glass and are removed. A mockup of the new windows is visible on the east side of the building. These are huge double pane windows with high iron glass. The frame color is Bennington Gray, which matches the original color. The seventh floor is set, and the eighth and ninth floors are scheduled for August installation. Historic District Commission ...,iutes July 13, 2009 Page 2 • The building does have lightning protection. Ms. Toshach inquired about the status of the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA). Mr. Rieske said that the project was assigned a case number (HDC-4-08), a duly noticed public hearing was held on the project, Christman has made several presentations to the Commission, but no HDC action has taken place. Ms. Toshach suggested that: • the HDC receive a COA application for consideration at its next meeting, • if possible, the signage be included in that application, • the matter be tabled pending receipt of this information. D. New Business — Discussion of historic properties in floodplains. TABLED. 9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. C. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures. D. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. E. Neighborhood Pattern Book. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Comments included: • Ms. Wood noted that there may be a prospective member, Kelly Larson, who may be interested in serving on the Commission. • Ms. Winans suggested going before City Council plugging the benefits of historic districts, and moving historic preservation forward to other areas of the City. • Mr. Mondro suggested beefing up efforts to revitalize the Cherry Hill District, or eliminate that historic district altogether. • Commission members expressed dismay at the demolition of the City Club, especially in these times of uncertain markets. • Commission members requested more formality in the approval procedures, perhaps with a checklist for the Certificate of Appropriateness application. • Commission members noted that they had received letters regarding the Design Lansing Workshops in a Box. Mr. Rieske said he would talk with Mr. Kibby and Ms. Koskinen about scheduling one after the next meeting. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, September 14, 2009, in the PND Conference Room Historic District Commission iv.,nutes August 10, 2009 Page CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission Executive Committee 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 MINUTES CALL TO ORDER — Chairman Mondro opened the meeting at 5:42 p.m. Members Present: Philip Mondro, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans, and Cassandra Nelson. Members Absent: Kara Wood Staff Present: Bill Rieske, Lansing Planning Office Others Present: Chad Teeples of the Christman Company; Lis Knibbe, of Quinn -Evans Architects; Yip Tan, owner of 216 E. Hillsdale; and Penny Strang, President of the Cherry Hill Neighborhood Association 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA It was moved by Ms.Toshach, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (4- 0). Absent a quorum, the Commission met in Executive Committee. 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) a. HDC-2-09, 216 E. Hillsdale Street, Cherry Hill Historic District Public hearing. Mr. Tan, owner of 216 E. Hillsdale, stated that subject roof is the flat roof on the east side of house. Essentially, the heat in the upstairs apartment upstairs was at a reduced level over the winter because the apartment was vacant. The pipes leaked, and the water damage was noticed by Lansing Code Compliance staff, who alerted him about the problem. He proceeded to fix the plumbing leak, which was the cause of the problem, as well as the resultant water damage to the roof. The repairs included work on the structural members of the roof, and a building permit was required. Mr. Tan applied for the building permit to get a final inspection on the repairs. Overall, the house has a black roof, with a patch of gray shingling on the gambrel roof on the east side of the house. The subject flat roof is adjacent to both black and gray roofing materials, and was finished with gray rolled roofing. He also has plans to hire Applegate to insulate the house. Ms. Strang spoke in support of the project, because it protects a resource in the district and in the neighborhood Seeing no one wishing to comment, Mr. Mondro closed the public hearing. Historic District Commission i.,lutes August 10, 2009 Page 2 Mr. Rieske had distributed pictures of the roof on the north side of the house, under the erroneous understanding that the front porch roof was the one in question. One picture depicted the subject roof. He noted that that the special HDC meeting was scheduled to be responsive to Mr. Tan's building permit application. The permit was applied for on July 23, 2009, and he received it the next day. Since the work is already completed, postponing the decision until the next meeting would give HDC members a chance to look at the subject roof and receive better information. Mr. Tan stated that delaying a decision would cause him hardship, and he needs to get the apartment rented. Committee Action. It was moved by Ms. Winans, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED (3-0), Ms Toshach abstaining, that the Executive Committee approve the application based on the extraordinary facts of the case: 1. the work was performed on an emergency basis, 2. the cause of the water damage has been corrected, 3. the work corrected the effects of the water damage, and 4. the water damage is not expected to recur in the near future. Ms. Toshach stated that this approval is limited to the roof repair only. Mr. Rieske stated that based on this action, he will sign the building permit for the roof repair. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS — None. 7. PRESENTATIONS — None. 8. BUSINESS SECTION A. Committee Reports — None. B. Minutes for approval — July 13, 2009. No action taken. C. Old Business — HDC-4-08, Accident Fund/Power Station project. Referring to his memo dated August 7, 2009, Mr. Rieske reported the conclusion: • The Power Station exterior walls constitute the boundaries of the local district • The permits pertaining to the exterior of the building were issued prior to the establishment of the district last November. • Those permits which have been issued since the establishment of the district pertain either a new office building outside the district or to mechanical work in the interior of the building. Ms. Toshach inquired about those parts of the new building that connect to the historic building. Mr. Teeples reported that the permit for the new building (132009-337) is for the foundation only. The permit for the building is still under review. Ms. Toshach stated that the HDC needs to approve that permit, as it affects the exterior of the original building. Historic District Commission ivi.nutes August 10, 2009 Page Ms. Knibbe reviewed the application for the Certificate of Appropriateness, specifically which items are in the COA application were covered in the materials previously given to the Commission. A brief discussion ensued about the exterior signage. No sign permits have been applied for as yet. No action was taken. D. New Business — Discussion of historic properties in floodplains. TABLED. 9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. Michigan School for the Blind Historic District. C. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures. D. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. E. Neighborhood Pattern Book. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS Mr. Mondro asked Ms. Strang what should be done to improve the Cherry Hill historic district. She replied that: • The neighborhood sign on Grand Avenue needs repainting and possible relocation. • The park pavilion needs paint and repair. • The broken park signage should be fixed or upgraded. • The neighborhood could use street sign toppers to identify the neighborhood. • Improved lighting would help with safety/security. Ms. Strang asked what the procedure is for delisting a historic resource. Commission members said that the delisting process is similar to the process to establish a district. A brief discussion ensued. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS — None. 12. ADJOURNMENT — The meeting was adjourned at 6:58 p.m. Next regular meeting - 5:30 PM, Monday, September 14, 2009, in the PND Conference Room CITY OF LANSING Historic District Commission 5:30-7:00 p.m. Monday, October 5, 2009 Planning & Neighborhood Development Conference Room 316 North Capitol Avenue, Suite C3 MINUTES �.m��rz•1:�:� A. Members Present: Philip Mondro, Cassandra Nelson, Mary Toshach, Nathalie Winans, and Kara Wood. B. Members Absent: None. C. Others Present: Jon Brechtelsbauer, Anthony Pecchio, Ron Staley, Chad Teeples, all of The Christman Company. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA — It was moved by Ms. Wood, Seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the agenda as presented. 3. COMMUNICATIONS — None. 4. HEARINGS (ADVERTISED) — None. 5. PUBLIC COMMENTS — None. 6. STAFF COMMENTS — None. PRESENTATIONS — None BUSINESS SECTION A. Minutes for approval It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the July 13, 2009 minutes as presented. It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Winans, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to approve the August 10, 2009 minutes as presented. B. Old Business HDC-4-08, Accident Fund/Power Station project The Ottawa Street Station Historic District was established on November 6, 2008, subsequent to the beginning of the project and the applicant's original building permit. The project was the subject of a public hearing held before the Commission on January 5, 2009, at which no member of the public spoke, and no action was taken. The applicant, represented by the Christman Company, has appeared before the Commission several times during the course of the proposal to provide information and clarification. Christman staff briefly reintroduced the project, referring to materials submitted thus far (including plans distributed on CDs) and discussions that have taken place to date. The meeting was then moved to the Power Station for a site visit. The Commission used the tour as an opportunity to make a visual inspection of the building, and get answers to any questions . The Commission's review included all aspects of the Power Station restoration/rehabilitation, and was limited to the boundaries of the Ottawa Street Station Historic District. The signage proposed for the building was not included in its review, and will need to be considered at a later date. The Commission returned with City and Christman staff to its original meeting location (316 N. Capitol) upon the completion of the tour. Finding: Based on its review of the project, including the site plans, previous presentations to the Commission, and the site visit, the Commission found that the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (as listed in 36 CFR Part 67) are being applied to project in a reasonable manner, taking into consideration economic and technical feasibility. These Standards are listed below: 1. A property will be used as it was historically or be given a new use that requires minimal change of its distinctive materials, features, spaces, and spatial relationships. 2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided. 3. Each property will be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or elements from other historic properties, will not be undertaken. 4. Changes to a property that have acquired historic significance in their own right will be retained and preserved. 5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features will be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature will match the old in design, color, texture, and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features will be substantiated by documentary and physical evidence. 7. Chemical ro physical treatments, if appropriate, will be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. Treatments that cause damage to historic materials will not be used. 8. Archaeological resources will be protected and preserved in place. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures will be undertaken. 9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction will not destroy historic materials, features, and spatial relationships that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the historic materials, features, size, scale and proportion, and massing to protect the integrity of the property and its environment. 10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction will be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. Commission Action: It was moved by Ms. Wood, seconded by Ms. Nelson, and CARRIED (5-0) that the Commission approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the project as presented. C. Other Business — None. 9. PENDING ITEMS: FUTURE ACTION REQUIRED A. Discussion of potential policy regarding the designation of single resource properties that have already pulled building permits for renovation. B. HDC Guidelines and Review Procedures. C. Neighborhood Pattern Book. D. HDC-1-09, 509 Cherry Street, Riley Real Estate, Window Replacement. E. Discussion of historic properties in floodplains F. Historic preservation planning and its relationship to the Master Plan Project. 10. COMMISSION MEMBER COMMENTS — None. 11. COMMISSION MEMBER PRESERVATION RECOGNITIONS 12. ADJOURNMENT — It was moved by Ms. Toshach, seconded by Ms. Winans, and CARRIED unanimously (5-0), to adjourn the meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 6:59 p.m. P:\PLANNING OFFICE\Historic District Cmsn\HDC 2009\Minutes\HDC Minutes 091005 DRAFT.doc