HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-12-2015 Historic Preservation CommissionIowa City Historic Preservation Commission
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IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, March 12, 2015
City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street
Emma J. Harvat Hall
5:30 p.m.
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) Discussion of Historic Preservation Plan priorities and annual work program.
E) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
F) Consideration of Minutes for February 12, 2015
G) Historic Preservation Information
H) Adjournment
��o�r p CITY OF IOWA CITYMEMORANDUM
Date: March 6, 2015
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Bob Miklo
Re: Work Program
At the February 12 meeting the Commission established a subcommittee to formulate a work
program based on the Goals and Objectives of the Historic Preservation Plan. The
subcommittee will be meeting on March 9. We anticipate that they will have a proposal for a
work program for presentation and consideration at March 12 Commission meeting.
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Historic Preservation Coninussion
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MEMORANDUM
Date: March 12, 2015
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Robert I,,liklo, Senior Planner
Re: Certificates of No Material Effect, Minor Reviews and Intermediate Reviews
The Historic Preservation Handbook requires a report to the Com*ission of any projects that have been approved
administratively. Below are the projects approved since the November report.
Certificate of No Material Effect — Chair and Staff review
115 S. Summit - College Hill Conservation District - replair of bead board soffits with plywood bead board to
match the appearance to the existing.
Minor Review — preapproved item — Staff review
None
Intermediate Review — Chair and Staff review
None
MINUTES
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
FEBRUARY 1.2, 2015
EMMA HARVAT HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kent Ackerson, Thomas Agran, Gosia Clore, Kate Corcoran,
Andrew Litton, Pam Michaud, Ben Sandell, Ginalie Swaim
MEMBERS ABSENT: Esther Baker, Frank Durham, Frank Wagner
STAFF PRESENT: Bob Miklo
OTHERS PRESENT: Alicia Trimble
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Swaim called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
There was none.
Miklo provided an overview of the properties in the North Clinton/Dubuque District. He showed
photos of each building. He summarized the historic survey forms for certain buildings. He
pointed out the buildings located in the Jefferson Street Historic District that are already
protected. He identified properties that are owned by the University of Iowa and are therefore
exempt from the Commission's jurisdiction. He said that other than those properties only the
Sanxay Gilmore House at 109 Market appears to meet the criteria for listing on the National
Register of Historic Places.
Corcoran said, regarding properties close to the University and/or downtown, there is a lot of
encroachment from the north with the big, new apartment buildings. She asked who the
Commission felt about trying to preserve those properties. Swaim said she does not think those
buildings are strong enough architecturally to be designated as landmarks. She said there are
examples of that kind of building in the North Side. Swaim said those buildings tell a story, but
might not meet the standard in terms of meeting broader themes in Iowa City history. Ackerson
agreed that they were not of sufficient historic value to pursue designation. Michaud compared
these to the houses in Mount Vernon near Cornell College, but these are not as architecturally
as significant and the Commission has to choose its battles.
Miklo asked Commission members, after having reviewed the packet material, if there is a
consensus that 109 Market, the Sanxay-Gilmore House, is a property for which the Commission
would want to pursue landmark designation or work with the owner to try to get it listed on the
National Register. Swaim said it was built in the 1850s, quite early, and is a well preserved
example of the architecture of that period.
MOTION: Corcoran moved that the Commission designate 1C9 East Market Street as a
propertp for which the Commission respectfully recommends nat the Planning and
Zoning Commission consider and review for special attention for preservation. Sandell
seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Baker. Durham, and Wagner
absent.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 2 of 13
Miklo said the Civic District starts at the alley north of Iowa Avenue on the north side, down to
Burlington Street on the south side, Gilbert Street on the west side and then over to roughly
mid -block between Van Buren and Johnson Streets on the east side. He pointed out some
specific properties on the aerial photograph, including the Civic Center, the Unitarian Church,
the State Kstnrir_.al Society Building, the New Pioneer Co-op, The University of lowa Community
Credit Union, the recent building on Washington Street, Chauncey Swan parking ramp, and the
Recreation Center.
Miklo said this area was studied extensively by the Commission a number of years ago (mid-
1990s). He said that all of the properties in the area were surveyed, with the exception of those
on the south side of Iowa Avenue. Miklo said that as a result of that survey, the College Street
Survey, the Commission identified two historic districts: the College Hill Historic District, which
is on the National Register and is also a local historic district, and the East College District.
Miklo said that same survey identified the potential for some conservation districts. He said the
Commission did implement the College Hill Conservation District, which went beyond this
boundary and went up Iowa Avenue starting at Johnson Street.
Miklo said there was some discussion of having a conservation district on Washington Street.
He said the Commission at the time decided not to make it a conservation district. Given the
curren question he advised the commission to keep in mind that this area was reviewed for
potential designation, and the Commission did come to some conclusions and implemented
some districts as a result, but chose not to include most properties west of Johnson Street.
Miklo said the State Historical Society Building is a more modern building. In that same block
he said the survey indicates that 410 Iowa Avenue, owned by United Action for Youth (UAY),
has architectural merit and may be eligible just based on that. Miklo said there is a rather large
addition on the back that does lessen its integrity but was done somewhat sympathetically.
Miklo said the survey form from 422 Iowa Avenue, also owned by UAY, says that this has
architectural merit. He said that unlike some of the other buildings eligible for the National
Register, other than architecture, there weren't other factors making these eligible for the
National Register. Miklo said he spoke with Marlys Svendsen, the consultant who did the
survey, and asked her whether these really rose to the level of being on the National Register
eligible. He said Svendsen reminded him that buildings that are listed on the National Register
for architectural purposes encompass the one scrt of building one can move without losing its
National Register status. Miklo said that if a building is listed because of its history or
association with an historic figure, moving the building usually disqualifies it for the National
Register.
Miklo stated that 430 Iowa Avenue and 500 Iowa Avenue are both modern buildings. Miklo said
that 505 Iowa Avenue was built as a sorority house. He said the building was not surveyed but
thought this is a building that would be worth delving into regarding its history. Mikic said the
Other several buildings down Iowa Avenue have been remode,ed to such an extent 'that they
don't have the integrity to be eligible for the National Register. Miklo said that 523 Iowa Avenue
has had some remodeling but stiil has some integrity. He said this one would need more
research to determine if it is individually eligible.
Mikio said that 520 Washington Street was actually moved onto this site when the credit union
was built. He said there are more modern buildings across the street.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 3 of 13
Regarding College Street, Miklo referred to a more contemporary building and a building that
was extensively remodeled as not eligible. He said that 505 and 507 College Street were also
extensively remodeled and are therefore not individually eligible. Miklo said the survey there
ndicated there might be potential for a conservation district here, but given that there are only
two such buildings on that part of the street with arni historir integrity remaining, he felt that
would not be worth pursuing.
Regarding Burlington Street, Miklo said there are obviously some modern buildings.
Miklo said that 10 South Gilbert Street is the one building that the historic site survey indicates is
individually eligible because of a number of criteria: architecturally, historically, and association
with important historic figures.
Miklo showed 18 North Van Buren Street, which was remodeled and does not have architectural
integrity, nor does 220 South Van Buren Street.
Miklo concluded that the one building in the area that is clearly eligible for the National Register
is the Unitarian Church. He said the draft planning document considered by the Planning and
Zoning Commission identified this as having historic merit and states there may be a role for the
City to play in helping preserve this building. Miklo said it is a fairly small piece of property, so it
may be difficult to do much with it, whether the building is there or removed. He said the City
owns the parking lot next door, so that may provide some possibilities for transferring
development rights in exchange for saving and reusing the building.
Miklo said it is clear the church congregation has decided to move. He said the question for the
community is what the building could be reused for another purpose.
Sandell asked Miklo to identify on the map where the contiguous, historically interesting
properties are located. Miklo said there are the two at 410 and 422 Iowa Avenue, but they are
booked In by modern buildings so are not something that would constitute a district. He said
505 Iowa Avenue has a building that, with some research, may be revealed to be National
Register eligible. Miklo said there is another property at 523 Iowa near the other end of that
block, but there are three buildings in the middle that would not be eligible. He said there is not
really a grouping that stands out.
Michaud asked why the south side of the 500 block of College Street has been disregarded.
Miklo responded that there are two buildings owned by the Mental Health Center that have
some historic merit, but that have been remodeled to such an extent that they are not
tndividuaily eligible for the National Register. The two buildings across the street are also not
eligible. Michaud asked if the other three or four on the block would not be considered at all.
Mikio answered that they are not within the study area and not within the Civic Distrct that is
being considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Michaud said there are two that are adjacent that are original that are not part of College Hill.
She said that one house is an 1890 frame, front gable with original porch, and it has not been
welt maintained. Michaud said the adjacent house is an 1880s brick house that is a five-plex
with some Italianate influence.
Miklo said that when the College Hill Historic District was established, the houses were left out
for some reason. Michaud said she thought it was because of the owners.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 4 of 13
Sandell said that when he walks down the street, he thinks there is a character there of historic
houses, whether they are within the district or not. He said there is a streetscape character
I
here, especially on the south side, and these houses contribute to that. He said that while the
line is drawn in the middle of the block, he could as that that is the character of that
streetscape, and to +aka those two ho oses in particU!lar and add them to the Civic District would
not seem to fit into the character.
Miklo said that is actually not the proposal. He said that east of Van Buren Street, those
properties would be incorporated into the Central Planning District. He said they are not being
proposed to being included in the Civic District.
Sandell asked Miklo to speak to the purpose of the redistricting of those particular houses on
that side of the street. Miklo replied that the Civic District is the area being looked at, because it
is an area that was not included in the recent downtown plan of the Central District Plan. He
said the actual proposal before the Planning and Zoning Commission is to add the three blocks
that are primarily owned by the City, with the exception of the Unitarian Church, into the
downtown district and add the area east of Van Buren Street and north of Iowa Avenue into the
Central Planning District. Miklo said there are no zone changes proposed at this time, but if the
City property ever redevelops the plan would indicate the area would be part of downtown and
appropriate for a downtown zoning district.
Swaim asked if the Commission is looking at both the Civic District and what the Commission
might recommend be called attention to as well as the addition to the Central Planning District.
Regarding the Civic District, Miklo replied that staff identified the area and called it the Civic
District, because it is primarily owned by the City. He said the plan before the Planning and
Zoning Commission would be to take the three blocks of the Civic District and add them to
downtown: everything west of Van Buren Street and south of Iowa Avenue.
Miklo said the other blocks would be added to the Central Planning District. Swaim asked if the
Commission is being asked to make a recommendation on those others on the outside. Miklo
responded that the status in the City plan for the other two that Michaud mentioned is staying
the same; it is not changing. He said staff is just using the word district as a label; it is not a
zoning district nor a historic district but is just a way to identify an area.
Miklo said that if the area is confirmed as being part of the downtown, that area has a different
set of goals for the area than the area to the east of Van Buren Street. He said those goals
were sent to the Commission in a previous packet.
Sandell asked what it would take for the Commission to include the south side of that block of
College Street into the College Hill Historic District. Miklo responded that it would be an
amendment to the district. He said the State Historic Preservation Office would need to be
consulted. Miklo said he thought it would be a tough sell as a district. He said the buildings to
be included would not be individually eligible because of remodeling, and the mental health
building would not, because of the loss of the porch character and the addition on the back.
Miklo said that if the concern is streetscape, that is a different concern than historic
preservation. Sandell said that for whatever reason the Commission did not consider these
buildings part of the neighborhood, he believes these contribute to the historic character in this
neighborhood. He said he feels it is important that the Commission look at these.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 5 of 13
Miklo said that if one looks at the criteria for a historic district, one of the thoughts is that
someone from the historic period would recognize this street as a street of their time if they
landed on this street today. He said that would be hard to argue for the this part of College
Street, given some of the remodeling and intrusions. Michaud said that the south side of the
street would be recognizable Miklo pointed out that a streetscape encompasses both sides of
the street.
Michaud asked if a conservation district would work for this. Miklo said it would be a
conservation district of two to four buildings, and he would question putting into it the kind of
energy needed to establish it, given some of the other buildings the Commission is concerned
about.
Michaud said she understands limitations of time and resources and prioritizing, but she thought
there must be a way to work with the building and permits department so that when someone
decodes to put in a four-story building, he doesn't automatically destroy the trees.
Miklo said this is an area that the Planning and Zoning Commission has identified that is a
concern to them in terms of the streetscape and the building mass in that they don't want to see
another block like 500 Washington Street. He said the current zoning would allow that sort of
building, so the Planning and Zoning Commission has asked staff to look at this very closely.
Miklo said there may be zoning changes that could be done here that would result in new
buildings fitting into the street better than what has happened on Washington Street. He said
the Planning and Zoning Commission is interested in whether the Historic Preservation
Commission feels this is historic or not. Miklo said that with these four buildings, there is just
not the integrity to make these part of the historic district. He said that doing some things
zoning -wise to make this a better streetscape is another avenue the Planning and Zoning
Commission could pursue.
Swaim said if the Historic Preservation Commission could recommend to the Planning and
Zoning Commission that that side of the street or the whole block could be considered for a
different zoning, one that would encourage maintaining the streetscape. Mlklo said the
Commission's role is to say whether these buildings are historic enough that they warrant some
protection. Miklo said the Commission could go beyond that and say that if the area redevelops,
the Commission would like to see a better transition to the College Hill Historic District. He said
that would be a logical recommendation.
Swaim said, considering that older neighborhoods have been carved up and are in some cases
just individual or pairs of buildings that are still there, if there are ways the Commission can at
least have some input into other ways besides designation, even if it is going on record to the
Planning and Zoning Commission that this is important, it is worth the Commission's while to do
that.
Michaud said that, regarding massing, there has been a suggestion by several people that there
not be multiple buildings destroyed with one large building erected. She said that would kind of
control spacino between structures so that there would not be one mass or fagade. She said
that right now the zoning is CB-2, which allows a 45-foot tal€ structure. Michaud said that if it
was just at least broken up into two or more rather than one building, it would really help.
Miklo said the Commission is being asked to consider the building stock in this area. He said
that clearly there is not enough for a historic district. Miklo said the Unitarian Church rises to be
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 6 of 13
individually eligible, and so consideration of that as a landmark in the future or efforts to try to
preserve it in some way would be a role for the Commission.
Clore asked if any of the other buildings are individually historically important. Miklo said that the
Commission i5 being asked ±o consider the building stock in this area and the need for
preservation. He said that there does not appear to be sufficient properties to constitute a
historic district. Clore asked if in addition to the Unitarian Church are there individual buildings
that are historic. Miklo stated that the two on 400 block of Iowa Avenue have architectural merit,
and there is not enough information about the t^+vo in the 500 block of Iowa Avenue so more
research would need to be done. He said the ones the Commission is discussing on College
Street are not individually eligible.
Ackerson said that the Civic District, that three -block area, is one single entity that the Planning
and Zoning Commission is going to be considering. He said it seems appropriate that the
Historic Preservation Commission formally state its opinion on the Unitarian Church building.
Ackerson said the Commission seems to generally be in consensus that it is worth
consideration as a historic building in and of itself.
Ackerson said the recommendations that the Commission might have on the rest of the property
east of that seem to revolve around discussions of buffer zones and things to smooth the
transition from the Central Business District to historic areas to the east.
Miklo said that sending the concern that the Historic Preservation Commission would like to see
a better transition is something that the Planning and Zoning Commission can then use to look
at the zoning rules and how that might be achieved in those areas, realizing that the individual
buildings are not being designated for preservation — that they might change over time but
hopefully any new buildings would fit in the neighborhood better.
Sandell asked, regarding the idea of the City pursing the Unitarian Church building for reuse, if
there are any other examples. Miklo said an indirect example might be the Engiert, where the
City worked with a non-profit group to finance securing the building to preserve it as a theater.
He said there are many examples from other cities of such buildings being adaptively reused
including municipal purposes.
Swaim said the Unitarian Church could serve many purposes in the community. She said it has
architectural and historical significance and merit. Swaim hoped that the citizenry could
encourage the City to find a way to save this building which might involve the City buying this
building and work with other groups to find ways to reuse it. Michaud said it could be a great
City museum. There are examples of other museums in historic buildings.
Sandell asked if the two buildings on Iowa Avenue are being considered for being moved. Miklo
said that he did not know, but wanted to make the point that when a building is listed because of
its architectural merit, moving it does not necessary lead to its delisting. Michaud said she was
concerned about the loss of those two houses. Agran said that the Commission would not be
writing them off. He said they are of note, but whether or not they could be save through zoning
is not something they would be deciding.
Swaim asked if the Commission should first focus on the church since it is clearly historic.
Sandell agreed but would also like the Commission to somehow address the housed in the rest
of the surrounding area.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 7 of 13
MOTION; Corcoran moved that the Commission recognize that the Unitarian Church at
10 South Gilbert Street could qualify individually, on its own merits, for historic landmark
status and the Commission requests that the City give it special attention and explore
how the City might facilitate the preservation of this property and its use as a community
facll tv, ACkPrson seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 8-0 (Baker.
Durham, and Wapner absent).
Corcoran, said she would like to consider 410, 422....... Miklo said, regarding the four properties
on Iowa Avenue, that it is clear there are not enough of them to comprise an historic district. He
said the question is whether they rise to the level of being individual landmarks.
AckerSon said there are a lot of interesting structures in the area, but none of them seem to be
sufficiently extensive in area covered to be a district of their own. He said the Commission may
have an interest in making a smooth transition from downtown areas to outlying residential
areas, but he was not sure the Commission needs to get mired down in details about the
individual properties. Michaud asked if they should make a recommendation regarding spacing
and massing rather than identify individual landmarks.
Litton asked if making a smooth transition could be accomplished by down zoning. Miklo replied
that it could but that down zoning is very challenging, and the better approach might be to
amend the zoning regulations that apply to the current CB-2 zoning to result in a better form.
Miklo said the consensus of the Commission seems to be to encourage the Planning and
Zoning Commission to explore zoning tools such as setbacks, massing, and landscape
preservation to provide for a good transition to the College Green Historic District. He asked if
that is the essence of the Commissions direction. Swaim agreed but said it would not just be a
transition to College Green but also to the blocks surrounding on both sides.
Michaud asked if they should consider sticking with the original town plat 80 foot wide lots so
that properties are not joined to create larger lots and buildings. Michaud said the 400 block of
Iowa Avenue looks like a place where one could just put up a four-story building one block long.
She said even though it is a City property and a parking lot, it also has many locust trees that
keep it from looking like a parking lot. Michaud asked if the Commission would want to say
anything in general about those blocks and contrast what has happened on Washington Street.
Miklo responded that he thought that is the essence of what the Commission has been
discussing.
Swaim said she was referring to the streets that abut the current Civic District. Miklo asked if
the Commission is discussing everything except the three blocks west of Van Buren Street.
Sandell said it would refer to everything north of Iowa Avenue and east of Van Buren Street.
Ackerson said it is probably worth not leaving slivers — one or two buildings - of properties that
are between one district and another. He said the Commission should not put naw artificial
boundaries into our maps. Swaim asked if Ackerson was thinking of a more general statement.
He said he thinks the recommendation should go from Gilbert Street to the College Hill Historic
District and the College Conservation District to the north, just so there are not little gaps.
Mikio asked if Ackerson,'s suggestion is to start at Gilbert Street versus Van Buren and Iowa.
Mikio pointed out the three blocks that the City primarily owns that don't have residentiai
structures or character or scale. Ackerson clarified that he does not want to include those
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 8 of 13
blocks in the broader recommendation. He said his concern is the area to the east and the
boundaries.
Michaud discussed limiting the commercial first floor that has been a jolt on Washington Street.
She said that mixed use is one thing, but having huge spaces that are unoccupied for decades
is another. Having restaurants that are open till 4:00 a.m. next to single family homes. Michaud
said that mixed use and multi use sound 'benign, but it's a way to get another bar on the block
on the first floor.
Swaim asked the Commission members if they wanted to send a recommendation that
sensitivity and attention be paid to areas east of Van Buren so that they maintain a sense of the
streetscape. She said that getting into the zoning is another issue.
Miklo summarized the Commission's discussion about the broader goals for the area east of
Van Buren Street and north of Iowa Avenue.
MOTION: Corcoran moved to encourage the Planning and Zoning Commission to
explore zoning tools regarding setbacks, massing, scale, and landscaping to provide for
a good transition to adjacent residential neighborhoods for the area east of Van Buren
Street and north of Iowa Avenue. Ackerson seconded the motion. The motion carried on
a vote of 8-0 (Baker, Durham, and Magner absent).
Michaud said that what has been proposed to the Planning and Zoning Commission is three
high rises along Gilbert Street that are the same as the high rises downtown. She asked if there
should be a wall of high rises on Gilbert Street. Michaud said that the Planning and Zoning
Commission's reaction was very negative. She said that it is a transition zone, and things can't
go up in height when they're supposed to go down.
Miklo said that in his view the role of the Historic Preservation Commission is to identify historic
buildings and neighborhoods and pursue ways to protect them. It is the role of the Planning and
Zoning Commission to determine building heights. He said that other than the Unitarian
Church, the Commission is not talking about historic buildings in the three blocks that are owned
by the City. Swaim said that is something Commission members can look into as individual
members of the public, rather than as a Commission. Agran agreed that since it is outside of
the Commission's purview, it seems an appropriate thing that people who are interested
individually make their own recommendations.
DISCUSSION OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION PLAN PRIORITIES AND ANNUAL WORK
PROGRAM:
Swaim said that the document was produced in 2007, and the Commission has looked at it
every year since. She suggested the Commission brainstorm for a few minutes, and then
perhaps a subcommittee could look at this and fine tune it and then make recommendations to
the full Commission. Swaim said she would like the Commission to put actual dates on items so
that things don't get pushed aside while more immediate'items are considered.
Swaim said there are a variety of goals and objectives under every one of them. She said she
thinks it is critical that the Commission prioritize what it is doing and put its efforts toward. She
suggest focusing on a few things, even though they are all important. Swaim pointed out that
the Commission has limited resources.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 9 0£ 13
Miklo said that two years ago for the work program, the Commission identified Melrose Avenue
Historic District, Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District, and meeting with the University
to discuss preservation of properties on campus. He stated that the Goosetown/Horace Mann
Conservation District has been accomplished. Swaim added that restoration of the City Park
log cabins were also on the list.
Miklo said, regarding the Melrose District, that there was considerable discussion with the
neighborhood association and it was left it in their court as to whether to proceed or not. He
said he has not heard anything recently.
Swaim said she and Miklo had some meetings with their neighborhood board. She said there
was some interest at that time, but as often happens, it ran out of steam for a while. Swaim
added that the preferred method is for the nomination to come from the public rather than the
Commission. Swain questioned whether the Commission should pursue that district.
Miklo said that, given the Commission's level of resources, creating another large historic district
would make it difficult to staff and maintain it. He said that given the recent situation with the
Dubuque Street cottages, he felt there might be more benefit to the community to focus on key,
landmark properties, where the Commission is not adding a lot at once to its work program.
Miklo suggested identifying some key landmark buildings to work with the property owners and
hopefully nominate those.
Trimble, Director of Friends of Historic Preservation, said there has been a lot accomplished in
the past few years, including Goosetown/Horace Mann, Jefferson Street and several landmarks.
She said people may think the Commission and Friends are sitting idle because of the cottages
issue. Trimble said that perhaps the cottages could have been saved earlier, but it would have
been at a cost, because something would have had to be given up in terms of the other projects
completed in recent years.
Trimble said that what is in the list shows the priorities. She said the City has cut so much
funding for historic preservation. Trimble agreed that things should be prioritized but said she
would also like to see a list of everything that can be thought of so that the Commission can
show what it is still' working on.
Miklo said that there are historic survey forms on many properties that are not included in
historic or conservation districts. He said that a lot of them are old and have a little historic
character but don't rise to the level of landmark status. Miklo said but there are a few out there,
such as 109 Market Street, that are reai gems that are pretty vulnerable. He said that having
Comrr.'sslon members and volunteers go through ail of those surveys to identify those
properties would be very helpful, to come up with a list of perhaps a dozen buildings that are
key standout buildings that are not in an historic district and are not protected. Miklo said the
full Commission could then discuss the properties and move to nominate them as landmarks.
Regarding the work program, Swaim said that Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District
has been completed. She said that the last two grant application for the log cabins, which were
made by Parks and Recreation, have been denied. Swaim said she is hopeful that the wording
can be reworked to apply again.
Regarding Melrose, Trimble said she would reach out to Jean to see how things are going.
Trimble said it does seem to be in the "bring it to the neighborhood" phase, so she thinks it
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 10 of 13
could be picked back up. Swaim said the Commission could play the role of having larger
neighborhood meetings to answer questions and such.
Swaim said there are buildings that are now over 50 years old that were not that old when
suN.Py& were initially done. She said rar=,ch houses are an example cf that, and Might be
something the Commission would want to study for the long-term.
Michaud stated that Manville is more threatened than ranch -style houses. She said that in
Manville Heights, some developers are buying multiple properties, tearing them down, and
buildina duplexes. Michaud said that the Manville Heights residents might be more receptive to
a historic district at this point.
Trimble agreed that there might be renewed interest in that neighborhood right now. She said
that when it goes back into the neighborhood meeting phase, there might be some people who
step up to volunteer.
Trimble said that younger people seem to really want the mid-century modern architectural
features. Swaim said she doesn't see that as something that the Commission would put a lot of
time into, but if there is a community preservation commission somewhere that has started to
look at that issue, then the Commission could just communicate with them to check on the
progress. She said she doesn't see it as a major initiative.
Swaim asked if the process would be agreeable to people: to do a little more brainstorming for
major concerns and have a subcommittee to look at the details and provide recommendations.
Trimble said there would be a near South Side historic site survey available soon. There may
be s a small historic district or individual landmarks identified by the survey. Michaud said that
the cottages were not continuous with the railroad depot. She said that because there was a
modern building or two in between, they were overlooked. Michaud said the buildings were
isolated like some of the buildings discussed this evening.
Michaud agreed that things have to be prioritized. She asked, however, if there is a possibility
that, rather than a conservation district, there could be some kind of restrictions on the front
facades of buildings, such as she has seen in a neighborhood on the north side of Chicago.
Miklo said that a subcommittee would bring more focus to this. He said the list he has compiled
from tonight's discussion includes individual landmarks, Manville Heights, Melrose, and a
strategy to deal with mid-century modern buildings.
Trimble asked if there is a really good example of mid-century modern neighborhood. Corcoran
responded that the neighborhoods north of City High.
Ackerson, Corcoran, Sandell, Swaim, and Trimble volunteered to be on the subcommittee to
look at these items and provide recommendations to the full Commission. Swaim said she had
spoken to Baker, who is also willing to be on the committee.
Sandell asked if there was an update after the Commission's discussion on standing seam
metal roofs. Mikle would need to work with. the Building Inspector to draft amendments.
Trimble said that one of the reasons there have been issues with specific properties is because
the City never filled Christina Kuecker's position when she left in 2011. Trimble said it might be
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 11 of 13
worth bringing up to the City Council that the Commission is short a staff who is devoted
primarily to historic preservation and is short all of its funding. She said it really slows down the
process, and it will make things more and more eleventh hour. Trimble said that if the City
Council doesn't want these situations to keep happening, then there has to be staff available.
She also reca:led that .":hen she :*las a commissic member there was funding for
commissioners to attend educational programs.
Miklo said that the City is currently looking for someone to fill a part-time temporary position at
eight to twelve hours per week. He said it maybe a challenge to fend someone with the right
qualifications to work those few hours.
Swaim said she would draft a letter to the City Council regarding staffing and funding. She said
she would bring it to the next meeting for Commission consideration.
Trimble said the cottage issue really brought out a lot of people who seem to be willing to help,
some of whom are academics. She said that maybe at some point, volunteers can be
coordinated to do research on certain properties or to write a landmark application with the data
for surveys that are already done.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF:
Miklo said there were two window replacements approved by staff and a modern window
replaced by a new window. Miklo said that in both cases the windows were in poor condition.
He then said he recently had another experience regarding replacement windows. He had
received a call from a board member of a sorority. She said they wanted to replace all of their
windows. He said he explained that the first step was to establish that they were in bad shape
and could not be repaired. Miklo said the board member insisted that they were all really bad
and leaky. He said they agreed to meet at the house to inspect the windows.
Miklo said that they met at the house with the general contractor and started to inspect
windows. He said the upon inspection they found that every one of them had been replaced
within the last 20 years. Some of the replacements were vinyl windows, others were wood with
metal cladding. The house mother complained how drafty the windows were in her apartment,
and the sorority members that were in their rooms when we inspected, also complained that the
windows were terrible. They had said they did not operate — would not open and close easily.
The contractor said they could not be repaired like a traditional window so they had to be
replaced again.
Miklo said he was relieved that he did not have to go through the process of educating them
about the value of retaining historic windows, but he observed it was unfortunate that they threw
away the original windows. He noted how this is an example of the short life span of
replacement windows.
Miklo asked if anyone had any corrections to the CLG report, but there were none.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR JANUARY 8. 2015:
MOTION: Corccran moved to approve the minutes of the January 8, 2015 Historic Preservation
Commission meeting, as written. Agran seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of
8-0 (Baker. Durham and Wagner absent).
HIS T ORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
February 12, 2015
Page 12 of 13
HISTORIC PRESERVATION INFORMATION.
Swaim stated that the awards program went very well. She said that Agran, Clore, Corcoran,
Trimble, and Bailey McClellan, the planning intern, did a great deal.
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 7:04 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Anne Schulte
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