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Home My WebLink About07-09-2020 Historic Preservation CommissionIowa City Historic preservation Commission ) / L I I Ll LL Thursday July 9, 2020 5:30 p.m. Electronic Zoom Meeting Platform G 4ti�Il��l � III+fR��jp+� I r� 7 C �1 n • ndi�rArl'l3m✓. � i r IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, July 9, 2020 Electronic Meeting — 5:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting Platform Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff and the public presented by COVID-19. You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going to hUs://zoom.us/meeting/register/tjUvc0mvrjwpHtK--vRFz23SIZbLperOIijj to visit the Zoom meeting's registration page and submitting the required information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number found in the email. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer without a microphone, you can call in by phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and entering the meeting ID 912 7070 7348 when prompted. Providing comment in person is not an option. Agenda A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda D) Certificate of Appropriateness 1. North Half of 817 Dearborn Street— Dearborn Street Conservation District (new construction) 2. 13 S Linn Street (Hohenschuh Mortuary) — Local Historic Landmark (signage installation) 3. 810 North Johnson Street —Brown Street Historic District (demolition of non -historic addition and construction of new addition) E) Discussion of the 400 Block of North Clinton Street F) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff Certificate of No Material Effect —Chair and Staff review 1. 815 Ronalds Street — Brown Street Historic District (front step and railing and rear railing replacement) 2. 617 Brown Street — Brown Street Historic District (chimney repair or reconstruction) 3. 409 Ronalds Street — Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District (storm windows and foundation braces) Minor Review —Staff review 1. 1510 Sheridan Avenue — Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement) 2. 1127 Maple Street — Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement) 3. 1011 Woodlawn Avenue — Woodlawn Historic District (flat roof membrane replacement) 4. 1133 East Court Street — Longfellow Historic District (flat roof membrane replacement, rear second floor deck railing installation, synthetic siding removal from porch) 5. 503 Grant Street — Longfellow Historic District (aluminum siding removal and original trim and siding repair) 6. 430 Ronalds Street — Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District (aluminum siding removal and original trim and siding repair) Intermediate Review —Chair and Staff review 513 Grant Street — Longfellow Historic District (minor changes to previous COA) G) Consideration of Minutes for June 11, 2020 H) Commission Information and Discussion 1. Chair memo re: Sharing the Stories of our Community s Full History 2. Preserve Iowa Summit Notes 3. Election of Officers I) Adjournment If you will need disability- related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jessica Bristow, Urban Planning, at 319-356-5243 or at Jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs. Staff Report July 6, 2020 Historic Review for Lot 20, Block 8 in the Rundell Addition, the north half of 817 Rundell District: Dearborn Street Conservation District Classification: Nonhistoric The applicant, Kent Ralston, is requesting approval for a proposed new construction project at Lot 20, Block 8 in the Rundell Addition, a non historic property in the Dearborn Street Conservation District. The project consists of the construction of a new single-family home. Applicable Regulations and Guidelines: 4.0 Iowa City HistoricPresermtion Guidelines for Alterations 4.1 Balustrades and Handrails 4.2 Chimneys 4.3 Doors 4.4 Energy Efficiency 4.5 Foundations 4.6 Gutters and Downspouts 4.7 Mass and Rooflines 4.8 Masonry 4.9 Paint and Color 4.10 Porches 4.11 Siding 4.12 Site and Landscaping 4.13 Windows 4.14 Wood 6.0 GuideAncs for New Construction 6.1 New Primary Structures 8.0 Neighborhood District GuideAnes 8.1 Longfellow Neighborhood staffcommcnts Lots 19 and 20 of block 8 in the Rundell Addition seem to have been combined under one ownership until recently. The south half, lot 19 includes a gablefrontbungalow built in 1918 and the north half, lot 20, includes a simple garage built soon after the construction of the house. In 2019, the owner sold the south half, and retained the north half, separating the two lots. The existing garage is not a part of the application and will remain. Any work on the garage would occur under a separate application. The applicant is proposing to construct a two-story home in a style that is similar to the Foursquares found in the neighborhood. The house will have smooth cement board lap siding, Azek trim, asphalt shine roof, and metal clad windows with multi -paned upper sashes. The front of the house will have a halfwidthporch. The house and porch both have hipped roofs. New construction can be a complicated project and is rare in a Historic or Conservation District. The guidelines include new construction and neighborhood guidelines that should be followed. In addition, the individual sections provide guidance on specific details when the new construction guidelines do not provide guidance. Section 8.1 of the Neighborhood Guidelines for Longfellow recommend that the total surface area of the new building is 800 square feet or less. In the Dearborn Street Conservation District, a new building must reflect the Craftsman, Craftsman bungalow, American Foursquare, Vernacular or Eclectic Style. Section 6.0 New Construction, of the guidelines include points that are also found in the individual sections. This project includes several things that ace only discussed in the individual sections so they will be listed here. One specific item includes an exception only for new construction and that is listed below. The guideline recommendations ace as follows: • 4.1 Balustrades and handrails: square spindles 1 V2 inches or greater. Top and bottom rails at least 2 inches in thickness. • 4.2 Chimneys: new chimneys ace masonry and full height. • 4.3 Doors: new doors are wood. • 4.5 Foundation: Smooth faced concrete is preferred and helps show it is a new house; Exposed foundation should be typically 12 to 30 inches. Window well material matches foundation • 4.6 gutters and downspouts: downspouts near corners • 4.7 Mass and mofline: drawings don't show top of wall under roof overhang. Based on this design the wall should terminate with a frieze board and a small molding to transition to soffit. • 4.9 paint and color: Two-color scheme, trim and body. Black window sashes (dark green may be acceptable) Disallowed: all white or bright, obtrusive colors • 4.10 Porches: porch floor may be concrete if 18 or less inches above grade. Concrete steps for a masonry porch. Wood substitutes must be paintable. • 4.11 Siding: Wood siding and the trim details along with paint combine to make one of the most important defusing characteristics of historic districts. This display of detail and color is essential to the character of the older neighborhoods. Cement board with a smooth finish is acceptable • 4.12 Site and Landscaping: site plan should be included and show the sidewalk connecting the entrance door/porch to the sidewalk and show parking in back. • 4.13 Windows: Windows may be aluminum -clad but not just aluminum. See sash color above. All windows should match size, type, sash width, trim, use of divided lites. Some smaller windows ace acceptable but should be proportionally vertical not horizontal. Window pattern should be consistent and upper and lower windows align. Muntin bats are adhered to the inside and outside of the window- between the glass in addition to that is preferred but not required. Installing modern types of windows including sliders or other types not consistent with the architecture are disallowed. For instance, fixed windows ace small and decorative. Egress windows must match the size, trim, use of divided lites and overall appearance of the other windows. • 4.14 Wood: wood substitutes should retain the appearance and function of wood and be paintable. They should be approved by the Commission. Metal would not be approved as a replacement for wood so metal soffits would not be appropriate. • 5.2 Decks and Ramps: a small elevation of a deck is shown on one drawing but not shown anywhere else. The deck should be shown on plans and set in 8 at least 8 inches from the side walls of the house. Deck railing must follow section 4.1. baluster and railing must be painted. Stairs have close risers. • 6.0 new construction: Porch can be concrete through use of exception. In Staffs opinion, the use of a Foursquare design is appropriate for the neighborhood as there ace several nearby. The drawings include several markups, many of which have to do with trim details to meet the siding guidelines. Several Small windows will change configuration as well. Staff had a conversation with the applicant who agreed to address many of the changes such as the small window types, the siding and trim details, the deck railing. There ace several points worth noting. • Windows: the windows will generally all be double -hung with the exception of the basement egress windows which will likely be casement designed to look like a doublehungwindow. The windows will appear four -over -one double hung through the use of adhered muntin bars on both sides of the glass with the possible exception of the smaller kitchen and bathroom -type windows. The applicant has a solid aluminum window that he has used on other projects that he would like to use here. Staff has not reviewed this window product to see if it appears appropriate. The guidelines do not include an exception for the use of a metal window that is not metal clad wood. Staff recommends that the use of metal dad wood windows reviewed by Staff or Staff and Chair is included in the conditions for approval. Currently, the paired or ganged windows are shows attached directly instead of including the weight or stud pocket that creates a place for exterior trim between the windows and is required on all grouped windows in historic regulated areas. • Chimney: the guidelines require that a chimney is full height and masonry if located on the exterior of the building. A chimney could also be interior with a thin -brick chimney obscuring most of the exterior above the roof. Staff feels that an exception for a siding clad chimney could be approved on this project. The house at 1223 Seymour Avenue is a house of a similar style that has this cladding. • Porch: the current porch design includes a concrete porch floor, tall masonry piers and battered columns. Staff feels that the proportion of the columns is too narrow for this application. During a conversation, the applicant discussed the possibility of a wooden porch floor instead of concrete and the possibility of columns without the tall masonry piers. If the porch is constructed of wood, it would need to meet the guidelines and follow traditional porch construction with piers below the floor deck that match the foundation, a tongue and groove porch floor (including the possibility of Azek) and columns that sit above the floor with elements that align appropriately. Staff would recommend a simple square column, likely 12 inches wide because of the height of the porch roof. • Doors: Staff recommends either wood or fiberglass doors. The design of the front door in the drawing appears appropriate with this style of house. Staff would recommend the rear door is a half - lite door with horizontal panels below. An exception exists to approve a sliding door on the back of the house if it is trimmed to match the other openings. • Window patterning: Staff finds that the window patterning on the sides of the house is too sparse. While most of this condition is created by bathrooms and similar spaces, staff made notes about some locations where windows could be added. Historic buildings often had more windows than modern construction. Now, there is an interest in getting light into buildings, for this reason, staff suggests that some windows are added to the sides of the building as possible. With several changes made to the current drawings and conditions approved by Staff and Chair as recommended below, Staff recommends approval of this project. Recommended Motion Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at Lot 20 of Block 8 in the Rundell Addition as presented in the application with the following conditions, all to be approved in final drawings by Staff and Chair: • Siding and trim revisions are made according to the mark-ups on the drawing • Site revisions are made according to the mark-ups on the drawings • The windows are metal clad wood four -over -one double hung that are separated with a weight pocket and appropriate trim and windows are added to the side elevation • The porch is revised according to the drawings and approved through an exception for new construction that is less than 18 inches above grade or revised to use traditional wood porch construction and thicker straight square columns of a dimension to be approved through drawings • The Chimney is full height and clad in siding and approved through an exception for new construction and the fact that an appropriate example is found in the same neighborhood. • The rear door is changed to a half-lite door • All soffits and porch ceiling are beadboard or beadbomd plywood. APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC REVIEW Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or properties located in a historic district or conservation district pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-313. Guidelines for the Historic Review process, explanation of the process and regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook, which is available in the Neighborhood and Development Services office at City Hall or online at: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources For Staff Use: Date submitted: 5J 9/2020 ❑ Certificate of No material Effect ❑ Certificate of Appropriateness © Major Review ❑ Intermediate Review ❑ Minor Review The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must comply with all appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of a building permit. Meeting Schedule: The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the office of Neighborhood and Development Services by noon on Wednesday three weeks prior to the meeting. See last page of this application for deadlines and meeting dates. PROPERTY OWNER/ APPLICANT INFORMATION (Please check primary contact person) ❑�/ Property Owner Name: I Kent Ralston Email kentralston o.hotmail.com Phone Number: 319.530.0809 Address: 116 Wildberry Ln Ne City: ITowa City State: TA Zip Code: 52240 ❑�/ Contractor/Consultant Name: I John Glick - Glick Construction Email: Fohn licketsouthslo e.net Phone Number: 319.936.2525 Address: City: Iowa City State: Iowa Zip Code:O PROPOSED PROJECT INFORMATION Address: INorth Half of 817 Dearbom - Parcel # 1014282022 Use of Property: IDetached - Single Family Residence Date Constructed (if known): NA HISTORIC DESIGNATION (Maps are located at the following link: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresourcem ❑ This Property is a local historic landmark. OR ❑ This Property is within a historic or conservation district (choose location): ❑ Brown St. Historic District ❑ Northside Historic District ❑ College Hill Conservation District ❑ College Green Historic District ❑ Summit St. Historic District W1 Dearborn St. Conservation District ❑ East College St. Historic District ❑ Woodlawn Historic District ❑ Goosetown/ Horace Mann ❑ Jefferson St. Historic District ❑ Clark St. Conservation Conservation District ❑ Longfellow Historic District District ❑ Governor -Lucas St. Conservation District Within the district, this Property is Classified as: ❑ Contributing Z Noncontributing Z Nonhistoric APPLICATION REAREMENTS Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all listed materials. Applications without necessary materials may be rejected. Addition (Typically projects entailing an addition to the building footprint such as a room, porch, deck, etc.) ❑ Building Elevations ❑ Floor Plans ❑ Photographs ❑ Product Information ❑ Site Plans Alteration (Typically projects entailing work such as siding and window replacement, skylights, window opening alterations, deck or porch replacement/construction, baluster repair, or similar. If the project is a minor alteration, photographs and drawings to describe the scope of the project are sufficient.) ❑ Building Elevations ❑ Product Information ❑ Photographs ❑�/ Construction of a new building W1 Building Elevations W1 Floor Plans Photographs ❑ Product Information W1 Site Plans Demolition (Projects entailing the demolition of a primary structure or outbuilding, or any portion of a building, such as porch, chimney, decorative trim, baluster, etc.) ❑ Photographs ❑ Evidence of deterioration ❑ Proposal of Future Plans Repair or Restoration of an existing structure that will not change its appearance. ❑ Photographs ❑ Product Information ❑ Other Please contact the Preservation Specialist at 356-5243 for materials which need to be included with applications PLICATION REQUIREMENTS Project Description: sttuction of a new single family dwelling on an open lot. The design and size of the structure was selected to fit into the actcr ofthe existing neighborhood. Cutently, there is an existing single car garage on the property that may have some ,tic value although is in very poor condition. If desired, the applicant will attempt to salvage the garage and rehab for future However, the garage is not that of this application. Materials to be Used: Fiber cement siding (HardiePlank or similar) and Composite trim (AZEK or similar). Alun imtm clad wood windows or fall aluminum windows. Exterior Appearance Changes: To Submit Application: Download form, Fill it out and email it to jessica-bristowgiowa-city.org or mail to Historic Preservation, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 M•I Approximate footprint and location of structure. Note existing single car garage to remain. 30 zw v SS3bQ4V ? „ o Y ~ o w &;a N NOIS213h lVNld SI NOId NO 31Va :]AI S N S y-�/ mz Ory - V Z Mal > 0 + o LVML iLOLOVL1N00 Mllfll ,ldIL3/� ��+I ��al .7�� I �lQl a7� Y � n4 u o O L!A " ' u W - J Q t' W J IL W f m z o a w w w — 9 N o ly LEI® II I III a A. _ O ® t_ w Q9 a iL o "I ©I- = 7 : ]aNBOged NOI01 �\ \ / \�� ]A too } \ \ } 119 Tiƒ\ Q ~, � ~\~° :,.©a 7 \ < Rd\\< \± \\ )`- 813" Dearborn: Subject Property 1601 Sheridan: 2 st. Prairie School, hip (1920s) 817 Dearborn: 1 1:2 st. simple bungalow. gable (1918) 808 Dearbom: 2 st Foursquare. hip (1920s) 8 821 Dearbom: 2 st. Foursquare wi Prairie. hip (1930) 12 Dearborn: 1 1 2 st. bungalow, side gable (1920s) 827 Dearborn: 1 1/2 st. bungalow. gable (1925) 831 Dearborn: 1 1/2 st bungalow, side gable (1932) 837 Dearborn 1 1/2 st. bunglow (atypical example) 841 Dearborn: 1 st. Minimal Traditional gables (1950) 843 Dearborn: 1 1,2 st. bungalow, gable (1925) Legend rie v�ontebu!_'._ ('nnftu'r. ; •Vorxar!InOUMv� konnistonc I 816 Dearborn: 1 st bungalow. Moffitt, gable (1930) 828 Dearborn 2 st. Foursquare. hip (1925) 832 Dearborn: 1 112 st. bungalow , gable (1930) 838 Dearborn: 2 st. Foursquare. hip (unknown) 842 Dearborn: 1 st. Minimal Traditional (1950) SWRIRN AVE .sp � sn N71 1 s1t s0 q7 pf9 of sls sa: of .17 917 ua 10 pis s2l sat 9u 111 U) szi sa/ sas Or oil N1 sat W µ{ N3 pa 's0< NI 642 spa ash - -441 n9p 1L ST _ wl 4 9a7 iNMMf Ns 9n f11 9 pGp ss9 91S 41) Ha 927 p 916 02, 911 9n sal sU 9U on 419 92s pas m ton E ST OdY '#4,4 -*` rI 1 "E "y rk. kv� b rk. kv� b vu,� T��, Staff Report July 4, 2020 Historic Review for 13 S. Linn Street, Hohenschuh Mortuary District: Central Business District Classification: Local Historic Landmark The applicant, JTK Holdings LLC and CR Signs & Lighting, are requesting approval for a proposed alteration project at 13 S. Linn Street, Hohenschuh Mortuary, a local historic landmark property in the Central Business District. The project consists of installation of new signage to east and south elevations. Applicable Regulations and Guidelines: 10.0 The Secretary of thelntenor'sStandards for Rehabrlitation Iowa City DowntownDisttictStorefrontandSignageGuidelines StaffComments The Hohenschuh Mortuary is a two-story, brick building constructed in 1917. The building is divided into two sections: the public and the non-public. The front, public section, facing Linn street is an example of high style Georgian Revival and assumed to be architect designed. This section has a side gabled roof with roof dormers, symmetrical facade, and classical details: denticulated eaves, returned cornice, classical pilasters and columns, and round headed windows with elaborate divided lites in the dormers. The curved portico is another Classical detail that is mimicked in the curved balconies on each side at the second floor. The windows in the dormer are assumed to be original. The windows on the second floor have been replaced with significantly smaller windows than the original arched -top multi paired windows. The first floor windows Have been replaced with plateglasswindows. Original window boxes have also been removed. The rear portion, the non-public area, was built in concrete block with brick veneer. It has a flat roof with a tall parapet and cornice molding. This wing originally had multi -light casement windows with straight arches and a garage entrance door for the hearse/ambulance. A 2014 Project installed an overhead door, window and passage door in the opening on the south side of the building that was the original hearse entrance. In 2009, a ramp and accessible entrance door was added to the north side of the building in a tight corridor between the building and the Van Patten House that was a local landmark next door until it burned down. In 2005, the Commission failed to approve the installation of an ATM machine that was installed in the front of the building with the addition of a new opening in the front facade. The applicant is proposing to install a new flagmountedsign to the front of the building. The sign will be constructed of aluminum cabinets with white acrylic faces and vinyl graphics. The cabinet will be lit with LEDs. Though it is not specified in the application, the sign would be attached to the building at the mortar joints, not through the brick. This sign will be installed just north of the SE corner of the building adjacent to the alley and below the level of the second floor balcony. A second sign will be installed above the doors on the south side of the building at the alley, that were from the 2014 project. The existing sign with white, rectangular background willbe replaced with a new, slightly smaller sign formed to the logo graphic. This sign will also be a cabinet with a white acrylic face and vinyl graphics, lit with LEDs. This sign must also be mounted by attachment through the mortar joints or utilizing existing attachment points. The guidelines are limited in recommendations applicable to this project. In order to review projects that are not covered in individual sections, the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation are included in Section 10. Number Nine of the standards states that exterior alterations shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property and the new work shall be differentiated from the old and compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. For more guidance, the National Park Service has published Preservation Brief 25 which includes a section on new signs on the last page (included in the packet). This Brief states that signs should work with the building rather than against it. Often features or details of the building will suggest a motif for new signs. Signs should not obscure significant features of the historic building. Sign materials should be compatible with those of the historic building. Materials characteristic of the building's period and style, used in contemporary designs, can form effective new signs. The Iowa City Downtown District has also published Storefront and Signage Guidelines (included in the packet). The signage guidelines encourage projecting signs, durable materials, dimensional letterforms, and a scale to fit the building. Sign placement should take into consideration the architectural features and proportions of the building and when a sign band exists fit signs into the original space of the sign band. Storefront projecting signs are located below the second -door window sill., a minimum of 8 feet above the sidewalk and project a maximum of 4 feet. Plastic signs with painted letters where the entire face of the sign is illuminated is not allowed. In Staffs opinion, new sign designs are a necessary and welcome part of a vibrant, active commercial district that require a blending of old and new materials and designs. As with many modern signs in brick commercial buildings, the materiality tends to not reflect the masonry construction but modern tastes. Since this building does not have a dedicated sign band, a projecting sign is preferred and is a type of sign seen on many buildings in the Central Business District. In addition, the sign on the front facade is located to point to the commercial entrance in the back portion of the building on the alley. Installing the sign into the mortar joints (or existing anchors) instead of adding new holes into the historic brick is one of the biggest concerns with sign installation on historic buildings. Sign installation of this type has also gained a consensus for approval from the Commission in recent years. Staff finds the new sign design appropriate for the historic building. Recommended Motion Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 13 S. Linn Street as presented in the application. ", , v 13 South Linn Street, Hohenschuh Mortuary APPLICATION FOR HISTORIC REVIEW Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or properties located in a historic district or conservation district pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-313. Guidelines for the Historic Review process, explanation of the process and regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook, which is available in the Neighborhood and Development Services office at City Hall or online at: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources For Staff Use: Date submitted: 6/4/2020 ❑ Certificate of No material Effect ❑ Certificate of Appropriateness ❑ Major Review ❑ Intermediate Review ❑ Minor Review The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must comply with all appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of a building permit. Meeting Schedule: The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the office of Neighborhood and Development Services by noon on Wednesday three weeks prior to the meeting. See last page of this application for deadlines and meeting dates. PROPERTY OWNER/ APPLICANT INFORMATION (Please check primary contact person) Property Owner Name: IJTK Holdings LLC Email: Phone Number: 319 430-0696 Address: 730 N Linn St City: I Iowa City State: TA Zip Code: 52240 ❑✓ Contractor/Consultant Name: ICR Si ns & LightingLigliting Inc Email: Lee etCRSi nsTnc.com Phone Number: 319-826-3608 Address: 4701 1st Ave SE Ste 10 City: ICedar Rapids State: IA Zip Code: 52402 ROPOSED PROJECT INFORMATION Address: 113 S Linn St Use of Property: 1 1 Date Constructed (if known): HISTORIC DESIGNATION (Maps are located at the following link: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresourcem ❑✓ This Property is a local historic landmark. OR ❑ This Property is within a historic or conservation district (choose location): ❑ Brown St. Historic District ❑ Northside Historic District ❑ College Hill Conservation District ❑ College Green Historic District ❑ Summit St. Historic District ❑ Dearborn St. Conservation District ❑ East College St. Historic District ❑ Woodlawn Historic District ❑ Goosetown/ Horace Mann ❑ Jefferson St. Historic District ❑ Clark St. Conservation Conservation District ❑ Longfellow Historic District District ❑ Governor -Lucas St. Conservation District Within the district, this Property is Classified as: ❑ Contributing ❑ Noncontributing ❑ Nonhistoric APPLICATION REAREMENTS Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all listed materials. Applications without necessary materials may be rejected. ❑ Addition (Typically projects entailing an addition to the building footprint such as a room, porch, deck, etc.) ❑ Building Elevations ❑ Floor Plans ❑ Photographs ❑ Product Information ❑ Site Plans ❑�/ Alteration (Typically projects entailing work such as siding and window replacement, skylights, window opening alterations, deck or porch replacement/construction, baluster repair, or similar. If the project is a minor alteration, photographs and drawings to describe the scope of the project are sufficient.) ❑ Building Elevations ❑ Product Information ❑ Photographs ❑ Construction of a new building ❑ Building Elevations ❑ Floor Plans ❑ Photographs ❑ Product Information ❑ Site Plans ❑ Demolition (Projects entailing the demolition of a primary structure or outbuilding, or any portion of a building, such as porch, chimney, decorative trim, baluster, etc.) ❑ Photographs ❑ Evidence of deterioration ❑ Proposal of Future Plans ❑ Repair or Restoration of an existing structure that will not change its appearance. ❑ Photographs ❑ Product Information ❑ Other Please contact the Preservation Specialist at 356-5243 for materials which need to be included with applications PLICATION REQUIREMENTS Project Description: Install new signagc to cast and south elevations as per attached designs Materials to be Used: Aluminum, acrylic, vinyl Exterior Appearance Changes: of signage to east and south elevations as shown in accompanying drawings To Submit Application: Download form, Fill it out and email it to jessica-bristowgiowa-city.org or mail to Historic Preservation, City of Iowa City, 410 E. Washington Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 rl P w SG FOOTAGE. 9.1359045 NightViiew Nat To Stale .roars vuaeuaae■ ammoaoce>aewe■ r�rmvmermn■ wme� ears■ L SIGNS 4J 01 FlRST IiVE. SE SURE Il CEDAR RARa6� IOWIi liCR2 G91NEl5 WIINW cEs exowxn [aepmcs studio thirteen FrOi SIdPVIPW Existing 5lgnage Proposed Siii U4"=1' Ni4EtYex cscarz rsaams,rowa esmz caemerr in,o.. LPBIHETWIIXBL9 LT Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook 10.0 The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards) were originally written to determine the appropriateness of proposed project work on properties that were listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Standards are accompanied by instructions concerning methods, materials, historical character, and other considerations that relate to the historical significance of the particular property and its surroundings. The Standards have been widely accepted by state, county, and city governments. 0 The Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission uses the Standards to determine the appropriateness of exterior changes to historic landmarks and properties located in historic and conservation districts. r The Iowa City Guidelines are based on and comply with the Standards, and were written to provide more specific guidance for owners, contractors and consultants in Iowa City as well as the Historic o Preservation Commission. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation (1990) are listed below. 1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal e change to the defining characteristics of the building and its site and environment. v 2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic £ materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. R 3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place, and use. Changes that v create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural v elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken. 4. Most properties change over time; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their o own right shall be retained and preserved. 5. Distinctive features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved. 6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. 7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblasting, that cause damage to historic materials shall not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the gentlest means possible. 8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such resources must be disturbed, mitigation measures shall be undertaken. 9. New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. 10. New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall 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. 59 excerpt from Preservation Brief 25- Historic signs sign is then sealed with a clear, water-resistant "neon' gas (neon or mercury -argon) added. Neon varnish, gives red light, mercury -argon produces blue. Gilded signs, both surface and reverse on glass, Other colors are produced by using colored glass can be cleaned gently with soap and water, using and any of dozens of phosphor coatings inside a soft cloth. Additionally, for glass signs, the var- the tube. Green, for example, can be produced by nish backing should be replaced every seven years using mercury -argon in yellow glass. Since color at the latest. is so important in neon signs, it is vital to deter - Neon. Neon signs can last 50 years, although mine the original color or colors. A neon studio 20-25 years is more typical. When a neon sign can accomplish this using a number of specialized fails, it is not because the gas has "failed;' but techniques. because the system surrounding it has broken A failing transformer can cause the neon sign to down. The glass tubes have been broken, for ex- flicker intensely, and may have to be replaced. ample, thus letting the gas escape, or the elec- Flickering neon can also indicate a problem with trades or transformers have failed. If the tube is the gas pressure inside the tube. The gas may be broken, a new one must be made by a highly at too high or too low a pressure. If so, the gas skilled "glass bender." After the hot glass tube must be repumped. has been shaped, it must undergo "purification" Repairs to neon signs also include repairs to the before being refilled with gas. The glass and the surrounding components of the sign. The "metal metal electrode at the end of the tube are heated cans" that often serve as backdrops to the tubing in turns. As these elements become hot, surface may need cleaning or, in case of rust, scraping impurities bum off into the tube. The resulting and repainting. vapor is then removed through "evacuation" —the As with gilded signs, repair of neons signs is process of creating a vacuum. Only then is the not a matter for amateurs (Fig. M. New Signs and Historic Buildings Preserving old signs is one thing. Making new ones is another. Closely related to the preservation of historic signs on historic buildings is the subject of new signs for historic buildings. Determining what new signs are appropriate for historic buildings, however, involves a major paradox: Historic sign practices were not always "sympathetic" to buildings. They were often unsympa- thetic to the building, or frankly contemptuous of it. Repeating some historic practices, therefore, would definitely not be recommended. Yet many efforts to control signage lead to bland sameness. For this reason the National Park Service discourages the adoption of local guidelines that are too restrictive, and that effectively dictate uniform signs within commercial districts. Instead, it encourages communities to promote diversity in signs —their sizes, types, colors, lighting, lettering and other qualities. It also encourages business owners to choose signs that reflect their own tastes, values, and personalities. At the same time, tenant sign practices can be stricter than sign ordinances. The National Park Service therefore encourages businesses to fit their sign programs to the building. The following points should be considered when designing and constructing new signs for historic buildings: • signs should be viewed as part of an overall graphics system for the building. They do not have to do all the "work" by themselves. The building's form, name and outstanding features, both decorative and functional, also support the advertising function of a sign. Signs should work with the building, rather than against it. • new signs should respect the size, scale and design of the historic building. Often features or details of the building will suggest a motif for new signs. • sign placement is important: new signs should not obscure significant features of the historic building. (Signs above a storefront should fit within the his- toric signboard, for example.) • new signs should also respect neighboring buildings. They should not shadow or overpower adjacent structures. • sign materials should be compatible with those of the historic building. Materials characteristic of the build- ing's period and style, used in contemporary designs, can form effective new signs. • new signs should be attached to the building care- fully, both to prevent damage to historic fabric, and to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Fittings should pen- etrate mortar joints rather than brick, for example, and signloads should be properly calculated and distributed. Conclusion Historic signs once allowed buyers and sellers to com- municate quickly, using images that were the medium of daily life. Surviving historic signs have not lost their ability to speak. But their message has changed. By communicating names, addresses, prices, products, images and other fragments of daily life, they also bring the past to life (Fig. 18). 18. Sign painters pausing from their ubrk, 1932. Photo: Courtesy, Cumquat Publishing Co. and Tettaton Sign Co., St. Louis, Missouri. 11 4 I Signs Well -designed signs help create successful storefronts. Gamprised of letterforms and graphic elements, a sign son cfys the personality of the business and creates a sense of excitement and vibrancy on the street. Signage should be designed by a design professional and fabricated by a sign comparN[hat understands various methods and materials that are appropriate to the District. The size of the sign should be appropriate for the storefront, building and neighboring buildings as well as the pedestrian experience. If signs are too large and bright, they may reduce visibility of the merchandise and affect the dining experience of neighboring sidewalk cafes. Pedestrian visibility, bath from adjacent sidewalks and ham @crass the street, is the primary consideration for the type of signage used as well as its size and location. Signs should not be scaled for vehicular visibility since the characteristics of the streetscapenarrow viewing angles and trees minimize the benefits of larger signs. Using a variety of well -designed and appropriately scaled sign types is the best approach. Best Practices - Encouraged Use of projecting signs increases pedestrian visibility and creates a unique feel for the District. Use quality, durable materials. Plan lighting placement to best accentuate the signs Scale signs to fit the building and avoid obscuring architectural features. Exposed neon is appropriate if used in a limited and tasteful manner. Dimensional letterfarms add more interest to signage than flat vinyl or painted signs. �� Non-illuminateq pin -mounted letters can be highly effect,¢ Hand-paln[edslgngqe can feel both n-fad, and refined. R-T., eId e{pns when pweible. Iowa City Downtown District I Storefront& Slgnage Guidelines dutinntive. Halo-ll[ letters are an elegant waY to Illuminate s s(gn. Exposed neon Is an app, ,efe method If used In a limped and tzSW'l manner. 4.2 4 I Signs Best Practices - Encouraged (continued) • Consider restoring historic signs. • Consider 3-dimensional elements to make signs more interesting. Best Practices - Avoid Internally Illuminated, plastic -faced letterforms or 'cloud' type backlit acrylic signs are not allowed. Instead use inch iidual open -face, neon channel letters, halo -illuminated letters orpush -through letters. • Back lit, acrylic faced cabinet signs, where the entire fact is Illuminated, are prohibited except in the case of historic theater marquees. Benefits • Creative, well -designed signage draws attention, adds a layer of detail and interest to the storefront and creates a lasting impression with the customer. Smaller, pedestrian -friendly, unique signs can he less expensive than traditional, vehicular -oriented signs. Blade signs oye, sat vlslb04 for pedestrians and arcs, an obb, eunit, for crevice soluHow. Rack -Ili, on a-facsd cabinsts(gm-, where the.,,tiro face u illumiw[ed, aye prohibited. Iowa City Downtown District I Storefront& Slgnage Guidelines 1Z�2�f�JJ..J�Yw Sometimes a veryslmple des(gn solution can be very afeorve. U.- creat, shapes to make Yg,s mot appeeling. no �hayaa uwn ,ales. pmsnFi ced IelleNor no[alhwed. e Iw 1,. \n 4.3 4 1 Signs Projecting Signs Projecting Signs project out from the face of the buildlrg over the slnewalk, are two-sided and contain the business name ardor logo. In some cases a three-dimensional object or shape related to the Nainess may be used These signs may or may not incorporate the business name or logo. Because it is not possible to define all the allowable or prohibited designs, Projecting Signs of this nature are subject to design review. There are three types of Projecting Signs allowed in the District: • Storefront Projecting Signs are located below the second floor window sill. • Upper Level Projecting Signs are located above the second floor windaw sill me. holowthe bottom of Cornice or .,of line if no cornice exists For any allowable Upper I evel Projecting Sign, the tenant must obtain permission from the building owner. Upper Level Projectirg Signs are only permitted when any of the following conditions exist: - The retail tenant occupies the entire building, and the building frontage is greater than 60 feet. The tenant is a hotel, theater or bowling alley as permitted by the sign code. • Banner Projecting Signs are located above the se.ard floor window sill and below the bottom of cornice or roof line if no cornice exists 5anner Projecting Signs are only permitted when any of the following conditions existing: - The retail tenants are located In a large, multi- muirm hi.ilding where arrerr to indivili.nl tenants 'is thratgh a common lobbthrrt gh a corr mon lobby from the strut, ano tenants do not have individc I exterior storefronts. - The retail tenant occupies a large, multi -story building with more than 200 feet of street frontage. Iowa City Downtown District I Storefront & Signage Guidelines Storefront Projecting Signs 4-0 maxmae�,','�� 4'-00 max 4'-0' max I Proh 'tion Pmlac[ron ' �a•-0" ni above side Upper Level Projecting Signs and Banners NN!MI 121gLl J,S I IAN N!i11 I�!'1 Olso \d�II C"�P JJiIIs'I �P��1AN ��L■f Ilf ltl ��!I. Centerh avai space when P.,Ne center beNreen windows aid ron.i best location on Wdd'w No higher than bottom M. 4 I Signs Storefront Projecting Signs Best Practices - Encouraged • Use high quality durable rigid materials that will not how or bend. • Lightweight, swinging -type signs are an inexpensive but highly visible way to identify your storefront. • Use clear, memorable imagery and interesting shapes. • The bracket or support structure is part of the visual presentation and should be simple and cleanor thoughttully incorporated inta the design of the sign. • The bottom of the sign shall be no lower than 8 feet above the sidewalk, and the top shall be no higher than the bottom of the second floor window sill. Consider adjacent projections jProjecting Sign, awnings, canopies) when determining the location of the sign. Do not obstruct pedestrian view of adjacent tenant Projecting Signs, Locate signs tic closer than 1 foot from the adjacent lease or property line and no closer than 12 feet from any adjacent tenant Storefront Projecting Sign. The maximum size is 9 sq. ftper sidemessages are only allowed on two sides, and the maximum projection is 4 feet from the face of the building. Best Practices - Avoid Internally illuminated, plastic -faced letters and cabinet signs are not allowed. Benefits • Projecting signs are highly visible to pedestrians walking along the sidewalk and provide an excellent opportunity for creative expression of retail brand identity. Simple, inexpensive signs can be very effective. Decaraflee bra,sats add Interest and enhance the daclgn. Storefrent Prajectigg Sfgns are highly visible far padashlanr. Iowa Glty Downtown District I Storefront& Slgnage Guidelines EAGLE' Jf } F� 'am FpOG d BE EPA 44w A'Inecdimcnsional object creates an -mall l"a raf",s can me wish s, illumilvfe tha aye-catcMggslgn. sign affecWery, creature, anlrur elements grab Pad-Vo, stenncn. srmacntR aoc, San. should not be o soed arlegwle ec anmmresa cam r guy wires Im support. Intamalry llluminatad, Plastic-facads" aabne.ara nat allausd- 4.7 Staff Report July 5, 2020 Historic Review for 810 N. Johnson Street District: Brown Street Historic District Classification: Contributing The applicants, Laura Stunz and Thomas Mittman, are requesting approval for a proposed alteration project at 810 N. Johnson Street, a Contributing property in the Brown Street Historic District. The project consists of the removal of the 18-foot by 9-foot glass and aluminum solarium on the south side of the 1960's addition and its replacement with an 18-foot by 12-foot screen porch addition. Applicable Regulations and Guidelines: 4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations 4.5 Foundations 4.7 Mass and Rooflines 4.8 Masonry 4.14 Wood 5.0 Guidelines for Additions 5.1 Expansion of Building Footprint Z0 Guidelines for Demolition 7.1 Demolition of Whole Structures or Significant Features StaffCommentS This house was built in 1918 as a gable front house with a side facing crossing gable. The house has several Craftsman details such as the clipped gables, shine siding, exposed rafter tails in the bottom of the eaves. Several details seem to be inspired by a Colonial Revival style such as the steep roof and full-length dormers which give the house a Dutch Colonial appearance. Many of the doublehungwindows on the house have a multi -paned upper sash over a sine -paned lower sash and are considered original. This house may have had multiple additions. One addition in the 1960s added a firstflooraddition and a lower level greenhouse. In 1999, a remodel project for a kitchen and laundry room was approved by the Commission and changed some of the openings on the north and west side and is mentioned in the application. In 2016 the owners were approved to replace storm window sashes that were used in five second floor windows, with more appropriate metal clad wood sashes. The applicant is proposing to remove the aluminum and glass solarium and replace it with a slightly wider, and more useable screen porch area. The width would change from 9 feet to 12 feet (aligning with the front of the house to the east. The new screen porch would have a lowslopemembrane roof with exposed rafter tails, similar to those on the cave ends. The roof will be lower than the existing solarium roof to provide more room for the windows above. The porch roof would be supported with 6-inch by 6-inch cedar wrapped posts. This is a larger size than the 4 x 4 posts in the application. Currently, the bottom of the greenhouse is below grade. The screened porch will also be partially below grade, but since it is wider and the site slopes down away from the house, more of the screened porch wall will be visible. The low knee wall will be skim - coated to match the foundation on the house. The porch will have a concrete floor, since it is below grade, and a beadboard ceiling. The screened door will face east. An existing limestone retaining wall will be rebuilt with the project. Section 7.0 Demolition recommends removing alterations that are not historic and that significantly detract from the building's historic character or that are structurally unsound and are a safety hazard. Section 5.1 of the guidelines, Expansion of the Building Footprint, recommends that the design of an addition does not diminish the character of the historic structure, is distinguishable from the original structure at the point they connect, and is placed at the rear of the building. New porches should be constructed so that they are consistent with the historic building. New porches less than 18 inches above grade may be constructed with a concrete floor. In addition, a palette of materials similar to the original structure should be used and the design should match key horizontal "lines" such as cave height, both in order to provide continuity between the two portions of the building. Additions should be placed at the rear of the building if possible. In Staffs opinion, the existing aluminum and glass solarium is not an appropriate addition to a historic house and a past makeup of the Commission had suggested that it should be removed and rebuilt in a more appropriate style. This project will make that change while also enlarging the space so that it is more useful. The new roof line will not align with other horizontal elements because the porch is below grade but it will provide better space for the windows in the 1960s addition above Recommended Motion Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 810 N Johnson Street as presented in the application and described in the staff report. !TV .i I - - 11� '•�1.,- Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or properties located in a historic district or conservation district pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-3B. Guidelines for the Historic Review process, a)planation of the process and regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook, which is available in the Neighborhood and Development Services office at City Hall or online at:www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must comply vdth all appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of a building permit. Please save as draft every 10-15 minutes to avoid work being lost. Meeting Schedule: The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the office of Neighborhood and Development Services by noon on Wednesday three weeks prior to the meeting. See deadlines and meeting dates. Property Owner / Applicant Information Property Owner Property Owner Name * Laura Stunz and Thomas Mittman Email* laura-stun7@uiovva.edu Phone * 319 530-0358 Address * Street Address 810 N Johnson St. Address Line 2 City Iowa City Fbstal / Zip Code 52245 Primary Contact 6 Yes r No Contractor / Consultant Name* Beth Rapson - Regarding Home Email* elizabeth rapson@gmail.com Phone * 319 25-7719 State / Rovince / Region IA Country USA Address Street Address 715 N Johnson St. Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region Iowa City IA Postal / Zip Code Country 52245 USA Primary Contact F Yes f No Proposed Project Information Address* Street Address 810 Johnson St Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region Iowa City IA Postal / Zip Code Country 52245 USA Use of Property* Residential Date constructed if knwvn 6/1 /1928 Historic Designation Maps are located at the following link: wVwv.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources * O This property is a local historic landmark O This property is within a historic or conservation district Please select the district below:* G Brown St. Historic District O College Green Historic District C East College St. Historic District O Jefferson St. Historic District O Longfellow Historic District O Northside Historic District O Summit St. Historic District O Woodlawn Historic District O Clark St. Conservation District O College Hill Conservation District O Dearborn St. Conservation District O Goosetown/ Horace Mann Conservation District 0 Governor -Lucas St. Conservation District Within the district, this property is classified as: O Contributing 6 Noncontributing O Nonhistoric Application Requirements Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all listed materials. Applications without necessary materials may be rejected.* O Addition O Alteration O Construction O Demolition O Repair or Restoration G Other Remove Solarium on the south side of the 1960s addition and replace with a screen pore Additional Requirements Project Description:* Glass and aluminum 18'x9' solarium attached to the south side of 1960 addition to this house will be removed and replaced with a 18'x12' screen porch This home owner has had two other Historic Preservation project approvals/awards. 1999 & 2016. The 1999 Historic Review committee had expressed hope that this solarium and other aspects of the 1960 addition be reimagined at some point. (20 years later here I am on their behalf). Materials to be Used:* Block knee wall skim coated to match other exterior this will mostly be below grade (as is the current 3' high knee wall). Concrete slab porch floor with perimeter drainage system. 4x4 Cedar posts and rafters with exposed rafter tails to mirror original house details. Bead board ceiling. Low slope membrane roof. Exterior Appearance Changes: * The screen porch roof and profile will be lowered to allow more architectural definition between the bottom of the LR windows and top of the roof. The current solarium 18'x9', which has an entry door from the lower lever of the house has a 3' knee wall below the grade - not visible from the street. The new screen porch 18'x12'will be 3' wider and the knee wall will be lowered to 2' high and Grade adjusted on the south lawn to present a more gradual fall away from the house down the hill. There are a couple of dead trees that will he removed. The existing limestone wall will be removed and then rebuilt after the new grade has been established. 'None of the historic steps on this property will be impacted. Easy- klevaf�or� l .L,' 1- f M `� 1 M Y!' l 3. i v ) F y �f Yf !q� �`Sh'f YJ k W t T R6 A .. is 5/ ?/j ..1.. c .... �. �. ,. 'dill nd��i"'. \?'^R .. ..f r. w.. -. f.. �.� E ir III III 3 ecy L y. st N � r CITY OF IOWA CITY CITY OF I O WA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: July 9, 2020 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street Background Information At the Historic Preservation Commission's meeting on Thursday, January 9, the Commission discussed the 400 Block of N. Clinton Street. At the meeting, staff asked if the Commission was open to considering the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. A summary of the Commission's thoughts on this item are as follows: • Expressed concern that historic properties are being held hostage and that the history of the community is being leveraged for private gain. • Ideally 400 N. Clinton Street would also be saved; however, the Commission wants to work with the developer to achieve an Iowa City Landmark Designation for 410-412 N. Clinton Street. • Stated that the proposed design is out of character with the existing neighborhood. There is an interest in exploring the recommendations regarding changes to the design proposed by Friends of Historic Preservation (see their comments below). • Expressed a need to explore the rehabilitation of the historic structure as part of the local landmark designation. • Recommended transparency in the process in terms of public benefits vs. private gains. Concerned that certain features of the built environment, such as height, are easily agreed to without much thought to the impacts on the community. • Expressed an interest in exploring a more comprehensive solution. The Commission would like to see a city-wide policy framework established (e.g. transfer of development rights) rather than negotiate these situations on case -by - case basis. In addition, a representative of Friends of Historic Preservation attended the meeting. Their comments are as follows: • The house at 410-412 N. Clinton Street is too important not to try to landmark. • Expressed concern that the height and scale of the building, as designed, is out of character with the neighborhood. Recommended removing the 6t' story, but allowing the 5t" story to be built without a stepback. • Recommended that the gabled roof be replaced with a flat roof to help reduce the perceived scale of the building. Despite the many concerns raised by the Commission, the main takeaway from the discussion was an interest in exploring solutions that will result in the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. July 1, 2020 Page 2 In February 2020, staff shared the input from the Commission and the Friends of Historic Preservation with the City Council. The City Council generally agreed with the design changes recommended by the Commission. Specifically, the reduction in height to 5 stories and the flat roof. The Council stated that they were not concerned with the increased density and reduced parking, but were concerned with the lack of open space identified on the plans. Revised Plans In May 2020, staff received a revised concept from the property owner. This concept incorporated many of the suggestions from the Commission and Council. It reduced the scale to 5 stories, incorporated a flat roof, and added open space. However, the revised concept also incorporated a portion of the new building wrapping around the historic structure (see Figure 1). Figure 1. May 2020 West Elevation Staff reviewed the revised concept from May 2020 and requested some changes, including the removal of the portion of the new building that wraps around the historic structure. After receiving this feedback, the property owner made some changes to the proposal, which are shown in Figure 2. The full plans are included in Attachment 1. The July submission still shows a portion of the new building wrapping around the historic structure, but the height has been reduced to 3 stories. The July plans also removed the protruding elevator shaft, which staff requested. Staff also requested that the wall surrounding the open space be removed due to concerns with having a wall connected to or near the historic structure. The revised plans still show the wall. July 1, 2020 Page 3 Figure 2. July 2020 West Elevation Summary of Existing v. Proposed Development Potential As was discussed at the Commission's January meeting, the proposal does not meet current zoning standards. In order to develop the building as proposed both a rezoning map amendment and text amendment would be required. Table 1 provides a general comparison of existing conditions, redevelopment potential, and the proposed development. Table 1. Existing Conditions v. Redevelopment Potential 400 N. Clinton & 410-412 N. Clinton 400 N. Clinton & 112 E. Davenport 112 E. Davenport Existing Re- Existing Re- Re- Proposed Conditions Development Conditions Development Development Development Zoning RIM-44 RM-44 RM-44 RM-44 Rezoning to Rezoning to PRM PRM # of 18 units Max 24 1- 11 units Max 24 1- Max 27 1- 32 units Units bedroom bedroom bedroom 71 bedrooms units units units Open Unknown 2,400 sq ft Unknown 2,400 sq ft 2,700 sq ft 1,768 sq ft S ace Parkin 9 spaces 24 spaces 7 spaces 24 spaces 27 spaces 21 spaces Height 2 stories 35' 2.5 stories 35' 35' (up to 65' 5 stories 1 story with bonus) Input From the Commission At the July 9 meeting, staff would like the Commission's input on the revised plans submitted by the property owner (Attachment 1). Attachments: 1. Plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street, July 2020 2. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission, January 2020. finninxmmro IIIE NI 'IN 71�I VAIN :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � y niu I is 4 t C n nsa 271 3 0 N G C d 'G .y N 1' Ib rim � 1 N C O C V 1ub41� Garage Ploor Plan h� finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z 3 � Second Floor Plan finnierxmmro anmmaxfioo. fi031A]W � G7 Z koMNxoor wan C finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z T ,'l Toor Plan fi 1) Fourth Floor Plan finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z r finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z " WPW FiRh F00r Plan finninxmmro :Iwomaxfi�. fi031A]W � G7 Z � R20" Plan finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z c finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z uumorcm 10 East Elevation finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z 11 North Elevation finninxmmro :nmmaxfi� fi031A]W � G7 Z 12 r ----..® CITY OF IOWA CITY MEMORANDUM Date: January 9, 2020 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street Background Information In early 2019, the City Council considered an Iowa City Historic Landmark rezoning for the properties at 410-412 N. Clinton Street (Figure 1). This historic landmark designation was initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission after a sub -committee of the Commission studied and identified several of Iowa City's early brick houses for local landmark designation. The property at 410 N. Clinton Street, the Cochrane-Sharpless- Dennis House, was identified as a priority property. Attached is the staff memo to the Historic Preservation from December 2017 that outlines the significance of the property. Prior to the City Council's consideration of this rezoning, both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. While a majority of the City Council supported the designation, the vote ultimately failed as a supermajority was required, but not reached. Figure 1. 410-412 N. Clinton Street January 2, 2020 Page 2 After the failed vote at Council, City staff reached out to the property owner to explore possible scenarios that could result in a voluntary local historic landmark designation. Through discussions, the property owner of 410-412 N. Clinton Street mentioned the possibility of acquiring two properties immediately to the south — 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street (Figure 2). Assuming acquisition of these properties, the property owner was open to exploring a scenario in which the City would grant extra development potential on those lots in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. The additional development potential would include a rezoning of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street to the Planned High Density Multi - Family Residential (PRM) zone and potential text amendments to the PRM zone bonus provisions, which offer regulatory incentives for projects that provide public benefits. The properties are currently zoned High Density Multi -Family Residential (RM-44). Prior to exploring this option with the property owner, staff presented this option at a City Council work session in March 2019. During this work session the City Council expressed a willingness to consider a rezoning and text amendments to allow a 4-story structure similar in height to Currier Hall, which is located across the street, with a high level of design review and historic preservation review to ensure compatible infill development. Friends of Historic Preservation also reached out to staff regarding the item on the Council's work session. Staff's understanding of the Friends of Historic Preservation position is as follows: January 2, 2020 Page 3 They are displeased with the prospect of demolishing 400 N. Clinton Street; however, it is a tradeoff they are willing to consider to preserve 410 N. Clinton Street if an agreement includes some provisions for: o Ensuring that the rehabilitation/restoration of 410 N. Clinton Street is part of any agreement. o Ensuring that the rehabilitation/restoration of 410 N. Clinton Street is done in compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards on the exterior. o Ensuring that the new use is a compatible use. o There is design review from City preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission of the 410 N. Clinton Street restoration work. o There is some discussion of listing in the National Register of Historic Places and historic preservation tax credits. o There is design review of the new building, which may include input from the Historic Preservation Commission. o Salvage is considered as part of any demolition. One item that staff would like to add to this list of suggestions is photo documentation of 400 N. Clinton Street should it be demolished. After the City Council work session and the Council's willingness to consider a proposal, staff reached out to the property owner. Attached are the most recent plans received for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street. The plans show a 6-story, block -scale building with a total of 30 dwelling units. Twenty-one underground parking spaces are shown on the plans, which are accessed via a drive behind 410-412 N. Clinton Street off of the east -west alley. Input From the Commission At the Commission's January 9 meeting, staff would like the Commission's input. Specifically, staff would like the Commission to discuss the following questions: 1. Would the Commission be open to considering the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street? Why or why not? 2. If the Commission is open to pursuing this, what aspects of the landmark rezoning or the redevelopment should be considered? Next Steps After receiving input from the Historic Preservation Commission, staff will share the comments received and the plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street with the City Council for their discussion and input. Attachments: 1. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission on 410 N. Clinton Street, December 7, 2017 2. Plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street, November 2019 r r�^i,®dry CITY OF I O W A CITY Date: December 7, 2017 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner Re: 410 North Clinton Street A sub -committee of the Commission did a study and identified several of Iowa City's early brick houses as priorities for local landmark designation. The subcommittee requests that the property at 410 N. Clinton Street, the Cochrane-Sharpless-Dennis House, be designated as an Iowa City Historic Landmark. The enclosed Iowa Site Inventory Form provides a discussion of the building's history and architecture and the enclosed summary sheet provides additional information obtained through staff and Commission research. Indications are that the building was built in 1865. Designation of the property as an Iowa City Historic Landmark will require Commission approval of any significant changes to the exterior of the building. Landmark status will also make the property eligible for special exceptions that would allow the Board of Adjustment to waive or modify certain zoning requirements. The Commission should determine if the property meets at least one of the criteria for local designation listed below: a. Significant to American and/or Iowa City history, architecture, archaeology and culture; b. Possesses integrity of location, design, setting, materials and workmanship; c. Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; d. Associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; e. Embodies the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; or represents the work of a master; or possesses high artistic values; or represents a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction; f. Has yielded or may likely yield information important in prehistory or history. Staff finds that 410 N. Clinton Street meets criteria a in that it is one of Iowa City's few remaining Civil War -era homes and criteria b in that it is an intact example of Italianate residential architecture in Iowa City that is not diminished by the addition because it is located behind the house. Staff finds that it meets criteria c in that it is located in an early residential area associated with the university and the western edge of the northside neighborhood in this early period. The house meets criteria d because of its association with active prominent members of the Iowa City community especially Cochrane and Sharpless. Recommended Motion: Move to approve the designation of 410 N. Clinton Street as an Iowa City Historic Landmark based on the following criteria for local designation: criteria a, b, c, and d. Cochrane-Sharpless-Dennis House 410 North Clinton 410 North Clinton Street, built in 1865, is a two-story brick Italianate with a low -sloped side gabled roof. Unlike typical Italianate houses where the brackets are part of an elaborate cornice in this house the simple cornice is supported on paired brackets. The full -width front porch has paired columns and decorative brackets composed of carved -curling tendrils similar to the cornice brackets. The symmetrical fagade includes a classically detailed center entry with narrow sidelights and transom with deeply recessed trim. Floor -to -ceiling 4-over-6 double hung windows are symmetrically placed on the first floor. The second floor windows have heavy stone sills and lintels. The central window is 4-over-6 like the first floor windows and the windows on each side are smaller 4-over4. The front fagade also has original shutters. Dr. Milton B. Cochrane settled in Iowa City in 1854. He was a surgeon in the 1st Iowa Cavalry and then promoted to the corps of surgeons of the United States Volunteers during the Civil War. He was a member of the State Historical Society from 1857 until his death in 1898. In 1859-60 He was a member of the Iowa City School Board. After the war he was appointed the first Superintendent of the Soldiers' Orphans Home at Davenport until he resigned in 1867. In the early 1880s he was appointed surgeon of an Indian Agency in Wisconsin. Samuel Sharpless and his wife Priscilla Crain owned this property from 1867 until at least 1915 when Priscilla died in the home. Sharpless was a director of the Johnson County Savings Bank, supervisor of various farming industries and a member of the Iowa City Council. In 1917 Edwin E. Dennis and his wife Anna Tantlinger bought the house and passed it on to their daughter Gertrude Dennis in 1936. Gertrude taught music, was an active Presbyterian, and served as part of the local Art Circle. She owned the house until 1965. 412 North Clinton is significant for its architecture and association with prominent citizens of Iowa City. IOVc A SF.r% UMN fORY Survey ID Number 52-0t52 G• D 06-1D 06-1 Database ID Number Nonexlanr I . -cation and a inn 1. Historic Name(s) r CaorhraD wirii.s i-goe 2. Common Names) 3. Sw4t Address 410-412 N. Clanton St. . City Icr>3 City Vicinity[ ) S. County jcl nam 6. Subdivision Origi ral Plat 7. Block(s) S. Lm(c) 9. Lego! D=ription: (1f Rural) Township Raago Section Qf:artcr of (fir Of DOMPUM !a 10. Historic Function(s) Sirxrie due°.ling oLk l 1. Current Fuacdou(s) volt:' f a:ri.ly p} B 12. cuaupue sTRB IUNN 3T-nw caRRHM SURVEY AMA, ;SI■ :Ifs 1M" Isle _—. (iategrSy Notes) N Phone State IM3a City, IA ZIP 52240 _PPI N I fin .w po E IOW! ♦ aas.w.. iV IOWA SITE I MNTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET Sumy ID Number 52-010—D 041 Database ID Number Street Address 410-412 M. Clintm St. Cit,- IR City COMW J n Leval l)=riptiou: (JYRM II) Township Rargo Sam Quarter of QNAU Of Roll / Frame 10 / 7 Laokir-q bi- €t +�?b bricd: s'•3-itia�t at rear Property Characteristic Form - Residential CFO! 259-1402 Survey ID Number 52-010-DO41 0/25/9 Database ID Number .,ae, t Address 410-412 N. Cji_ tan St. City Iowa City County JQbnaon Lc x1 Dascription: (if Rural) Township Range Section Quarter of Quarter Of Lacation Integrity: Original Site � Moved _ Moved to On:md Site Endanprid? :i orY— If yes, why? Ground Plan: a Building Shapes) Ell w add> twn b. Width �by Depth y.._.. to tutus Architecuual Style/Styhstio L-tAuences Yty Stylistic Attributes Coda Late Vi.2torian: ItalianaLe Bracketed eaves, transom & sidelicghts 42 till slender wirzzws 412 410j- Materials: Foundation Stone Poured concrete 40 100 Walls Brick Brick 30 30 Roof bletal Asphalt 50 80 Number of Stories 2 3 Roof Shape _. _Gable - very low pitch / Gable 1 1 Builder(s) UnknGrGmm Architects) Lnkrztitn Original Construction Date 65 Modification/Addition Dates: 9 unit apartmew- Luilding added to rear in 199? Vote double end chimneys, original exterior shutters and original porch. rnMi„nseim, Chw r 1 Significant interior Components: All original except for baths and kitchen Continuation Cheer I 1 Surveyor Commmu: 412 is very old uTith Italianate detsilings (brackets, long vrindcers, etc.) 410 is apartment building attached to rear of 412. Brick built for iol. B. Cochran is 1865 (from real estate appraisserrent records.) Continuation Shed I 1 Sources: Sanborn Fire Insurance Lftps: 1888, 1892, 1899, 1906, 1912, 1920, 1926, 1933. Keyes pp 59-60 Information provided by present owrer Continuation Sheet [ 1 Beds Fortner Study/Anomaly I 1 Surveyor Moraski/Erwin ter Date 1995-96 w IOWA SITE INVENTORY FORM EVALUATION SHEET ADDRESS: 410-412 North Clinton SURVEY ID # 52-010-DO41 Iowa City, IA REVIEWED BY: Molly Myers Naumann, Consultant DATE: February 1996 ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE & ASSOCIATED CONTEXTS: Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor: 1839-c.1946 APPLICABLE NRHP CRITERIA: A B _ C XD _ NRHP ELIGIBILITY: INDIVIDUAL_ YES _X_ NO- _ CONSERVATION DISTRICT: CONTRIBUTING X —NON-CONTRIBUTING This two story brick residence from 0865 is a good example of Italianate residential design. The house is rectangular with a small two story wing to the rear. It features a symmetrical three bay facade, the entry having both transom and sidelights. On the first floor two narrow floor -length windows are paired on each side of the entrance. At the second floor level the windows appear as pairs, but without space between them. Both sills and lintels are of stone. Paired Italianate brackets are located at the cornice. The original end chmneys and exterior shutters are In place. The front porch extends across the entire facade and features slender paired posts, square in shape with chamfered corners. Delicate scroll brackets top each of the porch posts. The pitch of the gable roof is unusually low, one indication of a fairly early date. Although a multi -unit apartment building has been attached to this house at the rear, the integrity of the original structure remains quite high. It is considered to be individually eligible as a good example of its period and style, and is considered to a be a strong contributing structure in the Clinton Street Conservation District, HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE & ASSOCIATED CONTEXTS: Dubuque/Linn Street Corridor: 1839-c.1946 APPLICABLE NRHP CRITERIA: A X BC D_ NRHP ELIGIBILITY: INDIVIDUAL YES _X_ _ NO — CONSERVATION DISTRICT: CONTRIBUTING X NON-CONTRIBUTING The Cochrane -Dennis House from c.1865 illustrates the development of the north part of Iowa City in the years fallowing the removal of the state capital to Des Moines. The location of the State University of Iowa here in 1855, and the arrival of the railroad in 1856, ensured the continued growth of the former seat of state government. The Cochrane -Dennis House and the Dey House across the street at 507 North Clinton appear to be the last remaining examples of early residential design in this neighborhood. Both are good examples of the Italianate style and both have been well maintained. They demonstrate the use of mass-produced building materials that became available with the arrival of the railroad. The university was housed in the Old Capitol and two other buildings located on what is know known as the Pentacrest. The area to the north was a logical location for both faculty and students to live_ Clinton Street appears to have always been the western edge of the so-called North Side Neighborhood, and even from the earliest days may have been considered to be separate. The Cochrane -Dennis House is considered to be individually eligible and is also a solid contributing structure in the proposed conservation district. PREPARED BY: Molly Myers Naumann, Consultant ADDRESS: 167 W. Alta Vista, Ottumwa, IA 52501 AFFILIATION: Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission ADDRESS: 401 E. Washington, Iowa City, IA 52240 PHONE: (515) 682-2743 DATE: February 1946 PHONE: (319) 356-5243 rm 10w - lowa'stat' J iLtoricul Q ps i , v irit Z3 s.. bhar'set 51., la ,t,�, W::e; 52240 Taerwucati )a 1. fEtt fea F—_�'TF- 7. Yli'tq "iu.�s,�'iitY ,R1g15 •C _..Tc,�nsliin.�.� Count} d^:nJ•Er'-'t �i2 AOr Tinton •J. 4�-, I.o>:,tsf,n_��_.. __ ..-._ �___� UT y' ;6/—NIg o each lJnt`� 1rwa.fiiy c+xk}- s:x'dtwt y rcet(,naf l: v�n'tn •T,,l — e 1 o A ?A Sitrticevn..r 30-1418 -r , Districts S. WM Lnc4f1v-,: :nnn _�� tj n hme__... • Acre �. 5c-iiiriiT£zer, �1��'Tar3 W-jconnrr rate f6-FCFa-4 , l�t�i e ' . r nterest- 7. t•?..7,ss(e),;diih:'ri23- Gejarge: Q~reef OrAd s ii;.t.:dottioxl unknoWn 1�0. �aiJdis�,'TYga: ["'rh,,r,Sasa't311� d,�mllin� ❑ induuri::] ❑ oslu-ar In,tltuUorssf ❑ reHgio,is R rnultlpk:d-amify ri,w.hin9 2 j] educationnl [j pa +lir_ ❑ ;.gric:ultuml ❑ d:9nnr+2rI J 'it. *i_s:;i±54'.aift.: ❑ dr: co r.S [] stor,a O bvfc;: Ll bcmd *id bax-n ❑ f4driSles ❑ siucco ❑ other 12. Suticiurd'.ij'Aon.: ❑ wood fr me •n:lh interlocking plw[]wood frame tvlth i'�,N niombers (frxlfoen iron:) T❑-. i � sonry fa.d•ta:aYrg v�ai9s L7 :von fr,.mn O steel O--eit(Cored conci,-ia 13. S-._4`tixan: f] svralent [I good & `s9r L] 6,teriovated 1�t. Estr�tlT� F.lj,tri�ln s?tt ❑ mo+ s•; -ir � � .:nT- •"— No s en Ater lSf ::6, t „dlrLdis (MJ.o d,^.f_s and , rcle'c_ t, if cnowN ..nd . n ohier na, LSu t atut-x. of buiidtnu ant shs: 75. Rr:atzd O:;ti�t.iuii;:gt taa 5°racr rl;: ❑fro ❑ other farm stvuccres ❑ Serige •rAusa ❑ g;.r. oa ❑ p-dr; �J mhwr __three- .S-t ry brau--bui-Idin jr-br4r-F,-YellPl'�s ti� tG� Intl -dRd� tE. jl�no Qyc>•'fco,:rnyT __._"_..�.._.. .� _ t . ❑ oircn isnd ❑,vi3"J ,.J O r tt�,;>a:', ,�ut�i:itdFny> CS c'¢i:srTi bxrlt--(i' ❑,:ommorciul ❑ Industrial O residt<ntial Q other V. i'I,au, t - . • r. iindicatu sources of iufmmriion for A si:% manta) Tat, dre6iiudarai s;�nif%4suc i<i KCc'sbetctur Andrvfd;t=Ay mm.f quAlT for the N.xtlonal ?etirrtcr C1h. Cuniributhig,iruccre ❑ c. NEr, ell-r WInF,usion Well preserved gable sided brick house with low pitched roof. Features Italianate front porch and paired cornice brackets. !findows on the first floor are full length, those on the second floor are paired beneath stone lintels and sills.. Tie center window on the second floor is floor length as well. See continuation sheet. $Y, kist,.rieat Si4slfic:.rec Theme(s) a, ;'ey A-idvrefinahidu: If/ may tfut,Gfy for tits Na'..on_=i &g1ster b..Contribudne structure ❑ w. Not eli;,•f '•;d'ntrusion 1 Italianate-Two story side gable The Samuel Sharpless family owned the house as late as 1912, and he was noted for his local investment activities as well as for his having served as Director of the -Johnson County Savings Bank for twenty five years. Gertrude F. Dennis owned the house from 1935 through the early 1950's at least. 22, Co::�; (for. xndsecorde^ LOGMrs,� ,�ecom: + - � n' / a ^lete ixts o^ �ulzlica6on:u:::o:, Sae, �,,;..ce of pu51?citron, dztx, atc.): Prepwedby..__...l f..'. u�,.,.,js!i.S `.:i::• ! .._Dah .. Address :for 1-IM ioi1l of lIistoiic PrPmarvation Use Only 04!c4 Infvrmi ;ion : ourc_•s on Otis FroMay ❑ Covr.7s 3c;:ourca , ile ❑ W',uishield SuFvL7 ❑ National rsP-C--er ❑Grans-h-J.id:.—_-.—_...-._.,_.__ ❑ Determination of km_ibiilty 2. subject Traces a. b. C. d. --- — e. ❑ 3atis w and C:a:npIhnct: Project: ❑ Other..__ ❑ Uther 3. Photo Images Iij Divlstu of Historic t1r•_sev nV an Iowa State Historical Departmamt 26 E. fa7ari;t_. S,., lowa city, I::a r: -,d't40 Tten'.- unibor(s) .S(A-a10-u7/ SiteNumbu 30-1418 Ci07.lihlvned!..OA sheet AC ! "S' 4 T L•1 L e.�'. ��i l .. 1 ti+' i \ l The Samuel Sharpless homestead, 412 N. Clinton Samuel Sharpless ( -1901) served for t-ienty-five years as the director of [lohason Count,! Savings Banc, and was a noted local capitalist. (Aurner, Histor ofi Jbhnson County, Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Western pub.Co., 1912 pp. 687-88 G - — - — - — - — - — - — - — \ 2------------------- \} �� j ^ Residences 00NGE■�nSt \. 1� a Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.9nd Joi Jeff ClsM Iona UA, I e l a 3 e N3 1� a Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.9nd Joi Jeff ClsM Iona UA, I w e Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.19ndflIJOClsM Iona UAJA e Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.9nd Joi Jeff CM Iona UA, I ti7 a Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.9nd Joi Jeff ClsM Iona UA, I cm. a Residences at 400 N Clinton S# j D.9nd Joi Jeff ClsM Iona UA, I e Residences at 400 N Clinton S# j D.19ndflIJOClsM Iona UAJA 4, ,off - A ❑0 ■1 ®■1 ■1 ❑0 41 1 Ll 0 0 ❑ ❑ ■ 1!1 e ❑0 m _ km o� O 3 v I CO e T Residences at 400 N Clinton S# UnipM poi JO CM Iona UA, I �0 �0 III n0 C■■� 01 ICI � 1-ii o 1-ii ■ 1 ■ Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.9ndf11Jefi CleM Iona UAJA e $ m p e Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.19ndflIJOClsM Iona UAJA Residences at 400 N Clinton S# D.9nd Joi Jeff ClsM Iona UA, I Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 MEMORANDUM Date: July 1, 2020 To: Historic Preservation Commission From: Kevin Boyd, Chair, Historic Preservation Commission Re: Sharing the Stories of our Community's Full History Much of our Commission's work is the preservation of the physical heritage of our community. And that work is important and must continue. But what remains of our physical heritage isn't a complete picture of who we are or who we were as a community. For example, much of the physical presence of the historically Black neighborhood along South Capitol Street is gone. But that cannot mean that we do not preserve those stories and that history. I believe we are called now more than ever to tell the full story of our history. I believe we must expand the work we do by both preserving the physical heritage but also seek, learn, and share stories that were often under -represented in our history. Those stories are part of our shared heritage as well. An effort to preserve the stories of historically underrepresented communities is not meant to undermine our important work to preserve the physical heritage, only to add to our work. The work of previous Historic Preservation Commissions to preserve physical heritage has left some of that underrepresented history preserved and intact. The College Hill Conservation District meant the Iowa Federation Home on Iowa Avenue remains preserved. Our Commission was a leader in working to save the Tate -Arms Building. The Woodlawn Historic District means the home of Suffragist Zella Stewart White remains at 1010 Woodlawn Ave. The basement at the Unitarian Church on Iowa and Gilbert was the home of a Gay Pride Dance in 1973 that was raided by 17 members of law enforcement including Highway Patrol, Sheriff's Office, ICPD, and two men were charged on bootlegging charges - later dropped. The work to preserve that church, incidentally, preserved a key piece of the early LGBTQ community history as well. The work of preserving the physical heritage also leads to preserving our community's stories. But that physical preservation alone isn't enough. We must do more. My suggestions for action. 1. We amend our work plan to include the work of Telling the Full Story. 2. We form a subcommittee that works to preserve historically underrepresented communities' stories and consider how to share and preserve those stories. 3. We ask the Council for some City Staff time devoted to support these efforts. We amend our work plan to include the work of Telling the Full Story. We add to the Commission's Work Plan the phrase "Create a subcommittee to explore untold history or under -told aspects of our community's heritage, particularly those who are historically underrepresented. Consider how to best preserve and share those stories." We form a subcommittee that works to preserve historically underrepresented communities' stories and consider how to share and preserve those stories. The membership should include some commissioners but also include others who are interested in preserving these stories. The work of the Subcommittee should first research, compile, and engage communities to discover stories that are underrepresented in our shared history. The work should consider how to share these stories even if the physical part of those stories isn't included. Historic plaques and signage are fine, but perhaps art might be a better way to tell those stories. A key location for the early Mexican immigrants to Iowa City is Oak Grove Park - there may be a creative way to tell that story as a community gathering place. Finally, if physical places are discovered through these efforts, the subcommittee should recommend potential landmark designation locations to this commission for consideration. We ask the Council for some City Staff time devoted to support these efforts. I envision this being largely volunteer driven, but having someone provide expertise on preservation, helping to coordinate, seek engagement with other city departments, and nudge the volunteers forward are types of support this subcommittee would need. Ideally, it's the Preservation Planner, due the expertise in this area. Thanks for your thoughtful consideration. Look forward to discussing with you all next week. MINUTES HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION EMMA J. HARVAT HALL June 11, 2020 PRELIMINARY MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Helen Burford, Gosia Clore, Sharon DeGraw, Lyndi Kiple, Cecile Kuenzli, Quentin Pitzen, Jordan Sellergren, Austin Wu MEMBERS ABSENT: None STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Anne Russett OTHERS PRESENT: G.T. Karr, Brenda Nations, Ginalie Swaim, Electronic Meeting (Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8) An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff, and the public presented by COVID-19. RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action) CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the electronic meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. utilizing Zoom. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA: Gosia Clore spoke as a member of the public. She said she was grateful to have had the opportunity to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission for the last six years. This is her last meeting. She said she had learned a great deal from current and previous commission members. Clore believes the mission of historic preservation should be to promote preservation of the character and the livelihood of the neighborhoods and to help homeowners take care of their properties in an equitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly fashion. She believes preserving the character of the entire neighborhood and sustainable development should go hand in hand. She recommended the Commission focus on making communities more inclusive and allowing them to maintain their character, but also to allow for flexibility in the use of materials and technologies that have proven more safe, energy efficient, and easier to maintain. She wants Historic Preservation Staff to act as a bridge and not as an obstacle in the quest to make neighborhoods better. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 2 of 10 Pitzen joined the meeting at this time. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: 1118 East College Street — East College Historic District (skylights and west -facing window on rear addition, new window added to the front elevation). Bristow explained some of the property images are from 2005. They are being used to better see a corner of the property where there is a tree currently. Bristow said the project has three parts. The first part is adding two skylights to the roof of the one-story addition behind the house. The proposal is adding one to each slope of that roof. The product information would be submitted after -the -fact. The recommendation includes approving the material by Staff or Staff and Chair once the material is determined. Something with a dark frame is always suggested so it blends in with the roof. The second part involves an addition from 1973. A 2005 project that removed the synthetic siding also altered this addition. It did have a bay -projecting casement window configuration. The project right now is to get more light into the house. The proposal is to add other windows. The Staff Report showed one or two, but nothing had been decided. In speaking with the applicant since that time, Bristow said the applicant is interested in doing three windows instead. Since this house has two sets of a group of three, or three -ganged windows, Staff felt that was appropriate. She said it would not be possible to have the head height align exactly because of the height of the addition. She said it would be appropriate to have that sill align with an adjacent window. The third part of this project concerns the front of the house. Commission guidelines are very clear that it is disallowed to change the front of an historic property in an historic district by adding new windows or doors. Bristow said one reason an exception may be granted is if it had previously changed. She noted the current window configuration of the house is more unusual than what is normally seen in an historic district. She said it appears to have fewer windows. Bristow consulted with another historian to investigate why that could be. It is not known exactly when the house was built, but likely about 1900 in some kind of vernacular form. There are elements of the earlier Queen Anne style. There is a slightly unusual bay window incorporated in the corner. The windows in the upper sash are leaded glass. The window next to the door is also leaded glass. Those are all pretty clear elements of the Queen Anne style. Around 1900-1905 that style morphed into a Free Classic style. It is a bit simpler and more affordable style. Windows like the one in the front and the one in the side where you have a larger window with two sidelights appear very similar to a Palladian window, which would be one element of a Free Classic style, except the Palladian window would have had an arch above the central sash. Another element of the Free Classic style is Doric classical columns, just basically the more simplified nature. Whether the house had been altered to lose the arch above the window was considered, but the ceiling line inside would not have made that possible. It was likely installed originally as a less expensive version of a Palladian window. While discussing this with the other historian, Bristow HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 3 of 10 said they thought maybe this was a builder's home. The owner put the extra money into the leaded glass window on the front and went less expensive with some other things. Another unusual thing is the size of the window in the gable that is out of scale. The dormer over on the east side has been altered. Bristow said there is not a lot of evidence that the front was altered. She noted in the recommendation that there are some unusual things going on here, so maybe it was altered. She showed a mock-up, just adding in one window. One window is recommended because the large, cottage -style window that you would sometimes see would not typically be here, especially with this type of Palladian -like window above. If there were two, it would get cramped with this bay, and a window would not have been placed right behind a column in this kind of configuration. Staff feels one individual window, just a one -over -one, no leaded glass, in the noted location, would be the more appropriate way to go. Bristow shared examples of configurations from other houses. One example had a turret and a door, and the empty space is filled with something. Another example had a similar Palladian window, but it did not have a lot of empty wall space. All examples have more windows and a more regular window pattern. Bristow again said the guidelines are clear that it is disallowed to change the front of the house unless there is an exception, and typically the exception would be granted because the structure had previously changed. At the same time, it does not appear that adding a window, at least an individual window, would greatly impact the historic character of this house or its neighborhood, and that is the recommendation. Boyd asked if anyone had clarifying questions, opened and closed the public hearing. Kuenzli thought it looked as though the house has been significantly altered and that the changes proposed, as presented, would be acceptable. She agreed that it would be desirable to get more light into an old house. Wu concurred with Kuenzli. MOTION: Kiple moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 1118 East College Street as presented in the Staff report through an exception to the guidelines allowing the addition of a new window opening because it will not negatively impact the existing window pattern or the historic character of the neighborhood due to the unique conditions presented by the existing architecture with the following conditions: Double -hung windows as a single, pair, or group of three are installed in the west wall; the final window pattern is approved by Staff and Chair; all window product information is approved by Staff and Chair. Agran seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 10-0. CLIMATE ACTION AND PRESERVATION PRESENTATION FROM CLIMATE ACTION COMMITTEE: Boyd noted that Iowa City has declared a climate crisis. He thought there was great overlap in terms of work the Historic Preservation Commission does on sustainability, as well as opportunities for learning. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 4 of 10 G.T. Karr spoke. Karr served on the Historic Preservation Commission for a couple years and stepped down to serve on the Climate Action Commission. He is also a contractor and remodeler by trade. On September 18, 2018, the City of Iowa City officially adopted the Climate Action Plan. There were 35 action items to reduce the carbon emissions and some goals set for 25% reduction in 2025 and 80% in 2050. A year later more aggressive goals were set. Karr said he wants the two commissions to collaborate for progress toward these goals. He noted all the Climate Action information is available on the City's website. Sections that comprise action items include buildings, transportation, waste, adaptation, and sustainable lifestyle. Karr believes there are simple opportunities in buildings and waste. One of the items that was identified in the study and one of the targets was to retrofit 10% of all existing buildings by 2025 and 90% by 2050. He noted that projects coming before Historic Preservation are from existing housing stock. He believes there are co -benefits between goals of climate action and historic preservation. Karr said another one of the goals is renewable energy, transitioning 3% of the buildings from natural gas to high -efficiency electrical heat. He said with retrofitting — trying to put electric heat in an historic home — there are some issues with how efficient the house is, with windows, insulation, etc. He said he is not saying windows need to be replaced. Karr said about 56% of the City's consumption -based emissions are from the existing building stock. This is a huge segment. He said it will be challenging and expensive to change. Karr said he narrowed down three action items that he would like the Historic Preservation Commission to look at, do some research, and see how those items partner with Historic Preservation goals. Action 1.1 under the Buildings Section is to increase energy efficiency in residences. He said it sounds great and is an awesome thing to do, but there will be challenges. Action 1.4 under the Buildings Section - Increasing onsite renewable energy systems and electrifications. He wondered what that would mean if trying to do geothermal in existing areas with trees or putting solar panels on historic buildings. Action 3.4 under Waste — Establishing partnerships to divert construction waste from the landfill. Karr said the Historic Preservation Commission and Friends of Historic Preservation are already doing a fantastic job. He said the Salvage Barn was the first idea that came to mind to help preserve some items from going to the landfill. Karr said he wanted to reach out and either have a regular meeting or invite interested HPC members into working groups. He thought the Buildings working group was the place to start the conversation. He wanted to find a way to be proactive and create some efficiencies beyond putting LEDs inside and using low -flow aerators. Kiple noted the keynote speaker at the Preserve Iowa Summit, held this past weekend, talked about sustainability in historic preservation and how they can go hand -in -hand and how we HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 5 of 10 need to work together on those things. She thought it was a great initiative and great to see in Iowa City. Boyd said he went through the Climate Plan and had also marked those three action items. He said he was interested in building energy efficiency and noted the measurability of it is all in operating energy. None of it in the embodied energy that exists in the buildings. He said embodied energy, particularly in Europe and Australia, is a key component of measuring a building's energy efficiency. He was curious if the Climate Action Commission had looked at embodied energy. Karr said within the Buildings working group there are two architects. One concentrates primarily on LEED certification. He said they have had conversations about that, but it boils down to a consistent way to gauge that and how it would be reported. He agreed that every aspect of the process should be looked at. Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator for the City and contact for the Climate Action Commission, spoke. She said for a consumption -based inventory, which includes looking at embodied energy, the average age of Iowa City houses would be needed, but they did not have that information. They also needed to know what houses were made of and what percentage of houses were made of the materials. She said there are not really accepted protocols for a consumption -based inventory, and it is harder to see change. Kuenzli said she liked the idea of this project very much. With older houses, she thought it was important to find out where energy needs to be conserved to make a difference. She thought a blower door test would be a good measure of energy loss and wondered if the cost of the test could be subsidized for those who wanted to make improvements. Nations noted the City currently has a group of Green Iowa AmeriCorps. They do free blower door tests. She said every year the City has a group and they do free blower door tests for about 100 houses per year. Karr said there were programs in the works trying to partner with local nonprofits to increase the access to that and to increase the energy audits. He noted that there are challenges and limitations to what can be done on an historic house to improve energy efficiency. He said it is still important to do basic small things on the interior such as using LEDs and low -flow aerators. Regarding electrification of buildings, Nations said some cities, especially in California, are starting to have policies where they do not allow natural gas to go to new buildings. She said the City is trying to move toward that, but it would take a long time - decades. She noted MidAmerican is producing more and more renewable electricity, at 61 % renewable electricity. Nations said systems need to be equitable, because sometimes it may cost more for the electricity to heat your home versus natural gas. Karr said heat pump technology has drastically improved, but a 1918 house is going to perform a lot differently than a 2020 house. There are some limitations. He said the City should be realistic and try to inform the public of those goals, but it is not a one size fits all. Some things make more sense for an older home and other things make more sense in a newer home, and that information should be shared. Ginalie Swaim asked where rehabbing windows would fit in the Climate Action Plan HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 6 of 10 Karr noted that glass is extremely inefficient, so as a payback for energy savings it is one of the least fruitful things a person could do. He said he had no problem encouraging people to reglaze, but thought things like weather stripping and storm windows, which are allowed in historic preservation, might be easier and more efficient from a cost standpoint. Kuenzli left the meeting at this time. Clore asked about insulating walls on the outside. Karr said that would be a siding issue but gets complicated with what is allowed and not allowed. He said if the goal is to make the house more efficient, it makes a lot of sense to insulate the walls, but he was not sure how that would play into preserving siding. Wu wondered where infill development might fit in the Climate Action Plan, with an example being construction on empty lots inside historic districts, and making sure development fits in with the character of those neighborhoods. Karr said that had not been discussed in the Climate Action Plan but thought the Historic Preservation Commission would have input on materials used and architectural details. Sellergren asked if there could be a public initiative to encourage people not to air condition. She thought it would be good to remind people they could get by with a ceiling fan and closing the house up in the morning. Nations understood the point but was hesitant because the climate is expected to get hotter and hotter and some people need air conditioning for their health conditions. She said they would think about it. Agran said he fell in the middle on the air conditioning subject. He said he lives in an historic house that does have central air, but it does not work very well because the house was not built for it. He said all his double -hung windows that ought to be able to drop down from the top and let hot air out, do not. When people install new storm windows, that also prohibits that kind of ventilation. He said he has a whole house fan that allows him to extend the season under which he is not using the air conditioner. He believed people need air conditioning for the conditions described by Nations but pointed out the old fashion things that help mitigate temperature change in a house are also still relevant and will reduce those bills. DeGraw said she was interested in the geothermal part. She thought it would be good if people could apply for historic preservation grants under a category of geothermal or green energy. She wondered about a program working with banks. Burford thought if people make the decision to spend the money to make changes for climate change, it would be terrible if the tax assessor increased people's property taxes because they are participating in the community's goals. Karr said everything brought up was being talked about within either the Climate Action Commission or their subcommittees. He said there have been discussions with banks about trying to roll out programs to help incentivize this. He also again encouraged the Historic Preservation Commission to join the meetings or any of the working groups to give insight. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 7 of 10 Boyd said there are a couple places for engagement. One is through joining working groups. The other is keeping each other in the loop about the work of each commission and where the other's expertise may be needed. He thought the Historic Preservation Guidelines should also be reviewed and updated while thinking about climate change. REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF Certificate of No Material Effect — Chair and Staff Review. 407 Brown Street — Brown Street Historic District (deteriorated siding, trim, and soffit replacement). Bristow said 407 Brown Street is in the middle of a larger siding and trim repair and painting project. They have a Certificate of No Material Effect to replace a few key pieces of siding and trim and the soffit on the house. 608 1/2 Dearborn Street — Dearborn Street Conservation District (overhead door replacement). Bristow explained 608 1/2 Dearborn Street is a little building behind the house. It is noncontributing. On the map, it is two different properties, one on an alley and one on the street. The back property has a garage. It has an overhead door. They are replacing it to match the existing. It was hit by a car. Minor Review —Staff Review. 720 North Van Buren Street — Brown Street Historic District (2"1 floor rear deck floor and railing replacement). Bristow said 720 North Van Buren Street on the alley has a rear porch that has a deck. It is not very visible. They are going to put a low -profile deck floor up here, maybe one of those that lays in panels. They will have a new railing that meets code, simple square spindles with posts. 409 Oakland Avenue — Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement). 409 Oakland Avenue is in the Longfellow Historic District. It is a roof shingle replacement from flat shingle to an architectural shingle. 230 East Jefferson Street, St Mary's Catholic Church - Jefferson Street Historic District (louver replacement, wood trim repair). Bristow explained in the steeple of St. Mary's Catholic Church there are these large wooden panels with a lot of molding detail. They want to replace the louvers only. The original application was to replace all of this with metal. What they will be doing now is just replacing the louvers, with new metal louvers that will sit behind the original trim that will just be painted and stained. All that will change is the louvers. 1415 Davenport Street — Local Historic Landmark (kitchen and porch roof shingle replacement, kitchen window infill panel reconstruction, west basement window well/window replacement). 1415 Davenport Street is the Rose Hill house between Davenport and Bloomington. Bristow said neither she nor the Assessor have a good photo of this house. It is the one with the very long front yard going down to Bloomington Street. It used to be a part of the old Irish farm. It has HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 8 of 10 a few projects. The basement window with vents coming out of the window will be replaced with a newly created wood basement window with a panel in that location so that the venting does not go out through a broken glass panel. Bristow said the window well is very leaky. The house is brick. It has a limestone foundation and original brick window well. It was up to the owner to either make it out of brick or limestone. These two lower roofs on the Davenport Street side, technically the back, are for a porch and kitchen addition. The roof shingles will be replaced to match architectural shingles on the main roof. The kitchen windows were replaced with shorter windows at one point in time with an infill panel below. Those will all be replaced, as well, because there is a significant amount of rot. CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MAY 14, 2020 MOTION: Agran moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission's May 14, 2020 meeting. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0. COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION: Historic Preservation and Sustainability References. A shortened version of the Study: The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value of Building Reuse by Preservation Green Lab was included in the packet as background information to begin a sustainability discussion. Bristow said she did not have time to read the larger study. As the memo says, there is a link to more information. It is 100 pages and more about the methodology for the studies. It is a very recent study with information on technology related to green design, climate action, and sustainability. Commissioner Retirements. Boyd noted that both Agran and Clore are retiring from the Historic Preservation Commission. They both served six years. He thanked them for their service and said he appreciated their perspectives, which he will think about when considering future issues. Agran spoke about his time on the Commission. He said he learned about the history of specific properties in the City and the broader history of the City itself. He also learned a lot about the language and strategy, and ups and downs of public process. He said those lessons have benefited him in other ways, on other issues, while advocating for those in the community. He said he has been inspired watching the thoughtful, rational, and measured but passionate leadership of Swaim and Boyd. Agran believes the Historic Preservation Commission is at its best when it restrains itself from aesthetic judgment and nimbyism and instead focuses on being flexible in ways that dovetail with other critical missions of the City and supporting those initiatives of sustainability and social justice and, moreover, embraces the flexibility to support the broadest ideas of what it is we are trying to preserve in these historic neighborhoods. That is the structure, form, and functioning of the neighborhood itself. He urged remaining Commission members to look to the broadest interpretations of the Secretary of Interior Standards to allow the neighborhoods to live and breathe and evolve as a way to maintain their relevancy and preserve their history, while also allowing that history to HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 9 of 10 continue to be written. He said it had been a real pleasure to serve with the Commission members. Boyd recalled that a few months ago the Commission used this agenda period to take action and issued a statement to the City Council on an item that had not been individually listed in the agenda. He said the Commission needs to be cautious with how this period is used. He said it was described to him as discussion among the Commission, and information is one of us sharing something, and sharing it with everyone. He thought there were opportunities to talk about potential future agenda items, but not really to discuss those future agenda items unless they were part of the published agenda. Boyd said there would be ongoing conversations about climate change, and Burford emailed about some ways the Commission could be reflective or think about how the Commission's work also fits in with the Black Lives Matter Movement. He said he has some ideas on that for the next agenda. He believed the Commission should be mindful of being very responsive to things that are happening in the community and it is important to make sure we tell the full history of the community. He asked Commission members to email him and Bristow if they have agenda items they want to bring forward, specifically noting what they would like to discuss. He said a Commissioner may need to write a memo for background on the topic. ADJOURNMENT: Agran moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Clore The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m. Minutes submitted by Judy Jones HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION June 11, 2020 Page 10 of 10 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2019-2020 TERM NAME EXP. 6/13 8/08 8/19 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12 1/09 2/13 3/12 4/09 5//14 6/11 AGRAN, 6/30/20 X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X THOMAS BOYD, KEVIN 6/30/20 X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X BUILTA, ZACH 6/30/19 X BURFORD, 6/30/21 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X HELEN CLORE, 6/30/20 O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X X X X GOSIA DEGRAW, SHARON 6/30/19 O/E X X O/E O/E X O/E X X O/E X X X KARR, G. T. 6/30/20 X X X X -- -- -- KUENZLI, 6/30/19 O/E X X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X CECILE KIPLE, LYNDI 6/30/22 __ X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X PITZEN, 6/30/21 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X QUENTIN SELLERGREN, 6/30/22 -- X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X JORDAN SHOPE, LEE 6/30/21 O/E -- -- -- -- -- -- WU, AUSTIN 6/30/20 __ __ __ __ __ __ __ O/E X X O/E X X