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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Agenda Packet 4.14.22 Thursday April 14, 2022 5:30 p.m. Emma Harvat Hall City Hall IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION Thursday, April 14, 2022 City Hall, 410 E. Washington Street Emma J. Harvat Hall 5:30 p.m. Agenda A) Call to Order B) Roll Call C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda D) Certificate of Appropriateness 1. HPC21-0102: 110 East College Street – East College Street Historic District (rear addition demolition and new rear addition construction 2. HPC22-0015: 109 (119) East College Street – Local Historic Landmark (signs for tower addition) E) Montgomery Butler House F) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff Certificate of No Material Effect –Chair and Staff review 1. HPC22-0010: 1113 East College Street – East College Street Historic District (new barn/garage foundation) 2. HPC22-0013: 422 Brown Street – Brown Street Historic District (retaining wall replacement) Minor Review –Staff review 1. HPC22-0006: 1027 East College Street – East College Street Historic District (roof shingle replacement) 2. HPC22-0011: 505 Clark Street – Clark Street Conservation District (garage repairs and overhead door replacement) Intermediate Review –Chair and Staff review 1. HPC22-0008: 109 and 111 East College Street– Local Historic Landmarks (door and storefront changes to a prior COA) 2. HPC22-0009: 508 South Summit Street – Summit Street Historic District (door and window changes to a prior COA) 3. HPC22-0012: 1415 Davenport Street – Local Historic Landmark (new small outbuilding) G) Consideration of Minutes for March 10, 2022 H) Commission Information 1. Letter of Support for Downtown Iowa City Cultural & Entertainment District I) Commission Discussion 1. Annual Historic Preservation Awards 2. Commissioner Terms J) 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 April 5, 2022 Historic Review for HPC21-0102: 1110 East College Street District: East College Street Historic District Classification: Contributing The applicant, Bu Wilson, is requesting approval for a proposed demolition and new construction project at 1110 East College Street, a Contributing property in the East College Street Historic District. The project consists of the demolition of the existing rear screened porch and the construction of a new single-story rear addition. Applicable Regulations and Guidelines: 4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations 4.1 Balustrades and Handrails 4.3 Doors 4.5 Foundations 4.7 Mass and Rooflines 4.8 Masonry 4.11 Siding 4.13 Windows 4.14 Wood 5.0 Guidelines for Additions 5.1 Expansion of Building Footprint Staff Comments This is one of three similar, shallow-roofed, gable-front houses which sit very near to each other in this block of east College Street. Each exhibits a Craftsman influence, especially in the use of exposed purlins and/or knee brackets at the eave line. Though similar, each of the three houses has a different porch style and some window variation. Each house does employ double-hung sash windows with an upper sash divided into multiple vertical lights (referred to by some as "Chicago" windows). The house has wide overhangs with exposed purlins and rafter tails. The foundation is stucco coated. The house has a narrow lap siding with mitered corners on the upper floor and a wider lap siding with corner boards on the first floor. A band board with a drip edge marks the change in siding. the first-floor windows are pairs and triplets (except the east side), and the second-floor windows are singles. Square battered columns support the porch. There is a boxed projection on the west side of the house. A screened porch was added to the back of the house in 1994, prior to the formation of the historic district. In 2007, staff and the Commission Chair approved alterations to the porch railing to correct a past alteration from a front porch enclosure. In 2012, the Commission approved the removal of a structurally unsound carport that was attached to the garage. In 2014 the Commission approved changes to the railing in the screened porch. The applicant is proposing to remove the screened porch addition at the rear of the house and construct a single-story bedroom and bathroom addition to increase the accessibility of the house. The addition will have a gable roof with slope and eave condition matching the front porch, including the beadboard soffit, decorative purlins, and exposed rafter tails (not shown in the drawings). The rear, north wall, will have a triplet of windows matching the same configuration on the front of the house. The west side of the addition will have a pair of windows centered on the wall, matching paired windows on that side in the house. The east side will have one window in the north half of the wall. The windows will be three-over-one double hung windows matching the narrow windows in the house. The wider windows on the house are four-over-one double-hung windows. The addition will match the wider lap siding of the lower portion of the house in wood or smooth cement board. The addition will also have wood corner boards, watertable, and frieze board matching the house. The door and window trim will also match the trim on the house. The siding in the gable of the addition will continue up to the frieze board at the rake. There will not be a frieze or band board across the north wall of the addition. The slope of the roof may be adjusted slightly lower than the slope of the main roof on the house if necessary, to avoid the existing rear 2nd floor window. The foundation will have a stucco-coating and small basement windows. An egress window well with walls matching the foundation and an egress window (casement with a muntin bar across the middle) will be installed on the addition if required by code. The addition will also have a slightly expanded rear entry stoop or small deck (8 feet by 6 feet) to accommodate an accessibility lift to the new addition. The stoop will be constructed of wood (hopefully salvaged from the screened-porch demolition) with a handrail that follows the guidelines including posts, top and bottom rails that attach to the sides of the posts and spindles attached between the rails. The stoop will have piers below the railing posts. The stairs will have closed risers and a toe-kick. The stoop will be enclosed with skirting between the piers. The guidelines for new additions. Section 5.1, recommend that additions are designed so that they do not diminish the character of the existing building by being placed at the rear of the property, distinguished from the original by offsetting the walls or connecting with a breezeway, and using a palette of materials similar to that on the house. Key horizontal lines such as eave height and window head height should be matched. Doors and windows should match those on the house in style, size, patterning and trim. Additions should be constructed with massing and roofline consistent with the historic building so that wall areas and corners, roof pitches and spans all have a proportion similar to the existing building. Roof overhangs and eaves should also match. Foundations should appear similar to the historic foundation in color and texture. New balustrades and handrails on entry steps should match the simple balustrade in the guidelines and be painted. Section 5.2 Decks and Ramps recommends locating a new deck on the back of a primary building, opposite the street-facing façade and set in from the side walls at least 8 inches. Decks should be designed so that the size, scale and location do not detract from the character of the district’s rear yards. Decks should be attached in a manner that will not damage a historic exterior wall. In Staff’s opinion, the demolition of the modern screened porch to construct a one-story rear addition for greater accessibility in the house is appropriate. The current drawings were submitted with some changes required. The owner had intended the addition to follow the requested changes. The drawings have been edited, changing a hip roof to a gable and closed soffits to open. The windows on east and west sides were lightly relocated. The drawings are very small, so staff has asked for new drawings that are sufficiently sized to present for the meeting. The property owner intends to faithfully match the existing house. The proposal includes wood windows. Either wood or metal-clad windows could be approved. The owner has proposed a half-light door with panels below. A steel door was submitted with a decorative window. The appropriate door will be wood or fiberglass with a plain window. The entry stoop is proposed to be slightly larger than typical to accommodate an appropriate landing for the lift and a comfortable wheelchair turning radius. This landing will meet the setback requirements of a new deck, so staff finds this appropriate. While the roof overhang on the addition will match the front porch, it will terminate before it reaches the corners of the existing house which will likely make them a few inches shorter than the porch overhang. Recommended Motion Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 1110 East College Street as presented in the staff report with the following conditions:  Drawings are revised to include the roof changes on the addition  Door and window product is approved by staff. 1110 East College Street- image from Google maps 1110 East College Street- 2007 photo during painting project 1110 East College Street- existing rear elevation 1110 East College Street- Northeast corner detail North Elevation drawing edited by staff East elevation drawing edited by staff West elevation drawing edited by staff SITE CONSIDERATIONS The lot is long and narrow, as are many of the lots in the East College Street District. A 2013 appraisal lists the lot as being 40 x 150. The north side landscape has been built up with an artificial berm, which extends only a couple yards beyond the north porch and north paver-patio beside the porch. To ensure that the foundation and footings for the addition are put below the frost line, this build-up will need to be reversed. The original ground level can be inferred from the skirting on the house and exposed stucco foundation. At the side door, and for most of the east side, the bottom of the skirting is 30” above ground level. Which presents another problem — It is believed that the building site is composed of a combination of top soil and old fill. Until the recent construction and landscaping are removed and the site is excavated, we aren’t going to know exactly what challenges the site might present. One of the currently owners (Bu Wilson) distinctly remembers reading a report on the building of the current porch, wherein a building variance was allowed for the porch footing depth, because the contractor ran into “fill”. However, she hasn’t been able to find that report on the revised city website. The Historic Preservation staff suggested that there might be a cistern in this location, since cisterns were common and typically located close to the house at the time of original construction, around 1910. Perhaps the “fill” was a filled-in cistern, or perhaps the porch contractor encountered an intact old cistern. Conversely, the “fill” may have proceeded house construction, since most of the lots on this section of College Street were obviously landscaped to provide “level” lots during original construction in the early 20th century. Those are questions that can’t presently be answer ahead of excavation. The current owners believe that IF a cistern still exists at this location, it should be found and neutralized before it deteriorates and endangers persons and property. The above-ground foundation for the addition should be laid at the same height as the existing stuccoed house foundation, and the foundation should be stucco-finished to match the house. Top soil will later be replaced, extending from the foundation, to facilitate drainage (but not the same height as at present.) HANDICAP ACCESS Currently, one of the owners spends much of his time in a wheelchair, and uses wheelchair- accessible transportation for appointments (SEATS and wheelchair enabled taxis). Although he entered a nursing facility to recover from a fall, he’s remained there because the house is inaccessible. Ramp access is not practical on this small, narrow lot. A ramp constructed to ADA standards would need to be at least 42 feet long, not counting landings for turns. A more practical solution is a Bruno Platform lift, which is offered by two local vendors. The vendor selected will do the installation, and the owner will see to it that a concrete slab is poured for it. The lift will be installed at the north-east corner of the addition. This will locate the lift nearly half-way down the length of the lot, and it will be obscured by construction and current fencing. It probably won’t be obvious from street level. The lift will require a landing to the north of the addition, in order to accommodate both residents’ access to the north entrance. WHEELCHAIR LIFT AND LANDING The purpose of this addition is to make the house more accessible and inhabitable for one of the owners, who is handicapped and is no longer able to manage the stairs. Because of of small lot, a wheelchair ramp is not practical. A wheelchair lift can be installed, landing on a small platform to the north of the addition The current north porch was constructed in 1994. The pressure-treated wood is in good condition and could be reused for an 8’ x 6’ landing or deck. (8’ east-west, 6’ north-south) The porch railings were reconstructed 2014 with HP approval. The railings were reconstructed in cedar, and meet ADA and city guidelines, except that a new water-shedding rail-cap would be added if reused as a landing/deck railing. The deck/landing would provide an entry platform for the lift on the north-east side (nearest the addition. Bruno offers a gate that connects to landing supports and that unlocks only when the Bruno lift is elevated and in position, another safety precaution. Stairs on the north would provide easy access for more the more able-bodied. The 4’ or 5’ wide steps need to start one foot in from the north-east support post, in order to connect with the existing sidewalk to the garage. For safety reasons, the stairs should have an inward- opening gate at deck/landing level, matching the railing - a wheelchair could not then accidentally open the stair gate by bumping into it. Because the deck will be 3.5’ above grade, the stairs will have handrails matching the deck railing. This platform could be built with reused materials and in accordance with the city guideline regarding decks. Further consultation with Historic Preservation staff would be welcome. DOORS & WINDOWS DOORS The primary criteria for doors is that they be at least 36” wide, wide enough for easy passage of a wheelchair. The existing non-historic French doors between the dining room and porch are in good condition and will be retained for entry to addition from the house. Entrance door. Needs a left inward swing. A half Lite door would let in natural light and textured glass would provide privacy. One option is pictured below, although I’d prefer a single panel on the lower portion. BATHROOM DOOR The bathroom door will be a barn door, opening along the wall than rather into the entry area. One possibility is the MIMI Door from Lowe’s. There are no windows in the bathroom, so the only option for natural light is through the door. Since this will be on the interior, and one of the last things to be installed, I intend to continue looking for a half-light barn door, with a solid panel that would be safer around a wheelchair. WINDOWS Windows on the addition will duplicate the existing windows, as nearly as practical. The existing windows have uniform proportions are uniform throughout 1st floor (except kitchen) and stairway landing - 30” x 58” openings There is no ornamentation on interior woodwork, except panel moulding around each set of windows. Interior windows have sills and aprons that run across the entire group (when multiple). The only ornamentation on the exterior is the trim at the top of each group. Exterior windows have a sill but no apron. The triple window has a finished exterior dimension of 108.5 inches (width) by 66.5 inches height (including top trim.) Windows on the west and north side of the addition should match the proportions and finishing of those in the existing house, as closely as possible. The single window on the east side of the addition should match the kitchen window, with an opening approximately 34” x 37”. All windows are three-over-one panes, and that configuration will be duplicated as nearly as possible. Wood finishing can be constructed around them to match that on the existing windows, inside and out. Again, the finishing of windows is consistent throughout the house, both for interior and exterior window trim. Specific finishing Interior trim consists of 5” at the side and head of a group, and 5” stained wood between windows when windows are in groups. The interior borders of window groups are trimmed with a simple length of wall panel moulding, for the entire length of a group. The exterior finishing is equally simple and a bit smaller - 3 3/4” boards at either side of a group. Within a group, there is 5 1/2” inches of board between windows within a group. The head appears to be the same size as the sides and has a length of trim at the top. All windows on the first floor are situated at the same height, with the apron beginning 22’ above the floor. All windows in the house are 3 over 1 glass panes, with munitions running vertically on the top sash. Window for the addition should match this design Replacement casings are available from a number be manufacturers, and should be adapted to match the current window configuration (3 over 1). Andersen’s Woodwright series is one possibility, although other manufacturers of similar products might provide equally appropriate products and might be considered. Unfortunately, windows are one of the construction products that is currently subject to supply-chain delays. BASEMENT There will be windows on the foundation or basement similar to those on the house, one on each side of the addition, centered under the window on that side. These windows will match those on the house, as nearly as possible. Basement windows are 34” x 22” located as shown above. Framing for the basement windows appears to be entirely functional and is concealed behind the stucco. All foundation work on the addition will also be covered with stucco. Staff Report April 7, 2022 Historic Review for HPC22-0015: 109 (119) East College District: Downtown Classification: Local landmark The applicant, Bryce Carlson, is requesting approval for a proposed sign project at 109 East College Street, a Local Landmark property in the Downtown District. The project consists of the installation of three signs on the rear tower addition. Applicable Regulations and Guidelines: 10 .0 The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation Iowa City Downtown District Storefront and Signage Guidelines Staff Comments 109 East College Street (see Fig. 1, attachment 1): The Dooley Block was a 4-bay, 2-story brick building built beginning in ca. 1874 with this bay. In 1929, the middle two bays were razed for the construction of the Sears, Roebuck & Co. building. The west bay, at 109 College, is one of the outer bays of the original building that remains and extends the full depth of the lot. This bay has functioned as an autonomous building since 1929. The building façade includes a mixture of Late Victorian Romanesque and Italianate details. At the lower level, the transom was remodeled with the addition of prism glass prior to 1940, the sign band was removed or altered and the store front has been more recently updated. In late 2020, the Commission approved several changes to the exteriors of this and the adjacent buildings to the east. The project also included the construction of a multi-family tower building as an addition to 109 East College Street. The applicant is proposing three signs for the tower building. A large aluminum and Lexan sign will be installed in the upper portion of the west façade of the tower. The letters are about 5 foot tall. The sign dimensions fit within the requirements of the Iowa City Sign Regulations. On the east side of the building, at the grade level of the building, a smaller aluminum and Lexan sign will be installed. On the north side, at the west end, a third sign will be installed at the building parapet wall. The letters in this area are 38 inches tall. 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. Since this tower is new construction, most of the Standards are not relevant to the project. The Iowa City Downtown District has also published Storefront and Signage Guidelines (the portion on signs is 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. Fascia signs are installed when no clear sign band exists. A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) exists to provide conditions in which sign applications may be approved by staff. That COA is attached for reference. The proposed signs for this project, do not meet all of the conditions for staff review and approval, because the building is not historic and does not include a dedicated sign band. Several conditions in the COA are met by the sign. In Staff’s opinion, the new signs are sized to fit the building and are located to take advantage of architectural features that provide a location for the signs. The signs also comply with the Iowa City Sign Regulations and is located high above the historic buildings. For this reason, staff finds the proposed signs appropriate for the tower addition. Recommended Motion Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 109 (119) East College Street as presented in the application. 4.1 4 | Signs 4.2 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Well-designed signs help create successful storefronts. Comprised of letterforms and graphic elements, a sign conveys 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 company that 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 cafés. Pedestrian visibility, both from adjacent sidewalks and from across 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 streetscape, narrow 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 signage. •Scale signs to fit the building and avoid obscuring architectural features. •Exposed neon is appropriate if used in a limited and tasteful manner. •Dimensional letterforms add more interest to signage than flat vinyl or painted signs. Non-illuminated, pin-mounted letters can be highly effective. Exposed neon is an appropriate method if used in a limited and tasteful manner. Hand-painted signage can feel both nostalgic and refined. Restore old signs when possible. A three-dimensional element can make your storefront more distinctive. Halo-lit letters are an elegant way to illuminate a sign. 4 | Signs 4.3 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines •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 individual open-face, neon channel letters, halo-illuminated letters or push-through letters. •Back-lit, acrylic faced cabinet signs, where the entire face 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 be less expensive than traditional, vehicular-oriented signs. Back-lit, acrylic-faced cabinet signs, where the entire face is illuminated, are prohibited. Internally illuminated, plastic-faced letterforms are not allowed. Artistic elements add charm and elegance to a sign. Blade signs offer great visibility for pedestrians and offer an opportunity for creative solutions. Sometimes a very simple design solution can be very effective. Use creative shapes to make signs more appealing. 4 | Signs 8 9 Best Practices - Encouraged (continued) 4.4 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Fascia Signs The facade of the building is typically the location for the primary store identification. For first floor tenants, when sufficient room exists, the Storefront Fascia Sign is located over the storefront or entry. Sometimes this area is a defined sign band, but often it is not. In some cases, second floor retail tenants are allowed a Second Floor Fascia Sign that may be located above the windows of the second floor. Second Floor Fascia Signs are allowed under the following conditions: •When a second floor tenant has a dedicated entry door from the street, on the same face of the building where the sign is located. •When an entire building contains multiple tenants that are accessed through a common lobby from the street. In this case, a comprehensive sign plan showing proposed exterior sign locations must be proposed by the building owner and approved by the City. Sign sizes and placement should follow these Guidelines. •Office tenants are not allowed to have a Second Floor Fascia Sign. Best Practices - Encouraged •Placement of signs on the facade should take into consideration the architectural features and proportions of the building. •The allowable sign area is 1.5 times the length in feet of the street facing facade but should be no longer that 90% of the length of the facade or sign band. •On larger buildings, placing the sign over the entrance helps customers understand where to go. •When a sign band exists, fit signs within the original space of the sign band as defined by the architectural features. Avoid extending beyond the band area. 4 | Signs When a sign band exists, it can provide the best location for signage. Storefront Fascia Signs and Second Floor Fascia Signs can be arranged to allow for visibility and consideration for the building design. Storefront Fascia Sign Second Floor Fascia Sign 4.5 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines •If no clear sign band exists, signs should be located in relationship to the building facade storefront features: either centered over the entrance, centered in the facade, or centered on the main display window, and at similar height as adjacent businesses. Typically this is below the second floor windows and above the storefront. •Individual letter signs look best on a sign band when the sign band is smaller in proportion to the storefront, or the sign band has details like panels or interesting materials. •Flat panel signs with lettering on them can be used on sign bands, if the panel shape is proportional to the sign band area, related to the shape of the band, and placed so that it doesn’t ‘float’ in too much space because it’s too small, or get crowded because it’s too big. Benefits •In most cases, the Fascia Sign is the primary sign for a tenant. A well-placed and correctly proportioned sign defines the storefront and catches pedestrian attention. •A well-placed and correctly proportioned Second Floor Fascia Sign provides identification for a tenant that has no storefront display. 4 | Signs Fascia Signs Best Practices - Encouraged (continued) A correctly proportioned sign panel can work well within the defined sign band. Simple, pin-mounted letters can be very effective. Fascia Signs should be designed to work with the space allowed. and should not ignore obvious architectural constraints. 11 Individual letters that are proportional to building details can be an elegant fascia sign solution. When no defined sign band exists, signage should be sized to work with the proportions of the building and other storefront elements. 10 4.6 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Projecting Signs Projecting Signs project out from the face of the building over the sidewalk, are two-sided and contain the business name and/or logo. In some cases a three-dimensional object or shape related to the business 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 window sill and below the bottom of cornice or roof line if no cornice exists. For any allowable Upper Level Projecting Sign, the tenant must obtain permission from the building owner. Upper Level Projecting Signs are only permitted when any of the following conditions exist: ͳ The retail tenant occupies the entire building, and the building frontage is greater than 60 feet. ͳ The tenant is a hotel, theater or bowling alley as permitted by the sign code. •Banner Projecting Signs are located above the second floor window sill and below the bottom of cornice or roof line if no cornice exists. Banner Projecting Signs are only permitted when any of the following conditions existing: ͳ The retail tenants are located in a large, multi- tenant building where access to individual tenants is through a common lobby from the street, and tenants do not have individual exterior storefronts. ͳ The retail tenant occupies a large, multi-story building with more than 200 feet of street frontage. Storefront Projecting Signs Upper Level Projecting Signs and Banners 4'-0" max projection 4'-0" max projection 4'-0" max projection 8'-0" min. above sidewalk 9 S.F. Max 9 S.F. Max 9 S.F. Max No lower than bottom of sill No higher than bottom of cornice 4 | Signs Mount at 45º on corner of building if located on corner of street When possible center between windows and consider best location on building Center in available space Consider architectural features when determining vertical location of signs on building 4.7 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Decorative brackets add interest and enhance the design. Storefront Projecting Signs are highly visible for pedestrians. A three-dimensional object creates an eye-catching sign. Small light fixtures can me used to illuminate the sign effectively. Creative, artistic elements grab pedestrian attention. Storefront Projecting Signs Best Practices - Encouraged •Use high quality, durable, rigid materials that will not bow 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 clean, or thoughtfully incorporated into 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 (Projecting Sign, awnings, canopies) when determining the location of the sign. Do not obstruct pedestrian view of adjacent tenant Projecting Signs. •Locate signs no 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. ft. per side, messages 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. 4 | Signs Storefront Projecting Signs should not be oversized or require excessive structures or guy wires for support. Internally Illuminated, plastic-faced sign cabinets are not allowed. 12 22 4.8 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Internally Illuminated, plastic-faced sign cabinets are not allowed. Signs should be mounted away from the building. Locate sign on building in a manner that relates to the architecture. The design of the sign can borrow design elements from the building. Buildings located on a corner provide an opportunity for a corner-mounted projecting sign. Lengthy messages are not appropriate for vertical projecting signs. 13 Upper Level Projecting Signs Best Practices - Encouraged •The sign should be located on the building in a location that relates to the building design, takes into consideration features of the building and is proportional to building size. Most signs will look better when mounted away from the building. •Maximum sizes are related to the size of the building: ͳ 2 story: 30 sq. ft. per side with a maximum 4 foot projection from the face of the building. ͳ 3 story: 80 sq. ft. per side with a maximum 5 foot projection from the face of the building. ͳ 4 story and taller: 150 sq. ft. per side with a maximum 6 foot projection from the face of the building. •Messages are restricted to the two sides of the sign perpendicular to the building face. The length and orientation of the message should be appropriate to the shape of the sign. •Locate signs no closer than 5 feet from adjacent buildings and no closer than 15 feet from adjacent tenant Storefront Projecting Signs. •The sign shall not extend above the bottom of the cornice at top of the building and not below the bottom of the second floor window sill. Best Practices - Avoid •Internally illuminated, plastic-faced letters and cabinet signs are not allowed. •Do not use excessive, visible bracing that is not part of the sign design. Benefits •Upper Level Projecting Signs can create a highly visible expression for larger tenants. 4 | Signs 4.9 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines A single banner should not be used as the primary sign. Banner Projecting Signs While temporary banner signs are not allowed, fixed projecting banners that are part of a coordinated signage program can be used, like a Projecting Sign to enliven a blank facade and provide visibility for tenants. Best Practices - Encouraged •Banners must be mounted with permanent brackets at both top and bottom. •Banners must be mounted perpendicular to the face of the building and should be done in multiples. •The size of the banners should conform to the Upper Level Projecting Sign requirements. The banner size should be in proportion to and reflect the scale of the building facade and surrounding architectural elements. •Messages on banners should be kept short, and graphics should be bold and clear. •Banners are subject to design review. Benefits •Banners can soften the impact of a large blank facade and enliven the streetscape. •Banners can allow for street identification of interior retail tenants. 4 | Signs Banners can enliven a large blank facade and help identify tenants located inside a retail center. Banners can help provide identity for a large single tenant building. Banners can create a celebratory mood. 14 4.10 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Excessive and small typography on an awing is illegible and unappealing. Placing signage on the valance of a retractable awning allows for visibility when the awning is closed. Letters placed on top of a canopy can be elegant and highly legible. Signage can be suspended below a canopy. The face of a canopy provides a great background for signage. Awning signage and Storefront Projecting Signs can work well together. 15 16 Awning Signs / Canopy Signs Awning Signs are graphics applied to the surfaces of the awning. Canopy Signs are fabricated sign elements that are supported on or by the canopy structure. Best Practices - Encouraged •An Awning Sign or Canopy Sign can serve effectively as the primary identification of a retailer if no suitable location for a fascia sign exists. •Awning graphics should be painted, embroidered or silk-screened. Locate typography on the valance (front edge) and graphics on the sloped top. Graphics should be limited to retailer logo, name and descriptions of goods/services. Phone numbers, addresses and advertising statements are not allowed. •Awning graphics should not cover more than 25% of the awning surface. •Canopy Signs may be located on the canopy face, mounted upright along the canopy edge or suspended from underneath. Location should be based on the canopy features, height, width and adjacent building features. •The bottom edge of a Canopy Sign suspended below a canopy shall be no lower than 8 feet from the sidewalk, and Canopy Signs located on the canopy face or above shall not project below the lowest edge of the canopy. •Canopy signs should be no more that 90% of the canopy length and no more that 24 inches in height and should not be lower than 8 feet from the sidewalk. •Consider concealed lighting in the canopy to illuminate signage. Benefits •Graphics applied to awnings are an inexpensive way to create highly visible signage. •A canopy offers a highly visible location for signage and a convenient location for lighting. 4 | Signs 4.11 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Simple vinyl signage applied to glass can serve as a tenant's primary signage.. An example of a beautifully composed window, with merchandise and window graphics complementing each other. Window graphics should be individual letters so as not to block merchandising area and views into the store. Window signage at the transom can be a good solution for providing store identification closer to pedestrian eye level. Window Signage From a pedestrian standpoint, the storefront windows are the most important visual focal point and warrant considerable attention to be successful. Often, the display windows are the only significant location or area available for signage. It is important to remember that the windows serve several purposes - store identity, visibility, lighting and merchandising - and it is important to balance these to obtain the highest impact. Best Practices - Encouraged •Window Signage is allowed only in first floor windows. •Graphics and signage should not impair the visibility of the storefront merchandise area. Any solid graphic or signage applied to either the outside or inside of the glass or within 1 foot of the inside of the glass should not obscure more than 20% of the glass storefront in total. Individual graphic elements, logos and letters without background may cover a significant portion of the glass area as long as it is not solid and does not obscure visibility into the store. No single panel of glass should be completely covered. •Helpful information such as address, store hours and description of goods and services is best located on entry doors or side-lite windows, not the main display window(s). •Signs placed in windows should be located to enhance the overall look of the display area. •Store identity signage on main display windows is especially encouraged on the Ped Mall - the tree canopy in this area lowers the visibility of the upper building facade or sign band area from certain distances. •Signage in transom windows offers good visibility for pedestrians, as long as this signage does not completely cover the glass area. 4 | Signs Use of opaque materials limits visibility and light transmission into store. 4.12 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines Temporary handbills and other opaque displays should be limited in number and size to keep entries open and inviting. Don't cover windows with large solid materials or cover mullions with graphics. Too many signs make it difficult to see inside. •Placing a menu in the window entices customers to stop and offers an invitation to enter. Menus should be placed close to the entry door, at or slightly below eye level. •The quantity of temporary signs should be limited in number and size so as not to obscure visibility into the store. Temporary signs should not be placed at eye level. •Simple, non-illuminated 'open' signs are preferred to bright neon or LED signs. Consider a handmade sign, located at or near the entry door. Best Practices - Avoid •Paper handbills and notices that are not related to the business of the retailer should not be placed in store windows. •Flashing or 'chase' light signs are prohibited. Benefits •Graphics applied to the glass are a highly visible, inexpensive method of displaying the store identity and giving helpful secondary information. •Uncluttered storefront windows make the inside of the store or restaurant visible and draw pedestrian attention to the merchandise or activity within. 4 | Signs Window Signage Best Practices - Encouraged (continued) Entry doors are the perfect location for reinforcing the identity and displaying store hours. Signage that does not block views into the store can be placed in windows. Handmade signs are a good alternative that allows for creative expression. Consider an enclosure dedicated for the display of a menu. A simple, elegant solution for displaying additional information. 4.13 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines A painted art piece celebrating the history of the city creates an engaging facade facing a parking lot. An alley entrance to a nightclub becomes welcoming with the addition of an artistic wall mural. Painted signs or wall murals are not appropriate on the street facade and should not cover architectural features. Wall Murals A wall mural is an image that covers a large portion of a building and is applied directly to the wall surface with paint or vinyl. Any wall mural that contains a commercial message will be considered a sign or advertisement and subject to applicable codes. Wall murals are allowed on a secondary facade, or a side of the building facing parking lots, vacant lots or alleys and not on the formal or main storefront facade of the building. Best Practices - Encouraged •Wall murals used as a sign for a business, with commercial messages such as retailer names or logos, are only allowed in alleys. For any wall mural that has a commercial message, the guidelines for a Fascia Sign apply to the size of the message. •A wall mural can use color, imagery and typography to create an artful expression. •All wall murals are subject to design review. Best Practices - Avoid •Wall murals should not cover architectural features or details. •Wall murals that contain product or corporate advertising messages are prohibited. Benefits •Murals can be a creative and artistic way to add interest to an otherwise blank wall, and can convey a sense of history or artistic quality. 4 | Signs 4.14 Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines A freestanding sign can be a creative solution for an 'open' sign. Sidewalk enclosures should not be used for advertising or excessive messaging. Restrict message to business name. Cheap plastic sandwich boards are not allowed. Handwritten sandwich boards offer another opportunity for artistic expression. Integral signage on café seating enclosures creates a refined, branded look and good pedestrian visibility. 17 Portable Signs Portable signs are a way for businesses to offer more detailed information about their products or services and special events or sales, and when designed and executed creatively can add visual interest to the sidewalk. Sandwich boards, moveable signs and signs attached to or associated with the enclosure of a sidewalk café are all considered Portable Signs. Best Practices - Encouraged •Portable Signs should be located on the café enclosure or on the sidewalk in the first 3 feet from the face of the storefront and should not block the pedestrian right-of-way. •The design of freestanding Portable Signs should be stable and able to withstand normal wind conditions. Use durable materials like wood or metal that weather well and have a pleasing appearance, as opposed to plastic. •For sandwich boards, creative handwritten messages, in chalk, for instance, convey a sense of quality, personal touch and authenticity. Frequently changing messages and artwork maintains pedestrian interest. Best Practices - Avoid •Signs on café enclosures should be integrated or permanently fixed to the structure. Banners or temporary placards are not allowed. •Corporate logos or product advertising are not allowed on Portable Signs. •Generic plastic and weighted-base sign boards, such as those filled with water or sand, are not allowed. Benefits •Creative Portable Signs are a more personal invitation to shoppers to come in to the store or restaurant, and provide a level of detail about the store offerings not available with other signage. 4 | Signs Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Commercial Sign I nstallation A meeting of the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission was held in an electronic meeting platform because of the dangers of COVID-19 on August 13, 2020 at 5:30 pm. The following members were present: Kevin Boyd, Helen Burford, Sharon DeGraw, Lyndi Kiple, Jordan Sellergren, and Austin Wu. By a vote of 6-0, the Commission approved commercial sign installation as a pre-approved item eligible for a Minor Review if the following conditions are met: • The sign is a surface mount or painted sign, installed in an existing, historic sign band on the front of a commercial building, or • The sign is a projecting sign located below the second-floor window sill, a minimum of 8 feet above the sidewalk and projecting a maximum of 4 feet, and • The sign is scaled to fit the building and takes into consideration the architectural features and proportions of the building in its design • The sign is not be installed on or obscuring any original architectural features such as columns, pilasters, band boards, or trim. • Signs on masonry buildings are anchored into masonry joints and do not damage historic masonry • Sign materials do not damage or discolor historic materials over time (such as rust) • The sign has limited illumination. Plastic signs with painted letters where the entire face of the sign is illuminated is not allowed Pre-approved items may be approved by a Minor Review conducted by Staff if all conditions are met. The project is approved subject to the conditions specified in this certificate, notations in the application, and the discussion by the Commission as provided in City Code Section 14-8E-2. All work is to meet the specifications of the guidelines unless otherwise noted. Any additional work that falls under the purview of the Historic Preservation Commission that is not specified in this certificate will need a separate review. Approval by the Historic Preservation Commission does not constitute final approval for a project. Contact the Building Department to determine if a building permit is required to carry out the project. The Historic Preservation Commission does not review applications for compliance with zoning ordinance and building code. __________________________________ Kevin Boyd, Chair Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission ___________________________________ Jessica Bristow, Historic Preservation Planner Department of Development Services _____________________8/18/2020______ Date Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 To City Council and Geoff Fruin, City Manager CC Alex Hachtman, Chair, Parks and Recreation Commission From Kevin Boyd, Chair, Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission RE Montgomery Butler House Date TO BE DATED AND SENT AFTER APRIL 14 MEETING The request: Both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Parks and Recreation Commission are requesting the formation of a working group to investigate possible reuses of the Montgomery-Butler House, that would include appropriate City staff, members of both our commissions, Iowa River Trail and Waterworks Park users, and perhaps other interested members of the public. We ask for support for the working group. The goal would be to explore potential uses and recommend to City leadership a decision of some kind on this property. The Parks and Recreation Commission unanimously supported this idea at their March 9, 2022 meeting. The Historic Preservation Commission ______ at their April 14, 2022 meeting. Background: The City acquired this historic asset in the 1990s as part of the land acquisitions for the water plant site. Shortly after, the City received a grant to moth-ball the property to preserve it for future use. While it is located in Waterworks Prairie Park, the land surrounding the water treatment facility at the park is maintained by the Public Works Department. Previous City leaders made this commitment. The City acquired a historic asset in the late 1990s as part of the land acquisition for the water plant site. The City received a grant to moth- ball the property for future reuse. As part of the agreement to build the water plant, city staff agreed to find a use for the building “when funds become available.” The City owns this property and needs to address it. It’s been ignored for too long. One of the City’s strategic plan goals is to “Invest in Public Infrastructure, Facilities and Fiscal Reserves.” Part of this goal is about addressing unaddressed issues. This property is one of them. It’s part of the City-owned public infrastructure, which needs to be addressed. The City has had recent success in adaptive reuse of historic properties. Public Space One’s new home at 225 and 229 N Gilbert is a great example of the City preserving historic resources and opening up discussions and ideas from the community about the use for these historic assets. We’ve got creative people in this City; we should use their creativity to explore uses. The working group should invite a community discussion about exploring potential uses for this historic asset. Additionally, grants are often available for historic property adaptive reuse. It’s the right thing to do during the climate crisis. Another city goal in the strategic plan is “Demonstrate Leadership in Climate Action.” The structure already contains the embodied energy, the energy used to construct the building - its materials, transport, and assembly. If the Iowa City Historic Preservation Commission City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240 building is demolished because of neglect, that energy is lost, and we add to the landfill. Let’s explore if there’s adaptive reuse to this city-owned resource before it’s added to the landfill. It’s part of our shared history. Cultural continuity between generations stitches together our past and our future. Walter and Elizabeth Butler were a little like the godparents of Iowa City. When the territorial legislature needed a place to meet in Iowa City, the Butlers built what came to be known as Butler’s Capitol. After the territorial legislature passed racist laws requiring Black residents to get a bond from white residents, the Butlers secured the bond for the first Black Iowa City residents. After Walter’s death, Elizabeth lived in this house with her second husband, Martin Montgomery. They operated a ferry to cross the Iowa River on this site. This structure was likely built between 1856 and 1859. Old-time Iowa City residents may remember the old Butler Bridge that crossed the Iowa River near this site. MINUTES PRELIMINARY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MARCH 10, 2022 EMMA HARVAT HALL MEMBERS PRESENT: Margaret Beck, Kevin Boyd, Carl Brown, Sharon DeGraw, Cecile Kuenzli, Jordan Sellergren, Frank Wagner, MEMBERS ABSENT: Kevin Larson, Noah Stork, Deanna Thomann STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow OTHERS PRESENT: Drew Wagenhoffer (Eagle Point Solar) and Laura Stunz (property owner) RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action) CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m. PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA: There was none CONSENT AGENDA: CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS: 810 North Johnson Street. Bristow said that this house is on the corner of Johnson and Brown in the North Brown Street Historic District. Bristow believes that it is Colonial Revival with some Craftsman characteristics. Changes have been made over time, including removal of a solarium that was replaced by a screened porch (commission approved), and additions on the back. Bristow said the current proposal is to install solar panels and associated equipment. 12 solar panels will be installed on the lower portion of the upper roof facing Johnson St. She said the exact equipment placement is not yet known. The proposal comes to the committee because the plan calls for panels to be installed on a roof of the house that is facing the street. Staff would have approved this project if the panels could be installed on the flat roofs, but those options would not work logistically. Bristow presented photoshopped pictures of the layout and described the positioning of the panels. She also talked about some of the equipment but was unsure of intended location. Bristow also summarized the National Park Service recommendations for placing solar panels on historic buildings. Boyd summarized the order of events and asked if there were any clarifying questions from the committee. Kuenzli asked why the panels couldn’t be placed on one of the additions or flat roofs. Drew Wagenhoffer from Eagle Point Solar answered, saying it would require turning the panels slightly east, which would cause an approximate loss of 12% efficiency. An increase in panels would be necessary to make up for that, and exterior conduit would also need to be installed on the outside, causing them to be more visible. Homeowner Stunz stated that there are trees on the east side that would limit solar exposure on other roofs, and that the proposed location is HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION March 10, 2022 Page 2 of 4 optimal for solar paneling. She also said that the layout would have minimal visual impact due to the trees between the roof and the street. Sellergren said she trusts that this would be the optimal placement and supports approval. DeGraw stated that she lives diagonally across the street and doesn’t think it will have negative visual impact. Boyd also expressed support for approval. MOTION: DeGraw moved to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 810 North Johnson Street as presented in the application. Beck seconded the motion. The Motion carried on a vote of 7-0 (Larson, Stork and Thomann absent). REPORT ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND PROJECTS: Jessica Bristow provided an overview of the funding program. It was implemented in FY18 to provide financial assistance for rehab and preservation of exterior architectural features of properties. There are two types of funding which cover 50% of project cost (up to $5000) for a project costing up to $10,000.: 1) Grants for owner-occupied properties with household incomes of 140% of the median income of less. 2) No-interest Loans for income properties and households exceeding the grant income cap. Properties that are either local landmarks, in historic districts, or in Conservation Districts are eligible. Non-historic properties are not eligible for this assistance. FY18: 7 projects on 6 properties were assisted with $30,759 of the $80,000 cost. Examples: 816 East College in College Green District ($2250 grant for a $4500 project: Columns and piers were repaired. 608 Rundell in the Longfellow District ($5,000 grant for a $27,000 project (additional funding was received from other sources): Removed damaged wood siding on entire house and replaced with cement board to match the garage.) 509 Rundell in Longfellow District (Windows and storm door on first floor were repaired or replaced) 1223 Seymour (2 projects. 1) Replaced wood shingle roof with new wood shingles. 2) Repaired siding and painted entire house) 428 Clark Street (Replaced siding with cement board. HPC is beginning to experiment with this material for siding.) FY19: 7 completed projects on 6 properties were assisted with $26,362 of the $55,744 cost. Examples: 423 Ronalds Street (Replaced or repaired outward-opening casement storm windows and added opening screens). 624 N Gilbert Street (rental property) (Repaired foundation problems and some windows.) Various other projects included enclosed porch repairs, cement stairs, window and sash replacement or repair. FY20: Eight projects were approved for assistance. Projects included foundation repair, porch repair, windows, and some siding and soffit repair on 8 properties. Of note - replacement of a 100-year-old metal roof, and repairs on the kitchen addition on the Rose Hill house at 415 Davenport Street. FY21: Nine projects were funded and 7 are completed. Cost of projects was $91,000 and funding was $37,950, using estimates for the 2 projects yet to be completed. Work included repairs or replacement of windows, siding and trim, some porch repair, and painting. FY22: Bristow briefly summarized the projects that are currently in progress. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION March 10, 2022 Page 3 of 4 CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR FEBRUARY 15, 2022: MOTION: Wagner moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission’s February 15, 2022, meeting, as written. Sellegren seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 7-0 (Larson, Stork and Thomann absent). ADJOURNMENT: Wagner moved to adjourn the meeting. Sellergren seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 6:35 pm. Minutes submitted by Kathy Fitzpatrick HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION March 10, 2022 Page 4 of 4 HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION ATTENDANCE RECORD 2021-2022 NAME TERM EXP. 05/13 06/10 7/08 7/21 8/12 9/09 10/14 11/18 12/9 01/13 2/15 3/10 BECK, MARGARET 6/30/24 -- -- X X X X X X X X X X BOYD, KEVIN 6/30/23 X X X X X X X X X X O/E X BROWN, CARL 6/30/23 X O/E X O/E X X O/E O/E X O/E O/E X BURFORD, HELEN 6/30/21 X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- DEGRAW, SHARON 6/30/22 X X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X KUENZLI, CECILE 6/30/22 X X X X O/E X X X X X O/E X KIPLE, LYNDI 6/30/22 X X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- LARSON, KEVIN 6/30/24 -- -- X X O/E X O/E X X O X O PITZEN, QUENTIN 6/30/21 X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- SELLERGREN, JORDAN 6/30/22 X O/E X X X X X O/E X X X X STORK, NOAH 6/30/24 -- -- X X X O/E X X X X X O/E THOMANN, DEANNA 6/30/23 -- -- O/E X X O/E X O/E O/E X X O/E WAGNER, FRANK -- -- -- -- X X X X X X X X WU, AUSTIN 6/30/23 X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- KEY: X = Present O = Absent O/E = Absent/Excused --- = Not a Member