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HDC_12 12 20111 LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, December 12, 2011 5:00 p.m. Board Room, City Hall I. Roll Call Quorum was present being six (6) in number. Members Present: Marshall Peters Julie Wiedower Randy Ripley Chris Vanlandingham BJ Bowen Toni Johnson Members Absent: Loretta Hendrix City Attorney: Debra Weldon Staff Present: Brian Minyard Citizens Present: Chris Moses Jimmy Moses Dan Fowler Rhea Roberts Rhet Tucker II. Approval of Minutes a. October 10, 2011 b. November 8, 2011 A motion was made by Commissioner Julie Wiedower to approve the minutes of October 10, 2011 and November 8, 2011 as amended. The changes noted are: LJ Bowen should read BJ Bowen; Notice requirements were met, not meet; Page 6 has mention of one open position but the roll call does not show one open position. (That should be changed to two absent). On page 12, delete the words “and that” on the second line. Commissioner Randy Ripley seconded and the minutes were approved with a vote of 5 ayes, 1 absent (Hendrix) and 1 recusal (October’s minutes Johnson). Notices were met on the COA item on today’s agenda. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 2 STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. One. DATE: December 12, 2011 APPLICANT: Chris Moses, Moses Tucker ADDRESS: 519 East Capitol COA REQUEST: Downspouts, awning, lighting, signage, and AC condenser units. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 519 East Capitol. The property’s legal description is “Lot 2 of Rainwater Addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas.” This multifamily building was built ca 1915. The 2006 survey form states: “A craftsman style apartment building with shallow roof slope, wide overhangs and grouped windows with multiple panes. Front and rear porches also have Craftsman details.” It is considered a "Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District. The survey states: “This 3 story craftsman style apartment building has been converted to offices and has an addition with fire stairs on the back.” Since that time, the building has been gutted to structural floor members and most interior walls have been stripped of plaster. This application is for the following: downspouts, awning, lighting, and AC condenser units. The building is to be renovated to house twelve apartment units with some changes to the exterior. The downspouts and guttering will be replaced to resize it for an appropriate size of that size of roof. There will be an awning added to the rear of the structure above the entry. A new lighting fixture will be added to the south entry. Signage will be small in scale and located where the sign is currently located. It will be of wood construction. Air conditioner condensing units will be placed on the ground at the southeast corner of the building with screening. Originally, the application has items on the windows and the guardrails. The window repairs were determined to be maintenance items and the guardrails will be resolved with the city building inspector in tandem with AHPP for tax credit issues associated with the guardrails. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 Location of Project 3 On September 1, 2005, a COA was approved and issued to Frieda Tirado for additions to the rear for a elevator tower, removing some windows on the southern sleeping porch area, and modifications to the roof in conjunction with the elevator addition. Existing north elevation Existing south elevation PROPOSAL: DOWNSPOUTS: The downspouts and guttering will be replaced to resize it for an appropriate size of that size of roof. Currently, the gutters are 6” box style and in poor condition. They will be replaced with half round gutters based on the roof area and the downspouts will be replaced with 4” round prefinished metal downspouts with a dark bronze metallic finish. The gutters will be installed at the same location in reference to the roof fascia. The downspouts will be in the same location as the old ones. AWNINGS: There will be an awning added to the rear of the structure above the entry. The awning will be an aluminum frame with a solid color exterior grade fabric material. The shape will be a shed roof style awning with closed sides and 6” straight valance, with no scallops. The awning size will be 5’ wide by 3’ in depth and 2’-6” in height. It will be mounted over the existing rear door on the south of the building. LIGHTING: A new lighting fixture will be added to the south entry. All exterior lighting on the front façade will remain. A new outdoor wall mounted fixture will be installed at the south entry adjacent to Photo from ASI collection: “Gladden Apartments, 519 E. Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, Ark., July 1, 1980. 8 1/2 x 5 3/4, black and white.” 4 the door. The fixture is made by Progress Lighting, Arts and Crafts style, model P5633-46STR, weathered bronze finish, 6-5/8” width by 10-1’2” height. An existing wood sign is located to the east of the vehicular area and is not an historical feature. A new wood sign will be installed at the same location as the existing, will measure approximately 3’ by 2’, and be mounted on 4” post with a height not to exceed the existing sign. The overall size will be 3’-4” wide and 5’-2” tall. All wood will be painted. MECHANICAL CONDENSER UNITS: Air conditioner condensing units will be placed on the ground at the southeast corner of the building with screening. Part of the units will be placed on an existing concrete pad on the site. An additional pad will be added to the south to place four additional units. Existing screening will be retained (some transplanted to make room for additional concrete pad) and additional shrubbery will be added to provide screening for the units. WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: DOWNSPOUTS: On page 58, the Guidelines states: “For hang-on application, half-round gutters are recommended. Downspouts should be located away from significant architectural features on the front of the house. The use of gutters, flashing, and downspouts should provide enough drainage to avoid water damage to the structure.” The current gutters are in Staff’s opinion, located as well as possible to not interfere with the architectural features of the building. The proposed half round and the round downspouts are recommended by the Guidelines as opposed as to the current gutters and downspouts. SIGNAGE: Existing Signage Proposed signage 5 AWNINGS: On page 58, the Guidelines states: “Awnings should be placed on buildings where physical or pictorial evidence indicates they existed. Awnings should not cover architectural features but should be individually located within major bays. The style should be appropriate to the building; colors should blend with the building. “Note: Awnings have traditionally been used more for function (shade) than for decoration. In terms of decoration, awnings have fallen in and out of favor over the years. If too many awnings are used on a structure, or if awnings are used on too many dwellings in an area, the result can be visual clutter. To avoid this, consider using interior blinds or shutters.” The awning proposed will be used for weather protection and sun protection at the rear entry. This will be located on the later addition of the building (the 1970’s? addition to the building). (According to the 1939 and 1939-1950 Sanborn maps, the building was flat across the south façade and had an asphalt roof instead of the “non-combustible roof covering on metal, slate, tile or asbestos shingles”.) The current building has a slight bump out on the rear façade that was presumably the reworking of the stairs. The size and shape of the awning is simple enough to add to the building without “adding any false sense of history” to the elevation. LIGHTING: On page 68, the Guidelines states: “Lighting attached to a building Original lights should be preserved. If fixtures are added, they should be from the period of the structure, or if new, simple in design, based on traditional designs of the early twentieth century. They should be mounted on porch ceilings or on the exterior wall adjacent to the primary entrance. Fixtures to avoid are carriage lamps or any fixtures evocative of a period earlier than the building.” A new lighting fixture will be added to the south entry. All exterior lighting on the front façade will remain. A new outdoor wall mounted fixture will be installed at the south entry adjacent to the door. This fixture is shown at the left. It is of the period of the building, and will not be readily seen from Sixth Street. It is in conformance with the Guidelines. On page 58, the Guidelines states: “Signs should be subordinate to the architecture and overall character throughout the district. Historic signs should be preserved, including “ghost” signs on the sides of buildings. “2. Free-Standing: Free-standing signs should be low, small, and constructed of wood or a non-shiny finish. The recommended size should not exceed six square feet in area. These signs should be located in landscaped areas. Examples of appropriate signs are illustrated to the right.” An existing wood sign is located to the east of the vehicular area and is not an historical feature. A new wood sign will be installed at the same location as the existing and will measure approximately 3’ by 2’ and mounted on 4” post with a height not to exceed the existing sign. All Awning shape Proposed lighting at south door SIGNAGE: 6 wood will be painted. This proposed sign complies with the guidelines and should not detract from its surroundings. MECHANICAL CONDENSER UNITS: On page 70, the Guidelines state: “HVAC units should be located where not readily visible from the street and should be screened with shrubbery or fencing.” Air conditioner condensing units will be placed on the ground at the southeast corner of the building with screening. An additional pad will be added to the south to place four additional units. Existing screening will be retained (some transplanted to make room for additional concrete pad) and additional shrubbery will be added to provide screening for the units. If transplanted and additional shrubbery is installed to adequately screen the units from the street, this action complies with the Guidelines. Overall, the modifications to the structure fall within the Guidelines and within the Certificate of Compliance standards for maintenance items. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions: 1. Obtaining a building permit. COMMISSION ACTION: December 12, 2011 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the item. Public notices were met in a timely fashion on this item. He noted that the original write-up and legal ad stated windows. The windows are subject to maintenance and will not be in this item. The handrails/guardrails are also not subject to this Staff report. Dan Fowler, speaking for the applicant, stated that there were no changes to the applications. He noted that he did not have a statement in opposition to the heights of the handrails from the Building officials. They have met the National Park standards and are eligible for tax credits. Commissioner Julie Wiedower commented that she was glad that he was able to refurbish the windows. Mr. Fowler stated that the triangular windows in the rear were to be removed and replaced with wallboard to match. Commissioner Randy Ripley asked about the wallboard. Mr. Fowler stated that it is actually beadboard. Commissioner Ripley asked about the windows. Mr. Fowler stated that there is a variety of window styles on the building including the 1970’s aluminum windows on the rear that will be removed. No citizens wished to speak for or against the item. Commissioner Wiedower commented on the photos from the south and asked about the roof. Mr. Fowler stated that there was roof damage at the southwest end and it has different roof tiles. The tiles would not be changed. Commissioner Ripley asked if the downspouts would be routed the same as they are now. Mr. Fowler stated that they would. 7 Commissioner Wiedower made a motion to approve with the recommendation of Staff. Commissioner Ripley seconded and the motion was approved with a vote of 6 ayes and 1 absent (Hendrix). III. Other Matters Enforcement issues Staff noted one enforcement permit at 1404 Scott Street. Certificates of Compliance No additional certificates of compliance were issued since the last report. Dunbar Survey Update The survey fieldwork has been completed and the forms have been submitted to AHPP for the first review. Comments have been made and are now back at the consultants for revisions. Central High National Register Amended boundary increase. The consultant is finishing his draft of that text and will be emailing it to Staff tomorrow. That nomination will be presented to the Commission when time comes. Commissioner Vanlandingham asked if Staff would keep the Commission posted on the progress of national register listings. Election of Officers After discussion, Commissioner Julie Wiedower nominated Commissioner Chris Vanlandingham for the position of Chair. Commissioner Randy Ripley seconded. The nominations were closed. Commissioner BJ Bowen stated that by acclimation, Commissioner Vanlandingham was elected Chair. Commissioner Toni Johnson nominated Commissioner Wiedower as Vice Chair and Commissioner Bowen seconded. The nominations were closed. Commissioner Wiedower was elected Vice Chair with a vote of 6 ayes and one absent (Hendrix). Citizen Communication Rhea Roberts, QQA, invited the Commissioners to "Festivus ", the year end celebration fundraiser for the QQA. She also noted the Preservation Conversations, which occur the third Monday of each month. They air them on LRTV and were recognized as a successful program by the National Trust. VI. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5:33 p.m. Attest: Secretary /Staff ,1 r Date I -g` ► � Date