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HDC_07 10 2017Page 1 of 19 LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, July 10, 2017, 5:00 p.m. Board Room, City Hall Roll Call Quorum was present being six (6) in number. Members Present: Chair Dick Kelley Vice Chair Ted Holder Toni Johnson BJ Bowen Jeremiah Russell Lauren Frederick Dale Pekar Members Absent: none City Attorney: Debra Weldon Staff Present: Brian Minyard Citizens Present: Ray Nolan Matt Foster Cameron Ennett Mark Brown Boyd Maher Dax Ennett Patricia Blick Callie Williams Ed Sergeant Briney Bischof Jamie Moses Denise Ennett Frank Barksdale Camille Ennett Approval of Minutes Commissioner Toni Johnson made a motion to approve the June 12, 2017 minutes as revised. Commissioner Jeremiah Russell seconded and the motion passed with a vote of 7 ayes and 0 noes. Notice requirements were met on all of the items except as noted in individual hearing items. Notice of public hearing was printed in a newspaper of general circulation, posted on the internet and emails were sent to interested citizens and the press to inform them of the agenda being posted online. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 Page 2 of 19 DATE: July 10, 2017 APPLICANT: Various Property Owners and AHPP ADDRESS: Chester, Ringo and State Streets REQUEST: Boundary Expansion and additional documentation for the Governor’s Mansion National Register Historic District PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is the existing Governor’s Mansion National Register Historic District plus the expansion area to the west along Chester, Ring, and State Streets south of Wright Avenue. All of the properties are within the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. A. Location of Governor’s Mansion NRD and the expansion area hatched. Page 3 of 19 PROPOSAL: The Commission will review the Boundary Expansion and additional documentation for the Governor’s Mansion National Register Historic District. According to the nomination report: This amendment seeks to add 87 contributing buildings to the Governor’s Mansion Historic District and increase the number of contributing buildings within the district to 626. It also contains a re -evaluation of the buildings in the existing district based on a resurvey that was undertaken during 2016. The boundary for the Governor’s Mansion Historic District will be expanded to the west side of South Chester Street between Wright Avenue and Roosevelt Road. The amendment will also increase the district’s period of signifi cance from ca. 1880-1952 to ca. 1880-1967. Almost all of the development within the expanded boundary occurred post World War I, with 53 (61%) of the 87 contributing structures constructed between ca. 1918-1967. Twenty-nine of these structures were constructed in the interwar period and 24 were constructed post World War II. Seven historic structures were constructed prior to the twentieth century. The remaining 26 (30%) historic structures within the expanded boundary were constructed in the twentieth century prior to World War I. The district was listed in the National Register in 1978 with amendments in 1988 and 2002 to include contiguous areas on the west side of the present district. This boundary addition would add 87 contributing and 47 non-contributing structures to the district. This would bring the total, after the current amendment and resurvey to 626 contributing resources and 249 non- contributing resources. These numbers are subject to final review by AHPP staff . This would put the district at about 71% contributing resources. In the previous boundary area, 79 properties become contributing, one was individually listed, and 109 became noncontributing since the last survey. Of those 109, 43 were demolished. In the expanded areas, 17 houses are non-contributing because they have been demolished, most likely a product of the tornado on 1999. The period of significance would be increased from ca. 1880-1952 to ca. 1880-1967 with this amendment. This expansion will extend the Governor’s Mansion National Register Historic District westward to abut the eastern boundary of the Paul Laurence Dunbar School Neighborhood Historic District south of Wright Avenue. The resurvey of the current district was a project by AHPP. The City of Little Rock had been contacted on multiple occasions to investigate expanding the Governor’s Mansion NRD or the Dunbar NRD to encompass the houses in the area that is covered by Capitol Zoning District but were not eligible for state or federal income tax credits because they were not in a district nor were they individually listed. The City of Little Rock piggybacked the survey work with the financial assistance of area non-profits, quasi- governmental agencies, local companies, and area citizens which was matched with City funds in order to fund the survey. The expansion area incorporates this area and goes two blocks to the north to capture the Rightsell School building. Page 4 of 19 The text of the nomination is a separate document in this agenda. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion A and C. Criterion A is defined as: Property is associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history. Criterion C is defined as: Property 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 lack individual distinction. COMMISSION ACTION: July 10, 2017 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the item. He noted that the numbers of contributing and on non-contributing are subject to change. The period of significance will also change. The resurvey was funded by AHPP and the expansion area was funded by non-profits and citizens. Commissioner Toni Johnson asked staff to explain the boundaries of Capitol Zoning District (CZD) versus the national register district. The CZD boundaries are larger than the national register district. This will bring properties that are currently under CZD review into the national register district. The boundaries will not be continuous after this action. Mr. Minyard stated that the CZD boundaries would not change because of this action. Commissioner Lauren Frederick asked if some of the properties nominated tonight are already in CZD but not in the national register district. Mr. Minyard stated that this was true. Commissioner Ted Holder verified what the boundaries of Capitol Zoning are and what blocks are proposed to be in both the CZD and the national register district. Callie Williams, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) said that this was an expansion of the district along with a resurvey of the entire district. It has been updated multiple times. It will go to the State Review Board on August 2, 2017. Commissioner Johnson asked if the State Review Board will review both the existing district and the boundary increase areas. Ms. Williams said yes. Some will change but it will basically be the same contributing and non-contributing percentages. Patricia Blick, Executive Director of the Quapaw Quarter Association, stated that the QQA endorses the expansion of the area and provided supplemental money for the survey. Denise Ennett, President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, DNA, spoke in support of the expansion and stated the DNA also provided supplemental money for the survey. Matt Foster stated that he owns a home in the expansion district. He wants to rehab it for his personal home. He helped steam roll the effort of expansion for the area. He spoke of a ton of well thought of houses, and other areas being left behind because of lack of tax credits available. This will bring up the area and bridge Dunbar and Governor’s Mansion area. Page 5 of 19 Ed Sergeant lives in the Governor’s Mansion district, and realizes the advantag e of the tax credits. This will be a boost to the intercity neighborhoods. Commissioner Jeremiah Russell made a motion to recommend for approval under Criterion A and C. Commissioner Dale Pekar seconded and the motion passed with a vote of 7 ayes and 0 noes. Commissioner Johnson left the meeting at 5:17. Page 6 of 19 DATE: July 10, 2017 APPLICANT: Ralph Wilcox, AHPP ADDRESS: 1403 E 6th Street REQUEST: Nomination of the Darragh Building to the National Register PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 1403 E 6th Street. The property’s legal description is “Lot 2, Block 0, Darragh Comm’l Subdivision to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. B. Location of Darragh Building Page 7 of 19 PROPOSAL: The Commission will review the Nomination of the Darragh Building to the National Register. The nomination states: The Darragh Building, also known as the DARCO Building, was designed by Noland Blass, Jr., of the Erhart, Eichenbaum, Rauch, & Blass firm in 1958 for the Darragh Company. It was constructed utilizing post and beam construction techniques, replacing the need for heavy-load bearing walls with steel and glass. The Darragh Building was designed for commercial and warehouse use and is located just east of downtown Little Rock at 1403 East Sixth Street, Little Rock, Arkansas, within a primarily warehouse and light industrial district. The Darragh Building has several significant features which include: floor-to-ceiling glass walls and windows, extended floor and roof slabs that emphasize the building’s horizontal lines, a roof with no slope, a small atrium, floating front steps, and exterior and interior concrete infill panels decorated with a stretched octagon and diamond three-dimensional pattern. The nomination includes the office building and the warehouse to the south, since they were connected during a recent 2016 renovation. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends nomination to the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion C. Criterion C is defined as: Property 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 lack individual distinction. COMMISSION ACTION: July 10, 2017 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the item. Commissioner Lauren Frederick asked if the inside changes have any effect on the nomination of the building. Mr. Minyard will ask Ms. Williams to address that issue. Commissioner Jeremiah Russell stated that AHPP was recommending listing on the national register. Commissioner Ted Holder wanted clarification that it is back before the Commission because of the connection of the buildings. Mr. Minyard stated that it was to be considered to be one building now. Callie Williams of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) stated that the group started work and attached the office building to the warehouse. It was originally nominated for just the office building. The loading dock was enclosed and the two buildings are now connected. Ms. Williams said that the National Park Service (NPS) has been looking at interiors of buildings more in the last few years and place an importance on the interiors still looking the same, office to office, school to school, etc. She stated that a lot of the interior features were being kept. The owners talked to AHPP on the interior changes, and it still conveys the historic use of office. If there were tax credits or grant, there would be more review. Page 8 of 19 Commissioner Frederick asked if the buildings were originally connected. Ms. Williams said it was only connected by a flat concrete loading dock. Commissioner Jeremiah Russell asked if the enclosed loading dock can be removed at a later date without damaging the original exterior. Ms. Williams felt that it is minimal and reads as a later addition to the building. It is minimal change to the overall. Chair Kelley asked if the warehouse meets the fifty years criteria. Ms. Williams said yes. Ms. Frederick asked about the added building. Ms. Williams said that both will be added, and that the warehouse was put in the overall design, and now connected, they must take it into account. There were no citizens that spoke on the item Commissioner Pekar made a motion to recommend for approval under C. It was seconded by Commissioner Ted Holder and was approved with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent (Johnson). Page 9 of 19 DATE: July 10, 2017 APPLICANT: Jamie Moses, Moses Tucker ADDRESS: 307 E Capitol Avenue COA REQUEST: Amendment to existing COA PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 307 E Capitol Avenue. The property’s legal description is “Lots 1R and 2R Block 40, and 1125 sf closed alley lying along east line thereof per 2015-04536, less and except the west 50’ of the north 75’ of lot 2R of the Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." The building at 307 East Capitol is known as the Paragon Printing building and is a contributing structure to the district. It was built in 1947 and expanded shortly thereafter. The survey notes “International Style with floor to ceiling glass façade and large expanse of blank windowless walls. This application is an amendment to existing COA that was approved on January 11, 2016 for renovations to the Paragon Building to house Fassler Hall. This application includes changes to the exterior patio area and all elevations. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: On January 11, 2016, a COA was approved for Moses Tucker for the paragon Building at 307 E Capitol for Fassler Hall renovations. On October 6, 2005, a COA was approved and issued to the City of Little Rock Police Department for a new building. PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: A Certificate of Appropriateness was approved for rehab on January 11, 2016. In the review of the building permit and with further detailed design work, several items were changed and DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax:(501) 399-3435 www.littlerock.gov STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. One. Location of Project Page 10 of 19 require that the project be reviewed a second time for an amended Certificate of Appropriateness. This report will give a brief description of the building and summarize what had been approved in the January 2016 hearing. The items that are subject to change will be shown as struck (struck). It will then present the changes that are proposed in this action. The Paragon building, at 307 East Capitol, is a two story building in the “Structural Expressionist” architectural style. Simply stated, the structural members of the building are expressed in the building, namely the white columns and pilasters on the front corners and along the sides of the building. Mason Toms, Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, has located the architect that had designed the building. Raymond Branton listed the building in the catalogue of works that he had complied after his office burned down. The front of the building features a structural member frame in white that encases the building on the sides and top. The structural member appears to be stucco over metal lathe and that member extends inwards to become the soffit of the building over the entrance. The center portion of the front façade has a third type of brick, a more decorative brick with rounded edges that is red in color. The mortar has been dyed to match the brick. Mr. Toms stated that this front façade brick may be a “dipped brick”, where brick was dipped in paint before installation to achieve a uniformity in color that was unavailable from firing bricks alone. The balance of the façade is a two story glass storefront floor to ceiling windows and one door on the east side. The contrast of the red brick, red mortar and the white structural members provides architectural interest in this building along with the massing of the large rectangles of glass and decorative brick. The side facades are broken into seven bays with the white structural members extending from the ground to the top of the parapet wall. The eastern façade has evidence of windows that have been bricked over. There were four large windows and one small window. There is an existing overhead door in the sixth bay. The seven bays on the east side are not a regular width as the bays on the west side are. The steel frame windows are still in place in the building, the brick was added to the exterior sill. The western façade of the building has seven bays with the Paragon Building north elevation 2006 Contributing and Non-contributing map Page 11 of 19 first bay closest to Capitol Avenue having some of the two story floor to ceiling glass storefront windows. The brick on the sides of the building are not the same as the brick on the front. Part of the eastern wall nearest to Capitol Avenue is a buff brick that has been painted. The western wall appears to be the same brick as the balance of the eastern wall, a smooth red brick. The wall has been painted a similar color of red as the brick. A ghost sign appears on the western wall but is unintelligible. The following was approved in the January 2017 hearing. The items struck (struck) are proposed to be changed in the new application. The proposal for the front of the building would keep the following items: 1. The white concrete structural members would be cleaned and repainted white. 2. The existing storefront windows on the west side would be repaired as needed or replaced to match the existing. The proposal for the front of the building would change the following items: 3. The single aluminum storefront door would be replaced with two aluminum storefront doors (3’x8'). 4. A 2’ x 7’ stained and painted carved wood sign would be placed over the new aluminum storefront doors. 5. A 12” thick wood awning with recessed lights in the soffit would be added over the front doors at the level of the beam between the first and second floor. 6. The red brick panel in the center of the building and the brick to the east of the front door will not be painted. 7. A perforated metal screen would be added to the building in front of t he brick panel. It would be blue in color and have a diamond pattern with cutouts. 8. A sign, varying from 5’-3” to 3’-0” by x 22’8”’ would be wall mounted metal cut letters painted white, beside of the diamond screen with the words “Fassler Hall”. 9. The brickwork on the front of the building will be cleaned and repaired as necessary. 10. There would be a fence added to the west side of the building placed on a wood slat base. The fence and base would be 8’ tall. The fence would be a decorative metal fence in a mid-century motif. 11. There would also be a gate installed in the alley on the east side of the building in the decorative mid-century motif. It would not have a wood slat base. It will be 6’-0” tall. The proposal for the west side of the building would keep the following items: 12. The white concrete structural members would be cleaned and repainted white. 13. The existing storefront windows on the west side would be repaired as needed or replaced to match the existing. The west side of the building would have the following changes. 14. The brick would be painted gray. 15. There would be a painted logo on the wall near Capitol Avenue in the first bay of 49 square feet with the diamond blue background with a griffin. 16. Bays three, four and five would feature glass 10’-0” tall by 12’-0” wide sliding doors centered in the bays (number one being closest to Capitol Avenue). Page 12 of 19 17. Wood awnings are above the overhead doors with 8” letters on the awning. “Sausage, Beer, and Live Music” are considered informational signage per the sign ordinance. 18. A proposed sign, Fassler Hall, of 413 square feet is proposed to be painted on the second floor of the building. 19. 14 new light fixtures will be installed on the building, two per bay. They will be Wheeler Dino Wall Sconce in yellow. They are commercial grade steel with a high gloss porcelain enamel finish. The projection from the building will be 15” or less. 20. The same decorative fence that will be on the front of the building will be extended down the west façade to enclose the outdoor dining and drinking area. 21. The southernmost bays (five through seven) will have the diamond patterned artwork painted on the brick. The proposal for the east side of the building would keep the following items: 22. The white concrete structural members would be cleaned and repainted white. The east side of the building would have the following changes: 23. The brick would be painted gray. 24. Replace the existing overhead door with a 10’ x 10’ glass overhead door. 25. Install three additional 10’ x 10’ glass overhead doors in bays three, four and five (number one being closest to Capitol Avenue.) 26. Install 13 wall sconces as described above. 27. The northernmost bays (one through three) will have the diamond patterned artwork painted on the brick. 28. There is proposed to have a fence at the midpoint of the alley at the rear of the American Legion Building. The current application proposes the following changes to the approved COA. The exterior patio has increased in size on the western portion of the property and now extends to Cumberland Street. The exterior patio to the east of the building is not going to be built. A portion of the new patio area will be raised and will feature a horizontal wood slate fence that is 4’-6” above existing grade. The fence will be comprised of CMU base in some areas and wood horizontal slat fencing on all areas. A portion of the fence will be taller to screen the mechanical units. Building code requires the fence to be as high as the units are for screening purposes. Overheard string lights strung between metal poles will illuminate the outdoor area. The exterior patio has changed. 29. The overall area of the patio has increased from 2,737 SF to 6,350 SF. The previously area was approximately 22’ wide and 140’ long along the west side of the building. The south half of that 140’ (approximately) now extends west to Cumberland Street in the new layout. 30. A portion of the patio is raised 1’ higher than the existing asphalt, and surfaced with compacted granite fines. 31. The perimeter fence has changed from a wood-clad base with ornamental metal posts and rails to a skim coated painted CMU base with cedar posts and horizontal slat rails. The CMU base in only at the raised portion of the patio. In the un-raised areas of the patio, the wood slat fence would carry to the ground. Page 13 of 19 32. 2” x 1-1/2” steel posts will mount along the perimeter fencing spaced approximately 10’ apart to allow for the suspension of string lights above the patio. The string lights will be string with a wire connected to the galvanized poles. 33. The height of the majority of the fencing has reduced from 6’ to 4’-6” tall. 34. At the southeast corner of the patio, a portion of the fencing will need to increase to approximately 13’-1” in order to fully conceal mechanical equipment per the building code. 35. At this time, no umbrellas or other shade coverings are being proposed. Site Plan Fence Detail String Light photo from Tulsa location The west elevation changes are as follows: Two of the three openings in the wall change noticeably: one will be reduced by half and one will become a sliding take out window. The awnings above the new openings have changed from wood clad with painted letters to light aluminum frame fabric awnings with printed letters. The diamond-patterned mural at the south end has shifted slightly northward to appear more continuous as it crosses over the new mechanical yard fencing. Three previously proposed goose neck light fixtures at the south end Page 14 of 19 of the façade will be replaced with one LED wall pack light fixture within the mechanical enclosure area. The West elevation has changed: 36. The new openings along the façade have reduced from three 12’ wide by 10’ tall sections of storefront with 4 swinging doors each to one 12’-6” x 10’-3” section, one 6’-6” x 10’-3” section, and one 4’ x 8’ sliding window. 37. The awnings above the new openings have changed from wood clad with painted letters to light aluminum frame fabric awnings with printed letters. All three awnings are 17’-6” wide, 2’-6” tall and project 6’ from the wall. 38. The diamond-patterned mural at the south end has shifted slightly to appear more continuous as it crosses over the new mechanical yard fencing. 39. Three previously proposed goose neck light fixtures at the south end of the façade will now be totally concealed by the tall mechanical yard fence, and replaced with one LED wall pack light fixture. 40. From the previously approved submission, the following sizes were given for the informational signage on the awnings: Sausage – 1.6 SF; Beer – 0.9 SF; Music – 1.6 SF. Those sizes are not expected to change or increase. The tallest letter will be approximately 8” tall. Proposed west elevation for July 2017 hearing Proposed west elevation #2 for July 2017 hearing Page 15 of 19 LED light pack Gooseneck Light The east elevation changes are as follows: The proposed overhead doors that were to be installed in bays three, four and five have been eliminated and the existing windows will remain. Two 36” wide doors are required to be added for egress per building codes. The existing overhead door will be modified to add a 36” wide door and a less wide overhead door in the same space. One window in the rear will be filled in and house a required egress door and exhaust fan. The East elevation has changed: 41. The previously proposed three overhead doors have been eliminated, and the existing windows will remain. 42. The existing overhead door will be exchanged for a smaller overhead door, and adjacent swinging door to all fit within the existing overhead door opening. The overhead door is a Cookson door, Insulated door FWCI model to be painted. It is 6’ wide and 9’ tall. 43. An additional swinging door has been added towards the south end of the building for code- required egress. The hollow core doors are a Ceco Door, Ultrador model to be painted. These two doors area required by code for egress, the two existing doors will remain. 44. A kitchen hood exhaust fan has been positioned towards the south end of the façade. It is a Captive Aire unit, model DU180HFA, with a galvanized metal finish and is 40” in diameter and projects 34” from the wall. 45. Thirteen previously proposed goose neck light fixtures along the façade have been replaced with three LED wall packs. 46. Please note the alley is no longer being programmed as an outdoor patio. Proposed east elevation for July 2017 hearing Page 16 of 19 The north elevation changes are as follows: The gate on the alley will remain as is. The wood sign above the entry door has been eliminated and will now feature lettering on the glass. The metal diamond screen has been eliminated. The sign “Fassler Hall” will now be backlit. The North elevation has changed: 47. The applicant proposes to leave the alley gate the black ornamental metal fence as it currently is. 48. The sign above the entrance has changed from a suspended wood sign, to vinyl letter mounted to the glass. The vinyl letters over the north entry door total 3.3 SF in area, far under the previously approved 14 SF sign. The tallest letters are approximately 12” tall, while the shortest are 7” tall. 49. The previously proposed metal screen has been eliminated. 50. The proposed metal letters will be backlit with concealed LED strips. 51. The metal letters on the north façade are 11 gauge steel, custom cut. The letters will be welded to 3”x3”x1/4” L-shaped angle that is then welded to another angle that is bolted back to the building at the mortar joints in the existing brick. There are two sets of angles per word, each running continuous behind the entire word, approximately 7’-6” and 13’ long respectively for each word. The LED light strips will run the length of the metal angles, mounted in such a way as to not be seen when looking straight-on at the north elevation. See also detail 5 on sheet A2.02 provided with this submission. Proposed north elevation for July 2017 hearing The south elevation: 52. The south elevation will feature the diamond pattern in decorative paint. Page 17 of 19 Proposed south elevation for July 2017 hearing. The proposed changes to the approved COA are in keeping with the guidelines and in some aspects, require fewer changes to the building than the earlier approval did. This application will be required to go to the Board of Adjustment since the total number of exterior seats exceeds 50% of the number of interior seating per Sec 36-342.1(d)(1)a.2. It may also be required to go to an additional public hearing if the use on the outdoor patio is something other than just eating and drinking, i.e., live music. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions: 1. Obtain Board of Adjustment approval. 2. Obtaining a building permit. COMMISSION ACTION: July 10, 2017 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the proposed changes to the project since the last review. There were no comments from citizens as of now. Commissioner Jeremiah Russell asked about the difference of an internally lit sign and what they are proposing and what Staff’s justification is on the support of it. Mr. Minyard explained that it is not internally illuminated. It is backlight. There was discussion on the makeup of the sign and the opacity of the letters versus the translucent nature of backlit signs. Chair Dick Kelley clarified that you see the shadow of the letter. Mr. Minyard described it as a halo effect on the letters. Commissioner Dale Pekar asked if there was any justification on the raised area. Mr. Minyard stated it was not in the submission. Page 18 of 19 James Sullivan and Frank Barksdale of AMR Architects were present to represent the project. They stated that a lot has happened with changes from the client and budget constraints. The applicant has acquired the use of more land, the programming of interior space which changed windows and doors and the removal of the metal screen on the front. Chair Kelley asked what was behind the big metal screen. Mr. Sullivan stated that the screen hides the condensers for the air conditioning. The duct work goes up the wall and they are trying to hide the ductwork. Chair Kelley asked about the exhaust fan in the alley and if this was a pedestrian area. Mr. Sullivan stated that the city provided specs on the height of the fans. The alley is not functioning as a patio anymore. The city provided requirements on the height of the fan. The alley will not function as a patio space anymore since the sharing of the kitchen between the two buildings did not pan out. Chair Kelley asked about the raised level of the patio and the 12” of compacted fines. Mr. Sullivan said the client wanted to have an area of granite fines and it was a design decision having a different texture. They did not want to dig up the existing paved area. There were no citizens that spoke on the item. Commissioner Pekar made a motion to approve and Commissioner Russell seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes and 1 absent (Johnson). Page 19 of 19 Other Matters Enforcement issues Staff had none to report to the Commission. Certificates of Compliance A COC was issued for the rehab of a house at 1402 Commerce for repair of fire damage. Citizen Communication Denise Ennett, President of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, spoke about the house at 1414 Park Lane that has burned. She was there with the code enforcement officers. She is concerned about trespassers and it attracting the wrong element. Mr. Minyard, said that he got an email from Housing and Neighborhood Programs today asking if it was contributing or non- contributing. His response was that it is in the MacArthur Park LOD and that Housing will have to come to the HDC to ask for a demolition of the house. It is contributing to the district and is known as the Schmelzer House built in 1907. She spoke of the upcoming sculpture park coming into the area. She talked of the pedestrian traffic because of the interstate overpass going into the park. Mr. Minyard noted that she is the owner of the Gustave Kleinschmidt House that was reviewed by the commission recently. Adjournment There was a motion to adjourn and the meeting ended at 5:50 p.m. Attest: ___________________________ _________________________ Chair Date ___________________________ _________________________ Secretary/Staff Date