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HDC_07 14 2005LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTE RECORD Thursday, July 14, 2005, 5:00 p.m. Sister Cities' Conference Room, City Hall I. Roll Call A Quorum was present being three (3) in number. Members Present: Marshall Peters (Acting Chair) Kay Tatum Wesley Walls Members Absent: Job Serebrov Carolyn Newbern City Attorney: Deborah Weldon Staff Present: Charles Bloom Brian Minyard II. Approval of Minutes a. June 2, 2005 Staff noted that one section of the Minutes will need to be fixed because of a formatting error. Approval of the Minutes were deferred to the August 4, 2005 hearing by a vote of 3 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 absent. III. Finding of Compliance with Notice Requirements of all Subjects a. 614 and 618 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. It was found that notice was properly given. b. 1200 South Scott Street. It was found that notice was properly given. IV. New Certificates of Appropriateness 1 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 -1334 Phone: (501) 371 -4790 Fax: (501) 399 -3435 STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. 1. DATE: July 14, 2005 ADDRESS: 618 and 620 Dock Street; 617 Cumberland Street; little Dock, AR 72202* COA REQUEST: Construct three new single family homes, and three garages, one with a loft apartment. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: This application is for new construction of properties at 618 and 620 Rock Street; and 617 Cumberland Street. The property's legal description is "The South 1/2 of Lot 4 and the North 1/2 of Lot 5, Block 41, and the West 10 feet of alley closed by Ordinance No. 12,745 lying next to lots, and the N1 /2 of Lot 8 and all of Lot 9, Block 41 and the East 10 feet of Alley closed by Ordinance No. 12,745 lying next to lots, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." Since the homes are of new construction it cannot be considered as a "Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District until it is at least 50 years old. This application is also undergoing an application for rezoning to a Planned Development Residential (PDR). This application is to allow construction of the three homes with reduced setbacks. The PDR will define certain aspects of the property including building footprint, driveway materials /locations, building height, Above: The property at 617 Cumberland Street. The applicant proposes one new home at this location. Below: The properties at 618 and 620 Rock Street. The applicant proposes two new homes at this location 2 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. and fence locations. The applicant has been working with both Zoning Staff and Commission Staff to ensure that the PRD is compatible with the Historic District Guidelines. The rezoning application was on July 7, 2005, one week prior to the meeting. This application was approved at the hearing with minimal changes. ANALYSIS: The Design Guidelines for new construction of primary buildings should maintain, not disrupt the existing pattern of surrounding historic buildings. This calls for new construction to be compatible with existing historic structures on the street block. The design guidelines state that compatibility is calculated by evaluating shape; building scale; roof shape and pitch; orientation to the street; location and proportion of entrances, windows, porches, and divisional bays; foundation height, floor -to- ceiling height; and porch height and depth. Exterior materials and material colors are looked at for compatibility as well. If the exterior to be used is brick mortar and brick color tones should be similar. If the new construction is frame a matching lap dimension with wood or smooth masonite is considered encouraged. Vinyl and aluminum siding are not encouraged on any construction in the historic district. New construction also requires a more in depth look at the exterior characteristics of the building. Details such as trim around windows, doors, eaves, cave depths, watercourses, corner boards, etc. should be similar to those of surrounding properties. An important rule with new construction within the historic district is that new buildings should blend in with adjacent buildings and not be too imitative of historic styles. The reason for this is so that new construction can be distinguished from historic buildings in the district. "New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that, if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired." (Secretary of the Interior's Standard) The applicant would like to construct three new single family homes on the property. Staff suggests a general review of the application and will individually review certain characteristics of the individual homes that maybe unique to one another. This will best address any potential issues that may arise. General Concerns for all Buildings: One common driveway has been proposed to provide access to the three garage areas located in a common area in the rear of the properties. Access to this common area will be from Cumberland Street. The applicant has indicated that a ribbon driveway will be constructed from Cumberland Street to the security gate. The design guidelines indicate that "ribbon driveway" are appropriate for residential driveways in the historic district. The applicant has indicated that the ribbon driveway from the Cumberland Street to a common paved parking area. Staff believes supports the ribbon driveway concept and the paved parking area is adequate for the site, however, staff would prefer the applicant state driveway width at the public hearing. The paved parking area will be surrounded by a six foot wooden 3 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. fence. The design guidelines state that six foot wooden fences in the rear of properties is appropriate for the district. At the recent Planning Commission hearing the fence area along Cumberland Street was decreased. The abutting garages to the south that lie on the property line will serve as part of the fence. The fence will abut the garage. Originally the applicant had indicated that the ribbon driveway would lead to a wrought iron gate securing the concern. The City of Little Rock's Public Work's Department requested removal of the gate because it prevented a turn around point in the event that a visitor was using the A contributing structure located on the east side driveway and no one was present to open the of osed Street with a similar shed roof as gate. The applicant has also indicated that they proposed. are actively pursuing an access easement to the properties from 7th Street. In the event that the access easement is approved from 7th Street this ribbon driveway would not be needed. This may result in the building footprint being shifted, staff would supportive of a similar driveway off of 7th Street and abandonment of the proposed ribbon driveway accessing Cumberland Street, and the shifting of the building footprint. If footprints are changed, the zoning application would need to be revised. Staff would require the applicant to contact staff for a staff review of the modifications. Staff would also request updated drawings to reflect the changes in the site plan. The applicant has noted that exterior construction will be primarily of brick. The design guidelines require that new buildings using brick should have closely matching brick and mortar tones. The applicant has indicated that brickwork on each home will be "standard modern brickwork with masonry windowsills on front of houses using natural color mortar:" At the public hearing staff would prefer clarification of the color brick and color mortar. Staff suggests that all home exteriors that are not brick be sided in a manner that provides matching lap dimensions with wood or smooth masonite material. This siding material includes the gable on the proposed one -story Rock Street home. The applicant has also indicated that soffits and fascia will be of wood material with the exception of the porch area. The applicant is requesting an aluminum material for the soffits above the porch. The applicant has indicated that doors on the side and back of the units and loft will be fiberglass insulated doors. The applicant has also indicated that masonry window stools will be used. Staff has no objection to the masonry window stools because it is of new construction and similar in material to the brick exterior of the building. The applicant has also indicated that they would like approval of either "wood-clad or nicer vinyl double hung windows on the sides and back, and wood windows on the front if required." Since this is new construction staff does not feel that windows facing the street need to be 100% wood windows. New developments and some additions within the historic district have introduced new wood -clad windows to the district. These double hung wood- clad windows and are comparable to wood windows of the past. The wood clad windows recently and currently installed in the district could be considered a design element of homes 4 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. constructed in this time period. (Individual building window designs critiqued in individual sections summarized below). All homes will have a private courtyard located between the residences and their detached garages created by the adjacent buildings and fences. The Cumberland Street home will utilize an adjacent building for formation of a courtyard. The courtyards and front yards of all buildings will have extensive landscaping and be irrigated. The garages will be joined by individual covered breezeways. The applicant has indicated that the front door of all homes will be "wood or stain grade fiberglass front door." Staff would prefer that wooden doors be used as the front doors of the buildings. General Concerns for Buildings Facing Rock Street: A wrought iron fence has been requested to be in front of the two properties fronting Rock Street. The applicant has also indicated that the fence will be similar to those within the historic district. Within MacArthur Park are numerous different styles of wrought iron fences. Several wrought iron fences are located along the top of retaining walls as illustrated with the two properties immediately to the south of the application area. To preserve the character of the historic district staff would feel that it should be constructed Existing wrought iron fence on Rock Street immediately south of the property. in similar design but in their own unique materials as not to diminish the historic value of the existing wrought iron fence. Staff supports the construction of a wrought iron fence in front of the buildings on Rock Street if it is similar in height to existing ones to the south. Additionally, staff has noticed a set of existing steps on the property that led to a previous structure on the property. These steps are common in MacArthur Park and can be replicated. Since two single-family residences will have entrances on Rock Street it may not be possible for the existing steps to be used. If the older steps are to be destroyed, staff 5 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. would recommend the reconstruction of similar steps leading to pathways accessing new front doors or porch areas. Since pathway plans and steps have not been finalized staff would recommend the applicant get staff approval for the demolition or construction of new steps and walkways on the property. Staff recommends approval of two conceptual pathways and steps indicating a pathway and step combination perpendicular to Rock Street aligning with each individual property's front steps, with a set of no more than three treads at the Rock Street Existing Steps on the Rock Street site. sidewalk. In the event that handicap accessibility is an issue, staff is supportive of whatever mechanism is needed pending staff review. In the event that the applicant is to request a different alignment, yet still perpendicular to Rock Street, staff would be supportive of a staff level review of the revised plan. 6 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. Rock Street Building House # 1: Southerly One Story home on Rock Street. Construction expected to begin upon approval. The applicant has indicated that this house will be a two story building facing Rock Street and next door to a contributing residential structure and will be 2462 square feet in size. The applicant has noted that the foundation height will be 2.5', and similar to the adjacent building's. The applicant has also noted that the roof height will also be similar to the adjacent building's roof height. The proposed first floor ceiling height is 10' with a second floor ceiling height of 9'. The applicant's proposed foundation height is in character with adjacent buildings. The proposed foundation and floor height should not have a negative effect on the historic district. The properties immediately to the south of the proposed two story structure have similar architectural characteristics that can be could be carried on with the construction of the new home next door. The home closest to the property has a combination hipped and gabled roof. The home two properties south has a combination gabled and gambrel roof. These two homes are the most dominate residential structures on this block face and their architectural designs should be complimented. Staff met with the applicant to illustrate the architectural styles of the surrounding two story homes to help with design. Street Facade with new two -story home as proposed by the applicant in roughly proportional scale. Initially the applicant presented staff with a design exposing two gabled ends of a pitched roof exposed to Rock Street. Staff has met with the applicant and suggested ways to decrease the perceived mass of the building and be more in character with the nearby buildings. The end result was the conversion of one gable into a hipped roof which decreased the amount of dominate front facade. Staff believes that the building's size, mass, 7 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. and height are compatible with the existing structures to the south and with the proposed new construction next door and the existing building to the south. This house, coupled with the second new home on the block, will provide for a smooth transition from two story to one story structures along the western face of Rock Street. The roofing plans first submitted to our office indicate a 6:12 Roof Pitch with the two exposed gables on the eastern facade. Upon a window survey staff noticed that roof pitches on Rock Street Roof are typically 12:12 and have a combination of hipped and gabled elements. Staff recommended to the applicant that the roof pitch be increased to 8:12 to be more compatible with the nearby structures. Increasing the roof pitch will result in the structure only being two feet taller on the lot. This increased height and the change to a Staff Recommended two story home on Rock Street. partial hipped roof may result in the (increased pitch and gabled roof). building not appearing any taller. The roof plans also indicate a 4:12 pitch shed over the front porch. Homes in the district have similar shed roofs and staff feels that the proposed shed roof will be in character with the district. The applicant has provided elevations of the proposed structures on the lot and indicated that a majority of the windows will be double -hung. The eastern elevation of the home indicates five double hung one - over -one windows and one in- operable window facing Rock Street. Two of the windows will be on the second floor and paired together, and three will be joined together on the lower level. The lower level windows will have transoms above. The inoperable window is for aesthetic purposes and is located above the front door on the second floor. Staff has concerns about the massing of the windows on the second floor and feels that if the windows were not joined they may be in more character with second story windows on surrounding homes. The north elevation of Building #1 depicts several different styles of windows including double -hung, non - operational windows, and one transom. Staff has concerns about the lack of rhythm that is presented in the window patterns along the north facade. The windows illustrated on this facade vary and size and lack consistency in height relationship from the ground. These windows vary in size including, 3' X 5' with a one foot transom, 16" X 4', 2'X 3' and 3' X 4'. Staff would prefer a more rhythmic pattern along the facade. The second level windows of the north facade are 3' X 5' double hung one -over -one windows. Staff has no objections to those windows. The south facade of the building house numerous windows. Most of the windows on this facade are 3' X 5' double hung on- over -one windows. The windows on the lower level have a 1' X 3' transom above. Staff has no objections to the double hung windows. The applicant has also indicated placement of four 16" X 16" non - operable windows on this 8 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. facade. Staff had concerns about the pair of 16" X 16" non - operable windows closest to the front facade of the building. Since these two windows are located in the stairwell staff acknowledges that replacement with one 3' X 5' double hung window may not be possible because of the interior configuration. Towards the rear of the building on the same facade is a glass block window for the master bath. The window materials are intended to provide privacy. Staff does not have concerns about the "glass block" window because it is located towards the rear of the facade. The applicant has indicated that this home will have a covered front porch with five 12" round fiberglass columns, a surface material of poured concrete with brick surrounding the foundation, and steps accessing the porch from the street. The elevations do not indicate any railing on the porch. A 4:12 pitch shed roof with an aluminum soffit will cover the porch. Staff is supportive of the porch design and materials. The applicant has indicated that this home will have a two-car garage accessible to the house by a covered breezeway. The breezeway will have a 6:12 pitch pitched roof with no gables exposed. The garage will have a 6:12 pitch hipped roof. The breezeway will also have four 12" diameter columns for additional support. Staff believes the garage and breezeway design will not have a negative impact on the district. North Elevation South Elevation Two story home on Rock Street elevations. 9 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. House # 2: Northerly one -story home on Rock. Street. Construction expected to begin in December of 2006. The applicant has indicated that this house will be closest to the existing "Answerfone" building and will be 2296 square feet in size. The applicant has noted that the foundation height will be 18 inches, and similar to that of "Answerfone's." The applicant has also noted that the roof height will also be similar to that of "Answerfone." Also noted is that the ceiling heights will be 10'. The properties along Rock Street are in an area of step -down foundation heights. Foundation heights at the southern end of the street are higher than those at the northern end. The applicant's proposed foundation height is in character with adjacent buildings. Staff contacted the applicant regarding the initial design of the home because of two gables fronting Rock Street. One proposed as gabled was "hipped" and the other remains (See next page for image). This change resulted in the building appearing less massive and better relating to the adjacent "Answerfone" cottage. The roofing plan indicates an 8:12 roof pitch with 16" overhangs. On Rock Street Roof pitches vary and are typically 12:12 and have a combination of hipped and gabled elements. Because of the width of this house, and the applicant's plans to change the larger gable to a hip, staff feels that the 8:12 roof pitch will not have a detrimental effect on the neighborhood. The applicant has provided elevations of the proposed structures on the lot and indicated that a majority of the windows will be double -hung. The north elevation of House #2 depicts several different styles of windows including double -hung with and without transoms and non- operable windows. The elevations indicate the windows are three- over -one with transoms located above the four closest to the front of the home. The transoms have three panes. Towards the rear of the home are three non - operable 2' X 3' windows that compliment the kitchen. Since these windows are located towards the rear of the building staff has no concerns. The south elevation has three double hung three over one windows two of which have transoms. The transoms also three panes. The rear facade of the home has on glass block windows and two doorways; one doorway accesses the breezeway, and the other the courtyard. Staff feels that the overall window design of the house is in character with the district. The streetscape and adjacent "Answerfone" building immediately north of the proposed one story home in roughly proportional scale. 10 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. The applicant has indicated that this home will have a covered front porch with three 12" round fiberglass columns on brick piers, a surface material of poured concrete with brick surrounding the foundation, and steps accessing the porch from the street. The porch soffit will be aluminum. A railing will be installed along the front porch. In the historic district railings vary in materials from wood to wrought iron. The "Answerphone" building to the north has painted wood railings on the front porch. Staff would be supportive of similar wood railings on the new structure. Staff would prefer the applicant clarify the type of railing requested at the public hearing. Staff is supportive of the porch design and materials and acknowledges that it will be compatible with the columns of the Answerfone building. North Elevation South Elevation Elevation of the proposed one-story home on Rock Street. Indicated on the plans is a chimney on this home. The chimney's exterior materials will be a Dryvet exterior insulation and .finish system (EIFS) material. This EIFS material is a smooth stucco material that would be located on the vertical planes of the chimney. Staff feels that the material may not have an effect on the district's character because of its small character, but would like additional information at the time of the hearing. Front elevation of proposed Rock Street Home with Staff recommended front hip. The applicant has indicated that this home will have a three -car garage accessible from the house by a covered breezeway. The garage will have a 12:12 roof pitch pitched roof with gables exposed on the east and west elevations. The breezeway will also have two columns for additional support. Staff has also noted that 11 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. the garage will have a 596 square foot 1 bedroom / 1 bath living unit with a kitchenette. Staff has noted that multiple garages exist in the historic district and several exist complete with living quarters above and this concept will compliment the character of the existing neighborhood. Staff believes the garage, loft, and breezeway design will not have a negative impact on the district. 12 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. House #3: Two-story home on Cumberland Street: Construction expected to begin upon approval. The applicant has indicated that this house will be a two -story building facing Cumberland Street and adjacent to an apartment building and will be 2890 square feet in size. The applicant has noted that the foundation height will be two feet - similar to the adjacent building's. The proposed first floor ceiling height is 10' with a second floor ceiling height of 9'. The applicant has also indicated that the soffits and fascia materials will be wood. The roof pitch indicated for this house is 8:12 with one predominate hip and a secondary hip at the front. A 3:12 pitch shed roof covers the front porch. The adjacent apartment building to the south also has a hipped roof which this structure is attempting to compliment. Staff does not anticipate that the ceiling heights and roof structure is inconsistent with the character of the district. The applicant has provided elevations of the proposed structures on the lot and indicated that a majority of the windows will be double -hung. The windows on the west facade facing Cumberland Street appear to be double hung. Four windows on the dominant facade feature rounded tops. Staff would like clarification as to whether or not the rounded windows are double or single hung. The Cumberland Street elevation also indicates an inoperable window located in a dormer flush with the facade. Streetscape with proposed Cumberland Street Home with roughly proportional scale. 13 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. Staff is not supportive of the dormer or the non - operable window and feels that it is not within the character of the district. The north elevation of Building #3 depicts several different styles of windows including double -hung, picture windows, and transoms. On the first floor of the north elevation six double hung one- over -one windows are illustrated, with transoms located above, and 3' X 5' tall. The six windows are ganged into three groups of one, three, and two. Also on the first floor is a smaller non - operable window for a guest bathroom. This window is a non- operable window that does not open and provides light for the guest -- bath /powder room South Elevation measuring TX 3'. All windows on the lower level are currently proposed to be two feet off the ground while this window is proposed to be six. feet. Staff has North Elevation concerns about he Elevations of the proposed Cumberland Street Home. difference in scale of the window and how it effects the window rhythm along the first floor. On the second level a similar non - operable window exists, two one - over -one double hung windows, and a 4'X 4' glass block window. The glass block window is located in the master bath and is intended to provide privacy. Staff has similar concerns regarding the smaller non - operable window and how it affects the window rhythm along the second floor facade. Staff does not have concerns about the "glass block" window because it is located in the rear of the facade. The southern facade faces an existing building identified as a contributing structure build circa 1920. The south facade has one first floor one -over -one double hung window and three second floor one - over -one double hung windows as well as three non - operable windows. One is similar two that of the north facade and two others are 3' X 1' foot transoms. The addition of the smaller non- operable windows along both facades could result in a window rhythm not compatible with the district. Double or single hung windows with semi- opaque glass could be used in their place and the windows and provide privacy. Since the two non - operable transom windows are located near the rear of the building staff has no objections.. The applicant has indicated that this home will have a covered front porch with two 12" round fiberglass columns, a surface material of poured concrete with brick surrounding the foundation, and steps accessing the porch from the street. The porch soffit will be aluminum. Staff is supportive of the porch design and materials. 14 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. The applicant has indicated that this home will have a two -car garage accessible to the house by a covered breezeway. The garage will have an 8:12 roof pitch and pitched roof with no gables exposed. The breezeway will also have four columns for additional support. Staff believes the garage and breezeway design will not have a negative impact on the district. Staff recommends approval of a conceptual pathway and step plan for a pathway and step combination perpendicular to Cumberland Street aligning with the property's front steps with a set of no more than three steps at the Cumberland Street sidewalk. In the event that handicap accessibility is an issue, staff is supportive of whatever mechanism is needed pending staff review. In the event that the applicant is to request a different alignment, yet still perpendicular to Pathway perpendicular to Rock Street near the property Cumberland Street, staff would be in question. supportive of a staff level review of the revised plan. 15 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there was one comment on the application. The comment addressed the reduced building setback line of three feet between the proposed Cumberland building and the adjacent property to the south. Staff notes that part of the Zoning application that was heard at the July 7, 2005 hearing partly because of the reduced setbacks. Planning Staff supported the reduced setbacks because it is in character with the surrounding district. At the Planning Commission hearing the item was removed from the consent agenda for approval because of setback concerns with the Cumberland Street Home. The application was approved with an increased five foot south setback between the Cumberland Street home and the adjacent building. This could result in a reduced width driveway. Also changed was the alignment of a proposed fence on the southern property line adjacent to the Cumberland house. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval of the project as filed with the following conditions. 1. Removal of the dormer on House #3 (Cumberland Street) 2. Replacement of the larger gables on both homes facing Rock Street with hipped roofs. 3. Increased the roof pitch from 6:12 to 8:12 for the primary structure for all roofs (pitched and gabled) of House #1 on Rock Street. 4. All home exteriors that are not brick to be sided in a manner that provides matching lap dimensions with wood or smooth masonite material. 5. Staff supports the construction of a wrought iron fence in front of the buildings on Rock Street if it is similar in height to existing ones to the south subject to final staff review. Review should take place prior to the installation of fence. 6. That access to the property is provided via a ribbon driveway extending from the Cumberland Street to a rear parking area if needed. In the event that the access easement is approved from 7`h Street and the building footprint is shifted, staff would support the shifting of the footprint and the abandonment of this proposed ribbon driveway accessing Cumberland Street. 7. Staff recommends approval of double hung wood -clad windows on all elevations of the home as illustrated in the elevation plans. 8. Wood fascia and soffit on all buildings with the exception of aluminum soffit above the porch areas and breezeways. 9. Approval of the garage, garage /loft, and breezeways as filed for the three buildings. 10. Staff recommends approval of two conceptual pathways and steps indicating a pathway and step combination perpendicular to Rock Street aligning with each individual property's front steps, with a set of no more than three treads at the Rock Street sidewalk. 11. Staff recommends approval of a conceptual pathway and step plan for a pathway and step combination perpendicular to Cumberland Street aligning with the property's front steps with a set of no more than three treads at the Cumberland Street sidewalk. 16 ITEM NO. 1 (CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ACTION: July 14, 2005 Staff Member Charles Bloom noted that the application was originally filed under the wrong property address but the correct legal description. Staff will now refer to this application as 614 and 618 Rock Street; and 617 Cumberland Street. Staff Member Bloom made a brief presentation and noted that the applicant had received a copy of the Staff Report and all staff recommendations earlier in the week. Tina Boyd, the applicant, was present and presented the application to the Commission. She acknowledged that the application had changed from its original submittal to reflect staff suggested changes. She stated her overall design intent was to have the homes blend in with surrounding buildings. She also stated that the principal material on the exterior of the homes will be brick with masonry window sills — nothing out of character with the district. She described the character of the homes. She stated that the homes will have more outdoor usable space than required. She said a Bill of Assurance for all three homes will protect the common open space. Staff introduced additional questions regarding the overall character of the homes including the roof pitch. Boyd stated she would be open to a 10:12 roof pitch on the Rock Street homes. Staff asked for clarification of the brick to be used, whether it was standard or King size. Mrs. Boyd responded the brick would be standard. Kathryn Mathews, the owner of the adjacent apartment building on Cumberland Street, was present to speak about the application. Mathews had questions regarding the material of the front doors, and the fascia material. Mrs. Boyd stated the front doors would be wood and the fascia will be wood as well, consistent with the staff's recommendation. Commissioner Walls, the appointed Architect, had questions about the Fascia and Eave details. He stated that they didn't need to be ornate but should appear to "turn the corner." He had concerns on how they terminated. Boyd understood what he meant and asked what Commissioner Walls had in mind. Commissioner Walls explained that they shouldn't appear to terminate and should be similar to others in the district. Boyd understood. Commissioner Walls paused for a second to applaud the applicant for being one of the first to build new homes in MacArthur Park. Commissioner Tatum stated that the Commission wanted hers to be perfect. Commissioner Walls had questions regarding the windows on the first floor of the two -story home (618 Rock Street) and their relationship to the second floor windows. He stated that he felt the center window should be removed as well as all transoms because transoms are not common on front porch windows in the district. He also noted that the upper floor windows may need to be narrower. Mrs. Boyd acknowledged the comments and said those changes could be made 17 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. to the first floor. She commented that fire code and interior design may not allow for changes in window design. Commissioner Walls agreed. Commissioner Walls asked Boyd general questions about the type of 12 inch columns that were to be used. Commissioner Peters added questions asking if the would be round or pre - sized. Mrs. Boyd responded that they would be 12 inch round fiberglass, and cut to length at the top. Commissioner Peters asked if that would hurt the width to height proportion. Boyd replied that the columns on the drawings may be out of scale and they should look nice. The Commission agreed. Commissioner Walls had questions on window muntins: What type and why they were only shown on the 614 Rock Street home. Mrs. Boyd responded that she hadn't thought of that and they were added to the drawings by the designer. Commissioner Walls stated that he would not prefer ones on just the inside /outside of the glass. Mrs. Boyd said she would have liked them on the inside of the glass only. Commissioner Walls stated that his questions were intended to clarify his curiosity. Mrs. Boyd further clarified that wood clad double hung one-over-one windows would be everywhere as shown on the elevations, if that is what the commission would prefer. The Commission responded yes. Commissioner Walls had comments on the 614 Rock Street home. He had a comment on the roof pitch and detail at the gable. He said that the gable detail (attic vent) was a minor detailed and should be lowered and enlarged. He also asked if the windows on the lower level could be paired. Commissioner Peters questioned whether or not the vent was appropriate. Boyd Maher of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program commented that the adjacent "Answerfone" building had an attic vent. Mrs. Boyd responded to the questions and said the vent request sounded reasonable and the pairing of the windows could not be done because of the interior layout of the home. Commissioner Walls had questions on the 617 Cumberland home. He asked what drove the decision to put in the arched windows. Mrs. Boyd replied "the designer" Commissioner Walls recommended the pairing of the windows on the projecting facade. Commissioner Walls questioned the aluminum soffit above the porch and asked why. Boyd replied it was easier to clean. Commissioner Walls stated that was not the "most dirty" part of the home and would need little maintenance. Commissioner Walls also added that the porch ceiling could give a visitor an overall impression of the home. He suggested bead board, in 4X8 sheets, either the thicker or thinner variety instead. Commissioner Peters asked about porch lighting. Mrs. Boyd stated that she would do lighting per a staff level review. Commissioner Peters said that the lighting unit will be 18 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. visible from the street or attached to the door. Mrs. Boyd stated that lighting would be in the shed roof and the fixtures would not be visible from the street. Commissioner Walls stated concerns regarding the brick around the windows. He suggested an eight-inch soldier course or jack arch design. Commissioner Peters said he had concerns with the side windows. Commissioner Walls said he was okay with their layout and had no issues. Commissioner Peters commented windows nowadays fall where the room lands. Commissioner Peters asked a question on security lights in the rear and if they would be pointed down or visible from the street. Mrs. Boyd replied that they would not be visible, be motion activated, point down 45 degrees. Commissioner Peters brought up questions regarding the placement of Satellite Dishes (small dish type). A discussion began on whether or not FCC regulations prevented the Commission from regulating. Mrs. Boyd Stated she wished to remove the request for satellite dishes from the application. Kay Tatum noted that the overall design was wonderful and had some initial concerns with the breezeway. She stated that she is happy that the plans are good. Commissioner Walls asked about the material of the beam over the columns on the homes. Boyd replied that they would be wood. Boyd Maher presented AHPP' comments on the new homes as follows: Maher noted AHPP's concerns with the development. At 618 Rock Street AHPP would prefer removal of the middle window and transoms on the lower floor. Maher added that second floor windows should match the first floor windows in design. Mrs. Boyd agreed. The applicant agreed to remove the middle windows and the transoms from the lower level. Maher noted that Answerfone was located in a significant building and suggested changes to the building that included only one gable in the front, and a full length porch. Staff noted that since the PRD (Planned Residential Driveway) approved its footprint it would need to be revised. The porch change would change the PRD and require a rezoning. The porch change request was withdrawn, Maher also noted that they did not like the dryvit on the chimney. Jeff Horton described the process and said it should not be a problem on the home. Horton also noted that real brick would be hard to support on the roof. AHPP also noted that the front door should be brought forward to be flush with the front facade. Mrs. Boyd agreed. An audience member interrupted the hearing asking questions regarding the fence material and its design. The applicant stated it would be a typical wooden dog-eared fence. 19 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. At this time the applicant amended the application to reflect these changes: A. General changes for all all buildings 1. Removal of satellite dish placement from the application. 2. Wooden front doors 3. All soffits, fascia to be of wood or harditrim material. 4. Ceilings of porches and breezeways shall be of wood material, suggest milled faux bead-board plywood. 5. Applicant to use brick jack arches or soldier courses over windows. No special brick work on sides of windows. 6. All porch lighting will be approved by staff prior to installation. Lighting fixtures will not be visible from the street. 7. Security lights pointed downward with motion detector sensors will be placed in the automobile drive areas by the garages, but not on the ribbon driveway area. 8. Wood fencing shall be 6' wood dog eared fence with no stain or paint applied 9. Applicant will provide details, model number, and /or samples of the following prior to construction: gable details, windows, and front porch lighting. 10. Gable /eave details will be reviewed with staff before construction and will appear to wrap around all homes and will look at alternate details. 11. All columns will be 12" round columns on porch, paint grade 12. All double hung windows will be one-over-one with no muntins. B. Cumberland Street House (building specific). 1. Arched windows will be replaced with square top windows 2. Applicant will consider paired windows on the front projection. 3. Staff review and approval if the front projection become a gable as recommended by Commissioner Walls. 4. Roof pitch as is, with hipped roof, pitch as submitted C. North Rock Street House (building specific). 1. Allowance for moving gable vent down to create a more appropriate proportion and possible enlarge vent per Commissioner Walls recommendation. 2. Bring front door to the front of the facade. 3. The roof pitch be 10:12. 4. Roof: Install gable on front projection and hipped roof on rear projection. D. South Rock Street House (building specific) 1. The two upper windows will be aligned and the same width as the lower windows. The middle window lower story window and all three lower story transoms will be removed. 2. Roof. Install gable on front projection and hipped roof on rear projection. Commissioner Walls made a motion to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness as amended with staff recommendations 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11. Commissioner Tatum seconded, the motion passed 3 yes, 0 noes, and 2 absent. 20 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. FINAL RESULT (For Staff and Commissioner Record) A. General changes for all buildings 1. Removal of satellite dish placement from the application. 2. Wooden front doors. 3. All soffits, fascia to be of wood or harditrim material. 4. Ceilings of porches and breezeways shall be of wood material, suggest milled faux bead board plywood. 5. Applicant to use brick jack arches or soldier courses over windows. No special brick work on sides of windows. 6. All porch lighting will be approved by staff prior to installation. Lighting fixtures will not be visible from the street. 7. Security lights pointed downward with motion detector sensors will be placed in the automobile drive areas by the garages, but not on the ribbon driveway area. 8. Wood fencing shall be 6' wood dog eared fence with no stain or paint applied 9. Applicant will provide details, model number, and /or samples of the following prior to construction: gable details, windows, and front porch lighting. 10. Gable /eave details will be reviewed with staff before construction and will appear to wrap around all homes and will look at alternate details. 11. All columns will be 12" round columns on porch, paint grade. 12. Replacement of the larger gables on both homes facing Rock Street with hipped roofs (614 Rock included in Amended Application). 13. That access to the property is provided via a ribbon driveway extending from the Cumberland Street to a rear parking area. 14. Double hung, one-over-one, wood-clad windows on all elevations of the home as illustrated in the elevation plans with no muntins. 15. Approval of two conceptual pathways and steps indicating a pathway and step combination perpendicular to Rock Street aligning with each individual property's front steps, with a set of no more than three treads at the Rock Street sidewalk. 16. Approval of a conceptual pathway and step plan for a pathway and step combination perpendicular to Cumberland Street aligning with the property's front steps with a set of no more than three treads at the Cumberland Street sidewalk. B. Cumberland House 1. Arched windows will be replaced with square top windows 2. Applicant will consider paired windows on the front projection. 3. Staff review and approval if the front projection become a gable as recommended by Commissioner Walls. 4. Roof pitch as is, with hipped roof, pitch as submitted 5. Removal of the dormer C. North Rock Street House 1. Allowance for moving gable vent down to create a more appropriate proportion and possibly a larger vent per Commissioner Walls recommendation. 21 ITEM NO. 1(CONT.): 618 and 620 Rock Street; 617 Cumberland Street. 2. Bring front door to the front of the facade. 3. The roof pitch be 10:12. 4. Roof Install gable on front projection and hipped roof on rear projection. D. South Rock Street House. 1. The two upper windows will be aligned and the same width as the lower windows. The middle window lower story window and all three lower story transoms will be removed. 2. Roof. Install gable on front projection and hipped roof on rear projection. 22 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 STAFF REPORT ITEM 2 DATE: July 14, 2005 APPLICANT: Terry Watson ADDRESS: 1200 South Scott Street, Little Rock, AR 72202 COA REQUEST: Addition to the rear of the building, location change for an existing sign and boat attached to the exterior of the building. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 1200 South Scott Street on the south side of Interstate 630. The property's legal description is "All of lots 7, 8, 9, and 10 and the South 1/2 of Lot 11 and the West 40 feet of the North '/a of Lots 12, all in Block 13, ORIGINAL CITY OF LITTLE ROCK, PULASKI COUNTY, ARKANSAS." The applicant has requested a Certificate of Appropriateness to allow for an addition to the rear of the building and to relocate a previously approved sign and "boat" to points on the new building. The applicant has also requested that the existing garage doors be removed and filled, and that windows be added to the southern facade. The addition is 1200 Scott Street. New construction that is considered a Non-Contributing structure in the District. requested to allow for more studio and office space on the site. The relocation of the sign and "boat" are to coincide with a television show filmed at that location. The "boat" location requested will be centered above the new garage doors facing south. This same property came in front of the commission in April of 2005 requesting the addition of the sign and "boat" to the property. The previous Staff Report noted that this 23 ITEM NO. ITEM 2 (CONT.): 1200 South Scott Street property is on the western edge of the historic district and the location of the boat would not be very visible with in the historic district. Staff had initial concerns about the boats visibility within the district. In the end it was found that its visual impact on the surrounding district was minimal. The application was approved by a vote of 4 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent with the following conditions: 1. That the Certificate of Appropriateness for the "flying boat" and sign be reviewed by staff in twelve (12) months in order to ensure that they are still relevant and have been properly maintained. 2. The "flying boat" and sign is not directly illuminated at night. 3. That the "flying boat" and sign be removed if the business vacates the premises. 4. That no signage or lettering be displayed on the "flying boat" except for the existing "Triton Boats" lettering. 5. That trees surrounding the southern half of the lot not be removed while the "flying boat" is in place. 6. If the contract for the television show is cancelled the boat and sign will be removed. Staff would recommend the following conditions as of part of a new COA approved by the Commission. ANALYSIS: This building is an example of new construction that has occurred in the MacArthur Park 1200 Scott Street. Location of the proposed addition. (South Elevation) Historic District in recent years. In December of 2002 this building first came through the Historic District Commission where the application was improved with minimal conditions. Discussion at the December 2002 Commission meeting stated that the overall building was emulating the Historic District and a Commissioner commended its design. Noted as successful design elements were its massing, scale, and relationship to Commercial buildings in the District. The 1200 Scott Street. Location of the proposed addition. (North Elevation) 24 ITEM NO. ITEM 2 (CONT.): 1200 South Scott Street overall design and appearance of the building is considered important because it is visible from Interstate 630, and is a significantly -sized structure at the edge of the MacArthur Park Historic District, and provides a link between the north and south sides of interstate 630. Of this building, the three street facades have been designed to compliment the historic district and fall within the "New Construction" guidelines. The west facade, the area of concern for this application, faces an alley and was not subject to the same critique of the as the rest of the building. The current facade facing the alley is constructed with cinder block materials. The applicant has indicated that the current garage doors on the western facade (rear) of the building will be removed and used as the garage doors for the new addition. Also to be removed is the existing awning and door adjacent to the garage doors. The doors will be on the southern facade of the addition. The remaining openings will be filled with a concrete masonry veneer to match the existing wall and will be converted into office space. One new opaque door and wall pack light will be added in along the facade to provide additional access to the building. Since this door is on the western facade and not directly visible to the street staff has no objections to it's addition. The garage will be converted into office space, which will require the addition of six new windows to the existing southern facade. The applicant has state that the new windows will match will match the existing windows in size configuration and color. Additionally, the applicant will add awnings above the new windows on the new lower level windows. The awnings will match existing ones on the buildings. At the present time brick accent fenestrations are on the south facade of the building implying that windows could be located 1200 Scott Street . Top: The addition will match the building materials and colors on the rear of the building as shown. Bottom: Existing window fenestrations to have windows added. 25 ITEM NO. ITEM 2 (CONT.): 1200 South Scott Street there to continue the rhythm of the windows. These fenestrations have the same rhythm and are the same as those around the existing windows. The new windows will be located inside of the faux sills and lintels and similar to the existing ones. The exterior materials identified for the addition are concrete block and will be painted to match the existing concrete block. The Design Guidelines for additions are mostly relevant to additions to historic buildings. Some points are related to new construction and state that additions should be located on the rear facade (not on the primary or secondary facades); and should be secondary to the primary structure in scale, design and placement. The materials to be used for this addition will be the same as the material on the western facade (rear) and will differ from the southern and northern facades resulting in the southern and northern facades having two different construction materials. Currently the most southerly facade is prominent and set back approximately 115 feet from 13`" Street. The new addition will be set back approximately 150 feet from 13`" Street and not visible from South Scott Street. The existing primary southern facade is approximately 110 linear feet and the addition while the addition is just under 40 linear feet and set back 40 feet from the principal facade. Because of the addition's distance from 13`h Street, the facade closer to 13" Street may retain its dominance. The proposed addition would result in a pair of large garage doors facing 13" Street. The garage doors may not be considered disruptive to the district because of their distance from the street. Additionally, and existing dumpster enclosed in brick and trees will minimize the visibility of the doors from the street. In the event of approval staff would recommend that the brick enclosure remain. The current parking lot and landscaped area between the south facade of the building and the proposed garage doors will also provide a buffer between 13' Street and the addition. In the event that this buffer was broken the addition would be more easily visible from 13" Street. In the event of approval staff would be supportive of the existing parking and landscaped area remaining. The north facade of the addition will be approximately 115 feet from the Interstate 630 Frontage Road and is also set back from the primary facade. At the present time extensive landscaping exists on the north of the proposed addition. This addition does not appear as if it would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding district because of its limited visibility. Currently the "flying boat" extends outwards from the western facade projecting approximately 8 feet over the double doors. The proposed location on the addition would project outwards towards 13" Street. Since the current location is parallel to 13" Street the "flying boat" could be considered more noticeable from the street because its projection is more apparent than a perpendicular relationship. This new relationship coupled with its increased distance from the street could result in the boat not having as much presence to the passerby entering the district. The applicant has noted that the current trash receptacle will remain. The trash receptacle is screened with a brick wall (Image on page 2 of the Staff Report). The trash receptacle and future growth of nearby 1200 Scott Street. Existing "flying boat" on the west facade. 26 ITEM NO. ITEM 2 (CONT.): 1200 South Scott Street trees will provide additional screening from 13" Street. The applicant has indicated that they would like to relocate the existing sign to the southwest View at time iExlsll . i. .. of Construction t,@ull tling 3 MTH s r ol .j } + 13TH ST`- -� 3ri P Above are images representing the change in visibility of the boat from its current location to the one proposed. These graphics do not reflect viewable areas outside of the historic street or not on the street. corner of the building. Staff believes that relocation of the sign will not have an adverse effect on the district because of its limited visibility and distance from 13'h Street. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTIONS: Staff has received two comments by phone from area residents. Both of these comments praised the existing structure and welcomed the new addition. One commenter thought the purpose of the "flying boat" was an excellent compliment to their business activity. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the application as filed as long it complies with the following staff recommendations: 1. That the Certificate of Appropriateness for the "flying boat" and sign be reviewed by staff annually to ensure that they are relevant and have been properly maintained. 2. The "flying boat" and sign is not directly illuminated at night. 3. That the "flying boat" and sign be removed if the business vacates the premises. 4. That no signage or lettering be displayed on the "flying boat" except for the existing "Triton Boats" lettering. 5. That trees surrounding the southern half of the lot not be removed while the "flying boat" is in place. 6. If the contract for the television show is cancelled the boat and sign will be removed. 7. The existing brick dumpster enclosure not be removed 8. The site maintains its existing parking infrastructure and landscaping on the southern portion of the property. 27 ITEM NO. ITEM 2 (CONT.): 1200 South Scott Street HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ACTION: July 14, 2005 Staff Member Charles Bloom made a brief presentation and noted that the applicant had received a copy of the Staff Report and all staff recommendations earlier in the week. Staff noted that they have received two positive comments regarding the application from area residents. Terry Watson, the project Architect, was present and made a brief presentation. Steve Dannaway was also present. He noted that the business had recently consolidated its operations into this one building. Because of its architecture they thought the west facade was most appropriate for the addition. There were no members of the public present to comment on the application. Commissioner Walls and Commissioner Tatum stated that they had no objections. Terry Watson stated that he accepted all staff recommendations as presented in the Staff Report. Commissioner Tatum made a motion to approve the application as filed with all staff recommendations. Commissioner Walls seconded. The motion passed 3 yes, 0 noes, and 2 absent. FINAL RESULT Approved as filed with the following conditions. 1. That the Certificate of Appropriateness for the "flying boat" and sign be reviewed by staff annually to ensure that they are relevant and have been properly maintained. 2. The "flying boat" and sign is not directly illuminated at night. 3. That the "flying boat" and sign be removed if the business vacates the premises. 4. That no signage or lettering be displayed on the "flying boat" except for the existing "Triton Boats" lettering. 5. That trees surrounding the southern half of the lot not be removed while the "flying boat" is in place. 6. If the contract for the television show is cancelled the boat and sign will be removed. 7. The existing brick dumpster enclosure not be removed 8. The site maintains its existing parking infrastructure and landscaping on the southern portion of the property. 28 STAFF REPORT DATE: Juy 14, 2005 APPLICANT: Tanya Robinson ADDRESS: 501 East Seventh Street, Little Rock, AR 72202 COA REQUEST: Gate Installation This item is being deferred to the June 2, 2005 Historic District Commission Meeting. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ACTION: MAY 5, 2005 Commissioner Serebrov made a motion to defer the application to the June 2, 2005 hearing. Commissioner Walls seconded. The motion passed 4 ayes, 0 noes, and 1 absent STAFF UPDATE Staff is pursuing enforcement action on this issue. Staff recommends deferral to the July 14, 2005 hearing. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ACTION: JUNE 2, 2005 Commissioner Weems made a motion to defer the item to the July 14, 2005 hearing. Commissioner Serebrov seconded, the motion passes 3 ayes, 0 noes, and 2 absent. STAFF UPDATE: July 14, 2005 Staff is pursuing enforcement action on this issue. Staff withdrawal of the application. HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION ACTION: JUNE 2, 2005 Staff made a brief presentation regarding the reasons for withdrawal. Commissioner Tatum made a motion to withdraw the application without prejudice. Commissioner Walls seconded, and the item was withdrawn with a vote of 3 yes, 0 noes, and two absent. 29 V. Other Business A brief discussion began regarding the ongoing revision to the bylaws. City Attorney Debra Weldon noted the changes. Staff noted that the bylaws will be ready for distribution soon and will be voted on at the next meeting. A brief discussion began regarding a meeting to educate a special panel appointed by the Hillcrest Residents Association regarding the establishment of a Local Ordinance District. AHPP was leading this discussion. Staff commented that they had no opinion o the establishment of an additional Local Ordinance District and would attend the meeting only to observe. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 p.m. 30