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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC_11 09 20091 DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION MINUTES Monday, November 9, 2009 5:00 p.m. Board Room, City Hall I. Roll Call Quorum was present being five (5) in number. Members Present: Marshall Peters Julie Wiedower Bob Wood Randy Ripley Loretta Hendrix Members Absent: None City Attorney: Tom Carpenter Staff Present: Brian Minyard Citizens Present: Karol Zoeller Wally Caradine Sharon Priest Carolyn Newbern Steve McAteer Ron Ross Adam Melton II. Approval of Minutes A motion was made by Commissioner Julie Wiedower to approve the minutes of October 12, 2009. Commissioner Bob Wood se conded and the minutes were approved with a vote of 5 ayes. 2 STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. One. DATE: November 9, 2009 APPLICANT: Ronald Ross, City of LR Parks ADDRESS: 503 East 9th Street COA REQUEST: Plazas and Sidewalk from 9th Street to Arsenal Building PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 503 East 9th Street. The property’s legal description is “That part NW lying E of Quapaw Line W of McAlmont Street & North of E 13th Street in Township 1N, Range 12 W Sections 2 and 11, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." The Arsenal building was built in the 1840’s and is a national landmark, the highest recognition of a historic building. The structure is a contributing structure in the district. This application is for Plazas and Sidewalk from 9th Street to Arsenal Building. There will be a new sidewalk installed from 9th Street to the drive in front of the Arsenal Building with three plaza areas, the center plaza area surrounding and incorporating the existing fountain. The crescent drive will have the asphalt removed and replaced with a decora tive paving. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: There have been numerous COA’s on the park property. The relevant one is below: On December 15, 2006, a COA was approved and issued to Steve McAteer for renovation of the fountain and pool. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 Location of Project 3 PROPOSAL: This application is for a new sidewalk frorm 9th Street to the crescent drive in front of the Arsenal Building, currently the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. The sidewalk will have a semi-circular “Entry Plaza” at 9th Street, a semi-circular “Entry Plaza - South” at the crescent drive opposite the Arsenal Building and a “Main Plaza” surrounding the fountain in the center of the walk. The crescent drive between the plaza and the Arsenal Building will be resurfaced with a pressed concrete. The walk between the plazas will be a 6-foot wide crushed stone walk with a metal edge. The current exposed aggregate walkway will be removed. The walk will feature five lighted bollards along its length between the plazas and one 16-foot decorative light. Each plaza is surrounded by 16 -foot tall decorative lights, benches, and lighted bollards. The plazas feature a 4-foot wide bank of brick at the edges. The benches are set upon this brick edging. The interiors of the plazas are a smooth concrete with a colored finish. The “Entry Plaza” on 9th Street features a planting area in the center of the plaza. An area of brick paving is designated for bricks noting donor’s names. This plaza will abut the current sidewalk approximately eight feet off the curb. The diameter of the plaza is 48 feet. The plaza features four benches, two lighted bollards and two 16 -tall decorative lights. Plants have not been named yet. The plaza roughly lines up with the eastern crosswalk from Sherman Street. Existing view to Museum Existing view to 9th Street 4 The “Main Plaza” is surrounded by eight small trees and a circle of shrubs, which are yet to be named. The diameter of this plaza is 65 feet. This plaza surrounds the historical pool and fountain. The paving around the pool will be removed and replaced with the plaza paving. (The fountain basin has never been centered on the building or on Sherman Street. The fountain rehabilitation has been covered under a previous COA and is not part of this discussion or the COA.) There is a water fountain on the west side of the plaza on a concrete slab. There are six 16 -foot tall decorative lights around the plaza along with eight lighted bollards. There are also two areas of non - colored broom finish concrete patterns in the center of the plaza. The “Entry Plaza – South” is similar to the northern Entry Plaza without the planter and the donor area. This plaza appears to be located at the back of the brick walkway. The crescent drive will be resurfaced with a pressed concrete with simulated cobblestone finish at the drive and the crosswalk. Page One, of the attached handout, shows an overview of the project with and aerial photo. Page Two shows a detail of the improvements with labels. Page Three shows even more detail of the “Entry Plaza” at 9th Street and the “Main Plaza.” Page Four is a section through the long axis of the fountain in an east to west direction. Page Five shows site furniture and features. The 16- foot decorative light fixtures will match the existing lights already on the site around the crescent drive. The new lighted bollards are shown at the bottom of the page should be struck. They are not included in this application. The proposed bike rack and park benches are shown on this page. Page 6 shows the signage proposed (struck), the drinking fountain, revised lighted bollard and trash receptacle. Existing light at crescent drive 5 WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: This application is not a typical application and the guidelines are less specific on this than other applications that the Commission reviews. The section on Site Design begins on page 65 of the Guidelines. There is more guidance in the Objective section under each heading (A-E) than in the individual listed numbered items. It is as follows: Design guidelines for site design: Both the neighborhood setting and the individual building site are important to consider when altering an existing building or constructing a new one. The character-defining elements of the neighborhood, as they relate to individual structures, should be maintained. These include set - backs; entrance orientation; placement and character of landscaping; circulation systems and surfacing; the placement of parking areas; lighting; mechanical systems and service areas. A. LANDSCAPE FEATURES Objective: Landscape features, that are original or historic (50 years or older), and that are important in defining the overall character of the property, should be identified, retained, and preserved. Some examples are sidewalks, curbs, and parking areas; brick or stone retainer walls; stepping blocks; furnishings such as lights, fences, or benches; landforms such as terracing; historic plant material, beds and planting areas; water features and garden art. Care should be taken if archaeological features are evident. (Notify the Arkansas Archaeological Survey or the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.) Although landscape plant materials do not require approval of the Historic District Commission, native and traditional plants should be considered. Maintain historic or early landscaping, especially trees and shrubs. Keep new landscape patterns in relation to the neighborhood. Character - defining architectural features of a building should not be concealed with landscape material. However, plants can help conceal mechanical systems (air conditioners), handicap access ramps, and trash containers and can help achieve privacy. Historic streetscapes include curbs and sidewalks with planting space between them, street trees, retaining walls, iron or low wooden fences and gates, with front yards between the sidewalk and the house. 6 1. Sidewalks: Sidewalks that are original to the property or district should be preserved. If they have deteriorated and are dangerous, replace them with similar materials (stone, brick, or concrete.) Newly introduced sidewalks should be brick or smooth concrete in patterns, dimensions, colors, and placement like original or early sidewalks in the dist rict. They should not be asphalt or concrete surfaced with aggregate or pebbles. 2. Planned Green Space: Green space between streets and sidewalks, frequently planted with grass and street trees should be retained. Plant appropriately sized trees, so that they will not conflict with overhead utility lines. B. LIGHTING Lighting original to the property, either attached to the building or free - standing, should be retained and maintained. 1. Lighting attached to a building Original lights should be preserved. If fixtures are added, they should be from the period of the structure, or if new, simple in design, based on traditional designs of the early twentieth century. They should be mounted on porch ceilings or on the exterior wall adjacent to the primary entrance. Fixtures to avoid are carriage lamps or any fixtures evocative of a period earlier than the building. 2. Freestanding lights Post-mounted lights for residences should not exceed ten feet in height and should be brass, copper, or painted metal on posts of wood, cast iron, or painted metal. Small footlights rather than freestanding post-mounted lights are more appropriate for walkways and driveways. Streetlights should reflect the period and style of the neighborhood and streetscape. 3. Security lighting These lights such as flood lights, should intrude as little as possible on the integrity of the neighborhood. They should be mounted on secondary and rear facades. Shields should focus the light down, not at neighboring property. This renovation in the front lawn of the park is directly adjacent to and relates to the Arsenal Building, a national landmark historic building. This is one of five in the city and the namesake of the Historic District. The MacArthur Park Local Ordinance Histor ic District is named for this park, the oldest park in the City of Little Rock. The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation applies to this application in certain instances. The guidelines state: “The Standards also encompass related 7 landscape features and the building’s site and environment as well as attached, adjacent or related new construction. Standard #2: “The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alterations of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.” Standard #3: “Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its time, place and use. Changes that create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural elements from other buildings shall not be undertaken.” Standard #9: “New additions, exterior alterations or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment.” Standard #10: “New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired.” The historic landscape features that will be impacted by this Certificate of Appropriateness are as follows: the brick walk on the north side of the crescent drive, the pool and fountain in the middle of the lawn; and the crescent drive itself. The Plaza Entry – South is proposed to be abutting the brick walk along the crescent drive. The brick walk should be preserved as stated in the three Secretary of the Interior standards: numbers two, nine and ten. Any renovations to the brick walk should be done in the same manner as the walk was originally installed and by non -mechanical means (no vibratory plates used on the brick). Existing brick walk at crescent drive Existing paving around pool 8 The paving around the pool and fountain is not a historic feature as evident by the exposed aggregate paving in the center of the brick coping. The sh ell of the pool should not be disturbed during the paving. See Standards number two, nine, and ten. According to historic photographs of the Arsenal Building, the crescent drive around 1900 appears to have been dirt. Currently the drive is asphalt. Ad ding a pressed concrete surface in a faux cobblestone pattern may be introducing a fake sense of history as stated in the Secretary of the Interior Standards number three. A concrete with a colored finish would tie the improvements in with the plaza devel opment. Trees and shrubs are proposed around the Main Plaza area. The view of the Arsenal Building should not be blocked by overly large trees. Trees with a mature height of 25 feet should not diminish the view while still enhancing the plaza. Shrubs s hould be less than two and one half feet tall at maturity for security reasons. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions: 1. Restore brick walk at crescent drive in vicinity of plaza. 2. Submittal of final 16’ tall light fixtures to Staff for approval before installation. 3. Submittal of planting materials to staff before installation. COMMISSION ACTION: November 9, 2009 Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the application. He noted that he had received 8 emails and comments in support of the item. Commissioner Randy Ripley asked if the light fixture on page three was the one they were trying to match. The answer was yes. Commissioner Julie Wiedower asked how far the brick walk extends along the drive. She asked about the area proposed to be restored. It is only in the vicinity for the south plaza. Mr. Minyard noted that for safety reasons, it might n eed to be taken up and re-leveled. Commissioner Ripley asked if there was an alternative to the stamped concrete offered in the application. Mr. Minyard stated that it was discussed with the applicant in Staff’s office, but they did not offer an alternative. Commissioner Wiedower asked to verify the pressed concrete “cobblestone area.” She asked if there was poured concrete curb and gutter. Mr. Minyard stated that in the photo he saw, there was curbing, but was unsure what material it was. Ron Ross, Parks and Recreation, stated that Staff did a good job of describing the project and described some of the design methodology of the design. He asked if there were any questions from him. The scope is to start at the front lawn and wanted to engage the neighborhood. It includes the plaza at Ninth Street and a transition from the street to the park. There is variation on the walkways through paving textures. The discussion turned to the restoration of the brick sidewalk. Ron stated that all of the brick walkway will not be restored because of budget concerns. The areas next to the 9 improvements would be restored. The cobblestone areas by the Arsenal building will signal drivers to notice special areas with pedestrians. He noted that there may be changes to the design. He continued to summarize the project. The trees around the main plaza will be in the range of 20’ – 25’ tall. Benches and bike racks will be included. Several types of benches are located in the park. The benches were chosen for comfort and the visual. The bike rack will be located at the front door of the Arsenal Building. Commissioner Wiedower said that it was a wonderful project and had spent time on the front lawn today before the meeting. She asked about the existing trees and if they would be disturbed. Mr. Ross said that the existing trees would be protected during construction and they would try to work around the existing trees. He said that there might be trees that were not in good health. Commissioner Wiedower commented on the trio of magnolias by Ninth Street and the large oak by the fountain are nice trees but are close to the construction area. Mr. Ross said that he thought they could avoid those trees. Commissioner Wiedower commented on the maintenance of the trees and trees with mistletoe in them. Discussion continued on parking on the crescent drive and the trees around the fountain. Mr. Ross stated that depending on the types of trees chosen, the quantity of the trees could change. He asked for the f lexibility of the Commission to vary the number of trees. Ron stated that the front lawn did not have irrigation now and that the budget did include irrigation for fountain area. Commissioner Loretta Hendrix asked if the area for the bike rack was on a designated bike path. Mr. Ross stated that it was part of the Master Park Plan. There is a multi use trail on the perimeter of the park. Commissioner Bob Wood asked if the crushed stone pathway was ADA for wheelchair accessibility. Mr. Ross stated that if it was compacted well enough, it would work. Commissioner Wood asked for an example of a crushed stone walkway the Parks had installed that he could see. Tom Carpenter, City Attorney, stated that historic structures were exempt from ADA requirements. He continued that, in his opinion, the park would be exempted also. He continued that if crushed stone could be consistent with the ADA guidelines, it could be built that way. If not, we would have to look at alternatives. However, there are new products being put out that do meet ADA guidelines. On the ADA issue concerning approval, he urges the Commission to state that it shall be compatible. He feels that Staff could deal with the something else if it arises. He continued that it would have t o go through the “accessibility committee” for approval. Commissioner Wood was concerned that we needed to follow ASA standards. Mr. Minyard stated that there are new products that can be used in this fashion in trade magazines. Commissioner Ripley stated that he has used chat before and that it compacts very well. He continued that rolling across the decorative concrete may be more difficult than rolling across the crushed stone walkway. Steve McAteer said that 10 the handicapped parking is located to the east of the building and the lift is on the east end of the porch. Commissioner Randy Ripley commented that he has never seen decorative concrete done well. He is not a fan of the textured concrete. Commissioner Wiedower asked if there was irrigation at the Korean Memorial and Mr. Ross replied yes. Chairman Marshall Peters commended the group and Mr. Ross on the design. He asked if there was a center bar on the bench to prohibit sleeping on the benches. Mr. Ross stated that they wanted the center bar on the benches. Chairman Peters commented on energy conservation and asked if the fixtures could be dark sky compliant. Mr. Ross said that at this point they could be since a specific fixture has not been chosen yet. They are exploring LED lights. Chairman Peters asked if any funds have been set aside for the maintenance of the property. Mr. Ross stated that maintenance was always a concern and that the improvements should not be that much more of a burden than what is there now. Chairman Peters asked about irrigation of the area. Commissioner Wood asked about the LED lighting and if the Parks Department was making an effort to make lights as energy efficient as possible. Mr. Ross said that they were including re-using fixtures in other area and they keep an inventory of reusable items. Sharon Priest stated that there were people in the audience in support of the item as presented. She spoke of 3 ½ years of work to get to this point. She continued to speak of the fundraising efforts for the plan and the money allocated by the City for the improvements. Commissioner Wiedower asked Carolyn Newbern if the Master Gardeners program could take care of this area. Mrs. Newbern stated there was a process to approve new areas and mentioned that the Master Gardeners Program already takes care of the contemplation gardens at the Terry Mansion, the AIDS memorial in the park as well as the container gardens at the Arkansas Arts Center. The projects are to be distributed throughout the county. She responded to an earlier comment by Commissioner Wiedower by saying that she has never heard of mistletoe being dangerous to a tree that was its host. Commissioner Wiedower said that the urban arborist was at her house and told her to get rid of the mistletoe in her tree. Chairman Peters asked that it be noted that there were eight people in attendance in support of the plan. Commissioner Wiedower made a motion to approve the COA as submitted with staff recommendations and conditions with assurance of ADA compliance. She asked if it was implicit that the City checks for ADA compliance and handicap accessibility. 11 Commissioner Wood stated that the improvements should be accessible, useable and enjoyable. Commissioner Wiedower withdrew her motion. Commissioner Wood made a motion to approve the COA with recommendations of staff and assurances that all parts of projects to be accessible and useable by disabled individuals and lighting be energy efficient. Commissioner Wiedower seconded. The motion passed with 5 ayes. 12 STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Two. DATE: November 9, 2009 APPLICANT: Mark Christ, Arkansas Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission ADDRESS: 503 East 9th Street COA REQUEST: Civil War commemorative plaque PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 503 East 9th Street. The property’s legal description is “That part NW lying E of Quapaw Line W of McAlmont Street & North of E 13th Street in Township 1N, Range 12 W Sections 2 and 11, Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." The Arsenal building was built in the 1840’s and is a national landmark, the highest recognition of a historic building. The structure is a contributing structure in the district. This application is for a Civil War commemorative plaque to be placed alongside the other commemorative markers surrounding the parade grounds. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: There have been numerous COA’s on the park property, but none are relevant to this application. DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 Location of Project 13 PROPOSAL: The applicant proposes to place a commemorative plaque in recognition of the 1861 Arsenal Crisis on the outside perimeter of the parade grounds. The Parade grounds are immediately south of the Arsenal Building and is currently surrounded by other memorials to various wars and individuals. The other markers are granite markers, granite benches, and bronze plaques on granite markers. The marker is a typical shape for historic markers in this area The post will be octagonal and of aluminum measuring four inches across flat. The installed marker is squarish in shape and will be approximately six feet tall. The marker will be cast aluminum and 452” by 42” tall. The commission logo will be incorporated on the front of the plaque in the center top in the decorative finial area. There will be text on both sides of the marker. The letters will be gold colored on a black background. WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: This application is not a typical application and the guidelines are less specific on this than other applications that the Commission reviews. The marker is typical of historical markers, although this would be the first of it’s type in this park. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions: Submittal of final plaque design to Staff Prototype of Marker Commission logo 14 COMMISSION ACTION: November 9, 2009 Brian Minyard made a brief presentation of the item and noted one phone call in support of the item. Commissioner Bob Wood asked if there was an inventory of markers in the Park. Mr. Minyard stated that he did not have an inventory of that and that Parks and Recreation might have one. He noted that it would be a worthwhile inventory to have. Commissioner Wood asked if there was any consistency in placement of markers and plaques. He noted that he was unaware of any guidelines to that end. Commissioner Wood asked Mr. Minyard if placement of memorials was inconsistent in the past. Mr. Minyard stated that he would not go so far as to say “inconsistent”, but he did note the “Memorial Walk” in MacArthur Park Master Plan does provide some guidance in that. It speaks of formalizing the placement of the markers. If the moving of the markers comes to fruition, the HDC would see the item as a COA. If the Commission was so moved, the HDC could create guidelines for markers in the district. Mark Christ, the applicant, stated that the staff report was conclusive and he would answer any questions concerning the project. Commissioner Randy Ripley asked about the text on the plaque. Mr. Christ said that the text was unknown at the time; his staff was writing the text to fit the area available for text. Commissioner Julie Wiedower stated that she liked this type of marker and likes the variety of the makers on the parade ground. Stephen McAteer, Director of the MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military Museum, stated there are several open spots for this plaque. This plaque would not denote a particular spot, so the location is variable. He mentioned that markers do get relocated occasionally. Commissioner Wiedower mentioned the vistas to the south from the parade grounds and did not want the placement to block the vista to the south. Mr. Christ stated that the plaque would be placed on one of the north south walks. Commissioner Wiedower noted that the total height of the marker would be about 6’ tall. A discussion was held on the size of the plaque. Commissioner Wood asked how the height of 6’ came about. Mr. Christ said the consultant suggested that height. Commissioner Wiedower stated that it was sizable, but should be okay. Commissioner Wood asked about handicap access to the sign; readable from a wheelchair. Mr. Christ said that in his experience, it would be readable. Various heights were discussed. Commissioner Wiedower said that it was to be the standard sign in all 75 counties. Commissioner Wood said that he wanted the sign to be lowered. Chairman Marshall Peters reminded Commissioner Wood of the size of the sign and that the text was going to be about five feet off the ground. Chairman Peters asked if this was the standard height across the country for these types of sign, did Commissioner Wood want to change the height. Commissioner Wood stated ye s. It was noted in the specifications that the lettering would be no less than one inch lettering and the headings to be not less than 2” tall. Commissioner Wood asked what Mr. Minyard’s point was. He stated that the size of letters were pretty visible. 15 Commissioner Wood continued the discussion on the height of the sign. Commissioner Wiedower summarized that given the height of the sign itself and the overall mounting height that the sign would be placed 18” off the ground if the sign were five feet t all. Commissioner Wiedower stated that it was a large plaque. Commissioner Wood said it was a big plaque. Mr. Christ stated that it was a big sign for the large amount of text to be placed on the plaque. Commissioner Wood said the he would defer judgment on the size and overall height of the plaque if readable by a large amount of people. Commissioner Wiedower made a motion to approve with staff recommendations. Commissioner Wood seconded. The motion passed with a vote of 5 ayes. 16 III. Other Matters Enforcement issues There were no issues to bring to the Commission. Dunbar Survey. Brian Minyard updated the Commission on the status of the Dunbar Survey. Commissioner Wiedower asked if the contract contained a public meeting in the scope of work. Mr. Minyard stated that his department was not qualified to administer CDBG grants. She encouraged notice letters to be mailed to the property owners and asked that the information be passed on to Andre Bernard. Mr. Minyard was not sure how they are planning to notify the property owners. Mr. Minyard stated that he had suggested some edits to her to include in the revision. Commissioner Hendrix asked if Planning and Development was working in conjunction with Housing on this project. Mr. Minyard responded that Planning and Development responds to questions from Housing when asked. We have provided some assistance on this project on an as needed basis. We will not have final approval of the survey. City employees will not be in the field f illing out the forms. There is a line in the contract that lists the topic of Code enforcement providing a chaperone into the neighborhood during the survey. Work Plan There are items to be discussed and can be addressed at the next meeting. Commissioner Hendrix asked if Debra Weldon was working on the work plan for the Dunbar Survey. Mr. Minyard clarified that Ms. Weldon is working on the Dunbar survey contract. She asked who was working on the work plan for the Dunbar Survey. He responded that there is no work plan for the Dunbar Survey. He explained what the work plan was as an item to modify the guidelines, bylaws and ordinance. He asked her to define “the work plan”. She mentioned the goals of the preservation plan and spoke about attending classes by the AHPP. She asked the involvement levels of the AHPP, the HDC and the Housing Department in the survey. Mr. Minyard stated that the process is standardized. He outlined each part that the different organizations will play. She continued to have questions on the notification of the property owners. Citizen Communication None. VI. Adjournment There was a motion to adjourn. The meeting ended at 6:43 p.m.