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HomeMy WebLinkAboutstaff report january 2019DATE: January 14, 2019 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. APPLICANT: James Moses, Newmark Moses Tucker Partners ADDRESS: 401 E Capitol Avenue FILE NUMBER: HDC18-021 COA REQUEST: Fence PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 507 Rock Street. The property's legal description is "Lot 1 and 2, Block 150, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." This multifamily building was built c. 1934 as the Voss Apartments. The 2006 survey form states: "Some Craftsman detailing on the roof and decorative brick detailing." It is considered a "Contributing Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District. This application is a result of an enforcement action. This item is only for the metal fence along Capitol Avenue east of the apartment building. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: On December 12, 2016, a COA to allow the existing fence to remain was denied by the HDC. There has been no Chan a to the fence since that a licat' 99 n. oLI A 4 r f pi / S! ]0 1 1 C." IMER91IRE 00 N; Location of Project W pp ion. On May 11, 2015, a COA was approved and issued to Moses Tucker for the construction of a duplex at 507 Rock Street that included a three foot tall fence in that location. Page 1 of 9 Uap►Fa► Ayentre Fence view twin ease ikkk zr R �y f key e_. PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: The Guidelines on pages 58-60 state that tcnces on street frontage and front yard should be 36" tall. This fence in question has street frontage along Capitol Ave. The—staff report of -1-1-,-2015-for -the -original_application-stated-that _the fence along Capitol Avenue was to be thirty-six inches tall. Mr. Chris East, that was representing the application, stated that the fence on Capitol Avenue was planned to be thirty-six inches tall. The parking lot adjacent to the fence was to be expanded and reconfigured with automatic gates to secure the parking lot. However, the project plans changed. The duplex was not built and a swimming pool was built in its place. The parking lot was not expanded either. In the graphic below, the red line along Capitol Avenue represents the fence in question. It is labeled 6 Fence". Perpendicular to Capitol Avenue is a three foot fence, shown in blue labeled "3' Fence (pre-existing). The 2006 Survey shows the three foot fence depicted in blue in the photos. It is immediately to the west of the parking lot and to the east of the building. The six fool fence does not provide any additional security to the parked cars, to the air conditioning units located to the east of the building, or to the property in general. The cars are parked in a non -secured parking lot that has the alley functioning as the aisle. There is not a fence on the south side of the property to separate this rear yard from the neighboring property or the alley. It is possible to enter the area without going through any gates Page 2 of 9 or over any fence. The fence was approved at the thirty-six inch height but was installed at the six foot height. Quote from minutes of December 12, 2016 "Ray Nolan, of Moses Tucker, stated that it was an oversight on their part that the fence was installed incorrectly. He asked for the Commission to allow them to keep the fence. "Chair BJ Bowen stated that a 3 foot fence had been approved but that a six foot fence had been installed. He asked them why they did not contact Staff about the change as required. Jimmy Moses stated that it was just a mistake and was unsure how it happened. He knows that it is not in compliance. He explained that the project was to be developed in another way, but that the plans had changed. He asked the Commission for forgiveness. He stated that there was a variety of fences and does not believe that this fence is out of character." Trapnall Hall is owned by the State of Arkansas and is not subject to the review of the Historic District Commission. A courtesy presentation was made to the HDC on February 11, 2013 concerning the installation of the fence at Trapnall Hall's parking lot directly across the alley from this application. View of 401 E Capitol from the southeast showing no fence on south uroDefty line. In summary, this fence was installed contrary to the approved COA. This fence does not provide any physical deterrent from foot traffic entering the site. This fence does not provide any additional security to the cars parked off the alley. This fence does not totally enclose the parking. This property is not a larger institutional property that sits on a larger parcel of land that would traditionally have a taller fence. Staff cannot support a six foot fence in this location. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Denial COMMISSION ACTION: December 10, 2018 The notices for this item were incomplete. Staff recommended deferral of the item. A motion was --made to -defer this -item to the January 14; 2019 hearing by Vice Chair Jeremiah Russell - Page 3 of 9 and was seconded by Commissioner Robert Hodge. The motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes, 0 noes and i absent (Frederic,:). STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Denial. Page 4 of 9 • DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 west Markham street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1134 Phone: (501) 371.4790 Faxr(501) 399-3435 www,IIttlerock.gov APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 1. Application DaIo. NgMM_er 6 7 1 HDC File # 2. Date of Public Heating: - . ; ,-,P..v r L� ?•. at 5:00 p.m. 3. Address ofProperty: 401 E. Capitol Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72201 4. Legal Description of Prouty: Loll 4 ow EW of Lot 2. gtaek TSg, or ins[ Coe(LR, PL402lu Co.. nrraasas 5 Property Owner (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email): Magnolia Flats LLC 200 River Market Ave. #500. Little Rook. AR 722@1; 501 376-6555,- 6. 78.8555;6. Owner's Agent: (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email): James Moses, Newmark Moses Tucker Partners, 200 River Market Ave. #500, i.iftkRack AR 77701��nl13 7 Name of Applicant as R will appear on all correspondence and In Staff report: Magnolia Flats LLC 6. Brief Project Dascriplion: COA for Variance in Fence Height 9. Estimated Cost of Improvements: N/A 10. Zoning Classification: Is the prep chlin9p a Pprilinkled use? Yes No X 11. Signature of Owner or Agent: (The owner will need to authorise anyA rat rPerson to represent them at the public hearing Seepage 5) NOTE Should there be changes duirng construohon (design, mareriara, size, etc:l from the approved CCA, applicant shall notify Commissm stGfr and take appropeiata act+ans. Approval by me Commission does not e,tcuse applicant or property from cornptiance with other applicable codes, ordnances or polities of the city unless slated by the Commission or staff. ResponsiWily far identifying %"b codes, ordinances, or poAoas rests m1h the applIcant, owner, of agent (This section to he campletaC by staff): ' Little Rock Historic District Commission Action _ Denied _ Withdrawn _ Approved _ Approved with Conditions _ See Attached Conditions Staff Signature' - date: Page 1 of 5 Revised 07/15/2016 Application Page 5 of 9 Newmark Moses Tucker Partners 200 River Markel Ave Suite, 501 Little Rock, AR 72201 T 501376-6555 F 501,376,6699 November 14, 2018 Department of Planning and Development Alin Brian Minyard 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Mr '4inyard r leasefind attached aur appli�atiun d0id of utu, ieldled lu dypliudliun HOG IM2I for Fence a1401 E Captlol Avenue Based on our recent co".spondeacr nut ownership wrndd fntmally like the Historic District Commission to consider a r®quest to permit the current fence improvements namely, a 6-0' metal :'ence located along Capital Ave east of Rock Street, The primary reasoning behind this request is as follows Ad 1116s ated"i+il 11ie Vh6R 'isRkK6d flfa"flAGE ilrlfBS to: • Prevent a high volume of transient pedestrian activity largely generated by the Central Arkansas Transit Center (Bus Terminal) from loitering on the fence itself or easily within the bounds of the property. • Equally, the fence serves as a deterrent and security measure to prevent vandalism andfor theft of the HVAC/ Air Condensing Units adjacent to the sidewalk that are often tampered or pilfered for copper or other salvageable materials We feel strongly that this fence and the condition of our property line along the sidewalk at Capitol Avenue added value and continues to do so for our apartment bwldog The fence also helps to reinforce perceived security for our residents and their vehicles parked adjacent to the alley on the east perimeter of the property- Finally, 1 would point out that the improvement is not aesthetically inconsistent with other fence fines in the neighborhood specifically between Capitol Avenue to the north and interstate 630 to the south Your consideration in light of our proximity to the downtown core and River Market area and the volume of pedestrian activity presents a unique challenge for many owners in the immediate vicinity. It's our sincere hope that these points will be taken into account in your, decision-making on this sub)ec± Thank you in advance for your consideration mCeretj James Moses Executive VP of Development Cover Letter Page 6 of 9 Figure 89. Plan view ofconcrele sidewalk with brick edging. Figure 90. Plan view ofa bricksidewtalk laid in a herringbone pattern. Figure 91. Plan view ofasidew dk laid in cut stone pavers of various sizes. from Guidelines page 58 of features and materials lacking a historic precedent should be avoided. Whenever possible, existing landscaping that adds value to the property should be retained. When trees are preserved, they should be provided with fencing along the dripline during construction to avoid the compacting of soil from heavy equipment that could eventually lead to their demise. 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 district. 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. 3. Fences and Retaining Walls: Fencing on street frontage & front yard -36" Rear yard fencing -72" Iron, wood, stone, or brick fences or walls that are original to the property (at least 50 years old) should be preserved. If missing, they may be reconstructed based on physical or ,S. Bwknnd'vdc• r )—d privacy fenw 6'-Q"wavh— whh sefhack iwliewed Back)—d privacy farce to start midway I-,wd, back a% house. Existing setback wt prNcy f fence or 15'-0" Frwn walxide lwnlfptYr whichever is mall- 36"MobuUM.. Figure 92. Fences in side yards for houses on street corners should no! blockfront yard ofhouses located behind them 58 Page 7 of 9 Figure 93. Ornate ornamental iron fence. Figure 95. Woodfenee with,ilat wood pickets 59 Page 8 of 9 Figure 94. Simple metal ornamental iron fence. Figure 96. Wood fence with square wood pickets with varying heights ofpickets. Figure 97. Section of retaining "all qf concrete block and brick veneer. pictorial evidence. Sometimes a low stone or brick wall supports an iron or wooden fence Fencing material should be appropriate to the style and period of the building. Cast iron fences were common through the Victorian period and should be retained and maintained. Wrought iron and bent wire fences are also historic. Fences may be located in front, side, or rear yards, generally following property lines. Fences with street frontage should be no taller than three feet (36") tall. On wood fences, pickets should be no wider than four inches (4") and set no farther apart than three inches (Y). The design should be compatible with and proportionate to the building. For larger scale properties, fence heights should be appropriate to the scale of the building and grounds. Fences in side and rear yards with street frontages should not impede views of adjacent houses that have a different orientation. For those fences, the location of the fences that are in excess of 36", as shown in red, should be at the wall of the primary building or 15', whichever is less. See Figure 93. Fences in the rear yards and those on side property lines without street frontage may be 72" tall. The privacy fence should be set back from the front Parade of the structure at least halfway between the front and back walls of the main structure. Wood board privacy fences should be made of flat boards in a single row (not stockade or shadowbox), and of a design compatible with the structure. Chain-link fences may be located only in rear yards, where not readily visible from the street, and should be coated dark green or black. Screening with plant material is recommended. Fences should not have brick, stone, or concrete piers or posts unless based on pictorial or physical evidence. Free-standing walls of brick. stone, or concrete are not appropriate. New retaining landscape walls are discouraged in front yards. Certain front yards that are in close proximity to the sidewalk may feature new walls that match the materials of the building and be consistent with historic walls in the neighborhood. Landscaping walls should match the materials of the building and be consistent with historic walls in the neighboihood. B. LIGHTING Lighting original to the property, either attached to the building or free-standing, should be retained and maintained. 1. 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. 2. 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. C. PARKING AREAS, DRIVEWAYS, CURB CUTS AND PAVING Accommodations for automobiles should be as unobtrusive to the historic neighborhood as possible. from Guidelines page 60 60 Page 9 of 9