Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-01 plylwood email1 Minyard, Brian From:Mcateer, Stephan Sent:Thursday, March 01, 2018 3:44 PM To:'Brian Driscoll' Cc:Paul Porter; Minyard, Brian Subject:RE: Plywood Behind North Lattice Attachments:Burks Renovation, 1939.jpg; Anderson Renovation, 1959.jpg Thanks Brian. We may decide to include the north plywood panels with this project, or we may be able to get Parks’ carpenters to install. Either way, it helps that we have approval from both the state and local preservation folks. Your question about the period of interpretation is a good one. I have always felt this building was a perfect example of “adaptive reuse.” From ammunition warehouse (sans porches and front door in 1840), to officers’ quarters (1868- 1870), to the various renovations for use as both the Museum of Natural History and Antiquities and then as our museum. A major renovation was done in 1939 in preparation for opening as the museum (the Burks renovation). In those drawings, the multiple front stairs you mention were removed and the new stairs with iron railings were added for the north door. The second floor porches were rebuilt (these are missing from the HABS drawings and pictures) and the columns are more similar to those of today. The only major difference between the Burks renovation in 1939 and today (on the north façade) is the presence of stairs on the east and west elevations to access the porches. Those were removed in a 1959 renovation (Bruce Anderson, architect). I have attached pictures for your review. They drawings are also in the historic structure report that was performed in 1997 by Witsell, Evans, and Rasco. So I guess we try to interpret the structure to the 1939 renovation with some minor variations. Does that work? Stephan Stephan McAteer, Director MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History 503 E. 9th St. Little Rock, AR 72202 501-376-4602 501-376-4597 FAX www.arkmilitaryheritage.com From: Brian Driscoll [mailto:Brian.Driscoll@arkansas.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2018 2:23 PM To: Mcateer, Stephan Cc: Paul Porter; Minyard, Brian Subject: RE: Plywood Behind North Lattice Stephan – Sorry – this one fell off of my list – thanks for the reminder. 2 The lattice under the porches appears in the HABS drawings for the arsenal that were produced in the 1930’s so it has been a feature on the building since at least that time. Also, the property was listed in the National Register and designated as a National Historic Landmark with the lattice work in place. So, while not an original feature, it is considered an historic feature. Adding plywood panels to the backs of the lattice panels won’t alter the appearance in a significant way so we’re fine with it. But in reviewing all of the work that is currently going on, and in viewing historic photos of the property taken over a period of time, a broader question comes to mind. What time period is the appearance of the building meant to represent? We’ve seen photos that show the porch balusters were at one time narrow and square in profile. Another photo shows Victorian-style porch brackets at the tops of the columns. Others show wood stairs leading to the lower levels of the front porches on each side. The 1930’s HABS drawings indicate 2 inch thick porch decking. With all of these alterations over time, what is the goal when it comes to a time period for restoration? If a time period and appearance has already been decided, it would be helpful if you could share that decision with us so we’ll have a better idea how to review any future work. Thanks to all for your efforts - Brian Driscoll Technical Assistance Coordinator Brian.Driscoll@arkansas.gov Arkansas Historic Preservation Program an division of the Department of Arkansas Heritage 1100 North Street | Little Rock, AR 72201 office: 501.324.9881 fax: 501.324.9184 ArkansasPreservation.com From: Mcateer, Stephan [mailto:SMcateer@littlerock.gov] Sent: Thursday, March 01, 2018 1:33 PM To: Brian Driscoll; Minyard, Brian Cc: Paul Porter Subject: RE: Plywood Behind North Lattice All, I wanted to check back regarding the request below. Brian Minyard has signed off on the request if AHPP will do so. I have received a quote from our general contractor, and I plan to visit with the Parks Director if I get approval. Please feel free to email if you have any questions or concerns. Thanks for your consideration of our request. Stephan Stephan McAteer, Director MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History 503 E. 9th St. Little Rock, AR 72202 501-376-4602 501-376-4597 FAX www.arkmilitaryheritage.com 3 From: Mcateer, Stephan Sent: Wednesday, February 21, 2018 4:15 PM To: 'Brian Driscoll'; Minyard, Brian Cc: Paul Porter Subject: Plywood Behind North Lattice Brian and Brian, I have visited with each of you about the possibility of installing 1/2” treated plywood behind the lattice panels on the north side of the Arsenal Building. Last year we had a transient break through some of the lattice slats to get under the porch to escape the weather. It concerns me that, unlike the back porches which have plywood behind the lattice panels, the front does not, allowing the public to view under the porches. I have asked the contractor to provide a price for installing plywood on the north porches, which would be painted the same color as the lattice. Is this acceptable? I have included a picture of the north elevation for your review. Thanks. Stephan Stephan McAteer, Director MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History 503 E. 9th St. Little Rock, AR 72202 501-376-4602 4 501-376-4597 FAX www.arkmilitaryheritage.com