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Home My WebLink AboutHDC2008-016 Staff ReportLITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 STAFF REPORT ITEM NO. Three. DATE: June 9, 2008 APPLICANT: Tonya Robinson-Fisher ADDRESS: 501 E 7th Street COA REQUEST: Replace all Windows and Replace wire fence along street PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION: The subject property is located at 501 E 7th Street. The property's legal description is the "North 100 feet of lot 1 block 4 Johnson's addition to the City of Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas." The house at 501 East 7th Street was built in the 1960s and it is a non-contributing structure, according to the 1988 survey. The 1978 survey lists it as a vernacular cottage. This application is to replace all windows and replace wire fence along street. The bent wire fence along 7th Street would be removed and replaced with an ornamental iron fence with walk gate and Location of Project drive gate. The drive gate would be operated with an automatic opener/closer. The replacement windows would be an all vinyl window with six over six panes with fiberglass half screens. PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE: On April 7, 2005, a letter was sent to the applicant concerning a new gate on the property. A GOA was needed, but it was never filed. On July 9, 2007, a GOA was issued for the replacement of columns on the front porch, installing a privacy fence in the rear yard and painting the brick structure. The painting of the brick structure and the front porch column portion of the application were due to an enforcement issue. Location of Project 1 WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT AND GUIDELINES: The replacement widows are to be a "solid vinyl construction" with "Fusion welded frame and sashes." They are white in color with a fiberglass half screen on the lower sash. They are tilt in windows for easier cleaning. The Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation states: 2.The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. 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. 6.Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical or pictorial evidence. The house, which is not listed as contributing as of the 1988 survey, is still is recognized as a record of its time. The house was built in the late 1950's to early 1960's. Although the bulk of the historic homes in the district are not of this period, there are two ranch style houses in the district. The wire fence along 7th Street probably predates the house. The Guidelines state on page 66: Fencing material should be appropriate to the style and period of the house. Cast iron fences were common through the Victorian period and should be retained and maintained. Wrought iron and bent wire fences are also historic. Fence: The majority of the front fence is the bent wire fence. The walk gate and the fence sections remains as so, but the drive gate was replaced in 2005 with a chain link gate. Later, at Staff's request, the drive gate was painted black to match the historic gate and fence. The existing fence is bowed in places, but is still structurally sound. 2 Existing front gate Existing fence and fence to east The fence could be cleaned of its' rust and repainted in a black paint for metal applications as the Secretary of Interior Stands state in section 2 and 6 as quoted above. Portions of the east fence was bent wire fence but was replaced with a wood privacy fence in the 2007 COA. The proposal is to replace the fence with an ornamental iron fence as shown below. Existing drive gate and fence to west DUl&N NUMIIII SM, .89-S 90-S 9l·S The three rail, square pi ket fence, with lor11,ed painted picker., ia a feta of hiihly dignified simplicity,It is equally a fence for private Mtates, re.:udantial property , sc ·or other in titutions of di11nlty. SIZE 01' PIC:IIUS :tis" Sq. \.,• Sq. ·sq. ·Sq. IIAYCHING $AU! No. 7 Sin11le-No. 17 Double No. 7 Slnsle-No. 17 Double No. 7 Singl-No.17 Double No. 7 Sfngle-No. 17 Double tt!l8KY OF P1!11C.: WHtN SET 37"-42·-48" 37·-42"48· 37" to 60• '37· tQ72" .JC i R :lrs No,16 No.16 No.16 No, 16 Gate and Fence Detail 3 The fence features square posts with ball finials. The fence has three rails with two near the top. The pickets do not have finials, but ground points. The walk gate will feature an arched top with a cross bar pattern in the center of the gate. The driveway gate will be flat across the top with a cross bar pattern on it. The driveway gate will be motorized to swing into the property. The bent wire is historic to the district, although not of the same period as the house. It does need to be maintained in a better fashion, as it needs sanded, primed, and painted. The proposed fence is simple enough in design to be compatible with the district. If constructed to a similar height as the other adjacent fences, it could "fit in" with the neighborhood. Windows: The windows are double hung wood windows with weights and pulleys. The windows are in need of repair as some of the cords may have been broken/removed and some of the windows do not close properly. The existing windows as shown on the left above are 8 over 8 windows. (The window pictured on the left is open.) The security bars have been on the house since at least 1978. The proposed windows are shown to be a six over six window of all vinyl construction with a fiberglass half screen as shown below left. Existing window Proposed Window The Secretary of Interior Standards states that repairing is preferable to replacement. If something is replaced, it should be replaced with similar materials. See page two of this report for the actual quote. The wood double hung windows should be examined by a contractor skilled in historic preservation techniques to show that the windows are deteriorated beyond repair. If a sash has rotten wood on it, a wood sash can be custom made for the window. Cords to operate the windows can be replaced and make the windows operable. The applicant has not provided proof that the windows are beyond repair. 4 The applicant has proposed an all vinyl window as replacement windows. The secretary of the Interiors standards state in number 6 as quoted on page 2 of this report that if replaced, it "shall match the old in design, color, texture and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials." Vinyl windows with a simulated 6 over 6 do not match the old windows in design, visual thickness of jambs and muntins/mullions, and most importantly materials. Plastic vinyl windows were not available when the house was constructed. If the windows were proven repairable, Staff would suggest the repair of the windows according to restoration standards and the installation of storm windows with full screens that would preserve the original windows while improving energy efficiency of the home. Storm windows with operable lower sashes would maintain the functionality of the windows. If the windows do prove to be beyond repair, Staff believes the alternatives to be (listed in priority from highest to lowest): 1) replacement all wood sashes with higher efficiency glass utilizing the existing pulleys and weights, 2) replacement of the sashes with a wood sash clad in metal or vinyl utilizing different movement and locking mechanisms, or 3) replacement of the entire window unit with a wood window clad in metal or vinyl. All of these options should maintain the 8 over 8 pane arrangement. NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no comments regarding this application. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: 1.Fence Replacement: Approval with the following conditions: a.Obtaining a building permit within 90 days of obtaining approval. b.Project to be completed within 180 days of obtaining permit. c.Fence, openers, and all hardware to be painted black. d.No portion of fence structure shall be located in the right of way, nor swing into the right of way. e.Operation of gate shall be remotely operated, without the control box, control panel, etc being placed on a pole in the right of way or on the property. 2.Window Replacement: Denial 5 LITTLE ROCK HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION DEPARTMENT OF PLANN1NG AND DEVELOPMENT 723 West Markham Street Little Rock, Arl<ansas 72201-1334 Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435 APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Application Date: N\4.3 9 , 1..0 08 1. Date of Public Hearing:.9._ day of v::t2--:200 .ilat .m. 2. Address of Property: 60 \ E. 7µ,,_ Sh ) W:H-}e. g4 J A '/j 1J30/)..3. Legal Description of Property:-------------------------- 5.Owner's Agent: _____ ___., 6. Project Description (additional pa es may be added): - t.C;J '---...,!_1...L"--.....l......,_-J....!..!.. ...,..,u....L-__ _ ye \NO)&\d. \ 'i C.c f?)or;:e \ 1 ce e,ace..: OV'\ .f;yoof cR f C0fl°Y3 7. Estimated Cost oflmpi"ovements: t\ ff @X · ,t lo; Q QQ. oo 8. Z.Oning Classification:Is tb · pr No 9. Signature of Owner or Age es:...d! !:t;0, 4'.=.!.J'l ::::......:......,o. 1,1,__.L ('11,• owner will n«d lo au//io · yJ.t,tn/or ,on npruenling the o..,,,,, atth• pub6c hearing). NOTE: Should there be changes (design, materials, size, etc.).from the approved COA. applicant shall notifyConunission staff and take appropriate actions. Approval b y the Commission does not excuse applicant or property from compliance with other applicable codes, ordinances or policies of the city unless stated by the Commission or staff. Responsibility for identifying such codes, ordi nances or policies rests with the applicant, owner or agent. ('This section to be completed by staff): Little Rock Historic District Commission Action D Denied D Withdrawn D Approved D Approved with Conditions O See Attached Conditions Staff Signature: ______________________ Date: ______ _ Little Rock Historic District Commission + Department of Planning and Development 723 West Markham Street • Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 + Phone: (501) 371-4790 + Fax: (501) 399-3435 Application 6 • ' . , . • \_ ._,_., ··::. ·'1 \ ·1 • : •• ' . . . .. ., . \ . ' .,,... .. . . ........ ; • • • ;,; < ,. • • • • . :· .-._....J . e,,· .. ': . :.4 . ,. ,,.. ,I I ·ii"'> . ,. . • . • J f.'.y ' ' .... •I • .,. • l< r • Lo •, • • = I' - • • •"' ,--,. I - :Z:,)!500 u,t,i,rts +Solid Vinyl Construction-Superior insulating value +Fusion-Welded Frame and Sashes Maximum strengtlr and efficiency + White Color r/llH-e t/ltH.ru + Parallel I-Beam Construction Provides increased stre11gtli, durability and structural integrity +Beaded Flat Jamb Design Creates maximu,u dayliglil (Ind egress; enables easy tilting of top sas/1 +Dedicated Pocket Header Provides II clean illtcrior appearance and prevents air infiltration -+ Flat Sill-Easy to clean design -+-Fully Welded and Weeped Sill Prot>ides excel/c11t water resistance arrd stntctnra/ integrihJ; 300% stronger tlran t/1e aI>erage cul and note/red style window -+ Excalibur Block and Tackle Balances with Draft Sentry Assure II lifetime of cnsy operation + Beveled Screen Track-Stif.feus frame, enables easy screen removal and improves aesthetics + Fiberglass Half Screen-Enjoy frcsl, air b t/ltH.TtS +Dual-Glazed 13/16" Insulating Glass Improved tlrermal perfonn11nce + PPG Intercept" Warm-Edge Technology Red11ces conde11satio11 and seal failures -+ Dual Adhesive & Flex-Seal Euroline Glazing Aestl,etic11/ly p/e11si11g design + Q-Lock Compression Seals at Meeting Rail Virtually eliminates air and water infi/trntio11 + Double Wall "Easy-Grip" Vinyl Lift Rails F111/ width rails assure easy operatio11 • Finseal Woolpile Weather-Stripping Virtually eli111i11ates air anti water i1ifiltratio11 + Dual Trim line Locks-Security and peace of mind -+ Safety Night Latches-For safe ventillltio11 +Soft Edge External Tilt Latches Provi,le easy access to tilting.feature +Slide-Lock Zinc 11\t Pins Square jamb during i11st11/latio11 and prev,.,,t 11ccide11tal soslr removal during window cleaning Window Brochure continued 8 View abot•e sl,cni,s f/ic Parallel 1-Bean, Co11strudim1, Flat Sill, and Beveled Screen Tmck. :Z:,}-f 5QQ {)f'ti#HS + Peak Perfonnance1'M Argon Enhanced Low-E Glass + Obscure and Tinted Glass + Shaped Accent Windows in a Variety of Styles + Earth!one Color + Maintenance-free Muntins in a Variety of Styles + Foam Wrap + full Screen, Aluminum Screen + Nailing Fin for New Construction DD W/1ite• Entllllt>m'' "['rintrd colur> 11111y 1.my fnm1 uctun/ pro.Juel. Thermal Industries, Inc. www.themulindustries.,om XL IOOC • 03/U4 • 35 f • C1004 Thcm1o,I Industries. Tnc. • Pitt>hmgh. PA 15 21 Pi?nk t'1?rforma1w1? 1, 111r\ldvr 1rk of Therrn,111nduslriL , law. lntr tH ii.,, regJStl!'rc,.1 d k f l'l'G Id tr· trJ mar o n us ics. w -aGlass Technology - .,l,!•'91'1•0, S i n c e I 8 8 3 . . -