HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 11-9-2009-SlEay.y_.4-
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LITTLE ROCK
HISTORI
DISTRICT
COMMISSION
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT
723 \Vest Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phonc: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
STAFF REPORT
ITEM NO. One.
DATE: November 9, 2009
APPLICANT: Ronald Ross, City of LR Parks
ADDRESS: 503 East 9th Street
COA Plazas and Sidewalk from 9th Street to Arsenal Building
REQUEST:
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 1 N, 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.
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This application is for Plazas and Sidewalk from 9th 76rH a
Street to Arsenal Building. There will be a new 7TT{{
sidewalk installed from 9th Street to the drive in front Location of Project
of the Arsenal Building with three plaza areas, the
center plaza area surrounding and incorporating the existing fountain.
drive will have the asphalt removed and replaced with a decorative paving-
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The crescent
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.
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.
Existing view to Museum
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Existing view to 9th Street
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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.
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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 91h 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
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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.
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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.
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 Historic
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
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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
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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 shell 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. Adding 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 development.
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 should 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 are proposed to be restored. It is only in the
vicinity for the south plaza. Mr. Minyard noted that for safety reasons, it my need 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 applicaiant 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.
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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
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 summarized 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 well. 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 trees that needed to be, 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
flexibility 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 as 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 to
go through the "accessibility committee" for approval. Commissioner Wood was
concerned that we needed to follow ASA standards.
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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 is
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
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 reusing 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 '/2 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.
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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 APA compliance and handicap accessibility.
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 assessable and useable by disabled
individuals and lighting be energy efficient. Commissioner Wiedower seconded. The
motion passed with 5 ayes.
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