HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC1999-028 Staff Report Minutes 08/12/1999(SLCity of Little Rock
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
12 AUGUST 1999
MINUTES
SPECIAL CALLED MEETING
Commissioners Present: John Greer, Chair Judy Gardner
Charles Marratt Mark Zoeller
Commissioners Absent: Howard H. Gordon
Staff: V. Anne Guthrie Margi Gant Anthony Black
The special called meeting of the Little Rock Historic District Commission (LRHDC) was
brought to order. Roll call was taken, and there were two absences (NOTE: Marratt entered the
meeting after the first hearing). There were no minutes presented.
The Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) application deferred from a previous meeting was:
Applicant: ArtSpace, LLC
Address: 916 - 924 Commerce Street
Request: Rehabilitate structure into apartments
The applicant, owner and architect, Tim Heiple, explained the balcony and window details,
especially the conversion of existing double windows into new door and window balconies.
Also explained were the existing window scheme with storm windows and how they will be
utilized for the rehabilitation project. He presented more detailed drawings of the window
schedule and digital photos of the pre-existing windows; by using the existing 6/6 paned
windows, there will be minimal alterations to the window openings. There was sufficient
information presented by the applicant to determine how the exterior and the windows will be
rehabbed. Gardner made a motion that the COA be approved as presented with the
drawings, photos and staff recommendations; it was unanimously approved.
Little Rock Historic District Commission
12 August 1999 Minutes, Page 2
The second COA considered, also a deferral, was:
Applicant: City of Little Rock, Parks and Recreation Department
Address: 1201 Commerce Street
Request: Rehabilitation of structure due to tornado damage
Matt Gardner, of the city Parks and Recreation Department, presented the proposed rehabilitation
plans. Particular attention was given to the casement windows, which will be replaced with the
original wooden ones. Each elevation was described in terms of rehabilitation and repairing the
structure and taking it, as much as feasible, back to its original fabric and footprint. Some
discussion items were the removal of roof vents and a dormer on the south. Other concerns were
the aluminum windows replaced with the original wood casements and the details of the door,
sidelights and transom on the west elevation. Already removed are the enclosed side porches and
the southern glass addition. Gardner made a motion that the project be approved as presented
and with the staff recommendations; it was unanimously approved.
As there was no other business, the LRHDC adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Little Rock Historic District Commission
6 January 2000 Minutes, Page 2
The second COA application for consideration was:
Applicant: Art Place, LLC
Address: 916 - 924 Commerce Street
Request: New fence, signage, landscaping and improved parking
Tim Heiple presented the application and gave an overview of the project request; additional
plans on the larger scale were available for the discussion and detailing. The organization
purchased the land to the west (i.e., the northeast corner of loth and Rock streets) and are
expanding the parking to the west. A request to abandon the alley from 1 Oth north to the middle
of the block was approved by the city's Board of Directors; the abandonment allows for the
expanded parking due west of the apartments and incorporates the abandoned alley. The
required landscaping and parking have been approved by the city. Fred Grey, as partner, also
presented additional information regarding parking, fencing, etc. The fencing on the apartment's
west side will be wood, and there will be iron fencing along the front yard, on the north, east and
south sides. The extant alley curb cut (on north side of 1 Oth) will be widened to serve as the
driveway for the improved parking area. There was details about the proposed sign on the front,
or east, elevation; it will have either a fountain or planter in the center; the lettering duplicates
that which is on the building. Staff recommendations were read. Gordon made a motion to
approve the request as submitted; it was approved unanimously.
The last COA for consideration was:
Applicant: City of Little Rock
Address: 1422 Rock
Request: Demolition of structure
Barbara Hyatt, City of Little Rock Code Enforcement Supervisor of Operations, presented an
update on the structure and its inclusion on the city's unsafe structures list. The property owner
is before the environmental court due to the structure's need to be boarded and secured; the
environmental court judge is waiting for the LRHDC's decision before it is presented to his
court. Copies of the required structural condition were passed around; staff provided an update
of the structure's past requests, deferrals and requested information: costs for rehab, structural
condition and assessment and the extent of deterioration; the structure would have to be rebuilt
completely. The owner made it known to staff that he will make no further financial investments
into the structure. Hyatt explained the city process for demolition of structures damaged by last
year's tornado. There was discussion about the application request for a new roof and its
condition prior to the tornado. There was a motion by Weems to approve the request for the
demolition of 1422 Rock; the vote unanimously approved its demolition.
Under Old Business, the previously approved, though non -compliant, COA at 1000 Rock, was
discussed. Note: prior to the meeting, the LRIYDC met on site to inspect the structure and its
non -compliant windows; the owner's representative was notified prior to the visit but could
not be present. Part of the COA request was to install new windows on the front porch's east
elevation and replace the inappropriate aluminum windows with wooden, floor -to -ceiling type,
emulating those at the Bragg cottage on Scott Street in terms of size and proportion. While it
was agreed that the floor -to -ceiling windows do not meet code, Greer stated that in his opinion,