HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2012-004 Staff Report Item #3 Project Background And Descrition, Photo in August Of 1999, Photo Of A Fince, Photos Of What To Repair And Replace. 03/12/2012a'
LITTLE ROCK
IE
HISTORIC
DISTRICT
COMMISSION
DATE: March 12, 2012
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.
APPLICANT: Firehouse Hostel & Museum, Greg Hart
ADDRESS: 1201 Commerce
COA REQUEST: Window Replacement, Masonry Work, Fire Safety Door, Addition of
Stucco to Building. Signage and Lighting, Fence, Removal of Dock,
Addition of Deck
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 1201 Commerce. The
property's legal description is "Lot 6 and adjacent street
to east, Block 154, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski
County, Arkansas."
The survey states: "This craftsman style firehouse has
shallow roof slopes, multiple dormers, half timbering at
gables and multiple casement windows. The use was
changed when a new fire station was constructed. It was
built around 1917. It was operational as a fire station
until the mid 1960's." It is considered a "Contributing
Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District.
This property has a "Conservation Easement" on the
exterior of the building that has been deeded to the State.
AHPP, through it's Conservation Easement Coordinator,
monitors all improvements to the exterior of the building. Staff has been in contact with AHPP
and has attended a meeting with the Hostel representatives, Parks, City Finance Department,
and the State AHPP coordinators to work out what can be changed on the building.
This application is for the following items: Window Replacement, Masonry Work, Fire Safety
Door, Addition of Stucco to Building, Signage and Lighting, Fence, Removal of Dock, Addition of
Deck. Some of the items listed above have been cleared as maintenance issues within the
COC process. The items that the Commission will be reviewing are the Window Replacement,
Masonry Work, Fire Safety Door, Addition of Stucco to Building, Signage and Lighting, Fence,
Removal of Dock, and Addition of Deck.
Page 1
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
In August, 1999, permission was given to do roof repair to repair tornado damage.
On April 20, 2011, a Certificate of Compliance was given to repair the brackets and exposed
rafters on the building and some roofing repair and skylight with a Certificate of Compliance.
Historic Postcard of Firehouse #2
No 2I'IRL CO., CISY PAHA ;.I 11', E. ANti
north and east elevations with unenclosed porch on north
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
Window Replacement
The Firehouse Hostel and Museum has applied for a grant of the
restoration of four original windows in the main body of the building.
The sashes of these windows have been removed and a single pane of
glass had been installed some time back. The windows are to be
replaced with true divided light 12/1 windows in wood. The windows are
on the east and west facades on either side of the center door under the
porches. The security bars will be removed. The replacement panes
have lowered the header of the original window, but most of the jamb
remains in place. The goal is to reuse the jams, headers, and sills as
much as possible. If needed, due to rot or splitting of wood,
replacement pieces will be milled to match.
ar. w
Layout of pane
arrangement
These are shown at the end of the report in the "Photo Sheets" with the applicants numbering
system of page 1,7,9, and 10.
2
The Guidelines state on page 52:
Windows should be preserved in their original location, size, and design with their
original materials and number of panes. Stained, leaded, beveled, or patterned
glass, which is a character -defining feature of a building, should not be removed.
Windows should not be added to the primary fapade or to a secondary fapade if
easily visible. Windows should be repaired rather than replaced. However, if
replacement is necessary due to severe deterioration, the replacement should
match, as closely as possible, the original in materials and design. Replacement
windows should not have snap -on or flush muntins. Unless they originally
existed, jalousie, awning, and picture windows and glass brick are inappropriate
on an historic building.
Masonry Work
Various places on the building have had infill brick that does not match the original brick. There
is a supply of original bricks on hand that can be used to replace the non -original brick. This
repointing needs to be done with an appropriate mortar type as to not harm the brick. Other
places need to have unnecessary caulking or spilled paint removed.
These are shown at the end of the report in the "Photo Sheets" with the applicants numbering
system of pages 2 through 10.
The Guidelines state on page 57:
Masonry walls of brick or stone should be cleaned only when necessary to halt
deterioration or to remove heavy soiling. Professionals should perform the
cleaning, using detergent cleansers or chemical agents. Care must be taken not
to introduce moisture or chemicals into the building. Paint should not be
removed if it is firmly attached to, and therefore protecting, the masonry surface.
Brick should not be painted unless it is extremely mismatched from earlier
alterations or cannot withstand weather. Repointing should be done with an
original or historic compound, such as one part lime and two parts sand, which
allows bricks to expand and contract. Portland cement or other hard mortar is
not appropriate, because it can cause cracking or spalling. The appropriate
mortar should also match in color, depth, profile, raking, texture, and width.
Fire Safety Door
The exit for the upstairs sleeping area will be exiting through the stairs on the north side of the
building. To meet fire code, there needs to be a landing in front of the fire door and after the fire
door in a straight-line path. To achieve this the applicant is proposing to place a fire rated
door(s) in the north opening. This will result in raising of the floor in the stairway a total of one
step and pouring a landing to effectively raise the sidewalk immediately outside of the door.
AHPP has asked the doors to have true divided lights in a pane proportion to match the panes
in the adjacent casement windows. They have also asked for a divided light transom over the
door(s). The applicant has provided fire rated doors with this application but they do not meet
the specifications of AHPP. However, it is not certain that doors that AHPP has requested will
meet the fire rating standards of the fire code.
3
Staff is prepared to work with the applicant, Building Codes, and the AHPP to select a door that
will meet fire codes and is the most sympathetic to the structure.
These are shown at the end of the report in the "Photo Sheets" with the applicants numbering
system of pages 1 and 8.
Addition of Stucco to Building
The front porch of the structure was enclosed. Compare historic postcard shown earlier in this
report to page 1 of the "Photos Sheets." It is unknown of the space above the casement
windows in the enclosure was actually a transom window or not. The proposal is to convert the
painted plywood above the window into a stuccoed panel to match the stucco on other parts of
the building. The stucco would be painted to match the other.
These are shown at the end of the report in the "Photo Sheets" with the applicants numbering
system of pages 1, 2, 4, 7, and 8.
The Guidelines state on page 57:
Stucco should be repaired with the original texture. (It is inappropriate to remove
stucco from any originally stuccoed surface or to add stucco as a major wall
material to any building, which did not originally use stucco as the dominant
exterior wall material.)
Signage and Lighting
The proposal is to add one piece of signage to the western lawn by Commerce Street. This
sign is in the format as the other signs for the park.
These are shown at the end of the report on "Typical Details" pages 1 and 3.
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LETTERS NO.1
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LETTERS NO. 1 RED PANEL:
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CENTRAL PYLON:
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Face of Sign with scaled model. Side view of sin with footing
4
Fence
The proposal is to add iron fencing around the air conditioning condenser units to the north side
of the building. They are need for anti- theft measures. Both options are metal with a black
painted finish. The fence will contain only the condensing units. The applicant needs to
propose a height of fence.
Fence with finials
Fence without finials
These are shown at the end of the report in the "Photo Sheets" with the applicants
numbering system of page 3.
The Guidelines state on page 57:
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.
Removal of Dock and Addition of Deck
This is a non -original loading dock and is believed to have been added when Parks and
Recreation had a commercial kitchen in the building. The dock is in bad repair and is a safety
hazard to the users because of lack of handrails and deteriorating wood.
The new deck is to be used by the hostel clientele. AHPP and HDC Staff are encouraging a
different design of the deck so that it is not visually connected or physically connected to the
building. NO handrail specifications have been provided as the floor plan is still in review.
Staff is prepared to work with the applicant, Building codes, and the AHPP to govern exact size
and placement and to select handrails that will meet fire codes and is the most sympathetic to
the structure and site.
This is shown at the end of the report in the "Photo Sheets" with the applicants numbering
system of page 11.
5
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there was one
comment regarding this application from the QQA suggesting an ornamental iron door for fire
door on north side of building.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1. Final submittal of all materials and plans to HDC Staff and AHPP Conservation
Easement Coordinator.
COMMISSION ACTION: March 12, 2012
Brian Minyard, Staff made a presentation to the Commission. He stated that there needs to be
additional details on the door selection, fence height, and layout and details of the proposed
deck. He noted that the portion to remove door and add window and brick has been removed
form the application. They will paint the door a similar color of the brick. The design of the deck
should be visually and physically removed form the building to avoid issues with the
conservation easement.
Commissioner Loretta Hendrix asked about any deadlines as to why this item is being heard
tonight. Staff commented that they were confident about moving forward at this time.
Ron Ross, Parks and Recreation, spoke concerning the application. He thought the hostel
Arkansas group would continue to work with Staff and AHPP to finalize the plans.
Commissioner Wiedower asked about the height of the fence surrounding the ac units. Ron
Ross stated that the fence would be five feet tall and utilize the fence without the finials.
Chairman Chris Vanlandingham suggested that they take one item at a time for discussion. He
summarized each portion of the application and asked for questions from the commissioners.
Windows
Commissioner Wiedower asked if the windows were to be as the spec sheet included. Mr. Ross
had conversations with AHPP concerning the windows. He said they would repair the jambs
and replace with new sashes. Commissioner Wiedower asked if they are to be painted white.
Mr. Ross said that the hostel group would be picking the paint color. Commissioner Ripley
asked if they were single pane windows. Commissioner Ripley asked if they were considering
storm windows. Mr. Ross said not at this time.
Masonry
Mr. Ross stated that they have original brick to replace the mismatched.
Addition of stucco
Commissioner Wiedower asked if it was drvyit or stucco. Mr. Ross stated it was real stucco to
match the existing.
Signage and Lighting
There were no questions concerning these from the commissioners.
Fence
!:
Mr. Ross stated that the fence would be 5 feet tall and be the option without the finials. He also
stated it was to only enclose the ac units (with an added third unit). He continued that they
would add landscaping around the fencing. It will have a gate for access to the units.
After discussion, it was agreed upon that the fence will not intersect the building at the stone
window sills.
North side elevation Fire Doors
Commissioner Wiedower asked what or where the "doors" on the stairs are now. There is a set
of iron gates at the landing in the recess of the stairs stated Mr. Ross
Mr. Minyard explained the fire code with landing spaces and why the doors have to be at the
bottom of the stairs and cannot be where the gates are now. He noted the desire for security
with the new doors.
Commissioner Ripley is concerned with the look of the doors. He continued that he would trust
Staff to come up with a solution to the doors. He also noted that glass in the door did not have
to be wired to be fire rated. Mr. Minyard stated that AHPP will have to approve the doors
chosen. Chairman Vanlandingham reiterated that AHPP will have to sign of on the doors.
Commissioner Wiedower asked why the Commission was hearing this now instead of later.
Deck
Mr. Minyard asked the applicant to approach and confirm that the deck plan in the folder was
what the deck plan was going to be. Mr. Ross said that the deck plan was correct and it was
given to the commissioners to view.
Commissioner Ripley asked about the height of the deck. Mr. Ross said it would probably
require railing but would keep the deck as low as possible and detached from the building.
Commissioner Ripley stated that if the deck was lower than 30 inches, it would not require a
railing.
Commissioner Wiedower asked what was in the area now. Mr. Ross stated that it was a grassy
area.
Commissioner Ripley stated that the Commission needed more information on the deck. He
continued that over the years the building had suffered from inconsequential additions over the
years. He supports getting it back to its' original look, not just tacking things on the structure.
Mr. Ross commented that he was just trying to get approvals on components that would be
done now or in the future.
Commissioner Hendrix asked if the deck would be stained or painted. Mr. Ross said it would
probably be stained.
Greg Hart, representing the hostel group, summarized that two issues need to be clarified: The
fire doors and the deck. He continued that they wanted to be operating by Memorial Day. The
selection of the doors will be based on the fire rating status. They did want lights in the doors,
but cannot have full glass doors to match the ones on the ground floor.
7
Commissioner Wiedower asked if they could separate out one or two of the items and come
back in April. Mr. Hart stated he wanted to resolve some of the issues.
Mr. Hart said that they would do the landscaping around the fencing by the ac units. He stated
the deck plan would come later.
Commissioner Hendrix spoke about the options of framing members being made of steel versus
wood.
Mary Hunt, President of Hostelling Arkansas, spoke in favor of the application. She stated that
they would like to open ASAP and would be willing to do whatever to preserve the building.
Anncha Briggs expressed thanks. She also spoke of the fundraising efforts and the hostel
being an addition to the city and the MacArthur Park area.
Rhea Roberts, Executive Director of the QQA, is excited about the project and concerned
different aspects of the application and particularly about the stucco above the windows and the
fire doors. She stated that they would defer to the AHPP on the issue.
Debra Weldon, City attorney's office, clarified for the Commission, that part of an item cannot be
deferred to a later date. If the applicant chooses to amend his application to withdraw part of his
applicant, he may do so.
Commissioner Wiedower stated that she was comfortable with most of the items discussed
tonight except the fire doors and the proposed deck. She is comfortable with tearing the loading
dock off. Mr. Minyard stated that if the applicant wanted to come back in April for the deck,
there was time to get the legal ad posted. Concerning the fire doors, Mr. Minyard continued,
that they go through the filter of the City with HDC Staff and Building codes as well as the AHPP
conservation easement program. The AHPP will have the final say on the door design. There
is a lot more exploration that will need to be done. The Commission would be deferring to the
state on that design decision. Commissioner Ripley commented if the project would need to
have a Certificate of Occupancy that would be another check on the fire safety issue.
Commissioner Wiedower stated her concerns for Staff being compromised with another
department of the City being the applicant. Mr. Minyard thanked her for the comment, but
reminded that Commission that AHPP will have the final word on the door selection.
Commissioner Hendrix noted that the Commission should be fair and that if the city was not the
applicant; the Commission would probably not be having this discussion as long as it had been
held tonight.
Chairman Vanlandingham told the applicant that if the Commission has issues with one of the
portions of the item, and it was denied, the applicant would have to come back to the
Commission with a substantially different application. The offered the opportunity to amend the
application. Mr. Hart amended his application to tear down the deck and come back at a later
date to get approval of the deck plan. He did want to keep the fire doors in the application.
Commissioner Johnson asked if a letter needed to be sent to AHPP stating their concern over
the door. Mr. Minyard said that the AHPP will be apprised of their concerns.
Commissioner Ripley made a motion to approve the application as amended (removal of deck
construction but including deck demolition) with the understanding that the doors be handled by
Staff and AHPP. Commissioner Wiedower seconded. The motion passed with 5 ayes, 1
abstain (Hendrix) and 1 absent (Peters).
9
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND
LITTLE ROCK DEVELOPMENT
HISTORIC 723 West Markham Street
DISTRICT Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-13M
COMMISSION Phone: (501) 3714790 Fax: (501) 399-3435
APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
1. Application Date: February 10, 2012
2. Date of Public Hearing: March 12, 2012 at 5:00 p.m.
3. Address of Property: 1201 Commerce Street, Little Rods, AR 72202
4. Legal Description of Property: L dT- t0
+i- : U o rfK 15,- r 0 r t r i to Ll CA',
5. Property Owner (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email): City of Lift Rods
6. Owner's Agent: (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email): GMq Hart. HosWin4 Arkansas Inc., P013ox 2753,
t ittiP Rnek, AR 722ns , 501.529.776778rehousehostelOsbc9lobal.net -
7. Brief Project Description: The Firehouse Hostel and Museum Is the feral "ad of Hostelli�ansas, Inc. We are a
t7eaWe PaRFWsrnp. a non -prom developing a hostel in time ttocns tJTdTire station
Nip bor Twn -rhig Jnr-ated in the
Quepaw Quarter within the MacArthur'Park Historic District. The Ilst of renovations and
6. Estimated Cost of Improvernent5: S 30, D00
9. Zoning Classification: Is the proposed mange a hied ? No
10. Signature of Owner or Agefri: 64A.Cigam
(The owner will need to aufh ny t o person representing the owner at fhe public hearing).
NOTE: Should there be changes during construction (design, materials, size, etc.) from the approved COA,
applicant shall notify Commission staff and take appropriate actions. Approval by 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, ordinances, or policies rests
with the applicant, owner, or agent.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --- --------------------
(This section to be completed by staff):
Little Rock Historic District Commission Action
Denied _ Withdrawn _ Approved _ Approved with Conditions _ See Attached Conditions
Staff Signature: pate:
Revised 612011
10
F I R E RUSE
HOSTEL & MUSEUM
Little Rock Historic District Commission Feb 1, 2012
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201-1334
RE: Per our discussion we are making recommended changes our application for
COA:
1. Picture 1 & 8:
1. Stucco transom above existing windows to replace existing plywood
1. paint to match existing
2. Install either a single or 2 double doors with window
1. These doors have to be fire rated- Fire Marshal
2. The max allowable is 100 sq. inches of glass
3. Single or double doors determined by dimension of opening
4. Wood framing around to match existing
5. Painted to match existing surround paint.
3. Transom above fire doors to be full glass (within fire code specs)
2. Picture 2 & 4: request to remove doors on East and Nest sides: delete these
requests
1. these doors will be restored and painted
3. Picture 1, 7, 9 & 10: Install 4 new windows
1. Leave original frame
2. Have new sashes made
3. 12 over I wooden windows- with true divided lights on top portion
4. Can be fixed windows
Respectfully,
Greg Hart
Board of Directors
Revised Cover Letter
1lostelline Arkansas, lac.1 Firehouse Hosiel mad Muneum
To Be Located In Historic MacArthur Park at 1201 Commerce Street
P.O. Box 2753 * Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 * 501-370- 8080
11
FIREH6 USE
HOSTEL & MUSEUM
Little Rock Historic District Commission
Department of Planning and Development
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201-1334
February 10, 2012
Dear Commission,
We are submitting this request for Certificate of Appropriateness to make minor adjustments and
repairs to the existing structure at 1201 Commerce Street. This facility is currently known as the Old
Fire Station # 2 in MacArthur Park. The facility is being renovated to house the Little Rock Firehouse
Hostel and Museum.
The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) has awarded $13,500.00 in a grant for the
restoration of the windows, the windows that are to be installed are already pre -approved by AHPP, we
will do point and tuck work and stone work. This is one of the major initiatives that need to be
completed before opening.
The list of renovations and changes that we are requesting are as follows:
1. Replacing 4 windows back to original style (removing bars covering windows); 12 over 1,
traditional style, architectural grade
2. Point and tuck work 1 stone work
a. Using type N mortar.
b. Clean existing bricks
3. Fire Safety Door to be built on North side.
a. Paint to match wood framing.
b. Removing doors on East and West sides
i. Use existing brick
ii. New windows above to complement existing style
4. Stucco transom above existing windows to match exterior stucco
a. instead of the painting existing plywood
5. Signage and lighting for the Firehouse Hostel
6. Install an iron fence around new heating and air units for protection.
a. Plant shrubs around fence for landscaping
7. Remove existing dock
a. Build a new deck.
Cover Letter
Hostelling Arkansas, Inc.
Firehouse Hostel and Museum
Located in Historic MacArthur Park at 1201 Commerce Street
P.O. Box 2753 * Little Rock, Arkansas 72203 * 501- 476-0294
12
F IREH-> USE
HOSTEL & MUSEUM
All renovations will be made with consideration of the distinctive features, finishes and construction
techniques that are characteristic of the existing building. Thank you for your consideration of these
changes to the structure.
Bond of Directors
Sincerely,
l
.J
Firehouse Board of Directors
Cover Letter page 2
Hoatelling Arkansas, Inc.
Firehouse Hostel and Museum
Located in Historic MacArthur Park at 1201 Commerce Street
P.O. Box 2753 • Little Rock Arkansas 72203.501-47&02%
13
Mary Hunt
President
Johnny Reep
Vice President
Holly Elliott
Secretary
John Fordyce
Treasurer
Russell Irons
Assistant Secretary
Anncha Briggs
Greg Hart
Murray Haupt
Carol Lord
Jackie Warren
Honorary Member
Truman Totflw
Director
Little Rock
Parks &
KcCmatinn
General Counsel
Chad Cumming
Architect
Tom Fennell
CPA
Mark Pcerson
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