HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2013-019 Staff Report 08/12/2013 Project Background And Description. Photo Of 1201 Commerce, Map, Application For A COA And Email From Park and Recreation.07/29/2013DEPARTMENT 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. A.
DATE: September 9, 2013
APPLICANT: Parks and Recreation, Ron Ross
ADDRESS: 1201 Commerce
COA REQUEST: 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-1960s." It is considered a "Contributing
Structure" to the MacArthur Park Historic District.
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This property has a "Conservation Easement" on the
exterior of the building that has been deeded to the State.
AHPP, through its Conservation Easement Coordinator, Location of Project
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 a result of an enforcement action. The construction of the deck was not
approved by the Commission at the March 12, 2012 hearing. The removal of the loading dock
in this location was approved.
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.
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On March 12, 2012, A Certificate of Appropriateness was given for window replacement,
masonry repair, addition of a fire safety door, addition of stucco to the building, signage and
lighting, fencing around the ac units, and removal of the loading dock. This COA did not include
the construction of the deck in question.
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
From the March 2012 staff report:
Removal Of Dock And Addition Of Deck In The Proposal And Written Analysis Of The
Application Based Off Of Intent And Guidelines Section:
"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."
During the discussion of the item, there were questions on the railing, design and if it was
needed at all; if it was to be stained or painted; and whether it was to be attached to the
building. There were statements on needing more information on the deck. Also discussed was
deferring part of the item or amending the application to remove part of the item. After
discussion,
"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."
The motion was as follows:
"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)."
Currently, the application is for the deck as built. The deck has been constructed of "Trex" or
similar product which is composed of reclaimed wood fiber and recycled plastic. The material
does not have as much tensile strength as wood; therefore it requires more support so that the
horizontal pieces do not sag. Therefore, this deck has more joists than a normal wood deck
would have although the joists are not visible. The part of the deck that is visible that is different
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than a wood deck would be is the spacers between the handrail and the deck floor. This is
shown and labeled in the photo below. These spacers are different than the drawings submitted
for this project as the spacers are much more pronounced.
The height of the railing is also different than the submitted drawings. The posts are 48" above
the deck floor as specified, but the actual railing is at 36" instead of 42". This makes the posts
extend an additional 12" above the top of the rails instead of the specified 6" as shown on the
drawings. This has a different look than the drawings specified.
The top of the deck is approximately 24" above the ground at the southeast corner. The deck is
not attached to the building as prescribed by AHPP under the fagade easement. This deck is
visible from Commerce Street and Pulaski County Lane.
Built in seating has been completed on the east side only. The seating on the south side is yet
to be constructed.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
1. Reduce height of posts to be within 6" of top of railing.
COMMISSION ACTION: July 8 2013
Brian Minyard, Staff, reported to the Commission that the notices had not been mailed to the
adjacent property owners, therefore the item could not be heard at this meeting. There was
nobody at the meeting to neither represent the application nor explain why the notices were not
mailed. Staff recommended that his item be deferred for one month.
Chairman Chris Vanlandingham asked about standard enforcement procedures in the historic
district. There was a brief discussion concerning this. He stated the actions of the Hostel group
and City Parks does not show respect for the people in the district and does not help the City
enforce on others. Commissioner Wiedower agreed with his comment.
Commissioner Wiedower asked about the applicant. Mr. Minyard stated that Parks has leased
the building to the hostel group but City Parks does all of the drawings for them. Ron Ross, a
city Parks employee, represents them in the meetings. The deferral does count against them.
There was a discussion on the deck and if it was attached to the building and if it violated the
conservation easement. Mr. Minyard stated that it was not attached to the building and did not
violate the conservation easement according to AHPP.
The item was deferred to the August 2013 meeting.
STAFF UPDATE: August 12 2013
The bench has been completed along the southern side of the deck as shown on the plans
since the last report. Staff recommendation remains unchanged.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval.
Reduce height of posts to be within 6" of top of railing.
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COMMISSION ACTION: September 9 2013
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the item. Commissioner Julie Wiedower
asked what the final size of the deck was. The size submitted originally was different than the
current application. Mr. Minyard said that he would have the applicant answer that question for
the Commission. The application is to approve as built either with or without conditions.
Ron Ross, Parks and Recreation, spoke to the Commission and apologized for not having the
proper permit for the deck. He said that the applicants has lost track of the requirements for the
deck. It is a 20 x 20 foot deck. The omission for this is his fault.
Commissioner Randy Ripley asked him if they were through with the deck. Mr. Ross said that
they may want to add benches and skirt the bottom of the deck.
Commissioner Wiedower asked if all of the items on the previously approved COA been
completed? Mr. Ross said that the signage was not installed and the fence around the AC units
had not been installed. All of the rest has been completed. Commissioner Ripley asked if the
deck was under the current building permit. Mr. Ross responded yes. Greg Hart, board
member of the Hostel, said that the Arkansas Workforce provided volunteer labor for the project.
Commissioner Kwadjo Boaitey asked if the Commission has approved Trex wood product
before. Mr. Minyard responded that if it was used in someone's back yard, the Commission
would not know. A substance like this was used on Curran Hall on the back porch, but not the
front. Commissioner Boaitey asked if Trex was the original material sought or was it changed.
Mr. Ross discussed different products and settled on this product for durability.
Greg Hart, a board member for Hostelling Arkansas, spoke in favor of the application. He
stated that they had originally looked at a larger deck. Arkansas Workforce wanted to help fund
the deck and provide labor to construct it. A time restraint was there for installation, so the
Hostel took the opportunity. They looked for durability on materials and got a discount on the
materials from the supplier.
Commissioner Wiedower asked why the posts were left so tall. Mr. Hart said that the post
height on the deck because of a decision by the Workforce team. Commissioner Wiedower said
it was not a restriction per se but when you look at decks and railings all over town, most posts
are shorter. Commissioner Ripley asked if they were 6x6 posts or did something slip over the
4x4's? Mr. Hart commented that it was a sleeve over the post. He continued about the height
of the deck.
Commissioner Wiedower asked how long it would be until they finished on the total project. Mr.
Hart said that there was painting and AC. They have paid for most of the work that is
outstanding. Commissioner Ripley asked about the finish on the deck, will it be stained?
Commissioner Boaitey asked about the maintenance of the material. Mr. Hart said that it would
not be stained, and the only maintenance is just cleaning it off. Commissioner Boaitey asked
how long does it last. Commissioner Ripley said forever. Commissioner Ripley continued that it
was not difficult to cut the posts down. Commissioner Wiedower asked if the Hostel would
voluntarily take the posts down. John Fordyce asked what the reason was for asking the posts
to be shortened. Commissioner Wiedower said that it was aesthetic. She continued that the
posts were glaring with the extra height and historically posts were not that much taller than the
railings. Mr. Ross and Mr. Hart said that they would amend their application to reduce the
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height of the posts. Vice Chair Antoinette Johnson mentioned that the old drawings show the
posts 4" above the railings.
Commissioner Wiedower made a motion to approve the COA with the inclusion of an
amendment to reduce the height of the posts to within 6" of the railing. Commissioner Ripley
seconded and the motion passed with a vote of 6 ayes and 1 absent (Vanlandingham).
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From
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Opelag @ deck, typ
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Deck (,a) Site Plan
FIREHOUSE HOSTEL - 1201 Comm- S,_r - Ldekock.ick nsnE 72203
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ed Plan from June 2013
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FIREHOUSE HOSTEL - 1201 C....— Str-t - Lt& R-k, A&—s 72203
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DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax: (501) 599-3435
APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
1, Application
2. Date of Pub
3. Address of I
4- Legal Description of Property:
1221
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5. Property Owner (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email):
77
6. Owners Agent: (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Email):
r — . lb r-i 1 n _ A n - . -- _ . I. . . . I . _.-h-"
7. Brief Project
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8. Estimated Cost of Improvements:
9. Zoning Classification: Is the prop change a pe ted use? es No
10. Signature of Owner or Agent:
(The owner will need to authorize any Agent or person representing the owner at the 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:
Date.
Revised 8/2012
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Cover Letter
City of Little Rock 4_�___
PARKS Af1D RECREATIon vi
Soo West Markham Street, Room 108 - Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 Parks & Recreation
Phone: 501-371-4770 — Fax 501-371-6832
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Attn: Brian Minyard
July 29, 2013
RE: New Exterior Deck for
Firehouse Hostel
1201 Commerce Street
Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Brian:
Please see attached drawings and details of this project for your HDC Review for issuance of a
C.O.A. certificate of appropriateness. We have attempted to note the exterior work to include
the construction of the detached wood deck.
Actually. Hostelling Arkansas, Inc. has constructed the wood deck under what turns out to be a
misunderstanding that the construction would be O.K., as long as the deck was not attached to
the building. We feel the deck is very attractive, visually fits the look and feel of the structure
and will be useful in it's operation.
We apologize for this misunderstanding and ask for your forgiveness in this matter. We wish to
resolve any issues towards acceptability by staff and the Commission.
Thank you so very much for your consideration.
Ronald Ross, Parks Planner
Office: 918-5266
Email: rross@littlerock.org
CC: file
PRKS/HISTORIC DISTRICT COM-FIREHOUSE HOSTEL Deck LETTER-01 A LEf.DOC
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