Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2014-007 Email From Doug Melkovitz To Brian Minyard Subject: Application For 10th and McMath 02/19/2014I Tlf� -JJ,- 3 Minyard, Brian j r � /h,✓ L From: Doug Melkovitz <dmelkovitz@me.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 12:29 PM To: Minyard, Brian Cc: Lee Fleming Subject: The Application for 10th and McMath Brian, Having received my notice from Paul Page Dwellings of the meeting scheduled for March 10th, I wanted to touch base again regarding the building they are proposing for the corner of McMath Avenue and 10th Street. First of all I would like to tell you who I am. As the next door neighbor to this property one could make the argument that my support for a project on this particular corner is self serving to a degree. While partially true in this case, what I would ask you and the commission to consider is who I am as an owner of multiple properties within the MacArthur Park Historic District. I consider myself an historic preservationist who understands that historic preservation is vital in protecting the historic architectural fabric that enhances our city's unique flair. I also deeply believe that preservation efforts ultimately help everyone in the district. This district is a treasure for those of us who are on the front lines of preservation and the value it brings to the City of Little Rock would be hard to completely calculate. But then, I'm preaching to choir here. This application for 10th and McMath is all about context. Having been a witness to the presentation that Paige Wilson and his friends made as well as the subsequent commission discussions at the last meeting on February 10, 2014, 1 was deeply disappointed in the denial of the application. Paige and his friends were able to show very clearly the context of the site as well as a 3D image of the new building with it's surroundings. It was very clear that the lines of the District were drawn to their natural Eastward boundary (1-30) rather than to protect any historic fabric. Further evidence can be found to the North where Ferry Street is the Eastern boundary rather than 1-30. This line seems to be purposely excluding Quapaw Tower and the Holiday Inn Presidential. As for the design of the building the metal siding seemed to be a sticking point with certain Commission members, however, when juxtaposed to lap siding I found it difficult to distinguish one from the other in any meaningful way. This is especially true since it would only clad the upper floors of the building. I also found the original shed roof to be much more appropriate than the parapet suggestion staff made. All this being said what I want to leave you with is this. As a person with significant interest in the district I respect the Commission and the difficult task it has to undertake. However, I would implore you to re -consider this application. You have an opportunity to allow this outlying parcel of the District to move forward. Nothing has occurred on this lot in over 50 years. It's time. The MacArthur Park Group is in favor. The neighbors who will be directly effected are in favor. Please do the right thing and vote for approval of this application. Doug Melkovitz WFM Enterprises PO Box 165257 LR, AR 72216 1 I Minyard, Brian From: Doug Melkovitz <dmelkovitz@me.com> Sent: Wednesday, February 19, 2014 12:29 PM To: Minyard, Brian Cc: Lee Fleming Subject: The Application for 10th and McMath Brian, Having received my notice from Paul Page Dwellings of the meeting scheduled for March 10th, I wanted to touch base again regarding the building they are proposing for the corner of McMath Avenue and 10th Street. First of all I would like to tell you who I am. As the next door neighbor to this property one could make the argument that my support for a project on this particular corner is self serving to a degree. While partially true in this case, what I would ask you and the commission to consider is who I am as an owner of multiple properties within the MacArthur Park Historic District. I consider myself an historic preservationist who understands that historic preservation is vital in protecting the historic architectural fabric that enhances our city's unique flair. I also deeply believe that preservation efforts ultimately help everyone in the district. This district is a treasure for those of us who are on the front lines of preservation and the value it brings to the City of Little Rock would be hard to completely calculate. But then, I'm preaching to choir here. This application for 10th and McMath is all about context. Having been a witness to the presentation that Paige Wilson and his friends made as well as the subsequent commission discussions at the last meeting on February 10, 2014, 1 was deeply disappointed in the denial of the application. Paige and his friends were able to show very clearly the context of the site as well as a 3D image of the new building with it's surroundings. It was very clear that the lines of the District were drawn to their natural Eastward boundary (1-30) rather than to protect any historic fabric. Further evidence can be found to the North where Ferry Street is the Eastern boundary rather than 1-30. This line seems to be purposely excluding Quapaw Tower and the Holiday Inn Presidential. As for the design of the building the metal siding seemed to be a sticking point with certain Commission members, however, when juxtaposed to lap siding I found it difficult to distinguish one from the other in any meaningful way. This is especially true since it would only clad the upper floors of the building. I also found the original shed roof to be much more appropriate than the parapet suggestion staff made. All this being said what I want to leave you with is this. As a person with significant interest in the district I respect the Commission and the difficult task it has to undertake. However, I would implore you to re -consider this application. You have an opportunity to allow this outlying parcel of the District to move forward. Nothing has occurred on this lot in over 50 years. It's time. The MacArthur Park Group is in favor. The neighbors who will be directly effected are in favor. Please do the right thing and vote for approval of this application. Doug Melkovitz WFM Enterprises PO Box 165257 LR, AR 72216