HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2015-024 Staff Report 03/09/2015DEPARTMENT 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. One.
DATE: March 9, 2015
APPLICANT: Jimmy Moses, Moses Tucker
ADDRESS: 500 block of Rock Street
COA REQUEST: Infill Apartments
PROJECT BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION:
The subject property is located at 500 block of Rock
Street. The property's legal description is "Lot 7-12, Block
40, except the east 65' of lots 11 and 12 and the west 26'
of the south 10' of 8, Original City of Little Rock, Pulaski
County, Arkansas."
The site for the infill building is currently a parking lot to
serve the Elbert's Legion Post building that faces Capitol
Avenue. The cover letter states that changes are to be
made to the Legion Post building, but no drawings were
supplied for this Commission to review. Therefore, the
Commission will not be reviewing any changes to the
existing building.
This application is for Infill Apartments. The apartment
building will face Rock Street with parking to the west and
behind the building. The building is three stories high
with 36 apartments.
Demolished house at 522 Rock
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Demolished house at 518 Rock I Plan from 1978
PREVIOUS ACTIONS ON THIS SITE:
Page 1 of 15
On December 5, 1985, a COA was approved and issued to The American Legion Post No. 1 for
demolition of a house at 522 Rock Street and construction of a parking lot.
On December 4, 1987, a COA was approved and issued to The American Legion Post No. 1 for
an amendment to their parking lot.
aVP
b.
Aerial Photo of site
PROPOSAL AND WRITTEN ANALYSIS OF THE APPLICATION BASED OFF OF INTENT
AND GUIDELINES:
Authority of the Little Rock Historic District Commission is authorized by the following:
Text of the Arkansas state statute:
14-172-208. Certificate of appropriateness required - Definition.
(a)(1) No building or structure, including stone walls, fences, light fixtures, steps,
and paving or other appurtenant fixtures, shall be erected, altered, restored, moved,
or demolished within an historic district until after an application for a certificate of
appropriateness as to exterior architectural features has been submitted to and
approved by the historic district commission. The municipality or county shall require
a certificate of appropriateness to be issued by the commission prior to the issuance
of a building permit or other permit granted for purposes of constructing or altering
structures. A certificate of appropriateness shall be required whether or not a
building permit is required.
(2) For purposes of this subchapter, "exterior architectural features" shall include
the architectural style, general design, and general arrangement of the exterior
of a structure, including the kind and texture of the building material and the
type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, and other
appurtenant fixtures.
Page 2 of 15
(b) The style, material, size, and
location of outdoor advertising
signs and bill posters within an
historic district shall also be under
the control of the commission.
The city ordinance states in Sec 23-
115. — Certificate of appropriateness
required.
Sec. 23-115. Certificate of
appropriateness required.
No building or structure, including
stone walls, fences, light fixtures,
steps and paving or other
appurtenant fixtures shall be
erected, altered, restored, moved,
or demolished within the historic
district created by this division
until after an application for a
certificate of appropriateness as
to the exterior architectural
changes has been subm►tted to
and approved by the historic district commission. A certificate of appropriateness
shall have been issued by the commission prior to the issuance of a building permit
or other permit granted for purposes of constructing or altering structures.
Sec. 23-119. Prohibited considerations.
In its deliberations under this article, the commission shall not consider interior
arrangement or use and shall take no action hereunder except for the purpose of
preventing the construction, reconstruction, alteration, restoration, moving or
demolition of buildings, structures or appurtenant fixtures, in the district, which are
deemed by the commission to be obviously incongruous with the historic
aspects of the district.
The Little Rock City ordinance further states what criteria that new construction shall be
reviewed:
Sec 23-120. — General Criteria
(f) Generally, new construction shall be judged on its ability to blend with the
existing neighborhood and area of influence. The commission shall consider, but not
be limited to the factors listed for alterations in paragraph [subsection] (d).
(d) When evaluating the general compatibility of alterations to the exterior of any
building in the historic district, the commission shall consider, but not be limited to,
the following factors within the building's area of influence:
(1) Siting.
(2) Height.
(3) Proportion.
(4) Rhythm.
Page 3of15
(5) Roof area.
(6) Entrance area.
(7) Wall areas.
(8) Detailing.
(9) Facade.
(10) Scale.
(11) Massing.
The definitions for some of these terms are found in the ordinance in Sec. 23-77 Definitions.
The guidelines state on page 53 under Section V. Design Guidelines for Alterations and
Additions and Detached New Construction:
B. NEW CONSTRUCTION OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY BUILDINGS
...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.
(Secretary of the Interior's Standard #9)
...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.
(Secretary of the Interior's Standard #10)
New construction of primary and secondary buildings should maintain, not disrupt,
the existing pattern of surrounding historic buildings in the neighborhood. Although
they should blend with adjacent buildings, they should not be too imitative of historic
styles so that they may be distinguished from historic buildings. (Note: A new
building becomes too imitative through application of historic architectural decoration,
such as gingerbread, vergeboards, dentils, fish -scale shingles, etc. These kinds of
details are rarely successful on a new building. They fail to be accurate, usually too
small and disproportionate versions of authentic ones, and should be avoided.)
New construction of secondary structures, such as garages or other outbuildings,
should be smaller in scale than the primary building; should be simple in design but
reflect the general character of the primary building; should be located as traditional
for the neighborhood (near the alley instead of close to or attached to the primary
structure); and should be compatible in design, form, materials, and roof shape.
1. Building Orientation:
The facade of the new building should be aligned with the established setbacks of
the area. Side and rear setbacks common to the neighborhood should be upheld.
2. Building Mass and Scale:
New buildings should appear similar in mass and scale with historic structures in the
area. This includes height and width.
3. Building Form
Basic building forms and roof shapes, including pitch, which match those used
historically in the area should be used. Location and proportions of entrances,
windows, divisional bays, and porches are important. Also consider heights
Page 4 of 15
(foundation, floor -to -ceiling, porch height and depth.)
4. Building Materials
Building materials that are similar to those used historically for major surfaces in the
area should be used. Materials for roofs should be similar in appearance to those
used historically. New materials may be used if their appearances are similar to
those of the historic building materials. Examples of acceptable new building
materials are cement fiber board, which has the crisp dimensions of wood and can
be painted, and standing seam metal roofs, preferably finished with a red or dark
color.
Finishes similar to others in the district should be used. If brick, closely match mortar
and brick colors. If frame, match lap dimensions with wood or composite materials,
not vinyl or aluminum siding.
Details and textures should be similar to those in the neighborhood (trim around
doors, windows and eaves; watercourses; corner boards; eave depths, etc.)
The MacArthur Park Historic District Guidelines for Rehabilitation and New Construction are in
keeping with the criteria set forth in the state statute and city ordinance as to what can be
reviewed in an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness for new construction.
The statute and ordinance require the Commission to evaluate new construction based on the
following criteria:
• Architectural style
• General design
• General arrangement of the exterior of a structure, including the kind and texture of the
building material and the type and style of all windows, doors, light fixtures, signs, and
other appurtenant fixtures
• Siting
• Height
• Proportion
• Rhythm
• Roof area
• Entrance area
• Wall areas
• Detailing
• Facade
• Scale
Massing
ARCHITECTURAL STYLE
The style of the building is traditional.
GENERAL DESIGN
The building is rectangular in plan with seven uneven bays. The center bay is the primary
entrance from Rock Street with an open air first floor with the second and third floor featuring
large shutters/louvers. The outside bays are the largest, and the center bay is the smallest. The
building is three stories with a gabled roofs running longwise with the building. On the Rock
Page 5 of 15
Street facade, alternating bays are inset from the front facade and feature roof planes that are
setback from the other bays of roof planes for more interest in the roof area. The end bays are
covered in Hardie Board lap siding and are full depth. The bays adjoining the corner bays are
inset and feature brick facades. Only two bays feature brick facades.
The 6th Street facade features what can best be described as two three-story houses connected
by three-story breezeway. The gable portions of the facades are evident on this facade. The
breezeway area has a flat roof. Visible from the street on the first floor is the stairways leading
to the second and third floor.
ELEVATION
SCALE 1116'=1'.0'
Rock Street Elevation
GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE EXTERIOR OF A STRUCTURE, INCLUDING THE
KIND AND TEXTURE OF THE BUILDING MATERIAL AND THE TYPE AND STYLE OF ALL
WINDOWS, DOORS, LIGHT FIXTURES, SIGNS, AND OTHER APPURTENANT FIXTURES
SIDING/BRICK: The facades of the building will be primarily siding with some inset portions of
the building in brick. The siding will be Hardie Plank lap siding in smooth finish with Hardietrim
trim and fascia boards. The corner trim boards will be 6" Hardie Trim and the horizontal trim
separating the first and second floor will be 12" Hardie Trim Board.
The brick veneer will be a Rosedal Blend, red in color.
WINDOWS: The units will be white vinyl windows by Weather Barr, Cornerstone model. The
mullion pattern will be French Country, which features two panes wide and six panes tall on the
sashes for a larger individual panes size. There will be a mixture of casement windows and
fixed sashes in the building. In the attic area, there will be smaller 4 pane windows. On the
Rock Street facade, the first floor features 10 sets of three ganged windows. On the inset brick
veneered bays, there is a set of double ganged windows, one door and one single window. On
the second floor, there are 20 single windows and 4 sets of double ganged windows. The third
floor is just like the second in window arrangement.
On the 6th street side, the first floor features one set of double ganged windows, three single
windows and one door. The second and third floor features six single windows. The attic level
features four square windows with four panes.
Page 6 of 15
DOORS — Exterior doors will be a 2 panel fiberglass door by Masonite square top BLT-2st. This
is a fiberglass door that can be stained to appear as wood. These doors will be located in the
brick inset areas to access first floor apartments from the street. The doors feature a transom
window above each.
01'
Window section
Frefdi Camay
Lower Floor Windows
LIGHTING: The Light sconce beside
front entry doors will be by Restoration
Hardware Braxton Sconce weathered
zinc. The applicant is also requesting
pole mounted lighting by the entry
gates on Rock Street which will be
similar to antique street lamps LTL 30
which match fixtures in the surrounding
area. It is desired that the cobrahead
street lights be replaced with the pole
streetlights as specified, but that
improvement would be in the right-of-
way. This commission does not review
improvements in the right-of-way.
Page 7 of 15
Doors
FENCING: Fencing appears in multiple areas on this
site. On Rock Street, it is along the brick inset area of
the building to create small entry courtyards for the
private entry areas, at the main entrance area in the
center of the fagade and along the property line to the
north of the building towards the American Legion
building. On the 6th Street side, it starts at the corner of
the building, proceeds along the 6:h street property line
to the corner of the convenience store. There is a drive
gate for entry into the parking are and a gate for the
dumpster. The last section of fencing is in the alley
that is being petitioned to be closed. It starts at the
northwest corner of the convenience store, runs across
the alley and then north along the western edge of the
alley to the corner of the paragon building. The fencing is by Ameristar Montage,
6' high and black in color. The vehicle gates are sliding gates.
Classic style,
The fencing around dumpster will be the same fencing, with an added panel of solid steel
painted plate to visually screen the dumpster. The posts are square. The dumpster gate swings
onto the public right of way may be changed at the Planning commission level.
GUTTERS are made of at 24 ga. Kynar painted finish metal.
SATELLITE DISHES: The cover letter states: "Currently TV and ISP sources are unknown, if
any satellite dishes are required, they will be installed on the roof out of sight." These could be
installed on the inners slopes of the roof below the ridgeline of the roof with minimal visibility
from the street or neighborhood.
MECHANICAL SYSTEMS — The condensers will be placed on racks on top of the roof behind
the roof slopes out of site.
SIGNAGE: The signs will be a single post fixed similar to the one depicted on page 63 of the
Guidelines. Two signs are requested, one sign at the main entrance on Rock Street and
another at the corner of Rock and 6". The total height of the sign is about 10 feet tall, with an
overall width of 3'-8". Neither while the guidelines nor does the ordinance have a maximum size
on signage. Staff did a survey for another application and the total height of the sign is in
keeping with other signs surveyed in the general area. The sign itself, at T-8" by 4'-2" is three
times the size of existing signage in the area.
Page 8 of 15
3 8„
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TGIONI Nc-1
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sao
Sign Detail
.11
Elevation with
SITING
The building parallels Rock Street on its long axis and sits approximately one foot off of the
property line. The relationship to the property line along Rock Street is similar to the three story
buildings across Rock Street (511 Rock Street and 401 Capitol Avenue). It is closer to the
street than the two smaller scale building to the south along Rock Street (515 and 521 Rock
Street) and closer to the street than the neighboring building to the north at 500 Rock Street.
Along 6th street, the setback is similar to the Convenience store to the west. The store is built
on the property line and apartments are to be built with a six foot setback. The UU zoning
category does not have a setback requirement. See graphic on page 3.
HEIGHT
p
The proposed height is greater than the other
buildings on the block. The multistory apartment
- -
buildings are three stories with flat roof (401
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Capitol) or three story with a lower pitch hippedF_
L
roof at 511 Rock. 500 Rock Street is a two story--�
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with a low pitch hip roof that sits on a raised
which adds height to the structure. 511
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plateau
rig
Rock Street is a single story building and 521 is a�"`r
two story building, both with pitched hipped roofs.
r
However from the street view the ro osed
p
building should relate to the two larger apartment 2wlir- - ION
buildings across Rock Street. Across 6th Street, 6th Street Elevation (South,
there is the two story flat roofed apartment
building owned and used by the Repertory Theatre which is a similar
apartment building. The convenience store is a one story flat roofed structure.
Page 9 of 15
rectangular shaped
1 1L
1 LAST ELEVATIOWROCK STREET
Rock street Elevation
PROPORTION
The proportion of the Rock Street fagade is longer than other buildings on the street, more
rectangular and less square. In the general area, there are buildings with this rectangular
shape. The design does add verticality to the fagade with the use of the taller thinner windows
that are a throwback to the Italianate structures across the street at 511 and 521 Rock. All
facades have been broken into smaller bays to reduce the mass of the building.
RHYTHM
The rhythm of the inset bays on the Rock Street side try to immolate the individual building on
the other side of the street. The rhythm of the individual windows on the second and third floor
mimic the windows on the Italianate structures across Rock while the ganged lower floor
windows mimic the multi -story apartment windows across Rock Street.
ROOF AREA
The roofing will be architectural shingles by Atlas Stormmaster Slate, which is a faux slate
shingle. The roof are will be broken into 14 separate gabled roofs and joined by the flat roof
above the corridor that runs lengthwise through the building. This breaks the mass of the roof
and blends more with the smaller buildings on Rock Street.
STORWASTER'SLATE [ J
Roof shingle detail
J
ENTRANCE AREA
The entrance areas on Rock and 6th Streets are voids in the building that will apparently be
primarily open air. The building does not feature a "main front door" for an entrance. The
entrances along Rock and 6`r will be Highlighted by the metal fencing and the inset bays.
Page 10 of 15
WALL AREAS
The wall areas will be covered in Hardie Board lap siding or brick punctuated by windows or
large shuttered areas over the entrances. See "GENERAL ARRANGEMENT OF THE
EXTERIOR OF A STRUCTURE" on page six for window and door details.
DETAILING
WINDOW BOXES: There will be metal window
boxes to hold clay pots underneath the windows.
They will be by Hooks and Lattice Company,
Simple Elegance window box cage.
FA(,ADE
The facade will feature Hardie Plank lap siding in
smooth finish. Hardietrim trim and fascia boards
will be used for corner trim boards and trim boards
around windows and to separate individual floors.
The brick veneer on two of the bays will be
Rosedal Blend. The windows will be a white vinyl
window by Weather Barr.
SCALE
The proposed building will be the largest building in the area. But will feature the seven bays
that will break up the mass on the Rock Street facade. The bays on the 6th street facade will
also break up the mass. The roofing design will reduce the height of the overall roof. From a
height standpoint, it will be comparable to the height of the three story apartments across Rock
Street.
MASSING
See Scale above.
NEIGHBORHOOD COMMENTS AND REACTION: At the time of distribution, there were no
comments regarding this application.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Approval with the following conditions:
1. Obtaining a building permit.
COMMISSION ACTION: March 9 2615
Brian Minyard, Staff, made a brief presentation of the item with the recommendation of
approval.
Commissioner BJ Bowen asked about the height of the fence as stated in the guidelines. It is
specified at 6'. The guidelines state that larger properties could have larger fences. Typical
fences are 36" in the area. Commissioner Wilson brought up different uses and scenarios. He
asked about what the updated guidelines said on fence heights. Mr. Minyard read the
guidelines on page 58 on how the fence heights were modified. Commissioner Page Wilson
commented that the commission should be consistent with the fence heights on different
buildings and uses.
Page 11 of 15
Chair Toni Johnson asked about the American Legion building on Capitol Ave. She wanted to
be sure that it was not on the agenda tonight. The Commission will only be voting on the new
building, parking lot fencing, and signage tonight. The applicant will need to spell that out
tonight.
Commissioner Jeremiah Russell asked about the location of the signage and that I could limit
pedestrian traffic. Mr. Minyard said that the applicant will need to clarify.
Frank Barksdale, AMR Architects, made a presentation of the item. He explained that it was a
three story building and there were 12 units per floor and composed of one and two bedroom
units. The signage will be between the sidewalk and the fence perpendicular to the street. At
Sixth Street, the sign will not block the sidewalk and will be at a 45 degree angle. Chair
Johnson asked how much the distance is between the building and the sidewalk. Mr. Minyard
said that the drawings show the sign between the sidewalk and the building. He continued that
they would need to work on a franchise agreement if it was in the right of way.
He amended his application to remove the existing building from tonight's hearing.
Commissioner Bowen stated that there were 36 units and 31 spaces. Mr. Barksdale explained
that they will have on street parking and that there may be some parking sharing with
neighboring properties.
Chair Toni Johnson asked how many units were in MacArthur Commons. Mr. Barksdale
answered 59 units. She asked why he needs a 6' fence. Mr. Barksdale stated that there is a lot
of suspicious activity in the area and that they want tenants to feel safe for now. Hopefully,
there will not need to be a fence in the future, five to ten years.
She asked if he would be willing to reduce the size of the sign. Mr. Barksdale said that he
would consider reducing the size of the sign, but the signage was important. If they had to
reduce it, they would. But they would prefer not to. the sign was designed based on the size of
the letters on the sign.
Commissioner Russell said he was not concerned with the relation to the American Legion
building with the new building. This area could be unsafe for tenants. The new building could
obstruct the view of building the windows in the building. He also added that the sign may be
too large to fit in that area in relation to the building and the area with setback.
Mr. Barksdale said to make the property work with the land cost; they need the project as
drawn. They have 10' ceiling in the living areas and the height was dependent on that. They
want to build a quality product that is rentable.
Commissioner Wilson asked about the zoning and commented that the thought it was R4-A
across the street. Mr. Minyard stated he was unsare without looking at a map.
Chair Johnson asked what was in the upper floor with the square windows. Mr. Barksdale said
it was a lofted ceiling in the living room and bedrooms of the end apartment. Chair Johnson
asked Commissioner Russell if the pitch of the roof was reduced, would that ease some of his
concerns. Commissioner Russell noted the low hipped across the street and the flat roofs. He
stated it would be better to have a lower roof. Mr. Barksdale, said that you would mostly see
Page 12 of 15
overhang from the street and not the roof pitch. He said that the end elevation would be more
derisible with the current pitch when viewed form the south.
Commissioner Russell asked about the accent trim and the window mullions. He asked if the
client would consider 2 wide by 4 tall munitions instead of 2 wide by 6 tall. Mr. Russell said that
the panes being taller than wide would be better. Mr. Barksdale replied that they are two wide
by six tall panes and they are vinyl windows. Mr. Minyard clarified that the detail shot of the
windows on page 7 of the staff report were from the website. Mr. Barksdale said that if he could
get the windows with 4 panes tall, he would, but was unsure if they made them like that. Chair
Johnson asked what the guidelines state on vinyl windows. Mr. Minyard responded that in new
construction, the guidelines are a lot more lenient than replacement windows. In new
construction, this commission has been more lenient, although you do not establish precedent.
Commissioner Russell asked if they muntins were applied or internal. Mr. Barksdale said they
are applied to the outside from the best he could tell.
There were no citizens to speak on the item.
Commissioner Wilson asked Commissioner Russell if those were requirements or are they
stating points. Commissioner Russell stated that he was unsure what remedy he had on these
issues. He is concerned about the choke point of the building. Mr. Minyard stated that this item
is going to the Subdivision Committee of the Planning Commission later and they review the
separation of buildings. The Planning Commission may have an issue with the separation.
Mr. Minyard apologized for the fact that there are only 5 members present at the hearing. If
there are five or fewer commissioners present, the applicant is offered to be able to defer. Mr.
Jimmy Moses said that they did not wish to defer at this time. He stated that they were on the
Planning Commission docket later and needed to make that hearing. He continued to speak of
the project, trying to add density to the area and not violating the fire codes.
Chad Johnson commented that it was a tight area at the rear of the existing legion hall building.
Mr. Moses said that they liked the commercial nature of the building and that it was non-
contributing to the district. They will come back with a more commercial building entrance off
Capitol Avenue at a later date.
Commissioner Russell asked if they would consider closing the gap between the buildings with
fencing. Mr. Moses said that they could. He amended the application to close area in choke
point with fencing.
Commissioner Jennifer Carmen said that she thought the windows are an issue if the windows
could have applied versus encased muntins. The application was amended to have surface
applied muntins.
The current amended application stands as such:
1) Not reviewing the existing American Legion building in this application. They will reapply at a
later date for those changes
2) Pane arrangement on the taller windows to be 2 panes wide by 4 panes tall, if available from
the manufacturer.
3) Add fencing in choke point area between buildings to fence off area and make more secure.
4) The muntins will be surface applied to the outside instead of encased (enclosed).
Page 13 of 15
Commissioner Wilson said that he would support the application with changes. Commissioner
Russell made a motion to approve the application with amendments. Commissioner Bowen
seconded and the motion was passed with 5 ayes and 2 absent.
Page 14 of 15
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
723 West Markham Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72201-1334
Phone: (501) 371-4790 Fax; (501) 399-3435
APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
1. Application ❑ate: --014)
2, Date of Public Hearing: at 5:00 p,m,
3. Address of property: 3 JrpC - Cpt?%-VoL -
_
4. Legal Description of Property: f� �- 15CX+1 Ci4j
`l 4 6r.- 4U% 11 U � � West 2 ' 4 4?4P A'
so 10'
5. Property Owner (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Emall):_ rl�+�^
LP.�i••n - 315 'E. LAPtTa 4 wit .-17.Z.o 1
B. Owner's Agent; (Printed Name, Address, Phone, Emall); 2o❑
)dal L Z - 71 7.7ra - 377(.n - w nncc maces �V ,rot>,.,
B. Estimated Cost of Improvements: w 3 d :N%■Vn
9, Zoning Classification; Is the proposed change a per fitted use? es No
10, Signature of Owner or Agent:
(The owner will nood to authorize any A am r pa n representing the owner et the public hearing).
NOTE: Should there be changes during construction (design, materiels, size, atc.) 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 ether applicable codes, ordlnenras or poficie5 of the city
unless elated by the Commission or staff. Responsibility for Identltying ouch nodes, ordinances, or policies recta
with the spplicent, owner, or agent.
.............................. ...................... -...---- I ......... .....•--..............................
(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 6/2012
Page 15 of 15
Cover Letter
TUCKER
TrXT r.l-rrrr
Mr, Brian Mlnyard
MacArthur Park Historic District
723 W. Markham
Little Rock, Ar. 72201
LEGION LOFTS: Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness
Dear Brian,
Please find enclosed our application for the proposed development planned for 315 E. Capitol
Avenue, better known as the M,M, Eberts American Legion Post No, 1, The property Is located in the
MacArthur Park Historic District & consists of an existing one-story commercial building that Is
deemed "non-contributing" along with a 45 space , surface parking lot on Rock Street,
Moses Tucker plans to redevelop the property as follows;
• The 1 story, 95O0 square foot commercial building which fronts on Capitol Avenue currently
serves as the Legion Post's offices & more Importantly a bar/dance hall & entertainment center
for Veterans, We plan to renovate this building & devote the north 5000 square feet facing
Capitol Avenue for restaurant/commercial use . A glass storefront will be added to the north
facade , The 3500 square feet In the rear of the building will be converted to 3 residential,
rental units,
• On what is now a 45 space, surface parking lot, we plan to construct a total of 36 new,
apartments In a new building(s) , which will front on Rock Street, The buildings will be three (3)
stories In height to blend with surrounding structures, Include sloped roofs & masonry facades,
The entire site will be gated & secured with surface parking to accommodate 35+/- vehicles
developed behind the structures and accessed through a gated alley off Blh street.
• Landscaping will be added to the site to allow It to blend with the rest of the neighborhood, It
Is our understanding that the property Is zoned "UU" , which ellows for the density & uses we
envision, although we will seek a landscape waiver from the City Beautiful Commission, In the
event the Planning staff so directs us to do so,
It Is also our desire to obtain a franchise to enable us to gate the alley In the block, Currently,
there Is considerable foot traffic, loitering & the like In the alley, that Is not conducive to the
development of a quality , historic neighborhood.
Commercial Brokerage . Management . Le"ing Development - Consulting
200 River Market Ave„ Suite 501 . Uttle Rork Arkansas 72201 Phone 501-176,65-55 - Far S01-M-6699
. museslu,ker com
Page 16 of 15
The" Legion Lofts" development will represent a total Investment of approximately $4.5 million,
Assuming we are successful in obtaining our necessary City approvals, we plan to acquire the
property In June & beginning redevelopment In July. AMR, Architects Is serving as the project
designer. Central Construction Group of Little Rock will serve as the General Contractor, Moses
Tucker will oversee the development, and handle project leasing and management, upon
completion,
As always, we appreciate the Interest & support of the Planning Department and are available to
answer any questions you might have of us,
Sincerely,
Jai Mas s
Cover Letter continued
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North Elevation
South Elevation
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