HomeMy WebLinkAboutHDC2007-014 Letter From Answerfone Item #A Conner Limerick To LRHDC 08/302007answerfone
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We've taken your calls
personally since 1925.
August 30, 2007
Answerfone, Inc.
610 Rock Street
Little Rock, Arkansas 72202
1-800-333-6414
or 501-376-3121 in Little Rock
fax 501-372-7474
www.answerfone.com
I am writing this letter to ask that you review and hopefully oppose the application
filed by Tina and Charles Boyd, dba Boyd Home Inc. before the Historic District
Commission. The lot is located at 614 Rock Street in downtown Little Rock
between 6th and 7t" Streets.
My family has owned the property next door at 610 Rock Street for over 30
years. Our business is Answerfone, Inc. and our building is the Old Riegler
Cottage. We have made every effort to support the neighborhood and to improve
both the beauty and safety in the area. This is the first time we have objected to a
change downtown but this application is not appropriate for the neighborhood.
The requests that we object to are:
In order to build a swimming pool behind the house they have requested that
the front building line be changed from 15 feet to 11 feet from the back edge
of the sidewalk. This is entirely too close to the street and will impede our
view south and the neighbor's view north and will block our historic structure.
The house should be set back the same as all the other houses on the street
(See attached copy of The Little Rock Historic District design guidelines ,
page 62)
2. The request also asks for a 5 foot setback from our property line. One of the
oldest, largest and most beautiful trees in the neighborhood would have to be
removed. It sits on the property line and the trunk is 6 feet in width. A second
very old tree is on the north west property line and would also be lost. I spoke to
Peter Rausch, the City of Little Rock Urban Forester and he has not approved
the plans as the application suggest.
3. The plans call for 4 feet between the proposed house and the new home at
618 Rock Street. The setback between the other two homes on this side of the
street are 9 feet or better. Buildings this close together are a fire hazard and we
have found over the years that dark hidden areas are havens for transients and
the criminal elements.
4. The new application has added a second story to the house. This will further
overpower and hide our historic structure.
5. The proposed small business sign for Boyd Homes, Inc. is to be right on
Answerfone's property line. This would block vision for use of our small
driveway and could cause some confusion to people looking for our office.
We do not object to Boyd Homes Inc. building a home or office on the lot. But
the planned home is too large for the lot and the specifics are not in accord with
the guidelines of the Historic District. (Section 5 and 6, pages 61 through 68)
We simply ask that the structure be scaled down considerably to blend in with the
established character of the neighborhood and to afford some green space.
I am attaching part of the Historic District's guidelines. Note section 5 and 6,
which are pages 61 through 68.
Siinnc„ere�ly",�'
Conner Limerick
Answerfone Inc.
V. DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS AND
DETACHED NEW CONSTRUCTION
New additions, exterior alterations or 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.)
New additions and adjacent or 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)
The primary goal for alterations and additions to historic structures is to preserve the character -defining
elements of the building. Alterations and additions should compliment the original structure and should
not destroy the essential elements of the building and its site. New buildings should be harmonious in
form, material, siting, and scale with the established district character.
The City of Little Rock encourages both the rehabilitation of existing structures in the downtown
neighborhoods and the construction of new infill structures on vacant property within these same
neighborhoods. While the proper rehabilitation of existing structures is a critical element in maintaining
the historic context of the neighborhoods, some may need additions in order to meet current needs as a
residence or business. It is just as important that the construction of new infill structures maintain that
same historical context. Historic District Infill Development Plan: Little Rock Arkansas. by Heiple and
Wiedower Architects and Planners, was written in 2000 to encourage appropriate new construction after a
tornado destroyed much housing stock in the downtown historic districts. The publication provides
examples of a variety of residences which blend with the context of historic neighborhoods, while
providing the amenities required in a modern residence.
As an historic district evolves, individual structures may see new uses. Single-family houses may become
offices or apartments. Corner stores and fire stations may become homes. Zoning codes apply to the use
of structures and are beyond the jurisdiction of the Historic District Commission. However, if a structure
changes its function, attempts should be made to retain the character -defining elements visible from the
street and to minimize the adaptations (mailboxes, signs, new entrances, etc.) Guidelines for rehabilitation
and additions would apply to adaptive reuse as they apply to continued use.
A. ALTERATIONS OR ADDITIONS TO HISTORIC STRUCTURES
New additions, exterior alterations... 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)
New additions and alterations ... 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)
Objective: Alterations or additions to historic structures should be appropriate to the style of the building,
neither destroy nor copy elements of the structure, and be reversible without destroying the integrity of the
61
structure.
1. Historic Alterations
Alterations, which are old enough to have achieved historic
]` significance in themselves, may be preserved. Many
changes to buildings that have occurred in the course of
time are themselves evidence of the history of the building
and its neighborhood. These changes may have developed
significance in their own right, and this significance should
be recognized and respected. An example of such an
alteration may be a porch or kitchen wing that was added to
the original building early in its history.
Proper addition locations
New Construction Setbacks
New construction should maintain typical
foundation heights. The house on the right
is too low.
More recent alterations, which are not historically
significant, may be removed within the Certificate of
Appropriateness (COA) process.
2. New Alterations
New alterations should be designed to respect the original
design character of the building. Analyze the structure to
determine which elements are essential to its character,
considering mass, size, scale, and proportion to the lot.
Don't try to make it appear older (or younger) in style than
it really is. The genuine heritage of the District should be
expressed.
3. Additions (New Rooms)
Additions should be of a compatible design, in keeping
with the original structure's character, roof shape,
materials, and the alignment of window, door, and cornice
height. Additions include porches and bay windows, as
well as entire wings or rooms. They should be located on
the rear fagade and be subordinate to the original structure.
Additions should be constructed in a manner that avoids
extensive removal or loss of historic materials. They also
should not destroy or damage character -defining details,
including front or side porches.
Additions should not hinder the ability to interpret the
design character of the structure's historic period. Avoid
imitating an earlier historic style or architectural period.
Also avoid copying exactly the historic structure; instead,
distinguish the new from the original, perhaps by
simplifying or streamlining the new design. If possible,
keep original exterior walls and utilize existing openings
for connecting an addition with the original structure.
Excavation adjacent to historic foundations should take
care to avoid undermining the structural stability of the
historic structure.
62
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 d fferentiated 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 exig!qLEa1Lem
of surroundinS historic buildings in the nei hhorhood. 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 (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
63
Overall Height, building element height
and proportion/shape should be compati-
ble with existing structures.
The second house from the right is com-
patible with the other three houses in ori-
entation to the street, ►massing, height,
door to ceiling heights, and foundation
heights.
s
The second house from the right is not
compatible with the other three houses: it
is too tall, too large in massing, and ori-
ented the wrong direction.
V
The second house from the right is not
compatible with the other three houses: it
is too short, too small in massing, lower
foundation, and setback too far from the
street.
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.)
64
VI. DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR SITE DESIGN
Both the neighborhood setting and the individual building
site are important to consider when altering an existing
building or constructing a new one. The character -defining
elementiey relate to individual
structures, should be maLntaingL These include
entrance orientation; placement and character of
landscaping; circulation systems and surfacin the
placement of parking areas; lighting; mechanical systems
and service areas.
A. LANDSCAPE FEATURES
Objective: Landscape features, that are original or historic
(50 years or older), and that are important in defining the
overall character of the property, should be identified,
retained, and preserved. Some examples are sidewalks,
curbs, and parking areas; brick or stone retainer walls;
stepping blocks; furnishings such as lights, fences, or
benches; landforms such as terracing; historic plant
material, beds and planting areas; water features and garden
art.
Care should be taken if archaeological features are evident.
(Notify the Arkansas Archaeological Survey or the
Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.)
Although landscape plant materials do not require approval
of the Historic District Commission, native and traditional
plants should be considered. Maintain historic or early
landscaping, especially trees and shrubs. Keep new
landscape patterns in re a ion to the neighborhood.
Character -defining architectural features of a building
should not be concealed with landscape material.
However, plants can help conceal mechanical systems (air
conditioners), handicap access ramps, and trash containers
and can help achieve privacy.
Historic streetscapes include curbs and sidewalks with
planting space between them, street trees, retaining walls,
iron or low wooden fences and gates, with front yards
between the sidewalk and the house.
1. Sidewalks:
Sidewalks that are original to the property or district should
be preserved. If they have deteriorated and are dangerous,
replace them with similar materials (stone, brick or
concrete.) Newly introduced sidewalks should be brick or
65
MacArthur Park's impressive Collection of
cast iron should be preserved and main-
tained (523 E 6th St.).
Plan view of a brick sidewalk laid in a her-
ringbone pattern.
Plan view of a sidewalk laid in cut stone
pavers of various sizes.
Plan view of concrete sidewalk with brick
edging.
Wood fence with flat wood pickets
Wood fence with square wood pickets with
varying heights of pickets.
smooth concrete in patterns, dimensions, colors, and
placement like original or early sidewalks in the district.
They should not be asphalt or concrete surfaced with
aggregate or pebbles.
2. Planned Green Space:
Green space between streets and sidewalks, frequently
planted with grass and street trees should be retained.
Plant appropriately sized trees, so that they \vi11 not conflict
with overhead utility lines.
3. Fences and Retaining Walls:
Iron, wood, stone, or brick fences or walls that are original
to the property fiat least 50 years old) should be preserved.
If missing, they may be reconstructed based on physical or
pictorial evidence. Sometimes a low stone or brick wall
supports an iron or wooden fence.
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.
Wood picket fences may be located in front, side, or rear
yards, generally following property lines. They should be
no taller than three feet (36") tall; pickets should be no
wider than four inches (4") and set no farther apart than
three inches (3"). The design shall be compatible with and
proportionate to the house.
Wood board privacy fences should be located in rear yards.
They should be no taller than six feet (72"), of flat boards
in a single row (not stockade or shadowbox), and of a
design compatible with the structure. The privacy fence
should be set back from the front fagade of the structure at
least halfway between the front and back walls.
Chain -link fences may be located only in rear yards, where
not readily visible from the street, and should be coated
dark green or black. Screening with plant material is
recommended.
Fences should not have brick, stone, or concrete piers or
posts unless based on pictorial or physical evidence. Free-
standing walls of brick, stone, or concrete are not
appropriate.
New retaining landscape walls are discouraged in front
yards. Certain front yards that are in close proximity to the
66
Ornate ornamental iron fence.
Landscape Retaining wall with brick running
bond with a cast concrete or stone cap.
Historic retaining walls should be pre-
served or repaired (523 E 7th St.).
AI
Simple metal ornamental iron fence.
Retaining wall with watertable accent brick
pattern.
Section of retaining wall of concrete
block and brick veneer.
0
(Image at left 511 Rock St., right 301 E.
7th St.)
Proper placement of sconces at entry.
Proper placement of pendant at entry.
sidewalk may feature new walls that match the materials of
the building and be consistent with historic walls in the
neighborhood. Landscaping walls should match the
materials of the building and be consistent with historic
walls in the neighborhood.
B. LIGHTING
Lighting original to the property, either attached to the
building or free-standing, should be retained and
maintained.
1. Lighting attached to a building
Original lights should be preserved. If fixtures are added,
they should be from the period of the structure, or if new,
simple in design, based on traditional designs of the early
twentieth century. They should be mounted on porch
ceilings or on the exterior wall adjacent to the primary
entrance. Fixtures to avoid are carriage lamps or any
fixtures evocative of a period earlier than the building.
2. Freestanding lights
Post -mounted lights for residences should not exceed ten
feet in height and should be brass, copper, or painted metal
on posts of wood, cast iron, or painted metal. Small
footlights rather than freestanding post -mounted lights are
more appropriate for walkways and driveways. Streetlights
should reflect the period and style of the neighborhood and
streetscape.
3. Security lighting
These lights such as flood lights, should intrude as little as
possible on the integrity of the neighborhood. They should
be mounted on secondary and rear facades. Shields should
focus the light down, not at neighboring property.
68
D Yk
Consulting Group
August 30, 2007
Donna James
City of Little Rock
Planning and Development
723 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201
RE: Tina & Andrew Bond - 614 Rock Street
Dear Ms. James:
521 South Rock Street
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501)374-2600
FAX (501) 374-3639
www.ddfconsulting.com
As owner of four homes located at 601 Rock, 521 Rock, 409 E. Sixth and 411 E. Sixth we are extremely
concerned about the proposed changes to the original design of the property proposed at 614 Rock Street.
1. The proposed setback is not in line with other houses on the block and will impede the view of
the neighbors. DD&F has a substantial investment in the neighborhood and done everything in
our power to preserve the integrity of the buildings and the surroundings.
2. The side setbacks are not in keeping with the other houses and do not offer enough light to allow
for vegetation to grow and will offer a spot for the criminal element to hide.
3. We believe the original plan called for a single story and was smaller than what is now proposed
for the lot. This is going to overwhelm the other houses and will not be in line with the historical
value to the neighborhood.
4. The trees have not been assessed by Mr. Rausch as implied in the notice and we are extremely
concerned that the proposed setback is not enough to allow the trees to survive. These are old
trees and cannot be replaced. We want an assessment from Mr. Rausch to assure us that the trees
will be preserved.
5. Many of us are long term residents and intend to stay in the neighborhood. This project offers
little to the long term viability of our neighborhood.
In summary, we believe these changes will be detrimental to the property values and integrity of our
neighborhood. There is simply too much house on too small a lot. We respectfully request that these
changes be denied or a revised plan submitted that does not allow for changes to the normal setbacks for
the street.
Sincerely,
Randy Dennis
President
cc: Brian Minyard
Little Rock Historic District Commission
614 Rock St Project
Page 1 of 3
Minyard, Brian
From: BoydHomesInc [boydhomesinc@sbcglobal.net]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 12:34 PM
To: 'Greg Fetzer'; 'Conner Limerick'; James, Donna
Cc: Minyard, Brian
Subject: RE: (We are revising) Tina and Andrew Boyd - 614 Rock Street
am not asking for any changes on the side setbacks. The setback that is approved currently by the city is 4'
from the south side and 5' from the north side. I am proposing that the house be on the 4' setback on the south
side and 7' from the north property line (as drawn on the plot plan). Those are currently approved with the old
plan.
The pool AREA is proposed at the setback on the south side (4' from the line). That area includes the pool apron
which would be at least 4' (so 8' from the property line to the edge of the pool). The pool is actually going to be
quite small and doesn't have a deep end.
What we are proposing does not change anything in the original plot plan filed in 2005. Your home has reduced
setbacks on both sides and is 4' from the property line on both sides.
Thanks,
Tina
804-4349
www.boydhoMe$inc.com
From: Greg Fetzer [mailto:gregfetzer@mac.com]
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 12:08 PM
To: Conner Limerick; BoydHomesInc; djames@littlerock.org
Cc: bminyard@littlerock.org
Subject: Re: (We are revising) Tina and Andrew Boyd - 614 Rock Street
Tina,
Would you please verify the setback from the property line on both the North and South sides of the
proposed home? Also the distance from the south property line to the edge of the proposed pool?
Thank you,
Greg Fetzer
On Sep 10, 2007, at 11:36 AM, Conner Limerick wrote:
----- Original Message -----
From: BoydHomesInc
To: conner@answerfone.com
9/10/2007
Page 2 of 3
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2007 3:59 PM
Subject: FW: (We are revising) Tina and Andrew Boyd - 614 Rock Street
I forgot to include the house plan. As you can see by the front elevation, this plan should blend in to the
streetscape. It should fall in line with your home and with the two story next door.
Thanks,
Tina
804-4349
www.boydhomesinc.com
From: BoydHomesInc[mailto:boydhomesinc@sbcglobal,net]
Sent: Saturday, September 08, 2007 3:53 PM
To: 'canner@answeirFone.com'
Cc: djames@Iittlerock.arg; bminyard@Iittlerock.org
Subject: (We are revising) Tina and Andrew Boyd — 614 Rock Street
Mr. Limerick:
(I have sent a similar letter to Mr. Dennis)
I am responding to your letter of concern about our application for G14 Rock Street. I certainly understand your concerns and want to assure you that we have
the best interests of the neighborhood at heart. If you had called me, I would have gladly discussed this with you and made changes as needed. I think some of
this has been a miscommunication and some of it is corrected by changing the application. We live here and will continue to be neighbors. We also want to
save every tree that we can on the lot.
In response to your and Mr. Dennis' concerns, I have changed the application. Please see the attached site plan and letter of application which I have provided
to Donna James, City of Little Rock, Planning and Development. I have addressed all of your concerns except one, which is that the house will be 1.5 stories. I
have not changed the house plan because I believe this plan to be more in keeping with the area and will blend into the surrounding houses in appearance. It
also has much more street appeal than the original house that I had planned for this lot.
Specific to your concerns:
1. Our front porch will start almost exactly where the porch for Answerfone starts. The II' setback was approved in 2005. We are not proposing a
change to the building setback. This should be acceptable.
2. We have changed the north side of the house to be 7' from the property line, instead of at the 5' setback. The side setbacks were also approved in
2005. We are not proposing a change to those setbacks.
3. We are the same distance from your Answerfone structure now as in the original plan. The addition of fencing has significantly cut down on foot
traffic and crime in the area. You and I have discussed this and you agreed that the fencing has helped.
4. The original house plan called for 2900 square feet on one floor. The new house plan is -3000 square feet with 1.5 stories and is much more in
keeping with the other homes on the block. The footprint of the new home is SMALLER than the footprint of the original planned home. Answerfone is
the only one story home on the block. All of the other homes on the block are two stories and closer to 3000 square feet. The home should not
overwhelm the other homes on the block and is similar in size and shape.
I called Mr. Rausch last fall to give me guidelines to use during construction. I will use every guideline that he provided and will do everything possible keep
these trees alive. I have every interest in doing so. I have already had the trees trimmed per his specifications, and will continue to monitor them throughout
construction.
Andrew, Isabella and I will be living in this house for years to come, and we want to be good neighbors. The appraised value of the homes substantiates that
our development has added significant value to the area. The development's landscape shows that we are committed to providing the neighbors with a
beautiful property to view.
We have not requested setbacks from those approved in 2005, and we have addressed most of your concerns. It is my hope that you will contact Donna
James and withdraw your concerns, as we have filed an amended plot plan. All we are really asking for is the pool.
Sincerely,
9/10/2007
Page 3 of 3
Tina Boyd
Boyd Homes, Inc
President and Home -owner
Cc: Brian Minyard, Randy Dennis, Donna James
Please call me if you have any additional questions. (50I-804-4349)
<House Plan.pdf>
9/10/2007
_Hug 31 2007 3:30PM ANSWERFONE INC
5013727474 p.Z
Nancy Rennels
619 Rock Street
Kittle Rack, AR 72202
Little Rock Historic District Commission
Little Rock Planning Commission
Re: Boyd Home, Inc / Application for 614 Rock Street
My apartments at 619 Rock Street. I $acre fired lu the neighborhood for 4 vears and I
am employed in the home office of Dyke industries at 309 Center Street I received the
infozmation showing the proposed plans of the Boyd's for a new home at 614 Rock and
was shocked to see that the home they plan to build fills up the entire tot'
To she, one of the atu=tiR a features of the neighborhood is the landscaping and the trees.
The elan ob%iously removes all the beautiful trees and leaves na room For any
landscaping oecazrse the side setbacks are so close to the neighb(Yring structures that them:
will be total shade.
I do ktto w from living downwwn that criminals love aily`s and rutrraW dark spaces like
the narrow spaces between a couple of the existing strxwr=s. Many of my neighbors
havm been ,emo-% ing fewing and overgrown slumbbery to eliminate hiding places. I think
the proposed home should have wider setbacks on each side and the front n:eds to be In
hae with the other houmes on the street and hopefully have some front yard.
Not being s property owner my opinion may not matter. But 1 am a long time resident
and love the neighborhood and would hope some major adiusuneots would be required.
Respeetuly,
i;any Rennels