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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES JUNE 08, 2011 PRESENT: Todd Clark, Dennis Arnold, Shirley Mattox, and Steve Cummings OTHERS PRESENT: Aaron Sherer, Paine Art Center and Gardens EXCUSED: Arlene Schmuhl STAFF: David Buck CALL TO ORDER Mr. Clark called the meeting to order at 3:13 pm and a quorum was declared present. Mr. Buck stated that Ms. Schmuhl had contacted the Planning Department stating she would not be in attendance. APPROVAL OF MAY MINUTES Mr. Cummings commented that the minutes need to be amended so that the "Schreiber House" is correctly titled as the " Schriber House ". Mr. Arnold stated there was a correction to a name of "Joe Furlough" from " Ferlo ". He then moved for approval of the May minutes, with correction. Mr. Cummings seconded the motion, which passed unanimously. The agenda items were determined to be taken out of order and have Item 4 -Paine Art and Garden Center next followed by Item 3 -the Building Permit Review PAINE ART & GARDEN CENTER Mr. Sherer described the project which includes rezoning the property at 1428 Algoma to match the zoning of the Paine with the Planned Development Overlay, moving the Schriber House to place a 25 stall parking lot, and adding a 2000 square foot conservatory building for group events. Mr. Sherer added that the timeframe for the improvements extended three years in order to allow the Paine to appropriately move the historic Schriber House. Mr. Clark inquired if the Paine has looked for new sites for the home? Ms. Mattox stated that it should remain in the Algoma Historic District or within a compatible historic district, at a minimum. Mr. Sherer responded that they cannot move the home too great a distance because they cannot cross major roadways or go over any bridges. He added that they plan to make the house available at no cost and that they have been in discussions with an interested developer who is currently looking for a site to place it. Ms. Mattox said that they need to find an appropriate space where the house fits with the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Cummings stated that many homes in the area had been moved to Vinland Street during the University development and are extremely out of place. Mr. Cummings asked if the petitioner had been in contact with any house movers and if they said it could be done and if they considered using it in the operation of the Art and Garden Center. Mr. Sherer said he has spoken with a coupe of movers who stated it could be moved as Algoma has no overhead power lines and that the Paine wants to keep the building as a home because of retrofitting costs and want a "good" lot in a residential neighborhood to move it to. Mr. Cummings suggested the corner of Algoma and Congress or the corner of Elmwood and Congress as ideal relocation sites. 1 of 3 Discussion then ensued regarding the new conservatory building. Mr. Clark stated that it was a good example of a way to create a new building that was sensitive to historic feel while not trying to replicate the actual old building. Ms. Mattox inquired on the materials. Mr. Sherer stated they will be using true stucco and Kasota Limestone, both of which match the other structures at the Paine. Doors are to be oak as is the interior paneling with the bum -out in copper. Mr. Sherer added that this will be the first new construction on the Paine site so it is important to be high quality. Mr. Clark stated that it appears inline with the Department of Interior guidelines as the addition is distinct but plays into character of what it's attached to. Mr. Clark inquired on the Paine's approach to increasing its facilities and if they are "master planning" expansion into the historic neighborhood? Mr. Sherer stated that what is before the Commission is the only long -term plan and that they are not thinking of more expansion or "creeping" into the neighborhood. He added that the parking lot on the 1428 Algoma property is beneficial because it does not necessitate changes to the Paine property. Mr. Clark said it's a unique place and understands they need to stay current but that there is a lot of concern with the Paine encroaching into the formal historic districts and general historic neighborhoods surrounding it. Mr. Arnold asked if the Paine had conducted any salvage attempts on the Elmwood or Congress residential properties removed by the Paine last year. Mr. Sherer stated that both had two to three salvages including Terry Laib and Habitat for Humanity. Ms. Mattox and Mr. Arnold stated that Crescent Moon Salvage had not been involved. Mr. Buck described the next steps of the project including the Plan Commission and the Common Council reviews. He stated that the Landmarks comments will be shared with the Plan Commission in the staff report. Mr. Cummings recommended that the Paine get some financial assurances that any developers interested have the resources to move the home and that the Paine may want to have a "Plan B" to move the home if no developers step forward. Mr. Sherer responded that was why a 2 -3 year timeframe is proposed so they can stay in control of what happens with the Schriber Home. Mr. Sherer stated that he was more than willing to come back to the Landmarks Commission with updates on plans and progress with the home. Mr. Clark and Mr. Arnold both commented that the Landmarks Commission will be a resource to the Paine and should be kept in the loop. Mr. Arnold moved and Mr. Cummings seconded a motion for approval of the project plan with conditions that include: 1) The house must not be demolished and be moved to a compatible location, preferably within the Algoma Boulevard Historic District or another local historic district; 2) The applicant work with the Landmarks Commission on the relocation and provide regular updates as to the progress; 3) Any future off -site expansions of the Paine Art Center and Gardens be included in a master plan document accepted by the Common Council; and 4) Landscaping be installed at the front of the new parking area. Motion carried unanimously. BUILDING PERMIT REVIEW MAY, 2011 Mr. Buck presented the list of building permits that were issued in the month of May and described work being done. Discussion took place regarding the facade /awning proposed on the Roxy Supper Club in relation to the garage structure. It was felt the building was in disrepair and that when rehabilitated, should be historically sensitive. Ms. Mattox was concerned with the window replacement at 1022 Washington and wished plans submitted to the building department were more complete so she could determine if they were appropriate replacements or just "cheaper ". Mr. Clark added that the people replacing them could be encouraged to reuse their existing historic windows rather than replace if and when the Landmarks Commission gets to sign off before permits are issued. Mr. Buck replied that he will try to get better descriptions /plans for future window projects. Mr. Cummings added that the retention of original windows is an "equity protection" element 2 of 3 within the neighborhood and he stated that Neighborworks will be educating owners when they get up and running. COMMISSION REVIEW OF ANNUAL REPORT Mr. Clark handed out a rough draft of the annual report. He had asked that everyone review the report and the Commission can finalize it at this meeting. Mr. Arnold said it looked good with the exception of removing CR Meyer from the Acanthus Award recipient list. STATUS UPDATE: SIGNAGE PROGRAM Mr. Buck went over the status of the signage /plaque program being developed and described the different elements of the program: 1) small identification plaques and 2) interpretive panel /kiosks. He further discussed the private donation funding that will be available to fund the first round of signs. Ms. Mattox said she will check with the State Historic Preservation Office to see if there might be a "match" funding grant for CLG status communities such as Oshkosh. Mr. Buck further described that the first year would be a pilot program and would be done in coordination with the Canadian National Railroad bridge sign item and the Fox Wisconsin Heritage Parkway. AGENDA ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETING /COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS Mr. Buck stated that topics for the next meeting are on the Planning Calendar and include status updates to the website /newsletter, landmarking Fulton Street property, designation of the North Main Street Historic District and finalization of the annual report, which will be a carryover item from this meeting. Additional items would include building permit review. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 5:18 pm was made by Ms. Mattox and seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion carried unanimously. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck Principal Planner 3 of 3