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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes1 of 4 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION MINUTES AUGUST 13, 2014 PRESENT: Vicky Redlin, Dennis Arnold, Karen Heikel, Steve Cummings, Angela Merrill and Shirley Brabender Mattox EXCUSED: Sharon Kipetz 1. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Redlin called the meeting to order at 3:00 pm and a quorum was declared present. 2. APPROVAL OF JUNE 11, JULY 1, AND JULY 9 2014 MEETING MINUTES Mr. Arnold asked if the minutes of July 9, 2014 could be separated for approval for a correction and the Commission agreed. Ms. Redlin asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of June 11, 2014 or July 1, 2014 and none were provided. Ms. Heikel made a motioned to approve the minutes of June 11, 2014 or July 1, 2014. Motion was seconded by Mr. Arnold. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Redlin asked if there were any corrections to the minutes of July 9, 2014 and Mr. Arnold made the correction to Page 1 under Item 2 that the reference to the “Stan Gallery” on West South Park and Oregon should be “Star Gallery” on Oregon and 12th. Mr. Cummings motioned to approve the minutes of July 9, 2014 as amended. Motion was seconded by Mr. Arnold. Motion carried unanimously. 3. REVIEW OF CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST FOR EXCEPTIONS FROM THE DOWNTOWN OVERLAY STANDARDS FOR 502 N. MAIN STREET (SKI’S MEAT MARKET) Mr. Nau gave an overview of a proposal by the owner of the property at 502 North Main Street, historically known as the Wagner Opera House Building, to install four wall signs for a new tenant - Ski’s Meat Market, with one sign proposed for each façade of the building. Mr. Nau stated that the proposed signage for the east and west facades include a 4.5 square foot and a 30 square foot raised channel letter/corporate logo, with signs meeting the design standards of the Downtown Overlay. He further explained that the signage proposed on the north façade is proposed to be a 20-foot by 20-foot, 400 square foot mural-type vinyl sign designed to imitate the look of hand painted signage on large brick façades which were common in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The signage for the south façade is proposed to be a second raised channel letter/corporate logo sign (33 square feet) placed above the existing sign for Winnebago Bicycle facing Merritt Avenue. He also reviewed photos of the proposed signage. Mr. Buck stated that the Landmarks Commission opinion/recommendation on the signage will be forwarded to the 2 of 4 Plan Commission when they consider the signage proposal. Mr. Nau stated that the building was originally an opera house/concert hall designed by Oshkosh architect William Waters and constructed in 1874. It is a brick Romanesque Revival building with additions constructed in 1924 and early 2000’s It has been sensitively maintained over the past 140 years and is a contributing structure within the National and State Register of Historic Places – North Main Street Historic District (Listed in 1995 as the First Methodist Church). The Commission discussed the colors/font for much of the signage. Mr. Arnold stated that the font color for the south façade signage should be complimentary with the existing sign on that façade and that any signage regardless of the location must be removable without damage to the brick or any other architectural feature. Ms. Brabender Mattox discussed several “ghost signs” on historic buildings and expressed concern that the vinyl signage on the north façade’s edges looked too tight. Mr. Nau stated that the owner is willing to paint the sign on the brick but it was felt that that would not be appropriate as it could damage the brick, though staff had not contacted SHPO to get their opinion. He also added that staff will be recommending to the Plan Commission to require samples of the vinyl material to be sure it was appropriate to the intent. Mr. Arnold said he liked the idea or concept of the “old sign” look but is concerned with potential damage to the building façade if it is to be removed. The Commission discussed the starkness of the signs edges and thought that maybe a border would help to soften it. Ms. Heikel expressed concern that many of the recent improvements inside the building and on the site such as the conditions of the steel planters have not been very historically sensitive and she was concerned that the quality of what is being proposed would not take into account the historic nature of the structure. She feels that there have been questionable choices in the past. Ms. Redlin suggested that the owner may simply need guidance on best practices for historic building and grounds maintenance and management. A motion was made by Mr. Arnold to supply four comments to the Plan Commission: 1) Font color of proposed sign on the south side be compatible with the other sign there; 2) Signage can be removed without damaging the building’s exterior; 3) investigate softening the edges of the large sign on the north façade; and 4) express concerns that recent improvements to the building have not been sensitive or are questionable and that the property owner receive guidance on proper historic building maintenance and management. Motion was seconded by Ms. Heikel. Motion carried unanimously. 4. BROCHURES/INFORMATIONAL/DISPLAY ITEMS FOR FARMERS MARKET ON 8/23/14 The Commission discussed what items needed to be prepared/developed for the Landmarks Commission booth at the Saturday Farmers Market. It was determined that a map of the historic districts, tax credit information and the brochure on the plaque program needed to be included and that the commission should work to finalize the brochure that Ms. Merrill has been developing that explains the districts. Mr. Buck stated he had completed the Oshkosh State Normal School and the Algoma Boulevard Districts but others still need to be completed. The Commission determined that Ms. Merrill will do the North Main Street District, Mr. Buck would do the Paine Lumber District, Ms. Heikel would do the Riverside Cemetery District, Ms. Redlin 3 of 4 would do the Washington Street District, and Ms. Brabender Mattox will do the Irving Church and North Main Street Bungalow Districts. A deadline of Wednesday, August 20th was established to get the information in to Ms. Merrill so it could be incorporated into the brochure and sent out for copies. Ms. Merrill and Ms. Brabender Mattox agreed to staff the booth. 5. SHPO-HISTORIC PRESERVATION FUND SUBGRANT LETTER OF INTENT DISCUSSION Mr. Buck described that the Wisconsin Historical Society Preservation Fund Subgrant applications are coming up with a letter of intent needed to be submitted by September 12, 2014. The Commission looked over the guidelines briefly. It was determined that the Commission should put together a letter of intent for professional services to have the “West Washington District”. Discussion took place on the size and content of the potential district and it was thought that we need to contact Mr. Joe DeRose with SHPO to assist with what is appropriate for the new district and get an estimate of how much it may cost for the work. Ms. Brabender Mattox said she would coordinate with staff to get in contact with SHPO and get an estimate and a letter of intent together. 6. 401 NORTH MAIN WINDOW REPLACEMENT ASSISTANCE FOLLOW-UP Mr. Buck went over the history associated with the request for the window replacements at 401 North Main Street and stated that the owners are pulling back on doing the windows. Mr. Buck asked if anyone has had further contact with the owners. Mr. Arnold said he has been out of town and has not been in contact with the Baer brothers. Mr. Arnold said he wants to check Mr. Haase’s availability to coordinate a time to get into the building and evaluate. Mr. Buck also suggested getting a few other window replacement companies in as well to provide quotes with acceptable replacements. Ms. Brabender Mattox said that the owners seem very cooperative and are willing to allow others into the building for evaluation. Mr. Arnold suggested we include this in future agendas to keep the item on the Commission’s “radar” so it does not just fall back to the original replacement proposal for lack of contact. 7. MARKER PHOTOGRAPH SEARCH FOLLOW-UP Mr. Buck stated that the text for the Fishing Marker has been finalized but that the Commission was still looking for better photographs focusing on fishing with boats, ice fishing or shanties. The Commission discussed possible locations for finding photographs and Mr. Buck asked if they had posted anything on the Oshkosh Facebook pages. Mr. Cummings suggested that there is a photograph in the finance director’s office of a boat livery. Ms. Brabender Mattox said she was in contact with individuals who may have been involved with a carp fishing business. The Commission determined they will continue to look and get any information on them to staff. Possible sources include the DNR, the Fishing Club and Scott Engel. 8. WORKING GROUP REPORTS Mr. Buck stated the railroad markers are out for creation and mentioned a few changes to the fonts. He also mentioned that one of the markers will be stored until the riverwalk is 4 of 4 constructed. Mr. Buck said he had not spoken with the University yet about a marker but he mentioned he is going to request funds for signs at the Irving-Church/Middle Village and for the North Main Street District, though the markers at these locations will most likely be a different design. Mr. Cummings said he has been in conversation about an alternative pub crawl to the existing that would focus on the historic education element of our downtown/Main Street taverns. The Commission discussed other such tours in Milwaukee, Menasha and Neenah. It was determined to put this as an item on a future agenda. The Commission further discussed the concept of working with the CVB for a historic bar/tavern tour like they had done last year. The thought was that the Landmarks Commission could partner with them and possibly provide a docent and work with them to come up with educational and/or marketing material. Ms. Redlin believed that Neenah has a historic beer tour that we could fashion ours on. It was determined that the Commission needs to have Mr. Cummings coordinate this type of event with the Historic Bar Working Group. 9. AGENDA ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING/COMMISSIONER STATEMENTS It was determined that the letter of intent, finalized brochures, 401 North Main status and discussion on a historic tour should be included on the next agenda as well as continued work on the fishing marker. 10. ADJOURNMENT Ms. Heikel motioned to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion approved unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, David Buck, Principal Planner