Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes1 CITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION Minutes October 14, 2015 PRESENT: Sharon Kipetz, Harold Buchholz, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Paul Arnold, Steve Cummings, Vicky Redlin and David Buck EXCUSED: Angela Allen ABSENT: None 1. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 3:10 p.m. and a quorum was declared present. It was determined that items 4 and 5 would be moved and discussed first. 4. Public Hearing for Landmark Designation - HP Schmidt Milling Company at 50 W. 6th Avenue Mr. Arnold asked for any public comments. There were no public comments and Mr. Arnold closed the public hearing. 5. Action for Landmark Designation - HP Schmidt Milling Company at 50 W. 6th Avenue Mr. Buck explained that this property, known as the HP Schmidt Milling Company and most frequently used as the Granary Restaurant and then Elements Night Club, was purchased by a local developer who desires to renovate and reuse it. Mr. Buck explained that the new owner plans to convert the building to apartments and possibly a restaurant/bar. Mr. Buck reviewed the information related to the property’s history and felt it is a candidate for local landmarking as it meets two of the criteria listed as eligible: 1. Exemplifies an aspect of the cultural, political economic or social history of the nation, state or community; and 2. The property reflects distinctive and important elements of the City’s and State’s architectural, archeological, cultural, social economic, ethnic or political history. Mr. Buck explained the architectural features of the building and that the stone it is built from originates from the Faber Quarry that was located on Knapp Street in Oshkosh. He went over its 100 year old history as a milling business from 1883 to 1982 and its shorter adaptive use as a restaurant and bar from 1984 to 2004. The building has been vacant since that time with the exception of a one year night club use in 2007. The present owner, Andy Dumke, purchased the building in 2015 and is the applicant for the Local Landmarking request. Mr. Buck explained that this is the only milling building that still stands in Oshkosh today and discussed many of its historic and cultural features. 2 Ms. Brabender Mattox stated that she felt the building is a fine example of “place-based history” and the building itself has visual importance that recalls an important aspect of the community history. Mr. Arnold added that the interaction of the mills historic use to the river and the railroad also make it significant from a regional perspective. Mr. Cummings said that the connection it has with the local quarry and the milling machinery and processes from Neenah also tell an important story of local milling. Mr. Dumke explained that the property owner of the building that is connected is concerned about her property being affected. Mr. Buck explained that the landmark designation only relates to this specific building and will not affect the adjacent/adjoining structure. He explained the landmark process that first must get approval for landmark designation from the Landmarks Commission, then the Plan Commission and finally the Common Council. Mr. Buck explained that once landmarked, any remodeling building plans would need to be reviewed by the Landmarks Commission in order for any changes to be made to the property. Mr. Buchholz shared facts about the mills operation pertaining to its social and economic impact on the region in that it produced over 1900 bushels of barley to Milwaukee daily, that the processes uses were extremely inventive and that they expanded rather than retracted during the difficult depression era. He further stated that he had conferred with the State Historical Society on the mill’s impact and they affirmed that it was significant. Mr. Arnold motioned to approve local Landmark status of the HP Schmidt Milling Company building at 50 W. 6th Avenue. Ms. Redlin seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 2. Approval of September 9, 2015 Meeting Minutes Ms. Redlin requested that staff indicate which commissioners were present, excused and absent on future minutes. Mr. Arnold made a motion to approve the September 9, 2015 meeting minutes and Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Building Permit Review Mr. Buck went over the 10 building permits issued on historic properties and that there weren’t many for large projects. Discussion took place about the three permits for Boarding House Status on Jackson Street in the Irving Church Historic District and concern was expressed about the long-term maintenance issues often related to that type of use. Ms. Brabender Mattox also expressed concern about the “For Rent” signs located on many rental properties. 6. Great Neighborhood Fund Request – Chief Oshkosh Statue and “Burial Site” Update Mr. Buck stated that approximately 8 applications for Great Neighborhood Funds were submitted and that the Landmarks Commission application to install walkways, sitting area, educational and wayfinder signage and ADA crosswalks/curb cuts at or near the Chief Oshkosh monument and “burial site” had made it through the first round review process and will be going to Council on October 27th for actual funding determination. The Commission reiterated that lighting should be considered. Mr. Buck responded that lighting would be looked at in the 3 design phase of the project if it is funded. Mr. Buck suggested that a member from Landmarks Commission should attend the Menominee South Neighborhood Association meeting or contact the president in order to make sure they approve of this project occurring in their neighborhood. Mr. Cummings mentioned that there is also a possible private funding source that he is waiting to hear from that could supplement the grant funds. Ms. Brabender Mattox felt the Library need be involved in the design as they are the trustees of the Hicks Fund. Ms. Brabender Mattox suggested that the Commission investigate the idea that the many Hicks Monuments in Oshkosh be nominated for the State and National Register as a collection. 7. Beckwith House Discussion/Update Mr. Buck explained that he is not sure if Ms. Allen has been able to contact contractors and suggested the item be discussed when she can be present. 8. Historic Property Owner Mailing Mr. Buck explained the changes that will need to be made to the mailing information such as the correction of typos and that the Qualified Rehabilitated Buildings Tax Credit has ceased operations, but could be reinstated at a later time. Mr. Buchholz pointed out several significant typos that need to be changed. Mr. Buck said he would get the brochures updated and asked the Commission when they would like to send out the mailings to the property owners. The Commission felt that the mailing should go out after the holidays but in late winter to be received when property owners are planning their home and building construction projects. 9. Agenda Items for Next Meeting/Statements Beyond the regular items such as building permit review, minutes and updates on the ongoing programs, the Commission asked that staff include:  Discussion on the Oshkosh version of This Old House;  The Beckwith House window replacement update;  Watch the Oshkosh Media Services Video on the 2015 Acanthus Awardees;  Website redevelopment update;  Mailing to historic property owners;  Final copy distribution of the Landmarks Commission 2014-2015 Annual Report; and  Discussion on updating the Historic Preservation Code. 10. Adjournment Mr. Arnold made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Cummings. Motion approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p. m. Recorded by: David Buck, Principal Planner and Alexa Naudziunas, Assistant Planner