HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
April 19, 2017
PRESENT: Steve Cummings, Paul Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Harold Buchholz, Alexa
Naudziunas, Steven Wiley, Elizabeth Williams
EXCUSED: Angela Allen, Vicky Redlin, Elizabeth Hintz, Austin Frederick
ABSENT: None
1. Call to Order
Ms. Brabender Mattox called the meeting to order at 3:04 p.m. and a quorum was declared present.
2. Approval of March 8, 2017 Meeting Minutes
The commission discussed the March 8 meeting minutes. The Commission requested a change to the
minutes, On Item 4 of the minutes. the writing states that. “Once properties are locally landmarked it
enhances the ability of the Commission to inspect sites,” The Commission requested that the minutes
state: “Once properties are locally landmarked it enhances the ability of the Commission to maintain the
historic integrity of the properties for present and future owners,” Ms. Brabender-Mattox made a motion
to approve the March meeting minutes as amended and Mr. Arnold seconded the motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
3. Building Permit Review
The commissioners reviewed the list of historic building permits. Mr. Buchholz was interested in
knowing whether the guardrails on the side porch of 641 Franklin Street were looked at by zoning or
not, Ms, Brabender Mattox wanted to know more about the owner’s intention to take out a window
and install 4 new windows at the 1607 N Main Street property. Brief discussion took place regarding
the building permits and work intended and the Commission came to the consensus that most of the
proposed work was clean-up and bringing the properties up to code. After the building permit review
Mr. Wiley informed the Commission of the request by staff to switch the 537 North Main Signage
Review and Granary Building – 50 W 6th Avenue Review on the agenda.
4. Granary Building – 50 W 6th Avenue – Landmark Designation Project Review
Elizabeth Williams, Planner attended the meeting to explain the proposed changes at the Granary
Building to the Commission and obtain feedback from the Commission. Ms. Williams explained that
the architect for the project is Chet Wesenberg and the uses in the building will consist of a brew pub,
restaurant, and 2-4 office tenants. Exterior façade changes are proposed and the project was set to
appear on the May 2nd Plan Commission agenda and May 9th Common Council Agenda. The
Commission went down the list of changes proposed to the building and were ok with the proposed:
Windows
Roof repair
Siding on the third floor
Siding on the eastern portion of the structure
Painting the existing CMU block, painting the existing fascia
Running a new downspout down the back of the building close to 6th Avenue
Running a new downspout down the Northwest corner on 5th Avenue.
Removing existing awnings and adding additional awnings to match existing construction
The Commission would like to see the owner maintain the existing interior, and commended the owner
for maintaining original apertures. They appreciated the sensitivity to maintaining historical integrity
and commended the owner for having Chet on board as the architect. A motion was made by Mr.
Arnold and seconded by Mr. Cummings to forward these comments on to Plan Commission. The
motion carried 4-0.
5. 537 North Main Signage Review
The Commission examined the changes proposed to the front façade at 537 North Main and came to
the conclusion that they would like to see the owner replace plywood in the second floor windows
with glass instead of Brazilian Walnut wood. The Commission did not desire to set a precedent of
allowing boarded up windows during their building reviews. The Commission cited the zoning
ordinance which prohibits boarded up windows. The Commission stated that the projection sign is
permissible if it meets code and suggested anchoring it from the stone on the façade rather than over a
currently boarded up window. A motion was made by Mr. Cummings to recommend replacing glass
with glass and seconded by Mr. Arnold. The motion carried 4-0. A motion was made by Mr. Arnold to
request that the proposed change meet the zoning code and seconded by Mr. Buchholz. The motion
carried 4-0.
6. Historic District Signage - Review
Commissioners reviewed and discussed the changes to the proposed historic district signage and
requested a change to the Irving-Church Historic District write-up. In the first paragraph of the write-
up. it states that. “Upon his death in 1841. Wright Sr, divided his land between his three sons, Philip,
William. and George F, William, George F, William received 106 acres of his father’s estate…” The
Commission requested that this change to: “Upon his death in 1841. Wright Sr, divided his land
between his three sons, George F, William, and Philip. William Wright received 106 acres of his
father’s estate…”
7. Historic Plaque Program – Action – 1324 Washington Avenue – Applicant Jeffrey Schinker
Commissioners discussed the request by the owner of 1324 Washington Avenue for a historic plaque.
Mr. Arnold suggested that the Newspaper Archive was a source for finding more information on the
house. The Commission would like to do and present a write-up on the history of the property. Ms.
Brabender Mattox stated that she could assist staff in the process. The County Register of Deeds was
also mentioned as a potential source for information. A motion was made by Mr. Arnold and seconded
by Mr. Buchholz to approve the property for a historic plaque. The motion carried 4-0.
8. Research Project Development – Improve accuracy of housing age for historic districts
a. Take action on developing this research project:
Mr. Buchholz initiated discussion on this project and raised the possibility of establishing a
subcommittee to work on it. He envisioned doing this project by districts. He mentioned that
with the other obligations Commission members have over the next few months, the
Commission could table the project and set it as a goal. Mr. Buchholz made a motion to set the
project as a goal for the Commission longer term and Mr. Cummings seconded the motion. Mr.
Cummings stated that the Commission should get the neighborhood associations, high schools,
and university involved. Discussion ensued regarding the possibility of a student intern to
assist with the project. The motion carried 4-0.
b. Assign leads for geographical area:
No discussion on this part of the item
c. Establish deadline for each area:
No discussion on this part of the item
9. Fish District Historic District – Discussion
a. What needs to be done to establish this area as an historic district?
The Commission decided to withdraw this item from discussion and include it on the next agenda.
10. Acanthus Awards – Updates on contact with nominees
The Landmarks Commission mentioned the Waugoo property and Louis Schrieber House. The next
steps include sending an official letter stating when the Acanthus Awards will go to Council. The May
23rd Council Meeting was listed as the date and a proclamation will have to go out for the 1st meeting.
Discussion occurred regarding Leon’s as a candidate for an Award, A motion was made by Mr,
Cummings and seconded by Mr, Arnold to remove Leon’s from candidacy.
11. Commissioner Statements
a. Court House Update – Austin Frederick
Mr. Frederick was not able to attend the meeting so this item was not discussed.
b. Longfellow School Lintel – Harold Buchholz
Mr. Buchholz discussed the status of the lintel project and stated that the project is more of a
restoration. The evaluation of how to restore the lintel could occur for free and the Commission
would like to build interest in the neighborhood association for this project.
c. Ms. Brabender Mattox mentioned an event regarding Certified Local Governments by Joe
DeRose starting on the 28th of April (Friday and Saturday).
12. Agenda Items for Next Meeting
The Acanthus Awards and Historic Fish District were items to include for discussion on the next
meeting agenda.
13. Adjournment
Mr. Cummings made a motion to adjourn and the motion was seconded by Mr. Arnold. Motion
approved unanimously and the meeting adjourned at 5:36 p.m.
Recorded by:
Steven Wiley, Assistant Planner