HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutesCITY OF OSHKOSH LANDMARKS COMMISSION
Minutes
May 4, 2017
PRESENT: Steve Cummings, Paul Arnold, Shirley Brabender Mattox, Harold Buchholz, Liz Hintz,
Chet Wesenberg, Alexa Naudziunas, Steven Wiley, Elizabeth Williams
EXCUSED: Angela Allen, Vicky Redlin, 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. Granary Building – 50 W 6th Avenue – Landmark Designation Project Review Presentation of
Relevant Information
Mr. Wesenberg, architect for the project, presented information on the proposed changes for the Granary
Building. He provided an overview with visuals of the modifications proposed to the building. He then
opened the floor for questions from Commissioners.
3. Granary Building – 50 W 6th Avenue – Landmark Designation Project Review - Discussion
The commissioners asked questions regarding the proposed retaining wall and solar panels for the site.
Mr. Wesenberg stated that the retaining wall would consist of wood panels installed between steel
I-beams anchored in concrete. The wall would be sensitive to the remainder of the historic building.
Concrete walks would allow for accessibility behind the retaining wall. The accessibility was a design
concern for the architect. Mr. Wesenberg mentioned removing vinyl siding and replacing it with
corrugated metal to reflect an industrial aesthetic. Commissioners asked about using board and batten
on restaurant portions of the building and Mr. Wesenberg stated that the metal was primarily chosen
for aesthetic purposes. Mr. Buchholz asked about the height of the wall and horizontal orientation of
the wall panels. Mr. Wesenberg stated that the historic building code was employed to reduce the size
of the accessibility ramp and the wall design was still evolving. The wall height could decrease. Mr.
Cummings asked Mr. Wesenberg to consider which era of the building he would like to replicate in the
renovation. Discussion occurred briefly regarding the historical eras of the building. Mr. Wesenberg
then explained the roof changes and that he was proposing the replacement of the steel roof with
asphalt. The solar proposed would occur on the penthouse and be the same pitch as the roof. Mr.
Arnold mentioned that the color of the panels against the roof would be an important consideration.
Mr. Arnold mentioned that he visited the site and that from close up the solar panels would likely not
have a major impact visually. Mr. Arnold also mentioned that once a visitor moves further away from
the building many modern buildings are in the view anyway. Signage was included in the proposal for
the restaurant portion and potentially of cut metal letters. Planters and vegetation would also be
possibilities according to Mr. Wesenberg but they would be on city property. After conclusion of
discussion a motion was made by Mr. Buchholz and seconded by Mr. Arnold to approve the proposal
with conditions on the asphalt shingles and solar panels. Motion carried 5-0.
4. Adjournment
Meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m.
Recorded by:
Steven Wiley, Assistant Planner