HomeMy WebLinkAboutAmerican Legion Cultural Significance Sign Designation Certificate of Appropriateness No. Z-09202.pdf
Commission Memorandum
REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission
FROM: Allyson C. Bristor, Associate Planner
Andy Epple, Planning Director
Chris Kukulski, City Manager
SUBJECT: American Legion Cultural Significance Sign Designation - #Z-09202
MEETING DATE: December 14, 2009
AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action Item
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the cultural significance sign designation of the “American Legion”
projecting sign, by finding the sign has cultural significance to the City of Bozeman, but does not
conform to the provisions of the B.M.C.
AND
Direct City Staff to create findings and a resolution for future adoption by the City Commission.
BACKGROUND: The American Legion Post 14, and their representative Legends Studio, Inc.,
submitted a Historic and Cultural Significance Sign Designation application to the Department of
Planning in October 2009. The application is requesting the designation of the American Legion
projecting sign as culturally significant to the City of Bozeman. The projecting sign was located on the
front of the previous American Legion building, which was destroyed by the March 5, 2009 downtown
explosion. The sign survived the explosion and subsequent fire.
This application is required because the projecting sign does not meet the current sign provisions of the
Bozeman Municipal Code; namely, it exceeds the maximum square footage (12 square feet) permitted for
projecting signs in the B-3 zoning district. The designation would allow the reinstallation of the
“American Legion” projecting sign on the new American Legion building’s front façade and would
permit the sign to remain without its square footage contributing to the allowable sign square footage
permitted for the building.
Staff reviewed the application requesting the cultural significance sign designation of the American
Legion projecting sign at 225 East Main Street. Based on the review criteria, and the recommendations
received from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the Design Review Board, Staff finds the
projecting sign to have cultural significance to the City of Bozeman.
FISCAL EFFECTS: The Historic and Cultural Significance Sign Designation application fee was
processed and is considered as application revenue for the Department of Planning and Community
Development.
ALTERNATIVES: As suggested by the City Commission.
Attachments: Staff Report
Report compiled on: December 9, 2009
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CITY COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
AMERICAN LEGION CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE SIGN DESIGNATION #Z-09202
Item: Zoning Application #Z-09202, requesting the cultural significance
sign designation of the American Legion projecting sign at 225 East
Main Street. The designation will allow the reinstallation of the
projecting sign on the building’s front façade. Said property is
zoned as “B-3” (Central Business District) and is located within the
Main Street Historic District and the Neighborhood Conservation
Overlay District.
Property Owner: American Legion Post #14
P.O. Box 10128
Bozeman, MT 59719
Applicant: Legends Studio, Inc.
c/o Kira Ogle
3805 Valley Commons Dr., Ste. 11
Bozeman, MT 59718
Date & Time: City Commission Public Meeting: Monday, December 14, 2009 at
6:00 p.m., in the City Commission Meeting Room, 121 N. Rouse
Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715
Report By: Allyson C. Bristor, AICP
Associate Planner & Historic Preservation Officer
Recommendation: Approve the cultural significance sign designation of the “American
Legion” projecting sign, by finding the sign has cultural significance
to the City of Bozeman, but does not conform to the provisions of the
B.M.C.
AND
Direct City Staff to create findings and a resolution for future
adoption by the City Commission.
PROPOSAL & BACKGROUND
The American Legion Post 14, and their representative Legends Studio, Inc., submitted a Historic and
Cultural Significance Sign Designation application to the Department of Planning in October 2009. The
application is requesting the designation of the American Legion projecting sign as culturally significant
to the City of Bozeman. The projecting sign was located on the front of the previous American Legion
building, which was destroyed by the March 5, 2009 downtown explosion. The sign survived the
explosion and subsequent fire.
This application is required because the projecting sign does not meet the current sign provisions of the
Bozeman Municipal Code; namely, it exceeds the maximum square footage (12 square feet) permitted for
projecting signs in the B-3 zoning district. The designation would allow the reinstallation of the
“American Legion” projecting sign on the new American Legion building’s front façade and would
permit the sign to remain without its square footage contributing to the allowable sign square footage
permitted for the building.
American Legion Cultural Sign Designation Staff Report 1 546
PROJECT LOCATION
The American Legion building site is located at one of the five properties destroyed by the March 5, 2009
gas line explosion that occurred on Bozeman’s Main Street. It is addressed as 225 E. Main Street and is
legally described as Lot 7, Block D, Original Townsite, City of Bozeman, Gallatin County, Montana.
The property is zoned as B-3 (Central Business District) and is located within the Main Street Historic
District and the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
ZONING DESIGNATION & LAND USES
The subject property is zoned “B-3” (Central Business District). The intent of the “B-3” zoning district is
to provide a central area for the community’s business, government service and cultural activities. With
exception to the adjacent properties damaged by the gas line explosion, the subject property is surrounded
by a mix of downtown businesses including retail, services, restaurants and offices. All adjacent
properties are zoned “B-3.” Please see the following zoning map:
GROWTH POLICY DESIGNATION
The property is designated as “Community Core” in the Bozeman Community Plan. The traditional core
of Bozeman is the historic downtown. This area has an extensive mutually supportive diversity of uses, a
strong pedestrian and multi-modal transportation network, and a rich architectural character. Essential
government services, places of public assembly, and open spaces provide the civic and social core of
town. Residential development on upper floors is well established. New residential uses should be high
density. The area along Main Street should be preserved as a place for high pedestrian activity uses, with
strong pedestrian connectivity to other uses on nearby streets. Users are drawn from the entire planning
area and beyond. The intensity of development is high with a Floor Area Ratio well over 1. Future
development should continue to be intense while providing areas of transition to adjacent areas and
preserving the historic character of Main Street.
This particular area of “Community Commercial” resides in the historic core of Bozeman. It is important
to note the goals and objectives related to the historic core as stated in Chapter 5 of the Bozeman
Community Plan and keep them in perspective for this proposal:
Goal HP-1: Protect historically and culturally significant resources that contribute to the
community’s identity, history and quality of life.
American Legion Cultural Sign Designation Staff Report 2 547
• Objective HP-1.1: Continue implementation and further develop historic preservation
planning tools and research efforts that provide protection of historic resources.
REVIEW CRITERIA & FINDINGS
“Section 18.52.160 Historic or Culturally Significant Signs,” of the Bozeman Municipal Code
“Signs which have historical or cultural significance to the City, but do not conform to the
provisions of this chapter, may be permitted provided that the City Commission adopts findings
supporting the historical or cultural significance of the sign and issues a sign permit. Such findings
shall be adopted by resolution of the City Commission.”
Staff reviewed the following criteria to determine the cultural significance of the American Legion
projecting sign proposed for 225 East Main Street.
Review Criteria
1. Is the sign unique because there are few or no others similar to it in the community due to
exemplary graphic, sculptural, or architectural design?
American Legion verbal records document the projecting sign being installed in the mid-1970s.
Because the sign is not at least 50 years of age, it is not deemed as historically significant.
However, the sign is very unique as it is the sole surviving American Legion sign in the City of
Bozeman. Therefore, the sign is linked to an organization that has been in existence in the
Gallatin Valley for over 50 years and is culturally significant.
2. The sign was not mass designed or produced?
The sign was not mass designed or produced, but rather specifically designed for the use of the
American Legion Gallatin Post #14 organization.
3. Is the sign, regardless of age, easily identified with a specific historical or cultural era, or
integrally identified with a historically or culturally important building?
The sign is easily identified with the previous American Legion building, a culturally important
building because it is one of five buildings destroyed in the March 5, 2009 downtown explosion
and subsequent fire. The downtown explosion is a significant cultural event for the City of
Bozeman and the buildings or structures that survived the event shall be preserved when
physically and economically feasible.
4. Does the sign exhibit a unique character which substantially contributes to, rather than
dominates, the district or area in which it is located?
The sign exhibits a unique pop-culture character that is reflective of the sign design and
construction in the Gallatin Valley in the 1970s. The sign’s interior is lit by neon and is an
example of the sign design trends changing from exposed neon (predominant in the late 1950s
and 1960s) to covered neon within a plastic case.
PUBLIC COMMENT
This application was publicly noticed on-site and sent to adjoining property owners within 200 feet of the
site. The Department of Planning & Community Development did not receive public comment regarding
this project.
American Legion Cultural Sign Designation Staff Report 3 548
CITY ADVISORY BOARD REVIEW
The Historic Preservation Advisory Board reviewed the proposal at their public meeting on November 19,
2009 and recommended approval of the cultural sign designation of the American Legion projecting sign.
The Board was also supportive of the sign’s establishment on the new American Legion building’s front
façade.
The Design Review Board (DRB) reviewed the proposal at their public meeting on December 2, 2009 and
recommended approval of the cultural sign designation of the American Legion projecting sign to the
City Commission, with Planning Staff’s recommended conditions of approval. The DRB staff memo and
minutes are attached with this report.
RECOMMENDATION & CONCLUSION
Staff reviewed the application requesting the cultural significance sign designation of the American
Legion projecting sign at 225 East Main Street. Based on the review criteria, and the recommendations
received from the Historic Preservation Advisory Board and the Design Review Board, Staff finds the
projecting sign to have cultural significance to the City of Bozeman.
Upon further direction from the City Commission, Staff will create findings of the signs’ historical and
cultural significance, and prepare a resolution for future adoption by the City Commission.
Conditions of Approval
1. The sign shall be repaired so it remains lit on the inside. The sign’s illumination measured in
footcandles at the property line shall not exceed 1.0 onto adjacent commercial properties and
public rights-of-way.
2. A detailed summary of the sign’s materials shall be submitted to the Department of Planning.
3. The future removal of the projecting sign from the American Legion building shall be considered
as “demolition of a culturally significant sign.” Said future removal shall require the approval by
the City Commission prior to its removal. The City Commission shall consider the sign’s historic
and cultural significance and Planning Staff’s and the Historic Preservation Advisory Board’s
recommendation before making a final decision on the sign’s removal.
4. The applicant shall revise the American Legion building sign calculations sheet to show the
projecting sign’s square footage as not included in the building’s total sign square footage.
The applicant must comply with all provisions of the Bozeman Municipal Code that are applicable to this
project, including the following:
Code Provisions
Per Section 18.02.080 & 18.64.110, the proposed project shall be completed as approved and
conditioned in the Certificate of Appropriateness application. Any modifications to the submitted
and approved application materials shall invalidate the project's legitimacy, unless the applicant
submits the proposed modifications for review and approval by the Department of Planning prior
to undertaking said modifications. The only exception to this law is repair.
Per Section 18.42.150, the proposed sign shall abide by the lighting requirements as stated this
section.
Per Section 18.64.100.F, the applicant shall obtain a building permit within one year of
Certificate of Appropriateness approval, or said approval shall become null and void. Please call
the Building Department at 406-582-2375 for more information on the building permit process.
American Legion Cultural Sign Designation Staff Report 4 549
American Legion Cultural Sign Designation Staff Report 5
The applicant is advised that unmet code provisions, or code provisions that are not specifically listed as
conditions of approval, do not, in any way, create a waiver or other relaxation of the lawful requirements
of the Bozeman Municipal Code or state law.
BECAUSE THIS APPLICATION IS FOR THE CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE SIGN
DESIGNATION OF A SIGN THAT DOES NOT CONFORM TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE
BOZEMAN MUNICIPAL CODE, THE BOZEMAN CITY COMMISSION IS REQUIRED TO
ADOPT FINDINGS AND A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE THE HISTORIC SIGN
DESIGNATION.
Encl: Application Materials
DRB memo and minutes
CC: American Legion Post #14, P.O. Box 10128, Bozeman, MT 59719
Legends Studio, Inc., c/o Kira Ogle, 3805 Valley Commons Dr., Ste. 11, Bozeman, MT 59718
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American Legion COA Checklist #1
COA Checklist #1 Narrative
Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District Information
1. The existing structure was destroyed in the March 5 explosion. Photos of the
existing structure are not applicable to this project. We do, however, include
elevations of planned construction.
2. A site plan is included in this package.
3. Images of historic signage are attached. Verbal records state the historic sign
was installed in the mid 1970’s.
4. The historic sign is to be minimally changed. The outer metal casing will be
refinished in a dark navy blue that will match the inner ring on the sign. The sign
itself will be cleaned and any chips or scratches repaired to match the existing
colors. See Sheet A8.2 for information, materials, and design of all other signage.
5. An image of the historic sign showing repairs is attached.
6. Once construction of the building is near completion, installation of all signage
will begin.
7. No additional information has been suggested by the Planning Department.
8. We request that the historic American Legion sign be retained in that it exhibits
unique character that contributes to the eclectic nature of the downtown district.
It is a significant pop-culture icon that is a reminder of an older style of sign
design and construction that was seen throughout the Gallatin Valley in the
1970’s.
This project is not in the Entryway Corridor Overlay District, and is not on a site
developed after 1991. Because we are in the B3 district, we are not required to submit
landscape plan information.
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American Legion Historic Sign Application
Historic Sign Application Narrative
Submittal Materials
1. Images of historic signage are attached.
2. A site plan is included in this package.
3. Images of historic signage are attached. Verbal records state the historic sign was
installed in the mid 1970’s.
4. An image of the historic sign showing repairs is attached.
5. Neighbor comments not required.
6. See responses to review criteria below.
Review Criteria
1. The sign is unique in that it is the only one of its kind.
2. The sign was not mass designed or produced.
3. The sign is easily identified with the old American Legion Hall. Our intent as
designers is to keep this sign in historic downtown Bozeman as a reminder of the
building that was destroyed in the March 5 explosion.
4. The sign exhibits unique character that contributes to the eclectic nature of a
downtown district. It is a significant pop-culture icon that is a reminder of an
older style of sign design and construction that was seen throughout the Gallatin
Valley in the 1970’s.
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Historic sign image showing repairs to be made:
The American Legion Hall
• Outer metal casing will be refinished dark navy blue to match the inner ring on the sign. • Sign surface will be cleaned and any chips or scratches repaired to match existing colors.
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planning • zoning • subdivision review • annexation • historic preservation • housing • gis • urban design
CITY OF BOZEMAN
DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Alfred M. Stiff Professional Building
20 East Olive Street
P.O. Box 1230
Bozeman, Montana 59771-1230
phone 406-582-2260
fax 406-582-2263
planning@bozeman.net
www.bozeman.net
MEMORANDUM
TO: Design Review Board
FROM: Allyson C. Bristor, Associate Planner
RE: Reinstallation & Cultural Significance Sign Designation of the American Legion
Projecting Sign– #Z-09202
DATE: November 25, 2009
PROJECT LOCATION
The American Legion building site is located at one of the five properties destroyed by the March 5,
2009 gas line explosion that occurred on Bozeman’s Main Street. It is addressed as 225 E. Main Street
and is legally described as Lot 7, Block D, Original Townsite, City of Bozeman, Gallatin County,
Montana. The property is zoned as B-3 (Central Business District) and is located within the Main Street
Historic District and the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District.
PROJECT PROPOSAL
The American Legion Post 14, and their representative Legends Studio, Inc., submitted a Historic and
Cultural Significance Sign Designation application to the Department of Planning in October 2009. The
application is requesting the designation of the American Legion projecting sign as culturally significant
to the City of Bozeman. This application is required because the projecting sign does not meet the sign
provisions of the Bozeman Municipal Code; namely, it exceeds the maximum square footage (12 square
feet) permitted for projecting signs in the B-3 zoning district. The designation would allow the
reinstallation of the “American Legion” projecting sign on the American Legion building’s front façade
and would permit the sign to remain without its square footage contributing to the allowable sign square
footage permitted for the building.
PROJECT DESIGN
The American Legion projecting sign was previously located on the American Legion building that was
destroyed by the downtown explosion and subsequent fire. The sign survived the explosion and fire and
sustained minimal damage from the event. The American Legion projecting sign is approximately 20
square feet in size and circle in shape. The front and back of the sign is a colored plastic material bound
by a metal casing and is internally lit. The American Legion applicant is proposing the projecting sign
to be placed on the right side of the building’s front façade, which is where the sign was located on the
original American Legion building. The sign is providing a 17’ and 6” clearance from the sidewalk.
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DESIGN REVIEW BOARD REVIEW
At their June 24, 2009 public meeting, the Design Review Board included the following
recommendation within their motion of approval of the American Legion Building Site Plan and
Certificate of Appropriateness application: “That the Design Review Board review a proposal to
incorporate the existing round American Legion sign for location and context on the front of the new
building.” Planning Staff is presenting this application to the DRB to abide by this previous motion.
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
Planning Staff is recommending conditional approval of the cultural significance designation and
reinstallation of the American Legion projecting sign in front of the City Commission, who is charged
with the final decision. The recommended conditions of approval for this project are the following:
Conditions of Approval
1. The sign shall be repaired so it remains internally lit. The sign’s illumination measured in
footcandles at the property line shall not exceed 1.0 onto adjacent commercial properties and
public rights-of-way.
2. A detailed summary of the sign’s materials shall be submitted to the Department of Planning.
3. The future removal of the projecting sign from the American Legion building shall be considered
as “demolition of a culturally significant sign.” Said future removal shall require the approval by
the City Commission prior to its removal. The City Commission shall consider the sign’s
historic and cultural significance and Planning Staff’s and the Historic Preservation Advisory
Board’s recommendation before making a final decision on the sign’s removal.
The Design Review Board may recommend additional conditions of approval for Planning Staff’s
and the City Commission’s consideration.
Encl: Applicant’s submittal materials and renderings
CC: American Legion Post #14, P.O. Box 10128, Bozeman, MT 59719
Legends Studio, Inc., Kira Ogle, 3805 Valley Commons Dr., Ste. 11, Bozeman,
MT 59718
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Design Review Board Minutes – December 2, 2009
DESIGN REVIEW BOARD
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2009
MINUTES
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE
Chairperson Livingston called the meeting of the Design Review Board to order at 5:35 p.m. in
the upstairs conference room of the Alfred Stiff Professional Building, 20 East Olive Street,
Bozeman, Montana and directed the secretary to record the attendance.
Members Present Staff Present
Christopher Livingston Allyson Bristor, Associate Planner
Bill Rea Courtney Kramer, Assistant Planner
Michael Pentecost Tara Hastie, Recording Secretary
Walter Banziger
Elissa Zavora
Mark Hufstetler
Visitors Present
Rob Pertzborn
Kristen Schelran
Susan Riggs
Kira Ogle
Leighton Hotchhiss
PJ Kolnik
ITEM 2. MINUTES OF OCTOBER 28, 2009
MOTION: Vice Chairperson Pentecost moved, Mr. Hufstetler seconded, to approve the
minutes of October 28, 2009 as presented. The motion carried 5-0.
ITEM 3. PROJECT REVIEW
1. American Legion Building Historic Sign COA/ADR #Z-09202 (Bristor)
225 East Main Street
* A Certificate of Appropriateness Application to allow the reinstallation of
the nonconforming sign and to consider its cultural significance for
Bozeman.
Kristen Schelran and Kira Ogle joined the DRB. Associate Planner Allyson Bristor presented
the Staff Report noting the Board was familiar with the project as they had recently reviewed the
modifications to the front façade of the building. She noted the schematic depicted the recently
approved façade changes with the proposed sign placement. She stated the request from the
applicant was to keep the nonconforming projecting sign, which survived the downtown
explosion, due to its cultural significance. She stated the square footage of the sign would be 20
square feet and added that the permissible size within the B-3 zoning designation was 12 square
feet. She noted that condition of approval #3 would be reworded to state the “future removal” of
the sign.
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Mr. Banziger joined the DRB.
Ms. Ogle stated the DRB had reviewed the project previously and noted the sign would remain
as it previously existed and no changes to it would occur other than slight repair and cleaning;
she stated the purpose of the request was to seek historic/cultural designation for the sign and be
allowed to install.
Mr. Rea stated the condition for the light element inside the sign was not complete. Planner
Bristor responded the condition was incomplete and was meant to include the language that the
sign must conform to in the zoning ordinance.
Mr. Hufstetler asked if the applicant had intended to recolor the outer rim of the sign. Ms. Ogle
responded they were considering changing the color, but had not decided at this time.
Mr. Banziger apologized for his tardiness and asked if the intention was to have two corner
stones on the building. Ms. Ogle responded there would be two corner stones; one for 1947 and
one for 2010.
Chairperson Livingston asked the color of the outer rim on the existing sign. Ms. Ogle
responded it was a copper color and added that it used to be a darker brown color but had faded
to the copper color as it appeared.
Mr. Hufstetler voiced his sincere condolences for the applicant having to go for review before so
many boards for the proposal. He stated he was in favor of including the sign on the structure
and historically designating it; he suggested retaining the original color of the sign’s exterior
metal rim.
Mr. Rea stated his only concern was the size of the brackets used to hold the building’s awning
in place, though he thought it might be a scaling issue on the depiction. He stated he was glad
the sign would be on the front of the building.
Ms. Zavora concurred with Mr. Rea regarding the location of the sign.
Vice Chairperson Pentecost stated he agreed with previous DRB member comments.
Mr. Banziger stated he thought previous DRB comments had been well addressed with the
modifications to the entryway and the proposed location of the sign.
MOTION: Mr. Rea moved, Mr. Banziger seconded, to forward a recommendation of approval
to the City Commission for American Legion Building Historic Sign COA/ADR #Z-09202 with
Staff recommendations. The motion carried 6-0.
2. Gallatin Building Reno. Ph. 2&3 COA/ADR #Z-09218 (Kramer)
44 East Main Street
* A Certificate of Appropriateness Application to allow phase 2 & 3
renovations including; PHASE 2 - storefront modifications, east elevation
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modifications above the basement stairs, exterior brick paint removal and
new electrical panels on the south façade; and PHASE 3 - opening up
blocked-in storefront, addition of three storefront windows, and new
streetscape plan.
Susan Riggs and Rob Pertzborn joined the DRB. Assistant Planner Courtney Kramer presented
the Staff Report noting the proposal was for rehabilitation to an existing structure. She stated the
DRC had reviewed the proposal earlier in the day and the DRB was reviewing the proposal to
provide advice to the Planning Director regarding approval of the project. She stated Staff had
identified two concerns; the proposed large windows on the storefront and the loss of
transparency on the corner of Black Avenue and Main Street. She stated the transparency of the
corner was an element of concern as old photographs depicted the building as historically
transparent.
Rob Pertzborn stated the new owner had been monitoring the building and had noticed that it
was in need of repair. He stated the design was intended to provide maximum flexibility and
they had decided to focus on the rehabilitation in phases; he noted an elevator was planned but
would not be installed at this time. He stated phase one of the repairs would take place upstairs
and would meet ADA requirements. He noted what would occur in phase 2 of the rehabilitation
and added that phase three would not occur until a tenant had been arranged. He stated there
were four structural points and added that the round columns would be maintained. He stated the
double façade was proposed to return to the structure though it was uncertain if there would be
two tenants. He directed the DRB to elevation plans and explained the corner façade would be
evident, but would not be as skinny today as it was previously. He noted the pattern had been
repeated throughout the façade and would meet the requirements of ADA accessibility. He
stated they had met with the Downtown Bozeman Partnership and were amenable to the
inclusion of seating, bike racks, and other exterior improvements. He stated the owner intended
to remove the paint and return the building to red brick; he noted they did not know which
chemical would be used to remove the paint, but the owner was also considering repainting. He
stated the openings along South Black had been included to provide for salvage of bricks for
reparation of the damaged areas.
Planner Kramer stated that a lot of the sandstone foundation along South Black Avenue had been
compromised and asked how it would be stabilized. Mr. Pertzborn responded they had been
discussing options with Hicks Engineering and they had suggested reinforcement from the
inside; he added the phase three improvements would be hinged on which tenant would occupy
the space. Planner Kramer responded that Mr. Naumann from the Downtown Bozeman
Partnership had an RFP that might help them decide how to salvage the brick work. Mr.
Pertzborn added that they had been working closely with Mr. Naumann and would continue to
do so.
Mr. Rea asked if tile had been included on one of the elevations. Mr. Pertzborn responded there
no tile had been included; just different sizes of bricks.
Mr. Hufstetler asked the date of the original construction of the structure. Mr. Pertzborn
responded original construction occurred in 1901. Mr. Hufstetler asked when the current façade
had been installed. Mr. Pertzborn responded he did not know for sure, but thought it was around
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the 1940’s. Mr. Hufstetler noted it was uncertain that the transparent corner had ever had
structural elements; he asked if there was a way to provide more conformity between floors
using the proposed openings. Mr. Pertzborn responded that it would be difficult due to the
current locations of the structural features and the openings while still meeting the ADA
requirements. Mr. Hufstetler asked what occupied the upper floor and if the use would remain.
Mr. Pertzborn responded offices were on the upper floor and the use would remain the same.
Mr. Hufstetler asked if the applicant had investigated maintaining the current façade. Mr.
Pertzborn responded they had investigated that option, but did not know if there would be one or
two tenants and the design worked better as proposed in case there would be two tenants.
Mr. Banziger asked if there was a reason the openings were not continued all the way down the
east façade. Mr. Pertzborn responded the design had been driven by the fact that if there was a
restaurant use included, the seating would be in front; if retail spaces occurred in the front part of
the building, the restaurant would be located in the back. He noted no more openings could be
included on the façade as it would be less structurally sound and less monetarily feasible.
Ms. Zavora asked if the building were repainted, what color would it be. Mr. Pertzborn
suggested he would recommend a brick red colored paint, but did not know the color the owner
would choose. Ms. Zavora asked if the reason for repainting was that it was damaging the
existing brick. Mr. Pertzborn responded the lead paint was not damaging the brick, but was
already chipping off and looked dilapidated. Ms. Zavora asked if trees would be included along
the east elevation as depicted. Mr. Pertzborn responded the trees would be installed along with
benches and lighting.
Mr. Rea asked if the street light would match the other street lights downtown. Mr. Pertzborn
responded the light would match existing lighting, but they did not have the schematics at this
time.
Vice Chairperson Pentecost asked what the building section was; single or double wythe. Mr.
Pertzborn responded it was a triple wythe building section. Vice Chairperson Pentecost asked
how the structure would be made, any kind, of energy efficient. Mr. Pertzborn responded
insulation would be included, the old boiler heating system would be replaced, and opening
windows would be maintained.
Chairperson Livingston asked if the supporting columns were original and why they did not go
all the way to the top of the structure. Mr. Pertzborn responded they were original and roof joists
would be included to provide more stability. Chairperson Livingston asked which building
design would be most similar to what was being proposed. Mr. Pertzborn stated that the question
could be loaded and responded it would be basically a typical storefront system; he added the
detail on the buildings was located on the top of the structure. Chairperson Livingston stated it
was nearly impossible to duplicate the mullions.
Mr. Banziger stated he liked the proposed South Black Avenue openings and the installation of
bike racks, seating, and trees. He stated he was supportive of the proposed design on the corner
of Main Street and Black Avenue. He stated he thought the restoration of the original brick
would be best, but if it couldn’t be removed, he was supportive of repainting.
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Ms. Zavora stated she thought the proposed retail windows would be appropriate. She stated she
liked the transparent corner and was supportive of maintaining it. She stated she liked the
building painted, though it would need to be repainted and the lead paint would be a concern; she
added she did not know what color to paint it though she did not think it should be red, blue, or
yellow. She added she liked the tan color.
Mr. Rea stated he was supportive of the proposed windows along S. Black Avenue and added
that he did not believe the bricked in area as a diagram would do any good. He stated he was
torn with regard to the transparent corner feature as it would be a structural issue, though he
thought it did bring uniqueness to the corner; he added a masonry corner would be more
structurally sound, but his decision would be based on what happened with the rest of the
building. He stated he was fine with the repainting of the brick and the current color reminded
him of the beige/tan color often seen in brick around Bozeman; he added his concern would be
the removal of the lead paint without damaging the brick and suggested not painting the building
to replicate the brick color. Mr. Pertzborn asked if Mr. Rea would mind the paint being removed
if it wouldn’t damage the brick. Mr. Rea responded he was supportive of the paint removal. Mr.
Pertzborn asked if the glass corner made the building unique and different from all of the rest of
downtown. Mr. Rea responded he was supportive of both the transparent and proposed corner;
he stated Intrinsik had design credibility and he was confident they would provide a good design.
He added he was supportive of a brick solution that was non-damaging. He suggested the
applicant and owner be cognizant of what was being done across the street from the site as
improvements to those properties would affect the structure. He stated he was concerned that the
sidewalk was not large enough to provide for amenities. Mr. Pertzborn responded it was the
intention that the parking would be used to provide for the amenities.
Mr. Hufstetler stated, as a historian, he should be opposed to having all the windows along South
Black, but he was not; he suggested the addition of the windows had been proposed in exactly
the right way. He stated he thought the paint should be removed without harming the brick as it
would help articulate the façade and improve the look of the building; he suggested sparing no
expense in the removal of the paint. He stated the architectural detail being contained in the
upper parts of structures was not accurate as the architectural features nearer the ground were
more easily alterable; he noted there had been really cool architectural features and he liked the
look of the 1950’s building. He stated a dozen of the same type of facades as proposed had been
incorporated into Main Street. He stated Intrinsik did excellent work and suggested some curved
glass or aluminum be installed on the façade. He stated he liked having the transparent corner as
it currently appeared and if the applicant wanted to keep the materials, alternative approaches
could be investigated.
Vice Chairperson Pentecost stated he pretty much concurred with previous DRB comments. He
stated he thought the proposed windows along South Black Avenue would be appropriate. He
stated he agreed with Ms. Zavora and Mr. Hufstetler regarding the transparency of the corner and
suggested alternative designs be investigated; he noted the uniqueness of the feature and cited
how it looked when it was lit up from the inside. He stated he was supportive of returning the
façade to the original brick, but if it wasn’t feasible, he was also supportive of repainting.
Mr. Pertzborn asked if Mr. Hufstetler knew of any methods by which the paint could be removed
to expose the original brick. Mr. Hufstetler stated he knew of some methods, but was not
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Design Review Board Minutes – December 2, 2009
qualified to offer advice on specific methods.
Chairperson Livingston stated he was supportive of the windows proposed along South Black
Avenue and would give the building a nice asymmetry. He stated he had not noticed that the
building had been painted; he thought removing the concrete block would be a good idea and
painting it to resemble brick was an odd thing. He stated he was supportive of attempting to strip
the lead paint and was supportive of painting the structure if the lead paint could not be removed
without damaging the brick; he suggested the new paint color resemble the color that existed.
He stated the glass facades done downtown over the recent years all looked the same and he
liked this particular building because it was unique; he stated he was not supportive of the brick
corner and suggested the transparency of the corner be maintained.
ITEM 4. PUBLIC COMMENT – (15 – 20 minutes)
{Limited to any public matter, within the jurisdiction of the Design Review
Board, not on this agenda. Three-minute time limit per speaker.}
There was no public comment forthcoming.
ITEM 5. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further comments from the DRB, the meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
________________________________
Christopher Livingston, Chairperson
City of Bozeman Design Review Board
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