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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 4370, Declaring the Powder Horn Sports Signs as historically significant Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Courtney Kramer, Historic Preservation Officer Tim McHarg, Planning Director SUBJECT: Z-12014: Designation of “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs as Historically Significant to the Story Block, a commercial property located within the Main Street Historic District MEETING DATE: March 26, 2012 AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Action (Quasi-Judicial Hearing) RECOMMENDED MOTION: I move to adopt Resolution 4370, declaring the two Powderhorn Sporting Goods signs as historically significant and exempt from the sign area requirements of the Sign Code and authorizing issuance of a sign permit. BACKGROUND: Property owners Steven Walker of Grove Property Fund, LLC, in partnership with Jon Edwards of Schnee’s and Charley Franklin of Prugh and Lenon Architects, PC, have submitted a request to designate two signs associated with Powderhorn Sporting Goods as historically significant. The Powderhorn store formerly occupied the retail spaces on the main floor of the Story Block, a historic commercial structure at 35 and 37 East Main Street. The subject property is located within the Main Street Historic District and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The property received a Certificate of Appropriateness to reconstruct the original street-level commercial façade of the structure in conjunction with transitioning the space into the home of Schnee’s Boots and Shoes. Schnee’s Boots and Shoes will occupy the entire building. In altering the property, Sections 38.28.020 and 38.28.200.D of the Unified Development Code require all signage not associated with the retail tenant (Schnees) to be removed from the building. This would include removal of the two Powderhorn signs. Sec. 38.28.170 of the UDC provides for a process for designation of historic or culturally significant signs, as follows: “Signs which have historical or cultural significance to the city but do not conform to the provisions of this article, 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.” Given the unique design and long-standing presence of the signs on Main Street, the property owners and tenant wish to retain the Powderhorn Signs by designating them as historically 38 significant. The historic designation would permit the two historic signs to be exempt from the sign area and non-conformity requirements otherwise applicable to the subject property based upon the provisions of the Sign Code. Removal of the signs in order to facilitate rehabilitation was enabled through a Certificate of Appropriateness on February 27, 2012. The COA included the following condition of approval, intended to ensure that rehabilitation of the signs satisfies the requirements of Bozeman Municipal Code inasmuch as possible: Condition of Approval #1: Bozeman’s Unified Development Code Section 38.28.120 A caps the illumination of neon and other gas type transformers at 60 milliamperes to soften light output. UDC 38.28.120 B further requires neon type signs with exposed tubing to be equipped with dimmers. The rehabilitation of the existing signs shall satisfy these criteria of Bozeman Municipal Code. Staff’s recommended findings in support of the historic designations of the two Powderhorn signs are as follows: · The Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District was enacted to “stimulate the restoration and rehabilitation of structures, and all other elements contributing to the character and fabric of established residential neighborhoods and commercial or industrial areas.” Designation of the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs would allow for their restoration and preservation as a historic and character defining element of the Downtown streetscape and built environment. · The Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District “recognizes that diversity is a major contributing element of the historic character of these neighborhoods or areas” and “the provisions of this chapter shall be applied in a manner that will encourage the protection and enhancement of the many diverse features for future generations.” Designation of the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs would allow for their restoration and preservation as a historic and character defining element of the Story Block building without reducing the sign area available to current businesses on the property. · The adopted Downtown Plan calls for the City to “encourage the preservation of historic signs.” Designation of the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs would allow for their restoration and preservation as a historic and character defining element of the Downtown streetscape and built environment. · The two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs on the Story Block are locally significant examples of historic signage, important both for their association with a long-standing, locally owned downtown business and as quality examples of an aesthetically important, well-regarded example of period commercial design. Dating from the 1930s and 1940s, the signs are among the oldest surviving wall- mounted, three-dimensional signs in Bozeman’s Main Street Historic District. As such, they have a strong association with the district’s commercial streetscape, and are a reflection of the patterns of historic signage that once characterized that streetscape. They also serve as a visual reminder of a prominent, local business that was an anchor of Bozeman’s Main Street for decades. 39 The older sign is green with white lettering illuminated by neon in the Streamline Moderne style. The sign was flush-mounted on the Main Street façade of the building when Powderhorn Sporting Goods opened in the retail space sometime in the late 1930’s. This sign is unique in Bozeman as an example of Depression-era advertisement. The sign was moved to the alley-frontage in 1948, when a new sign depicting a rifle and target was installed on the Main Street Façade. The neon on the 1948 sign includes a motion loop, in which the rifle flashes and the bulls-eye narrows in to the target. The sign is mounted perpendicular to the building façade in order to catch the attention of the passing motorist, which reflects the growth of automobile-centered retail during the post World War II period. The signs are important local examples of period advertising design, displaying a high- quality period aesthetic that is now recognized by commercial historians for its artistic and technical merit. The three-dimensional construction and artistic use of colored neon tubing are representative of the era in which the signs were created, and of commercial advertising technology and design that was once common in downtown Bozeman. Relatively few examples of this important sign technology remain on Bozeman’s Main Street today. The Powderhorn signs are quality examples of this increasingly rare type, custom-designed for the Powderhorn business and the products it once sold. · Rehabilitation of the Story Block for continued business use for new businesses should not require removal of these historic signs. Designation of the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs as historically significant would allow for their restoration and preservation without reducing the sign area available to current businesses on the property. · The two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs do represent a commercial message for any business or identify any entity on the subject property. With the new businesses, the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs become architectural elements of the building and should not be included in the calculation of sign area for the subject property. These findings have been incorporated into the attached Resolution 4370 to form the basis for designation of the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs as historically significant. Staff and the Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board are in support of this application. UNRESOLVED ISSUES: There are no unresolved issues at this time. ALTERNATIVES: The City Commission has the following alternative actions available: 1. Approve the application as recommended by Staff and approve Resolution 4370 adopting findings supporting the historical or cultural significance of the signs. 2. Approve the application with conditions to address concerns identified by the City Commission and approve Resolution 4370 adopting findings supporting the historical or cultural significance of the signs. 3. Deny the application as submitted based on a finding that the signs are not historically or culturally significant. 40 4. Continue the public hearing on the application, with specific direction to Staff or the applicant for additional information. FISCAL EFFECTS: None at this time. Report compiled on: March 1, 2012 Attachments: draft Resolution 4370 declaring the Powderhorn Sporting Goods signs as historically significant Minutes from February 24, 2012 Historic Preservation Advisory Board Meeting Application materials 41 1 of 2 COMMISSION RESOLUTION NO. 4370 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BOZEMAN, MONTANA, DECLARING THE POWDERHORN SPORTING GOOD SIGNS AS HISTORIC AND CULTURALLY SIGNIFICANT. WHEREAS, Section 38.28.170 of the Bozeman Unified Development Code establishes a process for designation of historic or culturally significant signs based upon adopted findings by the City Commission; and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District was enacted to “stimulate the restoration and rehabilitation of structures, and all other elements contributing to the character and fabric of established residential neighborhoods and commercial or industrial areas;” and WHEREAS, the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District “recognizes that diversity is a major contributing element of the historic character of these neighborhoods or areas” and “the provisions of this chapter shall be applied in a manner that will encourage the protection and enhancement of the many diverse features for future generations;” and WHEREAS, the adopted Downtown Plan calls for the City to “encourage the preservation of historic signs;” and WHEREAS, the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods” signs reflect the continued commercial development of the Main Street Historic District during the middle of the 20th 42 2 of 2 century through their unique design elements, and rehabilitation of the property for a new business should not require removal of these historic signs; WHEREAS, the Powderhorn signs do represent a commercial message for any business or identify any entity on the subject property; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana, that the two “Powderhorn Sporting Goods Signs,” including one sign which states the name of the business and another depicting a rifle and target, satisfy the Criteria set forth in Bozeman’s Unified Development Code Section 38.28.170 “Historic or Culturally Significant Signs” and shall be declared as such. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Commission of the City of Bozeman, Montana, at a regular session thereof held on the 19th day of March, 2012. Section 1 ___________________________________ SEAN A. BECKER Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________________ STACY ULMEN, CMC City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: ___________________________________ GREG SULLIVAN City Attorney 43 Bozeman Historic Preservation Advisory Board Regular meeting minutes, February 23, 2012 Present: Mark Hufstetler (Chair), Jecyn Bremer, Jennifer Britton, Bruce Brown, Lora Dalton, Angela Keesee, Steven Keuch, Courtney Kramer (City Liaison), Ryan Olson, Paul Reichert, Anne Sherwood, Carson Taylor (City Commission), Lisa Verwys. Quorum was established. Absent: Jillian Bowers, Lesley Gilmore, Jared Infanger, Angela Keesee Guests: Mary Keck, Jessie Nunn, MSU student group I. The meeting was called to order shortly after 6:30 pm. II. Minutes from prior meeting: Motion to approve by RO, seconded by LD. Unanimously approved. III. Public Comment: none IV. Ex Parte Communication: MH talked with Rob Pertzborn re: the Montgomery Ward Building renovation. CK reminded Board that if a project comes up in conversation, and it's already been submitted, try not to comment because it may come before the Board. V. Introduction of invited guests: We have a group of MSU students to observe the meeting. They will be helping to evaluate Bozeman’s historic preservation process. Jessie Nunn is present as an interested member of the public. Mary Keck is here to inform us of the progress of the Heritage Trees project. VI. Project Review and Recommendations to Staff: A. Schnee’s sign project (Powderhorn Sports signs): Board consensus supports that the restored historic signs, which promote a previous long-time business in that building, should not count as part of allowed square footage per the sign ordinance. Discussion of whether restored historic signs should be exempt even if they advertise the current business; what if a sign is moved to another location? Board appreciates Schnee’s willingness to spend money on restoration of historic neon signage. RO moved that the Board supports Schnee’s application, BB seconded, passed unanimously. VII. Chair’s Report: 44 A. Heritage trees in Bozeman: Mary Keck : State Heritage Tree program is also currently being developed, may dovetail with local program. They will keep us apprised as they work on this. Looking for appropriate trees in likely areas: cemetery, S. 8th, Cooper Park. City forester is working on tree inventory of city at this time, which will help. PR: Interest in tree diseases? Mary: Yes – education, workshops, mainly promote planting. Green ash street trees at risk. CK: Add tree info to Preservation Days walking tours? Mary: Yes. CK: N.E. Neighborhood walking tour planned. Will share route with Mary so they can co-ordinate tree info. Mark: Methodology to identify Heritage trees? Connected to historic events? People? Age? Mary: Yes, everything. Mark: Individual trees or landscapes? Mary: There are landscapes that may qualify. Mark: Do you need anything from us? Mary: The prospective tour, and support in future. B. Tax Abatement applications There are two outstanding, the American Indian Institute and the MacDonald house on S. Tracy. CK sent each of them a copy of the memo the Board prepared for their respective projects, so they could address issues raised by the Board regarding qualification. We wanted to see their projects upon completion. CK suggested professional subcommittee can review. MH said that is appropriate, but noted that unless there have been substantial changes those projects will not qualify. AS moved to have professional subcommittee review completed projects and make recommendation to City. RO seconded, passed unanimously. C. Followup on speakers, etc.: RO did groundwork for tour of neon sign shop (Ole Nelson), maybe tour in March. Nelson has part of Starlite Drive-in signage, Rialto, East Side Diner, and other historic and/or interesting neon signs. VIII. Planning and Policy Subcommittee Tax abatement must go to CK so she can get it reviewed; LD asked CT if we have liaison yet, CT says almost, and he will follow up. Committee plans to work on Demo by Neglect (historic buildings only) and an addition to the municipal sign ordinance to protect and encourage preservation/restoration of historic signs. CK and LD met with David Chambers and Chris Naumann of the North East Neighborhood Association (NENA). They requested meeting to find out about construction bonds; they want to prevent things like Brewery Wall from happening again, have resources to work on that, would like our help, especially information and language to make the case. P&P committee must discuss 45 whether/how much we can help. LD supportive of their plans, noted that discussion of Demo by Neglect always seems to bring up bonding/guarantees. Meeting set for March 6th, 6:30pm, at BB’s office. IX. Education and Outreach Subcommittee RO: Preservation Days; Gearing up for Preservation Awards, collecting nominations. Not yet ready for AS to look over. Schedule in place for screening, voting, ceremony. New walking tour planned for Northeast area where we just surveyed. CK talked to Dale Martin, who will help. Awards tentatively May 17th at Beall Park. Possible artwork-esque projects on/near Main St. An architect downtown is looking for ways to “vitalize” side streets off Main with art, has idea to create window-frames on bare walls that match buildings (i.e., upper-floor windows) and use as frames for art. Notes that side streets North of Main have few commercial storefronts, many blank walls of bldgs that front Main. Architect working on Avant-Courier Bldg. Will find ways to attach frames without damaging walls. CK will keep us informed. Working on Cemetery tour, also looking for company to produce digital walking tours. CK says maybe good project for interns, RO says just need to get ball rolling re: company in Butte that has done recorded tours. Next meeting scheduled for Thursday, March 1st, 6:30 pm, SK’s house. X. Staff Liaison Report A. 2012 CLG application: CK went over application and points she made in it, asked if anything needed to be added. No. Pr moved for approval of CLG application to SHPO, with corrections. AS seconded, motion passed unanimously. B. Save America’s Treasures grant applications: Pioneer Museum application OK; they will restore windows, replace only in rear up high. Avant- Courier Building (Delaney) agreed to not put side windows in, so OK. Looking for another project for balance of grant (about $25,000). PR suggested restoration of two street lights on N. Willson (by Burger Bob’s building), CK: and maybe Armory in some small way. C. No other updates. Meeting was adjourned at about 8:30. Next BHPAB meeting scheduled for March 22. Possible visit to sign shop before meeting. Respectfully submitted, 46 Lora Dalton 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58