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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-24-1999 DRB Minutes DESIGN REVIEW BOARD TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1999 MINUTES ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER AND ATTENDANCE Acting Chairperson Ed McCrone called the meeting to order and directed the recording secretary to note the attendance. Members Present Members Absent Staff Present Visitors Present Ed McCrone Mara-Gai Katz Therese Berger Michael Delaney Dan Glenn Henry Sorenson, Jr. Derek Strahn John Sinrud Melvin Howe Marcia Youngman Dick Pohl Dave Johnston Joanne Mannell Noel ITEM 2. MINUTES OF AUGUST 10, 1999 Chairperson McCrone asked for additions or corrections to the August 10, 1999, minutes. Dick Pohl suggested changes to comments made in paragraph 1 of page 5. MOTION-Dick Pohl moved, seconded by Joanne Mannell Noel, to approve the minutes as modified. The motion carried unanimously. Ms. Mannell Noel noted that she was in attendance at the July 13, 1999, meeting. Assistant Planner Therese Berger indicated that she would correct the first page of the minutes to reflect her attendance. ITEM 3. PROJECT REVIEW Montana Ale Works in The Marketplace CUP/COA/DEV #Z-99108 - (Berger) 711 East Main Street - A Conditional Use Permit and Certificate of Appropriateness Application with Deviations to convert the former Little Montana Transportation building into a restaurant/micro-brewery/pool hall, which serves alcoholic beverages, and related site improvements. Planner Berger reviewed the proposal, noting recent revisions to the entries and a cooler addition. She reviewed recommended conditions of approval, noting the conditions reflect concerns expressed by the Historic Preservation Officer prior to obtaining comments from the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Historic Preservation Officer Derek Strahn described the process of obtaining tax credits for reuse projects and work toward placing the building on the National Register. He noted that Design Review Board Minutes -August 24, 1999 1 the main concerns expressed to him by Herb Dawson, SHPO, were related to the western elevation, retaining the Northern Pacific yin yang symbols, the cooler addition, and the roof projections. He noted that if the applicants desire to obtain tax credits, they will need to work closely with the SHPO to ensure changes don't compromise obtaining the credits. He added that he has no official say in that process. John Sinrud, Llewellyn Architects, described the purpose of the roof projections which is to break up the length of the building wall. He indicated that having discussed them with the SHPO, it was suggested that the middle gabled one be eliminated and those on the west and east ends be elongated and moved to the ridge line. He described discussions with the tenant about maintaining similar lettering style and coloring on the wall signs, however, replacing the yin-yang symbol with a cog or gear would be more reflective of the Montana Ale Works logo. Mr. Sinrud discussed window changes and repairs to the roof and roof drainage system, and indicated that landscaping issues will be resolved. He added that they will try to maintain the existing color pallette. Dan Glenn questioned what the roof projects would reflect historically if moved back to the ridge as suggested. Mr. Sinrud responded that they would most likely show signage; however, they are not intended for signage. Mr. Glenn indicated that they bother him, and questioned whether there are historic photographic examples of similar features. Mr. Sinrud responded that it is difficult to find resources, and that they are relying upon the expertise of Mr. Dawson. Mr. Glenn stated that he feels the features along Main Street, including the rail car patio and landscaping, will adequately break up the facade. The roof projections, he said, will likely not be visible to passers by. Mr. Strahn commented that Mr. Dawson indicated to him that the proposed roof projections are not particularly appropriate at all. While signs were used on passenger depots, they were generally found on the gabled ends of the elevation facing the riding passengers. He reminded those present that this building was used as a freight depot, and not a passenger depot. Melvin Howe questioned whether the Board should be responding to the potential for tax credits. He indicated that he understands the urge to preserve the yin yang symbol if it is indeed historical, and agrees that the roof projections could go away without bothering anybody. Mr. Glenn described his experience with trying to obtain tax credits, noting that even comparatively small exterior changes could jeopardize getting the credits. Mr. Sinrud discussed window treatment changes suggested by Mr. Dawson, including the elimination of the awnings on the smaller windows on the south, west and north elevations. Michael Delaney commented that the building will be enhanced by landscaping which he doesn't believe the SHPO responds to. He added that Mr. Dawson said the incorporation of temporary or removable elements should not negatively impact potential tax credits. Design Review Board Minutes - August 24, 1999 2 Mr. Strahn agreed that the state has become more flexible, and the level of flexibility changes from state to state. He feels the applicant and the SHPO will find a compromise that will work for the tenants image and qualify for tax credits. Responding to Mr. Glenn, Mr. Strahn indicated that all that is original from the Northern Pacific signage is the yin yang; the lettering has changed. Mr. Sinrud expressed concern regarding the yin-yang potentially being a registered logo and a possible conflict with the tenant's desire for their signage to adequately its logo. Dick Pohl indicated that the roof projections seem like an "add-on" and are not historically authentic. He supports their removal. He suggested the use of fencing with vines along the narrow northern landscaped strip and that larger plantings be between stalls. He expressed concern regarding the proposed retention basins, as generally retention basins are not found in the downtown business area. Mr. Glenn agreed, observing that the unpaved alley provides some retention. Indicating that the property drains to the northwest, Mr. Sinrud said the City Engineer will be looking for ways to channel, filter, and slow down the storm drainage prior to going into the City storm water system. He noted the possibility of incorporating a french drain. Further discussion regarding drainage ensued. Planner Berger noted that the City Engineer expressed willingness to work with the applicant's engineer on resolving drainage issues. Mr. Pohl commented that the vestibule on the north elevation appears much larger in section. Mr. Sinrud noted the scale differences between the original plans and revisions which are not to scale. Responding to Mr. Pohl, Mr. Sinrud said the handicapped accessible ramp, which must be a minimum of 41' long to meet slope requirements, will be heated and covered. Mr. Pohl suggested perhaps moving it closer to the Wallace access. Mr. Sinrud replied that they are trying to use an existing 12' opening as the main entrance. Mr. Delaney described special temperature- and water- sensitive gauges that will be used in the heated walk. Mr. Howe suggested the applicants meet with the local handicapped group. In response to Mr Pohl, Mr. Delaney indicated that they will use, if not an real railcar, wheels from one for the outdoor seating area. Mr. Pohl suggested the applicnts not hide the wheels with landscaping as depicted on the plan. Joanne Mannell Noel remarked that she is opposed to the proposed roof projections. Discussion ensued regarding the windows and awnings. Mr. Sinrud clarified the awnings which would liekly be removed. Chairperson McCrone indicated that he is not adverse to the awnings as they are generally not permanent. He agrees with the removal of the roof projections, and feels a privacy fence with vines along the northern property line is a good suggestion. Mr. Sinrud expressed concern Design Review Board Minutes -August 24, 1999 3 that truck traffic might damage a fence. Mr. McCrone discussed the number of deviations in light of Section 18.43 review criteria. Ms. Mannell Noel expressed concern regarding the triangular-shaped fence and entry signs. Board members discussed possible changes to the design of the fence and entry signs, generally agreeing that a more shallow gable or rectangular shape might be more appropriate to the building. Planner Berger helped summarize Board members concerns relative to the recommended conditions. MOTION - Dan Glenn moved, seconded by Melvin Howe, to recommend approval of Zoning Application #Z-99108 with the deletion of the 2' half of condition #1, the exchange of the word `must" with "should" in condition #4, the deletion of condition #6, and a new condition #6 as follows: "The applicant shall reconsider the forms of the fence and entry signs". Discussion ensued regarding condition #2 relative to landscaping. Board members agreed that Administrative Design Review staff can review the landscape plan for conformance with condition #2. The motion carried 5-0. ITEM 4. ELECTION OF OFFICERS Mr. Pohl nominated Ed McCrone for Chairperson and Henry Sorenson for Vice-Chairperson. The Board decision was unanimous to elect members as nominated. Mr. Glenn indicated that he will be on a European tour with his students from August 26'to November 5 b. Ms. Mannell Noel relayed a schedule conflict through the fall semester, December 7'. Board members discussed possibly changing the meeting time to Tuesdays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.. Planner Berger agreed to discuss a potential meeting time change with the Planning Director, and indicated that interim ordinances will be distributed with the next packet. ITEM 5. ADJOURNMENT There being no additional business, the Design Review Board meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.. Ed cCrone, Acting Chairperson Design Review Board Design Review Board Minutes -August 24, 1999 4