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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHeritage Preservation - 03/15/2002 APPROVED MINUTES EDEN PRAIRIE HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2002 7:00 P.M. Cummins-Grill House 13600 Pioneer Trail COMMISSION MEMBERS: Lori Peterson-Benike, Chairperson; Betsy Adams, Deborah Barkley,Jennie Brown, Kati Simons,Art Weeks, Mike Wroblewski COMMISSION STAFF: John Gertz, Historic Preservation Specialist Peggy Rasmussen, Recorder STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Jane Field, Timothy Roth, Ross Viland I. ROLL CALL Peterson-Benike called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. Commissioner Wroblewski was excused. Student Representative Jane Field was absent. Also attending the meeting were Royce Wiens, Architect with MacDonald and Mack Architects, and Molly Gilbertson, Interior Design student at the University of Minnesota. II. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Peterson-Benike added House in Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area, Preservation Week, ADA Traininiz, Third Annual Barn Preservation Conference, Article in Architecture Minnesota Maizazine, and Death of a Dream Video, under VI. New Business. Gertz added Miller Spring I_mprovements under VI New Business. MOTION: Barkley moved, seconded by Adams, to approve the agenda as published and amended. Motion carried 6-0. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES —JANUARY 14, 2002 & FEBRUARY 11, 2002 MOTION: Adams moved, seconded by Simons, to approve the minutes of the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting held on January 14, 2002, as published. Motion carried 6-0. MOTION: Simons moved, seconded by Barkley, to approve the minutes of the Heritage Preservation Commission meeting held on February 11, 2002, as published. Motion carried 6-0. IV. REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND STAFF V. OLD BUSINESS A. Smith-Douglas-More House HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2002 Page 2 1. Desisn Presentation for Rehabilitation of the Smith-Douglas-More House Peterson-Benike introduced Royce Wiens from MacDonald and Mack Architects to make the presentation. Wiens said there had been two or three meetings since the February HPC regular meeting to develop the plans, especially for the addition. He reviewed the changes to the design as decided upon two weeks ago. Parking was increased to 30 cars. A concrete sidewalk extends from the street to the house. Gertz inquired if the sidewalk had to bisect the front lawn, or if it could be incorporated with the driveway. Wiens said it could be relocated close to the driveway. Weeks said linear elements, like the sidewalk, would be out of character with the house. Exterior lighting was discussed. Wiens said bollard-type lights would be used along the walkway and would also provide lighting for half of the parking lot. Post lights would be on the other side of the parking lot away from the building and would probably be on all night. The commissioners agreed that lighting of the building should be just from the lights inside, except for lighting on the porches. Sconce lights would be used on either side of the doors. They would illuminate the brick and also provide light when people are sitting outside at night. Weeks pointed out that lights attract bugs, which creates a maintenance problem. Wiens said they would look into that further. Weeks said he would not favor formal seating on the porches. It was agreed that wooden benches under the window should be provided. Wiens said he would discuss with Chris Eilers what he thinks about use of the porches and lighting. There was discussion about whether Dunn Bros. coffee shops are non- smoking facilities. If this Dunn Bros. were a non-smoking facility, people who smoke would go outside. It was agreed that the HPC's expectation is that it would be a non-smoking facility. Gertz pointed out that the HPC could make that a condition to the lease agreement and he will talk to David Lindahl about doing that. Wiens said for security purposes there would probably be some lights on all night inside the buildings, which will be verified with Dunn Bros. Up-lighting of the trees was recommended. He pointed out that the general circuitry would need to be in place, so that the tenants can use it any way they wish. Regarding signage, Wiens said near the road there would be a large sign advertising the coffee shop. The commissioners agreed they would like that sign to read "Dunn Bros. Coffee at the Historic Smith-Douglas-More House", if Dunn Bros. agrees. Regarding the style of the sign and lighting of it, there was consensus that it should be a painted wooden sign, with pillar shapes on each side, and include the design from the metal plaque that will be placed on the house. The lighting would be from below. Gertz said there would also be a 3-foot by 4-foot interpretive panel placed close to the house. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2002 Page 3 With regard to the pergola, Simons asked if people would be sitting under it and was told they would be. Wiens said he had talked with Gertz about whether the posts should carry the motif from other posts on the house or should be fairly simple, leaving detail with the existing house. Gertz agreed with making the posts sympathetic with the other posts but not mimicking what is there. The existing bracket does not have any trim. Gertz said there would be vines growing on it that will add to the appearance. Weeks recommended eliminating the center posts in the pergola, as that would help the traffic to flow better. He recommended getting an understanding from Dunn Bros. on how they intend to use the pergola and how they plan to lay out the seating. In discussing the exterior appearance of the addition, Gilbertson asked if the colored glass in the bay window of the house could be repeated in the transom over the door. Wiens said it could be. Adams said she very much liked the plan the architects came up with after discussions with the commissioners. The front door and the windows are just what they wanted. Wiens said the bean roaster would be placed just inside the door, behind the window where it can be seen, as that is important to Dunn Bros. With regard to putting gutters on the house, Wiens said there would be one on the south side that would not extend across the dormer window. The water would run into a downspout and then have a splash block at the bottom. An independent short gutter would be on the other side of the dormer. They would be made of aluminum. Wiens showed a sample of a cement material called Hardi Plank lap siding for the addition. However, since there are two other significant structures on the property with wood siding that need to be maintained, the commissioners believed that traditional wood siding should be used instead of Hardi Plank in order to fit in with the rest of the outbuildings. It should be part of the overall weathered look. The cement material is also quite expensive compared with wood. Gertz said the HPC could look at more samples of siding at the next meeting. The color can be decided later. Wiens said he and Bob Mack had talked about taking off the wooden caps on the chimneys because the original chimneys were quite elaborate. If the HPC agreed to it, they could restore the masonry around the chimneys. Gertz said that would be something to add on toward the end of the project if there is money left. It would be a nice detail to restore the masonry to the way it was originally. Weeks asked if there would be a curb and gutter along the road or no curb. Gertz replied the City usually requires both, but it would be preferable to keep what is there now, and he said he would talk with City staff about that. Weeks HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2002 Page 4 said that is another maintenance issue because asphalt can fracture and break off. Also, he was concerned with making the property look too commercial. Regarding the interior of the house, Gilbertson said her drawings were extremely preliminary. She is working on space planning. The area in front of the fireplace was discussed. Gilbertson said she and Chris Eilers have been talking about having a Queen Anne buffet there with products for sale on top of it, such as T-shirts, mugs, etc. Also she would like to have a built-in seat in the bay window area. The plan is to have laptop computers on the counter, with bar stools to sit on, and also having computers in other areas. Gilbertson would like to use the existing floor; however there is lead in the paint. She would prefer to have the paint removed and have the pine wood show. The other option is to encapsulate the paint. In the addition she is considering vinyl or tile, and mats near the door. Gertz asked if the fireplace will be an open-hearth gas fireplace. Gilbertson said there is a company in Virginia that makes replicas of historic fireplaces. She has sent for the company's catalog. The commissioners can choose a gas potbelly stove or a built-in gas fireplace. The flue is already in place. She suggested having bookcases on either side. Gilbertson has named the various rooms in the house in order to identify them more easily. The Smith Room is one of the front rooms and could contain historic artifacts related to the Smith family. In the Douglas Room, adjoining the Smith Room, a picture of Sheldon Douglas could be hung. The More Room is the one with the stained-glass window, installed at the time the Mores owned the house. One of their lighting fixtures could be retained and put in the area of the bay window. The commissioners liked this idea. Regarding the schedule, Wiens said they have already started on the working drawings. They will be about 90 percent finished when they come back to the April meeting of the HPC. Gertz said after the HPC approves the plans and the Heritage Site Alteration Permit that evening, the City Council would be asked for approval at its first meeting in May. Wiens said his company plans to put the project out for bids in mid-April, pending approval by the Council on May 7. If the Council approves the selection of the contractor on May 21, that would allow a contractor to begin work the first of June and finish in September. By October Dunn Bros. could begin their project and be done in about six weeks. They would like to open before Thanksgiving. Weeks said he would like to see a schedule on paper, and believed the City Council should have a schedule when they review the plans. Gertz said staff would provide that to the Council. Weeks asked if there is a clear cost estimate, breaking out City costs versus Dunn Bros. costs. Gertz replied that should be done prior to completion of the working drawings. Weeks recommended doing a matrix, listing out the costs to be sure they are within the budget. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2002 Page 5 2. Heritage Site Alteration Permit Review Gertz said HPC approval of the basic plans was needed that evening, and the details can be worked out over a period of time. If necessary, the HPC can add conditions. There are major alterations being made to the property, so by approving them the HPC was asking the Council to grant the Heritage Site Alteration Permit to do the work based on the design concept. Dunn Bros. has not signed a lease agreement yet, but is expected to. If they back out for some reason, the City is committed to converting the house to a commercial use and would pursue another commercial option. Weeks said he believed the details are important to the success of the project architecturally. He wanted to be sure the drawings would include the architects' interpretation of the comments made that night, and he recommended several review sessions prior to the next HPC meeting to monitor the work. Wiens agreed to meet with HPC members. He pointed out that there are always slight modifications that happen even during construction, especially with the details. His company is not doing the architecture work for Dunn Bros. However, it is doing the schematic design so that the building will fit their needs. Dunn Bros. could take the same design and use it to get the bids for their project if they wish. MOTION: Adams moved, seconded by Barkley, to approve the plans, as presented by MacDonald and Mack Architects for the rehabilitation of the Smith-Douglas-More House and site, and further recommend approval of a Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit, including the following conditions: final review and approval of site and landscaping plans, signage and tenant improvements. Weeks offered an amendment to include the date on the plans and the date of approval. Amendment was accepted. MOTION AS AMENDED: Adams moved, seconded by Barkley, to approve the plans, dated 3-15-02, as presented by MacDonald and Mack Architects on 3-18-02 for the rehabilitation of the Smith-Douglas-More House and site, and further recommend approval of a Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit, including the following conditions: final review and approval of site and landscaping plans, signage and tenant improvements. Motion carried 6-0. The commissioners scheduled a meeting with MacDonald and Mack Architects on Monday, April 1, 2002, at 4:00 p.m. at the City Center in Atrium III. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. Plan Review for Dornkemper Loy House Relocation to Riley-Jacques Farm HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2002 Page 6 1. Heritage Site Alteration Permit Review Gertz explained that Dan Herbst of the Pemtom Land Company is proposing to restore the house after relocating it from the original location to the Riley- Jacques Farm. The HPC was being asked to approve the plan submitted by Herbst and a site alteration permit, indicating to the Council that the commissioners believe the house should be moved to a Heritage Preservation Site. Herbst had the site surveyed and located an appropriate site for the house where the soil is good. Herbst has moved the house to a temporary site on the Riley-Jacques Farm until the permanent location is graded and site improvements made. Gertz asked the HPC to determine if the log house would have a negative impact on the site or if it fits with the intended use of this historic site. The HPC had made a recommendation for the Riley-Jacques Farm to be used for recreational and historical purposes. Weeks asked if Herbst would have to post a bond when he moves the house. Gertz said Herbst would have to go to the Board of Adjustments and Appeals. However, he has provided a letter of commitment stating he would pay for the cost of moving the house. There should not be a problem with the house being in its permanent location for a number of years. Herbst's stated goal is to relocate the house to the permanent location and restore it by the fall of 2002. Gertz said he believed Herbst would eventually give the house to the City or to the Eden Prairie Historical Society. Gertz has asked the Society to adopt this building for long-term use. If they put together a maintenance budget, they can maintain it for a long time. Peterson-Benike said she believed it would be a good project for the Historical Society. MOTION: Adams moved, seconded by Simons, to approve the plan, dated 3-7-02, submitted by Pemtom Land Company on sheets 1 of 2 and 2 of 2, to locate and restore the Dornkemper Log House on the Riley-Jacques Farm site, and further, recommend approval of a Heritage Preservation Site Alteration Permit. Motion carried 6-0. 2. House in Richard T. Anderson Conservation Area Peterson-Benike explained that the HPC determined the above house was not historically significant and supported the City's demolition permit. However, Sever Peterson, who has a farm along Highway 212, said it was the home of relatives at one time and has asked the City for permission to move the house to his property. He would like anyone who is interested to come and look at the house, in order to gain support for him in working out details with the City. The HPC was not required to take any action. 3. Historic Preservation Week Peterson-Benike said she has found out that the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota no longer participates in Preservation Week. She did not believe she could get any information or assistance from PAM, and in that case the HPC would not be doing anything to commemorate the week. HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MINUTES March 18, 2002 Page 7 4. ADA Training Peterson-Benike asked the commissioners to consider having a seminar covering ADA training on a Saturday in either the spring or summer. 5. Third Annual Barn Preservation Conference Peterson-Benike said she plans to attend the above conference, which will take place on Saturday, April 20. The City would reimburse the commissioners the $40 cost of attending. They need to register by April 10. Gertz said it would be worthwhile going to this conference because of the work that will be done on the Riley-Jacques barn. 6. Article in Architecture Minnesota Magazine Peterson-Benike reported there is an article about the Birch Island Woods in the current edition of the magazine, for which she was interviewed. 7. "Death of a Dream" Video This video is based on a book about farming and its demise in the Midwest. The commissioners decided to view the video at 6:00 p.m. prior to the next HPC meeting on April 15. The Historical Society is being invited. 8. Miller Spring Improvements Gertz reported that Bob Lambert, Eden Prairie's Director of Parks and Recreation Services, attended a meeting of the Watershed District recently, at which Lambert asked if the District would be interested in moving the Miller Spring wayside park project forward, and they accepted. Lambert turned the plans over to the Watershed District and they have contacted Barr Engineering to get the work done. The plan was never finished so a Heritage Site Alteration Permit has not as yet been obtained. VII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: Weeks moved, seconded by Barkley, to adjourn. Motion carried 6-0. Peterson-Benike adjourned the meeting at 9:55 p.m.