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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 4ate: 28 November 2016 Application Number: 2016-1128 Property Location: 504 East LaSalle Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Italianate/Neoclassical/1882/1900/1924/J.C. Lauber Company Building Property Owner: Greater Lowell Holdings, LLC Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark; National Register East Bank Multiple Property Listing Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The 1900 one-story rectangular -plan commercial building has a concrete foundation, tin clad walls, and a flat roof. Front facade features modillions on ends of dentilled cornice above large plate glass windows with transom lights. In 1924, an addition was built directly behind the 1900 building. The one-story rectangular structure is built of concrete block, with a flat roof, and multi -pane windows with metal frames (probably original). There is no historic survey/description of this portion of the property. ALTERATIONS: COA 2005-1031 approved demolition of portion of building constructed in 1882, known as the Bergan Building. COA 2006-0413 approved reinstallation of JC Lauber Sheet Metal sign, formerly on west side of 1882 portion of building. APPLICATION ITEMS: 1) Demolition of 5,000 sq. ft. building which was not part of original historic structure. Building is not served with utilities other than basic lighting. Building currently used as cold storage. The wooden roof is deteriorated and building is of little to no value. 2) Installation of approx. 1801.f. of commercial grade ornamental aluminum fencing on the northwest corner. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Owner proposes 1) demolition of 1924 addition to 1900 one-story portion of J. C. Lauber building. The existing structure has a deteriorated roof, no utilities except basic lighting, and is of little current value to the owner. Renovation costs would exceed the resulting value. This portion of the building was a later addition to original 1900 structure facing LaSalle Avenue, and only by virtue of vacating the former alley between the main building and the structure to be razed is it even considered part of the historic structure. Demolition would allow additional parking spaces for building's future use as a Brew Pub and Community Event Center, and improve curb appeal. 2) Installation of 180' of ornamental black aluminum fence at the northwest corner of property, enclosing area where 1882 Bergan Building once stood. This area will be outdoor seating for the future Brew Pub. PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT: On Wednesday November 30, 2016 I met with Frank Perri the owner of the Local Landmark located at 502 E LaSalle. (Commonly known as the JC Lauber building). He has applied to remove the addition located to the south most of the structure. We walked around inside and outside of the structure. The east, west and south walls were added to the existing building. The north wall of the addition is the south wall of one of the earlier additions and will remain. The floor is not complete and still has about 40% dirt floor. The area was designed for vehicle and equipment storage. The joists are non -dimensional lumber (we believe the addition dates 1946) and steel beams with wood and metal posts. Recent repairs were made and additional posts and supports were added to the north side of the addition. Areas of the ground and floor were still wet from recent rains and the roof deck has water stains and visible holes. Several patches and repairs have made to the concrete