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Commissioner Anderson moved to approve application as submitted. Seconded by Commissioner Gelfman. Nine in favor, none opposed. Vote: 9 — 0 COA#2017-0331A Approved. 2. 50106 Bittersweet Trail COA#2017-0403A Local Landmark Representation by David A. Visser, 25614 Harold Court, Edwardsburg, Michigan STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: April 3, 2017 Application Number: 2017-0403A Property Location: 50106 Bittersweet Trail Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: L-Plan/Italianate/1877/William C. Kownover Farm Property Owner: David A. Visser Landmark or District Designation: Local Landmark Rating: Outstanding DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The Kownover farmhouse is a 2'/� story brick house with asphalt shingle roof and stone foundation. 2/2 wood windows with segmental arches, with keystones, brick heads, and stone sills, and two bay windows on the front. A portico with flat roof supported by square wood columns covers the front entrance. The property has a summer kitchen of brick to match the house, and a large gable -roof bam. ALTERATIONS: Original bay windows roofs have been replaced with higher pitch and wood shakes. Aluminum storm windows have been added. There is a small addition to the rear of the house. Between May 2012 and December 2014, the front portico was removed without a COA. The barn was taken down in 2014 without a COA. Recent repairs and improvements include development of green space with a stone wall built of original barn foundation stones, APPLICATION ITEMS: Barn (demolition), Green Space (replacement), Garage wall reface (in-kind), Corn crib (temporary support), brush pile removal, move above -ground electric to underground, remove wire fence/brush/old bamwood, add bathroom, add egress window, enhance outbuilding into cottage, gravel drive extension, and create dumpster pad. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: See attached document for detailed description of work. PRESERVATION SPECIALIST REPORT: See 2014, 2015 documents included STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Group B B. Maintenance The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the general cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structure or sites. B. Treatment Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include re -roofing, glazing, or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark. Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit, a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with the original surfaces. C. Renovation and Additions Renovation is the modification of a structure, which does not alter the general massing while an addition, is a change in mass. A modification, which involves the removal of a part of the landmark, should be considered under demolition (see demolition). Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity of overall appearance of the site. The proportions, materials and ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following: 1. Structure—Necessary structural improvements, where safety demands should be accomplished in such a way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction. 2. Material—Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the same material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be allowed if it duplicates the original. a. wood—all wood trim should conform with existing trim in shape and size. b. siding materials—the Commission discourages the covering or alteration of original materials with additional siding. Structures already sided with incompatible materials should be returned to a siding similar to the original when renovation is considered. D. Demolition