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HomeMy WebLinkAbout504 E Lasalle_COA 2019-1203STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: December 3, 2019 Application Number: 2019-1203 Property Location: 504 E LaSalle Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Italianate/Neoclassical/ 1900/1924/ J.C. Lauber Company Property Owner: Greater Lowell Holdings, LLC Landmark or District Designation: Historic Landmark (Ordinance #7591-1986); National Register East Bank Multiple Property Listing Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: The J.C. Lauber Company building is described in the National Register listing as a unique example of the Commercial-Functional style of architecture that combines utility with ornament. The structure is comprised of several additions with the primary LaSalle Street facing constructed as a one-story, rectangular-plan, commercial building with a foundation of concrete and rubble, walls are brick and block. A metal cornice stretches seventy feet across the façade. Roof is flat. LaSalle Street façade features modillions on ends of dentilled cornice with scroll end brackets. The front elevation has a strong horizontal emphasis. Windows are divided into nine bays and are wood framed, fixed plate glass with solid transoms above. Front entrance is a wood double door with glass. The 1924 addition, directly behind the 1900 building, is a one- story, rectangular-plan, constructed of concrete block, with a flat roof. Windows are metal with multi-panels. The rear of the building is organized by multiple additions and incorporate various garage doors. Signage exists on all sides, both attached to and painted directly on the structure, reflecting different eras of the former J.C. Lauber business. ALTERATIONS: COA 2005-1031 approved demolition of portion of building constructed in 1882 at northwest corner of LaSalle and Niles. COA 2006-0413 approved reinstallation of J.C. Lauber Sheet Metal sign, formerly on west side of 1882 portion of building. COA 2016-1128 to demolish 5,000 sq. ft. building was not executed. COA 2018-0404A approved improvements to the entire structure including restoration of the primary façade, new fenced (retroactive) patio, new openings, two new cooler structures, and preservation of existing legacy signs. COA 2018- 0613 approved additional alterations to openings. COA 2019-0329A approved application of window treatments to existing windows. APPLICATION ITEMS: “Receive permit for existing fence and pergula” DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Applicant seeks a retroactive Certificate of Appropriateness for changes to the landmark: 1. Install new 51’ x 54’ fence to enclose rear lot, creating an outdoor recreational patio. Fence matches previously approved fence at the patio on northwest corner of building and is of ornamental black aluminum material. 17’ sliding gate opens along Niles. Two 5’ gates open at rear/south parking area. 2. Construct new 24’ x 32’steel frame pergola with wood top deck within newly fenced outdoor recreational patio. Steel is painted to match color scheme on building. The application items are compatible to the historic character of the site and neighborhood and share proportions, materials, and ratios of the existing structure and site. SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES, GROUP B: The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the extent of any proposed treatment, renovation, or addition to a historic landmark. The commission will require drawings, plans, specifications, and/or samples where appropriate. A. 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 Historic landmarks shall not be demolished. When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety, and demolition is the only alternative, documentation by way of photographs, measured drawings, or other descriptive methods should be made of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation. E. Moving The moving of landmarks is discouraged, however, moving is preferred to demolition. When moving is necessary, the owner of the landmark must apply to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. F. Signs No neon or flashing signs will be permitted unless they are original to the structure. Billboards and super -graphics will also be disallowed. Only one appropriate identifying sign will be permitted per business. G. Building Site and Landscaping 1. Required Major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, private yard lights, signs (house numbers) and benches which reflect the property’s history and development shall be retained. Dominant land contours shall be retained. Structures such as: gazebos, patio decks, fixed barbecue pits, swimming pools, tennis courts, green houses, new walls, fountains, fixed garden furniture, trellises, and other similar structures shall be compatible to the historic character of the site and neighborhood and inconspicuous when viewed from a public way. 2. Recommended New site work should be based upon actual knowledge of the past appearance of the property found in photographs, drawings, and newspapers. Plant materials and trees in close proximity to the building that are causing deterioration to the buildings historic fabric should be removed. However, trees and plant materials that must be removed should be immediately replaced by suitable flora. Front yard areas should not be fenced except in cases where historic documentation would indicate such fencing appropriate. Fencing should be in character with the buildings style, materials, and scale. 3. Prohibited No changes may be made to the appearance of the site by removing major landscaping items, trees, fencing, walkways, outbuildings, and other elements before evaluating their importance to the property’s history and development. Front yard areas shall not be transformed into parking lots nor paved nor blacktopped. The installation of unsightly devices such as TV reception dishes and solar collectors shall not be permitted in areas where they can be viewed from public thoroughfares. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval. Prepared by Elicia Feasel Historic Preservation Administrator 12/3/19 2019 1203 x 2019-0329A 12/16/19 x