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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHistoric Preservation Commission Meeting Signed Minutes - August 17, 2020MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF SOUTH BEND AND ST. JOSEPH COUNTY August 17"', 2020 4"' Floor Council Chambers County — City Building South Bend, IN 46601 I. CALL TO ORDER Commission President Michele Gelfman called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. Members of the Public Present: Rick Tribble, 525 South Carroll Street, South Bend, IN Vance Csaszar, 406 Honey Suckle Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46544 II. ROLL CALL Members Present: Michele Gelfman, President; Sarah Andrews, Secretary; Eric Stalheim; Patrick Deegan; John Tiffany; Joan Downs-Krostenko, Architectural Historian. Members Not in Attendance: Elizabeth Hertel, Vice President; Mary Brazinsky, Treasurer; David Wyncott. Staff Present: Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator; Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Specialist; Ross Van Overberghe, Site Inspector; Sandra Kennedy, Legal Counsel. Staff Not in Attendance: N/A Commissioner Tiffany joined the proceedings at 5:32pm. III. PUBLIC HEARING A. CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS 1. 525 South Carroll Street #2020-0803 #8952-98 Taylor's Field Local Historic District Representation: Rick Tribble, 525 South Carroll Street, South Bend, IN Vance Csaszar, 406 Honey Suckle Lane, Mishawaka, IN 46544 STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: August 12, 2020 Application Number: 2020-0803 Property Location: 525 South Carroll Street Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Prairie/ 1910 / "Arnold House" Property Owner: Rick & Sheryl Tribble Landmark or District Designation: Taylor's Field Local Historic District, #8952-98 Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Two story frame house sets on a brick foundation. The `medium' hipped roof is covered with asphalt shingles and is punctured by an offset brick chimney. The closed soffit overhang with board trim. Second floor stucco, wood clapboard with corner boards on the first floor. Original wood double hung and casement windows with aluminum storms. Full length front porch, metal railing, brick columns and base, concrete floor and a flat roof. ALTERATIONS: AA 2019-1008 allowed for the installation of metal railing on the front porch through the South Bend Home Repair Program ("Mend the Bend"). RME 2018-1029 allowed for the pointing of the brick as well as the tear -off and re - shingling of the roof. COA 2002-0129 allowed for "the repair of holes in the soffit and eaves with plywood and textured stucco material to match appearance of original material." APPLICATION ITEMS: "Front porch overhang soffel + Fascia to be covered w/aluminum soffit/fascia. Repairfascia piece on TO story w/new wood fascia. Replace broken gutter. " DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: a. Install new aluminum non -vented soffit manufactured by Alcoa and fascia on porch overhang, b. Repair/replace existing damaged/deteriorated wood soffit on second story with new wood, C. Repair/replace damaged gutter. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: EAST WAYNE STREET H. EXISTING STRUCTURES B. ROOFS AND ROOFING Roof shapes in the district encompass all the various designs found in residential structures: hipped, gable, gambrel, flat, and combinations of these. Roofs are covered with a variety of materials such as asphalt, asbestos, wood and slate shingles as well as clay tiles. Residences in most cases have wood facias with gutters and downspouts. The facias of some vinyl- or aluminum - sided houses are covered with the same material. Required The existing shape and materials of the roof shall be retained. All architectural features which give the roof its essential character shall be retained, including dormer windows, cupolas, cornices, brackets, chimneys, cresting and weather vanes. Recommended Whenever possible, the original shape and materials of the roof should be restored. Particular effort should be made to retain materials such as slate, tile and other unique materials not commonly found in new construction. Roof covering which has deteriorated beyond repair should be replaced with new material that matches as closely as possible the original in composition, size, shape, color, and texture. Gutters and downspouts are often a necessary adjunct in order to prevent deterioration of the structure; they should be maintained whenever possible replaced with a style comparable and suitable to the architectural period of the building. Prohibited Nothing shall be done to change the essential character of the roof as viewed from the thoroughfare by adding architectural features are large unsightly fixtures, or by using materials inappropriate to the style of the house. The roof shall not be stripped of architectural features important to its character. Not Recommended Overhanging eaves, soffits, brackets, and gables should not be covered or enclosed when adding metal or vinyl siding to a building. SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff would separate the project into three components: A. Staff does not recommend approval of covering the existing porch soffit/fascia with new aluminum material. B. Staff recommends approval of repair/replacement of the existing wood second story soffit with new wood material. C. Staff recommends approval of replacing/repairing the damaged gutter system. Staff recommends that the Commission ask the applicant to amend their application to repair/replace the existing porch soffit/fascia with new wood material. Prepared by Adam Toering, Historic Preservation Specialist Reviewed by Elicia Feasel, Historic Preservation Administrator PETITIONER COMMENTS: Mr. Csaszar explained that the second story of the house, towards the rear, there is already some sort of aluminum fascia, and they would like to extend that to the front porch. Commissioner Andrews asked if any of the overhanging tree issues had been resolved on the house. Mr. Csaszar said that he did not recall any trees touching the house. Mr. Tribble stated that the tree that was touching the roof is now gone. Specialist Toering confirmed that the photos included of the property are current/recent, and were taken on August 13, 2020. Mr. Csazar clarified that the pictures showed the front and the north side of the house, and that the trees in those pictures are not touching the house. Commissioner Deegan asked if there were any pictures of the aluminum fascia. Mr. Csazar explained that the aluminum fascia is behind the gutters on the south side of the house, and is probably obscured. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked for clarification where the aluminum fascia would be installed. Mr.Csaszar explained that the metal fascia would be installed on the front porch fascia, and that there was currently plywood below, and that the metal soffit would look better, and could be the color that the homeowner wanted. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked for clarification on the installation of the fascia. Mr. Csaszar explained the metal fascia would be installed over the existing material, and that additional material would be added as needed. Specialist Toering asked for clarification of the different proposed materials at the different areas of the house, indicating on the photographs on the projector: that aluminum would be used to cover the soffit and fascia of the front porch, and that wood would be used to repair the second story soffit. Mr.Csaszar explained that there was already aluminum fascia and soffits at locations on the second story. Mr. Tribble explained that a few years ago that the soffit fell down, and that a replacement was applied for, and it wasn't stucco, but a material like stucco. Specialist Toering read from the staff report the text covering the previous approval in 2002, and confirmed the text detailing how the soffit was to be repaired from the Certificate of Appropriateness, and that it was not known if this was heard by the Commission. It was not revealed in the historic meeting minutes. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked to confirm that the back of the house had been repaired with plywood and an additional material that was like stucco, and voiced concern that this material was sufficiently weather -resistant to be used outdoors. Mr. Tribble stated that some of the soffit is stucco, and some of it looks like stucco. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked why the existing material wouldn't be used on the front of the house, why there would be a different material. Mr. Csaszar stated that the proposed aluminum material would be maintenance free, and that he was not familiar with the stucco -like material, and that he had not installed it. Commissioner Stalheim asked why no venting was proposed in the soffit. Mr. Csaszar stated that the existing plywood did not have any venting, and that flat roofs like on the front porch don't typically have venting. Commissioner Stalheim stated that covering the plywood may result in further water damage to the existing wood, and that venting may help let moisture vent out. Mr. Csaszar stated that he did not know if venting would be beneficial to this area. Commissioner Deegan asked if the property owner recalled what the original soffit material was. Mr. Tribble stated that the stucco was gone when he acquired the house. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that it would have been stucco. COMMISSION DISCUSSION: Commissioner GelFinan started the discussion by focusing on the installation of the aluminum material for the soffit of the porch overhang. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that she felt strongly that aluminum soffit is not appropriate, especially since stucco is present on the second story, and that the existing wood that is visible is probably not the original board, and that we should strive to put it back the way it originally was. Commissioner Gelfinan asked Commissioner Downs-Krostenko if there was such a thing as stucco board. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko admitted that she had never worked with stucco. Commissioners Stalheim and Tiffany stated that Hardee Board makes a sheet product that replicates stucco, that has texture to it, and it is suitable for exterior application. Commissioner Stalheim stated that his concerns for ventilation were related to the condition of the existing plywood. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that if the existing plywood was rotted and mushy, that the CofA should insist that it be removed and replaced before a new exterior finish was put on. Commissioner Stalheim stated that the existing boards may be treated. Commissioner Gelfinan stated that it looked extremely weathered. Commissioner Deegan said that if the existing wood is usable, it's usable, but that it is hard to determine from the photos. If the existing material is covered and reasonably sealed, it would probably last. Commissioner Deegan asked Inspector Van Overberghe if there was metal flashing on the front porch. Inspector Van Overberghe stated that there was only what could be seen from the sidewalk. Commissioner Stalheim stated that the visible lip on the fascia is a rubber roof membrane. Commissioner Tiffany asked the applicant how old the roof was. Mr. Csaszar stated that the roof was installed in 2018, the front porch roof and the second story roof. Mr. Tribble stated that the finishing would happen with this project. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko clarified the construction of the roof, roof membrane, fascia, and soffit, and that this will be complete with this project. Commissioner Andrews stated that whatever has already been done or repaired to the side of the house should be extended to the rest of the house. New material should not be applied or introduced. Commissioner Gelfinan asked for clarification on what Commissioner Andrews is suggesting. Commissioner Andrews stated that the previous COA the homeowner used wood that had a stucco material to match. Commissioner Stalheim stated that having the fascia be aluminum would be fine, as it wouldn't be visible and that the gutters would conceal them. The soffit should not be covered with aluminum. Commissioner Deegan agreed. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko agreed, and stressed that the gutters conceal the fascia all the way around the house. PUBLIC DISCUSSION: N/A Commissioner Andrews made a motion to approve COA #2020-0803, 1) the replacement of the soffit material with new wood material, 2) the replacing or repairing of the damaged gutter system, 3) the denial of the application for aluminum material for the porch soffit, and that this should be replaced with wood covered in a stucco like material, with the condition that the fascia can be aluminum. Seconded by Commissioner Deegan. Legal Counsel Kennedy clarified that the motion was for a denial, and a roll call vote would be required. Commissioner Andrews (Aye): I denied the aluminum because it didn't fit with the other materials present on the house and it went against the guidelines for the district. Commissioner Stalheim (Aye): I deny for the reasons previously mentioned. Commissioner Deegan (Aye): I deny for the same basis, I concur with [Commissioners Stalheim and Andrews]. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko (Aye): I deny for the same reasons. Commissioner Gelfman (Aye): I deny because it doesn't fit with the Standards and Guidelines for what is acceptable for this particular soffit, and we need to go with a wooden material which is in keeping with the stucco type on this house, which [Commissioner Tiffany] and [Commissioner Stalheim] have stated that there is a Hardee Board that might be appropriate for the underside of this particular project. I agree with the aluminum that [Commissioner Andrews] has presented for the fascia. Commissioner Tiffany (Aye): I deny it because I think there are better options. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Motion to approve elements 1, 2, and deny element 3 of COA #2020-0803 passes. IV. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR N/A V. REGULAR BUSINESS A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Specialist Toering clarified that the posted agenda did not show the actual minutes that needed to be approved. The January, February, and June minutes are ready for approval and have been distributed to the Commissioners for their approval. The July minutes have not been completed yet. Edits received from Commissioners have been included in the appropriate minutes. i. January 21, 2020 Commissioner Andrews made a motion to adopt the January 21, 2020 minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Stalheim. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Motion to accept the January 21, 2020 minutes passes. ii. February 17, 2020 Commissioner Andrews made a motion to adopt the February 17, 2020 minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Stalheim. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Motion to accept the February 17, 2020 minutes passes. iii. June 15, 2020 Commissioner Andrews made a motion to adopt the June 15, 2020 minutes. Seconded by Commissioner Stalheim. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Motion to accept the June 15, 2020 minutes passes. iv. July 20, 2020 Commissioner Stalheim made a motion to table the July 20, 2020 minutes until next month. Seconded by Commissioner Andrews. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Motion table the July 20, 2020 minutes passes. B. STAFF REPORTS i. Administrative Approvals 1. 1112 East Wayne Street —Commissioner Andrews celebrated the restoration of the windows at this property by H.G. Christman. 2. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked about the number of administrative approvals (12). C. COMMITTEE REPORTS i. Disposition of Historic Preservation Assets 1. N/A ii. Standards Update 1. Kurt Garner is under contract, who has been working on the specific guidelines for each district. Indiana Landmarks will present at the September meeting regarding the model guidelines. The next stage will be public engagement, which will be modeled on the Planning Team's work during COVID to execute remote engagement. Staff hopes to have this in place by March of 2021, when projects begin to be executed. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. WPA River Walk Commissioner Andrews asked about the Howard Park / WPA River Walk improvements. Specialist Toering stated that there was no Federal monies being used on those projects, so there would be no review of those projects by the HPC office. The work is being done may not be to our expressed liking, but staff is happy that it is being done because there were definite areas where the wall and sidewalk had failed. The biggest change to the area is the addition of the bicycle path along Northside Boulevard. There are three WPA stairs in that section from the edge of Howard Park to Joe Kernan Park and the Notre Dame Boathouse, the two stairwells on the outside will remain, the stairwell in the center will remain as well but there will be a fence installed at the top of the stairs, because the pathway along the river in that area has been removed. The pathway along the river way will not be reinstalled, but there will be new river overlooks that are being installed. Specialist Toering has asked them to install a gate instead of a fence at the top of the stairway, instead. This area floods regularly. The WPA features are not locally protected but are part of a National Register District. Commissioner Andrews expressed frustration that the riverwalk in South Bend now has a gap in it, as opposed to Mishawaka which has a continuous path. Specialist Toering expressed that the Cooper Street Bridge / Highway bridge repairs resulted in damage to the WPA wall, approximately across the street from The Armory / Iron Hands Winery. B. Navarre Cabin Appeal Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked when the Navarre Cabin appeal would occur. Legal Counsel Kennedy explained more about the appeal process. Administrator Feasel stated that the meeting would be on September 14", during the `Unfinished Business' portion of the meeting. Legal Counsel Kennedy clarified the Governor's Emergency order expiration date and how that impacts remote hearings. C. Modlin Appeal Legal Counsel Kennedy explained that there was a delay on the part of the Modlin's delisting, but that staff were prepared to do what needs to be done to move this forward. VII. NEW BUSINESS A. Riverside Drive Light Poles Commission Gelfman asked for clarification as to which Committee should receive the light pole replacement project for the Riverside Drive area in the River Bend Local Historic District. Specialist Toering explained the reason for the existence of the Fagade Easements Committee. Administrator Feasel explained that this may be a matter for the legal committee. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stated that this issue may require legal strategy. Commissioner Gelfrnan asked for guidance as to who would receive these packets. Administrator Feasel expressed that the Historic District Committee should receive the information. Commission Gelfman stated that she is on that committee and that she must recuse herself. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked if Catherine Hostetler would be willing to assist on this project. Commissioner Gelfrnan expressed that she would contact Ms. Hostetler. Commissioner Downs-Krostenko asked about the number of poles, and where they were believed to exist. Legal Counsel Kennedy stated that the Committee should reach out to the Council member for the area. Legal Counsel Kennedy clarified that Commissioners could contact Council members to discuss matters like this, but that they could not discuss the Navarre Cabin appeal, or the Modlin appeal. Specialist Toering stated he would distribute the materials to the Committee members. Commissioner Andrews stated that she is the chair of that committee, and would like more guidance as to what the Committee is supposed to be doing. VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS A. Committee Assignments — Distributed B. Committee Responsibilities i. Meetings need to be posted in advance of a meeting, staff are here to assist in the scheduling of the meeting. Remote meetings are a possibility. ii. Staff handles a good deal of the responsibilities of many of the committees, but help would be appreciated. C. Public Engagement — Commissioner Downs-Krostenko stressed that public engagement for the Standards and Guidelines update via the Committees should be utilized. V. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Andrews made a motion to adjourn. Seconded by Commissioner Downs-Krostenko. Six in favor, none opposed. Vote: 6 — 0. Meeting adjourned at 6:34 pm. Attest: Sarah Andrews, ecretary Date