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STAFF REPORT <br />CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A <br />CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS <br /> <br />Date: April 27, 2021 <br />Application Number: 2021-0413 <br />Property Location: 504 East LaSalle Avenue <br />Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Italianate / NeoClassical / <br />1900 / 1924 / J.C. Lauber Company <br />Property Owner: Greater Lowell Holdings, LLC <br />Landmark or District Designation: Historic Landmark (Ordinance <br />#7591-1986); National Register East Bank Multiple Property Listing <br />Rating: Contributing <br /> <br /> <br />DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The J.C. Lauber Company building is described in the National <br />Register listing as a unique example of the Commercial-Functional style of architecture that combines utility with <br />ornament. The structure is comprised of several additions with the primary LaSalle Street facing constructed as a <br />one-story, rectangular-plan, commercial building with a foundation of concrete and rubble, walls are brick and <br />block. A metal cornice stretches seventy feet across the façade. Roof is flat. LaSalle Street façade features <br />modillions on ends of dentilled cornice with scroll end brackets. The front elevation has a strong horizontal <br />emphasis. Windows are divided into nine bays and are wood framed, fixed plate glass with solid transoms above. <br />Front entrance is a wood double door with glass. The 1924 addition, directly behind the 1900 building, is a one- <br />story, rectangular-plan, constructed of concrete block, with a flat roof. Windows are metal with multi-panels. The <br />rear of the building is organized by multiple additions and incorporate various garage doors. Signage exists on all <br />sides, both attached to and painted directly on the structure, reflecting different eras of the former J.C. Lauber <br />business. <br /> <br />ALTERATIONS: COA 2005-1031 approved demolition of portion of building constructed in 1882 at northwest <br />corner of LaSalle and Niles. COA 2006-0413 approved reinstallation of J.C. Lauber Sheet Metal sign, formerly on <br />west side of 1882 portion of building. COA 2016-1128 to demolish 5,000 sq. ft. building was not executed. COA <br />2018-0404A approved improvements to the entire structure including restoration of the primary façade, new fenced <br />(retroactive) patio, new openings, two new cooler structures, and preservation of existing legacy signs. COA 2018- <br />0613 approved additional alterations to openings. COA 2019-0329A approved application of window treatments to <br />existing windows. COA 2019-1203 approve the installation of fence work around the site. AA 2020-0504A <br />allowed for the replacement of flat roof sections with new membrane and metal coping, with the west and north <br />coping to remain. <br /> <br />APPLICATION ITEMS: “Construct a new canopy roof over the existing west patio.” <br /> <br />DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: <br /> <br />i. Install a sloped roof over the existing patio at the northwest corner of the property, <br />composed of: <br />1. Five (5) 6” x 6” steel tube columns erected on the outside of the existing fence, <br />2. Wood beams mounted on saddles atop the steel columns, <br />3. 2” x 12” by 24’ joists affixed to the wood beams and the building’s exterior wall <br />with joist hangers and a 2” x 12” ledgerboard, <br />4. Metal standing seam roof (with 5/8” plywood), with a 1/12 slope. <br /> <br />STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: Group “B” Standards <br />The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the extent of any proposed treatment, renovation, or addition to a <br />historic landmark. The commission will require drawings, plans, specifications, and/or samples where appropriate. <br />A. Maintenance