HomeMy WebLinkAboutHPC Agenda Packet 7.9.2020
Thursday
July 9, 2020
5:30 p.m.
Electronic
Zoom Meeting Platform
IOWA CITY HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Electronic Meeting – 5:30 p.m.
Zoom Meeting Platform
Agenda
A) Call to Order
B) Roll Call
C) Public discussion of anything not on the agenda
D) Certificate of Appropriateness
1. North Half of 817 Dearborn Street – Dearborn Street Conservation District (new construction)
2. 13 S Linn Street (Hohenschuh Mortuary) – Local Historic Landmark (signage installation)
3. 810 North Johnson Street – Brown Street Historic District (demolition of non-historic addition
and construction of new addition)
E) Discussion of the 400 Block of North Clinton Street
F) Report on Certificates issued by Chair and Staff
Certificate of No Material Effect –Chair and Staff review
1. 815 Ronalds Street – Brown Street Historic District (front step and railing and rear railing
replacement)
2. 617 Brown Street – Brown Street Historic District (chimney repair or reconstruction)
3. 409 Ronalds Street – Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District (storm windows and
foundation braces)
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting is being held because a meeting in person is impossible or
impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members,
staff and the public presented by COVID-19.
You can participate in the meeting and can comment on an agenda item by going
to https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUvcOmvrjwpHtx--vRFz23SlZbDpcrOIiJJ
to visit the Zoom meeting’s registration page and submitting the required
information. Once approved, you will receive an email message with a link to join
the meeting. If you are asked for a meeting or webinar ID, enter the ID number
found in the email. If you have no computer or smartphone, or a computer
without a microphone, you can call in by phone by dialing (312) 626-6799 and
entering the meeting ID 912 7070 7348 when prompted. Providing comment in
person is not an option.
Minor Review –Staff review
1. 1510 Sheridan Avenue – Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement)
2. 1127 Maple Street – Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement)
3. 1011 Woodlawn Avenue – Woodlawn Historic District (flat roof membrane replacement)
4. 1133 East Court Street – Longfellow Historic District (flat roof membrane replacement, rear
second floor deck railing installation, synthetic siding removal from porch)
5. 503 Grant Street – Longfellow Historic District (aluminum siding removal and original trim and
siding repair)
6. 430 Ronalds Street – Goosetown/Horace Mann Conservation District (aluminum siding
removal and original trim and siding repair)
Intermediate Review –Chair and Staff review
513 Grant Street – Longfellow Historic District (minor changes to previous COA)
G) Consideration of Minutes for June 11, 2020
H) Commission Information and Discussion
1. Chair memo re: Sharing the Stories of our Community’s Full History
2. Preserve Iowa Summit Notes
3. Election of Officers
I) Adjournment
If you will need disability-related accommodations in order to participate in this meeting, please contact Jessica
Bristow, Urban Planning, at 319-356-5243 or at jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org. Early requests are strongly encouraged
to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Staff Report July 6, 2020
Historic Review for Lot 20, Block 8 in the Rundell Addition, the north half of 817 Rundell
District: Dearborn Street Conservation District
Classification: Non-historic
The applicant, Kent Ralston, is requesting approval for a proposed new construction project at Lot 20, Block
8 in the Rundell Addition, a non-historic property in the Dearborn Street Conservation District. The project
consists of the construction of a new single-family home.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations
4.1 Balustrades and Handrails
4.2 Chimneys
4.3 Doors
4.4 Energy Efficiency
4.5 Foundations
4.6 Gutters and Downspouts
4.7 Mass and Rooflines
4.8 Masonry
4.9 Paint and Color
4.10 Porches
4.11 Siding
4.12 Site and Landscaping
4.13 Windows
4.14 Wood
6.0 Guidelines for New Construction
6.1 New Primary Structures
8.0 Neighborhood District Guidelines
8.1 Longfellow Neighborhood
Staff Comments
Lots 19 and 20 of block 8 in the Rundell Addition seem to have been combined under one ownership until
recently. The south half, lot 19 includes a gable-front bungalow built in 1918 and the north half, lot 20,
includes a simple garage built soon after the construction of the house. In 2019, the owner sold the south
half, and retained the north half, separating the two lots. The existing garage is not a part of the application
and will remain. Any work on the garage would occur under a separate application.
The applicant is proposing to construct a two-story home in a style that is similar to the Foursquares found in
the neighborhood. The house will have smooth cement board lap siding, Azek trim, asphalt shingle roof, and
metal clad windows with multi-paned upper sashes. The front of the house will have a half-width porch. The
house and porch both have hipped roofs.
New construction can be a complicated project and is rare in a Historic or Conservation District. The
guidelines include new construction and neighborhood guidelines that should be followed. In addition, the
individual sections provide guidance on specific details when the new construction guidelines do not provide
guidance. Section 8.1 of the Neighborhood Guidelines for Longfellow recommend that the total surface area
of the new building is 800 square feet or less. In the Dearborn Street Conservation District, a new building
must reflect the Craftsman, Craftsman bungalow, American Foursquare, Vernacular or Eclectic Style.
Section 6.0 New Construction, of the guidelines include points that are also found in the individual sections.
This project includes several things that are only discussed in the individual sections so they will be listed
here. One specific item includes an exception only for new construction and that is listed below.
The guideline recommendations are as follows:
• 4.1 Balustrades and handrails: square spindles 1 ½ inches or greater. Top and bottom rails at least
2 inches in thickness.
• 4.2 Chimneys: new chimneys are masonry and full height.
• 4.3 Doors: new doors are wood.
• 4.5 Foundation: Smooth faced concrete is preferred and helps show it is a new house; Exposed
foundation should be typically 12 to 30 inches. Window well material matches foundation
• 4.6 gutters and downspouts: downspouts near corners
• 4.7 Mass and roofline: drawings don’t show top of wall under roof overhang. Based on this design
the wall should terminate with a frieze board and a small molding to transition to soffit.
• 4.9 paint and color: Two-color scheme, trim and body. Black window sashes (dark green may be
acceptable) Disallowed: all white or bright, obtrusive colors
• 4.10 Porches: porch floor may be concrete if 18 or less inches above grade. Concrete steps for a
masonry porch. Wood substitutes must be paintable.
• 4.11 Siding: Wood siding and the trim details along with paint combine to make one of the most
important defining characteristics of historic districts. This display of detail and color is essential to
the character of the older neighborhoods. Cement board with a smooth finish is acceptable
• 4.12 Site and Landscaping: site plan should be included and show the sidewalk connecting the
entrance door/porch to the sidewalk and show parking in back.
• 4.13 Windows: Windows may be aluminum-clad but not just aluminum. See sash color above. All
windows should match size, type, sash width, trim, use of divided lites. Some smaller windows are
acceptable but should be proportionally vertical not horizontal. Window pattern should be consistent
and upper and lower windows align. Muntin bars are adhered to the inside and outside of the
window- between the glass in addition to that is preferred but not required. Installing modern types
of windows including sliders or other types not consistent with the architecture are disallowed. For
instance, fixed windows are small and decorative. Egress windows must match the size, trim, use of
divided lites and overall appearance of the other windows.
• 4.14 Wood: wood substitutes should retain the appearance and function of wood and be paintable.
They should be approved by the Commission. Metal would not be approved as a replacement for
wood so metal soffits would not be appropriate.
• 5.2 Decks and Ramps: a small elevation of a deck is shown on one drawing but not shown
anywhere else. The deck should be shown on plans and set in 8 at least 8 inches from the side walls
of the house. Deck railing must follow section 4.1. baluster and railing must be painted. Stairs have
close risers.
• 6.0 new construction: Porch can be concrete through use of exception.
In Staff’s opinion, the use of a Foursquare design is appropriate for the neighborhood as there are several
nearby. The drawings include several markups, many of which have to do with trim details to meet the siding
guidelines. Several Small windows will change configuration as well. Staff had a conversation with the
applicant who agreed to address many of the changes such as the small window types, the siding and trim
details, the deck railing . There are several points worth noting.
• Windows: the windows will generally all be double-hung with the exception of the basement egress
windows which will likely be casement designed to look like a double-hung window. The windows
will appear four-over-one double hung through the use of adhered muntin bars on both sides of the
glass with the possible exception of the smaller kitchen and bathroom-type windows. The applicant
has a solid aluminum window that he has used on other projects that he would like to use here. Staff
has not reviewed this window product to see if it appears appropriate. The guidelines do not include
an exception for the use of a metal window that is not metal-clad wood. Staff recommends that the
use of metal-clad wood windows reviewed by Staff or Staff and Chair is included in the conditions
for approval. Currently, the paired or ganged windows are shows attached directly instead of
including the weight or stud-pocket that creates a place for exterior trim between the windows and is
required on all grouped windows in historic regulated areas.
• Chimney: the guidelines require that a chimney is full height and masonry if located on the exterior
of the building. A chimney could also be interior with a thin-brick chimney obscuring most of the
exterior above the roof. Staff feels that an exception for a siding-clad chimney could be approved on
this project. The house at 1223 Seymour Avenue is a house of a similar style that has this cladding.
• Porch: the current porch design includes a concrete porch floor, tall masonry piers and battered
columns. Staff feels that the proportion of the columns is too narrow for this application. During a
conversation, the applicant discussed the possibility of a wooden porch floor instead of concrete and
the possibility of columns without the tall masonry piers. If the porch is constructed of wood, it
would need to meet the guidelines and follow traditional porch construction with piers below the
floor deck that match the foundation, a tongue and groove porch floor (including the possibility of
Azek) and columns that sit above the floor with elements that align appropriately. Staff would
recommend a simple square column, likely 12 inches wide because of the height of the porch roof.
• Doors: Staff recommends either wood or fiberglass doors. The design of the front door in the
drawing appears appropriate with this style of house. Staff would recommend the rear door is a half-
lite door with horizontal panels below. An exception exists to approve a sliding door on the back of
the house if it is trimmed to match the other openings.
• Window patterning: Staff finds that the window patterning on the sides of the house is too sparse.
While most of this condition is created by bathrooms and similar spaces, staff made notes about
some locations where windows could be added. Historic buildings often had more windows than
modern construction. Now, there is an interest in getting light into buildings, for this reason, staff
suggests that some windows are added to the sides of the building as possible.
With several changes made to the current drawings and conditions approved by Staff and Chair as
recommended below, Staff recommends approval of this project.
Recommended Motion
Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at Lot 20 of Block 8 in the Rundell
Addition as presented in the application with the following conditions, all to be approved in final drawings by
Staff and Chair:
Siding and trim revisions are made according to the mark-ups on the drawing
Site revisions are made according to the mark-ups on the drawings
The windows are metal-clad wood four-over-one double hung that are separated with a weight
pocket and appropriate trim and windows are added to the side elevation
The porch is revised according to the drawings and approved through an exception for new
construction that is less than 18 inches above grade or revised to use traditional wood porch
construction and thicker straight square columns of a dimension to be approved through drawings
The Chimney is full height and clad in siding and approved through an exception for new
construction and the fact that an appropriate example is found in the same neighborhood.
The rear door is changed to a half-lite door
All soffits and porch ceiling are beadboard or beadboard plywood.
Application for Historic Review
Property Owner/ Applicant information
(Please check primary contact person)
Historic Designation
(Maps are located at the following link: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources)
Proposed Project Information
Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or
properties located in a historic district or conservation district
pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-3B. Guidelines for
the Historic Review process, explanation of the process and
regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Handbook, which is available in the
1HLJKERUKRRGDQG'HYHORSPHQW6HUYLFHVRIÀFHDW&LW\+DOO
or online at: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources
The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must
comply with all appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of
a building permit.
Meeting Schedule: The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the
RIÀFHRI1HLJKERUKRRGDQG'HYHORSPHQW6HUYLFHVE\QRRQRQ:HGQHVGD\WKUHHZHHNVSULRUWRWKH
meeting. See last page of this application for deadlines and meeting dates.
For Staff Use:
Date submitted:
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Major Review
Intermediate Review
Minor Review
Property Owner Name:
(PDLO
Address:
Phone Number:
City: State: Zip Code:
This Property is a local historic landmark.
This Property is within a historic or conservation district (choose location):
Contractor/Consultant Name:
(PDLO
Address:
Phone Number:
City: State: Zip Code:
Address:
Use of Property: Date Constructed (if known):
OR
Brown St. Historic District
College Green Historic District
(DVW&ROOHJH6W+LVWRULF'LVWULFW
Longfellow Historic District
Northside Historic District
Summit St. Historic District
Woodlawn Historic District
Clark St. Conservation
District
College Hill Conservation District
Dearborn St. Conservation District
Goosetown/ Horace Mann
Conservation District
Governor-Lucas St. Conservation
District
:LWKLQWKHGLVWULFWWKLV3URSHUW\LV&ODVVLÀHGDV
Contributing Noncontributing Nonhistoric
Jefferson St. Historic District
5/19/2020
Kent Ralston
kentralston@hotmail.com 319.530.0809
16 Wildberry Ln Ne
Iowa City IA 52240
John Glick - Glick Construction
johnglick@southslope.net 319.936.2525
Iowa City Iowa
North Half of 817 Dearborn - Parcel # 1014282022
Detached - Single Family Residence NA
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Addition
%XLOGLQJ(OHYDWLRQV
(Typically projects entailing an addition to the building footprint such as a room, porch, deck, etc.)
Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all
listed materials. Applications without necessary materials may be rejected.
Product Information
Floor Plans
Site Plans
Photographs
Alteration
%XLOGLQJ(OHYDWLRQV
(Typically projects entailing work such as siding and window replacement, skylights, window opening
alterations, deck or porch replacement/construction, baluster repair, or similar. If the project is a minor
DOWHUDWLRQSKRWRJUDSKVDQGGUDZLQJVWRGHVFULEHWKHVFRSHRIWKHSURMHFWDUHVXIÀFLHQW
Product Information Photographs
Construction
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of a new building
Product Information
Floor Plans
Site Plans
Photographs
Demolition
Photographs
(Projects entailing the demolition of a primary structure or outbuilding, or any portion of a building, such
as porch, chimney, decorative trim, baluster, etc.)
(YLGHQFHRIGHWHULRUDWLRQ Proposal of Future Plans
Repair or Restoration of an existing structure that will not change its appearance.
Other
Please contact the Preservation Specialist at 356-5243 for materials which need to be included with applications
Project Description:
Materials to be Used:
Exterior Appearance Changes:
Photographs Product Information
To Submit Application:Download form, Fill it out and email it to jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org or mail to Historic
3UHVHUYDWLRQ&LW\RI,RZD&LW\(:DVKLQJWRQ6WUHHW,RZD&LW\,$
Construction of a new single family dwelling on an open lot. The design and size of the structure was selected to fit into the
character of the existing neighborhood. Currently, there is an existing single car garage on the property that may have some
historic value although is in very poor condition. If desired, the applicant will attempt to salvage the garage and rehab for future
use. However, the garage is not part of this application.
Fiber cement siding (HardiePlank or similar) and Composite trim (AZEK or similar). Aluminum clad wood windows or full
aluminum windows.
View of lot looking west from Dearborn St.
View of lot looking north/west from Dearborn St.
Approximate footprint and location of structure. Note existing single car garage to remain.
Shift outer columnin so porch roofterminates at corner ofhouse not extend pastcenter doorbetweencolumnssiding same hereband board 8 inchesmaybe 10 if necessarysame sidingbottom of wall(above foundationends in 10"watertable withdrip cap aboveand this is alingedwiith the porhc floorand door treads no drip cap aboveband boardsame sidingno sliderscasement to looklike double hungin vertical orientationall ganged windows separated bystud and trim equivaltent to jamb trim(historically the weitght pocket)odd proportionCan his winowbe altered to be morenarrow if not taller?what is this winodw?two fixed windows??can they be doulbehungchimneys mustbe full heightand masonry accordingto the guidelines(section 4.2)we could possiblyuse siding like thehouse at 1223 Seymourare these thesame proportionas front? should bebut they appearwiderall double hung full size should matcheither one-over-one or four-over-one(divided lites are preferred)remove additionaldivided litecondition this pair(not 8-over-1)column proportion too narrowfor height.brick columns top of brick shouldbe lower and the battered wood columnlikely fatter to look correct at this heighttypicallyexterior doorsare not solidband board should align with bottomedge of porch roof (fascia) and bay roofmake sure all front facing surface including wall (chimney if exists and roof faceequal no more than 800 square feetsiding lap shouldbe smaller than trim widthif trim is 4 inches (then lap is 3 or 2 1/2.if trim is 6 (more common than 5)then siding could be 4window proportion should be consistentthroughout- this is thin compared to otherssame not as small left sideelevationCan sides be labeled north and south instead of left and right please?Side elevations are a bit too sparse in windowsmore windows needed to keep the regular windowpatternDoors sit jst above watertale with no other siding below.doors don't float.
show window wells- same material as foundationedit drawing with correct egress window well size.
Add window here unless chimneyis retained since it must be full heightadd window hereFrench door not sliderflipping the mud room would allow awindow in the exterior wall
Deck should be shown on planmetal is not an appropriate subtitute for wood infascia and soffitdeck railing does not meet guidelines- posts should sit on top of floor- not attached to outsidespindles should be located between top and bottom rail.
Several Images of the 800 Block of Dearborn Street
1223 Seymour Avenue Chimney (below)
Potential column design
Staff Report July 4, 2020
Historic Review for 13 S. Linn Street, Hohenschuh Mortuary
District: Central Business District
Classification: Local Historic Landmark
The applicant, JTK Holdings LLC and CR Signs & Lighting, are requesting approval for a proposed
alteration project at 13 S. Linn Street, Hohenschuh Mortuary, a local historic landmark property in the
Central Business District. The project consists of installation of new signage to east and south elevations.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
10 .0 The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
Iowa City Downtown District Storefront and Signage Guidelines
Staff Comments
The Hohenschuh Mortuary is a two-story, brick building constructed in 1917. The building is divided into
two sections: the public and the non-public. The front, public section, facing Linn street is an example of
high style Georgian Revival and assumed to be architect designed. This section has a side-gabled roof with
roof dormers, symmetrical façade, and classical details: denticulated eaves, returned cornice, classical pilasters
and columns, and round headed windows with elaborate divided lites in the dormers. The curved portico is
another Classical detail that is mimicked in the curved balconies on each side at the second floor.
The windows in the dormer are assumed to be original. The windows on the second floor have been replaced
with significantly smaller windows than the original arched-top multi-paned windows. The first floor
windows Have been replaced with plate-glass windows. Original window boxes have also been removed.
The rear portion, the non-public area, was built in concrete block with brick veneer. It has a flat roof with a
tall parapet and cornice molding. This wing originally had multi-light casement windows with straight arches
and a garage entrance door for the hearse/ambulance.
A 2014 Project installed an overhead door, window and passage door in the opening on the south side of the
building that was the original hearse entrance. In 2009, a ramp and accessible entrance door was added to the
north side of the building in a tight corridor between the building and the Van Patten House that was a local
landmark next door until it burned down. In 2005, the Commission failed to approve the installation of an
ATM machine that was installed in the front of the building with the addition of a new opening in the front
façade.
The applicant is proposing to install a new flag-mounted sign to the front of the building. The sign will be
constructed of aluminum cabinets with white acrylic faces and vinyl graphics. The cabinet will be lit with
LEDs. Though it is not specified in the application, the sign would be attached to the building at the mortar
joints, not through the brick. This sign will be installed just north of the SE corner of the building adjacent to
the alley and below the level of the second floor balcony. A second sign will be installed above the doors on
the south side of the building at the alley, that were from the 2014 project. The existing sign with white,
rectangular background will be replaced with a new, slightly smaller sign formed to the logo graphic. This sign
will also be a cabinet with a white acrylic face and vinyl graphics, lit with LEDs. This sign must also be
mounted by attachment through the mortar joints or utilizing existing attachment points.
The guidelines are limited in recommendations applicable to this project. In order to review projects that are
not covered in individual sections, the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation are included in
Section 10. Number Nine of the standards states that exterior alterations shall not destroy historic materials
that characterize the property and the new work shall be differentiated from the old and compatible with the
massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its
environment.
For more guidance, the National Park Service has published Preservation Brief 25 which includes a section
on new signs on the last page (included in the packet). This Brief states that signs should work with the
building rather than against it. Often features or details of the building will suggest a motif for new signs.
Signs should not obscure significant features of the historic building. Sign materials should be compatible
with those of the historic building. Materials characteristic of the building’s period and style, used in
contemporary designs, can form effective new signs.
The Iowa City Downtown District has also published Storefront and Signage Guidelines (included in the
packet). The signage guidelines encourage projecting signs, durable materials, dimensional letterforms, and a
scale to fit the building. Sign placement should take into consideration the architectural features and
proportions of the building and when a sign band exists fit signs into the original space of the sign band.
Storefront projecting signs are located below the second-floor window sill, a minimum of 8 feet above the
sidewalk and project a maximum of 4 feet. Plastic signs with painted letters where the entire face of the sign is
illuminated is not allowed.
In Staff’s opinion, new sign designs are a necessary and welcome part of a vibrant, active commercial district
that require a blending of old and new materials and designs. As with many modern signs in brick commercial
buildings, the materiality tends to not reflect the masonry construction but modern tastes. Since this building
does not have a dedicated sign band, a projecting sign is preferred and is a type of sign seen on many
buildings in the Central Business District. In addition, the sign on the front façade is located to point to the
commercial entrance in the back portion of the building on the alley. Installing the sign into the mortar joints
(or existing anchors) instead of adding new holes into the historic brick is one of the biggest concerns with
sign installation on historic buildings. Sign installation of this type has also gained a consensus for approval
from the Commission in recent years. Staff finds the new sign design appropriate for the historic building.
Recommended Motion
Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 13 S. Linn Street as presented in the
application.
13 South Linn Street, Hohenschuh Mortuary
Application for Historic Review
Property Owner/ Applicant information
(Please check primary contact person)
Historic Designation
(Maps are located at the following link: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources)
Proposed Project Information
Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or
properties located in a historic district or conservation district
pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-3B. Guidelines for
the Historic Review process, explanation of the process and
regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic
Preservation Handbook, which is available in the
1HLJKERUKRRGDQG'HYHORSPHQW6HUYLFHVRIÀFHDW&LW\+DOO
or online at: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources
The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must
comply with all appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of
a building permit.
Meeting Schedule: The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the
RIÀFHRI1HLJKERUKRRGDQG'HYHORSPHQW6HUYLFHVE\QRRQRQ:HGQHVGD\WKUHHZHHNVSULRUWRWKH
meeting. See last page of this application for deadlines and meeting dates.
For Staff Use:
Date submitted:
&HUWLÀFDWHRI1RPDWHULDO(IIHFW
&HUWLÀFDWHRI$SSURSULDWHQHVV
Major Review
Intermediate Review
Minor Review
Property Owner Name:
(PDLO
Address:
Phone Number:
City: State: Zip Code:
This Property is a local historic landmark.
This Property is within a historic or conservation district (choose location):
Contractor/Consultant Name:
(PDLO
Address:
Phone Number:
City: State: Zip Code:
Address:
Use of Property: Date Constructed (if known):
OR
Brown St. Historic District
College Green Historic District
(DVW&ROOHJH6W+LVWRULF'LVWULFW
Longfellow Historic District
Northside Historic District
Summit St. Historic District
Woodlawn Historic District
Clark St. Conservation
District
College Hill Conservation District
Dearborn St. Conservation District
Goosetown/ Horace Mann
Conservation District
Governor-Lucas St. Conservation
District
:LWKLQWKHGLVWULFWWKLV3URSHUW\LV&ODVVLÀHGDV
Contributing Noncontributing Nonhistoric
Jefferson St. Historic District
6/4/2020
JTK Holdings LLC
(319)430-0696
730 N Linn St
Iowa City IA 52240
CR Signs & Lighting Inc
Lee@CRSignsInc.com 319-826-3608
4701 1st Ave SE Ste 10
Cedar Rapids IA 52402
13 S Linn St
Application Requirements
Application Requirements
Addition
%XLOGLQJ(OHYDWLRQV
(Typically projects entailing an addition to the building footprint such as a room, porch, deck, etc.)
Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all
listed materials. Applications without necessary materials may be rejected.
Product Information
Floor Plans
Site Plans
Photographs
Alteration
%XLOGLQJ(OHYDWLRQV
(Typically projects entailing work such as siding and window replacement, skylights, window opening
alterations, deck or porch replacement/construction, baluster repair, or similar. If the project is a minor
DOWHUDWLRQSKRWRJUDSKVDQGGUDZLQJVWRGHVFULEHWKHVFRSHRIWKHSURMHFWDUHVXIÀFLHQW
Product Information Photographs
Construction
%XLOGLQJ(OHYDWLRQV
of a new building
Product Information
Floor Plans
Site Plans
Photographs
Demolition
Photographs
(Projects entailing the demolition of a primary structure or outbuilding, or any portion of a building, such
as porch, chimney, decorative trim, baluster, etc.)
(YLGHQFHRIGHWHULRUDWLRQ Proposal of Future Plans
Repair or Restoration of an existing structure that will not change its appearance.
Other
Please contact the Preservation Specialist at 356-5243 for materials which need to be included with applications
Project Description:
Materials to be Used:
Exterior Appearance Changes:
Photographs Product Information
To Submit Application:Download form, Fill it out and email it to jessica-bristow@iowa-city.org or mail to Historic
3UHVHUYDWLRQ&LW\RI,RZD&LW\(:DVKLQJWRQ6WUHHW,RZD&LW\,$
Install new signage to east and south elevations as per attached designs
Aluminum, acrylic, vinyl
Addition of signage to east and south elevations as shown in accompanying drawings
59
Iowa City Historic Preservatfon Handbook 10.0 The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitatfon The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (Standards) were originally written to
determine the appropriateness of proposed project work on propertfes that were listed on the Natfonal
Register of Historic Places. The Standards are accompanied by instructfons concerning methods,
materials, historical character, and other consideratfons that relate to the historical significance of the
partfcular property and its surroundings. The Standards have been widely accepted by state, county,
and city governments.
The Iowa City Historic Preservatfon Commission uses the Standards to determine the appropriateness
of exterior changes to historic landmarks and propertfes located in historic and conservatfon districts.
The Iowa City Guidelines are based on and comply with the Standards, and were written to provide
more specific guidance for owners, contractors and consultants in Iowa City as well as the Historic
Preservatfon Commission.
The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation (1990) are listed below.
1. A property shall be used for its historic purpose or be placed in a new use that requires minimal
change to the defining characteristfcs of the building and its site and environment.
2. The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic
materials or alteratfon of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided.
3. Each property shall be recognized as a physical record of its tfme, place, and use. Changes that
create a false sense of historical development, such as adding conjectural features or architectural
elements from other buildings, shall not be undertaken.
4. Most propertfes change over tfme; those changes that have acquired historic significance in their
own right shall be retained and preserved.
5. Distfnctfve features, finishes, and constructfon techniques or examples of craftsmanship that
characterize a property shall be preserved.
6. Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of
deterioratfon requires replacement of a distfnctfve feature, the new feature shall match the old in
design, color, texture, and other visual qualitfes and, where possible, materials. Replacement of
missing features shall be substantfated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence.
7. Chemical or physical treatments, such as sandblastfng, that cause damage to historic materials shall
not be used. The surface cleaning of structures, if appropriate, shall be undertaken using the
gentlest means possible.
8. Significant archeological resources affected by a project shall be protected and preserved. If such
resources must be disturbed, mitfgatfon measures shall be undertaken.
9. New additfons, exterior alteratfons, or related new constructfon shall not destroy historic materials
that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentfated from the old and shall be
compatfble with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity
of the property and its environment.
10. New additfons and adjacent or related new constructfon shall be undertaken in such a manner that
if removed in the future, the essentfal form and integrity of the historic property and its
environment would be unimpaired.
10.0 The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation
4.2
Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines
Well-designed signs help create successful storefronts.
Comprised of letterforms and graphic elements, a sign
conveys the personality of the business and creates a
sense of excitement and vibrancy on the street.
Signage should be designed by a design professional
and fabricated by a sign company that understands
various methods and materials that are appropriate to
the District. The size of the sign should be appropriate
for the storefront, building and neighboring buildings
as well as the pedestrian experience. If signs are
too large and bright, they may reduce visibility of
the merchandise and affect the dining experience of
neighboring sidewalk cafés.
Pedestrian visibility, both from adjacent sidewalks and
from across the street, is the primary consideration for
the type of signage used as well as its size and location.
Signs should not be scaled for vehicular visibility since
the characteristics of the streetscape, narrow viewing
angles and trees minimize the benefits of larger signs.
Using a variety of well-designed and appropriately
scaled sign types is the best approach.
Best Practices - Encouraged
•Use of projecting signs increases pedestrian visibility
and creates a unique feel for the District.
•Use quality, durable materials.
•Plan lighting placement to best accentuate the
signage.
•Scale signs to fit the building and avoid obscuring
architectural features.
•Exposed neon is appropriate if used in a limited and
tasteful manner.
•Dimensional letterforms add more interest to signage
than flat vinyl or painted signs.
Non-illuminated, pin-mounted letters can be highly effective.
Exposed neon is an appropriate method if used in a limited and
tasteful manner.
Hand-painted signage can feel both nostalgic and refined.
Restore old signs when possible.
A three-dimensional element can make your storefront more
distinctive.
Halo-lit letters are an elegant way to illuminate a sign.
4 | Signs
4.3
Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines
•Consider restoring historic signs.
•Consider 3-dimensional elements to make signs
more interesting.
Best Practices - Avoid
•Internally illuminated, plastic-faced letterforms or
'cloud' type backlit acrylic signs are not allowed.
Instead use individual open-face, neon channel
letters, halo-illuminated letters or push-through
letters.
•Back-lit, acrylic faced cabinet signs, where the entire
face is illuminated, are prohibited except in the case
of historic theater marquees.
Benefits
•Creative, well-designed signage draws attention,
adds a layer of detail and interest to the
storefront and creates a lasting impression with
the customer.
•Smaller, pedestrian-friendly, unique signs can be
less expensive than traditional, vehicular-oriented
signs.
Back-lit, acrylic-faced cabinet signs, where the entire face is
illuminated, are prohibited.
Internally
illuminated,
plastic-faced
letterforms are
not allowed.
Artistic elements add charm and elegance to a sign.
Blade signs offer great visibility for pedestrians and
offer an opportunity for creative solutions.
Sometimes a very simple design solution can be very effective.
Use creative shapes
to make signs more
appealing.
4 | Signs
8
9
Best Practices - Encouraged (continued)
4.6
Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines
Projecting Signs
Projecting Signs project out from the face of the
building over the sidewalk, are two-sided and contain
the business name and/or logo.
In some cases a three-dimensional object or shape
related to the business may be used. These signs may
or may not incorporate the business name or logo.
Because it is not possible to define all the allowable or
prohibited designs, Projecting Signs of this nature are
subject to design review.
There are three types of Projecting Signs allowed in the
District:
•Storefront Projecting Signs are located below the
second floor window sill.
•Upper Level Projecting Signs are located above the
second floor window sill and below the bottom of
cornice or roof line if no cornice exists. For any
allowable Upper Level Projecting Sign, the tenant
must obtain permission from the building owner.
Upper Level Projecting Signs are only permitted when
any of the following conditions exist:
ͳ The retail tenant occupies the entire building, and
the building frontage is greater than 60 feet.
ͳ The tenant is a hotel, theater or bowling alley as
permitted by the sign code.
•Banner Projecting Signs are located above the
second floor window sill and below the bottom of
cornice or roof line if no cornice exists. Banner
Projecting Signs are only permitted when any of the
following conditions existing:
ͳ The retail tenants are located in a large, multi-
tenant building where access to individual tenants
is through a common lobby from the street, and
tenants do not have individual exterior storefronts.
ͳ The retail tenant occupies a large, multi-story
building with more than 200 feet of street frontage.
Storefront Projecting Signs
Upper Level Projecting Signs and Banners
4'-0" max
projection
4'-0" max
projection
4'-0" max
projection
8'-0" min.
above sidewalk
9 S.F.
Max 9 S.F. Max
9 S.F. Max
No lower than bottom
of sill
No higher than bottom
of cornice
4 | Signs
Mount at 45º on corner
of building if located on
corner of street
When possible center between
windows and consider best
location on building
Center in available space
Consider architectural
features when determining
vertical location of signs
on building
4.7
Iowa City Downtown District | Storefront & Signage Guidelines
Decorative brackets add interest and
enhance the design.
Storefront Projecting Signs are highly visible for
pedestrians.
A three-dimensional object creates an
eye-catching sign.
Small light fixtures can me used to illuminate the
sign effectively.
Creative, artistic
elements grab
pedestrian attention.
Storefront Projecting Signs
Best Practices - Encouraged
•Use high quality, durable, rigid materials that will not
bow or bend.
•Lightweight, swinging-type signs are an inexpensive
but highly visible way to identify your storefront.
•Use clear, memorable imagery and interesting
shapes.
•The bracket or support structure is part of the visual
presentation and should be simple and clean, or
thoughtfully incorporated into the design of the sign.
•The bottom of the sign shall be no lower than 8 feet
above the sidewalk, and the top shall be no higher
than the bottom of the second floor window sill.
•Consider adjacent projections (Projecting Sign,
awnings, canopies) when determining the location of
the sign. Do not obstruct pedestrian view of adjacent
tenant Projecting Signs.
•Locate signs no closer than 1 foot from the adjacent
lease or property line and no closer than 12 feet from
any adjacent tenant Storefront Projecting Sign.
•The maximum size is 9 sq. ft. per side, messages are
only allowed on two sides, and the maximum
projection is 4 feet from the face of the building.
Best Practices - Avoid
•Internally illuminated, plastic-faced letters and cabinet
signs are not allowed.
Benefits
•Projecting signs are highly visible to pedestrians
walking along the sidewalk and provide an
excellent opportunity for creative expression of
retail brand identity.
•Simple, inexpensive signs can be very effective.
4 | Signs
Storefront Projecting
Signs should not be
oversized or require
excessive structures or
guy wires for support.
Internally Illuminated,
plastic-faced sign
cabinets are not
allowed.
12
22
Staff Report July 5, 2020
Historic Review for 810 N. Johnson Street
District: Brown Street Historic District
Classification: Contributing
The applicants, Laura Stunz and Thomas Mittman, are requesting approval for a proposed alteration project
at 810 N. Johnson Street, a Contributing property in the Brown Street Historic District. The project consists
of the removal of the 18-foot by 9-foot glass and aluminum solarium on the south side of the 1960’s addition
and its replacement with an 18-foot by 12-foot screen porch addition.
Applicable Regulations and Guidelines:
4.0 Iowa City Historic Preservation Guidelines for Alterations
4.5 Foundations
4.7 Mass and Rooflines
4.8 Masonry
4.14 Wood
5.0 Guidelines for Additions
5.1 Expansion of Building Footprint
7.0 Guidelines for Demolition
7.1 Demolition of Whole Structures or Significant Features
Staff Comments
This house was built in 1918 as a gable front house with a side facing crossing gable. The house has several
Craftsman details such as the clipped gables, shingle siding, exposed rafter tails in the bottom of the eaves.
Several details seem to be inspired by a Colonial Revival style such as the steep roof and full-length dormers
which give the house a Dutch Colonial appearance. Many of the double-hung windows on the house have a
multi-paned upper sash over a single-paned lower sash and are considered original.
This house may have had multiple additions. One addition in the 1960s added a first-floor addition and a
lower level greenhouse. In 1999, a remodel project for a kitchen and laundry room was approved by the
Commission and changed some of the openings on the north and west side and is mentioned in the
application. In 2016 the owners were approved to replace storm window sashes that were used in five second
floor windows, with more appropriate metal-clad wood sashes.
The applicant is proposing to remove the aluminum and glass solarium and replace it with a slightly wider,
and more useable screen porch area. The width would change from 9 feet to 12 feet (aligning with the front
of the house to the east. The new screen porch would have a low-slope membrane roof with exposed rafter
tails, similar to those on the eave ends. The roof will be lower than the existing solarium roof to provide more
room for the windows above. The porch roof would be supported with 6-inch by 6-inch cedar wrapped
posts. This is a larger size than the 4 x 4 posts in the application. Currently, the bottom of the greenhouse is
below grade. The screened porch will also be partially below grade, but since it is wider and the site slopes
down away from the house, more of the screened porch wall will be visible. The low knee wall will be skim-
coated to match the foundation on the house. The porch will have a concrete floor, since it is below grade,
and a beadboard ceiling. The screened door will face east. An existing limestone retaining wall will be rebuilt
with the project.
Section 7.0 Demolition recommends removing alterations that are not historic and that significantly detract
from the building’s historic character or that are structurally unsound and are a safety hazard.
Section 5.1 of the guidelines, Expansion of the Building Footprint, recommends that the design of an
addition does not diminish the character of the historic structure, is distinguishable from the original structure
at the point they connect, and is placed at the rear of the building. New porches should be constructed so
that they are consistent with the historic building. New porches less than 18 inches above grade may be
constructed with a concrete floor. In addition, a palette of materials similar to the original structure should be
used and the design should match key horizontal “lines” such as eave height, both in order to provide
continuity between the two portions of the building. Additions should be placed at the rear of the building if
possible.
In Staff’s opinion, the existing aluminum and glass solarium is not an appropriate addition to a historic house
and a past makeup of the Commission had suggested that it should be removed and rebuilt in a more
appropriate style. This project will make that change while also enlarging the space so that it is more useful.
The new roof line will not align with other horizontal elements because the porch is below grade but it will
provide better space for the windows in the 1960s addition above
Recommended Motion
Move to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at 810 N Johnson Street as presented in the
application and described in the staff report.
810 North Johnson Street
Application for Historic Review
Application for alterations to the historic landmarks or properties located in a historic district or conservation district
pursuant to Iowa City Code Section 14-3B. Guidelines for the Historic Review process, explanation of the process and
regulations can be found in the Iowa City Historic Preservation Handbook, which is available in the Neighborhood and
Development Services office at City Hall or online at:www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources
The HPC does not review applications for compliance with building and zoning codes. Work must comply with all
appropriate codes and be reviewed by the building division prior to the issuance of a building permit.
Please save as draft every 10-15 minutes to avoid work being lost.
Meeting Schedule : The HPC meets the second Thursday of each month. Applications are due in the office of
Neighborhood and Development Services by noon on Wednesday three weeks prior to the meeting. See deadlines and
meeting dates.
Property Owner
Contractor / Consultant
Property Owner / Applicant Information
Property Owner Name *
Email *
Phone *
Address *
Primary Contact *
Laura Stunz and Thomas Mittman
laura-stunz@uiowa.edu
319 530-0358
City
Iowa City
State / Province / Region
IA
Postal / Zip Code
52245
Country
USA
Street Address
810 N Johnson St.
Address Line 2
Yes No
Name *
Email *
Phone *
Beth Rapson - Regarding Home
elizabethrapson@gmail.com
319 25-7719
Address *
Use of Property *
Date constructed
Maps are located at the following link: www.icgov.org/historicpreservationresources
*
Please select the district below:*
Address
Primary Contact *
City
Iowa City
State / Province / Region
IA
Postal / Zip Code
52245
Country
USA
Street Address
715 N Johnson St.
Address Line 2
Yes No
Proposed Project Information
City
Iowa City
State / Province / Region
IA
Postal / Zip Code
52245
Country
USA
Street Address
810 Johnson St
Address Line 2
Residential
if known
6/1/1928
Historic Designation
This property is a local historic landmark
This property is within a historic or conservation district
Brown St. Historic District
College Green Historic District
East College St. Historic District
Jefferson St. Historic District
Longfellow Historic District
Northside Historic District
Summit St. Historic District
Woodlawn Historic District
Clark St. Conservation District
College Hill Conservation District
Dearborn St. Conservation District
Goosetown/ Horace Mann Conservation District
Governor-Lucas St. Conservation District
Within the district, this property is classified as:
Choose appropriate project type. In order to ensure application can be processed, please include all listed
materials. Applications without necessary materials may be rejected.*
Project Description:*
Materials to be Used:*
Exterior Appearance Changes:*
Contributing
Noncontributing
Nonhistoric
Application Requirements
Addition
Alteration
Construction
Demolition
Repair or Restoration
Other Remove Solarium on the south side of the 1960s addition and replace with a screen porch more appropriate to the historical architecture of the 1928 original house
Additional Requirements
Glass and aluminum 18’x9’ solarium attached to the south side of 1960 addition to this house will be removed
and replaced with a 18’x12’ screen porch
This home owner has had two other Historic Preservation project approvals/awards. 1999 & 2016. The 1999
Historic Review committee had expressed hope that this solarium and other aspects of the 1960 addition be
reimagined at some point. (20 years later here I am on their behalf).
Block knee wall skim coated to match other exterior this will mostly be below grade (as is the current 3’ high
knee wall). Concrete slab porch floor with perimeter drainage system. 4x4 Cedar posts and rafters with
exposed rafter tails to mirror original house details. Bead board ceiling. Low slope membrane roof.
The screen porch roof and profile will be lowered to allow more architectural definition between the bottom of
the LR windows and top of the roof. The current solarium 18’x9’, which has an entry door from the lower lever
of the house has a 3’ knee wall below the grade - not visible from the street. The new screen porch 18’x12’will
be 3’ wider and the knee wall will be lowered to 2’ high and Grade adjusted on the south lawn to present a
more gradual fall away from the house down the hill. There are a couple of dead trees that will be removed.
The existing limestone wall will be removed and then rebuilt after the new grade has been established.
*None of the historic steps on this property will be impacted.
Date: July 9, 2020
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner
Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street Background Information At the Historic Preservation Commission’s meeting on Thursday, January 9, the Commission discussed the 400 Block of N. Clinton Street. At the meeting, staff asked if the Commission was open to considering the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410 -412 N. Clinton Street. A summary of the Commission’s thoughts on this item are as follows:
• Expressed concern that historic properties are being held hostage and that the
history of the community is being leveraged for private gain.
• Ideally 400 N. Clinton Street would also be saved; however, the Commission
wants to work with the developer to achieve an Iowa City Landmark Designation
for 410-412 N. Clinton Street.
• Stated that the proposed design is out of character with the existing
neighborhood. There is an interest in exploring the recommendations regarding
changes to the design proposed by Friends of Historic Preservation (see their
comments below).
• Expressed a need to explore the rehabilitation of the historic structure as part of
the local landmark designation.
• Recommended transparency in the process in terms of public benefits vs. private
gains. Concerned that certain features of the built environment, such as height,
are easily agreed to without much thought to the impacts on the community.
• Expressed an interest in exploring a more comprehensive solution. The
Commission would like to see a city-wide policy framework established (e.g.
transfer of development rights) rather than negotiate these situations on case-by-
case basis.
In addition, a representative of Friends of Historic Preservation attended the meeting. Their comments are as follows:
• The house at 410-412 N. Clinton Street is too important not to try to landmark.
• Expressed concern that the height and scale of the building, as designed, is out
of character with the neighborhood. Recommended removing the 6 th story, but
allowing the 5th story to be built without a stepback.
• Recommended that the gabled roof be replaced with a flat roof to help reduce the
perceived scale of the building.
Despite the many concerns raised by the Commission, the main takeaway from the discussion was an interest in exploring solutions that will result in the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street.
July 1, 2020
Page 2
In February 2020, staff shared the input from the Commission and the Friends of Historic Preservation with the City Council. The City Council generally agreed with the design changes recommended by the Commission. Specifically, the reduction in height to 5 stories and the flat roof. The Council stated that they were not concerned with the increased density and reduced parking, but were concerned with the lack of open space identified on the plans. Revised Plans In May 2020, staff received a revised concept from the property owner. This concept incorporated many of the suggestions from the Commission and Council. It reduced the scale to 5 stories, incorporated a flat roof, and added open space. However, the revised concept also incorporated a portion of the new building wrapping around the historic structure (see Figure 1). Figure 1. May 2020 West Elevation
Staff reviewed the revised concept from May 2020 and requested some changes, including the removal of the portion of the new building that wraps around the historic structure. After receiving this feedback, the property owner made some changes to the proposal, which are shown in Figure 2. The full plans are included in Attachment 1. The July submission still shows a portion of the new building wrapping around the historic structure, but the height has been reduced to 3 stories. The July plans also removed the protruding elevator shaft, which staff requested. Staff also requested that the wall surrounding the open space be removed due to concerns with having a wall connected to or near the historic structure. The revised plans still show the wall.
July 1, 2020
Page 3
Figure 2. July 2020 West Elevation
Summary of Existing v. Proposed Development Potential As was discussed at the Commission’s January meeting, the proposal does not meet current zoning standards. In order to develop the building as proposed both a rezoning map amendment and text amendment would be required. Table 1 provides a general comparison of existing conditions, redevelopment potential, and the proposed development. Table 1. Existing Conditions v. Redevelopment Potential
410-412 N. Clinton 400 N. Clinton & 112 E. Davenport
400 N. Clinton &
112 E.
Davenport
Existing
Conditions
Re-
Development
Existing
Conditions
Re-
Development
Re-
Development
Proposed
Development
Zoning RM-44 RM-44 RM-44 RM-44 Rezoning to
PRM
Rezoning to
PRM
# of
Units
18 units Max 24 1-
bedroom
units
11 units Max 24 1-
bedroom
units
Max 27 1-
bedroom
units
32 units
71 bedrooms
Open
Space
Unknown 2,400 sq ft Unknown 2,400 sq ft 2,700 sq ft 1,768 sq ft
Parking 9 spaces 24 spaces 7 spaces 24 spaces 27 spaces 21 spaces
Height 2 stories 35’ 2.5 stories
1 story
35’ 35’ (up to 65’
with bonus)
5 stories
Input From the Commission At the July 9 meeting, staff would like the Commission’s input on the revised plans submitted by the property owner (Attachment 1).
Attachments: 1. Plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street, July 2020 2. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission, January 2020.
Date:
To:
January 9, 2020
Historic Preservation Commission
From: Anne Russett, Senior Planner
Re: 400 Block of N. Clinton Street
Background Information
In early 2019, the City Council considered an Iowa City Historic Landmark rezoning for the properties at 410-412 N. Clinton Street (Figure 1). This historic landmark designation was initiated by the Historic Preservation Commission after a sub-committee of the Commission studied and identified several of Iowa City’s early brick houses for local landmark designation. The property at 410 N. Clinton Street, the Cochrane-Sharpless-Dennis House, was identified as a priority property. Attached is the staff memo to the Historic Preservation from December 2017 that outlines the significance of the property. Prior to the City Council’s consideration of this rezoning, both the Historic Preservation Commission and the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. While a majority of the City Council supported the designation, the vote ultimately failed as a supermajority was required, but not reached.
Figure 1. 410-412 N. Clinton Street
January 2, 2020
Page 2
After the failed vote at Council, City staff reached out to the property owner to explore possible scenarios that could result in a voluntary local historic landmark designation. Through discussions, the property owner of 410-412 N. Clinton Street mentioned the possibility of acquiring two properties immediately to the south – 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street (Figure 2). Assuming acquisition of these properties, the property owner was open to exploring a scenario in which the City would grant extra development potential on those lots in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street. The additional development potential would include a rezoning of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street to the Planned High Density Multi-Family Residential (PRM) zone and potential text amendments to the PRM zone bonus provisions, which offer regulatory incentives for projects that provide public benefits. The properties are currently zoned High Density Multi-Family Residential (RM-44). Figure 2. 400 N. Clinton Street & 112 E. Davenport Street
Prior to exploring this option with the property owner, staff presented this option at a City Council work session in March 2019. During this work session the City Council expressed a willingness to consider a rezoning and text amendments to allow a 4-story structure similar in height to Currier Hall, which is located across the street, with a high level of design review and historic preservation review to ensure compatible infill development. Friends of Historic Preservation also reached out to staff regarding the item on the Council’s work session. Staff’s understanding of the Friends of Historic Preservation position is as follows:
January 2, 2020
Page 3
• They are displeased with the prospect of demolishing 400 N. Clinton Street; however, it is a tradeoff they are willing to consider to preserve 410 N. Clinton Street if an agreement includes some provisions for: o Ensuring that the rehabilitation/restoration of 410 N. Clinton Street is part of any agreement. o Ensuring that the rehabilitation/restoration of 410 N. Clinton Street is done in compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards on the exterior. o Ensuring that the new use is a compatible use. o There is design review from City preservation staff and the Historic Preservation Commission of the 410 N. Clinton Street restoration work. o There is some discussion of listing in the National Register of Historic Places and historic preservation tax credits. o There is design review of the new building, which may include input from the Historic Preservation Commission. o Salvage is considered as part of any demolition. One item that staff would like to add to this list of suggestions is photo documentation of 400 N. Clinton Street should it be demolished. After the City Council work session and the Council’s willingness to consider a proposal, staff reached out to the property owner. Attached are the most recent plans received for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street. The plans show a 6-story, block-scale building with a total of 30 dwelling units. Twenty-one underground parking spaces are shown on the plans, which are accessed via a drive behind 410-412 N. Clinton Street off of the east-west alley. Input From the Commission At the Commission’s January 9 meeting, staff would like the Commission’s input. Specifically, staff would like the Commission to discuss the following questions: 1. Would the Commission be open to considering the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street in exchange for the local landmark designation of 410-412 N. Clinton Street? Why or why not? 2. If the Commission is open to pursuing this, what aspects of the landmark rezoning or the redevelopment should be considered? Next Steps After receiving input from the Historic Preservation Commission, staff will share the comments received and the plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street with the City Council for their discussion and input. Attachments: 1. Memo to the Historic Preservation Commission on 410 N. Clinton Street, December 7, 2017 2. Plans for the redevelopment of 400 N. Clinton Street and 112 E. Davenport Street, November 2019
Iowa City
Historic Preservation Commission
City Hall, 410 E Washington Street, Iowa City. IA. 52240
MEMORANDUM
Date: July 1, 2020
To: Historic Preservation Commission
From: Kevin Boyd, Chair, Historic Preservation Commission
Re: Sharing the Stories of our Community’s Full History
Much of our Commission's work is the preservation of the physical heritage of our community.
And that work is important and must continue. But what remains of our physical heritage isn’t a
complete picture of who we are or who we were as a community. For example, much of the
physical presence of the historically Black neighborhood along South Capitol Street is gone. But
that cannot mean that we do not preserve those stories and that history. I believe we are called
now more than ever to tell the full story of our history. I believe we must expand the work we do
by both preserving the physical heritage but also seek, learn, and share stories that were often
under-represented in our history. Those stories are part of our shared heritage as well.
An effort to preserve the stories of historically underrepresented communities is not meant to
undermine our important work to preserve the physical heritage, only to add to our work. The
work of previous Historic Preservation Commissions to preserve physical heritage has left some
of that underrepresented history preserved and intact. The College Hill Conservation District
meant the Iowa Federation Home on Iowa Avenue remains preserved. Our Commission was a
leader in working to save the Tate-Arms Building. The Woodlawn Historic District means the
home of Suffragist Zella Stewart White remains at 1010 Woodlawn Ave. The basement at the
Unitarian Church on Iowa and Gilbert was the home of a Gay Pride Dance in 1973 that was
raided by 17 members of law enforcement including Highway Patrol, Sheriff’s Office, ICPD, and
two men were charged on bootlegging charges - later dropped. The work to preserve that
church, incidentally, preserved a key piece of the early LGBTQ community history as well. The
work of preserving the physical heritage also leads to preserving our community’s stories. But
that physical preservation alone isn’t enough. We must do more.
My suggestions for action.
1. We amend our work plan to include the work of Telling the Full Story.
2. We form a subcommittee that works to preserve historically underrepresented
communities' stories and consider how to share and preserve those stories.
3. We ask the Council for some City Staff time devoted to support these efforts.
We amend our work plan to include the work of Telling the Full Story.
We add to the Commission's Work Plan the phrase “Create a subcommittee to explore untold
history or under-told aspects of our community’s heritage, particularly those who are historically
underrepresented. Consider how to best preserve and share those stories.”
We form a subcommittee that works to preserve historically underrepresented communities'
stories and consider how to share and preserve those stories. The membership should include
some commissioners but also include others who are interested in preserving these stories. The
work of the Subcommittee should first research, compile, and engage communities to discover
stories that are underrepresented in our shared history. The work should consider how to share
these stories even if the physical part of those stories isn’t included. Historic plaques and
signage are fine, but perhaps art might be a better way to tell those stories. A key location for
the early Mexican immigrants to Iowa City is Oak Grove Park - there may be a creative way to
tell that story as a community gathering place. Finally, if physical places are discovered through
these efforts, the subcommittee should recommend potential landmark designation locations to
this commission for consideration.
We ask the Council for some City Staff time devoted to support these efforts. I envision this
being largely volunteer driven, but having someone provide expertise on preservation, helping
to coordinate, seek engagement with other city departments, and nudge the volunteers forward
are types of support this subcommittee would need. Ideally, it’s the Preservation Planner, due
the expertise in this area.
Thanks for your thoughtful consideration. Look forward to discussing with you all next week.
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
EMMA J. HARVAT HALL
June 11, 2020
MEMBERS PRESENT: Thomas Agran, Kevin Boyd, Helen Burford, Gosia Clore, Sharon
DeGraw, Lyndi Kiple, Cecile Kuenzli, Quentin Pitzen, Jordan
Sellergren, Austin Wu
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
STAFF PRESENT: Jessica Bristow, Anne Russett
OTHERS PRESENT: G.T. Karr, Brenda Nations, Ginalie Swaim,
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL: (become effective only after separate Council action)
CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Boyd called the electronic meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
utilizing Zoom.
PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF ANYTHING NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Gosia Clore spoke as a member of the public. She said she was grateful to have had the
opportunity to serve on the Historic Preservation Commission for the last six years. This is her
last meeting. She said she had learned a great deal from current and previous commission
members.
Clore believes the mission of historic preservation should be to promote preservation of the
character and the livelihood of the neighborhoods and to help homeowners take care of their
properties in an equitable, sustainable, and environmentally friendly fashion. She believes
preserving the character of the entire neighborhood and sustainable development should go
hand in hand.
She recommended the Commission focus on making communities more inclusive and allowing
them to maintain their character, but also to allow for flexibility in the use of materials and
technologies that have proven more safe, energy efficient, and easier to maintain. She wants
Historic Preservation Staff to act as a bridge and not as an obstacle in the quest to make
neighborhoods better.
Electronic Meeting
(Pursuant to Iowa Code section 21.8)
An electronic meeting was held because a meeting in person was impossible or
impractical due to concerns for the health and safety of Commission members, staff, and
the public presented by COVID-19.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 11, 2020
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Pitzen joined the meeting at this time.
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS:
1118 East College Street – East College Historic District (skylights and west-facing window on
rear addition, new window added to the front elevation).
Bristow explained some of the property images are from 2005. They are being used to better
see a corner of the property where there is a tree currently.
Bristow said the project has three parts. The first part is adding two skylights to the roof of the
one-story addition behind the house. The proposal is adding one to each slope of that roof. The
product information would be submitted after-the-fact. The recommendation includes approving
the material by Staff or Staff and Chair once the material is determined. Something with a dark
frame is always suggested so it blends in with the roof.
The second part involves an addition from 1973. A 2005 project that removed the synthetic
siding also altered this addition. It did have a bay-projecting casement window configuration.
The project right now is to get more light into the house. The proposal is to add other windows.
The Staff Report showed one or two, but nothing had been decided. In speaking with the
applicant since that time, Bristow said the applicant is interested in doing three windows instead.
Since this house has two sets of a group of three, or three-ganged windows, Staff felt that was
appropriate. She said it would not be possible to have the head height align exactly because of
the height of the addition. She said it would be appropriate to have that sill align with an
adjacent window.
The third part of this project concerns the front of the house. Commission guidelines are very
clear that it is disallowed to change the front of an historic property in an historic district by
adding new windows or doors.
Bristow said one reason an exception may be granted is if it had previously changed. She noted
the current window configuration of the house is more unusual than what is normally seen in an
historic district. She said it appears to have fewer windows. Bristow consulted with another
historian to investigate why that could be. It is not known exactly when the house was built, but
likely about 1900 in some kind of vernacular form.
There are elements of the earlier Queen Anne style. There is a slightly unusual bay window
incorporated in the corner. The windows in the upper sash are leaded glass. The window next to
the door is also leaded glass. Those are all pretty clear elements of the Queen Anne style.
Around 1900-1905 that style morphed into a Free Classic style. It is a bit simpler and more
affordable style. Windows like the one in the front and the one in the side where you have a
larger window with two sidelights appear very similar to a Palladian window, which would be one
element of a Free Classic style, except the Palladian window would have had an arch above the
central sash. Another element of the Free Classic style is Doric classical columns, just basically
the more simplified nature.
Whether the house had been altered to lose the arch above the window was considered, but the
ceiling line inside would not have made that possible. It was likely installed originally as a less
expensive version of a Palladian window. While discussing this with the other historian, Bristow
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 11, 2020
Page 3 of 10
said they thought maybe this was a builder’s home. The owner put the extra money into the
leaded glass window on the front and went less expensive with some other things. Another
unusual thing is the size of the window in the gable that is out of scale. The dormer over on the
east side has been altered.
Bristow said there is not a lot of evidence that the front was altered. She noted in the
recommendation that there are some unusual things going on here, so maybe it was altered.
She showed a mock-up, just adding in one window. One window is recommended because the
large, cottage-style window that you would sometimes see would not typically be here,
especially with this type of Palladian-like window above. If there were two, it would get cramped
with this bay, and a window would not have been placed right behind a column in this kind of
configuration. Staff feels one individual window, just a one-over-one, no leaded glass, in the
noted location, would be the more appropriate way to go.
Bristow shared examples of configurations from other houses. One example had a turret and a
door, and the empty space is filled with something. Another example had a similar Palladian
window, but it did not have a lot of empty wall space. All examples have more windows and a
more regular window pattern.
Bristow again said the guidelines are clear that it is disallowed to change the front of the house
unless there is an exception, and typically the exception would be granted because the structure
had previously changed. At the same time, it does not appear that adding a window, at least an
individual window, would greatly impact the historic character of this house or its neighborhood,
and that is the recommendation.
Boyd asked if anyone had clarifying questions, opened and closed the public hearing.
Kuenzli thought it looked as though the house has been significantly altered and that the
changes proposed, as presented, would be acceptable. She agreed that it would be desirable to
get more light into an old house.
Wu concurred with Kuenzli.
MOTION: Kiple moved to approve the Certificate of Appropriateness for the project at
1118 East College Street as presented in the Staff report through an exception to the
guidelines allowing the addition of a new window opening because it will not negatively
impact the existing window pattern or the historic character of the neighborhood due to
the unique conditions presented by the existing architecture with the following
conditions: Double-hung windows as a single, pair, or group of three are installed in the
west wall; the final window pattern is approved by Staff and Chair; all window product
information is approved by Staff and Chair. Agran seconded the motion. The motion
carried on a vote of 10-0.
CLIMATE ACTION AND PRESERVATION PRESENTATION FROM CLIMATE ACTION
COMMITTEE:
Boyd noted that Iowa City has declared a climate crisis. He thought there was great overlap in
terms of work the Historic Preservation Commission does on sustainability, as well as
opportunities for learning.
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June 11, 2020
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G.T. Karr spoke. Karr served on the Historic Preservation Commission for a couple years and
stepped down to serve on the Climate Action Commission. He is also a contractor and
remodeler by trade.
On September 18, 2018, the City of Iowa City officially adopted the Climate Action Plan. There
were 35 action items to reduce the carbon emissions and some goals set for 25% reduction in
2025 and 80% in 2050. A year later more aggressive goals were set.
Karr said he wants the two commissions to collaborate for progress toward these goals. He
noted all the Climate Action information is available on the City’s website. Sections that
comprise action items include buildings, transportation, waste, adaptation, and sustainable
lifestyle.
Karr believes there are simple opportunities in buildings and waste. One of the items that was
identified in the study and one of the targets was to retrofit 10% of all existing buildings by 2025
and 90% by 2050. He noted that projects coming before Historic Preservation are from existing
housing stock. He believes there are co-benefits between goals of climate action and historic
preservation.
Karr said another one of the goals is renewable energy, transitioning 3% of the buildings from
natural gas to high-efficiency electrical heat. He said with retrofitting – trying to put electric heat
in an historic home – there are some issues with how efficient the house is, with windows,
insulation, etc. He said he is not saying windows need to be replaced.
Karr said about 56% of the City’s consumption-based emissions are from the existing building
stock. This is a huge segment. He said it will be challenging and expensive to change.
Karr said he narrowed down three action items that he would like the Historic Preservation
Commission to look at, do some research, and see how those items partner with Historic
Preservation goals.
Action 1.1 under the Buildings Section is to increase energy efficiency in residences. He said it
sounds great and is an awesome thing to do, but there will be challenges.
Action 1.4 under the Buildings Section - Increasing onsite renewable energy systems and
electrifications. He wondered what that would mean if trying to do geothermal in existing areas
with trees or putting solar panels on historic buildings.
Action 3.4 under Waste – Establishing partnerships to divert construction waste from the landfill.
Karr said the Historic Preservation Commission and Friends of Historic Preservation are already
doing a fantastic job. He said the Salvage Barn was the first idea that came to mind to help
preserve some items from going to the landfill.
Karr said he wanted to reach out and either have a regular meeting or invite interested HPC
members into working groups. He thought the Buildings working group was the place to start the
conversation. He wanted to find a way to be proactive and create some efficiencies beyond
putting LEDs inside and using low-flow aerators.
Kiple noted the keynote speaker at the Preserve Iowa Summit, held this past weekend, talked
about sustainability in historic preservation and how they can go hand-in-hand and how we
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 11, 2020
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need to work together on those things. She thought it was a great initiative and great to see in
Iowa City.
Boyd said he went through the Climate Plan and had also marked those three action items. He
said he was interested in building energy efficiency and noted the measurability of it is all in
operating energy. None of it in the embodied energy that exists in the buildings. He said
embodied energy, particularly in Europe and Australia, is a key component of measuring a
building’s energy efficiency. He was curious if the Climate Action Commission had looked at
embodied energy.
Karr said within the Buildings working group there are two architects. One concentrates
primarily on LEED certification. He said they have had conversations about that, but it boils
down to a consistent way to gauge that and how it would be reported. He agreed that every
aspect of the process should be looked at.
Brenda Nations, Sustainability Coordinator for the City and contact for the Climate Action
Commission, spoke. She said for a consumption-based inventory, which includes looking at
embodied energy, the average age of Iowa City houses would be needed, but they did not have
that information. They also needed to know what houses were made of and what percentage of
houses were made of the materials. She said there are not really accepted protocols for a
consumption-based inventory, and it is harder to see change.
Kuenzli said she liked the idea of this project very much. With older houses, she thought it was
important to find out where energy needs to be conserved to make a difference. She thought a
blower door test would be a good measure of energy loss and wondered if the cost of the test
could be subsidized for those who wanted to make improvements.
Nations noted the City currently has a group of Green Iowa AmeriCorps. They do free blower
door tests. She said every year the City has a group and they do free blower door tests for
about 100 houses per year.
Karr said there were programs in the works trying to partner with local nonprofits to increase the
access to that and to increase the energy audits. He noted that there are challenges and
limitations to what can be done on an historic house to improve energy efficiency. He said it is
still important to do basic small things on the interior such as using LEDs and low-flow aerators.
Regarding electrification of buildings, Nations said some cities, especially in California, are
starting to have policies where they do not allow natural gas to go to new buildings. She said the
City is trying to move toward that, but it would take a long time - decades. She noted
MidAmerican is producing more and more renewable electricity, at 61% renewable electricity.
Nations said systems need to be equitable, because sometimes it may cost more for the
electricity to heat your home versus natural gas.
Karr said heat pump technology has drastically improved, but a 1918 house is going to perform
a lot differently than a 2020 house. There are some limitations. He said the City should be
realistic and try to inform the public of those goals, but it is not a one size fits all. Some things
make more sense for an older home and other things make more sense in a newer home, and
that information should be shared.
Ginalie Swaim asked where rehabbing windows would fit in the Climate Action Plan.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 11, 2020
Page 6 of 10
Karr noted that glass is extremely inefficient, so as a payback for energy savings it is one of the
least fruitful things a person could do. He said he had no problem encouraging people to
reglaze, but thought things like weather stripping and storm windows, which are allowed in
historic preservation, might be easier and more efficient from a cost standpoint.
Kuenzli left the meeting at this time.
Clore asked about insulating walls on the outside.
Karr said that would be a siding issue but gets complicated with what is allowed and not
allowed. He said if the goal is to make the house more efficient, it makes a lot of sense to
insulate the walls, but he was not sure how that would play into preserving siding.
Wu wondered where infill development might fit in the Climate Action Plan, with an example
being construction on empty lots inside historic districts, and making sure development fits in
with the character of those neighborhoods.
Karr said that had not been discussed in the Climate Action Plan but thought the Historic
Preservation Commission would have input on materials used and architectural details.
Sellergren asked if there could be a public initiative to encourage people not to air condition.
She thought it would be good to remind people they could get by with a ceiling fan and closing
the house up in the morning.
Nations understood the point but was hesitant because the climate is expected to get hotter and
hotter and some people need air conditioning for their health conditions. She said they would
think about it.
Agran said he fell in the middle on the air conditioning subject. He said he lives in an historic
house that does have central air, but it does not work very well because the house was not built
for it. He said all his double-hung windows that ought to be able to drop down from the top and
let hot air out, do not. When people install new storm windows, that also prohibits that kind of
ventilation. He said he has a whole house fan that allows him to extend the season under which
he is not using the air conditioner. He believed people need air conditioning for the conditions
described by Nations but pointed out the old fashion things that help mitigate temperature
change in a house are also still relevant and will reduce those bills.
DeGraw said she was interested in the geothermal part. She thought it would be good if people
could apply for historic preservation grants under a category of geothermal or green energy.
She wondered about a program working with banks.
Burford thought if people make the decision to spend the money to make changes for climate
change, it would be terrible if the tax assessor increased people’s property taxes because they
are participating in the community’s goals.
Karr said everything brought up was being talked about within either the Climate Action
Commission or their subcommittees. He said there have been discussions with banks about
trying to roll out programs to help incentivize this. He also again encouraged the Historic
Preservation Commission to join the meetings or any of the working groups to give insight.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 11, 2020
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Boyd said there are a couple places for engagement. One is through joining working groups.
The other is keeping each other in the loop about the work of each commission and where the
other’s expertise may be needed. He thought the Historic Preservation Guidelines should also
be reviewed and updated while thinking about climate change.
REPORT ON CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY CHAIR AND STAFF
Certificate of No Material Effect – Chair and Staff Review.
407 Brown Street – Brown Street Historic District (deteriorated siding, trim, and soffit
replacement).
Bristow said 407 Brown Street is in the middle of a larger siding and trim repair and painting
project. They have a Certificate of No Material Effect to replace a few key pieces of siding and
trim and the soffit on the house.
608 1/2 Dearborn Street – Dearborn Street Conservation District (overhead door replacement).
Bristow explained 608 1/2 Dearborn Street is a little building behind the house. It is
noncontributing. On the map, it is two different properties, one on an alley and one on the street.
The back property has a garage. It has an overhead door. They are replacing it to match the
existing. It was hit by a car.
Minor Review – Staff Review.
720 North Van Buren Street – Brown Street Historic District (2nd floor rear deck floor and railing
replacement).
Bristow said 720 North Van Buren Street on the alley has a rear porch that has a deck. It is not
very visible. They are going to put a low-profile deck floor up here, maybe one of those that lays
in panels. They will have a new railing that meets code, simple square spindles with posts.
409 Oakland Avenue – Longfellow Historic District (roof shingle replacement).
409 Oakland Avenue is in the Longfellow Historic District. It is a roof shingle replacement from
flat shingle to an architectural shingle.
230 East Jefferson Street, St Mary’s Catholic Church - Jefferson Street Historic District (louver
replacement, wood trim repair).
Bristow explained in the steeple of St. Mary’s Catholic Church there are these large wooden
panels with a lot of molding detail. They want to replace the louvers only. The original
application was to replace all of this with metal. What they will be doing now is just replacing the
louvers, with new metal louvers that will sit behind the original trim that will just be painted and
stained. All that will change is the louvers.
1415 Davenport Street – Local Historic Landmark (kitchen and porch roof shingle replacement,
kitchen window infill panel reconstruction, west basement window well/window replacement).
1415 Davenport Street is the Rose Hill house between Davenport and Bloomington. Bristow
said neither she nor the Assessor have a good photo of this house. It is the one with the very
long front yard going down to Bloomington Street. It used to be a part of the old Irish farm. It has
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
June 11, 2020
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a few projects. The basement window with vents coming out of the window will be replaced with
a newly created wood basement window with a panel in that location so that the venting does
not go out through a broken glass panel. Bristow said the window well is very leaky. The house
is brick. It has a limestone foundation and original brick window well. It was up to the owner to
either make it out of brick or limestone.
These two lower roofs on the Davenport Street side, technically the back, are for a porch and
kitchen addition. The roof shingles will be replaced to match architectural shingles on the main
roof. The kitchen windows were replaced with shorter windows at one point in time with an infill
panel below. Those will all be replaced, as well, because there is a significant amount of rot.
CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES FOR MAY 14, 2020
MOTION: Agran moved to approve the minutes of the Historic Preservation Commission’s May
14, 2020 meeting. Clore seconded the motion. The motion carried on a vote of 9-0.
COMMISSION INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION:
Historic Preservation and Sustainability References.
A shortened version of the Study: The Greenest Building: Quantifying the Environmental Value
of Building Reuse by Preservation Green Lab was included in the packet as background
information to begin a sustainability discussion. Bristow said she did not have time to read the
larger study. As the memo says, there is a link to more information. It is 100 pages and more
about the methodology for the studies. It is a very recent study with information on technology
related to green design, climate action, and sustainability.
Commissioner Retirements.
Boyd noted that both Agran and Clore are retiring from the Historic Preservation Commission.
They both served six years. He thanked them for their service and said he appreciated their
perspectives, which he will think about when considering future issues.
Agran spoke about his time on the Commission. He said he learned about the history of specific
properties in the City and the broader history of the City itself. He also learned a lot about the
language and strategy, and ups and downs of public process. He said those lessons have
benefited him in other ways, on other issues, while advocating for those in the community.
He said he has been inspired watching the thoughtful, rational, and measured but passionate
leadership of Swaim and Boyd.
Agran believes the Historic Preservation Commission is at its best when it restrains itself from
aesthetic judgment and nimbyism and instead focuses on being flexible in ways that dovetail
with other critical missions of the City and supporting those initiatives of sustainability and social
justice and, moreover, embraces the flexibility to support the broadest ideas of what it is we are
trying to preserve in these historic neighborhoods. That is the structure, form, and functioning of
the neighborhood itself.
He urged remaining Commission members to look to the broadest interpretations of the
Secretary of Interior Standards to allow the neighborhoods to live and breathe and evolve as a
way to maintain their relevancy and preserve their history, while also allowing that history to
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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continue to be written. He said it had been a real pleasure to serve with the Commission
members.
Boyd recalled that a few months ago the Commission used this agenda period to take action
and issued a statement to the City Council on an item that had not been individually listed in the
agenda. He said the Commission needs to be cautious with how this period is used. He said it
was described to him as discussion among the Commission, and information is one of us
sharing something, and sharing it with everyone. He thought there were opportunities to talk
about potential future agenda items, but not really to discuss those future agenda items unless
they were part of the published agenda.
Boyd said there would be ongoing conversations about climate change, and Burford emailed
about some ways the Commission could be reflective or think about how the Commission’s
work also fits in with the Black Lives Matter Movement. He said he has some ideas on that for
the next agenda. He believed the Commission should be mindful of being very responsive to
things that are happening in the community and it is important to make sure we tell the full
history of the community. He asked Commission members to email him and Bristow if they have
agenda items they want to bring forward, specifically noting what they would like to discuss. He
said a Commissioner may need to write a memo for background on the topic.
ADJOURNMENT: Agran moved to adjourn the meeting. Seconded by Clore.
The meeting was adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
Minutes submitted by Judy Jones
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
ATTENDANCE RECORD
2019-2020
NAME
TERM
EXP. 6/13 8/08 8/19 9/12 10/10 11/14 12/12 1/09 2/13 3/12 4/09 5//14 6/11
AGRAN,
THOMAS 6/30/20 X X X X X X X X O/E X X X X
BOYD, KEVIN 6/30/20 X X X X O/E X O/E X X X X X X
BUILTA, ZACH 6/30/19 X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
BURFORD,
HELEN 6/30/21 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X
CLORE,
GOSIA 6/30/20 O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X X X X
DEGRAW,
SHARON 6/30/19 O/E X X O/E O/E X O/E X X O/E X X X
KARR, G. T. 6/30/20 X X X X -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
KUENZLI,
CECILE 6/30/19 O/E X X O/E O/E X X X X O/E X X X
KIPLE, LYNDI 6/30/22 -- X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X
PITZEN,
QUENTIN 6/30/21 X X X X X X X X X O/E X X X
SELLERGREN,
JORDAN 6/30/22 -- X X X X X X O/E O/E X X X X
SHOPE, LEE 6/30/21 O/E -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
WU, AUSTIN 6/30/20 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- O/E X X O/E X X