April 18, 2006

Agenda

8 a.m. in City Commission Chambers

1.      Approve Minutes March 21 meeting

2.      Section 106 Project Reviews

• 307 Main Ave - revision
• 413 Broadway - revision
• 505 Broadway facade
• 510 4th Ave N facade
• 716 Main Avenue
• 824 Main Avenue
• 222 Broadway revision
• 612 Main Avenue

3.      Update on proposed historic overlay district in Erskines Addition 

4.      CLG Grant Updates 

5.      Liaison Reports

• Planning Commission - Christine Kloubec
• Fargo School District - Peter Moynihan
• Fargo Park District - Doug Scraper
• Cass County Commission - David Shultz
• Housing Rehab - Paul Gleye
• Board of Adjustment - Daryl Bachmeier
• House Moving Board - Paul Gleye

6.      Other Business

Meeting will be broadcast live on Cable One Channel 12 and re-broadcast on April 19 at 8:00 p.m.

Minutes

8:00 a.m. City Commission Room 

Present:             Doug Scraper, Paul Gleye, David Shultz; Daryl Bachmeier

Absent:              Claire Strom, Christine Kloubec, Peter Moynihan

Also Present:      Denise Kasowski, Dawn Mayo, Jessica Thomasson

Chair Paul Gleye moved the minutes of March 21, 2006 be approved as submitted.

Section 106 Project Reviews

Ms. Thomasson introduced Susan Quinnell from the ND State Historical Society. She is responsible for Section 106 project review at the State level and is joining the Fargo Historic Preservation Commission as a guest today.

307 Main Ave

Mr. Brad Bortnem presented three alternatives to address the void on the south facade, where a garage door was originally located.  The alternatives included adding a window where the garage was located, installing a decorative brick infill to suggest a garage door opening, or third to leave the wall as it is.   Mr. Bortnem said that they prefer the brick infill alternative in part because the window option reduces usable space inside the building.  The cost of the brick infill is over $16,000.

Mr. David Shultz suggested that the owner leave the wall is it is.  Mr. Doug Scraper agrees with Mr. Shultz.  The Commission thanked the owner for being willing to consider alternative treatments for the facade.

Mr. Peter Moynihan made a motion to approve the storefront as originally submitted without the adding the brick infill opening on the south facade.  Second by Mr. Scraper.  All present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

413 Broadway

Ms. Thomasson updated the Commission on progress at 413 Broadway and explained that the owner is proposing a slight change to the canopy over the front door.  He would like to make the canopy deeper to allow for the installation of a light and to change the trim detail to match the cornice work as opposed to the art deco detailing on the main floor.  

Mr. Daryl Bachmeier asked if the canopy will be in line with the doorway.  Ms. Thomasson replied that it would be.  To stay with the style of the main floor facade, Mr. David Shultz would prefer to see the canopy trim unchanged from the original. The commissioners present concurred.

505 Broadway

Ms. Thomasson indicated that the proposed use of federal funds in this project has changed from interior accessibility improvements to exterior facade improvements.  The Commission briefly reviewed the proposed exterior renovation earlier this year but this is a more thorough review of the owners proposed renovation. 

Mr. Kevin Bartram, developer, presented the scope of the project.  He indicated that they are trying to be as true as they can be to the original building.  The vacant lot north of the building would be used for a single level parking garage for the residential units.  

Ms. Susan Quinnell asked commissioners if they were concerned about introducing balconies on an industrial building.  Mr. Bartram said that they are proposing balconies for the condominiums on the north side and that any balconies that affect the primary facade (south side) will be recessed.  Ms. Thomasson said that since the balconies are on the secondary facade of the building, their addition shouldnt affect the historic value of the building.  Mr. Shultz feels that the way these balconies are being proposed is acceptable.  

Ms. Quinnell asked about the proposed terra cotta work.  Mr. Bartram replied that most of the terra cotta on the building is in good shape and will be repaired as needed.  The cornice at the top of the building is where the majority of the damaged terra cotta is located.  To address this, they will remove the existing terra cotta and replace it with a fiberglass replica.  It was not feasible to replace the original terra cotta with the same material in large part because of the way it is installed on the building. 

Mr. Scraper feels that this is a great project and is very excided to see the results.  Mr. David Shultz made a motion to accept project.  Second by Mr. Scraper.  All present voted aye and the motion was declared carried.

510 4th Ave N

Ms. Thomasson noted that this project will also use federal funds for exterior renovation as opposed to accessibility enhancements.  This project was originally reviewed and approved in March.  It has already been approved by the National Park Service for federal historic tax credits.

Mr. Peter Moynihan made a motion to approve project.  Second by Mr. Bachmeier.  All present approved and motion was declared carried.

716 Main Ave

Ms. Thomasson introduced Mr. David Scheer as the owner of this building.  He would like to restore the original storefront of the building but there have been significant structural changes over the years.  There is currently a steel facade over the front of the building and he is not entirely sure what remains behind this facade.  

Ms. Thomasson explained that the project is not likely to move forward without storefront funds.  Normally we require more detailed information before accepting an application but in this case, the owner was hesitant to spend a lot of money on the design stage until they have some indication of the likelihood of receiving a grant.  Mr. Paul Gleye is unsure how to proceed without the final renderings of the project.  Mr. Shultz is concerned that some of the details of the original building will be lost with the changes.  

Ms. Thomasson explained that there is some indication that this is one of the oldest buildings in Fargo.  Mr. Gleye said we need to ensure the building isnt destroyed any further so the historical character wont be lost and give an opportunity for the future owner to restore if they have the capabilities.  He thinks they should move forward slowly to ensure not losing the historic character.  Mr. Scraper agrees that moving slowly would be the best process.  Ms. Thomasson feels that she will now have enough information to move forward to the CD committee for grant consideration.  If approved, the owner will bring more detailed design information back to the Historic Preservation Commission for review.

824 Main Ave

Ms. Thomasson said that the owner would like to replace basement windows, repair masonry, replace signage and install new awning over entrances and installing new lighting.  Some of these changes would allow the building tenants to influence the exterior of the building.  Mr. Scraper feels the awnings would look out of place and that they should match the character of the building, not the interior usage.  Mr. Gleye feels that the awnings and lighting changes detract from the character of the building and are inconsistent with the buildings architecture and style. 

Mr. Gleye made a motion to approve the window and masonry repairs with the basement windows being replaced in kind and denied the requested awning and lighting changes unless they could be revised to be closer to the original style of the building.  Second by Mr. Bachmeier.  All present approved and the motion was declared carried.

Mr. Shultz excused himself from commission participation since his firm is involved in the next two projects in a professional manner.

222 Broadway

Ms. Thomasson explained that this project was brought back for additional consideration after the architect came up with an alternative design to address the commissions concern about the proposed second floor balcondy.  Ms. Amanda Thomas, architect, reviewed the balcony change which would include the installation of vertical mullions to keep the rhythm of the original window.  This would allow for the feel of the original building to remain while still accommodating a balcony.  Mr. Gleye feels that keeping the windows openings keeps the feel of the original building.  

Mr. Scraper made a motion to approve the project as revised.  Second by Mr. Bachmeier.  All present approved and the motion was declared carried.

612 Main Ave

Mr. David Shultz, owner, presented the renovation of the building at 612 Main Avenue.  The renovation includes the removal of the existing storefront and the installation of a granite block storefront base, installation of steel storefront columns to replicate the original cast-iron columns, installation of new windows and a new entrance.  

Mr. Scraper made a motion to approve project as submitted.  Second by Mr. Moynihan. All present approved and the motion was declared carried.

Update on proposed historic overlay district in Erskines Addition

Mr. Gleye asked to include the update of the proposed historic overlay district in Erskines Addition to next months meeting.  Ms. Mayo said that they discussed it  at the last Hawthorne Neighborhood Association meeting and the group was willing to look at the proposal to include the extended area in an overlay district.  She will provide a more detailed update at next months meeting.

CLG grant update

Ms. Mayo gave an update on the brochure. The final draft is in the process of final edits and additions, and will be printed in May. An event to roll-out the brochure is planned for May 23.