Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2-21-06 HPC minutes HASTINGS HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION Minutes of Meeting, February 21, 2006, 7:00 p.m.,City Hall I. Quorum: Commissioners Hicks, Simacek, Sovik-Siemens, Hellie, Martin, Behnke and Goderstad present; Warg, St. James absent. Staff: Grossman. Chairperson Goderstad called the meeting to order. II. Minutes of January 17, 2006. There being no additions or corrections, the minutes stand approved. ID. Review of building permits or design proposals 314/316 E. 7tb. Eileen Schommer. Application for demolition of fire-damaged property. The house was a contributing building to the Old Hastings Historic District. Built around 1865, the gingerbread cornice trim and shape of the eaves demonstrate vernacular gothic revival style. The ordinance does require approval for a demolition but does not make a distinction between voluntary demolition and demolition necessitated by natural or fire damage. Staff directed the owners to apply for HPC approval as a precedent for future cases of this type. Fire damage may not necessitate demolition in every case, so a review of all cases is warranted. · The ordinance directs that the Commission shall make fmdings that the destruction is necessary to correct an unsafe or dangerous condition or that there is no reasonable alternative. · The Commission shall consider the integrity ofthe property and the economic value or usefulness of the existing structure, including its current use, costs of renovation and feasible alternative uses. The owner, Eileen Schommer, was represented by her daughter and son-in law, Sue and Keith Slavik. They described the loss and the options they have considered. The owner provided photographs showing the extent ofthe damage. The owner expects to sell the property to a party that will remove the structure and build a new residence on the property. The property is large enough for a duplex. The City Fire Marshal, Mike Schutt, provided the HPC a memo and fire incident report document his decision that the structure is a total loss. The estimated loss is $400,000 out of an estimated building value of$550,000 (73%). Commissioners asked Mr. and Mrs. Slavik whether the eave decoration, for example, can be reused. They believe the prospective purchaser is considering reusing pieces in a new design. They understand the design of a new building on the site will be subject to HPC review and approval. Martin made and Hicks seconded a motion to approve a demolition permit based on findings that the existing condition is dangerous and there is no reasonable alternative to demolition, due to the existing condition is dangerous and there is no reasonable alternative to demolition, due to the cost of repair, documented by evidence of damage and the Fire Marshal's determination of total loss, with a request that the owners encourage the purchaser to salvage and reuse original trim if possible; motion carried, 7-0. Staffwas asked to take record photographs of the building details before demolition. IV. Business. A. Annual preservation awards. Sovik.-Siemens (chair), Martin, Hicks and Hellie will serve as the awards committee this year. Nominations will be due in March and decisions made in April. Awards are given for appropriate restoration or maintenance of properties, commercial and residential, both designated historic and not designated. The work is usually done in the past year, but not necessarily. B. Sesquicentennial. The commission discussed several preservation projects to mark the150th anniversary of the City of Hastings. The subject will be continued next meeting. Suggestions included: tour of homes, informational programs on architectural styles and maintenance, architectural scavenger hunt or quiz. The next meeting of the Hastings Sesquicentennial (1857- 2007) working group is at the Community Room, City Hall on February 28 at 7 p.m. C. Designations. The commissioners wish to begin a new round of designation studies. Staff was asked to look into ways and means and report at the next meeting. v. Information & reports A. Conservation Area Ordinance. There will be a public hearing at 7 p.m. at the Planning Commission on Monday the 27th. If adopted, the ordinance will be administered by the Planning Commission. A letter from Jackie Boler to Dave Warg about demolitions was distributed. The Commissioners were in favor ofHPC review of demolition permits in the area, an ordinance provision suggested by the neighborhood, but rejected by the Planning Commission. A review process, criteria and consequences would need to be developed. B. Minnesota Chapter, Society of Architectural Historians Conference. Attendees will visit Hastings on May 20th. Commissioner Goderstad asked for volunteers to help with the tour. C. Materials. Commissioner Hellie reported on attempts to find out ifMenards can stock special materials for historic houses. He asked that commissioners email him with suggestions for locating appropriate materials. The commission intends to provide owners with a list of sources. VI. Adjournment. Martin made and Sovik.-Siemens seconded adjournment; carried 7-0.