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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2010-01-14Approved by ILPC – 07/13/10 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission Minutes – January 14, 2010 Present: Lynn Truame Susan Jones David Kramer Sylvia Newman Susan Stein Ellen McCollister, Common Council Liaison Leslie Chatterton, Staff Danielle Henbest, Staff Acting Chair L. Truame called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm. I. PUBLIC HEARING A. 110 East Court Street, DeWitt Park Historic District - proposal to replace roof sheathing. No one was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Staff reviewed the proposal and reminded Commission members that the applicants attended the December 2009 meeting to discuss the proposed alterations. Public Hearing On a motion by S. Stein, seconded by S. Jones, Acting Chair L. Truame opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by S. Jones, seconded by S. Stein. RESOLUTION: Moved by S. Stein, seconded by S. Jones WHEREAS, 110 East Court Street is located in the Dewitt Park Historic District as provided for in Section 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted Facilities Manager, James Dupay on behalf of the property owner, the First Presbyterian Church of Ithaca, for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the replacement of roofing material, and WHEREAS, the project is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the submitted documentation dated September 25, 2009, including a Certificate of Appropriateness application submitted by James Dupay and photographs of the existing roof, and 1 ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, at the ILPC meeting held on December 10, 2009, a straw poll indicated that a majority of ILPC members present would be willing to approve either a metal roof or architectural style shingles, but no formal vote was taken because there had been no duly advertised public hearing, and WHEREAS, a public hearing for the purpose of considering approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on January 14, 2010, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: The period of significance for the area now known as the Dewitt Park Historic District is identified in the City of Ithaca’s Dewitt Park Historic District Summary Statement as 1820-1930. Constructed in 1857, the building is a mid-19th century residence with several notable features, including gothic ornamentation over windows on the end walls, an Italianate porch hood, and a deeply recessed front entrance door with sidelights. Constructed within the district’s period of significance and retaining sufficient integrity to reflect its historic and architectural significance, 110 East Court Street is a contributing element of the DeWitt Park Historic District. As addressed in the description of the proposal on the Certificate of Appropriateness application dated September 25, 2009 and discussed at the December 10, 2009 ILPC meeting, the revised proposal involves the replacement of the existing metal roof panels with CertainTeed Landmark asphalt architectural style shingles. The proposed shingles will be “Cobblestone Gray” in color. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the -2- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: #2 The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. #10 New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. With respect to Standard #2, it is not likely that the existing metal roof, in the existing design or construction is original to the residence. In this case, the removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize the property cannot be avoided due to inherent lifecycle of the material. With respect to Standard #6, as stated above, it is not likely that the existing metal roof is original to the residence and according to the depiction in the 1910 Sanborn Fire Insurance map the roof was more likely wood shingle. As described in the proposal and shown in the accompanying photographs, the existing metal roof has deteriorated to a point where replacement is required. The proposed CertainTeed Landmark asphalt architectural style shingles in “Cobblestone Gray” does reasonably recall the visual quality of a wood shingle roof in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities in keeping with Standard #6. With respect to Standard #9, the CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingles will not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment, in keeping with Standard #9. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the -3- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Dewitt Park Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 Yes L. Truame S. Newman S. Jones S. Stein D. Kramer No 0 Abstain 0 B. 116 Cleveland Avenue, St James A.M.E. Zion Church, Local Landmark – proposal to replace the main entrance door and three “secondary” doors Roy Lipscom, Trustee of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion by S. Jones, seconded by S. Sheret Newman, Acting Chair L. Truame opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by S. Stein. RESOLUTION: Moved by S. Jones, seconded by S. Stein WHEREAS, 116 Cleveland Avenue, the St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, is a designated local landmark as provided for in Section 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by Roy Lipscomb on behalf of the St. James AME Zion Church for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the replacement of the main entrance door and three “secondary” doors, and -4- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 WHEREAS, the project is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the submitted documentation including an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness dated January 3, 2010 with a narrative description of the proposal, photocopies of historic photographs of the building, taken between 1898 and 1904 with a close-up of a raised five panel wood door, a photocopied photograph of the existing front door taken in 2003 and a price quote for a single-light, two-panel replacement door for the three secondary doors, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a public hearing for the purpose of considering approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on January 14, 2010, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: The St. James AME Zion Church is historically significant for the central role it has played in the history of Ithaca’s black community, especially during the years of intense anti-slavery activity in the mid-nineteenth century. The church has been expanded many times, but the original stone meetinghouse is still visible in the present foundation. Constructed in 1836, it is believed to be Ithaca’s oldest church and one of the oldest in the AME Zion system. The church was designated a local landmark in 1974 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The proposal involves the replacement of the front entrance doors that are later replacements. The existing front doors will be replaced with custom- made, wood doors designed to match the earlier door as documented in the photograph taken between 1898 – 1904. The photo image shows a pair of raised, five-panel wood doors. The existing transom shall be retained. The proposal also involves the replacement of three secondary wood doors located on the north ends (rear) of the east and west sides of the building, also later replacements. The proposed replacement doors are single-light two- panel steel doors. The purpose of the proposal is to reduce air leakage and improve energy efficiency. -5- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: #2 The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. #6 Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement of missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical, or pictorial evidence. #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. With respect to Standard #2, the existing front entrance doors and the three side doors are not original to the building. The replacement of these doors will not remove historic materials or features that characterize the building. With respect to Standard #6, as stated above, the existing front entrance doors are not original to the building. The proposed replacement doors will be custom-made to match the earlier paired, raised five panel, wood doors shown in the photograph taken between 1898 and 1904. The new doors will match the old in design, color, texture, and other visual qualities in keeping with Standard #6. -6- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 With respect to Standard #9, as stated above, the three existing side doors are not original to the building. The proposed single-light, two-panel steel doors will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment in keeping with Standard #9. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the landmark, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 Yes L. Truame S. Newman S. Jones S. Stein D. Kramer No 0 Abstain 0 C. Morrill Hall and McGraw Hall, Arts Quad Historic District - proposal for exterior stair replacement Tammi Aiken, PE, Project Manager for Cornell University, was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion by S. Jones, seconded by S. Sheret Newman, Acting Chair L. Truame opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by S. Stein, seconded by S. Jones. RESOLUTION Moved by S. Sheret Newman, seconded by D. Kramer WHEREAS, Morrill Hall and McGraw Hall are located in the Cornell Arts Quad Historic District as provided for in Section 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and -7- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted by Tammi Aiken, PE. Project Manager of Cornell’s Project Design and Construction for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the replacement eight exterior stairs on Morrill and McGraw Halls, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the documentation for the application dated December 15, 2009 including the following: a memorandum describing the proposal with images of the reconstructed stairs at White Hall (Figs.1 and 2) and the existing condition of stairs located on the northern end of the west façade of Morrill Hall and the center of the east façade of Morrill Hall (Figs. 3 and 4); a plan view of Morrill Hall showing stairs proposed for replacement in 2010, future replacement and replacement work already completed with before and after images; a plan view of McGraw Hall showing stairs proposed for future replacement and replacement work already completed with and before and after images; architectural drawing T –001 Title Sheet, C-101 Site Plan, S-101 Morrill Hall East Center Steps - Plan, S-102 Morrill Hall Center East - Foundation Plan, S-201 Morrill Hall East Center Steps - East Elevation; S-203 Morrill Hall East Center Steps - Section; S-204 Morrill Hall East Center Steps - Section; S-210 Morrill Hall Center East - Foundation Plan; S-213 Morrill Hall Center East - Foundation Plan (sic); S-215 Morrill Hall Center East - Foundation Reinforcing Sections; S-302 Handrail Profile and Elevation; S- 402 Morrill Hall East Center Steps - Detail Photos; S-403 Morrill Hall North East Steps – Photos: photos and material samples presented at the January 14, 2010 meeting, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a public hearing for the purpose of considering approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting held on January 14, 2010, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: The period of significance for the area known as the Cornell Arts Quad Historic District is identified in the City of Ithaca’s Cornell Arts Quad Historic District Summary Statement as 1868-1919. -8- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 Morrill Hall and McGraw Hall derive historic and architectural significance as two of the three buildings comprising “Stone Row:” the earliest buildings on the Cornell Campus. Morrill Hall derives historic and architectural significance through its association with the Buffalo architectural firm of Wilcox and Porter. Completed in time for the opening of Cornell University in 1868, Morrill Hall derives further significance though its association with James Morrill author of the Morrill Act 1862, also known as the College Land Grant Act under which Cornell University was founded. In 1965 Morrill Hall was designated a National Historic Landmark, and in 1966 the building was individually listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and in 1990 it was designated under Ithaca’s Local Historic Preservation Ordinance as a contributing element of the Cornell University Arts Quad Historic District. Constructed in 1869, McGraw Hall derives additional historic and architectural significance through its association with the prolific 19th century Syracuse architect Archimedes Russell, designer of the building. Exhibiting a high level of exterior integrity, both Morrill and McGraw Halls reflect their considerable historic and architectural significance. Modeled after the stair replacement project at White Hall in 2002, depicted on p. 1 of the memorandum from Tammi Aiken dated December 15, 2009, the proposal involves removal and replacement of eight existing exterior stairs at Morrill and McGraw Halls in a manner that is largely in- kind. Items different from the existing stairs are described on p. 1 of the Aiken memo, and include: • Replacement of the bluestone stair treads with black granite treads • Replacement of bluestone with blue-gray-brown granite on inside of parapet walls, (or cheek walls.) • Installation of bronze right and left handrail with spindles placed every other or every two treads. • Construction of cast in place stair foundations. The stair replacement project will be phased, with three sets of stairs –one and the northern end and one at the center of the east façade of Morrill Hall, and one at the center of the west façade of Morrill Hall, to be undertaken first. Later phases will include the stairs at the northern and southern ends of the west façade of Morrill Hall and all three stairs on the west façade of McGraw Hall. -9- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 In addition to the reconstruction of the stairs, the proposal includes in-fill of existing stairs and areaways to the basement level located underneath stairs at the center of the east façade of Morrill Hall (to be undertaken this summer), and the stairs at the northern end of the west façade of Morrill Hall (to be undertaken at a later date.) The infill treatments are described on p. 2 of the memorandum dated December 15, 2009, accompanied by Figures 3 and 4 showing images of the existing conditions of these two locations. Treatment options include either retention or elimination of existing of curbing. The purpose of the proposal is to replace deteriorated stairs in all the locations, substituting granite for native bluestone to improved the durability and longevity of these heavily used stairs that are exposed to the cyclical extremes of weather and, where in-fill is proposed, to remove sub-grade spaces that present an attractive nuisance and a threat to public safety. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: #2 The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. -10- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 With reference to Standard #9, the proposed treatment of the stairs with some alteration as described and depicted in the submitted application materials does not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. With reference to Standard #9, the proposed treatment of the stairs is differentiated from the old with the substitution of granite treads and cheek walls for the softer bluestone. With reference to Standard #9, the new work is compatible with the massing, size, scale and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. With reference to Standard #2, infill of the areaways to the basement beneath stairs at the center of the east façade and the northern end of the west façade of Morrill Hall is proposed to remove an attractive nuisance and reduce the possible threat to public safety presented by these dark and unused spaces. A treatment option is to retain the curbing and door lintels, thereby preserving physical evidence of the original configuration of the earlier areaways. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Cornell Arts Quad Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: 1. The areaway beneath the Morrill Hall center stairs on the east façade shall be retained 2. In fill material to block up door on north end of the west façade of Morrill Hall shall be recessed 3. Salvage and reuse limestone where feasible. 4. Staff shall review and approve final selection of granite proposed for the stair treads. RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 Yes L. Truame S. Newman S. Jones S. Stein D. Kramer No 0 Abstain 0 -11- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 D. 2 Ridgewood Road, Phi Delta Theta, Cornell Heights Historic District – proposal for overall window replacement Bojan Petek of Petex Restoration Ltd. was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by S. Stein, Acting Chair L. Truame opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by S. Jones, seconded by S. Sheret Newman. RESOLUTION: Moved by D. Kramer, seconded by S. Stein WHEREAS, 2 Ridgewood Road, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, is located in the Cornell Heights Historic District as provided for in Section 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted on behalf of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity by Bojan Petek, of Petex Restoration Ltd for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is a window replacement in the bedroom wing, and WHEREAS, the project is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the documentation submitted with the Certificate of Appropriateness application received January 4, 2010, including a narrative description of the proposal, a schedule of windows to be replaced, floor plans of the basement, ground floor, 1st floor, 2nd floor and 3rd floor, all keyed to the window schedule and cut sheets showing the Marvin All-Ultrex double-hung and glider window lines, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a public hearing for the purpose of considering approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on January 14, 2010, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: -12- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 The period of significance for the area now known as the Cornell Heights Historic District is identified in the City of Ithaca’s Cornell Heights Historic District Summary Statement as 1898-1937. Constructed between 1921 and 1922 the architecture combines elements of revival styles of the first quarter of the 20th century. The proposal involves replacement of 19 Marvin casement windows dating from around 1970 with Marvin Ultrex fiberglass single-light, double-glazed, double-hung windows all listed on the Schedule of windows to be replaced and keyed to the submitted floor plans. Also proposed is the replacement of one older Anderson casement window with a glider window, one casement picture widow with an awning window and two plexiglass in-fills with awning windows as shown on the “Schedule of windows to be replaced” and keyed to the submitted floor plans. The finish on the replacement windows will be “Bronze”. Original masonry openings will not be changed, and the new windows will be set in a plane similar to existing windows, (recessed). The purpose of the proposal is, in some cases, to replace deteriorated windows, to eliminate opportunity for failure of the open and closing mechanisms of the casement windows to improve operation and to increase light and ventilation. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: #2 The historic character of a property shall be retained and preserved. The removal of historic materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property shall be avoided. #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that -13- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. #10 New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. With reference to Standard #2, the existing windows were installed c. 1970 and do not contribute to the historic character of the property. The replacement of the casement windows with the double-hung sash will not alter features that characterize the property, and is in keeping with Standard #2. With reference to Standard #10, the new windows shall be installed in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired, in keeping with Standard #10. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the Cornell Heights Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: The third balcony window shall be replaced. RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 Yes L. Truame S. Newman S. Jones S. Stein D. Kramer No 0 Abstain 0 E. 309 North Cayuga Street, First Baptist Church, DeWitt Park Historic District – proposal to replace two windows on south façade -14- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 The proposal was postponed because the applicant did not submit application materials prior to the meeting. F. 2 Fountain Place, East Hill Historic District – proposal to install gates at both ends of the circular driveway at the rear of the property off Willets Place. Rick Couture, Vice-President of Facilities for Ithaca College, was present to address the Commission regarding the proposal. Public Hearing On a motion by S. Stein, seconded by D. Kramer, Acting Chair L. Truame opened the public hearing. There being no one to address the Commission, the public hearing was closed on a motion by S. Sheret Newman, seconded by S. Jones. RESOLUTION: Moved by S. Stein, Seconded by D. Kramer WHEREAS, 2 Fountain Place, is located in the East Hill Historic District as provided for in Section 228-3 and 228-4 of the Municipal Code, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4(E) of the Municipal Code, an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was submitted Rick Couture on behalf of Ithaca College for review by the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission, (ILPC), and WHEREAS, the action under consideration is the installation of gates at the rear of the property on Willets Place, and WHEREAS, the project is a Type II Action under the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and the City Environmental Quality Review Ordinance for which no further environmental review is required, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the submitted documentation dated January 4, 2010 including an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness submitted by Rick Couture, a cut sheet for the proposed Ameristar gate with a drawing, and a map of the property showing the proposed location of the gates, and WHEREAS, the applicant has provided sufficient documentation and information to evaluate impacts of the proposal on the subject property and surrounding properties, and WHEREAS, a public hearing for the purpose of considering approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on January 14, 2010, and -15- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 WHEREAS, the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: The period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement as 1820-1930. Constructed in the 1890’s, the building is architecturally and historically significant as an excellent high- style example of Romanesque architecture with some influence of Queen Ann style. The building derives further historic and architectural significance through its association with prolific local architect William Henry Miller, the first student of architecture at Cornell University. Constructed within the district’s period of significance and retaining a relatively high level of integrity 2 Fountain Place is a contributing element of the East Hill Historic District and is a cornerstone of the Fountain Place Historic District of 1974. The proposal involves the installation of two operable gates at both ends of the semi-circular driveway at the rear of the property off of Willets Place. The proposed gate will be constructed of steel with a black finish as shown on the material accompanying the application. The purpose of the proposal is to create a safe area for children and discourage drivers from using the private drive as a turn around area. In consideration of this and all approvals of proposals for alterations, new construction or demolition in historic districts, the ILPC must determine that the proposed exterior work will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical or architectural significance and value of either the landmark or, if the improvement is within a district, of the neighboring improvements in such district. In considering architectural and cultural value, the Commission shall consider whether the proposed change is consistent with the historic value and the spirit of the architectural style of the landmark or district in accordance with Section 228-4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code. In making this determination the Commission is guided by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation and in this case specifically the following Standards: -16- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 #9 New additions, exterior alterations, or related new construction shall not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work shall be differentiated from the old and shall be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. #10 New additions and adjacent or related new construction shall be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired. With reference to Standard #9, as described in the January 4, 2010 application for a Certificate of Appropriateness and shown on the Ameristar cut sheet, the installation of the proposed gates will not destroy historic materials that characterize the property. The new work will be differentiated from the old and will be compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features to protect the historic integrity of the property and its environment. . With reference to Standard #10, as described in the January 4, 2010 application for a Certificate of Appropriateness and shown on the Ameristar cut sheet, the installation of the proposed gates will be undertaken in such a manner that if removed in the future, the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment would be unimpaired, in keeping with Standard #10. WHEREAS, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the East Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-4E(1)(a), now, therefore be it RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228- 4E (1)(a) of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the application for a Certificate of Appropriateness. RECORD OF VOTE: 5-0-0 Yes L. Truame S. Newman S. Jones S. Stein D. Kramer No 0 Abstain 0 -17- ILPC Minutes January 14, 2010 II. PLEASURE OF THE CHAIR A. Administrative Matters B. Communications C. Public comment on matters of interest III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - January 14, 2009; August 18, 2009; September 22, 2009 On a motion by S. Jones, seconded by S. Stein, the minutes from the January 14, 2009, August 18, 2009, and September 22, 2009 meetings were approved unanimously without correction. IV. OLD BUSINESS None V. NEW BUSINESS 115 Ridgewood Road, Sigma Delta Tau – proposal to replace two windows on the modern addition – material to be provided at the meeting. The Commission decided that the existing windows are not historic features of the property and that a staff approval of the proposed in-kind replacement would be appropriate. V. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:12 p.m. by L. Truame. Respectfully Submitted, Leslie A. Chatterton, Secretary Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission -18-