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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-ILPC-2017-05-09Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) Minutes — May 9, 2017 Present: Ed Finegan, Chair David Kramer, Vice Chair Stephen Gibian Jennifer Minner Mary Raddant Tomlan (Alternate Member) Seph Murtagh (Common Council Liaison) Bryan McCracken, Staff Jacki Aman, Staff Chair Finegan called the meeting to order at 5:31 p.m. I. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. 108 Parker St, East Hill Historic District ― Proposal to Replace West Porch Enclosure with Thirteen Windows. Chair Finegan recused himself from consideration of the proposal because he is part owner of the property. D. Kramer, Vice Chair, assumed the role of Chair during this public hearing and M.R. Tomlan acted as alternate. Applicants Sarah Finegan and Ed Finegan appeared before the Commission to summarize the proposal to replace the west porch enclosure with thirteen windows. Our proposal will impact the back of the house, which originally had a three-story porch as shown in the photograph provided in the application At some point, probably in 1950’s, the porch was enclosed. S. Finegan noted that when they were doing some internal work in what used to be the second story of the porch they found the original railing and were inspired to restore its open appearance. Currently, the porch above is enclosed with windows. She explained that they thought it would make the most sense historically to use the same style windows to enclose the second story. She noted the proposed windows will be wood and referenced the window specifications included in the application. The simulated-divided light configuration will match that of the windows in the third story. D. Kramer noted the moldings on the columns of the uppermost story of the porch. He asked if this detail would be reproduced on the new columns. S. Finegan answered, yes. All trim details on the third story will be duplicated on the second story. M.R. Tomlan stated she could not discern from the application when the porch was enclosed. S. Finegan stated it’s unclear exactly when the porch was enclosed, but she assumes it was done approximately 70 years ago in the 1950. She noted that the pine windows in the second story do not seem very old. The windows in the third story, however, seem much older. S. Gibian commented on the unique 3-over-2 fixed-sash configuration of the third-story windows. Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 S. Gibian asked for clarification on the proposed wood windows. A cut sheet for Marvin Integrity windows was provide in the application. Marvin Integrity units are actually fiberglass and not wood. S. Finegan stated that the project architect, J. Demarest, suggested these windows as they had been approved by the Commission in the past, and he thought they would be visually compatible with the historic district. S. Finegan stated they are definitely open to suggestions. She asked the Board if there was a window product that would be more visually compatible than the units proposed. S. Gibian stated the most historically appropriate windows are constructed of solid wood and referenced a recently completed project on N Cayuga St as an example. J. Minner stated that it seems like the project would be compatible as long as the window meet the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. B. McCracken asked if N. Demarest had contacted Marvin to make sure they can manufacture the proposed units given their unique light configuration. S. Finegan stated yes, they can manufacture that pattern. M.R. Tomlan asked if they are replacing the original columns and railings of the enclosed porch. S. Finegan responded that she is not exactly sure what they will find once the walls are removed. She indicated that the original columns and railing would be reuse if they were in good condition but would be replaced if they were not. J. Minner inquired about the differentiation of the old from the new. B. McCracken responded that the windows themselves will match pretty closely to the original windows on the 3rd story, but will be differentiated from the old by their double glazing and slightly larger muttons. M.R. Tomlan questioned whether the third-story porch windows were installed during the period of significance for the East Hill Historic District. B.McCracken stated that it is unclear exactly when the windows in the third story were installed. He theorized that if they are not from the period of significance and, therefore, are not considered a character defining feature, does it matter if they are differentiated from the old. S. Gibian asked if the windows will be fixed or operable. S. Finegan stated they would be operable, casement-style windows. Public Hearing On a motion by J. Minner, seconded by M.R. Tomlan, Vice Chair Kramer opened the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by J. Minner, seconded by M.R. Tomlan. RESOLUTION: Moved by J. Minner, seconded by S. Gibian. WHEREAS, 108 Parker St is located in the East Hill Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1988, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1986, and Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated April 19, 2017, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Sara Finegan on behalf of property owner Edward Finegan and Sara Finegan, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); (2) a historic photograph showing the original porch configuration; (3) a sheet of architectural drawings and photographs documenting existing conditions and illustrating the proposed changes; and (4) product information for Marvin Integrity, Wood-Ultrex series windows, and WHEREAS, the ILPC has also reviewed the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form for 108 Parker St, and the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s), the project involves removing exterior cladding materials enclosing the second story of the west porch and installing thirteen casement-style windows, and WHEREAS, the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness 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 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 the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on May 9, 2017, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: As identified in the City of Ithaca’s East Hill Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the East Hill Historic District is 1830-1932. As indicated in the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form, the simple Folk-Victorian-Style residence at 108 Parker St was originally constructed in before 1873 as a stable and was later converted into a residence around 1893. Constructed within the period of significance of the East Hill Historic District and possessing a high level of integrity, the property is a contributing element of the East Hill Historic District. Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 The project involves removing the infill that encloses the second story of the three-story west porch. As documented in the submitted historic photograph and the 1904 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of Ithaca, an open, three-story porch was added to the west elevation of residence in c. 1904 during the East Hill Historic District’s period of significance. This porch was later enlarged and enclosed around 1957. The purpose of this project is to reestablish the open appearance of the porch through the use of new windows that match the windows in the third story of the porch. 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 228-6 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-6B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-6C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Principle #2 The historic features of a property located within, and contributing to the significance of, an historic district shall be altered as little as possible and any alterations made shall be compatible with both the historic character of the individual property and the character of the district as a whole. Standard #2 The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property will be avoided. Standard #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 Principle #2, Standard #2, and Standard #9, the removal of the enclosure and the installation of new windows will not remove distinctive materials and will not alter features and spaces that characterize the property. Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 Also with respect to Principle #2, and Standard #9, the proposed windows will be differentiated from the old and are compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property and its environment. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, the proposal will not have a substantial adverse effect on the aesthetic, historical, or architectural significance of the 108 Parker St and the East Hill Historic District, as set forth in Section 228-6, and be it further, RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following condition: • ILPC staff shall review and approve the applicant-proposed window product prior to the installation of the windows. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: J. Minner Seconded by: S. Gibian In Favor: J. Minner, S. Gibian, D. Kramer, M.R. Tomlan Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: S. Stein, K. Olson, M.M. McDonald Recused: E. Finegan Vacancies: 0 - M.R. Tomlan left the meeting at 6:00 PM. - B. 111 The Knoll, Cornell Heights Historic District – Proposal to Demolish a Garage and Construct a Two-Story Addition Rob Morache on behalf of applicant Noah Demarest, from Stream Collaborative, and Carl Johnson appeared before the Commission to summarize the proposal. The Chesterton House, a Cornell-affiliated, faith-based organization located next door at 115 The Knoll, is looking to purchase the property to use as a living facility for 16 female students. To accommodate the change from a single family residence to group home, the existing c. 1950 garage will be demolished and a new two-story addition will be constructed on its footprint. The design of the additions draws on the details and materials of the existing building; however, it does not replicate them exactly. The first story will be clad stucco and not stone like the primary structure, establishing a hierarchy between the existing house and the proposed addition. The second story of the addition will be clad in wood shingles like the primary residence. Aluminum-clad, wood windows will be installed in all window openings in the addition. Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 S. Gibian asked if there had been any changes in design since the Commission reviewed it during Early Design Review at the April meeting. R. Morache responded that the roof shingle color had changed from red to brown based on the feedback received from the Commission. The proposed brown shingles will have a red undertone to complement but not detract from the red tile roof on the primary building. S. Gibian also asked for clarification on the proposed cladding materials, inquiring about the type of stucco and shingle wall cladding. R. Morache stated the stucco will be applied using the traditional three coat system and the shingles will be painted wood. D. Kramer observed that the area between the two structures is going to be altered to create more parking and asked how many additional parking spaces are proposed for the site. R. Morache stated that there is currently a considerably large driveway in front of the garage, which extends to the west into the front lawn area. An island with a sizable tree separates the parking area at 111 The Knoll from that of 115 The Knoll. There are five spaces currently, two within the garage and three in the paved driveway. The proposal includes expanding the parking area west into the front lawn and eliminating some of the island to increase onsite parking capacity to eight. B. McCracken asked how many parking spaces are required by zoning. R. Morache said, eight. E. Finegan asked if the applicant would be putting these spaces if it was not required by zoning. R. Morache said that the two houses will form a single community and will share the eighteen parking spaces at 115 The Knoll. There are usually only sixteen residents in 115 The Knoll and maybe half of them have cars. This leaves a considerable number of extra parking spaces, which fill up for special events but are generally empty on a day to day basis. He concluded that the additional parking spaces would not be a part of this application if they were not required by zoning and would result in more unoccupied spaces in the area. B. McCracken summarized that the Commission seems to feel the addition is compatible with the historic character of the district but is concerned by the amount of parking that is proposed. Green space and the park-like setting of the neighborhood is considered a character defining feature of the Cornell Heights Historic District. The proposed additional parking spaces would have a substantial adverse impact on this historic characteristic, especially considering the excess parking at the adjacent property. Since the applicant has already applied to the Board of Zoning Appeals for a variance related to the number of parking space, B. McCracken suggested waiting to until that board has made a decision before they vote on the addition parking spaces and the landscape improvements. The Commission agreed. Public Hearing On a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by J. Minner, Chair Finegan opened the Public Hearing. There being no public comments, the Public Hearing was closed on a motion by D. Kramer, seconded by S. Gibian. S. Gibian expressed his continued concern with the asymmetrical roofline, an issue he originally raised during Early Design Guidance in April. It was his opinion that symmetry is an important characteristic of the historic residence and that this design element should be reflected in the addition. R. Morache responded the roofline’s asymmetry was a function of a height restriction imposed by zoning and the interior’s program needs. The roofline could not be significantly Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 changed without impacting the interior room configuration. J. Minner stated that the roofline seemed compatible in her opinion. RESOLUTION: Moved by D. Kramer seconded by J. Minner. WHEREAS, 111 The Knoll is located within the Cornell Heights Historic District, as designated under Section 228-3 of the City of Ithaca Municipal Code in 1989, and as listed on the New York State and National Registers of Historic Places in 1989, and WHEREAS, as set forth in Section 228-4 of the Municipal Code, an Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness, dated April 25, 2017, was submitted for review to the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission (ILPC) by Noah Demarest on behalf of property owner Ross D. Turnbull and Sheryl E. Kimes, including the following: (1) two narratives respectively titled Description of Proposed Change(s) and Reasons for Changes(s); (2) a narrative titled “Project Description;” (3) four sheets of photographs documenting existing conditions; and (4) seven sheets of architectural drawings dated January 16, 2017, and titled “Survey,” “Site Plan,” “Site Plan Enlarged,” First Floor Plan,” “Second Floor Plan,” “South Elevation,” and “ East, North, and West Elevations,” and WHEREAS, the ILPC has reviewed the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form for 111 The Knoll, and the City of Ithaca’s Cornell Heights Historic District Summary Statement, and WHEREAS, as stated in the narrative Description of Proposed Change(s), the project involves demolishing a single-story attached garage and constructing a two-story addition on the footprint of the existing garage, and WHEREAS, the proposal to modify the existing driveway and landscape to accommodate additional zoning-required parking spaces as noted in the Description of Proposed Changes(s) was removed from consideration by the ILPC at the request of the applicant, and WHEREAS, this request was based on the following: the ILPC’s discussion of green space and the garden-like quality of the neighborhood as a character-defining feature of the Cornell Heights Historic District; the adverse impact of additional paved areas on this character-defining feature; the applicant’s acknowledgement that parking spaces in excess of the number required by zoning exist at an adjacent property that is owned by the same organization; and these spaces could be used to meet the parking requirements for the subject property, and WHEREAS, the issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness 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 Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 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 the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness was conducted at the regularly scheduled ILPC meeting on May 9, 2017, now therefore be it RESOLVED, that the ILPC has made the following findings of fact concerning the property and the proposal: As identified in the City of Ithaca’s Cornell Heights Historic District Summary Statement, the period of significance for the area now known as the Cornell Heights Historic District is 1898-1937. As indicated in the New York State Building-Structure Inventory Form, the Craftsman-Style residence at 111 The Knoll was designed by Clarence Martin and constructed by the locally significant construction company, Driscoll Brothers, Inc. Clarence Martin was a Cornell-University-trained architect who practiced in Philadelphia between 1889 and 1894. In 1894, Martin began his career as a professor of architecture at Cornell University and was the dean of the College of Architecture from 1909 to 1919. Constructed within the period of significance of the Cornell Heights Historic District and possessing a high level of integrity, the property is a contributing element of the Cornell Heights Historic District. The project under consideration involves the demolition of a single-story garage built after 1967. Constructed outside of the period of significance of the Cornell Heights Historic District, the garage is considered a non-contributing resource. It has not acquired historic significance in its own right. 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 228-6 of the Municipal Code. In making this determination, the Commission is guided by the principles set forth in Section 228-6B of the Municipal Code, as further elaborated in Section 228-6C, and by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, and in this case specifically the following principles and Standards: Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 Principle #2 The historic features of a property located within, and contributing to the significance of, an historic district shall be altered as little as possible and any alterations made shall be compatible with both the historic character of the individual property and the character of the district as a whole. Principle #3 New construction located within an historic district shall be compatible with the historic character of the district within which it is located. Standard #2 The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features and spaces that characterize a property will be avoided. Standard #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. Standard #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 Principle #2, Standard #2, and Standard #9, the demolition of the garage and construction of a two-story addition will not remove distinctive materials and will not alter features and spaces that characterize the property. Also with respect to Principle #2, Principle #3, and Standard #9, the proposed addition will be differentiated from the old and is compatible with the massing, size, scale, and architectural features of the property and its environment. The three-coat stucco clad first story and coursed, wood shingle clad second story complement the cladding materials of the primary structure without exactly replicating them, helping to differentiate the old from the new. With respect to Standard #10, the addition can be removed in the future without impairment of the essential form and integrity of the historic property and its environment. RESOLVED, that, based on the findings set forth above, 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 228-6, and be it further, Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 RESOLVED, that the Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission determines that the proposal meets criteria for approval under Section 228-6 of the Municipal Code, and be it further RESOLVED, that the ILPC approves the Application for a Certificate of Appropriateness with the following conditions: • ILPC staff shall review and approve the final shingle, window and door materials prior to their installation. RECORD OF VOTE: Moved by: D. Kramer Seconded by: J. Minner In Favor: D. Kramer, E. Finegan, S. Gibian, J. Minner Against: 0 Abstain: 0 Absent: S. Stein, K. Olson, M.M. McDonald Vacancies: 0 C. 339 S. Geneva St, Henry St. John Historic District – Proposal to Install Doors and Windows in a Carriage Barn Robert Morache on behalf of applicant Noah Demarest and property owner John Barber appeared before the Commission to summarize the proposal to convert the existing carriage barn at the property into a one-bedroom dwelling unit. Changes to the exterior of the carriage barn include inserting new doors and windows in to the south and west elevations while maintaining the original massing of the building. The 16’ garage door on the south elevation is likely not original and will be removed along with the pedestrian door and first- and second-story windows. These elements will be replaced by a centered, single pedestrian door with a shed- roof, bracketed overhang. New window will flank the door and three new windows will be installed in the second story, creating a symmetrical fenestration pattern. On the west façade, the existing windows will be replaced by double doors flanked by two windows on the first floor, and double doors and a balcony on the second story. The existing siding will remain throughout. D. Kramer referenced the document submitted in the application that outlines the variances required from the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) and inquired about the additional parking spaces and the need for a variance. R. Morache stated the project requires four separate variances and commented that he and the applicant have not discusses the projects future if they are not granted. S. Murtagh spoke in support of the concept to convert the carriage barn into a dwelling unit, referencing the goals enumerated in Plan Ithaca to create more housing in the City. J. Minner expressed her support of the conversion of the carriage barn into a dwelling unit but expressed concern over the loss of building’s distinctive materials, which is not in keeping with Standard #2. She stated that she could not support the removal of the remaining historic wood windows and asked if they could be reused or repurposed in the design. In response, R. Morache inquired about the specific windows that were of concern. J. Minner said both windows on the Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017 west elevation and the two-over-two window on the south elevation appear to be original and should be addressed in the proposal. D. Kramer commented on the existing condition of the south elevation and noted that the proposal would considerably improve its appearance. However, he expressed concerns related to the proposed design of the west elevation, which is highly visible for S. Geneva St. The proposed changes would remove the original wood windows and significantly change the appearance of that elevation, effectively obscuring the building’s original function as a carriage barn R. Morache said the door and fenestration pattern on the west elevation could be changed and the re-installation of the existing wood windows could be considered. He suggested installing a smaller, single door and two windows on the first story and two more windows on the second story of the west elevation. S. Gibian observed that the north and east walls of the carriage barn would need to be fire rated to meet current Building Code and asked if the exterior cladding materials would be removed to complete this work. R. Morache stated that it is unclear at this point if these walls need to be fire rated, but if it is, a fire-rated assembly could be installed on the interior of the building, allowing the existing combustible siding material to remain. B. McCracken encouraged the applicant to confirm with the Building Division that the existing siding materials can remain if the interior wall assembly is fire rated before another proposal is submitted to the Commission. - No public hearing was held and the application was TABLED. - II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON MATTERS OF INTEREST  None III. OLD BUSINESS  None IV. NEW BUSINESS  None V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES As moved by D. Kramer, seconded by J. Minner, Commission members approved the following meeting minutes as amended:  03/14/17 (Regular)  04/11/17 (Regular) VI. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Approved by ILPC: June 13, 2017  Historic Ithaca’s 2017 Preservation Award at La Tourelle – Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 5:30pm. B. McCracken encouraged the Commission members to attend the award ceremony being held by Historic Ithaca at La Tourelle on May 11, 2017, noting the City would be receiving an award for the reconstruction of the Tea Pavillion at Stewart Park.  Rescheduled CLG Audit – Tuesday, September 12, 2017. B. McCracken reported that the Certified Local Government (CLG) audit that was cancelled in March due to the severe storm has been rescheduled for September 12, 2017.  Historic Markers B. McCracken reported that he was approached earlier in the month about a missing historic marker on Parker St. in the East Hill Historic District. He also noted a study by M. R. Tomlan of the missing historic markers throughout the City. He asked if any Commission members would be willing to serve on an ad hoc committee to evaluate the desire to replace these marker and funding for such a project. J. Minner and E. Finegan said they would be interested in participating.  DeWitt House, 310-312 N Cayuga St, DeWitt Park Historic District – Review Exterior Building Materials. B. McCracken reported that the development team for the DeWitt House project at 310- 312 N. Cayuga St. will be presenting the building’s proposed exterior building materials to the Commission at the June meeting, pursuant to the February 14, 2017 Certificate of Appropriateness condition.  Collegetown Historic Resources – Postponement of Designation Consideration B. McCracken noted that the consideration of the designation of two building in Collegetown was postponed to allow the property owners to conduct their owner research and evaluate the proposal. They would like to attend the next ILPC meeting to informally discuss the proposal with Commission members. Additionally, B. McCracken will be meeting with several other stakeholders in advance of the June meeting. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:00 p.m. by Chair Finegan. Respectfully submitted, Bryan McCracken, Historic Preservation Planner Secretary, Ithaca Landmarks Preservation Commission