HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011 10-11 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularMINUTES
Regular Meeting of the
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Edina City Hall — Community Room
October 11, 2011
7:00 p.m.
Introduce Karen Kurt, Assistant City Manager
The Board was introduced to Ms. Kurt who explained that some of her initial tasks as the new Assistant City
Manager will be centering on the City's advisory boards and commissions (b&c). The focus of her work will
include creating a core, consistent set of by-laws for all b&c's which each group will then personalize to fit their
needs; and also establishing training for new members to assist them in understanding the responsibilities and
basic functions of the b&c. She added that all current b&c members will receive a survey created to glean
information regarding the opinions of their experiences with their respective board or commission.
Of interest to the HPB, Ms. Kurt also explained that she will oversee the City's research into the potential for the
formation of neighborhood associations in the community. The Board agreed that would be a great project and
they would be happy to provide assistance. The HPB welcomed Ms. Kurt and expressed their interest in working
with her on the current projects.
ROLL CALL 7:00 P.M.
Answering roll call were Chairman Stegner, and Members Ahlstrom, Anger, Carr, Curran, Davis, Moore,
Rehkamp Larson, Schwartzbauer, Copman and Ellingboe.
Staff present was Planner Joyce Repya; also present was Robert Vogel, Preservation Consultant.
APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Curran stated that during the "Chair and Board Member Comments" section of the meeting she would
like to report on the Human Services Task Force on which she served representing the HPB.
III. MINUTES APPROVED Regular meeting of September 13, 2011
Member Schwartzbauer moved approval of the minutes from the September 13, 2011 meeting of the board.
Member Davis seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
IV. COMMUNITY COMMENT None
V. REPORTS/RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Certificate of Appropriateness: H-11-7 for 4621 Edina Boulevard
Planner Repya explained that the subject property is located on the northeast corner of Edina Boulevard and
Country Club Road. The home, constructed in 1937 is an American Colonial Revival style with an attached 3 -stall
garage with living space above, accessed from Country Club Road to the south.
The proposed plans for the home include removing the existing 3 -stall attached garage with living space above
® and replacing it with a 2 -stall garage with increased living space on both the first and second floors. The garage
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will be accessed by the same driveway with no need for a new curb cut. The new construction will maintain
virtually the same footprint as the existing structure; however the project will require a variance from the
Zoning Ordinance to allow the continuation a non -conforming 9 foot rear yard setback where a 25 foot setback
is required.
Ms. Repya pointed out that the new 2 -stall garage and second story of the addition have been designed to
improve the living spaces within the home. The 2 -stall garage will be set back 3.6 feet from the living space to
its west and will serve to break up the visual impact of the street facing fagade along Country Club Road. The
height of the new garage addition is shown to be 3.8 feet taller than the existing garage, yet still 3.6 feet shorter
than the highest peak of the house. Two second story gables which match the roof pitch and style of the home
are proposed to enhance the livability of the space above the garage.
The materials proposed for the addition will match those of the existing home to include:
• Cedar shake shingle siding to match the home.
• Two wood, single garage doors, and
• Cedar shake shingles.
As part of the design review process for COAs, Preservation Consultant Robert Vogel reviewed the plans and
observed that the new garage will be compatible in scale, proportions, building materials, and texture with the
house and other homes in the neighborhood. No historically significant or architectural character defining
features will be destroyed or disturbed as a result of the proposed remodeling. Mr. Vogel also indicated that in
his opinion, a COA should be issued for the subject project.
Ms. Repya concluded that she recommended approval of the COA request subject to the plans presented and
approval of the variance request from the Planning Commission.
Findings supporting the approval recommendation include:
• No important historic architectural features or fabric of the home will be destroyed.
• The proposed alterations are compatible with the historic character of the house.
• The plans provided with the subject request clearly illustrate the scale and scope of the project.
• The information provided supporting the subject Certificate of Appropriateness meets the requirements
of the Zoning Ordinance and the Country Club District Plan of Treatment.
Mr. Andy Porter, President of Refined Remodeling Inc., representing the property owners explained that the
property had been on the market for two years due to an antiquated, chopped -up floor plan. The proposed
project is designed to maintain the rhythm of the street while correcting deficiencies with the interior living
spaces. Mr. Porter displayed exterior elevations of the existing home compared to the proposed work.
Addressing the need for the rear yard setback variance, Mr. Porter pointed out that a design that would meet
the requirements of the Zoning Ordinance would create an 'T' shaped attached garage — providing the required
25 foot rear yard, and constructing the attached garage in the side yard, 20 feet from the side lot line. That
alternative was not considered because it not only disrespects the streetscape along Country Club Road, but also
because such a design would most certainly not receive a COA approval from the Heritage Preservation Board.
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® The following residents posed questions of Mr. Porter:
Alex Ware, 4403 Country Club Road inquired about the duration of the project and the plans for parking the
construction vehicles. He pointed out that he lives across the street from the proposed new garage and Country
Club Road is narrow at that point — if the construction vehicles park in front of his home, that would be
problematic. Mr. Ware added that the new home Mr. Porter is constructing at Country Club Road and Moorland
Avenue has caused some parking issues on Country Club Road. Mr. Porter responded that because this project is
a remodel and not a new home, the number of construction vehicles will be much less than those at the new
home at Moorland and Country Club Road. That being said, Mr. Porter stated that the contractors will be given
instructions as to where they should park to provide minimal impact on the neighborhood, however if there is
ever a problem, he welcomed the neighbors to call him directly.
Christine Wheeler, 4619 Edina Boulevard explained that she lives in the home abutting the subject property to
the north and was wondering if the height of the addition over the garage would cast more shadows on her
property than the existing structure. Mr. Porter responded that because the gable end of the structure is not
facing the north, the slight increase in the height of the structure should not create larger shadows than
currently exist.
Board Member comments:
Member Rehkamp Larson commented that the plans presented depict appropriateness of form, size and height,
however the resolution of the form is awkward and disappointing.
Consultant Vogel reminded the Board that when reviewing a Certificate of Appropriateness application
associated with a variance, the primary responsibility of the HPB is to certify that the new construction will do
no harm to the historic integrity of the district.
Member Schwartzbauer commented that he believed that the proposed plan does a whole lot less harm to the
district than the plan with the "L" shaped garage that Mr. Porter explained would not require a variance.
Member Carr asked if the attached garage that is being replaced was part of the original 1937 construction. Mr.
Porter responded that while there are not building permits to verify when the garage was added, it does not
appear to be original. Ms. Carr also asked why the two dormers above the garage were not the same size. Mr.
Porter explained that the different sized gables reflect the living space above the garage. He added that when
one looks at the plan in 3 -dimension you can see that the two dormers are not on the same plane — one is
recessed from the other.
Member Anger commented that as the HPB reviews Certificates of Appropriateness applications in the district it
is important that the revival architecture in the neighborhood is viewed from a point in time. As more changes
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take place, the Board needs to think about when the revival homes revert to millennial homes, thus changing
the make-up of the district.
Following a brief discussion, Member Schwartzbauer moved approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness
request subject to the plans presented and the approval of the rear yard variance request from the Planning
Commission. Member Davis seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
Following the vote, the Board expressed their discomfort in reviewing a Certificate of Appropriateness prior to
the hearing of a variance request by the Planning Commission. Planner Repya agreed to convey the Board's
opinion to the Planning Staff.
B. Conservation District's — Hopkin's Downtown Overlay District
Planner Repya reported that responding the Board's request for information on the City of Hopkins' Downtown
Overlay District, she found that Hopkins adopted the Downtown Overlay District in 2003 with the intention of
preserving the small-town, unique character of Mainstreet Hopkins. The overlay district's design guidelines are
broken down by architectural elements (i.e. awnings, signs, setback, roofs, etc.) with objectives, guidelines and
standards provided for each. The guidelines convey desirable elements and are considered recommendations,
not requirements unless public funding is involved. On the other hand, the standards identified are
requirements and enforced by the City's Planning staff. There is not a separate design review committee
overseeing proposed work, plan review is carried out by city staff, and/or the Planning Commission and City
Council, depending upon the project.
In 1975, the City of Edina created a Design Framework for the 50th and France commercial district. The plan,
while not an overlay district, served a similar purpose of guiding new construction and renovation in the area.
The 50th & France we see today is a result of the guidelines provided in the 1975 plan. Infact, many cities have
used Edina's Design Framework as a model when crafting plans for their downtown areas; and one can see
similarities between the Hopkins Overlay District and the 50th and France Design Framework.
Ms. Repya concluded that the HPB's interest in overlay districts has centered on residential neighborhoods, such
as White Oaks, and it appears that the Hopkins model, while possessing some similar goals of protecting the
ambiance of the area, is not one that would readily apply to Edina's neighborhoods.
The Board briefly discussed the Hopkin's Downtown Overlay District, agreeing that it had some elements that
could be replicated in a residential district. The point was made that there are communities such as Lake Forest,
Illinois that have successfully implemented the historic overlay district approach to manage their historic
resources.
The question was raised as to whether an overlay district could guide and protect the White Oaks neighborhood.
Consultant Vogel commented that he did not think White Oaks would meet the eligibility criteria for an heritage
preservation overlay district because it is not connected to one of the historic contexts identified for the
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community. Mr. Vogel added that an historic district designation is the least efficient and most expensive tool
for heritage preservation. Although it works well for the Country Club District, to replicate that process for other
neighborhoods in the community would not be prudent on several counts — first, no other neighborhood has the
history of planning and design that is found in the Country Club District; and secondly, unlike the Country Club
District, the design review would be impossible since there is not a set of historic resource standards to use as a
reference.
Member Anger observed that it appears that the loss of the urban charm is the biggest issue for White Oaks.
Consultant Vogel agreed pointing out that the neighborhood is a distinctive part of the community; however it
has changed too much over time to qualify for landmark designation.
White Oaks Neighborhood
Planner Repya observed that last spring, the White Oaks Neighborhood Association approached the HPB asking
for ideas to help them preserve and protect the ambiance of their neighborhood. At that time, they indicated
that they weren't necessarily looking for a district landmark designation. Since then, the HPB has been looking
into the potential of conservation district as a means of providing protection; however has discovered that such
an undertaking does not happen overnight. Surveys of the area are required, and such work must queue into
line with the work plan already identified for the HPB; and after the survey is complete, a recommendation for
some type of designation is not a given. In the meantime, time is passing and the White Oaks Neighborhood
Association's concerns remain unmet.
Ms. Repya advised the Board that prior to the Country Club District receiving historic landmark designation,
there was not a means of protecting the neighborhood from changes incompatible with the historic ambiance of
the area. To address the neighborhood's concerns, the HPB in collaboration with some Edina realtors created a
brochure that explained the history of the neighborhood — including the fact that while most of the homes in the
neighborhood had undergone changes over time, care had been taken to ensure that the historic integrity of the
homes was true to what was originally built. The closing paragraph of the brochure asked the residents that if
they were considering a change to their home, the plans ensure that the original architectural style of the home
be maintained. Ms. Repya pointed out that the brochure was very successful in educating the residents to the
history of their neighborhood, which in essence also served to provide a sense of belonging.
Ms. Repya explained that the White Oaks Neighborhood Association could implement a similar approach of
educating existing and new residents regarding the history of their neighborhood — pointing out the elements
that they fear are in jeopardy (ex. loss of trees, changes to the terrain, oversized construction, etc.); and asking
that when plans for changes to their properties are underway, that consideration of those elements they feel
are important be included in the plans.
Ms. Repya pointed out that if a new resident is not aware of the neighborhood's history and the association's
desires to maintain certain elements which have been determined to be important to the ambiance of the area,
one should not be surprised when those new residents make changes which don't take those important
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elements into consideration. Ms. Repya added that by empowering the neighborhood association to present
this information, they would be taking the lead in preserving the elements of their neighborhood that are
important to them. She concluded that such a program could also be replicated in other areas of the city.
Board members agreed that taking a non -regulatory approach, and educating the residents made sense. Chair
Stegner stated that he liked the idea of empowering the neighborhoods to be pro -active regarding protecting
and preserving the ambiance of their properties.
Ms. Repya agreed to approach the White Oaks Neighborhood Association with the proposed education
brochure and report back to the Board.
C. Thematic Study for Heritage Resources Associated with Edina Women
Consultant Vogel provided the Board with an Executive Summary of the Thematic Study for Heritage Resources
associated with Edina Women. He explained that the study, initially proposed by the HPB in 2004, will serve the
same purpose as the city's Historic Context Study by providing supporting information to the HPB when
protecting historic resources. Mr. Vogel pointed out that the complete Study, currently at the State Historical
Society will be available to the Board prior to the November meeting.
Mr. Vogel observed that he found the results of his research to be somewhat disappointing with little written
documentation relative to Edina women and their association with historic resources (i.e. buildings). The one
exception he found was regarding Sarah Baird who not only served as State Master of the Edina Grange, but also
served as the editor of the Grange newspaper "The Minnehaha Spray". Mr. Vogel added that Sarah Baird often
referred to simply as George Baird's wife also left volumes of daily dairies depicting farm life in Edina from 1882
-1918.
Vogel also pointed out that his research of the Village records from 1888 did not mention a woman until 1926,
when a woman approached the Council regarding the need for a park in the Country Club District. After that,
there was no mention of women until the 1950's - results of which most likely reflect a sign of the times.
Interestingly, by 1990 less than 5% of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places had association with
women.
Member Moore observed that the Edina Women's Club has had a big impact on the history of Edina, as has the
Edina League of Women Voters. Consultant Vogel agreed, pointing out that while the impact of these groups on
the cultural history of the city cannot be denied, information is not available identifying them with historic
resources in the community.
Member Carr suggested that at the November meeting, after the Board has had an opportunity to review the
Study, a discussion of the recommendations within the document take place. Board members agreed with Ms.
Carr. Chair Stegner asked Ms. Repya to include the Women's Study on the November agenda. No formal action
was taken. •
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D. State Preservation Conference: Faribault, MN September 22 & 23 — Attendee's Report
Members Carr, Anger and Stegner represented the HPB at the State Preservation Conference in Faribault.
Members Stegner, Anger and Carr all agreed that they enjoyed the conference and found it very worthwhile.
Ms. Carr explained that the welcome address was presented by Stephen Elliott, the new Minnesota Historical
Society Director. He provided a very good message centering around the goal of preserving places matters —
with an emphasis on education. The keynote speaker, Bob Yapp, from Hannibal, MO, and well known for his
PBS program, provided a very good message that heritage preservation pays and is economical. Mr. Yapp
emphasized that preservation practices such as rehabilitating, not replacing windows is the best practice when
maintaining an historic home. There was also a very interesting session highlighting rambler style homes that
was very applicable to many Edina homes.
The Board thanked Members Carr, Anger and Stegner for representing them at the conference — always a
worthwhile event.
VI. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS None
VII. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Human Services Task Force — Member Curran
• Member Curran reported that she had represented the HPB on a newly formed Human Services Task Force. This
group consisted of five volunteers from some of the City's boards and commissions who were charged with
distributing the City's $82,000 Human Service funds to human services providers who had submitted requests
for funding. Roughly 8 to 10 requesting agencies providing assistance within the community for needs ranging
from senior services, pre-schools and domestic abuse were considered. The task force interviewed each
requesting agency and also met on several occasions prior to making the final financial determination. Ms.
Curran concluded that she found the experience to be very interesting, and would welcome serving on the task
force in the future. The Board thanked Ms. Curran for volunteering to represent them on the task force.
VIII. STAFF COMMENTS None
IX. NEXT MEETING DATE November 7, 2011 (MONDAY)
X. ADJOURNMENT 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Repya
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