HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014 04-08 HPB Meeting Minutes RegularAGENDA
EDINA HERITAGE PRESERVATION BOARD
ANNUAL MEETING
EDINA CITY HALL — COMMUNITY ROOM
TUESDAY, April 8, 2014, 7:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER
11. ROLL CALL
III. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: March 11, 2014
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT
During "Community Comment" the Heritage Preservation Board will invite residents to share new issues or concerns that
haven't been considered in the past 30 days by the Board or which aren't slated for future consideration. Individuals must limit
their comments to three minutes. The Chair may limit the number of speakers on the same issue in the interest of time and
topic. Generally speaking, items that are elsewhere on tonight's agenda may not be addressed during Community Comment.
Individuals should not expect the Chair or Board to respond to their comments. Instead, the Board might refer the matter to
staff for consideration at a future meeting.
VI. REPORTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Certificate of Appropriateness
1. H-14-3 4506 Drexel Avenue -Construction of anew detached garage; convert attached garage to
living space
VII. OTHER BUSINESS:
A. Heritage Award Nominations
B. Appeal COA Decision for H-14-2, 4505 Arden Avenue
C. H-13-06 - 4621 Arden Ave. - Change to Plan approved Oct. 8, 2013
D. Explore the History of Your Home: Committee Report
E. Election of Officers
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE AND PETITIONS
IX. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
X. STAFF COMMENTS
XI. NEXT MEETING DATE: May 13, 2014
XII. ADJOURNMENT
The City of Edina wants all residents to be comfortable being part of the public process. If you need assistance in the
way of hearing amplification, an interpreter, large -print documents or something else, please call 952-927-8861, 72 hours
in advance of the meeting.
MINUTES
Annual Meeting of the
Edina Heritage Preservation Board
Edina City Hall — Community Room
Tuesday, April 8, 2014
7:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER 7:00 P.M.
II. ROLL CALL
Answering roll call was Chair Moore and Members Mellom, Weber, Sussman, O'Brien,
Christiaansen, and Brandt. Absent were Members McDermott, Birdman, and Johnson. Staff
present was Senior Planner, Joyce Repya. Preservation Consultant Robert Vogel was also in
attendance.
Ill. APPROVAL OF MEETING AGENDA
Member Weber moved to approve the meeting agenda. Member McLellan seconded the
motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
IV. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES March 11, 2014
Member Mellom expressed concern regarding the accuracy of the March I I th minutes - stating
that Planner Repya was sitting apart from the board, and due to the complexity of the
discussion, she feared that the minutes did not reflect the actual activity. Planner Repya
explained that in addition to her notes, she also relied on listening to the audio recording of the
meeting as she wrote the minutes. Member Sussman then moved approval of the March 11,
2014 minutes. Member Weber seconded the motion. Members Birdman, Christiaansen,
Moore, Weber and Sussman voted aye. Member O'Brien abstained, stating that he did not
have an opportunity to read the minutes. Member Mellom voted nay. The motion carried.
V. COMMUNITY COMMENT — None
VI. REPORTS & RECOMMENDATIONS
A. H-14-3 4506 Drexel Avenue - Construction of a new detached garage
Planner Repya explained that the subject property is located on the east side of the 4500 block
of Drexel Avenue. The existing home, a Tudor style constructed in 1932, currently has a single
story 2 -car attached garage accessed by a driveway on the south side of the property.
The Certificate of Appropriateness request entails the construction of a new detached garage in
the southwest corner of the rear yard. The plans also include converting the single story
attached garage to living space at the rear of the home.
The proposed 576 square foot 2 -car detached garage measures 24' x 24' feet in area. A service
door with a gabled overhang supported by brackets is provided on the north elevation. Access
to the garage will be obtained on the east elevation from the existing driveway.
The design of the structure is proposed to compliment the Tudor style of the home with
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April 8, 2014
traditional stucco walls and an asphalt shingle roof. On the east elevation attention to detail is
provided with carriage entry doors and a small window above in the gable area. The height of
the garage is shown to be 17' 2" at the highest peak. The height at the mid -point of the gable is
shown to be 13' 4 %2", and a height of 9' I" is provided at the eave line. The ridge line of the
roof is 26' and a 7/12 roof pitch is provided. All dimensions proposed for the structure are
consistent with the surrounding detached garages and new garages previously approved by the
HPB through the Certificate of Appropriateness process.
The proposed location of the garage is 4' from the south and west property lines which abut
privacy fences, thus no windows or architectural detailing have been provided for those sides;
consistent with other garages plans approved in the district.
Ms. Repya added that plans for the conversion of the attached garage to living space at the rear
of the home had been provided for the Board's information. The new space including a
kitchen/mud room addition was been designed to provide a compatible use of the home while
at the same time maintain the home's overall historic character.
Preservation Consultant, Robert Vogel provided the board a written evaluation of the proposal
in which he commented that the proposed detached garage is consistent with the design review
guidelines presented in the district plan of treatment. The plans for the new garage represent a
structure that would match the character of the historic house and be compatible with it in
size, scale, massing, and material. The new garage would also be compatible with the character
of the neighborhood and will not detract from the historic significance and integrity of the
district as a whole. Therefore, he recommended approval of the COA.
Ms. Repya concluded that Staff agreed with Consultant Vogel's evaluation of the proposed
improvements to the property, noting that the detached garage is consistent with new garages
previously reviewed in the district and conversion of the attached garage to living space will
blend well with the historic facade of the home. She too recommended approval of the
Certificate of Appropriateness request.
Findings supporting the recommendation included:
• The plans provided with subject request clearly illustrate the scale and scope of the
proposed projects.
• The proposed detached garage will complement the architectural style of the home and not
be detrimental to the adjacent historic structures.
• The information provided supporting the subject Certificate of Appropriateness meets the
requirements of the Zoning Ordinance and the Country Club District Plan of Treatment.
Conditions for approval were subject to:
• The plans presented and
• The placement of a year built plaque on the exterior of the new detached garage.
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Doug Johnson, Building Concepts and Design, Inc. was present to represent the property
owners Matt Grimes and Lisa Irvins.
Board Comments:
Member Christiaansen asked if the entire home would be re -stuccoed to ensure that the
addition blended with the original home. Mr. Johnson responded that the stucco on the home
is in very good condition and the plan is not to re -stucco the existing home with the new
addition. They will do their very best to match the color and texture of stucco, and believe
that after a few years the addition will blend in with the home.
Member McLellan inquired about the roofing material of the proposed garage and home.
Mr. Johnson explained that the existing home has asphalt shingles, and the proposed garage and
addition to the home will have asphalt shingles to match.
Member Sussman complimented the applicant on a project that not only meets, but
aesthetically exceeds the requirements of the plan of treatment. He added that he particularly
liked the provision for 2 separate garage doors with divided -lite windows which are in keeping
with the Tudor design of the home.
Member Weber observed that the plan of treatment recommends that new detached garages
should match the architectural style of the house, and he believed that the 7/12 pitch of the
garage's roof was not in keeping with the home's steeper roof pitches of the home which are
typical for Tudor design styles. He added that the proposed addition to the home
demonstrates 10/ 12 roof pitches whereas the original home has 12/12 roof pitches.
Mr. Johnson commented that design of the garage with the lower roof pitch was to ensure that
the garage height did not exceed the heights of surrounding detached garages in the vicinity.
Also, had the roof pitches on the addition matched the 12/12 pitches on the original home, the
addition would have been taller than the original home and visible from the front street.
Member Weber stated that understood the rationale for the lower pitch on the garage roof,
but added that providing more Tudor detailing to the garage could compensate for the lower
roof pitch.
Member Mellom stated that she agreed with Member Weber's comments - suggesting that
perhaps adding some half-timbering would help to compliment the Tudor design of the home.
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Member Sussman commented that he was less concerned about the roof pitch of the
addition since it would not be visible from the front street.
Member Moore commented that the applicant has done a nice job with the project; and he
agreed with Member Sussman's opinion that the proposed detached garage nicely
complimented that Tudor design of the home.
Following a brief discussion, Member O'Brien moved approval of the COA subject to the
plans presented and a year built plaque be installed on the exterior of the detached garage.
Member Sussman seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VII. OTHER BUSINESS
A. 2014 Heritage Award Nominations
Planner Repya explained that a nomination for the 2014 Edina Heritage Award was received
from Member Moore for a home owned by Brian and Linda Tell at 5501 Londonderry Road.
Ms. Repya then asked Mr. Moore explain the nomination to the board.
Mr. Moore provided the board with an original rendering of the home designed by Frank Lloyd
Wright, Jr. in 1950; as well as photos of the home as it exists today. He explained that Arthur
Erickson and his brother Alfred owned the Erickson Petroleum Company (now Holiday Station
Stores). Both brothers contracted Lloyd Wright (real name = Frank Lloyd Wright, Jr.) to design
their homes that were both built in 1950. Arthur's home remains intact at 5501 Londonderry
Road; brother Alfred's home, located at 5804 Stauder Circle and was razed in 1998. Other than
the lot being subdivided into three lots over the years, the original home has been preserved to
maintain its original design and look.
Mr. Moore pointed out that he was privileged to tour the home with owners Brian and Linda
Tell who have taken painstaking care of the home for the past 20 years. Some of the highlights
of the home Mr. Moore observed were:
• All bathrooms with the original 1950's fixtures
• A fall -out shelter built in 1962 from an old fuel oil drum
• A new air conditioning system installed on the roof of the home
• The home is basically built on a slab with a small basement for the heating system and some
storage.
Board members agreed that the home definitely possessed heritage significance and asked if the
homeowners had considered heritage landmark status. Mr. Moore said that they aren't ready
for a landmark designation, however feel strongly about the history of their home and don't
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want to see it torn down. He added that the Heritage Award would be a good first step
toward a potential determination of eligibility for the home.
Member Vogel agreed that the home would be worthy of landmark consideration not only for
the architectural history and condition, but also for the notoriety of Arthur Erickson who
created the business model for the gas station/convenience store that we have all become so
familiar.
Board members discussed how the nomination presented by Member Moore would be
perfectly timed with the completion of the Mid -Century Historic Context Study just last
summer. Following a brief discussion, Member Christiaansen moved to award the 2014 Edina
Heritage Award to the Arthur Erickson House at 5501 Londonderry Drive to recognize its
excellence in preservation. Member O'Brien seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion
carried.
B. Appeal COA Decision for H-14-2, 4505 Arden Avenue
Planner Repya explained that an appeal of the HPB decision to approve the COA for changes to
the home at 4505 Wooddale Avenue was received from Joyce Mellom. The appeal will be
heard at the Council meeting on April 22, 2014.
Member McLellan observed that the appeal was on Ms. Mellom's letterhead as an attorney; and
he asked her if she was representing anyone. Member Mellom stated that she was appealing as a
resident because she did not agree with the decision of the board and wanted the City Council
to make the ultimate decision. Ms. Repya pointed out that the appeal information will be
available for viewing under the City Council agenda at the "Watch a Meeting" - City Council -
April 22"d, on the Channel 16 page on the City's web site. The board thanked Ms. Repya for
alerting them of the appeal with some board members expressing a desire to attend the
Council meeting on April 22"d
C. H-13-06, 4621 Arden Ave. - Change to COA Plan Originally Approved Oct.
8, 2013
Planner Repya reported that on March 20, 2014, a request for a change to the subject COA
approved on October 8, 2013 was received. The applicant explained that due to unknown
conditions of the existing structure, it was discovered during construction that the original
building techniques were not acceptable to the current waterproofing methods used today. He
explained that the substrate for the existing stucco is gypsum board instead of wood sheathing,
thus it is not wise to disturb the existing stucco system by adding the horizontal trim band
under the existing windows as originally proposed. Doing so would destroy the stucco and
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require replacement of all the existing stucco system and new exterior sheathing at an
additional cost of approximately $20,000.
The applicant provided revised plans for the board to review with the horizontal trim band
removed. Planner Repya emailed the plans to the HPB; and a majority of the board responded
that deleting the horizontal trim band was in keeping with the original architectural style of the
home, with some commenting that the change actually enhanced the project. No board
member expressed concerns regarding the proposed change.
In light of the fact that the project was underway, and a delay for the board to consider the
requested change at the April 8" meeting would cause a hardship; and the board reviewed the
proposed change and seven of the nine board members responded that they approved of the
proposed change; staff provided a COA dated March 25, 2014, reflecting the requested change.
The board agreed that they appreciated the change to the COA being reflected in the meeting
minutes. No further action was taken.
D. Explore the History of Your Home : No Report
E. Election of Officers:
Chairman
Planner Repya provided the board with a description of the roles and responsibilities of the
Chairman and Vice Chairman of the board.
Member Mellom moved to nominate Peter Sussman to the office of Chairman of the HPB.
Member Sussman thanked Ms. Mellom for the vote of confidence, but respectfully declined the
nomination.
Member Sussman moved to nominate Michael Birdman to the office of Chairman of the HPB. Mr.
Sussman noted that although Member Birdman was absent from the meeting, he had expressed a
willingness to serve if nominated. Member Moore seconded the motion.
Member Mellom moved to nominate Ryan Weber to office of Chairman of the HPB. Member
Weber accepted the nomination. Member O'Brien seconded the motion.
Discussion -
Member Sussman observed that he has appreciated Member Birdman's perspective and
objectivity when reviewing projects and finds that he has exhibited very good parliamentarian
skills. That being said; he added that Member Weber brings the skills of an architect, has a firm
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understanding of the Country Club District's plan of treatment, and would also do a very good
job.
Member Mellom observed that Member Ryan is an architect and has shown hands-on
knowledge of the Country Club District's plan of treatment when COA applications are
considered. She added that she believed Mr. Weber would be a very effective leader.
Because there were two candidates for the office of Chairman, a paper ballot was taken with
Michael Birdman receiving a majority of the votes, thus winning the election for Chairman.
Vice Chairman
Member O'Brien moved to nominate Ryan Weber to the office of Vice Chairman of the HPB.
Member Ryan accepted the nomination. Member Moore seconded the motion. All voted aye.
The motion carried
Following the election of officers, Member Sussman made a motion to acknowledge Member
Moore's outstanding job of serving as the Chairman of the HPB over the past year. Member
O'Brien seconded the motion. All voted aye. The motion carried.
VIII. CORRESPONDENCE & PETITIONS None
IX. CHAIR AND BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
Member Moore reported that on April 5`h he picked up 4 boxes of archival memorabilia from
Southdale Center to be stored at the Edina Historical Society (EHS). Included in the boxes
were building plans, black & white photos, aerial photographs, and advertisements from 1952 -
1970. The EHS plans on scanning the materials.
Mr. Moore added that he also had the pleasure of talking with Marty Rudd the first general
manager of Southdale who shared many wonderful stories of the mall's early days. Board
members observed that they were pleased Southdale is sharing their history with the
community, and suggested that the EHS complete an oral interview with Mr. Rudd to capture
his Southdale knowledge for posterity.
Member Moore also shared the following upcoming community events:
• April 27`h "Edina on the Map" opens at the Edina Historical Society
• May I It' "Spring Seed Social & Mother's Day Open House" sponsored by the Edina
Historical Society and the Oliver H. Kelley Grange
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X. STAFF COMMENTS
Planner Repya reported that May is Preservation Month and in addition to the upcoming
events reported by Member Moore, the HPB has typically celebrated by the Mayor reading a
Preservation Month Proclamation into the public record at a City Council meeting during the
month of May. Also, the Edina Heritage Award has been presented at one of the City Council
meetings in May depending on the property owner's schedule. Ms. Repya added that typically,
the HPB also includes some Heritage Preservation training during the May meeting provided by
Preservation Consultant, Robert Vogel.
Mr. Vogel explained that this year he was contemplating providing information on how heritage
preservation is integrated with the business of the city. Member Sussman pointed out that the
City of Minneapolis is exploring the idea of providing for conservation districts in their historic
neighborhoods; and he wondered if that would be a topic of interest. Mr. Vogel explained that
the Edina preservation ordinance is a hybrid that includes many of the components found in a
typical conservation district. A brief discussion then ensued concluding with the board
wondering how Edina heritage preservation program compared with other preservation
commissions in the state. It was agreed that board members would send topics of interest
relative to the preservation training to Planner Repya who would then pass them on to
Consultant Vogel.
XI. NEXT MEETING DATE May 13, 2014
XII. ADJOURNMENT 8:30 p.m.
Member Sussman moved for adjournment at 8:30 p.m. Member Weber seconded the motion.
All voted aye. The motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Joyce Repya