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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 17 2012 EPC Minutes Approved 22112MEETING MINUTES EVANSTON PRESERVATION COMMISSION Tuesday, January 17, 2012 7:30 p.m. Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 2200 Members Present: Kristen Armstrong -Matz, Anne McGuire, Scott Utter, Kris Hartzell, Amy Riseborough, Garry Shumaker, and Jack Weiss Members Absent: Suzanne Farrand, Thomas V. Hagensick, Dian Keehan, and Andres Lombana, Staff Present: Carlos Ruiz Presiding Member: Garry Shumaker 1. CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM With a quorum of seven Commissioners present, the meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. 2. ELECTION OF PRESERVATION COMMISSION OFFICERS This item was deferred later in the meeting at which time the Commission elected Garry Shumaker (Chair), Kris Hartzell (Vice -Chair) and Anne McGuire (Secretary) as the 2012 Preservation Commission Officers. 3. APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES of July 19, August 30, October 18 and December 20, 2011 This item was discussed later in the meeting, at which time it was motioned (K. Hartzell) and seconded (A. Riseborough) that the minutes of the July 19, 2011 meeting be approved. A voice vote was taken and the minutes were approved as written. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. 814 South Boulevard — Replacement of a first floor double hung wood window located on the east elevation with a fibrex Andersen double hung window [Alteration]. This item was deferred with the consent of the applicant after 1401 Elmwood was discussed, at which time Rich Horvitz, owner, presented his application. R. Horvitz obtained from TMC Windows estimates for window restoration. R. Horvitz discussed two options: mechanical cleaning and full restoration. The cost of full restoration is $1,940.24; plus $60 for priming the window with an additional $180. It would be more expensive than a new window. A new storm will be $190. The Commission determined that the proposed replacement window is 3.5" smaller in glass area than the existing window. It also has different profiles than the existing. Rich Horvitz said he thought the restoration cost was per sash. The cost of a new window is $1,400. The Commission said that the restoration would cost $1,470, not over $2,000. Mr. Horowitz said his preference is the new window. He acknowledged that he is not too familiar with the restoration process. He said they had an energy audit two years ago. He was looking forward to replace the windows that were the most suspect. The Commission suggested that a better plan of action is to service the windows. It was motioned (G. Shumaker) and seconded (K. Hartzell) to deny the replacement of the window passed in that standards 1, 2, and 6 are not met. The motion passed. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. Carlos Ruiz informed R. Horvitz if so he desired he can appeal the Commission decision within 30 days from this date. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. 1401 Elmwood Avenue (L) Replace the pre-existing approved legal non- conforming patio and also increase the size of the space in order to improve her back yard. The patio will be concrete pavers on a sand + gravel base to allow for more absorption of surface water. The project requires a major zoning variance. Zoning District: R5. Required setback on corner lot = 15'- proposed is 0'; maximum impervious ratio = 60% - proposed is 67.5% [Construction/Zoning Variance]. Cheryl Barratt, owner, and Kristi Robinson, consultant, presented the project. C. Barratt noted that the revised project removes about 50% of the pavers of the existing patio. G. Shumaker noted that it appeared that the applicant had accomplished what the Commission had previously asked the applicant, which was to substantially reduce the amount of impervious surface. It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (K. Hartzell) to approve the proposed patio with concrete pavers as proposed. The motion passed. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. It was motioned (S. Utter) and seconded (K. Hartzell) to recommend the Zoning Board of Appeals the approval of the major zoning variances as proposed: 0' setback on corner lot and 67.5 % impervious surface. The motion passed. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. B. 1041 Judson Avenue (L/LSHD) - Replace existing wood deck with new wood deck and brick piers. Replace wood storm door with new storm door to match existing [Construction/Demolition/Alteration]. Dave Roberts, architect, presented the project to replace a wood deck on the southeast corner of the house. D. Roberts said he looked at Myron Hunt's own house at 1627 Wesley where there were traces of a deck. He also used a molding from Myron Hunt's house on the new railing on the deck. The two brick piers holding the new deck have a brick pattern existing on the house. The new deck comes around the corner and it is smaller than the existing deck with a stairway straight of the French doors. The replacement wooden storm door on the east side of the house will be painted brown and it has a replacement storm/sash and screen/sash. It was motioned (A. McGuire) and seconded (A. Riseborough) to approve the COA for the construction of new rear porch at 1041 Judson in because standards for construction 1, 7, 10, 12-16 comply. The motion passed. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. It was motioned (A. Riseborough) and seconded (K. Hartzell) to issue a COA for the demolition of the rear porch at 1041 Judson; also the removal of the existing storm door in that, standards 1-5 for demolition are met. The motion passed. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. It was motioned (S. Utter) and seconded (A. Riseborough) to approve a COA of alteration for the replacement of the rear storm door at 1041 Judson Avenue based on standards 1, 2, 6 that apply and have been met. The motion passed. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays. C. The Home Depot Presentation — Alternatives when window restoration is not feasible. The benefits of new energy efficient windows. Mark Silverman, of The Home Depot, presented two types of replacement windows that could be used to replace windows on buildings within historic districts and landmark buildings. M. Silverman emphasized the need to offer alternatives for building owners when replacement of windows is necessary. Also, he indicated the desire of customers to buy energy efficient windows. Mark Silverman had met previously with Carlos Ruiz, Alderman Melissa Wynne and Steve Griffin, Community and Economic Development Director to discuss the replacement of windows affecting Landmarks and buildings within historic districts. They also discussed energy efficiency, sustainability and preservation. Garry Shumaker noted that the Commission looks at a great number of submissions from steel windows on institutional buildings to wood and vinyl clad windows. The Commission looks at them all individually based on what the surrounding structure or the district is. To expedite the review process the applicant is asked to submit photos, documentation, and talking to a restorer and determine the cost. The Commission is looking at ways to maintaining the integrity of these communities, so there is not one window that is going to work for all. The Commission mentioned that The Home Depot could develop a system for providing a complete historic preservation packet to clients. Information should include photographs and documentation of the windows and show the Commission what they proposed to install in terms of styles, dimensions, and glass area. Even though energy efficiency is not the purview of the Commission, the Commission cares how this community sustains itself and they want residents to put more money into restoration and less money into heating. The Commission's charge is to preserve the integrity of the [historic] districts in Evanston, not just the Landmarks. Mark Silverman suggested obtaining copies of the application for COA for distribution to clients. Anne McGuire said she has information on windows that will be part of the packet. Kristen Armstrong -Matz noted that previously in an another project, the Commission had approved windows on the secondary facades and today the Commission and the owner discussed the windows on the first floor that are one hundred percent original and they are all in perfect condition, except for one. She said the Commission does not want to replace the one window, because the home owner will be forced to spend a lot of money to replace them all for exactly that reason. So, it would be helpful to understand the Commission's position when they talk about secondary and primary facades. Commission members and Mark Silverman agreed that information to the consumers, better and completed applications with appropriate information about the existing and proposed windows will be helpful to all parties. Anne McGuire said the conversation needs to address whether a window is historic, is it significant and is it repairable. She said if we can't get through that, then we are not ready to discuss replacement windows. A representative of Andersen Windows presented the Woodwright window in full frame and as an insert window. There are four colors to choose from and in another series there are eleven colors. These windows are not meant to be painted. The Commission thanked Mark Silverman and the Andersen Windows representatives for their presentation. D. Superior Exteriors Presentation — Replacement windows. Richard Wall presented Peach Tree replacement windows. He discussed the energy efficiency qualities (low E glass) and the low maintenance of the window. The windows are aluminum and come in eight colors. Anne McGuire said other factors should be considered before window replacement: first, look what the condition of the original window, determine whether it is historic, what its integrity is, how significant it is; then we can have a conversation about replacement windows. Richard Wall said the Peach Tree window warrantee is 10 years for the glass and 20 years for the frame. The Commission thanked R. Wall for his presentation. E. Appointment of Associate Members for 2012. It was motioned (G. Shumaker) and seconded (A. Riseborough) to appoint the current active Associate members (Mary McWilliams, Anne Earle, Mary Brugliera and Emily Guthrie). 6. COMMITTEE REPORTS Survey Sub -Committee Phase II Update Carlos Ruiz reported that a contract was signed with Granacki Historic Consultants. Also Anne Earle, Mary McWilliams and he will meet on Friday with Lara Ramsey. Mark Varner has been inputting the data. He thinks that the photo files are too large, but this issue would be resolved. 7. STAFF REPORTS A. Casement Window Restoration, Case Study — (Matt Marchione, Volunteer). Matt Marchione, author of the case study, presented a draft of the Casement Window Restoration, Case Study. The document contains photos and descriptions of the steps taken on an actual restoration project in Evanston. The Commission concurred that the case study of something that has been done in Evanston was welcomed. The goal would be a technical brief on the things to think about when doing window restoration, a layman's technical brief, followed by the case study. Steer clear from endorsing products. For other information rely on other sources such as the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. Avoid referencing in the case study the EPA. Commissioners agreed to review the draft and get back with their comments. J. Weiss noted that the document needs to improve as far as graphic design, particularly if it is going to be on the internet. B. Anne McGuire submitted a second draft of the requirements for replacement of windows. She added a policy statement and incorporated the comments she had received from Commissioners. She noted the inconsistencies of information that is available through the Permit Desk. It should indicate that a COA is required for any alteration. 8. COMMUNICATIONS No Communications 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was motioned (G. Shumaker) and seconded (A. Riseborough) to adjourn the meeting. A voice vote was taken and the motion was approved at 10:15 p.m., Tuesday, January 17, 2012. Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Carlos D. Ruiz Senior Planner/Preservation Coordinator, Community and Economic Development, Planning and Zoning Division