HomeMy WebLinkAboutJanuary 19 2016 EPC Minutes Approve APPROVED
Page 1 of 7
Preservation Commission
MEETING MINUTES
EVANSTON PRESERVATION COMMISSION
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Avenue, Room 2404
7:00 P.M.
Members Present: Robert Bady, Elliott Dudnik, Julie Hacker, Ken Itle, Amy Riseborough,
Jack Weiss, and Diane Williams
Members Absent: Sally Riessen Hunt, Tim Schmitt and Karl Vogel
Staff Present: Carlos D. Ruiz Preservation Coordinator
Presiding Member: Diane Williams, Chair
CALL TO ORDER / DECLARATION OF QUORUM
With a quorum present, Chairman Williams called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING – Application for Rescission of Landmark Designation
A. 919 Edgemere Court (L/LSHD) – Harry Lowrance, applicant. Application for Rescission
of landmark designation of 919 Edgemere Court.
Harry Lowrance, applicant was not present. Due to the absence of the applicant, Chair
Williams called the public hearing for 919 Edgemere Court to order and asked for a motion
to continue the public hearing to February 16, 2016.
It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (R. Bady) to continue the public hearing to
February 16, 2016. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
REGULAR MEETING
OLD BUSINESS
A. 2810 Thayer Street (L) - Peggy Kamarchevakul, applicant. Replace the existing
dilapidated single pane double hung wood windows and single pane metal windows with
new Marvin historic double hung and casement aluminum clad wood windows that will
closely match the existing style, size muntin pattern, and frame sizes. Applicable
standards [Alteration] 1, 2, 5, 6 and 10.
APPROVED
Page 2 of 7
Preservation Commission
John Leonard presented the application. J. Leonard said that, at the request of the
Commission he researched the window flashing with Marvin Windows and Henry
Company, the flashing company. The issue was that the window flashing at the head
was bent aluminum; that flashing was set on top of the brick mold and below the existing
lintel.
Marvin suggested adding caulking on the top of the brick mold alongside the flashing,
but to make sure that the head of the flashing is below the lintel. The jam had rigid
aluminum with sticky flashing. Henry Company suggested liquid flashing injected and
troweled into the cavity. That will also be done on the sill condition, adding a slopped
shimmed area to create a positive drainage with the weep string. E. Dudnik said he
would have liked to see flashing under the sill; however, there are issues that prevent
that.
It was motioned (E. Dudnik) and seconded (J. Weiss) to approve the COA for 2810
Thayer Street for the replacement of the double hung wood windows and metal windows
(at basement) with new Marvin windows aluminum clad double hung and casement with
the appropriate muntin pattern, in that standards of alteration 1- 5, 6 and 10 apply and
with the suggestion to possibly remove the sills and the brick underneath and reset the
flashings underneath the brick and reset the sills, and for the heads removing the
flashings above. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
B. 921 Ridge Avenue (RHD) – Theresa A. Johnson, applicant. Replace 4 windows and
install two new doors. Replace the front door and transoms with double door. Install two
skylights in the roof, new guardrail at front porch, new stair off rear deck, and new fences
per site plan. Applicable standards: [Alteration] 1 – 6 and 10; fence and stair
[Construction] 1, 2, 5, 7, 10, and 12 - 16.
Stuart Nemerov, owner, presented the project. S. Nemerov said on the existing front
elevation, the plan is to remove the hollow core steel door and two plate glass windows
and transom, and install a double door with no transoms or side lights. The new door will
align with the stoop. The color on the door will be compatible with the color of the house
and its architecture. Also, to install a new fence half way off the house with a gate behind
the porte-cochere. The fence and gate have been simplified to a rectilinear design. Also,
railings on the front porch are not needed by code. A railing for the stairs would be
added if needed.
Stuart Nemerov said that, on the east elevation a wood and composite material stair and
railing are new for the back porch. The change on the north elevation is the formerly
proposed oval window has been changed to a rectangular aluminum clad window. Also,
two skylights for the third floor bedrooms are proposed.
Elliott Dudnik said the relocated windows on the east elevation do not match the rest of
the windows. S. Nemerov said on the north elevation the opening of the relocated
windows is being raised to accommodate a kitchen counter. The window on the second
floor was changed to meet egress requirements. On the south elevation another window
APPROVED
Page 3 of 7
Preservation Commission
was changed to a double casement to meet egress. Also, the replacement of the large
plate glass window with double aluminum clad French doors on the addition.
Jack Weiss asked why not keeping the white color of the trim and windows of the main
entrance door on the west front elevation? Is in the spirit of the modernist approach. S.
Nemerov said that in the historic district the main entry is more a stylistic approach.
Elliott Dudnik said the north elevation windows should match. Julie Hacker said she
would go with the double doors on the front.
It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (J. Hacker) to issue a COA for the alterations
and construction at 921 Ridge, accepting the front double doors, with the only exception
being the window on the east elevation, it should be consistent with the other windows
(same sill line and proportions), in that standards for alteration 1-6 and 10 apply. The
motion passed unanimously. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (R. Bady) to issue a COA for 921 Ridge in
that construction standards 1, 2, 5, 7, 10 and 12 to 16 apply. The motion passed
unanimously. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
NEW BUSINESS
A. 1140 Lake Shore Blvd (L/LSHD) – Trust 8002368034, applicant. Application for major
zoning relief to relocate a generator more than 2’ from the principal structure where
generators must be located within 2’ of the principal structure, and a 0.5’ street side yard
setback where 4’ is required for the generator, and major zoning relief for a 2’ rear yard
setback for one open parking space where 3’ is required in the R1 Single Family
Residential District. Applicable standards for zoning variations: A and C.
Steve Haislet, owner, presented the application. S. Haislet said that he is asking for a
zoning variation for a backup generator that according to Zoning needs to be 2’ from the
principal structure and 4’ from the property line. There is a large brick wall 10” thick that
runs east-west [along the north property line]. The backup generator will be behind the
wall. The wall runs south-north in right angle from the garage to the property line. The
brick wall houses the A/C condensers. The backup generator will be placed behind the
wall for dampening reasons and because it would not be necessary to apply additional
landscape for screening.
Steve Haislet said he is asking for placing the backup generator 3’-6” rather than 4’ from
the property line. The unit is 2’x3’ and it would not be seen from the public way because
it would be behind the 6’ tall brick wall.
Steve Haislet said the 8’x21’parking pad is off the alleyway. He wants to retain the
specimen trees which are 20’ or taller, thus the location and dimensions of the proposed
parking pad. S. Haislet said he will be using the same wrought iron fence to fabricate the
gate to access the parking pad for parallel parking.
APPROVED
Page 4 of 7
Preservation Commission
It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (E. Dudnik) to recommend to ZBA approval
of the application for major zoning relief to relocate a generator more than 2’ from the
principal structure where generators must be located within 2’ of the principal structure,
and a 0.5’ street side yard setback where 4’ is required for the generator, and major
zoning relief for a 2’ rear yard setback for one open parking space where 3’ is required in
the R1 Single Family Residential District; where standards 6-15-11-5 (A) Is necessary
and/or appropriate in the interest of historic conservation so as to not adversely affect
the historical architecture or aesthetic integrity of the landmark or character of local
historic districts; and (C) Will not be materially detrimental to the public health, safety,
and welfare, or injurious to property in the district or vicinity where the property is
located, apply. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
B. 717 University Place (L) – John Shea, applicant. Replace 1st and lower level windows
with thermally broken narrow sight line aluminum windows that closely match existing
steel windows. The proposed windows will match the windows that have been replaced
in style and color. Some of the windows proposed to be replaced are not original and
have been replaced with clad wood windows. Applicable standards: [Alteration] 1 – 6
and 10.
John Shea presented the application. J. Shea said the windows to be replaced are on
the south elevation, the other three elevations have been replaced. The proposed area
is lower level below grade, the large bay in center (cafeteria) and the one to the right
(dining area) and three windows in the kitchen area and the wood clad windows. What is
there, are the steel windows only of the right elevation. Window changes have occurred
over last 15-20 years.
It was motioned (J. Hacker) and seconded (R. Bady) to issue a COA for the
replacement of the first and lower level windows at 717 University Place with thermally
broken, sight line aluminum windows to close matching the steel windows in that the
applicable standards of alteration 1- 6 and 10 apply. The Commission suggested when
the other windows are replaced, on the same south elevation, that they be the same
windows now being approved. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 7 ayes, 0 nays.
C. 640 Judson Avenue (LSHD) – Doug Pasma, applicant. Demolition of existing two story
garage/coach house and construction of a new two level garage with storage above.
Applicable standards: [Construction] 1- 5, 7, 8, 10-13 and 16; [Demolition] 1-5.
Doug Pasma presented the project. D. Pasma said the proposed work includes the
demolition of the existing coach house. A professional engineer reported that the coach
house cannot be restored. The proposal is to replace the building with a two-story
garage and roof with a 12/12 pitch for storage. The storage area has gabled dormers on
the alley side and a gabled dormer that faces the back yard. They will use the same
shingles as on the house, all the eaves and fascia details at the roof lines and eaves
lines of the dormers would be identical to that of the existing roof. They will install a
APPROVED
Page 5 of 7
Preservation Commission
carriage door on the alley side (double and single). The windows on the upper and lower
level will be wood double hung windows with true divided light muntins. The garage will
have stucco finish to match the house. All the trim will be painted white.
It was motioned (R. Bady) and seconded (J. Weiss) to issue a COA for construction at
640 Judson Avenue for the construction of a two-level garage with storage above as
standards for construction 1-5, 7, 8 10-13 apply. The motion passed. Vote: 6 ayes, I nay
(A. Riseborough).
It was motioned (D. Brady) and seconded (J. Weiss) to issue a COA for demolition of
the existing garage at 640 Judson Avenue in that standards for demolition 1-5 apply.
The motion passed. Vote: 6 ayes, 1 nay (A. Riseborough).
D. 2418 Lincoln Street (L) – Chad Chovanec, applicant. New addition to the existing
masonry residence to occupy the east side yard and rear (south) side yard without
encroaching into existing setbacks. Design (including materials, proportion, etc.) shall
seamlessly match existing. Applicable standards: [Construction] 1 – 5, and 7- 15;
[Demolition] 1-5.
Jeff Harting presented the project. J. Harting said the proposed addition is for a family
room and kitchen addition off the rear of the house that mimics the shape and size of an
existing bay. The breakfast room, mudroom addition, and powder room, step away from
the main façade of the house. The rest of the house will stay intact, except for the
existing kitchen and breakfast room will be incorporated into the new kitchen space. The
back staircase that goes down to the basement will be removed. Under the proposed
addition there is a crawl space. There will be a rec room under the family room addition.
There will be a walkway that will lead from the house to the detached 2-car coach house
garage.
Jeff Harting said the addition on the side is stepped back from the main façade and
leaving the house intact and leaving the 1-car garage as it is. On the second floor they
will reduce the four bedrooms to three and add two bedrooms in the attic. The third floor
is a walk up open space. The front of the house with the three gables is very different
from the back of the house. The proposed addition has a gable similar to the existing
gables which are parapet in nature and stepped away from the front, bringing it down in
scale.
The family room addition at the rear will be same pitched as the existing, so the back of
the house could be seen as all hip. The addition has a window on the roof line. On the
side elevation there is a very steep gable and coming down to a flat part.
Julie Hacker said this is a fantastic house by Robert Seyfarth and the drawing elevations
just don’t tell the story. She absolutely needs to see either a model or a 3D rendering
because it is not clear what the addition will look like. E. Dudnik concurred. K. Itle asked
if they could take one more look at the east addition, the mudroom and breakfast room;
because that wing has a big impact on the appearance of the house from the street. A
APPROVED
Page 6 of 7
Preservation Commission
fairly small usable floor space is being added, and because the roof design adds up to
the volume and building mass for a small amount of floor space. She wondered if there
is a way to add the same floor space into a smaller package, or less massive volume.
Diane Williams said she was concerned with the addition and how it speaks to the back
of the house. It needs to have a better sense of how all the pieces will fit together. The
Commission needs more information because this is an important house. J. Weiss
wanted to know to what extent the landscape would be affected. J. Harting said there
are trees in the back 30’ into the yard; no trees will be removed.
Jeff Harting said the windows on the addition will be aluminum clad windows to closely
match the steel windows. The windows on the addition facing the front would be steel
windows to match the existing. D. Williams said to understand where those transitions
occur is important.
Diane Williams said the Commission would like to see a model of the addition in context
with the house to understand how the pieces fit together, the windows and the kind of
materials are going to be in the windows going on (samples could be provided). K. Itle
said is there a way to distribute the space into a more of compact volume that fits with
the house. J. Hacker said she is interested in the model for the volume and where the
windows will be.
It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (J. Hacker) to table the application to the
February 16, 2016 meeting. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Bill Siegfriedt of 2415 Colfax said the house at 2418 Lincoln was not modified in the last
50 years. The spaces are difficult to use inside, is the interior that is the problem. The
architect has done an interesting job with the interior rooms correcting a lot of issues with
small spaces and unusable spaces inside, and he has put on very modest additions, to
make it a useful house. It is difficult making the house more usable and the addition is
small. The addition makes the house work. The style works with the rest of the house.
Carlos Ruiz read a letter from Nancy Dorr of 2510 Lincoln Street who was concerned
with the 2-story addition to the east side of 2418 Lincoln. She cited 2610 Lincoln with an
addition to the back and 2609 Lincoln and 2602 Lincoln have also additions to the back.
APPROVAL OF MEETING MINUTES of October 20, November 17, and December 15,
2015
It was motioned (R. Bady and seconded (J. Weiss) to approve the minutes for October 20,
2016 as stated. The motion passed unanimously. Vote 7 ayes, 0 nays.
COMMITTEE REPORTS (Working Groups)
APPROVED
Page 7 of 7
Preservation Commission
A. Preservation Ordinance Review Committee
Chair Williams she received some comments from Commissioners. She asked the
remaining Commissioners to submit comments on the Preservation Ordinance by
January 26, 2016.
Julie Hacker has ideas in ways to look at window applications and what should be
included in applications.
B. Preservation and Design Awards Committee
Carlos Ruiz said the due date to submit nomination is April 8, 2016.
Commissioners Julie Hacker and Robert Bady volunteered to assist staff with the 2016
Preservation and Design Awards Program.
Julie Hacker had some ideas for a speaker. Diane Williams said the Commission may
want to do something different such as for community education to engage more regular
people.
STAFF REPORTS
A. Election of 2016 Preservation Commission Officers
It was motioned (J. Weiss) and seconded (R. Bady) to accept the slate of officers for
2016. The Commission elected the 2016 Preservation Commission Officers: Diane
Williams, Chair; Jack Weiss, Vice-Chair and Karl Vogel, Secretary. The motion passed
unanimously. Vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
DISCUSSION (No vote will be taken)
A get together on February 23, 2016 has been scheduled with the Preservation
Commission, Plan Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals.
ADJOURNMENT
It was motioned (J. Hacker) and seconded (J. Weiss) to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
on 1/19/2016. The motion passed unanimously. Vote: 6 ayes, 0 nays.
Respectfully Submitted,
Carlos D. Ruiz
Preservation Coordinator, Community Development Department