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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2018-08-09 HPC Minutes Meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission Record of Minutes Date: August 9, 2018 Location: Village Hall CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL, PLEDGE Chairman Bortel called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll call was taken: Commissioners Lucas, Barvian, Schmidt (7:06 p.m.), Derrick, Hendricksen, Hagen, Rapp and Chairman Bortel were present. Commissioner Olsen was absent. Also in attendance: Jake Melrose, Economic Development Manager; Kendra Kuehlem, Associate Planner; and Tracey Erickson, Recording Secretary. Chairman Bortel led the pledge to the flag. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Commissioner Derrick made a motion to approve the agenda. Seconded by Commissioner Rapp. Voice Vote. All in favor. 0 opposed. Motion carried 7-0. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Commissioner Derrick made a motion to approve the June 14, 2018 minutes as amended. Voice Vote. All in favor. 0 opposed. Motion carried 7-0. Chairman Bortel stated Commissioner Schmidt has arrived. CHAIR’S COMMENTS No Comment. COMMISSIONERS COMMENTS No Comment. PUBLIC COMMENT Tom Ruane wanted to invite the HPC to a tour the home at 24115 W. Commercial Street because he has made application for demolition. Chairman Bortel stated the commission will speak after the meeting to discuss a date that will work for a tour. OLD BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS 1811-072718.COA.FG.SPR 24136 W. Lockport St. Robert Rovito Ms. Kuehlem stated the applicant is seeking a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for exterior building modifications to update their restaurant, currently known as Volar, for a new restaurant, Giambotta. The case has been considered by the Plan Commission for a site plan review, and will also go before the Village Board for approval of a Façade Reimbursement Grant, and Certificate of Appropriateness. The applicant is a tenant to the subject site and the property owner has granted approval for the proposed improvements. Ms. Kuehlem stated the subject site is approximately 19,821 square feet with an existing two-story building that was once a house, with an attached porch (701 W. Lockport St.). Currently, it is utilized as a restaurant with outdoor seating out front, and located in the Downtown Historic District. The Plainfield Historic Urbanized Core Survey from 2005 states that the subject house is a Gabled Ell Greek Revival house, that is one of few remaining in the Village. The survey further states that the building is easily interpreted as being an early Village house. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 9, 2018 Page 2 of 4 Ms. Kuehlem reviewed the Analysis and the U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation from the staff report dated August 1, 2018. Ms. Kuehlem stated staff is confident that these modifications will preserve the historic integrity of the building, while modernizing it for a commercial use. Staff would like to note that the applicant has been very receptive to staff recommendations, and is open to any further suggestions. Staff supports the applicant’s proposed exterior modifications and site plan review. Chairman Bortel swore in Dario Rovito, applicant; and Allen Olsen, Architect. Mr. Rovito stated the restaurant would become a wood burning oven pizza restaurant and explained what they are trying to accomplish with the façade renovation. Commissioner Hendricksen stated he would like the lights on the building to stay true to the era of the building’s architecture. Commissioner Hendricksen asked the applicant if they will keep the same height and width of the windows. Mr. Rovito stated yes. Commissioner Hendricksen asked the applicant to retain the original window sashes if the windows were to be removed. Mr. Rovito stated he will do so. Commissioner Schmidt asked the applicant if the front door would be changing. Mr. Rovito stated the current door is like what is found on a residential home and they would like to replace the door with a more commercial double door. Commissioner Hagen asked what constitutes residential framing for the front door. Mr. Olsen explained the door will be framed with wood not metal. Commissioner Rapp asked if the proposed picture window top panes will be clear glass. Mr. Olsen stated yes, the intent was to reduce the scale so it does not look like a commercial window. Commissioner Derrick asked if there is any evidence that there was a picture window there before. Mr. Rovito stated not to his knowledge. Commissioner Derrick indicated that the survey states that some of the windows are replacement windows and asked if the existing front windows are replacement windows. Mr. Rovito stated he is not aware if they are replacement windows. Chairman Bortel asked the applicant if they are removing the windows to the east side of the porch. Mr. Olsen stated the windows will remain and that there was a mistake in the drawing. Chairman Bortel stated this building is part of the National Register District and explained how the picture window will affect the house. Chairman Bortel asked what the reason is for the picture window. Mr. Rovito explained how the picture window will allow them to showcase the wood burning oven and will allow for more natural lighting. Chairman Bortel suggested the applicant remove the awnings from the current windows to allow for more natural light. Commissioner Derrick explained that the commission is responsible for applying the U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation to properties that contribute to the district. Commissioner Derrick stated the picture window is not true to the style of this building and explained why. Commissioner Derrick asked if the extra light from the picture window is worth sacrificing character defining features of the building. Commissioner Derrick stated she has five standards from U.S. Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation that the picture window does not comply with and 2 from the commissions’ general guidelines. Commissioner Derrick explained why she does not take issue with the awning removal, the patio area, fencing, and the arbor. Commissioner Derrick indicated that the door and the picture window are problematic to her and suggested considering different window and door design that would be more appropriate for the period. Mr. Rovito stated he is open to different options and wants to preserve the historic aspect of the building. Chairman Bortel asked the applicant if the side door is ADA accessible. Mr. Rovito stated yes. Chairman Bortel stated the front door does not need to be ADA and indicated that the double door takes away Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 9, 2018 Page 3 of 4 from the massing of the building and suggested having a larger front door instead. Chairman Bortel stated the 3 windows currently on the front of the house are more appropriate than the picture window, and suggested removing the awnings to let in more light. Chairman Bortel also suggested a UV film for the windows. Chairman Bortel explained the Federal Tax credit that could be taken advantage of if they do not put in the picture window. Commissioner Schmidt asked if the applicant has considered using four windows instead of a single picture window. Commissioner Schmidt also indicated that the proposed double door has a craftsman feel. Mr. Rovito stated he is here this evening to hear the commission’s suggestions. Mr. Rovito explained how the picture window would display the wood burning oven and the art of being a pizzaiolo. Chairman Bortel asked where the oven will be located. Mr. Rovito explained the placement of the oven and how it will be visible from the street. Chairman Bortel asked where the vent for the oven will be. Mr. Olsen explained the placement of the vent for the oven. Commissioner Hagen indicated he is conflicted because he understands how the picture window would be inviting. Commissioner Derrick asked staff if we have evidence that the current windows are replacement windows. Ms. Kuehlem stated she is not aware if they are original or replacement. Chairman Bortel showed an example of an upright and wing restoration. Commissioner Derrick stated we do not have the evidence that the current windows are replacement windows. Commissioner Derrick stated the doorway is not original or consistent with the style of the house, so there is more flexibility there. Commissioner Derrick suggested Commissioner Hendericksen stated the commission is an advisory board and he feels that the picture window seems to be the issue tonight and explained that the commission is there to preserve. Commissioner Hendericksen stated the Village Board will have final approval. Commissioner Derrick asked if the applicant is going to face the foundation with stone. Mr. Olsen indicated that it is not final and explained why. Chairman Bortel asked what the stone in the basement and exposed foundation is made up of. Mr. Olsen stated it is rubble. Chairman Bortel suggested the applicant use Joliet limestone to cover the foundation if they choose to do so. Commissioner Derrick explained that any changes should be consistent with the original materials. Mr. Rovito indicated that covering of the foundation is not a priority. Chairman Bortel asked each commissioner their thoughts. Commissioner Rapp stated the picture window will take away the historical value of the property. Commissioner Hagen indicated the picture window will not be compatible but can see how the window will be an attraction. Commissioner Hendricksen suggested an additional light would help and thanked the applicant for their presentation. Commissioner Lucas thanked the applicant and agreed with what has been said about the picture window. Commissioner Barvian stated in his building downtown they added an awning because of all the light and suggested the applicant work with the State for tax credit. Commissioner Schmidt indicated the picture window would damage the historical character and indicated the picture window looks clunky and is not in character with the house. Chairman Bortel suggested the applicant remove the awning now to see if there would be enough light. Chairman Bortel indicated even though the commission is advisory, he feels the Village Board listens to their suggestions. Commissioner Derrick made a motion to recommend approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for Giambotta Pizza located at 24136 W. Lockport Street with the following stipulations: Historic Preservation Commission Minutes August 9, 2018 Page 4 of 4 1. Windows- To preserve the original window openings and existing windows. Historic Preservation Commission approves the removable of the awnings. 2. Front (south) door- The Historic Preservation Commission approves opening the entry to fit a double leaf door that is consistent with the style. 3. Lighting- The Historic Preservation Commission requests the spec sheets for the lighting to ensure it is consistent with the style. 4. Foundation- Should the applicant decided at a future date to make changes to cover the exposed foundation, the Historic Preservation Commission would like the applicant to consider Joliet limestone for the facing. Seconded by Commissioner Hendricksen. Vote by roll call: Lucas, yes; Barvian, yes; Schmidt, no; Hagen, no; Rapp, no; Hendericksen, yes; Derrick, yes; Bortel, yes. Motion carried 5-3. DISCUSSION No Discussion. ADJOURN Commissioner Hendricksen made a motion to adjourn. Commissioner Rapp seconded the motion. Voice vote. All in favor; 0 opposed. Motion carried 8-0. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tracey Erickson Recording Secretary Click on the link to view the video of the August 9, 2018 Historical Preservation Commission Meeting. http://plainfieldil.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=369.