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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2015/06/24 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission Proceedings of the June 24, 2015 Meeting A regular meeting of the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission was held on Wednesday, June 24, 2015 at 6:30 p.m., at the City of Lake Forest City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, Illinois. Historic Preservation Commissioners present: Chairman Preschlack and Commissioners Robert Alfe, Susan Athenson, Mary Ellen Swenson, Wells Wheeler and Carol Gayle. Commissioners absent: Commissioner John Travers City staff present: Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development 1. Introduction of Commissioners and staff, overview of meeting procedures. Chairman Preschlack reviewed the meeting procedures followed by the Commission and asked the members of the Commission and staff to introduce themselves. He welcomed Commissioner Gayle as a new m ember of the Commission. 2. Approval of the minutes of the May 27, 2015 of the Historic Preservation Commission. The minutes of the May 27, 2015 meeting were approved with two corrections as requested by Commissioner Wheeler. 3. Introduction: Modifications to the Johnson Science Center on the Lake Forest College Middle Campus, 555 N. Sheridan Road Including Partial Demolition, Alterations and an Addition. Owner: Lake Forest College Representatives: Stephen Schutt, Lake Forest College President Michael Reagan, Vice President, Science + Technology Market Sector Lead, Stantec Chairman Preschlack asked the Commission for any conflicts of interest or Ex Parte contacts. Commissioner Gayle stated that she is employed by Lake Forest College and will be recusing herself from participating in this agenda item. She stepped down from the dais. Chairman Preschlack invited a presentation from the petitioner. President Schutt noted that interest in the sciences is growing necessitating renovation and expansion the College’s existing science facilities. He noted that the Johnson Science Center has limited visibility from public streets and is located at the rear of the Campus. He stated that the proposed project is the largest capital project ever under Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 24, 2015 - Page 2 taken at the College. He reviewed the request noting that approvals are requested for demolition of a small building, a height variance, and a Certificate of Appropriateness for the design of the new structure. Mr. Reagan introduced the project. He stated that the campus has a rich mixture of architectural styles dominated by Young and North Halls. He stated that the proposed modifications will increase the space and opportunities available to students and faculty. He reviewed an air photo noting the location of the Science Center and the various wings of the existing complex. He noted that the C wing, the round building, is proposed for demolition to make way for the addition. He reviewed a site plan noting the footprint of the proposed addition. He reviewed images of the A, B, C, and D wings as the context for the proposed addition. He noted that the existing wings are a mixture of contemporary styles with vertical fenestration, curtain walls and masonry. He stated that the proposed addition responds not only to the existing science buildings, but also to the Donnelley Library which has a significant amount of glazing. He stated that the effort is to bridge the various architectural styles with the addition by recalling the vertical fenestration of the Library and the D wing. He noted that metal panels are proposed as well as masonry. He provided images of the proposed addition from various locations. He stated that the brick will match the existing brick and will have an English bond to add details. He pointed that the D wing was constructed with a running bond provided a less rich expression. He added that the metal panels will be a traditional colored material, lead coated copper, and will be repeated in the materials for the penthouse. He stated the intention to use a traditional palette of materials expressed in a contemporary way. He reviewed the building heights. He discussed the penthouse, mechanical equipment and exhaust fans. He noted that the penthouse will be lower than Young Hall which is the tallest building on campus. He acknowledged that the building elevations do not accurately represent how the buildings will be perceived in full dimension. He stated that from a pedestrian view on the campus, the penthouse almost disappears behind the parapet. Chairman Preschlack asked the petitioner to speak to the model that is in front of the Commission. The Commission stepped down from the dais and viewed the model. Chairman Preschlack reconvened the Commission at the dais and asked for staff comments. Ms. Czerniak noted the importance of the project to the long term viability of the College. She stated that the library is a unique building, but is not character defining to the campus. She recommended the Commission require an historic assessment and documentation of the building proposed for demolition. She added that staff supports the demolition as detailed in the staff report. She pointed out that the structure is not currently visible from the streetscape or from most parts of the campus. She stated that many buildings on the campus exceed the 40 foot maximum building height permitted in the residential zoning districts and as a result, a request for a height variance will be Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 24, 2015 - Page 3 forwarded to the Zoning Board of Appeals after Commission review of the project is completed. In response to questions from Chairman Preschl ack, Mr. Reagan stated that Perkins and Will was the original architect for the A, B and C wings. He noted that the buildings do not have any unique historic significance. He explained that basis for the proposed height of the building noting that today, greater floor to floor heights are needed in science buildings to accommodate new technology. He stated that the roof of the addition will be higher than the existing buildings due to the mechanical penthouse which is required to meet today’s needs. He stated that efforts were made to reduce the height as much as possible. He stated that to keep the height down, customized air handlers will be used. In response to questions from Commissioner Athenson, Mr. Reagan stated that he has been involved in designing science buildings in classical styles. He stated however that in this case, the contemporary approach was determined to be appropriate based on the context of the site. He stated that he recognizes the value of the historical buildings on the campus but noted that at this location, as part of the science complex, the contemporary style is appropriate. He stated that the A and B wings will be fully renovated and some improvement is planned for the D wing. In response to questions from Chairman Preschlack, Mr. Reagan noted that the palette of materials is traditional and consistent with the existing character of the Johnson Science Center. He noted that each building is of its time with more contemporary buildings housing the more contemporary academics. In response to a question from Commissioner Alfe, Ms. Czerniak confirmed that the College is preparing a tree survey and based on the information from the survey, the City Arborist will determine the required inch for inch replacement. She noted that replacement inches could be accommodated at various locations on the campus particularly along the perimeter. In response to a question from Commissioner Wheeler, Mr. Reagan stated that science buildings have unique requirements that make the use of solar panels or geothermal systems difficult. He stated however that the building is being designed to be as sustainable as possible. He noted that the B wing of the complex, one of the existing buildings, could be a possible location for solar panels if desired in the future. In response to questions from Chairman Preschlack, Mr. Reagan stated that hopefully, the visual focus will be on the occupied areas of the buildings and not on the mechanical penthouse. He noted that the color of the metal penthouse panels will likely be darker than shown in an effort to make them disappear to the extent possible. He confirmed that the equipment needs to be located on the roof explaining that location on the roof is the best way to bring the required fresh air into the building. He reiterated that custom air handlers will be used. He noted that some mechanicals will be housed in the basement. He reviewed the various levels of the building noting that Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 24, 2015 - Page 4 the first and second levels will align with the existing buildings, but the third floor of the addition will be higher than the third floor of the existing buildings. He stated that with the addition, the science center is expected to meet the needs for the next 20 to 30 years. He noted that all of the classrooms will be sized to accommodate more students than current classrooms. In response to questions from Commissioner Alfe, M r. Reagan pointed out the area identified for a possible observatory in the future noting that the observatory could protrude above the penthouse to provide a northern view. He stated that a domed structure is envisioned noting that further City approval would be required if an observatory is planned in the future. Commissioner Athenson noted that contemporary buildings can look dated quickly. She expressed concern about the contemporary building in the center of the historic campus and the amount of glass and the extensive use of metal panels. She noted that the Donnelley Library incorporates some residential features. She suggested that further study be done in an effort to add detailing and make the addition appear less industrial . In response to questions from Commissioner Athenson, Mr. Reagan reviewed elements of the Donnelley Library and noted that the proposed addition to the science center has less glass than the Library. Chairman Preschlack observed that the campus is a patchwork of buildings built over time. He stated that the goal of this project is to optimize the functionality of the existing science buildings and provide technology upgrades to the campus. He asked the Commissioners to provide direction on aspects of the proposed addition that should be further studied and any refinements or enhancements that should be considered. In response to questions from Chairman Preschlack, Mr. Reagan spoke to other elements of the Library. He noted that the addition tries to achieve a middle ground between the Library and the existing science buildings. He noted some areas where the proposed elevations could be further refined. In response to questions from Commissioner Alfe, Mr. Reagan described the vents on the penthouse. In response to questions from Commissioner Wheeler, Mr. Reagan stated that Young Hall is the tallest building on the campus. He address light spillover concerns noting that window shades were considered, but determined not to be necessary due to the quality of the glass which will limit light to the outside. Chairman Preschlack noted that Commissioner Travers raised a concern that a historic assessment report of the structure proposed demolition, and photo documentation was not submitted. He asked that the College have an assessment prepared to document the structure. Hearing no further questions from the Commission, he invited public Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 24, 2015 - Page 5 comments. Roger Mohr, 927 Barclay Circle, Board member of the Lake Forest Preservation Foundation, stated that many members of the Foundation have spent much time in the C building and agree that it is functionally difficult. He stated that the Foundation provided a letter indicating support for the demolition with the condition that the building be documented and if available, the original drawings archived at the College. Pauline Mohr, 927 Barclay Circle, stated that when the building was originally constructed, the landscape was done in a Japanese style. She noted a large boulder that was part of the original design and is located between the B and C wings. She suggested that the boulder be saved and located elsewhere on the campus. Chairman Preschlack asked for Commission comments first on the proposed demolition. Commissioner Wheeler stated that the building is charming but it has run its course. He stated that it was built in the early 1960’s around the time of Marina Towers and noted other possible historic precedents. He stated an understanding that the building does not function well and that he believes the demolition criteria are met. He stated support for documenting the building. He agreed with finding a new home for the boulder. Commissioner Athenson agreed that although the building proposed for demolition is unique, it no longer serves a purpose on the Campus. She agreed that the building should be documented through an historic assessment report prior to demolition. Commissioner Alfe agreed that the demolition criteria are satisfied. Commissioner Swenson agreed with the comments of the other members and added that moving the structure would not be appropriate. Chairman Preschlack asked for comments and direction on the proposed addition. He noted that the Commission is not designing the addition, but instead, providing input and direction. Commission Athenson requested further refinements to give the addition more of a residential character as opposed to an industrial appearance. She questioned whether an industrial-looking building should be the focus of Middle Campus. She suggested that the height of the roof might be mitigated through some further study and design work. She suggested that some design cues could be taken from the surrounding historic buildings. She noted that the building could be softened to not dominate the campus. Chairman Preschlack agreed that the elevations appear stark but noted that the model provided is helpful in understanding how the building, with the proposed Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 24, 2015 - Page 6 changes and the addition, will appear as part of the campus. He noted that the Science Center is in the background of the Campus when viewed from Sheridan Road. He added that the Science Center sits at a lower grade than the rest of Middle Campus due to its proximity near the ravine. He noted that based on the materials available to date, it does not appear to him that the building, with the proposed changes and the addition, will dominate the Campus. Commissioner Athenson expressed concern about the three story glass and metal elements and asked that those elements be studied further to explore opportunities to soften the starkness of those areas. Commissioner Swenson commented that in order to significantly change the character of the Science Center, the existing buildings would need to be altered considerably. She noted that in her opinion, the vertical glass element provides an appropriate transition between the existing buildings and the addition. Commissioner Alfe commented that the addition should not be dramatically different from the existing science buildings. He noted some inconsistencies in the window patterns and spacing, but acknowledged that the difference is likely due to the function of the space available. In response to a question from Chairman Preschlack, Mr. Reagan stated that he has clear direction from the Commission and appreciated the comments offered. Commissioner Athenson made a motion to continue the petition to allow the College to respond to the Commission’s questions and comments, to further develop the details of the project and to provide the additional materials as requested. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Wheeler and was approved by a 5 to 0 vote. OTHER ITEMS 4. Opportunity for the public to address the Historic Preservation Commission on non- agenda items. Chairman Preschlack recognized members of the audience who wished to speak on non-agenda items. Bill McFadden, 55 E. Laurel Avenue, presented an image of the oak tree on Laurel Avenue in front of the former Municipal Services Facility. He stated that preservation of the tree is important and suggested that the tree be recognized as a historic landmark in Lake Forest to protect it from construction and demolition activity. He stated that the tree is about 260 years old, spans 95’ across, with a 50” trunk diameter. He noted that the branches reach the existing building which will be torn down. He noted that there will be extensive demolition activity on the site and referenced a study from Indiana University which found that the root system of a tree may extend significantly beyond Historic Preservation Commission Minutes June 24, 2015 - Page 7 the canopy. He noted that the study raises questions about the location of the proposed construction. He noted that no installation of utilities or other construction activity should in the area near the tree. He stated that there is currently nothing that designates the tree as a protected area. In response to questions from chairman Preschlack, Ms. Czerniak stated that in the discussions about development of this site to date, the City Council has directed preservation and protection of the tree. Philip Davis, 105 E. Laurel Avenue, stated that he has looked at the tree for many years. He stated that landscaping is an inherent part of the historic character of the community and is as much a part of the City’s history as structures. He added that for a number of years the City has prided itself on receiving the Tree City and he noted the recently revived Forest Park. He added that the tree is the signature tree of Lake Forest and is on every pamphlet produced by the City. He stated that the initial germination of the tree would have occurred in about 1750. He stated that the tree belongs to the residents of Lake Forest and should not be sold to a developer. Don Sally, 105 E. Laurel, stated that he looks at the tree every day. He pointed out that a civic organization spent several thousands of dollars to install lightening protection in the tree. He stated that the tree, and the area around it, should be a municipal park. He stated that the City should not rely on a developer, through contractual obligations, to maintain the tree over the long term. Chairman Preschlack stated that although the tree is not in the historic district, it is an historic asset. He asked staff to provide further information on the intentions for the tree. 5. Additional information from staff. The meeting was adjourned at 7:52 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Kate McManus Assistant Planner