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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION 2012/02/22 MinutesThe City of Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission Proceedings of the February 22, 2012 Meeting A regular meeting of the Lake Forest Historic Preservation Commission was held on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, at 6:30 p.m., at the City of Lake Forest City Hall, 220 E. Deerpath, Lake Forest, Illinois. Historic Preservation Commissioners present: Chairman Kurt Pairitz, Commissioners Bill Ransom, Fred Moyer, Susan Rafferty Athenson, Jim Preschlack, Mary Ellen Swenson and Guy Berg. Commissioners absent: None City staff present: Megan C. O’Neill, Planner, Catherine Czerniak, Director of Community Development 1. Introduction of Commissioners and staff, overview of meeting procedures – Chairman Pairitz Chairman Pairitz reviewed the role of the Historic Preservation Commission and reviewed the procedures followed by the Commission. He asked the Commissioners and staff to introduce themselves. 2. Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting and the Executive Session both held on January 25, 2012. The minutes from the regular meeting and Executive Session held on January 25, 2012 were approved. NEW PETITIONS 3. A request for a Certificate of Appropriateness approving an addition to the existing residence and a building scale variance at 395 Ahwahnee Road. Owner: Mike and Jackie Winn Representative: Michael Breseman, architect Chairman Pairitz asked the Commission to identify any conflicts of interest or Ex Parte contacts regarding this petition. Hearing none, he invited a presentation from the petitioner. Mr. Breseman introduced the petition and reviewed the history of the property. He presented the proposed addition noting that it is proposed as a connection between the house and the garage. He stated that it is appropriate in massing and subservient to the house and garage. He stated that the design and Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 22, 2012 - Page 2 materials are consistent with the existing structure. He noted that the stoops will match the existing bluestone pavers. He reviewed the site plan noting the footprint of the original Jerome Cerney home. He noted the location of the addition in relation to the house, garage and to the existing pool in the rear yard. He reviewed the floor plan. He reviewed a section noting the alignment of the existing frieze board. He reviewed the rear elevation noting the French doors that provide light into the space. He reviewed the roof plan and the detailing of the connection. He stated that the purpose of the addition is to provide a connection that will visually “go away.” He provided before and after photographs of the proposed construction. He reviewed the surrounding area noting the location of a fence that limits views to this property. He noted that the visual impact to surrounding properties is minimal. Ms. O’Neill noted that the petitioner has reviewed various options to accommodate a bathroom and changing room for the pool on the property. She stated that the option presented is a connecting link which is setback from the face of the existing structure. She noted that this project requires a zoning setback variance but appears to be an unobtrusive option. She noted that the request before the Commission is for approval of the design of the addition and a building scale variance. In response to a question from Commissioner Preschlack, Ms. O’Neill stated that to her knowledge, at the time the detached garage was constructed, there was not a request to attach the garage to the house. In response to a question from Commissioner Athenson, Mr. Breseman stated that the connection of the residence to the garage is desired for convenience and protection from the weather. He stated that they explored an option to do a detached structure at the rear of the house, but noted that it would be more visible than the proposed solution. He stated that they explored other design options including adding a porch to the addition, but noted that the extra mass and detailing called too much attention to the addition noting that the design as presented is minimal. He noted that the building scale overage is minimal. He confirmed that the proposed addition is serving two functional needs by providing a mudroom and service space for the pool. He commented that the previous addition was well done and this addition should not attempt to compete with it. He stated the intent to be modest with the design. In response to a question from Commissioner Ransom, Ms. O’Neill stated that the property is in the historic district but is not identified as a contributing structure. She confirmed that the original detached garage was constructed consistent with approvals issued at the time. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 22, 2012 - Page 3 Chairman Pairitz invited public comment, hearing none; he commented that this project presents a light impact to the surrounding properties and noted no concerns with respect to the design and building scale overage requested. In response to a question from Commissioner Berg, Mr. Breseman confirmed that the house is 10 feet front the garage. Commissioner Berg commented on the benefits of eliminating the small gang- way between the house and the garage achieved by this design. He noted that it is an improvement and also serves a functional purpose for the owners. Commissioners Athenson and Swensen commended the project. Commissioner Athenson made a motion to recommend approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness to the City Council subject to the following conditions of approval . The following conditions satisfied prior to the issuance of a building permit. 1. Final approval of the building scale variance by the City Council. 2. Protective fencing shall be installed on the site consistent with the direction of the City’s Certified Arborist. 3. Construction materials, staging and construction vehicles parking plans must be submitted and will be subject to review and approval by the City. Other conditions. 4. The private driveway must remain open throughout construction activity and must be repaired or restored consistent with any private maintenance agreements governing the driveway. Commissioner Moyer seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved by the Commission. 4. A request for a Certificate of Appropriateness approving removal and replacement of the Garden Room at South Gate Café, 655 Forest Avenue. Owner: Mark Westcott Representative: Mark Knauer, architect Chairman Pairitz asked the Commission to identify any Ex Parte contacts or conflicts of interest regarding this request. Commissioner Ransom stated th at he spoke with the owner while he was visiting the property but stated that will not affect his ability to consider the petition impartially. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 22, 2012 - Page 4 Mayur Modi, Knauer Architects, introduced the petition noting that Mark Knauer, the primary architect for the project will arrive soon. He began the presentation on behalf of Mr. Knauer. He reviewed the existing structure and replacement addition. He showed elevations of the existing and proposed buildings. He reviewed the replacement garden room noting that it will be more stable and will replicate the concept of a single story addition. He stated that the roof will be flat and noted that, in the future, the roof is intended to be used for dining. He stated that the materials of the replacement garden room will be consistent with those on the original structure. He commented on the window and door openings noting that one of the windows on the second floor will be replaced with a doorway to provide access to the roof top dining. He illustrated through photos that the existing garden room is in poor shape. Ms. Czerniak presented staff comments and introduced the new owner of the building. She stated that in 2007, the Historic Preservation Commission reviewed and approved a similar project however the project was never undertaken. She noted that the current proposal is proposed as a much needed upgrade and provides the potential for an additional dining experience, on the roof. She noted that staff walked through the restaurant with the petitioner and his architect to clearly understand the scope of work proposed and the details of the project. She stated staff support for the project. Mr. Knauer arrived. In response to questions from Chairman Pairitz, Mr. Knauer confirmed that the proposed door to the roof top will replace an existing window. He confirmed that the window proposed for removal is in part blocked from view by a portion of the existing building. He reviewed the portion of the roof that will be removed and rebuilt as part of the garden room project. He confirmed that views of the new door, like the existing window, will be limited. He noted that this structure used to be a fire house and has been adaptively reused as a restaurant. Commissioner Berg noted that the second floor modifications will provide access to the outside which is currently not available. In response to a question from Commissioner Berg, Mr. Knauer confirmed that the second floor may be used for special events or private parties. He confirmed that the replacement of the window with the door to access the roof is part of this project. He noted the intent to link the Market Club to the outdoor area and create a more visible staircase from the interior. Chairman Pairitz noted the different roof materials proposed. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 22, 2012 - Page 5 In response to a question from Chairman Pairitz, Mr. Knauer noted that the roof over the doorway is too flat for slate and increasing the roof pitch presented an awkward roof form. He stated that the standing seam, copper roof over the door way is not an unusual detail. Chairman Pairitz commented that either slate or standing seam copper could be appropriate. He asked the Commission for input on the roof material. Commissioner Moyer noted that the slate would not necessarily match the slate on the existing roof and commented that copper is a good direction for the roof material. Commissioner Berg noted that the roof area could even get flatter than what is currently proposed. In response to a question from Commissioner Athenson, Mr. Knauer noted that true divided lite windows are proposed noting that they will be operable. He stated that the goal is to match the windows on the south side of the courtyard. He noted that trifold windows are proposed so that the whole window opens and all three windows push to one side. He stated that the tables will be against the knee-wall and the window would virtually disappear so that patrons feel like they are connected to the outside. He confirmed that no screens are proposed and that the windows will be well sealed in the winter. He stated that there are no plans to enclose the balcony area on the second floor during the off season. He stated that there is no crawl space or basement proposed and confirmed that a foundation, which is in good condition, and a full floor slab exists. He confirmed that the existing concrete slab is in good condition. In response to a question from Commissioner Swenson, Mr. Knauer noted that there should be no impact to the existing trees with this construction project. Ms. Czerniak noted that the City Arborist has reviewed the trees noting that the trees are not in the best shape, but that everything possible is being done to protect them. She noted however, if they become hazardous, they will need to be addressed. Mr. Westcott stated that he had the trees evaluated and found that they are in better condition than he thought and that while old, there is not an immediate need to remove the trees. Commissioner Preschlack made a motion to approve the petition as submitted subject to the following conditions of approval. The following conditions shall be met prior to the issuance of a building permit. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes February 22, 2012 - Page 6 1. Protective fencing shall be installed on the site as directed by the City’s Certified Arborist. 2. Construction materials, staging and construction vehicles parking plans shall be submitted subject to City approval. The motion was seconded by Commission Athenson and it was unanimously approved by the Commission. OTHER ITEMS 5. Opportunity for the public to address the Historic Preservation Commission on non-agenda items. There were no additional comments from the public. 6. Additional information from staff. Ms. Czerniak noted that the Forest Park Master Plan is expected to come before the Commission in March and April noting that the public can visit the City’s website for more information on upcoming agenda items. The meeting was adjourned at 7:14 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Catherine J. Czerniak Director of Community Development