HPC Meeting Date: April 3, 2024
To: Members of the Heritage Preservation Commission
From: Mathias Hughey, Associate City Planner
Title
Certificate of Appropriateness for Painting and Repairs to 109 4th St E, Lyceum Building.
Body
Action Requested:
The Heritage Preservation Commission is asked to review an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness to repaint the southern façade and repair the stairs, railing, and masonry wall of 109 4th St E, know as the Lyceum Building.
Summary Report:
The applicant, Dan O’Leary, is seeking approval to repaint the southern façade and repair the concrete stairs, railing, and masonry wall on the southern façade. The property address is 109 4th St. E., known as the Lyceum Building. The historic inventory form and application materials are attached.
The City’s Land Development Code (LDC), in Section 8.5.8 outlines the Heritage Preservation Commission’s Certificate of Appropriateness process and approval criteria. The HPC shall consider the following in evaluating an application for a certificate of appropriateness for a zoning certificate and/or building permit. Criterion (A) below must be met and criteria (B) through (G) shall be considered:
A. For all applications, the proposed action fully complies with all applicable requirements of the LDC:
This finding is met. The proposed work complies with the LDC. Further details on the applicable sections of the Northfield LDC are included below.
B. That the proposed action is in harmony with the purpose of the H-O district for sites located in the H-O district:
This finding is met. The proposed action is in harmony with the intent of the H-O district. Within the LDC Section 2.5.3, Historic Overlay District (H-O) purpose is defined “(a) Safeguard the heritage of the city by preserving sites and structures which reflect elements of the city's cultural, social, economic, political, visual or architectural history; (b) Protect and enhance the city's appeal to residents, visitors and tourists and serve as a support and stimulus to business and industry; (c) Foster civic pride in the beauty and notable accomplishments of the past; and, (d) Promote the preservation and continued use of historic sites and structures for the education and general welfare of the people of the city.”
a) The applicant is proposing maintenance and investment to preserve the building.
b) The proposed painting, restoration, and repair enhance the building’s appeal to residents and visitors.
c) The proposed painting, restoration, and repair will highlight the beauty of the building and foster more pride in the building’s history.
d) The proposed painting, restoration, and repair promote the continued use of the historic building.
C. That the proposed action would complement other structures within the H-O district for sites located in the H-O district:
This finding is met. The changes will complement other structures within the H-O district.
D. That the proposed action is consistent with the Downtown Preservation Design Guidelines for sites located in the H-O district, and consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Treatment of Historic Properties for sites located within or outside the H-O district:
This finding is met. The changes are consistent with the Downtown Preservation Design Guidelines. The proposed replacement of materials (concrete) is limited to replacement with identical materials. Existing masonry and cast-iron railing will be repaired as needed. The proposed colors are limited to colors selected from the Sherwin-Williams Historic color collection and the trim will be painted a consistent color, contrasting with the wall and other select elements.
E. Consideration should be given to the amount and quality of original material and design remaining in the building or structure when applying criteria, guidelines, and standards:
This criterion is not applicable because this is not a reconstruction project.
F. For new construction, the building or addition should be compatible with: (i) scale, texture, materials, and other visual qualities of the surrounding buildings and neighborhoods; (ii) the height, width, depth, massing, and setback of the surrounding buildings; and (iii) the amount of solid wall to window and door openings, and the replacement of window and door openings, should be proportional to that of the surrounding buildings and neighborhood:
This criterion is not applicable because this is not a new construction project.
G. Consideration shall be given to clear cases of economic hardship or to deprivation of reasonable use of the owner's property:
This criterion is not applicable.
Staff Recommendation
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness for the repairs and painting based on the above findings.
A draft resolution is attached for the HPC to review. Contact staff in advance of the meeting with questions and/or to discuss potential changes to the resolution.
Alternative Options:
The HPC could approve the COA with conditions or deny the COA. Both options would require modifying the resolution to provide additional justification and findings.
Financial Impacts:
N/A
Tentative Timelines:
N/A