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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-04-11 Historic Preservation Commission Minutes HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF BANGOR MEETING OF APRIL 11, 2019 MINUTES Commission Members Present: Reese Perkins, Chair George Burgoyne Matthew Carter Brandi LeRoy Tony Manzo Michael Pullen, Consultant to the Commission City Staff Present: Sean Gambrel, Planning & HPC Staff David Gould, Planning Officer Paul Nicklas, Asst. City Solicitor John Theriault, City Engineer Chair Perkins called the meeting to order at 7:00P.M. PROJECT REVIEW 1.73 Harlow Street – City of Bangor, applicant Replace front entry doors and renovate entry plaza Chapter 148 –Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness Michael Pullen presented the application on behalf of the City of Bangor. The City seeks to modify the front doors and associated plaza surface. At that time, they will also be re-setting the granite steps and cheek walls on front and side of the building, which should be considered a maintenance activity. The proposed doors will change from the existing narrow paired doors to single, wide doors to fit the same opening. While this is a change, the design will match doors shown in historic photos from just after building was constructed. The doors will be aluminum-clad wood, in a dark bronze finish. Mr. Pullen provided sample of door material for the Commissioners to inspect. The plaza will change from its current rough-finished concrete surface to a series of pavers. The pavers will be in two colors, Limestone grey (field) and charcoal (edges) and will be in three squares, to break up the monolithic plaza and reinforce the geometry of the three door bays. Chair Perkins asked for staff review on the application. HPC staff Sean Gambrel noted that the application included several changes to the existing conditions, some of which were not likely considered historic in their own right. Mr. Gambrel noted that there were no design changes for the building, and that the materials and finishes proposed appeared to be appropriate. Mr. Gambrel noted that the Commission needed to decide whether or not these modifications were acceptable for a Certificate of Appropriateness. Commissioner Carter noted that the current doors were not original and asked if the original doors were double as existing, or singleas proposed. Mr. Pullen stated that they were likely double doors. Chair Perkins inquired why paver system was proposed instead of replacing the concrete deck as-is. Mr. Pullen stated that current surface is monolithic and detached from building architecture, and that the pattern will reinforce door bays and building details. Commissioner Manzo asked about the service life of the waterproofing proposed under the plaza surface. Mr. Pullen stated that it was 20 years, and also a new concrete slab will be installed below membrane. Commissioner Carter moved approval of application for Certificate of Appropriateness as presented. Commissioner LeRoy seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 2.89-91 Main Street – Portland Pie Company, applicant Storefront Modifications Chapter 148 –Historic Preservation, Certificate of Appropriateness Commissioner Carter indicated that he may have a conflict of interest. Mr. Carter noted that the Furths are long-time clients of his, but that he has not worked on this project at all. The Commission voted that Mr. Carter did not have a conflict of interest. Dan Thompson of Portland Pie Company presented the application to the Commission. His company wishes to remove the recessed entry on both storefronts and create a flat building façade on the first floor. They are pursuing this so that they can create an “airlock” on the 91 Main Street space and to increase seating in the 89 Main Street space. A brick kneewall to match what exists is proposed for the bottom of each storefront. The additional seating is necessary for economics of the business. The applicant has proposed that the storefronts of both buildings will match. Heather Furth, building owner, spoke in support of the project. Ms. Furth noted that there were similar storefront changes at their Oromo Brewing Company location on State Street, which was approved by the HPC, and that change hasn’t impacted the historic nature of that building. Abe Furth, building owner, also spoke in favor of the project and the business as a good member of the community. Mr. Furth also spoke in favor of the aesthetics of new store front over what exists presently. Mr. Pullen presented his review, noting that the storefront design is good in that the transom window carries across whole building and matches the geometry of the windows above. He also noted that the proposed airlock will retain the existing vestibule on number 91, which is good in case this storefront is ever removed. Chair Perkins asked if 20 seat would be lost, as claimed, if the recessed entry at 89 Main Street was retained. Mr. Thompson replied that yes, none of the tables at the front could be accommodated if the storefront were not modified. Commissioner Carter noted that storefronts are ever-changing and different businesses prefer different qualities, be it more display windows or more interior space. He stated that he feels that this change is tasteful. Commissioner LeRoy spoke in favor of the application, noting that retaining brick and vestibule at 91 Main Street was good. She believes that the proposed storefront this would look both historic and updated. Commissioner Carter moved approval of application for Certificate of Appropriateness as presented, including the proposed signage, and with the condition that a full brick kneewall be constructed on each storefront. Commissioner Burgoyne seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. 3.89-91 Main Street – Portland Pie Company, applicant Storefront Modifications Chapter 71- Bangor Center Revitalization Area, Design Review Commissioner Carter moved approval of application for Design Review as presented including the conditions above. Commissioner Burgoyne seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved. HISTORIC PRESERVATION PROCESS 4.HPC Ordinance Major Changes HPC Staff Sean Gambrel spoke to the Commission regarding the proposed major changes to the ordinance that have been proposed. Mr. Gambrel noted that most changes were in regard to strengthening language and reorganizing the ordinance for readability. He described the few substantive changes, including the proposed Staff Review process, list of exempt activities, and the removal of color and public art from review by the Commission. There were several questions and a few minor modifications suggested, but overall the Commission was supportive of the changes. The proposed ordinance will go to the Business & Economic Development Committee on April 16 and if all goes well there, to the City Council on April 22. 5.Approval of February 14, 2019 Meeting Minutes Meeting minutes from February 14, 2019 were unanimously approved. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.