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2009-05-14 Historic Preservation Commission MinutesCITY OF EDMONDS HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION SUMMARY MINUTES May 14, 2009 CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Vice Chair Vogel called the meeting of the Edmonds Historic Preservation Commission to order at 4:30 p.m. in the Yd Floor Conference Room of City Hall, 121 — 5th Avenue North. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT STAFF PRESENT Andy Eccleshall, Chair Rob Chave, Planning and Development Services Manager Larry Vogel, Vice Chair Frances Chapin, Cultural Services Manager Jennifer Antilla Kernen Lien, Associated Planner Sue Bauer Diane Cunningham, Planning and Dev. Services Christine Deiner-Karr Alan Macfarlane COMMISSIONERS ABSENT Larry Vogel Steve Waite (excused) Eric Norenberg Daniel Kerege (excused) Michael Plunkett READING/APPROVAL OF MINUTES COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR MOVED THE COMMISSION APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 10, 2009 AS SUBMITTED. COMMISSIONER BAUER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ANNOUNCEMENT OF AGENDA The agenda was accepted as presented. REQUESTS FROM THE AUDIENCE There was no one in the audience. OTHER BUSINESS Discussion by Frances Chapin on 41h Avenue Cultural Corridor Ms. Chapin presented a brief history of the 4th Avenue Cultural Corridor Plan and explained that the plan was put together with the help of a consultant and included numerous opportunities for public input. The goal was to enhance the public right-of-way along the corridor to improve and encourage pedestrian movement between the new Edmonds Center for the Arts and the Downtown Core. Chair Eccleshall explained that the purpose of a historic overlay is to preserve the character of an area as properties are redeveloped or remodeled. Because the property owners on 4" Avenue are already involved in the project, the street would be a natural place to implement a historic overlay. The Commission and staff discussed the best way to implement the historic overlay concept, including an effective public involvement process. They noted the effectiveness of the public process that was used for the 4th Avenue Corridor Plan, which involved a great citizen's advisory group and a comprehensive plan for getting the word out. Chair Eccleshal recommended the Commission start by preparing draft language to review at their next meeting. Ms. Chapin could be invited to participate in the discussion to make sure the overlay would fit with the 4th Avenue Corridor Plan. Once the language has been tweaked, it could be presented to the public for comment. The Commission discussed the idea of inviting the 4 h Avenue Corridor Citizens Advisory Committee to meet with the Commission to discuss the draft historic overlay proposal, as well. Ms. Chapin cautioned the Commission that the 4th Avenue Corridor Plan deals only with public right-of-way, and she spent a lot of time helping people understand that the plan would not place any restrictions on private properties. Chair Eccleshall explained that the Commission is not asking Ms. Chapin to carry the historic overlay proposal forward. However, it is apparent that the 4th Avenue property owners are interested in improving and protecting the character of their street, so it would be helpful to start there. Mr. Chave suggested that a group of Commissioners get together to prepare a memorandum to the Commission identifying those properties along 4th Avenue that are included on the BOLA Survey, as well as those that are not on the survey but contribute to the historic character of the street. The memorandum could also provide ideas for encouraging rehabilitation and reuse of historic properties, etc. The Commission could review the memorandum at their June 11`h meeting. The Commission agreed to move forward as quickly as possible to prepare draft language to create a historic overlay for 4th Avenue. Ms. Chapin suggested that when the 4th Avenue Corridor Plan is presented to the City Council in June, it would be helpful if they were able to announce that the Historic Preservation Commission is putting together ideas and alternatives related to historic preservation. Mr. Chave summarized that while the final draft overlay language does not need to be available by the end of June, it would be helpful for the Commission to identify the various options they are exploring. PUBLIC HEARINGS Application to Determine the Eligibility of the Edmonds Bank for Placement on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places Mr. Lien explained how the public hearing was noticed and announced there was no one in the audience to participate in the hearing. He reminded the Commission that they previously nominated the Edmonds Bank property for consideration on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places, and the City did receive consent from the property owners. Mr. Lien specifically noted that once identified on the register, the property would be eligible for special tax valuation on future rehabilitation projects. The Commission noted that if the property had been identified on the Register prior to being remodeled three years ago, the owner could have saved some money. However, Mr. Waite was unable to persuade the property owner to list the property on the register. The Commission agreed it would be interesting for Commissioner Waite to figure out what the monetary benefit to the property owner would have been. Mr. Lien reviewed that the property's significant historic features are related primarily to the exterior of the building, which is constructed out of pre -fabricated concrete blocks. He particularly noted the intricate blocks that were used on the ground floor. He briefly described the changes that have occurred to the building over the years as noted in the staff report. He advised that when the building was renovated in 2004, the designs were intended to make it look more like it did at the turn of the century. He noted that the bank building is located to the east of the original Kingdon's General Store (1910) and Schumacher Building (1900). Across the street is the Beeson Building (1900). He summarized there are numerous historic buildings on this block. Mr. Lien reviewed how the property would meet the three required criteria to be listed on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places as follows: • Significantly associated with the history, architecture, archaeology, engineering or cultural heritage of Edmonds. This property is associated with early commercial development in Edmonds and was the site of the first bank in Edmonds. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 14, 2009 Page 2 • Has integrity. The building retains its original massing and was renovated in 2004 to return the building close to its original appearance of the early 20`h century. Originally, the building featured prominent columns and a recessed entry, which has been incorporated into the ground floor providing additional floor space. . • At least 50 years old or has exceptional important if less than 50 years old. The building was constructed in 1907 and is more than 100 years old. Mr. Lien explained that in addition to the above three criteria, the property must also meet one of the designation categories. He reviewed that the property would fit into the following designation categories: • Associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of national, state or local history. This is the location of the City's first bank, the State Bank of Edmonds. . • Embodies the distinctive architectural characteristics of a type, period, style or method of design or construction. The building is an example of traditional turn of the century commercial architecture. • Exemplifies or reflects special elements of the City's history. Again, this building housed the first bank in Edmonds. Mr. Lien concluded his presentation by recommending the Commission find the nomination meets the criteria for potential designation on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places. In particular, the exterior of the structure contains significant architectural features. CHAIR ECCLESHAL MOVED THE COMMISSION FORWARD THE EDMONDS BANK BUILDING NOMINATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION THAT IT BE LISTED ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AS OUTLINED IN THE STAFF REPORT (EXTERIOR ONLY). COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Bauer recalled that the nomination process was supposed to include a site visit by a member of the Commission. The Commission agreed they should make every effort to contact the owners of properties they are responsible for nominating to clarify their questions and concerns about the process. Commissioners should be prepared to report on the status of the properties on June 11d. Once a property has been included on the Register, the responsible Commissioner should be present when the plaque is installed on the property. The Commission discussed that the BOLA Report and the Museum are good resources for obtaining the detailed information the application form requires. In addition, Chair Eccleshall advised that the book, EDMONDS, GEM OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, documents every change in ownership of buildings in Edmonds from 1880 to 1954 and is an exceptional resource. The book is available at the Museum. It was noted that Google Images is another good source for information about historic buildings. Ms. Cunningham announced that the City Council's public hearing on the Edmonds Bank Nomination has been rescheduled to July 6`h. Application to Determine the Eligibility of the Olympic Hotel for Placement on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places Commissioner Bauer recalled that the Olympic Hotel is listed on both the State and National Registers and was previously discussed by the Commission. Mr. Chave advised that because the property owners have already offered their consent to be included on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places, the only thing left for the Commission to do is indicate exactly what aspects of the property they are designating as historic. COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THAT THE COMMISSION FORWARD THE OLYMPIC HOTEL SITE NOMINATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT IT (SITE ONLY) BE LISTED ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES AS PER THE ORDINANCE. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 14, 2009 Page 3 Application to Determine the Eligibility of the Ganahl-Hanlev Log Cabin for Placement on the Edmonds Register of Historic Places Chair Eccleshall noted that the Ganahl-Hanley Log Cabin is already identified on the State Register of Historic Places and was previously discussed by the Commission. Mayor Haakenson expressed concern that if the property is listed on the Register, the City's ability to repair the structure could be limited. Once he understood that regular upkeep and maintenance would be allowed, he withdrew his concern. It was noted that the cabin was originally built in another location by Actress Bridgette Hanley's family and was later moved to its current site. Chair Eccleshall referred to the draft ordinance, which indicates that the property meets the nomination criteria because it is directly associated with an individual who made an important contribution to the community and/or group of people. In addition, it has strong artistic, architectural or engineering qualities or displays unusual materials or craftwork belonging to a historic era. While the structure was removed from its original location, it is significant primarily for its architectural value and is the only surviving structure significantly associated with a historic person or event. COMMISSIONER BAUER MOVED THAT THE NOMINATION INCLUDE BOTH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE STRUCTURE, BUT NOT THE SITE, ITSELF. COMMISSIONER DEINER-KARR SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. It was noted that the City Council has not yet offered their consent to list the three city -owned properties on the register. The Commission discussed whether or not it would be necessary to send a formal letter to Mayor Haakenson, requesting consent. Mr. Chave explained that once the Commission has recommended approval of the three ordinances (Ganahl-Hanley Log Cabin structure, Brackett's Landing site and Olympic Hotel Site), staff could merely send them forward to the City Council for consent and approval at the same time. COMMISSIONER VOGEL MOVED THE COMMISSION FORWARD THE GANAHL-HANLEY LOG CABIN TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE RECOMMENDATION THAT BOTH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR OF THE STRUCTURE BE LISTED ON THE EDMONDS REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES. COMMISSIONER BAUER SECONDED THE MOTION. THE MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Commissioner Bauer reported that she attended a recent Edmonds Memorial Cemetery Board Meeting to discuss the proposed nomination for the cemetery property but she has not heard back from them. She agreed to contact Mr. McIntosh, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director, for an update on the status of the nomination. COMMITTEE REPORTS Recap of Saturday Work Session Chair Eccleshall reviewed that the Commission reached the following conclusions: • It would be appropriate to pursue the concept of historic overlays within the City. • It would be helpful to tour the City to figure out which districts should fit into individual historic overlays and then approach the property owners within those areas one section at a time. • The intent would be to eventually have a historic overlay that incorporates most of the Edmonds Bowl area. • Main Street would be the most difficult historic overlay to create. Therefore, they should attempt to grow the momentum around Main Street and hope the property owners follow along with the concept. Chair Eccleshall advised that he would bring the large map to the next meeting so the Commission could start to identify specific zones where historic overlays could be applied. He reminded the Commission that they previously agreed that the 4"' Avenue Corridor should be the first overlay, and the Commissioners agreed to meet within the next month to talk about how to proceed with preparing draft ideas to begin their conversation. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 14, 2009 Page 4 NEW BUSINESS "The Preservationist" Commissioner Vogel referred the Commissioners to the draft of the June edition of "The Preservationist," which features the Princess Theater. The Commissioners provided their comments and agreed that with some small changes, it was ready to publish. Commissioner Deiner-Karr agreed to purchase nicer paper for staff to print the document on. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Discussion on Draft Ordinances of City -Owned Properties Nominated for the Edmonds Register of Historic Places This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. ACTION ITEMS News Article "Then & Now" The Commission already discussed the next edition of THE PRESERVATIONIST. Media Events There were no media events to discuss. HISTORIC PRESERVATION CHAIR COMMENTS Chair Eccleshall did not provide any comments during this portion of the meeting. HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSIONER COMMENTS None of the Commissioners provided comments during this portion of the meeting. ADJOURNMENT The Commission meeting was adjourned at 6:05 p.m. Historic Preservation Commission Minutes May 14, 2009 Page 5