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HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Minutes note: Mr. Andrew Stern said the building has 3 fire escapes that go to and from different levels; with 2 of them being replacement. This is the last original remaining fire escape. This fire escape egresses from a third floor to the roof of a boiler room, but there is no means to get to the ground floor. There is ample egress from the third floor without this fire escape. The fire escape does need some work and the application desires to remove the fire escape and in-fill with cream city brick and do touch-up as needed.
Staff recommends denial as this is more ornately designed than the current fire escapes and is the sole remaining original one. Signage could note that this fire escape is not functional and not to be used, but repair this to maintain it.
Craig Ivy - architect - the fire escape has never been compliant with any building code and the view of it was obscured in 1915 when the boiler room was built. The fire escape is 15" wide and stairs broke when they were walking down them. It would cost $150,000-$200,000 to repair it to function as a fire escape. If anyone uses the fire escape and is unable to get out on their own, there is no way to get them out. They would like to remove it to prevent future safety issues. It cannot be seen from the public street.
Staff does not recommend it be repaired up to code, but to stabilize it and leave it as is.
Mr. Jarosz asked about what State Historic Preservation Office's position would be.
If it were not functional, it would need to be decommissioned, which is a plan review, per the architect.
Hold for a month so State Historic Preservation Office can weigh in on retaining this building element. | | |
Not available
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