| 2/13/2017 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
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Minutes note: Ms. Carlen Hatala, staff, said the applicant is proposing canopies for both entries which will cover the stonework above the entrances as well as banner signs on each side of the entries. Staff would like to see fewer banners and a different type of signage. Items will be added to the roof as well as a new tower. There will be an outdoor beer garden on the roof and perimeter plantings. The current penthouse above a stairwell will be enlarged to meet code requirements for entrance and egress requirements for the rooftop amenities. The applicant is proposing to remove the stained glass windows and move them to the interior. Staff is opposed to their removal.
The existing entrances will be restored and the masonry will be cleaned. Temporary construction access will be through the alley.
The tower addition is sited for best preservation of the interior spaces. Part of the fourth floor will be lost to the addition, but the other floors are either open space for the auditorium or the basement. The walls will have a contemporary appearance. The tower will be hotel rooms with 13 of the 14 floors having the same floor plan. The mechanicals will be on the rooftop with a stone screen. A COA will need to be obtained for an illuminated sign at the top for the hotel.
Staff thinks this proposal is appropriate due to the preservation of the facade and the interior space. Staff will work on individual elements with the designers.
Staff did meet with the developer fairly extensively.
Ken Gowman and Craig Collegian- architects - they have already begun discussing canopy alternatives so the stone work above the entrances isn't obscured.
Eric Nordeen - holding group - the interior of the building doesn't lend itself to hotel rooms, as it has primarily large assembly rooms. The challenge was to maximize the correlation of meeting space and hotel rooms.
Mr. Collegian said that the tower is located where it is in order to best preserve all the interior features and this is really the only place it can be located. The chair noted that the commission is more concerned with preserving the exterior rather than the interior. The chair recommended spinning the tower 90 degrees but Mr. Williams had some concerns with doing that. For the building itself it's a high tower, but not for the downtown area it is in. The builder did look at other locations for the tower, but this location seemed to be the best. The interior spaces in the original building will be open to the public and add value to the city.
Dawn McCarthy - Milwaukee Preservation Alliance - seems to be an alternative to preserve the building and its interior features and they are not opposed to this plan.
David Bowen - Shorewood - member of the Masonic Center - he supports this project
Ms. Pieper Eisenbrown doesn't particularly like the glass aspect of the tower (minutes corrected at the March meeting to note that she doesn't dislike it, but it could be improved)
Ms. Keating Kahn really likes the juxtaposition of the historic building with the glass.
Mr. Williams appreciates that this preserves the historic facade of the building.
Mr. Jarosz also encouraged the applicant to work with staff on the canopy, signage, etc.
Mr. Williams moved for approval subject to staff conditions relating to canopies not obscuring the stone carvings, banner signage and a suitable solution for the stained glass windows, with a strong preference for retaining them in their current locations.
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