| 8/7/2023 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| ADOPTED
Minutes note: Mr. Witkowiak had a question of staff relating to another building. He will attempt to move the building although he thinks that HPC would be better served by allowing him to maintain the facade and replace the back of the building. He accepts the staff report and recommendations.
| Pass | 6:0 |
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| 7/10/2023 | 0 |
HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION
| HELD IN COMMITTEE
Minutes note: Mr. Tim Askin said the applicant wants to move the building closer to existing buildings, with preference to move the front wall and build a new rear. He would also adding parking to the south and a new pedestrian plaza. Mr. Askin said it was a fairly common practice to move buildings on Mitchell Street, so the move itself isn't a concern. The building has always been a commercial rental. The plaza is a reasonable use for space that has been sitting vacant for decades, but there are no defined materials besides extension of the existing fence. Staff would recommend permeable pavers and a plan needs to be submitted to address stormwater runoff. The parking area can be concrete, but staff would encourage permeable pavers there as well. Staff recommends denial of the partial demolition, approval of moving of the building and approval of the plaza pending DNS review of materials and a stormwater plan. He would also encourage additional plantings to screen off the exisiting parking on Mitchell Street
James Witkowiak - owner
Louis Barbosa - architect
Nancy Bush - BID director.
Mr. Witkowiak had to combine 3 lots, which took a few years and he lost right-to-purchase for one of the lots and his contractors. The only historic part of the building is the front facade. He would like to strip the front facade off the building and attach it to the new building.
Mr. Barbosa said the building is unstable and the lower level has temporary support and there is bracing on the first floor. The building has not been occupied for years.
People who come for funerals stand on the front sidewalk and clog up the sidewalk as they chat, smoke and snack The plaza is an attempt to provide an area for them to be without clogging up the sidewalk.
Mr. Barbosa said moving the building would lead to increased security as the view of the alley would no longer be blocked.
The building will become a flower shop.
The owner is fine with staff going into the building.
Ms. Peltz would like to have a structural engineer provide a report.
The owner would like to use Hardy plank as a siding rather than the wood. The building is currently wood clapboard. Hardy plank has only been used for garages; the owner said 541 W. Historic Mitchell St. was done in Hardy plank.
The Commission would permit moving the building, but not demolishing it. The structure engineer would need to report on the stability of the existing structure for a move.
Approve the move with the stipulation that the building will not collapse as a result or during the move.
A new resolution may need to be introduced that states "demolition" if that is really what is being requested.
Ms. Bush sees this as positive for Mitchell Street with being able to retain the front facade on a new structure.
| Pass | 6:0 |
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