Historic Commission Minutes

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1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Swigart called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Present: Coponen, Cryderman, Culp, Holleman, Swigart.

Absent: None.

3. MINUTES: Motion by Culp, supported by Coponen to approve the minutes of the June 20, 2001 as submitted. Motion Unanimously Carried. Voice Vote.

4. AUDIENCE COMMENTS: None.

A. City Administration: None.

B. City Council: None.

C. Planning Commission: None.

D. Other Community / Governmental Liaisons: None.

Ross Worley New Garage

115 Linden

Northville, Michigan 48167

Mr. Worley, the homeowner, asked permission to build a new 22’ x 20’ garage at the rear of his property. He provided a working drawing which showed that the garage door will have two separate doors 8’ x 8’. The garage and trim paint will match that of the existing house.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Culp to accept the application as submitted. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried.

Starbucks 2 Signs, Screening for

302 E. Main St. HVCA & Dumpster

Northville, Michigan 48167

No one was present to represent the application. The application submitted to the Northville Building Department stated that a free standing, non-illuminated sign, made out of cedar will be south of the sidewalk and centered on the property line. The logo a 2’ sq. disc will be mounted on both sides of the sign. Colors are Starbucks corporate green (Color Pantone Matching system #3425), white and matte black. The sign’s post and signboard background will be painted cream.

Discussion followed regarding the temporary placement of the dumpster on the Energer property –

the New Victorian a well as painting the HVCA fencing on the roof to match either the cedar shakes of the building or a light green which will match the light green trim of the building’s band at the roof line. The green corporate Starbuck’s non-illuminated lettering, originally planned, for have been changed to white. The existing dark brown roof did not allow for a contrast with the green letters. Tube Art Signs and Sports Displays is the sign manufacturer.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Culp to accept the application for Starbucks. This includes the items that the Starbucks lettering placed on the roof will be painted white, the free standing non illuminated sign made out of cedar will be contain the Starbucks disc logo with the posts and background painted white. The fencing on the HVAC will match the trim colors of the building’s band at the roofline (light green). The dumpster will temporarily be located on the east side of the property at the north end of the New Victorian (Dennis Energer’s building). Final resolution of the location of the dumpster will occur after the New Victorian is completed. The original green Starbucks tube lettering mounted on the cedar shake, Mansard roof will be changed from the approved green to white. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried.

Graphic Visions Sign

182-184 E. Main Street

Northville, Michigan 48167

Sue Dillon, representing Graphics Vision, described the signage for: Equitas Financial Advisors. The lettering will be a 4" formed plastic, painted Metallic Gold, with a GT-Architectural font. The lettering will be stud mounted directly in to the brick and centered directly over the two doors 182 and 184. The sign totals 2.25 Sq. Ft. Language from the Northville Zoning Ordinance regarding Permitted Wall Signs within the CBD was submitted. The new Long Building signage:

Utopia Front 9.0 s/f

Utopia Back 5.0 s/f

FineThreads Front 29.5 s/f

FineThreads Back 12.0 s/f

Equitas 2.25 s/f

Total 43.75 s/f (66 s/f is allowed)

Motion by Holleman, supported by Coponen to accept the application as submitted. Voice Vote. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Donald Bingham Exterior Paint

150-154 Mary Alexander Court

Northville, Michigan 48167

The owner of the building, Don Bingham described the plans to pressure wash and stain the cedar shake roof on the building. The cedar shakes will then be stained Sherwin Williams (3501) / Redwood and the underside and all wood trim will be painted Sherwin Williams (2207) / Colony Buff.

Motion by Culp, supported by Cryderman to approve the application as submitted. Voice Vote:

Carl & Marsha Giroux Exterior Paint

127 S. Rogers

Northville, Michigan 48167

The Girouxs described plans for the exterior paint for their home. Colors: Main body of the house: New Moon/Gray-Blue, Trim: Lamswool/Cream, Window Trim: Hearth/Taupe, Accent Color: Beetroot/Burgandy.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Because five colors are difficult to pull off the Commissioners suggested the applicant wait until the very end of the painting project to introduce the Beetroot.

Motion by Coponen, supported by Holleman to approve the exterior paint colors for the home, as submitted. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried.

Fifth Third Bank/Dallman Industries Sign

125 CadyCentre

Northville, Michigan 48167

No one was present to represent the application. The application stated that the request was for a 36" x 66 ½ sign. The lighted area is 11 ¼" x 28" wide.

Commissioner Comments and Concerns: The number of message units exceeds the allowable number. The sign is backlit and sign colors were not presented.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Holleman to refer the application back to the applicant because the sign is backlit, the message units exceed the Ordinance’s requirements, and colors need to be submitted. Voice Vote. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Cingular/Graphic Visions Sign

126 MainCentre

Northville, Michigan 48167

Sue Dillon representing Cingular Wireless described the plans for one single-sided routered sign. She stated she had been contracted by a firm in California to make the sign. The dimensions are 2’ x 12" and the Substrate is sign foam. Colors are Orange to match PMS 165, SW Navajo White, Black with Traditional Gold Leaf. The colonnade, directory sign will also include a smaller version of this sign.

Motion by Culp, supported by Cryderman to accept the application as submitted.

Across the Street Sign

102 E. Main Street

Northville, Michigan 48167

Sue Dillon representing Across the Street explained that the Historic Commission originally approved a sign in April 2001. The sign had not gone to production and the client has now made changes to the art and material. The sign has changed from carved sign foam with a copper metal surface to a pewter anodized aluminum face and stud mounted. A sample of the material was provided as well as a colored scaled layout with the specifications.

Motion by Culp, supported by Coponen to accept the application as submitted.

Hugh D. Bray Fence

231 N. Rogers

Northville, Michigan 48167

Susan Bray explained plans for a replacement fence along the back (north) property line. The new fence replaces an old chain link fence and will match the existing fence on the south side of the property and will be esthetically more pleasing. The height of the fence is 43" and will be made out of wolmanized wood. A photo was submitted.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Culp to accept the application as submitted. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried.

Raffi Kuredjian New Home

422 Dubuar

Northville, Michigan 48167

The owner of the property was not present but Stefan Hoffman (Hoffman Design, Inc.) described plans for the construction of a new two and a half story home with a full basement at 422 Dubuar. A three car, detached garage is also planned for the rear (west) of the lot. The plans call for home with a Victorian flavor complete with a verandah that will have a metal copper roof. The home will be made out of wood lap siding, the chimney and base of the house out of a stone vainer, the roof, an architectural shingle and all windows will have muttons. The front porch includes Tuscan columns and the porch spindles will be traditional turned balusters. Trees on the property will remain.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Coponen to accept the application for the design of the home. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried. Colors will be presented at a later date.

Andy & Tracy Ortlieb/Greg Presley Alteration to residence

207 N. Rogers

Northville, Michigan 48167

Architect, Greg Presley described plans to renovate the Ortlieb’s home. The original home dates back to 1864 with a block foundation addition added in the 1920’s. The upper level has two very small rooms and a tiny bathroom with a low ceiling. The existing home is 1300 sq. ft. and the addition is 7oo sq. ft. A second story addition is planned for phase one. The existing roof has a 12’10" pitch that gives it a "cottage feel." The roofline will be increased and the ridgeline will be at 24 feet. The existing windows and porch will remain on the south side of the house. The west wall will continue out creating a new covered porch on the rear and a new side porch, laundry/mud room on the west. A by window will be added on the south elevation which will increase the size of the dining room.

Five inch hardy plank with trim board will be used to replicate the existing fascia board and crown detailing.

Mr. Presley also stated that the applicants have decided to not use windows with mutton bars on the new windows and plan to remove the grills on the existing windows.

Motion by Culp, supported by Holleman, to accept the application with the amendment that the

addition expands the upstairs Master Suite and closet area, and the one over one double hung windows be used in the addition. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried The applicant will return with colors.

Michael’s Angel Attic Sign

125 E. Main Street

Northville, Michigan 48167

The owners of Michael’s Angel Attic (formerly Gypsy’s Light) presented plans for exterior signage and paint colors. They stated they have currently operated their existing store in Livonia, but are moving to Northville. Colors and photos were submitted from the Livonia Store. The existing canopy will be painted white and have a black logo. The lettering will be approximately 8-10" high and 2" wide. The logo (an Angel) will be approximately 24" high and 18" wide. A black and white checkered pattern is planned for the front of the building.

Motion by Culp, supported by Cryderman to accept the submitted application with the amendment that the signage be verified with the Northville Building Department that it meet the Sign Ordinance requirements. An Angel logo will also be added. Voice Vote. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Cambridge Place New Commercial Building

170 East Cady Street

Northville, Michigan 48167

Builder, Marc Guidobono introduced himself and stated that he is a thirteen year resident of Northville as well as the developer of Cambridge Place. He stated that the development, planned for the south side of Cady Street is a five story, mixed use development of 110,000 sq. ft. The project includes 13,000 sq. ft. of commercial use, 23,000 sq. ft. of office space, and 31,000 of luxury condominium living. He has presented the plans to the Northville Chamber of Commerce, the DDA, and been granted preliminary approval by the Planning Commission and City Council. This evening he is asking the Historic District Commission for conceptual approval.

Architect, Greg Presley also described the project as a PUD. The project sets on an acre parcel of land. The center of the building is in direct line with the Town Square and the Gazebo area on Main Street. A 40’ x 80’ public plaza area for the front of the "center" building is planed as well as a planned walk thru for the center building. Thru the approval process the front of the building has been pushed south 10 feet that will allow parallel parking on Cady Street. Parking is planned for three sides of the building as well as on site. A lower level, underground parking deck, with secured access for the condominium residents is planned. The building will contain two lobbies; one for residential use and one for commercial use. Twelve condominiums are contained on the 3^rd floor, 12 on the 4^th floor and one penthouse on the 5^th floor.

Because the north and south elevations of the building will be seen at all times, much thought has gone into the building appearance to diminish the height. The fifth floor has been set back with patios and terraces and glass has been used to reflect the sky. He continued with a brief history showing different elevations and facades for the building. Because of the size of the project, there has been an attempt to break the one building up into three different facades.

The East Building has a French Second Empire feel, using a split faced red brick with rusticated lines. Casement windows with transoms are used.

The Middle Building has a Chicago, H. H. Richardson feel and is the focal point of the building. Solidity and a monumental feel are created with the use of the Chicago Commons brick. Four different types of granite as well as pre cast stone are planned for the exterior. The fifth floor is a neutral color to diminish the height issues.

The West Building has an "upscale" warehouse feel. This building use a brick blend with a darker brick creating the decorative details.

A Virtual Reality presentation was given particularly showing the scale of the height and mass of the building and how it relates to both Main and Cady Streets. Presley stated that this building is unique to this particular location because of the lay of the land on Cady Street and the project would not work else where on Cady St.

Chairman Tom Swigart stated, "The charge of the Northville Historic District Commission is to maintain the historic character and integrity of the Northville Historic District. Our charge is both Large and significant."

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Comments: The building has many good parts and pieces, and some nice solid architectural details. This is a unique opportunity and could be an incredible building. Much work has gone into the project and it is evolving from where it began. The elevations have been improved upon. The "mass" has been tightened up and it is continuing in the right direction. This could be an opportunity for national recognition. Concerns: It is evident that many organizations, groups and Commissions have given ideas to this project but the building needs one strong architectural theme; it needs an elegant feel an overall building theme and an idea that ties the three together. When complete, the building should withstand the elements of time. Quality is extremely important and the details should not fall by the wayside. At this point the building lacks elegance. The building need not replicate anything on Main Street, but should create its own feel. Concerns were expressed regarding the building’s height. The possibility (or fear) of creating another MainCenter project was expressed. The Commissioners differed on the height issue. Because of Northville Downs, some thought the height was not an issue, now or in the future, if the Downs should leave. The view from the south is only temporary. The height issue will diminish as other buildings are built around it. Has the height of this project been discussed in relation to other buildings in the downtown? The south side of the building has a 33’ differential from the track. The south side of the building should be softened as much as the north elevation. The mass of the building was an issue for at least one of the Commissioners.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Coponen to grant conceptual approval for Cambridge Place based on the concepts discussed here tonight, i.e. the continuing refinement of the building’s architectural details. Voice Vote: Yeas: Coponen, Cryderman, Holleman, Swigart. Nays: Culp. Motion Carried.

Respectfully submitted,

P.S. Howard

Recording Secretary