Historic Commission Minutes

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Mayor Christopher Johnson called the Historic District Commission meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.

Present: Culp, Bayly, Holleman, Gudritz, Cryderman, Johnson, and Coponen

Excused: None.

Also Present: Chief Building Official, Richard Starling, Gary Word,City Manager.

3. MINUTES: March 3, 2004

Motion by Holleman, supported by Bayly, to approve the March 3, 2004 minutes as submitted. Voice Vote: Motion Unanimously Carried.

C. Historic District Commission: Mayor Johnson reminded the Commissioners of the special meeting called by City Council for the purpose of reviewing preliminary, conceptual parking structure(s) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The DDA, Planning Commission, and the Historic District Commission are invited to attend.

CASE #1
Tina Mazzoni                                     Alteration
101 E. Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167

No one was present to represent the application. Because Commissioner Coponen’s office is in the building, he stated that seven vinyl replacement windows would be installed on the front of the building (north side) as well as, on the west side. Three or four years ago the owners of the building replaced half of the windows and they are now replacing the remaining windows to match the "new" existing windows. Wallside Windows is the contractor. The windows are double-hung, welded tilt windows.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Bayly to accept the application for completeness. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Holleman to issue a certificate of appropriateness with the condition that the new windows be the same color as the existing windows. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #2                                                    Alteration
Tim Luikart
521 W. Cady
Northville, Michigan 48167

The applicant, Tim Luikart, described plans to replace six existing aluminum windows with six Anderson Renewal custom windows. There will be no change to the existing opening. Three windows are in the living room, two in the dining room and one on the stairway landing. All windows are white and double-hung.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Gudritz to accept the application for completeness. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Motion by Culp, supported by Holleman to grant a notice to proceed. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #3                                                 SIGN
Rich Pohlkamp/Louise Miglio
La Corsetiere
123 E. Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167

Sue Dillon representing Graphic Visions, and the applicant, La Corsetiere, described plans for the front and rear signage for the building. The front single-sided computer routed sign is 23 ½" x 10’. The interior color is SW6572 "Ruby Shade", the border – SW6126 "Navajo White", corner accents – SW6303 "Rose Colored", carved in lettering for La Corsetiere – "Metallic Gold", and Bridal Lingerie & Intimate Apparel – "Navajo White" lettering. This sign is to be mounted over the front door. The rear sign (95" x 23 ½") is single–sided, computer routed, with a chamfered boarder and similar in colors. The back ground will be a Dover White panel - SW6385, Bridal Lingerie and Intimate Apparel littering - SW6311 – Memorable Rose and La Corsetiere and accents Ronan Rich Gold Metallic. Both front and rear signs are #18 sign foam. The sign for the back door will be 37" x 30" and ½" MDO. Colors are Dover White, Rosewood HP and Bright Gold Metallic.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Gudritz to accept the application for completeness. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Culp to grant a certificate of appropriateness, with the condition that the dimensions of the sign and the number of characters comply with the City of Northville’s sign ordinance regulations. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #4                                                 SIGN
Andrew Piccoli
Cobbler’s Corner
104 E. Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167

Sue Dillon representing Graphic Visions and Cobbler’s Corner presented plans for one single sided sign (30" x 10’) for the front of the store. The sign is a ¾" MDO painted sign and will be flat mounted exactly where the original sign hung. The new graphic of a shoe maker is one the applicant’s father used years a go. Colors: Background: SW Lodestone.

Border: Sapphire Blue Vinyl (A8580)

Parchment Vinyl: (A8205)

Lettering: Black HP (A8090)

Motion by Holleman supported by Culp to accept the application for completeness.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Gudritz to issue a certificate of appropriateness.

CASE #5                                                       SIGN
Motor City Car Wash
470 E. Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167

Phil Venables, representing Accent Signs, Inc. (Plymouth, Mi.) and Motor City Car Wash described the signage for the former Mr. Glow Car Wash. Plans for two signs were submitted. The 96" x 47.6" wall sign is single faced and non-illuminated with dimensional lettering. This sign replaces the existing sign and will be installed in the same location. The second sign will be a double faced non -illuminated ground sign with dimensional lettering. This sign will replace the existing ground sign and will be installed in the same location. Mr. Venables explained the intention to use the existing posts and wrap them with PVC. Colors: Newport Indigo Blue, Bright White, and a bright Yellow.

Commissioner Comments and Concerns: The proportion of the logo between the two signs differed. Commissioner consensus was that the logo on the wall mounted sign had more style and that the proportion of the ground sign should reflect the proportion of the wall sign. Exact paint colors need to be provided and perhaps soften to blend with the existing building. Because an opened and closed sign is Northville tradition for the car wash, the Commissioners asked that it be incorporated in the new ground sign.

Motion by Gudritz, supported by Coponen to refer the application back to the applicant. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #6                                        ALTERATION
Janice Johns
410 E. Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167

Ms. Johns explained that her project, when completed, will allow for first floor commercial retail use and second floor residential. She presented a new set of Architectural Drawings dated 3-17-04. She has a new architect and explained alterations and up dates from the previously submitted plans.

Commissioner Comments and Concerns: One major concern for the Commissioners were the two oversized (already installed) front windows on the north side of the structure. The oversized windows (as opposed to two windows mulled together), on either side of the front entrance door, changed the character of the building. The original simple farm house style has been changed to a mixture of different styles with each revision. The Commissioners were in agreement that the original 9-9-02 plans were more true to the original building. Because there were so many changes on the 3-17-04 plans, which differed from the original plans, the commissioners unanimously decided to defer action until the next month for the following reasons:

Concentrate on correcting the front windows

Return with a revised plan as close to the 9-9-2002 as possible.

Match the outline and the profile of the existing windows. (Vinyl clad windows have been approved.)

Return with a sample so that they can be approved before installation.

Motion by Holleman, supported by Cryderman to refer the application back to the applicant. As stated the goal should be to return with plans that are as close to the submitted and approved plans of 9-9-2002. Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #7                                          ALTERATION
Cary Pianin
222 West
Northville, Michigan 48167

Mr. and Mrs. Pianin described plans to replace the existing wood siding on their home with vinyl siding. After receiving many estimates from contractors and siding professionals, they have decided to vinyl side their 1890’s home. To replace the vast areas of existing rotten wood with cedar or hardy plank is not affordable. They stated that they have done the homework and found the wood can not hold the paint, and the structure of the house will not withstand the pressures of sandblasting nor the weight of hardy plank. They are certain that vinyl siding is want they can afford.

Commissioner Comments and Concerns: The Commissioners explained that the Northville Historical Design Standard document strongly discourages the use of vinyl siding. It recommends the preservation, repair, and maintenance of the original materials; in this case the wood siding. They suggested that in order to maintain this wonderful old house, one of the oldest in Northville, the use of hardy plank or double primed cedar should be considered. The states Secretary of Standards should be followed. A suggestion was offered to explore using a state tax incentive or state tax credit for historic buildings. Because the project might seem overwhelming, the suggestion was made to just do a "chunk" at a time.

Motion by Cryderman, supported by Holleman to refer the application back to the applicant for more information, (particularly cost estimates for refurbishing the original wood siding). Voice Vote: Ayes: All. Motion Unanimously Carried.

CASE #8                                      NEW
Londeco                                       CONSTRUCTION
120 W. Main Street
Northville, Michigan 48167

Jim Long described plans for the 23, 000 sq. ft. building. He stated that the Planning Commission granted preliminary and final site plan approval at the 2-17-2004 meeting, subject to HDC approval. The building designed to look like three separate buildings, will be two stories at the west elevation and three stories at the east elevation. The first floor will have six individual retail spaces and the second and third floors will be office.

Amenities include:

Continuing the City of Northville streetscape plan along Main and Wing Streets.

If the SBC utilities at the east end of the building can be moved, provide a plaza area with chairs.

Main entrance to the building will be recessed three feet, giving it the appearance of disappearing and creating a two structure effect.

Artist’s rendering illustrated height issues and the four foot grade differential from the west to the east.

The height of the building was discussed. Zoning regulations allow a 48 ft. building height in the CBD and existing building heights as they relate to the Long Property were discussed.

Building materials include:

Taller east building –light brick (similar to American Spoon.)

Middle building – dark brick. .

West building – pinkish brick.

Green sash on the two story and burgundy on the three story.

Limestone and Baltic granite

Metal cornices, copper coins

Windows are wooden, double hung and aluminum clad.

Roof screening system from California for the mechanical equipment is being researched, but at this point do not know the specifics.

Long stated that he would like to proceed with construction documents and the bid phase for construction products etc, have the ability to order the bricks and will return with the air handling units.

Commissioner Consensus:

The mass of the building flows with the street, as it steps up going from the east to the west.

The one building looks like several buildings that were constructed over time, as most of the buildings in Northville were.

The building is elegantly detailed and striking.

The use of the natural materials is sound, and the blending of colors are appropriate in the breaking up of the massing of a building this size.

Consensus is to return with materials for the mechanical roof top screening, and colors for the brick mortar. The applicant will need to return for the building’s signage.

Motion by Culp, supported by Gudritz to accept the application of completeness. Voice Vote: All. Nays: None. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Motion by Culp, supported by Cryderman to grant a certificate of appropriateness a motion to proceed. (amended 4-21-2004). for the drawings. Samples of brick, granite, windows and the roof top screening treatment, colors of grout, and the mortar joints colors will be submitted at a later date. Voice Vote: All. Nays: None. Motion Unanimously Carried.

Mayor Johnson stated that he was uncomfortable discussing a case that had a pending appeal before talking with the City Attorney. A new idea or plan would be more appropriate to discuss than revisiting the old plan.

On March 8, 2004 The Garrison Company submitted a letter to the Northville Building Department asking that D & D Bicycle be placed on the 3-17-2004 Historic District Commission Agenda. The letter stated that the "purpose of the request is to allow for an informal discussion regarding alternate design direction that D & D is interested in pursuing with the appropriate comment and direction from the Commission." (A Garrison Company letter referenced and dated 3-8-04 and enclosed in the Commissioner’s packet.)

Don Moore, owner of D & D Bicycle referenced the intent of the letter and added that the Board of Appeals in Lansing encouraged D & D Bicycle to discuss alternatives ("to work this thing out") with the Northville Historic District Commission before the June 2004 appeal date.

Manager Word stated that after the City Attorney is consulted, the applicant and an

Historic District Commission – sub committee might wish to review the alternatives in April.

Mayor Johnson responded that if there are no legal issues, than perhaps a HDC study session would be appropriate.

Commissioner Comments and Concerns: The Commissioners stated that they were more than willing to discuss the project as they were cleared to do it. It was suggested that because D&D Bicycle has been in an appeal process, that instead a sub-committee discussion, the entire HDC Board, as well as the Garrison Design team, should be involved in a future study session.

Mayor Johnson reported that on 3-23-2004 the joint meeting with City Council, DDA, the Planning Commission and the HDC will discuss the proposed deck. The DDA has been revisiting the idea of one large deck in favor for two smaller decks. One would be in the Marquis Theatre parking lot and the other on the Wing Street parking lot. Both decks are at ground level with one story above.

Motion by Bayly supported by Culp, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

P. S. Howard

Recording Secretary