HomeMy WebLinkAboutA003 - Council Action Form dated November 20, 2007 ITEM #: C
DATE: 11/20/07
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 218 LINCOLN WAY TO
ESTABLISH THE "O-H' (HISTORIC PRESERVATION OVERLAY)
DISTRICT AND DESIGNATE THE PROPERTY AS A LOCAL HISTORIC
LANDMARK
BACKGROUND:
Date Prepared: November 2, 2007
Property Owner: Grantland Shipp
20 Parkside Road
Silver Springs, Maryland 20910-5454
Applicant: Nancy Greene as representative for the Archie A. and Nancy C.
Martin Foundation
Location: 218 Lincoln Way
Acreage: 0.21 acres (9,000 square feet)
Project Description: The Archie A. and Nancy C. Martin Foundation has submitted an
application requesting that the City of Ames designate the house, located at 218 Lincoln
Way, as a local historic landmark, including "Design Criteria" to be used as guidance in
evaluating future changes to the exterior of the existing house. The property owner,
Grantland Shipp, is aware of the request for designation of the property as a Local Historic
Landmark and is supportive of the designation (see attached letter from Mr. Shipp). To
establish this Local Landmark designation, it is necessary to place the "O-H" (Historic
Preservation Overlay) District designation on the property. The "HOC" (Highway-Oriented
Commercial) base zoning of the property will remain unchanged.
The property at 218 Lincoln Way is legally described as the east fifty feet of Lot 4, Block 2,
Blacks Addition. This is an interior lot occupied by one single-family dwelling constructed in
1920. The property is zoned as "HOC" (Highway-Oriented Commercial) and is served by
City sewer, water, and electric.
Description of Surrounding Area.
Area LUPP Designation Zoning Land Uses
North Highway-Oriented HOC Commercial
Commercial (Highway-Oriented Commercial)
South South Lincoln Sub-Area S-SMD(South Lincoln Residential & Commercial
Mixed Use District Mixed Use District)
East Highway-Oriented HOC Commercial
Commercial (Highway-Oriented Commercial)
West Highway-Oriented HOC Commercial
Commercial (Highway-Oriented Commercial)
Land Use Policy Plan (LUPP) Map/Goals and Policies. The adopted LUPP includes
policy direction for the preservation of historic, cultural, and educational resources.
Goal No.10 states: "It is the goal of Ames to maintain and enhance its cultural heritage".
Objectives for Goal No. 10 are to maintain and enhance Ames' cultural heritage.
Objectives that apply to the Local Historic Landmark proposal include the following:
• Objective 10A. Ames seeks to provide a record of its earlier development through
conservation, preservation, and restoration of historically/architecturally significant
structures and areas where economically feasible.
• Objective 108. Ames seeks to integrate historically/architecturally significant structures
and areas with new development in a compatible and unifying manner.
Vision Statements in the LUPP for Neighborhoods includes the following statement:
• In attracting and maintaining this network of neighborhoods the following priorities are
identified: "...Conservation and enhancement of the integrity and character of existing
neighborhoods ...".
Process for Designation as a Local Historic Landmark. The Historic Preservation
Commission conducted a public hearing at the Historic Preservation Commission meeting
on May 14, 2007. The Commission conducted a second public hearing at the Historic
Preservation Commission meeting on June 11, 2007,with revised Design Criteria provided
by the applicant. The Commission at the public hearing took oral and written testimony
concerning the significance of the nominated historic landmark. It is the responsibility of
the Historic Preservation Commission to determine whether the structure proposed for
designation as a Local Historic Landmark meets the criteria for designation. _
On June 26, 2007, the City Council forwarded the proposal for the Local Landmark
Designation to the State Historical Society of Iowa for review and recommendation.
2
On August 15, 2007, the State Historical Society of Iowa completed their review of the
request for designation as a local historic landmark. The State Historical Society concurred
with the finding of the Ames Historic Preservation Commission that this property is eligible
as a local historic landmark because of its association with Archie and Nancy Martin, who
provided housing for African-American students during the period 1920-1945 at 218
Lincoln Way.
Restrictions of Local Landmark Designation. Designation of the house at 218 Lincoln
Way as a Local Historic Landmark will require that the property owner comply with all
regulations of Chapter 31 (Historic Preservation Districts) of the Municipal Code. The
property owner will be required to comply with the adopted Design Guidelines and Design
Criteria for any alterations or additions to the exterior of the building, and receive approval
of a Certificate of Appropriateness, prior to proceeding with proposed changes to the
building exterior. Demolition of the building will be prohibited, unless the structure
cannot be used for the original intended purpose and/or no alternative reasonable
use can be identified and the propertV owner can show evidence that an "economic
hardship" will be created if the structure cannot be removed.
Zoning/Non-Conforming Use. The subject property is zoned as "HOC"
(Highway-Oriented Commercial). The "HOC" zoning district is intended to allow
auto-accommodating commercial development in areas already predominantly developed
for this use. The zone allows a full range of retail and service businesses with a large local
or city-wide market. Development is expected to be generally auto-accommodating, with
access from major traffic ways. The zone's development standards are intended to
promote an open and pleasant street appearance; development that is aesthetically
pleasing for motorists, pedestrians, and the businesses themselves; and compatibility with
adjacent residential areas.
Section 29.804(2) of the Municipal Code includes a table of uses permitted in the "HOC"
(Highway-Oriented Commercial) zoning district. The property at 218 Lincoln Way is
occupied as a single-family dwelling, which is not a permitted use in the HOC district. The
current use of property at 218 Lincoln Way is therefore classified as a non-conforming use
by Section 29.307(2) of the Municipal Code.
It is important to note that designation of the house at 218 Lincoln Way, as a Local Historic
Landmark, will likely continue this non-conforming use for many years. Demolition of a
Local Historic Landmark for the purposes of redevelopment as a commercial land use is
not supported by the Land Use Policy Plan, or by the regulations for historic structures
found in Chapter 31 of the Municipal Code.
3
Narrative Documenting Historical Significance of the House. Section 31.8(1)(d)of the
Municipal Code requires that a proposal for designation of a historic landmark include a
narrative providing information concerning at least one of the following:
• Its association with events that have a significant contribution to the broad patterns of
community history; or
• Its association with the lives of persons significant in the community history; or
• Its embodying of the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, method of new
construction, etc.
A narrative, written by Thomas Leslie, AIA, is included with the application. The narrative
includes statements, which address "the distinctive characteristics of a type, period,
method or new construction, etc.", as follows:
• The Martin House is a "well-preserved example of craftsman style bungalow houses in
Ames."
• It is the last remaining structure of its type along Lincoln Way, and it represents the skill
of local builders of the 1910's and 1920's.
• ... the house is in reasonably good condition and could fairly easily be renovated to its
original appearance.
• The house was built in 1920, according to the County Assessor.
• The materials are largely intact and nearly all of the house is in its original condition.
• The house's overall massing clearly show the principles of the Craftsman style, with
symmetrical forms, simple roof slopes, and carefully proportioned windows and doors
creating a quite formal composition.
• The Lincoln Way elevation in particular uses a broad porch with large pillars to
emphasize the entrance facing the street.
• While the massing and materials are typical of the type, the size of the Martin House,
probably because of its intended function as a boarding house, is unusual for a
Craftsman ...
• The Martin House is thus an important example of the Craftsman style, and also an
unusual example of this style applied to a modified architectural program.
Mr. Leslie concludes that the Martin House at 218 Lincoln Way would be a reasonably
strong candidate for Local Landmark designation, based on its architectural merits.
Written materials, as described in the next section of this Action Form, have been
submitted by the applicant to demonstrate "association of the property with the lives of
persons significant in the community history."
4
Narrative Providing Information about Events or Persons. Section 31.8(1)(e) of the
Municipal Code requires that a proposal for designation of a historic landmark include a
narrative providing information about events or persons that may have a significant
relationship to the area and its past.
The applicant has submitted copies of newspaper articles that focus on the contributions of
Archie and Nancy Martin in providing housing for African-American students at their house
on the property at 218 Lincoln Way. The newspaper articles speak to the fact that a
dormitory on the Iowa State University Campus was named in honor of the Martins.
Other newspaper articles included with the application document that a brick and stone pier
was constructed on the northeast corner of the intersection of Fifth Street and Burnett
Avenue and dedicated on February 10, 2002, in honor of Archie and Nancy Martin. Stone
plaques mounted on the pier show a portrait of Archie and Nancy Martin and a picture of
their house at 218 Lincoln Way.
Photos that are part of the Farwell T. Brown photographic archive have been included with
the application. The photos show the house at 218 Lincoln Way, Archie Martin, Nancy
Martin, and their family. More recent photos are included that show interior features of the
Martin house.
Design Criteria. The applicant is required to submit proposed "Design Criteria"for use as
an aid to future decisions on the approval of Certificates of Appropriateness for the
particular Local Historic Landmark.
The proposed Design Criteria for 218 Lincoln Way, as revised by the applicant since the
May 14, 2007 meeting of the Historic Preservation Commission, and recommended for
approval by the Historic Preservation Commission on June 11, 2007, are acceptable to
staff as written.
An ordinance to adopt Design Criteria for the property at 218 Lincoln Way is being
processed concurrently with the request to establish the "O-H" (Historic
Preservation Overlay) District.
Staff Analysis. The staff provided to the Planning and Zoning Commission written findings
of facts and conclusions. In summary, the staff concluded that the proposed establishment
of the "O-H" (Historical Preservation Overlay) zone on this property is consistent with the
Land Use Policy Plan. The overlay zone serves a particular purpose and applies as a
supplement to the base zone regulations.
The staff further concluded that the proposed designation of the property at 218 Lincoln
Way as a Local Historic Landmark is consistent with the purpose of Chapter 31 of the
Municipal Code, since such designation will contribute to the preservation and protection of
an historic structure which serves as a visible reminder of the history and cultural heritage
of the city.
Rezoning to establish the "O-H"(Historic Preservation Overlay) District is contingent upon
adoption of "Design Criteria" for 218 Lincoln Way in Chapter 31 of the Municipal Code.
5
Public Comments. Robert Goodwin,Attorney at Law, spoke in opposition to the proposed
rezoning on behalf of Laurel J. and Mildred E. Ely, the owners of property immediately to
the east of 218 Lincoln Way. Attached is a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission
from Mr. Goodwin.
Recommendation of the Planning &Zoning Commission. At its meeting of November
7, 2007, with a vote of 5-1, the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval
of the rezoning of land located at 218 Lincoln Way to establish the "O-H" (Historic
Preservation Overlay) District and designate the property as a Local Historic Landmark,
based upon staff's findings and conclusions. Several members of the Commission
expressed concern about not knowing what the property owner has in mind for the use of
this property, the maintenance and upkeep of the property since the property owner lives
out of state, and because this house is surrounded by commercial uses.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can approve the proposed rezoning of land located at 218 Lincoln
Way to establish the "O-H" (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the
property as a Local Historic Landmark, based upon the attached analysis and subject to
the following stipulation:
• Rezoning to establish the"O-H"(Historic Preservation Overlay) District is contingent
upon adoption of "Design Criteria" for 218 Lincoln Way.
2. The City Council can deny the proposed rezoning of land located at 218 Lincoln Way to
establish the "O-H" (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the property
as a Local Historic Landmark.
3. The City Council can approve the proposed rezoning of land located at 218 Lincoln
Way to establish the "O-H" (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the
property as a Local Historic Landmark, with modifications
4. Action on this request can be postponed and referred back to City staff and/or the
applicant for additional information.
6
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
It is the City Manager's recommendation that the City Council act in accordance with
Alternative 1. This action will approve the proposed rezoning of land located at 218 Lincoln
Way to establish the "O-H" (Historic Preservation Overlay) District and designate the
property as a Local Historic Landmark, based upon the attached analysis and subject to
the following stipulation:
• Rezoning to establish the "O-H"(Historic Preservation Overlay) District is contingent
upon adoption of "Design Criteria" for 218 Lincoln Way.
7
ATTACHMENT A
Applicable Law
The laws applicable to this case file include, but are not limited to, the following: (verbatim
language is shown in italics, other references are paraphrased):
Ames Municipal Code.
Chapter 29 of the Municipal Code addresses the adopted zoning regulations forthe City of
Ames.
Section 29.1102. "O-H" Historic Preservation Overlay.
(1) Purpose. The Historic Preservation Overlay (O-H) Zone is intended to recognize the
establishment of the City's local Historic Districts (see Section 3.1 et sue. of the Municipal
Code) and to promote the public interest in having the full and informed participation of the
City's Historic Preservation Commission in the hearing of zoning applications potentially
affecting the City's historic resources. To fully meet this objective, the Historic Preservation
Overlay Zone may include properties that are proximate to, but not within, one of the
Historic Districts established by the Municipal Code. The procedures established by this
Section are intended to ensure that the City's Historic Preservation Commission is
specifically notified of all applications before the Planning and Zoning Commission or the
Zoning Board of Adjustment respecting property within or proximate to the City's local
Historic Districts.
(2) Notice. With regard to zoning applications and proposed zoning ordinance
amendments that affect proposed or designated landmarks and historic districts, the
Historic Preservation Commission shall consider such applications and/or amendments
prior to consideration by the Zoning Board of Adjustment, or by the Planning and Zoning
Commission.
(3) Certificate of Appropriateness. As provided by Section 31.10 of the Municipal Code,
and notwithstanding any uses otherwise permitted under an applicable Base Zone
classification, no building or structure within an Historic District established pursuant to
Chapter 31 of the Municipal Code may be erected, altered, demolished or removed, and no
area within such Chapter 31 Historic District may be used for industrial, commercial,
business, home, industry or occupational parking until a certificate of appropriateness has
been issued for such activity by the Historic Preservation Commission. This requirement
applies only to properties within the City's Historic Districts.
Section 29.30(2). Nonconforming Uses. This section describes that any structure or lot
that is nonconforming may be continued so long as it remains otherwise lawful, subject to
certain standards and limitations.
8
Section 29.804. Highway-Oriented Commercial.
(1) Purpose. The Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) Zone is intended to allow auto-
accommodating commercial development in areas already predominantly developed for
this use. The zone allows a full range of retail and service businesses with a large local or
citywide market. Development is expected to be generally auto-accommodating, with
access from major traffic ways. The zone's development standards are intended to
promote an open and pleasant street appearance; development that is aesthetically
pleasing for motorists, pedestrians and the businesses themselves;and compatibility with
adjacent residential areas.
Table 29.804(2). Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC)Zone Uses. This table defines the
uses allowed in the "HOC" zone.
Table 29.804(3). Highway-Oriented Commercial (HOC) Zone Development Standards.
This table defines the development standards in the "HOC" Zone.
Chapter 31 of the Municipal Code addresses the adopted Historic Preservation District
regulations for the City of Ames.
Section 31.8. Procedures for Designation of a Historic District or Landmark. This section
describes the data that must be submitted in the application requesting designation of a
local historic district or landmark.
9
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Oct 21,2006
To: Planning and Housing Department
City of Ames, Iowa
Please designate the Martin home at 218 Lincoln Way as a Historic Landmark
in Ames, Iowa. This is the home of Archie and Nancy Martin after whom the
Archie and Nancy Martin dormitory is named at Iowa State University for their
contribution to the community and nation. There is documentation in Ames,
Iowa and at Iowa State University on the history of the home and I respectfully
request that you use that documentation as the basis for approval. The stairs to
the home are scheduled to be repaired. Use of the home has not been decided.
Ycmrs Truly
� V,
tlan V Ship
Grandson