HomeMy WebLinkAboutA006 - Council Action Form dated August 11, 2009 ITEM #: 32
DATE: 08-11-09
COUNCIL ACTION FORM
SUBJECT: ZONING TEXT AMENDMENT PERTAINING TO DESIGN CRITERIA FOR
1915 CITY HALL AT 420 KELLOGG AVENUE
BACKGROUND:
On June 9, 2009, the City Council referred a letter from Youth and Shelter Services (YSS)
pertaining to replacement materials for the front steps on the west side of the building at
420 Kellogg Avenue (the 1915 City Hall) to the Historic Preservation Commission for
review and recommendation back to the City Council.
YSS has its administrative offices located in this building, which was originally constructed
as City Hall in 1915. The building was designated as a Local Historic Landmark bythe City
Council on December 8, 1992. Design Criteria for this building were adopted by the City
Council on March 23, 1993.
At this time, George Belitsos, CEO of YSS, has requested that the Design Criteria for the
1915 City Hall be changed to allow the concrete steps on the west side of the building to be
replaced with new concrete. The Design Criteria for the 1915 City Hall, as described in
Section 31.13(29) of the Municipal Code, require that the steps be constructed on
limestone materials to match the limestone buttresses on each side of the entry.
Although the original construction plans for the building show limestone as the material for
the steps, it is not known whether limestone materials were ever installed. In replacing the
steps, YSS assures the City that the finish and color of the concrete will be compatible with
the existing limestone used elsewhere on the building. They also maintain that concrete is
a more durable material than limestone to use for the steps. The original handrails will be
reused to maintain this historic feature of the building.
The applicant is anxious to replace the existing deteriorating steps, due to safety concerns
for those using the steps to access the main entrance to the building.
On July 13, 2009, the Historic Preservation Commission considered the request of YSS to
change the Design Criteria for the 1915 City Hall to allow concrete steps at the west
entrance to the building. The Commission voted unanimously to approve a motion to
amend the Design Criteria as follows: (Changes made by the Commission are shown in
"bold" type.)
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Section 31.13(29)(c)(v): Limestone stairs and stoop with matching limestone
buttresses on each side of the entry, or concrete to match limestone in color and
texture.
At its meeting of August 5, 2009, with a vote of 4-0, the Planning and Zoning Commission
also recommended approval of the changes to Design Criteria for the steps to the west
building entrance for the 1915 City Hall located at 420 Kellogg Avenue.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. The City Council can adopt the changes to Design Criteria for the steps to the west
building entrance for the 1915 City Hall located at 420 Kellogg Avenue.
2. The City Council can retain the current requirement for limestone materials for the
steps to the west building entrance for the 1915 City Hall located at 420 Kellogg
Avenue.
3. The City Council can refer this issue to staff for further analysis.
MANAGER'S RECOMMENDED ACTION:
The request by Youth and Shelter Services to construct new steps composed of concrete
materials matching limestone in color and texture, instead of limestone as required by the
Design Criteria, seems reasonable, particularly since the existing steps were also
constructed of concrete.
Therefore, it is the recommendation of the City Manager that the City Council approve
Alternative #1, adopting the changes to Design Criteria for the steps to the west building
entrance for the 1915 City Hall.
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