City of Elgin Design Review Subcommittee Met May 11.
Here are the minutes provided by the subcommittee:
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was called to order at 6:02 p.m. in the City Council Chambers (Located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) by Chairman Wiedmeyer.
Chairman Wiedmeyer acknowledged the newest committee member, Carly Steurer.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Joey Crist, Rebecca Hunter, Krissy Palermo, Dennis Roxworthy, Scott Savel, Carly Steurer, and John Wiedmeyer.
MEMBERS ABSENT:
None
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Christen Sundquist, Historic Preservation; and Cindy Walden, DRSC Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Motion made by Committee Member Crist to approve the minutes of April 13 and April 27, 2021, as submitted.
The motion was seconded by Committee Member Roxworthy.
The motion passed 5-0-2. Abstain: Savel and Steurer.
RECOGNIZE OTHER PERSONS PRESENT:
None
PROPERTIES ON AGENDA FOR DISCUSSION:
Old Business
510 Douglas Ave – Restoration of original siding and missing architectural features Note: Item remained tabled. No discussion
New Business
486 Mary Place – Maintain K-Style Gutters
465 Douglas Avenue – Reconstruction of front porch steps
472 E Chicago Street – Reconstruction of rear egress stairs
ITEMS TABLED AT TONIGHT’S MEETING:
None
NEW BUSINESS:
486 Mary Place – Maintain K-Style Gutters
The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to maintain K-style gutters that were installed on the home without a COA. The applicant received a roof permit but did not indicate that they were to install k-style gutters at that time.
Staff noted that historically this home would have had half-round gutters as the fascia would have had crown molding. Half-round gutters allow the crown molding to be seen where installing a k-style gutter hides the crown molding.
However, this home likely had crown molding but it has been since removed prior to this area becoming a district (see 1981 photograph in packet). Therefore k-style is acceptable but must be attached to the fascia and not to the roof shingles.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Gutters and Downspouts
A. Should be repaired rather than replaced, if possible.
B. Should be located away from significant architectural features on the front of the building.
C. Should provide proper drainage through use of downspouts and splash blocks to avoid water damage to the building. Round downspouts are more appropriate than rectangular forms; however, rectangular forms are also acceptable.
D. Should be designed to channel the water as far away from the dwelling as possible. Downspouts should extend at least 4 to 6 feet or utilize a splash block.
E. Should be half-round rather than “K” or ogee, is of hang-on tpe. Ogee is permissible if fascia is vertical.
F. Should have straps nailed under, not on top, of roofing material. Metal flashing should also be properly installed so as not to conceal any crown molding in the roof eaves. G. Should not result in the removal of existing eave features.
H. Should be sized proportionate to the building. Gutters and downspouts should not exceed 6”
Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the Certificate of Appropriateness as submitted and with the following conditions:
1. The hangers shall be removed from on top of the shingles.
2. Gutter is to be attached to the fascia – use of shims at the fascia to align gutters, if needed.
Bertha De la Plaz (owner) was present for tonight’s COA discussion:
Crist assisted with translations to ensure the applicant was understanding the discussion/comments regarding the gutter replacement.
Crown molding is gone. Fascia appears to be flat.
Motion made by Committee Member Crist to approve with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Palermo.
The motion passed unanimously.
465 Douglas Avenue – Reconstruction of front porch steps
Project Background:
The applicant has submitted a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to reconstruct the front porch stairs in wood and new handrails.
The current stairs at the front porch are wood and in disrepair. The owner is requesting to reconstruct the stairs with the addition of a black metal pipe rail.
Historically this porch never had handrails and so with the installation of a metal pipe rail it would blend in to the porch giving an appearance of what the porch looked like when it was built.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
PORCHES
Porch design, materials, and placement are key defining characteristics of an historic dwelling. Original porches should be maintained and repaired where needed. Porches on the fronts of dwellings should not be enclosed with wood or glass for additional living space. The screening of porches on the fronts of buildings is appropriate as long as the open appearance of the porch is maintained. If replacement of porch features is required, use materials to closely match the original. If the original porch is missing, a new porch should be constructed based upon photographic or physical evidence. If such evidence does not exist, base the design upon historic porches of similar dwellings from the same time period and architectural style. In some cases turn of the century dwellings had their original porches removed and replaced with “modern” porches in the 1920s and 1930s which do not necessarily match the original style of the house. If desired, these porches may be replaced with porches in keeping with the original design; however, some of these porches have acquired significance in their own right and can be preserved.
Enclosing porches on the front of a house or where readily visible is not appropriate or recommended. Front porches should not be enclosed with glass, wood siding, or other materials. Porches on the rear or sides of dwellings may be enclosed when not readily visible from the street and if the height and shape of the porch roof is maintained.
Guidelines
A. should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing.
B. should be repaired or replaced to match the original in design, materials, scale, and placement.
C. should be screened only if the structural framework for the screen panels is minimal and the open appearance of the porch is maintained. Screen panels should be placed behind the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide decorative details or result in the removal of original porch materials.
D. should have steps of the same material as the porch floor (e.g. porches with wood floors should also have steps made of wood, not concrete or brick).
E. should have poured concrete steps if the porch, patio or terrace floor is made of concrete (see section on Porch Steps).
F. should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the façade, if the porch floor is made of wood.
G. should have trellises made of wood, if trellises are appropriate.
H. should be filled in as traditional for the type and style of the house, or with decorative wood framed skirting, vertical slats, or lattice panels, if open areas in the foundation exist.
I. should not be removed if original to the dwelling.
J. should not be enclosed with wood, glass, or other materials which would alter the porch's open appearance.
PORCH COLUMNS AND RAILING
Original porch columns and railings should be retained and repaired with materials to match the original. If the original porch columns and railings are missing, replacement porch columns and railings should be appropriate for the dwelling's architectural style and period; handrail height and style should be determined by photographs, paint outlines, paint shadows, or similar homes in the area.
Porch columns often deteriorate first at the bottom next to the porch floor. If this is the case, consider sawing off the deteriorated area and replacing this section rather than replacing the entire column.
A note on porch railing height: Traditionally, the height of porch railing was based on the height of window sills within the porch, and ranged anywhere from 24 to 30 inches. This was done to provide a clear view from the inside of the house.
However, modern building codes require that railing heights be no less than 36 inches, with an exception for historic properties if the lower height of the porch railing is judged by the building official to not constitute a distinct life safety hazard in accordance with the requirements of Section 3406 of the 2000 International Building Code – “Historic Buildings.”
Drawings should be provided that properly integrate the porch features with the design of the house.
Railing height less than 36 inches high will need to be reviewed by the building official so as not to constitute a life safety hazard.
Guidelines
A. should be preserved and maintained. Where repair is required, use materials to match the original in dimensions and detailing.
B. should be rebuilt in historic designs if the original columns and railings have been removed or replaced.
C. should have new balusters for the railing, if required. Porch balusters (also called spindles) should be appropriate for the building's style and period. The height of the railing should be in line with the window sill level, if present, and no greater than 30 inches in height.
Staff Recommendation:
Staff would not recommend approval as submitted as the design is not appropriate for the age and style of the house.
Staff would recommend approval with the following conditions:
1. The handrail shall be a 1 ½” black metal pipe rail installed on either side of the stairs, centrally located on the newel post and column.
o If stairs are 3 treads (two stairs plus step up to porch; approximately 21” from deck to grade, then a handrail is not required).
2. The handrail height shall be 30 inches from the nosing of the stairs to the top of the handrail.
3. The skirting at the stairs shall match the design found at the porch.
4. That the stair treads shall be 5/4” x 12 (recommended) or 2x12 and bull-nosed on 3 sides and overhang the risers 1 1/2”. Installation of a ¾” PVC cove or treated wood cove to be installed under stair overhang/lip overhang around all 3 sides and coped at the ends. Pressure treated wood (not white pine) or composite material is acceptable for the treads. Rot resistant wood shall be used for the remaining stair construction.
5. All materials shall be of rot resistant wood.
6. All materials shall be primed and painted.
All other details shall match staff’s recommended sketch
Paul Joy (contractor) was present for tonight’s COA discussion:
Basic pipe railing is preferred by committee and agreeable to the homeowner.
Motion made by Committee Member Savel to approve with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Crist.
The motion passed unanimously.
472 E Chicago Street – Reconstruction of rear egress stairs
The property owner has submitted an application for a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to rebuild the rear two-story porch on the building.
The rear deck and access to the building is proposed to be rebuilt. The structure would not be visible from Chicago Street but is visible from Mary Place. Due to the lower visibility of the structure from the street, the property owner is proposing a simpler design. The posts will be 6x6 posts with 2x2 balusters. Newel posts will be designed with pyramidal post caps. Details of the porch reconstruction are included in this packet.
Elgin Design Guideline Manual Specifications:
Porches
A. Should be maintained in their original design with original materials and detailing
B. Should be repaired or replaced to match the original in design, materials, scale and placement
C. Should be screened only if the structural framework for the screen panels is minimal and the open appearance of the porch is maintained. Screen panels should be placed behind the original features such as columns or railings and should not hide decorative details or result in the removal of original porch materials.
D. Should have steps of the same material as the porch floor (e.g. porches with wood floors should also have steps made of wood, not concrete or brick)
E. Should have poured concrete steps if the porch, patio or terrace floor is made of concrete (see section on Porch Steps).
F. Should have wood tongue and groove flooring running perpendicular to the façade, if the porch floor is made of wood.
G. Should have trellises made of wood, if trellises are appropriate.
H. Should be filled in as traditional for the type and style of the house or with decorative wood framed skirting, vertical slats, or lattice panels, if open areas in the foundation exist.
I. Should not be removed if original to the dwelling
J. Should not be enclosed with wood, glass, or other materials which would alter the porch’s open appearance.
Porch Columns and Railing
A. Should be preserved and maintained. Where repair is required, use materials to match the original in dimensions and detailing.
B. Should be rebuilt in historic designs if the original columns and railings have been removed or replaced
C. Should have new balusters for the railing, if required. Porch balusters (also called spindles) should be appropriate for the building’s style and period. The height of the railing should be in line with the window sill level, if present, and no greater than 30 inches in height.
Porch Staircases and Steps
A. Should be retained in their original location and configuration, if original to the property. Wood and concrete steps should be repaired with materials to match the original.
B. Should be replaced with wood rather than brick or concrete, if the porch floor is made of wood.
C. Should have their tread constructed in either 5/4x12 or 2x12 lumber. The ends of the treads should be bull-nosed and overhang the riser by no less than 1 inch. Should have newel posts and balusters, treads and risers, to match original porch construction. *****
Matt Martin (architect) and John Anderson (contractor) were present for tonight’s COA discussion:
Adding column near the wall of the building, instead of having to attach so many bolts into the masonry structure. This proposal meets the building code requirements and provides less opportunity for water penetration into the structure too.
Architect explained the software program does not fully/properly reflect the image, as there will be a railing along the plane of building on the upper story.
Tongue and groove decking in either wood or composite material can be used for the project.
Motion made by Committee Member Crist to approve with staff recommendations. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Hunter.
The motion passed unanimously.
ADDITIONAL STAFF COMMENTS:
None
CORRESPONDENCE:
None
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion to adjourn was made by Committee Member Savel. The motion was seconded by Committee Member Crist.
The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting of the Design Review Subcommittee was adjourned at 6:23 p.m.
https://www.cityofelgin.org/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/7356
Alerts Sign-up