Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2014 01 13

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The applicant obtained a structural investigation report for the property, completed by John C. Baur, of Baur and Associates Consulting Engineers, and a historic structure assessment, completed by Chuck Sanders, architect. The assessments (attachment 3) recommend many items for the preservation and restoration of the structure. The applicant then had its general contractor, Horizon West Builders, provide cost estimates for the recommended work (attachment 4). Staff is comfortable with receiving only one cost estimate because it was provided by the general contractor for the overall project, and it would not be practical for the applicant to receive multiple bids on a large project of this nature. The cost estimates are based on the general contractors own prices and bids from anticipated subcontractors. Staff's review of the estimates finds the projected costs reasonable. The work proposed is necessary for the rehabilitation and future functional use of the building, though not all of it is eligible for grant funding from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF). INCENTIVES: According to Section 15.36.030, City Council is afforded the legislative ability to provide preservation incentives for those wishing to landmark their historical structure. Once the structure is approved for landmarking, the applicant may act on one or more of the incentives offered. As part of the landmark process, City Council approves two incentives: a $10,000 signing bonus and a $6,000 structural assessment grant. The signing bonus has no restrictions on how it may be used, and the assessment grant will be used to reimburse the applicant for the structural assessment. Resolution No. 2, Series 2012, authorizes grants for landmarked commercial structures of up to $181,000, leaving a potential $165,000 remaining to be awarded for this structure. That is divided between a $65,000 flexible grant, requiring no matching, and a $100,000 focused grant, requiring a 100% match from the applicant. The $100,000 focused grant may only be used for preservation and restoration, including "measures directed towards sustaining the existing form, integrity, and materials of a historic property." Therefore only exterior and structural work are eligible for the focused grant. The $65,000 flexible grant may be used for other purposes in addition to those eligible for the focused grant. "Sensitive upgrading of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems and other code - required work to make the property functional" is eligible for a flexible grant funding. Also, "up to 10% of a grant may be used for one -time actions considered routine maintenance," such as painting. Below is the list of requested grant funding, along with staff's recommendation on whether the request is eligible for funding and how much of each request should be funded out of each grant category. The items cover the recommended work in the structural assessments. Details for each item are in the application (attachment 2).