Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2014 03 17

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes February 10, 2014 Page 9 of 11 Stewart said there was a presentation at the CPI conference regarding compatibility in terms of a landmark district, primarily discussing additions to a landmark building. Watson said there is a section of the Secretary of the Interior Standards, article 5, which says it must contrast in terms of style which allows modernist architects to put modern additions onto older structures. He believes modern buildings can be compatible with older structures, but he does not believe these structures are compatible with Louisville. Haley does not believe this is a unique design. She said the design looks like it belongs in Boulder or Denver. Watson said they don’t have a feel or scale of the neighborhood. He said mining communities in the mountains use compatible architecture to the original structures. Fahey stated the architecture make it appear to be a European design, with smaller streets, which just isn’t Louisville. Watson said he thinks you can still do tighter structures, but there can be more details on the buildings. He says the density doesn’t bother him, because that currently exists in Old Town. Fasick said it reminds her of the condo building behind Walgreens because they have a greenspace between buildings. Fahey said they are attempting to make it narrow enough to encourage people to drive slower. Watson defends narrow streets because they make people drive slower. Stewart stated his biggest issue is how it fronts the adjacent neighborhood, in terms of scale, mass, bulk and style. He recommended 1 or 1.5 story structures along Griffith with the additional stories setback. Watson said he agreed it could be bigger but it should be less along the street frontage. When you have a major change it is best to make the break at an alley, not the major street. Updates –931 Main Stewart, the project architect, recused himself. Robinson presented the information in the packet. Watson asked what the current and surrounding zoning was. Robinson stated it is commercial to the north, south and east. The west is residential.