City Council Minutes 2016 12 06 - Laserfiche WebLink

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City Council Meeting Minutes December 6, 2016 Page 8 of 15 RESOLUTION NO. 69, SERIES 2016 — A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE LOUISVILLE HOSPITAL LOCATED AT 721 GRANT AVENUE A HISTORIC LANDMARK RESOLUTION NO. 70, SERIES 2016 — A RESOLUTION APPROVING A PRESERVATION AND RESTORATION GRANT FOR WORK ON THE LOUISVILLE HOSPITAL LOCATED AT 721 GRANT AVENUE Mayor Muckle introduced the item. Planner Trice stated this is a request for both a landmarking and a grant. The structure was moved from Main Street to Grant Avenue in 1905 and has a commercial, Italianate style that is unique. The grant request is for a foundation (it currently doesn't have one) as well as upgrading systems, altering the site drainage and restoring the exterior. The grant request exceeds the established maximum grant amount set by resolution; however the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) determined this meets the "extraordinary circumstances" definition due to the size of the structure, the fact the building was originally a commercial structure, and the cost of foundation work. Staff and the HPC recommend approval of both the landmarking and the grant. Caleb Dickinson, 721 Grant, owner of the property, gave a brief presentation stating the structure has keep its integrity and look over time. The building has a great history including being the post office, the undertaker's parlor, hosting the town newspaper, and being a hospital. It is the only union associated building left in town. The rehabilitation is extensive given the state of the building and the need for a foundation to be put underneath the entire building. The plan is to take the building back to its original state. Councilmember Loo asked why staff changed support for the grant from 50K (when presented to the HPC) to $73K (as presented tonight). Trice stated the HPC was able to demonstrate there are "extraordinary circumstances." The HPC believed as this was previously a commercial building, and as the structure has issues similar to that of a commercial building, it met the "extraordinary circumstance" as the building is more a hybrid of residential and commercial. Councilmember Loo asked if this is the highest amount ever asked for by a residential owner. Planner Trice stated, yes. Councilmember Loo stated she doesn't feel this building meets the commercial grant amount level. She stated the reason commercial building grants were designed to be higher than residential is because commercial buildings pay three and one-half times more sales tax than residential. She doesn't think this is "extraordinary circumstances" and it should not qualify for such a high amount. She suggested the owner look to the Historic Preservation Fund loan program for additional money. Councilmember Stblzmann stated she supports the grant given the significant social and architectural history of the building. Mayor Muckle agreed.