Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2018 01 22

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BACKGROUND: On October 16, 2017, the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing to consider requests to landmark the Blue Parrot Sign, for grant funds to reface and restore the sign, and for an alteration certificate allowing such changes to the face. The HPC voted to recommend approval of the requests. The minutes from the meeting are included as an attachment. On November 6, 2017, City Council held a public hearing to consider the requests. City Council directed staff work with the applicant to determine if preserving the sign intact was feasible, and continued the hearing to December 5, 2017. Staff continued discussions with the applicant, and determined that a new application and process was necessary as the substance of the request would be significantly changed. The applications for the above requests were withdrawn. The minutes from the meeting are included as an attachment. SUMMARY: The current request under consideration is to landmark the sign and to allocate funds from the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) for the City to acquire the sign. Resolution 20, Series 2009 allows the city to use HPF to acquire properties, and states that they shall be landmarked. This resolution is included as an attachment. The intent of application is for the City of Louisville to acquire the Blue Parrot sign, and display it at a location accessible to the public, which could include but is not limited to the Louisville Library, the Recreation and Senior Center, or the Louisville Historical Museum if the proposed expansion is constructed. If this request is approved, staff will bring forward to the HPC and Council options for possible temporary and permanent the locations to display the sign. Temporary locations may be necessary due to the timing of the possible Historical Museum expansion and due to the Historical Preservation Fund boundary change to City-wide that does not take effect until 2019. In the short term, the allocation request includes funds to remove the sign and package it appropriately for relocation at a temporary storage location, such as the City Services property. In addition to the request for landmark and allocation of funds, the applicant submitted an application for a Planned Unit Development Amendment to establish a sign program for the property. A sign that mimics the existing Blue Parrot sign is contemplated in this application, and will be considered during upcoming public hearings by Planning Commission and City Council. Staff suggests a plaque be installed on the property at 640 Main Street noting that the proposed new sign is a replica and display location of the original sign. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Information from Blue Parrot Sign History (attached) Sign at 640 Main Street The building at 640 Main Street was the location of the Blue Parrot Restaurant for about 98 years. Mike Colacci (1886-1970) and Mary larussi Colacci (1899-1949), who were 2