Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 2008 08 18

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes August 18, 2008 Page 3 of 8 Ronda Grassi, 1894 Grenfell Court, Erie, stated that she owns the building at 824 South Place. She has no immediate plans for the site, but does understand she needs to make it a commercial use to comply with the zoning of the lot. She would like to get the Commission's thoughts about the site and any historic significance of the site prior to entering the PUD process. Grassi added that the placement of the large sign on the house advertising the public hearing was problematic for her and her tenant. She suggested that such posting of the site is detrimental to the process and difficult for the owner. She added that the changes to her other property at 916 may require such a posting and noted that she is reluctant participate in the process if the site will be posted with such a sign. Lewis asked for any public comments, seeing none, she opened the hearing to Commission comments. Lewis stated she was on the review subcommittee and from what she could see the site has it original finish and has had few changes over the years. It appears to be in reasonable condition but she did note a crack in the exterior plaster. She asked the applicant if she could elaborate on the current condition of the home. Grassi stated she was surprised the Commission could identify any architectural integrity as there are no old photos of the site. She added that the windows and roof are in particularly bad condition, the electrical and plumbing are not up to code, there are cracks in the plaster both inside and outside, and the basement is not sealed. Lewis noted she was using her professional judgment as an architect to assess the integrity of the site. Whiteman asked what the applicant would like to get out of the hearing Grassi stated she would like to turn the site into a commercial use and prior to having plans drawn up and entering the PUD process, she would like to hear what the HPC feels is significant and what options the HPC might recommend. Lewis stated that she thought the site is likely eligible for local landmarking. Muckle added that the 2000 survey noted it is likely eligible to part of an historic district as well. Lewis asked what type of foundation the building has. Grassi stated it is block concrete with the original radiator/boiler system in the basement. Lewis asked if the applicant had gotten any estimates on the cost of renovating the site. Grassi said no because she is still in the process of determining what to do with the site in the long-term.