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Historic Preservation Commission <br />Meeting Minutes <br />May 19, 2008 <br />Page 3 of 6 <br /> <br /> <br />Lewis stated that she understands the issues when looking at saving an older home as <br />she lives in one herself. She noted that the question on the table is addition versus <br />replacement. <br /> <br />Tofte noted her concern that the owner has not fully investigated the costs of <br />rehabilitation and addition. She added that without that information no informed decision <br />can be made. She stated that the lot size appears to be large enough to support an <br />addition, so it should be considered. <br /> <br />Hancock stated that he lives in this community and wants to build a home that will fit in <br />with the neighborhood and do right by the community. <br /> <br />Lewis closed the public hearing and returned the discussion to Commission questions <br />and comments. <br /> <br />Lewis stated her understanding of such homes stating that her home is also built on a <br />rubble foundation. She noted that there are incentives that give additional square <br />footage and FAR to help make such a building compatible with modern living. <br /> <br />Koertje noted the four criteria on which the decision is to be based: <br />1. The eligibility of the building for designation as an individual landmark. He <br />noted that the home has a high degree of architectural integrity and that <br />the trim, windows, and porches could easily be restored to their original <br />state. He stated he thought the building is eligible for landmarking. <br />2. The relationship of the building as a potential contributing structure to a <br />potential historical district. He stated he thought it could clearly be a <br />contributing building for a historic district. <br />3. The reasonable condition of the building. He noted this is the single <br />biggest issue. <br />4. The reasonable projected cost of restoration or repair. He stated that <br />without more information on what exactly the repair costs would be, there <br />is just not enough information to work with. <br /> <br />Lewis added that she too sees a great deal of integrity in the building. <br /> <br />Koertje stated that he is supportive of an addition that retains the street façade <br />he encouraged the owner to consider it. <br /> <br />Koertje made a motion to stay the demolition permit for 180 days as the site is <br />eligible for landmarking both as an individual structure and as a part of a historic <br />district. <br /> <br />Koertje also encouraged the owner to work with an architect to maintain the <br />façade and place a two-story addition on the rear of the building. He noted that <br />the Commission’s Design Review Committee would be willing to help with any <br />plans and that the Commission would be willing to work on how best to apply the <br />square footage and FAR incentives. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />