Historic Preservation Commission Agenda and Packet 2023 04 24

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• Does site lighting fit within the context of Downtown? • Does the design adequately draw upon the fundamental similarities of traditional buildings while also distinguishing itself as a product of its own time? • Are the material choices, application of the material and colors appropriate for the context of Downtown? • Do the windows relate as a traditional size and scale and relate to the pedestrian scale of Downtown? • Does the scale of the storefronts and floor heights between the first and upper floors relate appropriately for the traditional context of Downtown? STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Demolition Review LMC Sec. 15.36.200 notes that the purpose of demolition review is to: 1. Prevent loss of buildings that may have historic and architectural significance; and 2. Provide the time necessary to initiate designation as an individual landmark or to consider alternatives for the building. Staff finds that the property could meet the social and architectural significance criteria and therefore could qualify for landmarking. Based on evaluation of the criteria in LMC Sec. 15.36.200, the HPC may release the permit, or place a stay on the application for up to 180 days from the date of application, which was March 8, 2023. A full 180-day stay would expire on September 4, 2023. Staff recommends that the HPC place a 180-day stay on the demolition. The property has high architectural and social significance as a signifier of the transformation and importance of midcentury downtown development, which helped Louisville transition out of the coal -mining economy of the first half of the twentieth century. Its many historic uses, especially as a pool hall, are reflected in its simple yet stylized appearance, and its importance as the location of the Louisville Times, which was responsible for recording much of the city's history, is also preserved in the existing fagade. It also has a prominent location in the middle of town on Main Street. Overall, the building maintains a unique combination of distinct architectural style and significant social history, a historical value supported by the "Stories in Places" recommendation that the property be considered for landmarking. The applicant and property owner have met with staff and are familiar with the benefits of the program and some of the potential design alternatives that could preserve the front fagade while rehabilitating the property to be used as a modern business. However, given the significance and prominence of the building, staff recommends that the HPC place the maximum stay to allow time for an HSA and for discussions with commissioners to explore the various preservation tools available to the Commission. In particular, staff believes that the maximum stay will allow time for the applicant and the HPC to explore options such as conservation easements and other collaborations beyond the standard Landmark process. Probable Cause Staff recommends a finding of Probable Cause, making the property eligible for the cost of a historic structure assessment. The current maximum amount available for a commercial HSA is $9,000. Staff recommends the HPC approve a grant not to exceed $9,000 to reimburse the costs of a historic structure assessment. Design Referral Staff requests that the HPC review the proposal for conformance with the Design Handbook and 10 20