City Council Minutes 1998 08 04 - Laserfiche WebLink

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parapet. The exterior materials are proposed as a mix of brick, integrally colored concrete masonry units and synthetic stucco. Wood continued his presentation (see attached Council communication). Davidson called for the applicant's presentation. Cheri Ruskus, owner of Business Answers, 728 Main Street, Louisville, Colorado, stated that she did not anticipate the process to be this difficult, nor expect the controversy that has developed from this project. She stated that there has been a small group of very vocal naysayers who do not wish to see this project happen. She has received numerous comments in support of her project. She felt that the City was being very unfair to require that they have their tenants and architectural drawings in place and ready to go by December 31. She stated that they have lost tenants due to the delay in obtaining approval for their project. Ed Ruskus, co-owner of Business Answers, explained their vision for this building began in 1986 shortly after they purchased it. He feels the building is what Louisville needs to enhance downtown. Erik Hartronft, 1041 S Boulder Road, Suite J, Louisville, Colorado, project architect, reviewed the changes made to the building to address Planning Commission's concerns and comments. He stated that he felt this building meets or exceeds design guidelines. He believes the third condition placed on this application, namely to obtain a building permit by December 31 and be under construction by August 1999, is a severe hardship and unfair. He was then available to answer any questions. Davidson called for public comments. Donald Ross, 924 McKinley, Louisville, Colorado, Chairman of the Louisville Historical Commission, stated that Commission members met with Bill Simmons, City Administrator, to voice their concerns about building heights downtown. The Commission would like the City to place a moratorium on three-story buildings in downtown Louisville, and presented a petition containing 151 signatures in support of that request. He stated that as a long-time resident of Louisville, he believes that downtown Louisville should maintain its historical nature. He requested that Council postpone a decision on this project until they have had an opportunity to review the proposed Downtown Design Guidelines. He asked that Council consider the Historical Commission's request to place a two-story limit on downtown buildings to help preserve the nature of downtown, as they do not feel three-story buildings fit the nature of downtown. Davidson asked Sam Light, City Attorney, if the CDDSG apply to downtown. Light replied, yes, since they do apply to commercial projects, including an area zoned commercial and being developed as a PUD. Davidson asked Light if that would include the parking guidelines. Light replied, yes. 12