Historic Preservation Commission Minutes 2009 09 21 APPROVED

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Historic Preservation Commission Meeting Minutes September 21, 2009 Page 2 of 5 Koertje asked for a motion to continue this public hearing until October 19, 2009. Muckle suggested a motion to continue the public hearing until October 19, 2009. Tofte seconded the motion. It was unanimously approved. Update/Discussion/Action - Programming of Historic Preservation Fund, next steps Koertje introduced this item to the public. Connie Lawrence, owner of 561 Lincoln Avenue, stood and addressed the Commission. Lawrence gave an update of the soft strip of the residence. McCartney displayed photos of the project site by using PowerPoint on the over head projectors. Lawrence used these photos in her description of how they were progressing with the soft strip. Lawrence mentioned the following regarding the project:  The house was built without a foundation and the structural elements that were sitting on the ground had become rotted.  The architectural integrity had been compromised so much that the structure would not survive any relocation.  The whole west side of the historical house was missing because an addition had been placed on the west side of the historical house, thereby removing the original back wall. Lawrence asked the Commission if the house could be completely demolished based on the above findings. She noted that all efforts were made to preserve the structure but there aren’t many historical elements remaining that can be preserved. Muckle asked Lawrence if there was much historical siding remaining under the existing siding. Lawrence answered there was approximately 50% of the historical siding remaining. McCartney stated the historical siding was being used as a structural element being that there wasn’t any sheathing to provide the lateral strength for the structure. Lewis stated she believed the applicant did a good job exploring for the historical elements. Lewis continued to state the structure is difficult to work with without a foundation. Lewis also noted there was not much evidence of the historical windows (openings). Muckle asked if there was any original flooring remaining. Lawrence stated that she wasn’t sure and she would ask her demo contractor. Lawrence did state they are trying to reuse as many of the materials as possible in the rebuild. Lawrence noted that newspaper was found on the inside walls that dated back to 1893.