Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

6-G-13-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

The project for Central United Methodist Church consists of the demolition of the non-original steel covered entry along the rear/northwest elevation and replacing it with a more historically sensitive exterior entry area. Two existing windows are to be removed for a new entry location and replaced with new.75-high glass double doors with transom above that both have true or simulated divided-light grilles provided. The base of new entry columns is to be of precast concrete matching profile and height of that on the existing building. The brickwork on columns and front of entry is to match existing building. Precast concrete trim matching existing profiles will be provided capping parapet of front of entry and at the archway below it. The steep roof at drive-thru portion will receive asphalt shingle roofing to match existing building and the portion of entry against existing building must stay a low slope EPDM roof to fit in between existing windows of the ground and second floors and be of a darker color similar to adjacent shingle roof. Extension of the roof over the existing rear door is an add-alternate work item for which the applicant is also requesting approval in the event the church decides to implement that portion of the proposal as well.

Site Info

Two -story gable -roofed buff brick church building with large centered stained glass window, flanking entrances, and limestone sills, steps, belt course and tracery. Two- story rear flat roofed brick addition. Cruciform plan. (Contributing)

STAFF FINDINGS

1) The proposed addition reflects architectural features on the front and side elevations of the existing building including a parapeted gable with arched opening. However, the proposed entry is not overly ornate for a rear elevation. The masonry materials of brick and precast are proposed to match those materials on the existing building. The proportion of the addition is appropriate. Therefore, staff contends that the proposed addition is compatible with the existing building.

2) The two windows that will be replaced with french doors with (simulated divided lights) within enlarged openings are not character-defining and there are many other examples of that type of window on the elevation. Therefore, no significant historic material will be lost with the door installation. Staff contends that the proposed door opening and doors are appropriate in style, material , location and proportion.

3) Extension of the roof over the existing rear door is an add-alternate work item for which staff recommends approval as well for the forgoing stated reasons.

4) The addition will be delineated from the existing building since the brick will not match that on the existing building exactly. Staff has required that a brick mock-up be provided as a condition of certificate of completion.

4TH AND GILL DESIGN GUIDELINES (Staff believes the following are particularly pertinent, but the guidelines apply ein their entirety.)

NEW ADDITIONS
1. Locate attached exterior additions at the rear or on an
inconspicuous side of a historic building, limiting the size and
scale in relationship to the historic building. Proportion is
very important.

2. Design new additions in a manner that makes clear what is
historic and what is new.

3. Consider the attached exterior addition both in terms of the
new use and the appearance of other buildings in the Historic
district. Design for the new work may be contemporary or
may reference design motifs from the historic buildings. In
either case, it should always be clearly differentiated from the
historic building and be compatible in terms of mass, materials,
size, texture, scale, relationship of solids to voids, and color.

4. Place new additions, such as balconies or solar greenhouses,
on non-character-defining elevations, and limit the size and
scale in relationship to the historic building.

7. New work should not appear to be as old as the historic
building. Do not duplicate the exact form, material, style, and
detailing of the historic building in the new addition.

8. New additions should not cause a lessening or loss of historic
character, including the historic building's design, materials,
workmanship, location, or setting.

SECRETARY OF INTERIORS STANDARDS

1. Every reasonable effort shall be made to provide a compatible use for a property which requires
minimal alteration of the building, structure, or site and its environment, or to use a property for its
originally intended purpose.

2. The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environmental
shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural
features should be avoided when possible.