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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
MINUTES
March 4, 2008
Vice-Chairperson T. Bosma called the meeting to order at 4:03 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT: S. Thompson, L. Spataro, T. Bosma, K. Panozzo, S. Kroes
MEMBERS ABSENT: J. Hilt, excused; L. Wood
STAFF PRESENT: H. Mitchell
OTHERS PRESENT: L. Kirksey, 1329 Fourth St; J. Barnes, 471 W. Western Ave; R.
Swanson, Central United Methodist Church.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of November 6, 2007 was made by K. Panozzo,
supported by S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
NEW BUSINESS/PUBLIC HEARINGS
Case 2008-01 – 471 W Western Ave. Request for sign. Applicant: Jill Barnes. District: Clay-
Western. Class: AA. Current Function: Commercial. H. Mitchell presented the staff report. The
applicant is requesting approval to install a sign on the corner of the building. The sign will be
carved on a piece of slab wood (5 ft. long x 2 ft. wide x 3 in. deep) and hung with metal brackets.
The applicant is also requesting approval to replace the business name on the existing awning. The
applicant brought sketches of what was going to be done. Staff recommends approval of the
proposed signs as long as they meet all code requirements and any necessary permits are acquired.
L. Spataro arrived at 4:06 p.m.
J. Barnes described the wooden sign. The heron on the sign will stand out some. There were two
awning designs shown to the members. J. Barnes stated that the design of the lettering would be the
last one, due to it being easier to read.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the proposed signs as long as they meet all
code requirements and building permits are acquired, was made by S. Thompson, supported by K.
Panozzo and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-02 – 1329 Fourth St. Garage Restoration. Applicant: Lowell Kirksey. District: Campus
Class: A. Current Function: Residential. H. Mitchell presented the staff report. The applicant is
requesting approval to replace the garage doors, roof, studs and sidewalk (on east side of structure).
The work would be completed with like materials, but the design of the roof may be changed.
HDC Minutes 03/04/08 1
Pictures of the current structure were provided. Staff recommends approval to replace the garage
doors, roof, studs and sidewalk as long as it is done with like materials and that the design maintains
the historical integrity of the home.
L. Kirksey has been in contact with the Inspection Department and there will be an inspection of the
structure. He would like to restore the garage instead of demolishing it. There had been discussion
in regards to the roof pitch, with L. Kirksey stating he would try to keep it as close as possible to
what is there. S. Thompson asked if he would be replacing the garage doors. L. Kirksey stated that
the wood appears to still be good with the exception of what is near the ground. He intends to keep
the wooden doors and may need to replace some of the boards. L. Kirksey stated that kids have
broken the windows on the garage and asked about replacement or boarding them. The members
discussed this and would prefer that the windows remain. They agreed that plexiglass could be used
as a replacement.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to replace the garage doors, roof, studs, windows and
sidewalk as long as it is done with like materials, that the design maintains the historical integrity of
the home, that it meets all building codes, and necessary building permits are acquired, was made
by L. Spataro, supported by S. Thompson and unanimously approved.
Case 2008-03 – 1011 Second St. Construct New Entrance. Applicant: Central United Methodist
Church. District: Downtown Structures. Class: A. Current Function: Institutional. H. Mitchell
presented the staff report. The applicant would like to discuss the possibility of constructing a new
entrance to the building. These are preliminary plans which may or may not be approved by the
congregation. However, before the plans are presented to the congregation, the applicant would like
some input on what work would be allowed by the HDC. Staff took pictures of the plans for the
members to use.
D. Swanson presented the plans. He stated that they wanted to try to use materials that would
match as close as they could with the existing brick. He also brought it to the members’ attention
that the elevator that would be located inside would add a structure to the top of the building in
order for it to reach all of the floors. The plans are not definite at this time. L. Spataro stated that
the extension would have to look like it had not been there originally. He gave examples of what
ArtWorks had done in regards to the change in color of the brick to show that the portions of the
building that had been changed would be obvious. This is something that the State Historical
Society requires. D. Swanson did state that there would be a loss of a couple of parking spots and
the maneuvering area may need to be changed as well, to insure that emergency vehicles can
maneuver.
OLD BUSINESS
None
OTHER
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:32 p.m.
hmg
3/04/08
HDC Minutes 03/04/08 2
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