Citation in context
July 5, 2016 — Meeting Minutes
Cited passage
Hearing no further questions or comments, Chairman Lichtenfeld called for a motion. He noted the requests for a darker, textured red brick (not smooth brick) and dark grout that could be approved by staff.
12 Ms. Mullins referred to “Old St. Louis” brick, which is a textured red brick.
Ron Reim suggested a 2 to 3 different color brick, wire cut for more texture.
Ron Reim made a motion to approve with the condition that the applicant submit an alternate brick to better match adjacent houses (dark grout to be used also) per staff review and approval. The motion was seconded by Craig Owens and unanimously approved by the Board.
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Ron Reim mentioned the seal and signature, noting that there is no way to be sure the plans are accurate without them.
Susan Istenes informed the members that she briefly discussed this with Kevin earlier and there was no conclusion; she said she has also discussed this with Bart (City’s Building Official).
Note: Pepe Finn left at 6:55 p.m.
Ron Reim commented that without a signature, there is no accountability. He noted that it is common practice for the person preparing the plans to be identified as non-registered.
William Lieberman stated that it is his experience that plans submitted for 4 units or less do not require an architect seal.
Susan Istenes stated that we require a signature/seal for building permits, but not for plans submitted at this (PC/ARB) level. She stated that the plans submitted for building permit are compared to the plans approved by this Commission/Board.
Louis Clayton introduced Melissa Wilson, Planning Intern, to the members.
Susan Istenes informed the members that Melissa put together a brochure regarding retaining walls and driveways.
The members welcomed Melissa.
Being no further question or comments, this meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
________________________________ Recording Secretary
The 1 ½ -story home to the west (6354 Alamo Avenue) was constructed in 1925 and is +/- 6 feet 11 inches shorter than the proposed home (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). The one-story home to the south (6344 Alamo Avenue) was constructed in 1924 and is +/- 7 feet 9 inches shorter than the proposed home
10 (as measured from the mid-point of each roof). The primary building material for the proposed home is gray brick with limestone accents. The roof is clad in asphalt shingles, slate gray in color, and black casement and single-hung windows are proposed. The exposed concrete foundation on the side and rear of the home will not exceed 30 inches. A 483-square-foot detached garage is proposed with “sandstone” colored garage doors. The height of the garage is +/- 14 feet 11 inches as measured from the average existing grade to the mean height of the roof. The primary building materials of the garage will match the principal structure. A 6-foot wood privacy fence is proposed around the rear yard. No retaining walls are proposed. Susan stated that the project as proposed is in conformance with the requirements of the R-2 Single Family Dwelling District and the Architectural Review Guidelines. Staff is of the opinion that the design and materials are compatible in terms of mass, height, and design with existing nearby homes and staff recommends approval as submitted.
Samples of the proposed brick, limestone, window and roofing material were shown.
Chairman Lichtenfeld asked if there were any questions or comments. He noted the lack of a signature and seal on the smaller plan sets.
Mr. Kotets informed the Chairman that he does not know why they are not; the first four [full size] sets were signed and sealed.
Susan Istenes informed the members that a seal is required when the application for building permit is submitted.
Ron Reim commented that the State of Missouri requires a signature and seal for this review.
Susan Istenes stated that for the purposes of this review, staff does not feel it is necessary.
Joanne Boulton asked if the applicant was aware this property is in a historic district.
Ms. Mullins replied “yes”, adding that there was no set of regulations because of this designation.
Joanne Boulton stated that compatibility is a factor.
Ms. Mullins concurred.
Ron Reim stated that the proposed brick color is very different than surrounding homes.
Ms. Mullins stated that it was a design decision.
Ron Reim commented that the neighborhood went out of their way and went to great pains to secure the historic designation and it seems that this house is inconsistent.
Mullins stated that it was a design decision. Ron Reim commented that the neighborhood went out of their way and went to great pains to secure the historic designation and it seems that this house is inconsistent.
11 Ms. Mullins stated that she understands the remark about the brick color, but that the style is in keeping with the neighborhood.
Joanne Boulton stated that the mass of the house is large as well.
Slides depicting various neighborhood homes including 6350, 6354 and 6321 Alamo Avenue) were presented.
Ms. Mullins noted that the roof is failing, that there are several structural flaws and that there is a brick problem on the existing home. She stated that the home has dropped over four inches on one side.
Ron Reim asked the applicants if they would be willing to change the brick color.
Ms. Mullins replied “yes”.
Joanne Boulton asked if they would change it to a dark red.
Pepe Finn commented that if it was a red brick or some variety of red, the new home would be a better fit in the neighborhood.
Joanne Boulton referred to two new houses on Arundel; noting that one cannot tell by looking at the one to the west that it is new.
William Liebermann asked if any consideration was given to renovating the existing structure and putting on an addition.
Ms. Mullins indicated that they did consider just a renovation and addition; however, their engineer said not to do that; he recommended all new pierings.
Ron Reim referred to the two large houses across the street, so he doesn’t find this new house disproportionate and noted that the architectural style is exceptional. He noted that just changing the brick color will go a long way.
Note: Kevin O’Keefe left the meeting (6:50 p.m.).
Chairman Lichtenfeld agreed with Ron and asked for a darker color brick. He noted that the house is deeper in the lot.
Hearing no further questions or comments, Chairman Lichtenfeld called for a motion. He noted the requests for a darker, textured red brick (not smooth brick) and dark grout that could be approved by staff.