City Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

Hey. Alright, Beth.

You're on. Good afternoon, and welcome to the Fireworks Springs Historic Preservation Board meeting for 05/05/2026. The historic preservation board is comprised of seven members appointed by city council to administer the historic preservation code. Historic preservation board members are community volunteers with expertise across a wide variety of disciplines. Each member acts independently, carefully assessing all the evidence presented to make their decision.

So So we can ask Solange to do the roll call.

Okay. Could you do the roll call? So Board

member Lowenberg? Absent. Chair Musik? Present. Board member Baumgartner?

Present.

Board member Bierbaum?

He is absent as well.

Form member Hines?

Present.

Form member Fizenas?

Here.

Form member Potter?

She is absent also today.

Thank you. We have four members present.

Alright. I could do the changes to the agenda.

Right. I'll do the changes to the agenda, Bill. I'm gonna say,

yes. We're gonna make a couple changes to the agenda. I would make like to make an announcement first. I just want to thank our applicants, Don and Patty Chase and Food First Lutheran Church for being flexible with the this meeting. We had some confusion with the date as to when it was going to to take place.

The poster said one thing. The agenda said something else, and it was an error in the poster and postcards that were sent out. So if anyone really wants to know, our historic preservation board does meet on the first Monday of the month and not the first Tuesday of the month. But their dedicated staff member could not get his days correct. He didn't know the difference between the fourth and the fifth.

So anyhow, I really appreciate our applicants and then also for our board members for accommodating us so we could make sure that these two applications could be heard in the month of May and not have to delay them until June. So because of that, we are going to move on item three, communications, the approval of minutes, agenda item four, and also our last agenda item presentations and updates on the 2026 survey work plan discussion. We are gonna move all of those items to the June historic preservation board meeting. All other agenda items which are listed under consent and the business will stay the same. And that will end up.

Yeah. Okay. Thanks, Bill.

So items on the consent calendar will be acted upon as a whole without further public comment unless a specific item is called up for discussion. Any items called off will be heard immediately after the rest of

the consent calendar is decided on. So, Lan, would you please read the item into the record?

Item 5AHISTDash26Dash00021721NorthCascadeAvenueGarage plus ADU conversion.

Is there any commissioner who would like to pull an item the item from the consent calendar? Anybody online? Alright. Is there any city staff member who would like to pull an item? No. Is there any citizen in the audience wishing to pull an item from the consent calendar?

The only item on consent is 1721 North Cascade. Any

citizen okay. Anyone on the phone wishing to pull an item from consent?

No one on the phone

Okay.

Or online. Okay.

Then may I have a motion to approve the consent calendar?

I make a motion we approve consent calendar.

I'll second it. Okay. Can we do a roll call vote, please? Chair Musik? Yes. Aye.

Board member, Bongarner?

Just jumped off.

We'll move to board member Hines.

Approving the cassette calendar.

Yes. I

apologize. I blanked out there for a minute. I I from board member Baumgartner.

Thank you. And board member Fitzsimmons?

Aye.

Thank you. Motion passes unanimously.

Thank you. Thank you. Great. Okay.

Do I read the appeal now? Yeah. You can you can just go ahead and view the appeal instructions for the consent.

Okay. So for the item on the consent calendar, in accordance with the requirements of section seven point five point four one one five of the city unified development code, an affected party may appeal to the city council any action of the historic preservation board in relation to city code where the action was averse to that person. Within ten days of final action on the item being appealed, which would be Friday, 05/15/2026, the appellant must file notice of appeal and pay the $176 fee with the city clerk. The appeal letter should address specific city code requirements that were not adequately addressed by the historic preservation board. City council may elect to limit discussion at the appeal hearing to the specific matters set forth in the appeal letter.

K. So

we move on to new business, which is Can I can do that? Move through.

I'll I'll be back. Okay. Item 8260003, First Lutheran Entryway Addition, a report of accessibility for a 2,795 square feet entryway addition to First Lutheran Church located at 1515 North Cascade Avenue.

Alright. I'll go ahead and take it from here. So alright. Thank you, Pat. So this is the report of acceptability application for first First Lutheran Church entry edition.

It's located at 1515 North Cascade Avenue. It is located in the North End Historic District, historic preservation overlay. Anytime there is an alteration addition or change to a structure that requires a building permit, It does require review and approval by the historic preservation board. The vicinity map shows the location of the proposed or the location of first Lutheran Church. We're specifically today looking at the the the southwest corner of the church where the where the actual church building is located at the intersection of Cascade and Goya Ventura.

So this application is a report of acceptability for a 2,800 square foot front entry edition. That entry edition is located the west elevation of the church. My mouth just stops squirreling around looking at people. It's the addition is the blue polygon that is on the on the site plan. So the church has been in this location since 1959.

The first church was built on-site '66. It was developed in three phases. It is a combination of mid century modern architecture and probably more modern architect architecture. In the historic district, this building is identified as an intrusion to the North End North End Historic District. As we know, the contributing buildings that's established the North End Historic District were primarily main residential buildings, and all of them are of late nineteenth century and early twentieth century architecture.

To the right of the site plan, you can see the you can see the original edition on the top left. The not make the seventies edition just below that, and then a nineteen nineties edition on the right side. And so they are proposing, as I said, an addition. Staff has city staff has reviewed this addition. And we do find that the addition we do find that the addition is compatible to the architecture of the addition the existing church.

I think we find we would we would focus on the exterior material being used, the windows, the stained glass, and I think also the scale of the addition relative to the original three buildings of the church. I would also add, I think, that the the applicants did consider the existing historical character of the North End District even though this is not even though this is a modern building, it has existed in the North End for since 1966. It was there before the establishment of the the historic district. So, you know, one could say that, you know, it really is part of the neighborhood. But I do think they the addition does respect the character, particularly of the North Cascade Avenue.

I think one of the strong characteristics of this area of the district is that it did have large homes. They did have large front they did have more expansive front yards. So the addition does continue that character on this property. It doesn't push the front addition all the way to the street. It maintains that front yard and also the tree lined street that we have in this location.

And they will be doing things to ensure protecting that existing landscape as they build this church. So in our review, we did decide, yeah, that it does comply with the criteria of approval for port of acceptability and also the North End design standards. And I think this last slide will just include the motions for the board as you consider this application. Think, Pat, at this point in time, I'll just ask Bruce if he has any additional comments on behalf of the applicant on the proposed addition to the church.

Well, simply that it's been studied for quite some time. We've been looking at planning for more than a year, and I was blessed to be part of the Peel House project, which is the historic mansion. That was distinctly contributed to the historic character, and that approach was totally different than our approach on the church building. Church building approach was way different. It was to try to be sensitive, but yet acknowledging that it was a modern building and not necessarily historic of the old end historic.

It's more of a, well, known as mid century modern, which is a much appreciated form of architecture going back to the fifties and sixties. So we developed quite a few schemes and recur and did reviews with the church. And quite frankly, we're we weren't hitting the mark until recently, and we we feel very pleased and confident with the scheme that we have. And the building, as Bill mentioned, is in three phases. And of note, the first phase of 1966, in our opinion, is the most notable and most distinguished.

And that picture is interesting because that's before the other editions. The '79 and '93 editions were, let's just say, boxy and not terribly distinguished. They did introduce gable forms on two axes of the building, which they're fine, but the gable forms have real no correlation to the appealing mid century building mid century modern facility. So we were challenged to well, if we're gonna add on, what are we're gonna work with what we think is the most significant of the structure and that being the original building. And we do have historic drawings of the original building, and they are of high character, very interesting drawings.

So our objective, which actually I wrote it down, so I'll just read it to you. Objective was to develop a fine modern design of our time that fits, complements, and integrates with the best of the current facility and promotes the reputation and community character of the Old North End. So with that, I'll just a few bullet points of our design. We've got low slope roof wings, and I think wings is a characteristic of it's a good term for the building. So we're matching low slope roof wings.

We have a centerpiece for the sanctuary portion that divides those roof planes with a center yeah. The center form forms somewhat of a steeple. Also distinguished in the distinguishing in of the building is the wave the wave pattern. And, like, because the canopy that is out in front is two of these, and that was part of the original structure. It's cast in place concrete, which is quite unique, but it is a a strong feature of the building.

Broad overhangs. We're not talking the typical 24 inches where these are five foot broad overhangs that project beyond the building mass. So we are reflecting that in the addition. And repetitive components creating a pattern. The later additions have a broad expanse of glass, which has benefits.

We we were felt more keeping the glazing glass a little more confined and emphasizing the brick, and we are certainly going to try to match the the red brick color with the addition. And just a clear identifiable a church portrayal, and centralizing an entrance would be another secondary point. And that glass in the middle, it's centered in the building. It's be right now, there's multiple entrances on the west facing front. Now we're creating a primary entrance, which distinguishes the building.

And, yeah, I think the it's a it's a little bit bold. It fits our time, but it connects with the nineteen sixties structure, and I think it amplifies the the character of the church. And not lastly, I'll just say that historically neighborhoods have been rooted and grounded with church buildings. And if you go to any older city historic even up to Denver, you go through the historic neighborhoods, they have historic churches. And I kind of egotistically would say, first, there's the church is the neighborhood church at the North End, and we feel like we have done much due diligence and much effort into making this a community engaging, welcoming facility.

And, certainly the history of the church reflects that. And, yeah, that's that's all I have today. I'm glad to answer any questions.

And then, Pat, if you wanted, you could have the board ask questions, or you could just ask for public comment and then hold board questions till after you've got any public comments. So but I know we have a few people. Speak up when you talk? So he's he's talking to

He's he's giving me hints. Oh, okay. Are there comments from the public on this project? No. Just a a quick question. And then if

you could just interrupt I'll interrupt and speak. If you could please introduce yourself. Oh, I'm sorry. And then where you reside

physically? Aguil. I live at 22 East Carameo that's sort of Catawampus from across the street from the church. Thanks. We didn't even know this was happening until we got the the thing in the mail. So take me back a little bit. What is the purpose of this edition? Are you making the sanctuary larger? Is it just a big entryway? What do we do?

I can address that. The church the original church, it's called a narthex. It's like a vestibule. It's where people enter, and it's a it's a vestibule Mhmm. Before people go into the church. And back in the day, it was really just kind of an entrance. And if you ever worship there well, if you ever go in there, it's a very narrow vestibule. For the church seats, about 300 thereabouts. Mhmm. And it's very awkward and crowded before and after service. So we are the primary purpose is to expand the north exit.

But not not expand seating. You don't anticipate.

Correct. The sanctuary, if you've ever been in, is very lovely. They're the only there is no expansion of the sanctuary. Okay. Additionally, the addition will have modern stairway that's code compliant, little or more open, an elevator, contemporary standards, an entrance. And it's it's basically a circulation space, the North X, and it's a pre worship and a post worship space. Common it's a it's a common space.

Okay.

So the short answer is that no. We're not adding seats or occupancy to the section.

So Wondering if you have

any pictures of the interior of the of the the plan. Any interior space?

I would be glad to share that with you. I do not have it.

Okay. That's fine. How long would you anticipate construction lasting?

That it'll probably be nine to let's say ten months. Yes. Ten months to twelve months. And we do have a schedule draft schedule published, and I did not bring that with me. But ten months is a good guess.

Fourteen is our outside dip time.

Okay. Well, initially, is that about We have initially projected fourteen months. And we do have we do have a top tier general contractor selected already, and that would be you can ask me who it is later. But we have interviewed the church has inter I say we. The church has interviewed contractors, and the contractor has been selected, and they are a well known name in the community. And they have a history with the church as well. And

they want to be as efficient as possible with the schedule. One other quick question, and this may not be appropriate to this particular forum, but, of course, parking is always an issue with the church for them, for neighbors when when things are going on. Do you have any idea what the construction phase of this is gonna do to the parking along Buenaventura and and Cascade? Is that gonna that's gonna get challenging, I would think.

Yeah. Well, of course, the the church has lots of meetings during the week, but mostly the worship on Sunday. And the construction activity will be work hours, and they do have the intent of preserving all of them.

All the parking spaces. Oh, wow. Yes. Good

luck with that. That is

certainly the parking is

Yes. A challenge. Yes. We all know.

Everybody knows. I'm a neighbor as well. So and I Okay. So yeah. Frequently go by and see the car. Oh, something's going on tonight. That's very evident.

Let me see. Yeah. There's that. Okay. Well, that answers me. Do you have a question?

Yes. I'm my name is Bob McGill. I'm Sheila's husband. I live across the street. Just wanted to say that we were there for the previous construction. I've been in the neighborhood for a long time and I've always found the church, you know, I think my neighbor.

Oh, yeah.

So if the nitpicking about the about the parking is just an incidental, but we're kind of looking out for the rest of people who may not have made this meeting. And we'll ask about it later. One neighbor in particular, out of sorts for a long time, I think, unrealistically, but it's nice to know About

the few.

That, yeah, that it's it's being considered.

Yeah. That and that's been a long history. Oh, yeah. It's not a new problem. It's No. I know. I I

remember when they wanted to take some houses on Tejon for parking.

The the far shot. Yes.

Yeah. That didn't that didn't work. Alright. Mhmm. And and when do you hope to start this project?

In the the construction? In the fall. Okay. K.

May I ask a question? We live two blocks from it. Is the entrance just in downtown. Yeah. It's Patty case, 1721 North Cascade. So we're two blocks north on the same side. Is the entryway there is it gonna be two stories open, or is it two stories? Do you know on the inside there? I'm just curious.

The new entry is where the glass is right smack in the middle. Oh. And that is single story with the there is a little bit of 2nd Floor addition directly above. If you're speaking of where the entry is now, that entry will be gone, and that space will be essentially a story and a half. So that will be well, let's turn the north x right there.

This bill has the arrow. That will be a tall volume, but there will not be an entrance there anymore. That will be the common gathering after worship space for people to converse and fellowship. Nice. Think that answers your question.

But that's the front basically, building in front of the existing sanctuary, it's right now, you enter, it's a real low ceiling. It feels kind of cramped. It's I mean, at best, eight and a half foot ceiling. The new space, as you come out of the sanctuary, will be a store and a half to two story tall.

Nice. How many feet out towards Cascade is the new

It expands 20 part of it is 20 feet, and then another part projects out another nine feet. So 29 to 30 feet, and there'll be 34 feet left of grassy landscape space.

Are you losing the bell tower thing?

That's a hot button. Yeah. Yes. We are losing the bell tower.

I think that's okay.

Yeah. We can do

that. No

great loss there.

Yeah. I I could debate that, but it's it has been a topic of many conversations. And but the shorter answer is yes. It's the the building edition encroaches into where the bell tower sits or the bell tower will go away. We talked about trying to preserve it, and I thought, is it worth preserving? And then we looked at it structurally, and it's

not practical at all. Basically, it'd be easier to rebuild it than to relocate it. So What form of what sort of new landscaping do you anticipate?

I would say we do have a preliminary landscape plan. I would say it's going to be abundant, and there is plans for roses. There are plans for trees, more tree the perch lost some trees in a storm of year a couple of years ago. So there is a plan to be, particularly along the South Side, to be abundant with the trees. And we do have some bias here, one of the best landscape planning firms in town doing the landscape design.

There's some connection with the church through that firm. So they are we will be trip they will be preparing a final landscape plan that will go before, city and. Okay. Thank you.

Other comments from the public? Are there any questions or comments from the board? I have a question, but it doesn't really have anything to do with my vote. It's just something I'm curious about. So is that appropriate? Yes.

Thanks.

It's also about the bell Tower, and it it's that I had occasion to be well, to see the the van for the church over the weekend.

Did you say the van?

The van. A van. A bus that belongs to the church. And the bell tower is the image that is used on the van to represent the church. And so I I'm just curious about whether there's been any discussion with the church or the, you know, the packaging of the symbolism or how that's going to change. But as I said, this is pure curiosity. It has nothing to do with the approval of the design.

There's been lot of discussion. And, yeah, the church, there are some that have a close that have strong connection with the history of the Bell Tower.

It's,

yeah, the church branding really isn't my department, but we did we do have a the the short end not the short answer, but any from our approach, the church imagery is going to be replaced. So they will have some, quote, rebranding. And, again, that's not my department. But we do have a cross form that's going to be integrated into the brick facade as it will be a colored glass or stained glass, decorative glass, and that is going to be the primary thrust of its identity as a a church. But if you do look at the on the sign on the street Mhmm.

There's some of that underway, and there's no bell tower imagery in in that. So it will be just part of the history of the church. It's that's the short answer. It will become part of the history of the church.

Thank you. Appreciate that. Any other questions from the board? Paul, Matt, Jim?

No questions?

No questions. I just wanna say I appreciate, how thoughtful you were with sticking with the original, mid century modern architecture instead of picking the 1979 version. Has a lot more character.

I concur. If there's no more discussion, may I have a motion to approve the report of acceptability for the first Lutheran entryway edition?

I make a motion to approve the report of acceptability for the Perth Lutheran UAE petition based upon the findings that review criteria for deciding on a report of acceptability as set forth in city code section seven point five point five two eight. I'm at it.

Thank you, Jake. I'll

second that. Oh.

Me too. Alright. Roll call vote sent. Can we

please clarify who was the second vote?

Either one, Paul or Matt. Phil, you decide.

Oh, it is. It can be Paul.

Thank you.

Yes. This must be Paul's one of Paul's final final motions.

Oh, no.

Swan swan song.

Yep. Swan swan. Sorry. Thanks, Paul.

Okay.

Carry music? I. Or member Baumgartner?

Aye. Sorry. My microphone keeps getting stuck.

Thank you. Board member Hines? Aye. And board member Fitzsimmons? Aye. Thank you. The motion passes unanimously.

Appeal instructions again? So, yes, read the appeal instructions one more time.

Alright. So the motion passes to unanimously to approve the report of acceptability for 1515 or cascade with first Lutheran Church in accordance with the requirements of section seven point five point four one five of the city unit unit the city unified development code. Any affected party may appeal to the city council any action of the historic preservation board in relation to city code where the action was averse to that person. Within ten days from final action on the item being appealed, which would be Friday, 05/15/2026, the appellant must file notice of appeal and pay the $176 fee with the city clerk. The appeal letter should address specific city code requirements that were not adequately addressed by the Historic Preservation Board.

City council may elect to limit discussion at the appeal hearing to the specific matters set forth in the appeal letter. With that With that adjourned. Yes, sir. Scheduled presentations for May have been postponed, so the meeting is adjourned. Thank you.

Thank you. Bye.

Thanks, Gil. Thank you.

Thank you all. Good night. And back to you.

You too.