agenda item iv. b. hpc file# 18-005 city of saint paul ... root/planning... · the seven-story,...

Agenda Item IV. B. HPC File# 18-005

1

CITY OF SAINT PAUL HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION STAFF REPORT

FILE NAME: 261-279 Fifth Street East – Rayette Building APPLICANT: Charlene Roise, Hess, Roise and Company OWNER: Will Anderson, Rayette Apartments Ltd. Partnership ARCHITECT: N/A DATE OF APPLICATION: October 25, 2017 DATE OF PUBLIC HEARING: November 16, 2017 HPC SITE/DISTRICT: Rayette Building – RA-SPC-5252 Lowertown Heritage Preservation District – RA-SPC-4580 NRHP: Lowertown Historic District (1983) PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE: 1867-1929 CATEGORY: Contributing WARD: 2 DISTRICT COUNCIL: 17 ZONING: B5 CLASSIFICATION: Master Sign Plan - Revision SIGN PERMIT #: N/A STAFF INVESTIGATION AND REPORT: Christine Boulware DATE: November 8, 2017 A. SITE DESCRIPTION: The seven-story, Classical Revival-style building has cream colored brick walls, a symmetrical facade and a central entrance flanked by columns. The Stronge and Warner Company Building, more recently known as the Rayette Building, was constructed in 1909-10 and designed by David Postle, Harry Mahler and James Denson. The reinforced-concrete and brick structure housed the Stronge and Warner Company, a purveyor of clothing and haberdashery, until 1928. By 1936, Raymond Laboratories, a manufacturer of women's hair products owned the property and later changed its name to Rayette, a key player in the beauty products industry. They moved out of the building in 1971 and by 1979, the building was vacant. Control Data purchased the building in 1979 with the intent of renovating it as a small business center but that never transpired. In 1997, owner Henry Zaidan converted the building into a 340-space parking garage. Prior to that, the building had 20% occupancy consisting mostly of artists and small businesses. The Heritage Preservation Commission approved the parking conversion, although somewhat reluctantly as the conversion required gutting much of the interior but allowed for the exterior to remain mostly intact without any windows. In 2001, Sherman Associates purchased the property and continued to operate it as a parking facility. Plans to rehabilitate the property into 88-residential units, with approximately 2500 sq. ft. of commercial space on the first floor, were reviewed and approved by the HPC in 2012. The project received Federal and State Historic Tax Credits. The property is categorized as contributing to the Lowertown Heritage Preservation District.


2

B. PROPOSED CHANGES: The applicant proposes revisions to the Master Sign Plan to read as follows:

Previous Sign Plan Proposed Sign Plan Comments Primary Wall-Mounted Blade Sign Location: Corner of 5th & Wall Total area: 40” x 40”- Two faces Material: 1/4:” Aluminum Attachment: Not illuminated Plan sheets: 2, 3, 4

Primary Wall-Mounted Blade Sign Location: Corner of 5th & Wall Total area: maximum 32 square feet - Two faces Material: wood or metal Attachment: through mortar joints, not masonry units Top of sign no more than 18’ from ground Not illuminated Plan sheets: 2, 3, 4

Address Location: Above main entrance on 5th Total area: 30” x 12” Material: vinyl Attachment: on window glass Plan sheet: 2

Address Location: Above main entrance on 5th Total area: maximum 2.5 square feet Material: vinyl Attachment: on window glass Plan sheets: 2, 5

Tenant Commercial Location: bottom of commercial windows on 5th & Wall Total area: 36” x 12” –tenant logo & 36” x 4” graphic Material: vinyl Attachment: on window glass Plan sheets: 2, 3

Tenant Commercial Location: windows on 5th & Wall Total area: maximum 28 square feet Material: vinyl Attachment: on window glass Plan sheets: 2, 3, 6

C. BACKGROUND: September 29, 2014, zoning staff reviewed and approved the initial Master Sign Plan October 1, 2014, HPC staff reviewed and approved the projecting corner sign at Fifth and Wall Streets and the single-sided wall sign adjacent to the Fifth Street entrance on – HP #14-334385.


3

D. GUIDELINE CITATIONS: The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

Guideline Meets Guideline?

Comments

2. The historic character of a property will be retained and preserved. The removal of distinctive materials or alteration of features, spaces, and spatial relationships that characterize a property will be avoided.

YES The signage will not remove or alter features of the building.

5. Distinctive materials, features, finishes, and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property will be preserved.

YES The items listed in the guideline will be preserved.

Sec. 74-112 Preservation Program: Historic Lowertown Heritage Preservation District

II. Restoration and rehabilitation: General Principles for Restoration and Rehabilitation Guideline Meets

Guideline? Comments

a. All work should be of a character and quality that maintain the distinguishing features of the building and the environment. The removal of architectural features is not permitted.

YES The signage not adversely impact the distinguishing features of the building.

c. Distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craftsmanship characteristic of structures of a period should be treated sensitively. Furthermore, if changes in use of a building are contemplated, they should be accomplished with minimum alteration to the structure and fabric.

YES The features and characteristics of the building will not be altered.

A. Masonry and walls. III. Signs and accessories. Signs should be compatible with the character of the District, and blend with the character of the structures on or near which they are placed. Signs should not conceal architectural detail, clutter or detract from the intended facade; but rather complement the overall design of the building and the period in which it was built.

Cannot determine

The projecting sign and address numbers were reviewed, approved, and installed. They comply with the guideline. Plans and details for the tenant window graphics/signage were not submitted, thus we cannot determine if they will clutter or detract from the façade or complement the overall design of the building. The proposed window locations are appropriate and the application of vinyl graphics on glass can appear as a modern interpretation of historic painted glass signs.

D. Lighting. Location of exterior lights should be appropriate to the structure. Signs should generally be lit from on the site. There should be no flashing, blinking, moving, or varying intensity lighting. Subdued lighting is preferred. Backlit fluorescent or exposed neon are generally inappropriate.

N/A Illumination of the signage was not proposed.


4

E. FINDINGS: 1. On March 22, 1984, the Historic Lowertown Heritage Preservation District was

established under Ordinance No. 17120, § 2. The Heritage Preservation Commission shall protect the architectural character of heritage preservation sites through review and approval or denial of applications for city permits for exterior work within designated heritage preservation sites §73.04.(4).

2. The property is categorized as contributing to the character of the Lowertown Heritage Preservation District.

3. General. §74-112.II.a The signage proposal is of a design, scale, and material that maintains the distinguishing features of the building and the environment and will not result in removal of architectural features.

4. Masonry and Walls §74-112.II.A. Attachments and anchoring is proposed into mortar joints only so as not to damage historic masonry and decorative details. This complies with the guideline.

5. §74-112.III.A-D Signs and Accessories. The wall-mounted blade sign at the corner of Fifth and Wall Streets was reviewed and approved by HPC staff on October 1, 2014 HP#14-334385. The vinyl address numbers on glass in the recessed entry were approved under the Master Sign Plan in 2014. The vinyl tenant signs – maximum of 28 sq. ft. – would be applied to the first floor glass in the three, eastern-most bays on Fifth Street and three, southern-most bays on Wall Street. In general, vinyl signage in these locations would not have an adverse impact so long as the signage complies with the guidelines.

6. The revisions to the Master Sign Plan for the Rayette Building at 261-279 Fifth Street East will not adversely affect the Program for the Preservation and architectural control of the Historic Lowertown Heritage Preservation District (Leg. Code §73.06 (e)) so long as the conditions are met.

F. STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: Based on the findings staff recommends approval of the master sign plan provided the following condition(s) are met: 1. Applications for the additional tenant signage shall include final specifications, plans,

shop drawings, materials, colors, dimensions, and details and shall be submitted to the HPC and/or staff for final review and approval.

2. Any revisions to the approved plans shall be reviewed and approved by the HPC and/or staff.

3. Illumination was not proposed or reviewed. Any lighting will require review by the HPC and/or staff.

G. SUGGESTED MOTION

I move to approve application #18-005 to update the master sign plan at 261-279 Fifth Street East as per the findings of fact, presented testimony, submitted documentation and information provided in the staff report with the 3 conditions.


5

H. ATTACHMENTS: 1. HPC Design Review Application 2. Master Sign Plan – revised (with plans & photos) 3. Master Sign Plan 9-29-2014 – zoning approval

Saint Paul Heritage Preservation Commission Department of Planning and Economic Development 25 Fourth Street West, Suite 1400 Saint Paul, MN 55102 Phone: (651) 266-9078 [email protected]

1

Repair/Rehabilitation Sign/Awning New Construction/Addition/Moving Fence/Retaining Wall AlterationDemolition Other _______________ Pre-Application Review Only

Heritage Preservation Commission Design Review Application

PROCESSThis application must be completed in addition to required city permit applications for

individually designated Heritage Preservation Sites and properties located within Heritage Preservation Districts.

Design review applications are reviewed and approved by either heritage preservation staff or the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC) at a public hearing. HPC staff are authorized to

work that complies with design review guidelines and preservation programs,available at our website www.stpaul.gov/hpc, while the HPC reviews projects that are significant alterations, demolitions, additions, new construction or proposals that do not comply with HPCguidelines. The decision of whether a proposal may be reviewed and approved by HPC staff ormust be reviewed by the HPC at a public hearing is made once a complete application issubmitted.

The HPC public hearing schedule is viewable here:

A complete application consists of: 1) An application form2) attachments that adequately describe the proposed work (see checklist)

An incomplete application will be put on hold and staff will contact you for additional information. If an application is incomplete for 30 days after it was received, it will be returned to the applicant.

Complete applications will be reviewed in the order received. Applications are notentered in queue to be reviewed until staff has determined them to be complete. Oncereviewed, a Certificate of Approval will be issued along with any conditions for the proposed work. You will be notified by staff when has been issued and acopy will be sent to the Department of Safety and Inspections to complete the HPCprocess of obtaining the necessary permit(s).

1. CATEGORYPlease check the category that best describes the proposed work

2. PROJECT ADDRESS

Street and number: _________________________________ Zip Code: _____________

261-279 East Fifth Street

261-279 East Fifth Street 55101

2

3. APPLICANT INFORMATION

Name of contact person: ___________________________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________

Street and number: ________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: _____________

Phone number: _____________________ e-mail: _____________________________

4. PROPERTY OWNER(S) INFORMATION (If different from applicant)

Name: _________________________________________________________________

Street and number: _______________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: ____________

Phone number: _____________________ e-mail: ______________________________

5. PROJECT ARCHITECT (If applicable)

Contact person: __________________________________________________________

Company: _______________________________________________________________

Street and number: ________________________________________________________

City: __________________________ State: _____________ Zip Code: _____________

Phone number: _____________________ e-mail: ______________________________

6. PROJECT DESCRIPTIONCompletely describe ALL exterior changes being proposed for the property. Include

changes to architectural details such as windows,doors, siding, railings, steps, trim, roof, foundation or porches. Attach specifications for doors, windows, lighting and other features, if applicable, including color and material samples.

Attach additional sheets if necessary

Charlene RoiseHess, Roise and Company

100 North First StreetMinneapolis MN 55401

612-338-1987 [email protected]

Rayette Apartments Ltd. Partnership (project mgr: Will Anderson)

233 Park Avenue South, Suite 201Minneapolis MN 55415

612-604-0866 [email protected]

N/A

Revision to Master Sign Plan -- see attached

3

7. ATTACHMENTS & DESIGN REVIEW CHECKLISTPlease refer to the following checklist section(s) that relate to your proposed scope of work and check next to the items that are attached to your application. Attach all checked items listed to this application or attach in an email to [email protected]

Staff may contact you for additional information or materials.

If your project or work type is not included in this checklist, please contact the staff by calling 651-266-9078 or sending an e-mail to [email protected] for assistance on how to complete an application.

Appl

ican

tSu

bmitt

ed

Staf

f Re

ceiv

ed

Dat

e Re

ceiv

ed

Restoration /Repair/Rehabilitation Three copies of scaled and dimensioned plans which note all materials, finishes, anddimensions on plan (2 copies will be forwarded to the Dept. of Safety and Inspections).

Photographs of all features and areas affected by proposed work.If an existing architectural feature is being replaced, please provide detailed drawings

of the existing feature.

Historic photographs (if any) that inform the restoration/rehabilitation/repair work.

Sign/Awning:

Photographs of location of proposed signage on structure/property.

Photographs of structure and all exterior sides affected by proposed work.Three copies of plans that note materials, dimensions, colors, andmethod of attachment.Section drawing showing point of installation, method of installation, awning profile and projection.

Illumination plan.Photographs or elevation of the building showing location of proposed sign in relation to the building and, if applicable, other signage on the building.

New Construction/Addition/Exterior Alteration:

Three copies of construction level plans which note all materials, finishes, anddimensions on plan (2 copies will be forwarded to the Dept. of Safety and Inspections). Show how the addition(s) relates to the existing structure.

Photographs of all features and areas affected by proposed work.Site plan showing lot dimensions, location of any existing buildings, and proposed addition(s), elevation plans, section and detail drawings as necessary. All plans must be scaled and dimensioned.

Digital copies of the plans and photos submitted on CD or USB.

✔

✔

✔

4

Appl

ican

tSu

bmitt

ed

Staf

f Re

ceiv

ed

Dat

e Re

ceiv

ed

Fencing/Retaining Wall:A site plan showing the location of the fence/wall in relation to property lines and any

structures with measurements.

An elevation drawing or photo of the proposed fence/wall.

Roofing:

Sample or description of existing material(s).

Sample or specifications of proposed material(s).

Sample colors.

Photographs of all exterior sides affected by the proposed work.

Photographs of the building and roof showing existing conditions of roof, coping, flashing, affected masonry, parapet, siding, existing skylights, and/or dormers. Also include any other critical intersections where the roof meets the historic fabric, and sightline drawings when a change in slope or other potentially visible change is proposed.

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning EquipmentSite plan showing location of condenser in relation to the building(s) and property lines.

Photographs of the proposed location of any condensers or venting.

Photographs demonstrating that the proposed unit is not visible from the street.

A screening plan if a condenser is in the side yard.Drawing or photograph demonstrating where and how conduit will be attached to the building.

Window/Sash Replacement:Statement describing in detail why windows need replacement

.Existing window design and dimensions.Proposed window design, dimensions, and manufacturer’s specifications including shop drawings.

Existing type of exterior storm windows.

Proposed style of exterior storm windows.

Existing exterior window trim material.

Proposed exterior window trim material and style.

Photographs of all exterior sides where window replacement is being proposed.Photographs of existing features/conditions which support window replacement proposal.

6

Requires staff review Requires Commission review

HPC Staff Notes

FOR HPC OFFICE USE ONLY

Date received: _________________________ FILE NO. ________________

Date complete: _________________________

District:__________/Individual Site:__________________________

Pivotal/Contributing/Non-contributing/New Construction/Parcel

Supporting data: YES NOComplete application: YES NOThe following condition(s) must be met in order for application to conform to preservation program:

It has been determined that the work to be performed pursuant to the application does not adversely affect the program for preservation and architectural control of the heritage preservation district or site (Ch.73.06).

______________________________HPC staff approval

Date _______________

Submitted:3 Sets of Plans15 Sets of Plans reduced to8 ½” by 11” or 11” by 17”PhotographsCD of Plans (pdf) & Photos (jpg)City Permit ApplicationComplete HPC Design Reviewapplication

Hearing Date set for: _______________

: _________________________

City Permit # ____ - ___________

261-279 East Fifth Street

Rayette Master Sign Plan (October 2017)—Page 1

Rayette Lofts (Lowertown Historic District) 261 East 5th Street Saint Paul, MN 55101

Master Exterior Sign Plan (October 2017)

Rayette Lofts is a 7-story building at the intersection of 5th Street and Wall Street that contains 88 housing units and approximately 2,500 square feet of commercial space. The commercial space is on the first floor at the corner of 5th and Wall. The following master sign plan includes signage for both the residential and commercial uses.

Sign Description Detail (Page)

1. Primary Wall-Mounted Blade Sign Corner of 5th & Wall 2, 3, 4 Exterior dimensions: maximum 32 square feet Two faces Material: wood or metal Attachment: through mortar joints, not masonry units Top of sign no more than 18’ from ground Not illuminated 2. Address Above main entrance on 5th 2, 5 Total area: maximum 2.5 square feet Material: vinyl Attachment: on window glass 3. Tenant Commercial windows on 5th & Wall 2, 3, 6 Total area: maximum 28 square feet Material: vinyl Attachment: on window glass Any signage for this property will require an application for Heritage Preservation Commission Design Review be submitted to the Historic Preservation Commission and a sign permit application to the Department of Safety and Inspections for review and approval prior to the sign installation. Contact: Will Anderson Associate Project Manager Sherman Associates, Inc. [email protected] Direct: 612-604-0866 Cell: 651-587-5808 Main: 612-332-3000 Fax: 612-332-8119

mailto:[email protected]


1-Wall-Mounted Blade

2-Address

3-Tenant

5th Street


1-Wall-Mounted Blade

3-Tenant

Wall Street


1-Blade sign location

(corner Fifth and Wall)


2-Address location

(Fifth Street entry)


3-Tenant signage location (top: Fifth Street; bottom: Wall Street)

agenda item iv. b. hpc file# 18-005 city of saint paul ... root/planning... · the seven-story,...

Documents