HARB Minutes

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historic Architectural Review Board to order at 

7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17, 2013. The meeting was held at the Borough Building, 59 East High Street. A quorum was present. Those in attendance were: Board members Jim McCabe, Colleen Lingle, Peggy Gustafson, Nancie Gudmestad, Philip Goble and Aubrey Burkholder, Borough Code Enforcement Officer; Merry Bush, Borough Planning Technician and Historic District Administrator; and Scott Dellett, Borough Planning Director. 

Others in attendance were: Jill Rohrbaugh and Bill Baldwin, representing 249 North Washington Street; Gary Hartman, Robin Fitzpatrick, both of the Adams County Industrial Development Authority, and Albert Penksa, Adams County Manager, all for 108 North Stratton Street; Gina and John LeVan for 619 Baltimore Street. Others in attendance were Scott Pitzer, representing the office of State Senator Richard Alloway II, and Borough resident Stan Clark.

Review of Agenda and Minutes

Mr. Shaffer introduced the members and explained the procedures that would be followed during the meeting. He noted that the Board serves as an advisory group to Borough Council, which makes final decisions concerning Certificates of Appropriateness. Borough Council will next meet on Monday, May 13, 2013. 

There were no additions to the agenda, however, the Board agreed to revise the order in which the applications were heard to accommodate those in attendance. The Board reviewed the minutes from the previous meeting. Ms. Gustafson pointed out that a portion of a sentence was missing on page 4, line 3. The sentence should read, "Ms. Gustafson said that the previous recommendation for demolition required that the foundation be saved and infilled to protect any existing archeological sources beneath the building." 

Ms. Lingle moved to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2013 as amended. The motion, seconded by Ms. Gustafson, passed 7 to 0.

Public Comment for Items Not on the Agenda

There were no public comments for items not on the meeting agenda. 

Applications for Certificates of Appropriateness 

A. 249 North Washington Street. Office of the Gettysburg Review. Alteration. Window replacement. Gettysburg College, owner.

The applicant proposes to replace the windows at 249 North Washington Street. 

Background: The two-story, wood frame Victorian Folk style dwelling was built ca. 1892 by Daniel S. Klingel. The building is a quaint vernacular example of a modest Folk Victorian home, with decorative verge boards. There have been several renovations including a rear shed addition and enclosure of the "L" above the first floor porch by the main entrance. The property did not become part of the Historic District until the 1991 expansion of the district, which included North Washington Street. 

The building remained a private residence until Gettysburg College purchased the property in 1987. At that time the house was the home of Lillian Smoke, head librarian of the college library for 15 years until her retirement in 1974. The property now serves as the offices for The Gettysburg Review, a literary magazine published by the college.

According to the applicant, the building was covered with vinyl siding in the late 1980s. J-molding covered the existing trim. Inside the building, the existing casing, sills and aprons will remain. The exterior of the windows will be black in color. The door and transom configuration remain the same. A sample of the proposed window was shown to the Board. 

Mr. McCabe commended the college for restoring the character of the building. Ms. Gudmestad asked if four-inch wide pieces would be installed all around the window. The applicant said the cladding outside will be painted black. Additional pieces will be added to give the appearance of thickness. The J-channel molding will be moved back from the window itself. When asked about the finish Ms. Rohrbaugh said it would be a matte or dull finish. 

Ms. Gustafson asked if clad pieces of wood would be added around the window. Ms. Rohrbaugh said yes. She reported that there is extensive water damage on the interior walls adjacent to the windows. The replacement windows will have the same configuration as the existing windows. 

Findings of Fact: The structure at 249 North Washington Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District Ordinance). As defined in the Historic District Ordinance, a sensitive building is any building that has been standing for at least 50 years at the time of the application, even though it has been considerably modified and certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

Replacement of windows is a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building."

The building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District with its period of significance the Evolving Tourist Community, 1880-1918.

Based on the submitted application materials:

q The building has been altered with the addition of vinyl siding. 

q Windows in the attic and on the south elevation appear to be original but the majority have been replaced.

q The window trim has been clad with aluminum, most likely when the alternate siding was installed. 

q The changes will have a mixed impact on the integrity. The proposal is to replicate the existing windows in design. 

Motion: Ms. Gudmestad moved to recommend Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of windows as proposed in the application. Mr. Burkholder seconded the motion, which carried 7 to 0.

Mr. Shaffer recused himself as he has a fiduciary relationship with the following applicants. Ms. Gustafson assumed the role of chairman. 

B. 619 Baltimore Street. Alteration. Door replacement. Gina M. LeVan, applicant.

The applicant wishes to replace two exterior doors at 619 Baltimore Street. The entrance door will be replaced with a thin-style full glass aluminum frame entry door. The sidelights will remain. The awning framework will be removed. The door to the right of the entrance will be replaced with an insulated metal six-panel door. The door is not used and a wall has been built on the interior covering the door. 

Background: The building was constructed as a cinderblock dwelling after 1900 and prior to 1931, as the building appears on the Sanborn Fire Insurance Map of that year. Changes have been made over the years. The property has housed several restaurants over the years.

Ms. Gudmestad asked if the door that is covered on the inside would be replaced with a solid door. Mr. LeVan explained that the existing door is a solid metal door and hopes to replace it with another solid metal door although without windows. When asked if they planned to paint the shutters, the applicants said no. 

Ms. Gustafson asked if the deck would be used as an eating area. The applicant said yes. Ms. Gustafson then asked about the location of signage. She suggested that a sign be hung between the bay window and the closed shutters. 

Mr. McCabe asked why the applicant proposed to paint the solid metal door the same color as the exterior wall. Mr. LeVan said the purpose was to make the door "disappear" into the wall. 

Ms. Gustafson referring to signage said she hopes the sign will fit in with the village-type look. She questioned the applicant about the need to replace the front door. Ms. LeVan said that the existing door is a residential door in a commercial building. 

Findings of Fact: The structure at 619 Baltimore Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District Ordinance). As defined in the Historic District Ordinance, a sensitive building is any building that has been standing for at least 50 years at the time of the application, even though it has been considerably modified and certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

The change in doors constitutes a permanent change, making this proposal a critical project, which is defined in the Historic District Ordinance as "A project involving demolition of all or part of any building or change in configuration and rhythm of any building as a whole, or any alteration to a sensitive building." 

The building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District.

Based on the application materials submitted by the applicant, the new doors will be installed in the existing jams, the changes will be highly visible from a public street and the change in doors will bring more attention to the main entrance. 

Ms. Gudmestad moved to recommend that the Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of the doors as described in the application. Mr. Goble seconded the motion, which passed 6 to 0, with Mr. Shaffer abstaining.

E. 40 East High Street. Alteration. Replace entry doors. Adams County Housing Authority, owner. 

According to the application, the applicant proposed a new aluminum ADA-compliant door within the historic jams of the main entrance door. The existing historic doors will be fixed in an open position in a recessed alcove on each side of the entry. The historic doors will be maintained and painted but secured in an open position. The existing historic fan light and light fixture will remain. The new door will be surrounded by aluminum sidelights as shown on the drawings.

Background: The Historic High Street School building was completed in May of 1858. Construction of the school had begun in 1857 and was based upon plans of the Philadelphia architect Samuel Sloan. The building was used as a Civil War hospital from the time of the battle until August 1863, when local officials took back the building in time for the beginning of the school year. 

The building served the Gettysburg Area School District for nearly 100 years and was occupied by students until the fall of 1955. In November 1955 the building was sold to Wilbur Plank, owner of Gettysburg Engineering. After the Gettysburg School District no longer needed the building it was used by the Adams County Superintendent of Schools as the Adams County Trainable Center. Elementary students entered the building from the north entry and had classes on the lower level. Students in wheelchairs also entered at the lower level and were taken via a large service elevator to the second floor if they were teens to join the older students who had their classes on the main floor of the building. Some teens entered through the east side door. The engineer’s office and that of the phone company (possibly United Telephone) occupied the third level. 

The Lincoln Intermediate Unit (LIU) was formed and took over classes in 1971. Classes, however, continued in this location for some students for a few years after the LIU #12 was organized. (A kitchenette on each level provided snacks while the Gettysburg Area School District brought in regular lunches from the school’s cafeteria. (School information compiled by Patricia Ziegler and Peggy Gustafson.)

The Adams County Housing Authority in purchased the building in 1999. Rehabilitation of the building began in 2003 and was completed in 2006.

As the applicant’s representative, Mr. Shaffer said that the Housing Authority had been asking him for years how to make the entry more functional and ADA-compliant. He was very reluctant to do so but recently saw how difficult it was for a handicapped person to enter the building using that entrance. He said the use of one of the doors was too narrow and the second door is so deteriorated that it took two to three minutes to get the door open. 

There are four historic entrances to the building. Three will remain as they were historically. The aluminum frame and door will be ADA-compliant with the addition of a push pad or a call button. Installation would not damage any portion of the entrance -- brick or decorative elements. The framework would remain intact. Providing an accessible entrance at the rear of the building would be problematic as the elevator is not ADA-compliant. 

Mr. McCabe asked for confirmation that the historic doors would be visible. Mr. Shaffer said the interior side of the doors will be visible in alcoves on each side of the door. The doors will be fixed in place. 

Ms. Gudmestad asked if there was any way to insert one of the existing doors in an aluminum framework. Mr. Shaffer said that it could be done but required significant modification. A steel framework would have to be used as the door is very heavy. The doors are pretty rough. The plan is to expose the interior side, which will be sanded and painted. The doors could be mounted with hinges so they could be pulled out to clean up any debris that might get behind the doors. That, however, would not allow the doors to fit tightly in the alcoves. 

Mr. McCabe asked if the existing signs on the door will be removed. Mr. Shaffer said yes. 

Motion: Mr. Goble moved to recommend to Borough Council that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for the installation of a new aluminum ADA-compliant door and aluminum framework inside the frame of the existing doors. The historic doors will be mounted in the open position in recesses just outside the entryway. Ms. Lingle seconded and the motion carried 6 to 0, with 1 abstention. 

Mr. Shaffer resumed the role of chairman.

F. 108 North Stratton Street. Demolition. Adams County Industrial Authority, applicant.

The applicant proposes to demolish two vacant buildings, 32-52 Foth Alley and 104-106 North Stratton Street, located in the Residential Office Redevelopment Zoning District. The applicant plans to market the property for mixed residential and commercial use. At the time of this application, no elevation drawings or other designs have been submitted for the proposed buildings. 

Background: 104-106 N. Stratton Street The two story-brick section on the corner of N. Stratton Street and Foth Alley appears on the 1907 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map and the wing extending to the west along Foth Alley was constructed by 1919 according to the Western Maryland Railway right-of-way map. The original function of the building was an automobile garage, adding sales and storage in 1931. By 1947 the Keystone Garment Company, a dress factory, shared the space with the automotive garage. The concrete block wing that extends westward along the railroad track was added in 1959. Reference: Pennsylvania Historic Resource Form completed June 2006. Portions of the building most recently served as the location of Adams County Social Services including the site of the homeless shelter run by the South Central Community Action Programs, Inc (SCCAP).

32-52 Foth Alley: Located at the northeast quadrant of Foth Alley and Strickhouser Alley between North Stratton and Carlisle streets is a joined collection of buildings making up the Adams County Novelty Company. The buildings are large one-story concrete block and metal clad structures set at right angles to one another. Contrasting with these large wings is a small two- story, two-bay framed office building constructed between the 1924 and 1931. The oldest portion of the complex first appears on the 1919 Western Maryland Railroad Company right-of-way map as the planing mill in the Strasbaugh Coal [and Lumber] Yard. That section, built between 1912 and 1919, is the easternmost north-south aligned part of the complex. According to Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps two more large components were added by 1947. The remainder of the complex was built between the late 1940s and early 1950s. Reference: Pennsylvania Historic Resource Form completed June 2006. Before being vacated, a portion of the complex housed Mel’s Antique shop.

Ms. Fitzpatrick, president of Adams County Industrial Development Authority (ACIDA), said the property will be marketed to developers for mixed use hopefully including a public gathering place. The ACIDA will become the owners of the property at the end of April according to Mr. Hartman, the Authority’s attorney.

Mr. Colona, director of the Adams County Office of Planning and Development (ACOPD) has bee meeting with local government officials regarding visioning for development of the site. 

Mr. Hartman said the ACIDA would be a reluctant developer but doesn’t want to lose a $1 million grant that would allow the site to be cleared in preparation for sale to a developer. The goal of the Authority would be to demolish the buildings on the site. 

The County Commissioners and Administrators have given approval to the plan. The county Planning and Development Office is working with local officials on how to make the site more developable for combined residential and office uses. The goal is to expand the corridor east to the Borough line. The ACOPD is serving as a consultant for the joint comprehensive plan for the Borough and Cumberland Township. 

Mr. Goble said he would like to see the demolition get going, noting that the site would look better if it was grass covered. 

Mr. McCabe said he did not like several of the sample conceptual designs -- the scale did not match existing buildings.

Ms. Gudmestad said it has taken more than 10 years since the project was originally discussed. 

Ms. Gustafson expressed her concern about the old buildings. It would not take much, she said, for there to be a catastrophe like the two fires in the second block of Chambersburg Street. She also remembered the length of time it took to get the old Giant Store demolished and redeveloped. 

Mr. Goble moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the demolition of the structures on the site collectively known as 108 N. Stratton Street. Colleen Lingle seconded and the motion carried, 7 to 0. 

Mr. Shaffer recused himself as he has a fiduciary relationship with the following applicants. Ms. Gustafson assumed the role of chairman. 

C. 38 West Middle Street. New construction. Garage. Harry Stokes, owner.

The applicant proposes to construct a two-car garage at the rear of the property known as 38 West Middle Street. The owner previously restored the front portion of the home and constructed a two-story rear addition. 

Background: According to recent research completed by Elwood Christ, it is likely that the two-story frame home with one-story back building was under construction in 1883. Murray M. Sheads purchased the property on March 31, 1884 and retained the property for 62 years. 

The property was sold to James R. and Lucy Beard, whose family retained the property for 14 years. They demolished the outbuildings that existed along the alley. When Lucy and then James died the property was left to nephews Richard Reed of York, Pennsylvania and Chester Reed of Boston, Massachusetts. The property was transferred to the Reeds on August 13, 1960. Two weeks later Chester Reed sold his one-half interest to his brother. 

From the late summer of 1960 through to the fall of 2009, over 49 years, the property was under the ownership of Richard R. Reed. Little maintenance was undertaken on the property until it was sold to Lisa R. Portmess and Harry Stokes, the current owners. The two-story frame portion of the building was restored with a two-story addition constructed to the rear of the 1884 section. 

Ms. Gudmestad asked about the siding proposed for the garage. Mr. Shaffer said that the owner wishes to use a rough-coat wood siding, going against the architect’s recommendation. When asked about the garage doors, Mr. Shaffer said they will not be overhead doors, nor would they be automated. Each wood garage door will open from the center with the doors hung on heavy duty strap hinges. Mr. Shaffer said there was a storage truss added to the building for very limited storage. There will be no eaves or overhangs. The garage must be 5 feet from each property line and 20 feet from the alley. 

Mr. Dellett explained the Borough’s Land Use Permit process. This permit cannot be issued unless the site plan meets the requirements of the Borough’s codes and ordinances, including the Zoning Ordinance. Staff will follow up to be sure that the building is constructed according to approved plans.

Findings of Fact: The main structure at 38 West Middle Street is a sensitive building as defined in Chapter 11 of the Borough Code of Ordinances, Historic Districts (Historic District Ordinance). As defined in the Historic District Ordinance, a sensitive building is any building that has been standing for at least 50 years at the time of the application, even though it has been considerably modified and certain sites of later historic significance or buildings that the Board has determined to be exemplary of later architectural styles. 

While the construction of a garage is a permanent change, it is not a change made to the historic home. Therefore this particular project is considered a major project due to its location in the Historic District.

The original historic building is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District with its period of significance the Evolving Tourist Community, 1880-1918.

Based on the application materials: the garage will be located to the rear of the property visible from the alley but will not be visible from West Middle Street. The garage will feature wood siding and wood windows. 

Ms. Lingle moved to recommend to Borough Council that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for the construction of a wood-frame, two-car garage at the rear of 38 West Middle Street. Mr. Goble seconded. The motion carried, 6 to 0, with Gary Shaffer abstaining.

D. 123 Baltimore Street. Alteration. Cladding of windows frames and sills. Replaced deteriorated panels. KQC Investors, owner.

The applicant proposes to remove textured panels on the north elevation that have deteriorated. The panels will be replaced with simulated stucco (Dryvit) to match the color and texture of the alley bridge. 

Also proposed are the cladding of the sills on the second floor windows on the north elevation (facing the courthouse) and all windows on the west elevation (facing St. Francis). Window jambs and arch head are to be repaired and repainted. 

The applicant also wishes to finish cladding the exposed wood of all windows in the building "recess" facing High Street.

Background: In 1948, HM Associates installed a new front façade on three very old brick buildings. The new façade was in the international style in an attempt to be fashionable. The design was never well received. In the late 1970s the façade was again changed. Brick was added to the façade to make it look more traditional.

The building served as the home of the American Legion from 1948 until its new building was built on W. Middle Street. The building was purchased by its current owner in December 2004. The county now leases the building for the offices for its social services departments. 

Ms. Gudmestad asked the applicant to explain the application. Mr. Shaffer said the proposed work was for the north, west and south elevations; the east elevation facing Baltimore Street will be untouched. He said that the majority of the windows have been replaced and cladded. The applicant hopes to clad the remaining uncovered sills on the north and west elevations. 

Ms. Gustafson said while looking at the building she saw several areas that need to be repointed particularly under the sills. Mr Shaffer said that the contract with the selected contractor includes needed repointing. 

Mr. Goble made a motion to recommend approval of the application as submitted. Mr. McCabe seconded. Ms. Gudmestad said it would be a mistake to allow them to wrap the sills of the windows facing the alley. The sills should be repaired or replaced. She asked that each portion of the application be reviewed and voted upon separately. The motion with withdrawn. Mr. Goble said nothing could be done to make these windows and buildings pretty. 

Motions: Mr. Goble moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the removal of the deteriorating textured panels and the installation of new simulated stucco on the third floor, north elevation. Mr. McCabe seconded the motion, which passed 6 to 0, with Mr. Shaffer abstaining.

Mr. McCabe moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the wrapping of the wood window sills on the second floor windows on the north and west elevations. Window jambs and arched heads are to be painted. Mr. Burkholder seconded. The motion passed 5 to 1, with Mr. Shaffer abstaining. Ms. Gudmestad cast the dissenting vote; she said the uncovered sills should be maintained and painted. 

Ms. Gustafson moved to recommend that Borough Council issue a Certificate of Appropriateness for the cladding of the exposed wood on windows located in the building "recess" facing High Street. Most windows are already clad. The Certificate of Appropriateness would apply to the remainder. Mr. Goble seconded the motion, which passed 6 to 0, with Mr. Shaffer abstaining.

Annual Historic Preservation Awards

After reviewing photographs of three additional nominated buildings, the Board approved the following Historic Preservation Awards:

• 41 West Water Street Merit for Maintenance of Architectural 
• Features/Attention to Detail/Paint
• 217 Baltimore Street Merit for Paint
• 267 Baltimore Street Merit for Paint

Ms. Gustafson said the owner of 41 West Water Street had replaced damaged siding with custom milled wood and painted siding.

Reports 

Mr. Dellett reported that at its April 8, 2013 meeting Borough Council authorized the advertising for amendment of the Historic District Ordinance. 

There being no additional business to come before the Board, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Dellett, AICP

Borough Planning Director