HARB Minutes

Historic Architectural Review Board
Meeting Minutes

September 15, 2010

Chairman Gary Shaffer called the Historical Architectural Review Board to order on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 at 7:35 p.m. at the Charles Sterner Recreation Building. Those in attendance were Board members Nancie Gudmestad, Judi McGee, Peggy Gustafson, Colleen Lingle, Dale Gettel, Code Enforcement Officer; and Merry Bush, Borough Planner and Historic District Administrator. A quorum was present, even though Elwood Christ was absent.

Others in attendance were Todd Grove and Jennifer Line, Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects, and John Spangler, Lutheran Seminary, for Schmucker Hall, Seminary Campus; Marianne Larkin, 233 N. Stratton Street; Jill Rohrbaugh, Architecture Workshop, for the Borough Hall renovation, 59 E. High Street; Borough Council members John Butterfield and Robert Krummerich; and Judie Butterfield. Scot Pitzer attended the meeting for the Gettysburg Times.

Mr. Shaffer introduced the Board 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 meet next on Monday, September 27, 2010.

Review of Agenda and Minutes

In the August 17 minutes, Peggy Gustafson asked that the last sentence in the second paragraph under Item A. 59 E. High Street be changed to read, "In addition, Traco windows have been installed on many college campuses including Gettysburg College and Mt. Saint Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland." In addition, Judie McGee asked that the next to the last sentence under Item C. 112 Chambersburg Street be changed to " Judi McGee said that if it was a new application she did not know that she could recommend approval." Judi McGee moved to accept the minutes of the August 17, 2010 meeting as amended. Peggy Gustafson seconded and the motion carried, 6 to 0.

Certificates of Appropriateness

New Business

A. Alteration. Entrances. Schmucker Hall, 61 Seminary Ridge. Lutheran Theological Seminary, owner

Schmucker Hall, built in 1832, played a significant role in the first day fight of the Battle of Gettysburg. Located within the boundaries of the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District, Schmucker Hall is listed as a non-contiguous building in the Gettysburg Borough Historic District, as set by the Historic District Ordinance.

John Spangler explained that the restoration of the building is part of the 1999-2000 Interpretive Plan for the Borough of Gettysburg. The goal is to preserve the building, as intact as possible, while providing an adaptive use of the building. Schmucker Hall was the largest fixed field hospital during and after the Battle of Gettysburg. A first-class museum will be built inside the building, focusing on religion, morality, reconciliation and the treatment of African Americans at that time in our history. The project includes the restoration of the Peace Portico, which was constructed in 1914 to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the battle.

Todd Grove, architect for the project, said that the entrance will be on the east elevation. This will be the accessible route with a new elevator installed. The stair access to the cupola will be maintained. He explained that the building will be brought up to code with all new energy-efficient systems installed in a concealed way. The brick façade had been sandblasted when it was an accepted preservation practice. Fortunately, though the joints are in good condition.

The wood windows will be kept-both single and double hung. The windows, including sashes, will be repaired and repainted to maintain the historic appearance. Interior storm windows will be installed in order to control the humidity. All wood trim will be restored and repainted.

The asphalt slate roof will be replaced and copper flashing installed. The major change to the building will be the reconstruction of the 1914 Peace Portico. The period of significance for the restoration is from 1832 to 1914.

The east porch is not original to the building. This porch will be reconstructed to look like it did when the building was built. The only change will be how far the porch will extend from the building to allow for first floor access below and behind the porch. The porch on the south elevation, built in the 1950s or 60s, will be removed.

The Seminary, its partners and architects have met with state agencies including the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).

Nancie Gudmestad asked which entrance a researcher would use. Mr. Grove replied that everyone will enter from the east; neither porch will be used as an entrance. He also explained that the mechanicals will be located in two small sub-basements on the north and south sides of the building below the first floor.

Ms. Gudmestad asked why interior storm panels were being installed. According to the architect, they are being used to control humidity within building.

Peggy Gustafson asked about the removal of the central handrail on the steps leading to the Peace Portico. Todd Grove said that the central rail was added much later to facilitate entrance to the building. Since the portico will not be used as an entryway, the center rail will be removed.

Ms. Gustafson asked if the siding would be replaced on the dormers. Todd Grove said that the sides of the dormers are covered with roof shingles. The shingles are to be removed and siding installed. The wood trim will be repainted. He noted that the dormers were not original to the building.

Ms. Gustafson noted that the plans call for Timberlake AGF or the equivalent for the asphalt slate roof. Mr. Grove said that the original roof consisted of wood shakes. Slate was installed on the roof in the 1890s. He noted that the roof is not a dominate feature of the building

Gary Shaffer asked a historical question regarding Sarah Broadhead's diary entry that describes finding "100 men nearly swimming in water." He suggested that it was one of the two sub-basements where the men were found. Todd Grove agreed.

Mr. Grove repeated what John Spangler had mentioned regarding the focus of the museum: the experiences of women and African Americans, slavery, religion and moral issues of the time.

Nancie Gudmestad asked if the Valentine Hall parking lot would be expanded. Todd Grove said no and indicated that buses would likely drop off people on the north side of the building. People would enter through a new entry on the east elevation at grade. The new entrance will be made of glass as not to confuse the message and will be concealed by the reconstructed east porch but not too concealed.

Findings of Fact: Schmucker Hall, built in 1832, is a contributing building to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District and is a sensitive non-contiguous building in the Gettysburg Borough Historic District. The work is a critical project and is required to follow the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

The Board gave its support to the conceptual project.

Gary Shaffer recused himself due to a fiduciary relationship with the following applicant. In the absence of the vice chairman, Peggy Gustafson presided over the meeting.

B. Alteration. New front portico and steps. Shutters. Enclose rear porch. 233 N Stratton Street. Marianne Larkin, owner

A Certificate of Appropriateness was issued in 1983 for previous work completed at 233 N. Stratton Street. That work included installation of siding on the front and side elevations, hanging of shutters and removal of the rear porch.

Marianne Larkin is now requesting that a Certificate of Appropriateness be issued for additional work to be completed in three phases. Phase One would include replacing of the existing front steps and installing a portico above.

Phase One would also include the replacement of a missing shutter on the front elevation and addition of matching shutters on the north elevation. The gutter, fascia and trim will be replaced on rear of the building to match those on the front. New siding, matching the front, will be installed on the rear of the building.

Nancie Gudmestad asked if the front steps would be any larger. Ms. Larkin said that the depth of the stoop would increase by one foot, to 4 feet 6 inches. The new stoop/steps will cover 69 square feet instead of the current 49, about a forty percent increase. Ms. Larkin noted that the public sidewalk will remain five feet wide.

Reading from the application, Ms. Gudmestad asked if wood or a reinforced PVC system would be used for the porch columns and guards. Ms. Larkin deferred to Mr. Shaffer, who said that they had found a high quality PVC railing system. When asked, Marianne Larkin said that the porch light would remain where it is or be located to the left of the front door. The rear porch enclosure, part of the third phase, is just conceptual at this point.

Dale Gettel asked how much sidewalk would be left between front porch and the curb. Ms. Larkin replied, "five feet."

Peggy Gustafson expressed her concern that the PVC railing system would not have the depth and substantial appearance of wood. Mr. Shaffer said that the alternate PVC system is reinforced with aluminum or steel inside.

Nancie Gudmestad asked about the handrail along the house under Phase One. Ms. Larkin said that the handrail would be attached to the house to provide a gripping surface as one climbed the stairs.

Findings of Fact: The house at 233 N. Stratton Street is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District and a sensitive one located within the Gettysburg Borough Historic District as determined by ordinance. As noted above, there were renovations completed in 1983 that altered the front façade.

The applicant asked how flexible the Board would be concerning the missing shutter on the second floor; the two windows are close together. Historically, the accurate way would have been to install two shutters, one overlapping the other. Ms. Larkin asked the Board if it would consider allowing the installation of one large shutter.

Judi McGee moved to recommend approval of phases one and two as proposed, to include the use of the reinforced PVC rail system. The shutters could overlap or just one could be installed depending on the preference of the applicant. Colleen Lingle seconded. Nancie Gudmestad asked that the motion be amended requiring that samples of the PVC railing system be brought to the Borough office so that Board members can look at them. Once the materials are seen, then the Board can give final approval at the October meeting. Judi McGee agreed to amend the motion, recommending approval of phases one and two except for the railing system. Colleen Lingle seconded the amendment. The motion carried, 5 to 0, with one abstention. The applicant or a representative will need to return for approval of the railing system and the rear porch enclosure as described in Phase Three.

Gary Shaffer resumed the role of chairman.

Old Business

A. Alterations. Window replacement. Gettysburg Borough Hall, 59 E. High Street.

The Borough's application to replace the windows in the Borough Hall was tabled at the August meeting. The Board was displeased with the idea of replacing the historic windows with aluminum ones.

Jill Rohrbaugh, the Borough's architect, presented a new proposal for the windows on the north elevation of the 1850 Italianate structure. The proposal includes the repair of the existing wood windows, installation of new mahogany sills, repair of sashes, repainting and the installation of new aluminum storm windows. The third floor windows on the front elevation will receive the same treatment except for the storm windows. The third floor space is not insulated so storm windows are not needed.

The Borough's proposal for the remainder of the building's windows remains the same-all remaining windows on the east, west and south elevations would be replaced with custom-made Traco windows.

Peggy Gustafson asked if the sills would be replaced noting that some are aluminum covered and some are not. Jill Rohrbaugh said that the sills, if in good condition, would be scraped and repainted. Only wood that has deteriorated would be replaced.

Judi McGee said that epoxy can be used to repair historic glazing. Ms. Rohrbaugh explained that storm windows from Allied will be installed on the exterior, emphasizing the need to keep the drain holes clean. The storm windows, manufactured in Ohio, would be made of aluminum and the meeting rail will match the existing windows. Mrs. McGee asked why the Borough selected exterior storm windows over interior ones. The exterior storms protect the historic fabric of the windows. The goal of historic preservation is to just that; the use of interior storm windows preserves the appearance of the building. Gary Shaffer pointed out that the storm windows cannot be left as raw metal. They must be painted to match the window trim.

Findings of Fact: The building located at 59 E. High Street is a contributing structure to the Gettysburg Battlefield National Register Historic District and is a sensitive building within the Gettysburg Borough Historic District, as determined by ordinance. The work is a critical project as defined by the Historic District Ordinance. The proposed work is in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend approval of the revised proposal as submitted. Judi McGee seconded. Peggy Gustafson asked that the motion be amended to include the replacement of sills with mahogany, replacement of sash locks, installation of Allied storm windows with the meeting rails to match that of the windows. Judi McGee seconded the amended motion. The motion carried, 6 to 0.

There are six windows on the east elevation of the oldest portion of the building. The center windows, one on each floor, are the only remaining historic windows. These windows date to the 1888 building conversion. The remaining four windows were either reconfigured or replaced during the 1992 renovation. The proposal is to clean and repaint the attic windows to make them weather tight while replacing all of the other windows on this elevation with Traco windows with the goal of providing a cohesive appearance on each elevation. Jill Rohrbaugh said that the Borough is really buying the thermopane technology-keeping the heat and cold out.

Peggy Gustafson said that she had visited several buildings on the Gettysburg College campus and the president's office on the campus of Mt. Saint Mary's where Traco windows had been installed. At Gettysburg College she saw numerous places where the caulking had failed and water could enter along the sill. In some places, there was a gap of an eighth to a fourth of an inch. She noticed that where there were masonry sills, the windows held up quite well, but when sills were metal or metal-wrapped wood the edges of the sills show gaps.

Jill Rohrbaugh explained that regardless of the type of window installed, caulking is crucial. Continuing, she said that for each type of Traco window installed, there is a different type of panning or metal trim custom-made for each building. An opening in the caulking must remain to allow water to drain away from the sill. Peggy Gustafson recommended that all sills be made of mahogany.

Nancie Gudmestad said that she also visited the college and Mt. Saint Mary's. Jill Rohrbaugh said that not all Traco windows on the Gettysburg College campus were installed in historic buildings. Many were newly constructed.

Colleen Lingle said that the two historic windows must be saved. Jill Rohrbaugh responded, saying that it did not make sense to keep two orphan windows. The new Traco windows would have the exact configuration of the original windows. Ms. Lingle referred to her research, which said that windows should not be replaced just to make them all the same.

Gary Shaffer said to be consistent, the Board should require that the two historic windows be given the same treatment as those on the north elevation including the installation of exterior storm windows. Dale Gettel agreed. The attic windows will remain and be treated same way as the attic windows on the front elevation.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of the four non-historic windows on the east elevation of the 1850 structure. Colleen Lingle seconded.

Peggy Gustafson asked if the Board would not be opening "Pandora's Box" by approving aluminum windows. Gary Shaffer said that allowing an aluminum window to replace an existing replacement window is not opening "Pandora's Box" or setting precedent.

Peggy Gustafson asked if the sills of these [Traco] windows be one solid piece of metal. Jill Rohrbaugh explained the sill would be one piece of metal extruded into the form of a sill, which will be hollow inside. End caps will be attached with special clips and the joints caulked. She said that the installation was a separate matter from the selection of the windows themselves. The caulking will require maintenance. Ms. Gustafson said that she is concerned that we will not get the quality job that the Borough deserves and is paying for. She would like to see mahogany sills installed as a compromise.

Judi McGee said that the Borough would be setting precedent by asking the Board to compromise by allowing aluminum windows and called the question. The motion to approve failed, 0 to 6.

Merry Bush spoke up asking what the Board would do now-the Board has no authority to require an applicant to return to "original windows" that had already been replaced during previous renovations. The Board could certainly request such action but not require it. Gary Shaffer said that in his discussion with PHMC, Scott Doyle said that a compromise would be to accept what the Borough is proposing for the non-historic windows as long as the historic windows are maintained and protected.

Peggy Gustafson moved to recommend a Certificate of Appropriateness for the repair and repainting of the two remaining historic windows on the east elevation of the 1850 section along with the installation of new mahogany sills and exterior storm windows. The four replacement windows in that section may be replaced with Traco windows as long as the Borough is cognizant that the sills may or may not hold up. Dale Gettel seconded the motion.

Nancie Gudmestad asked Gary Shaffer to explain the history of how the Board had come to approve replacement windows made of a material other than wood. Mr. Shaffer explained that originally wood replacement windows were required on the first floor and either aluminum or vinyl clad wood windows were approved for the second and third floors. Clad wood windows still maintained the profile of wood as the cladding is like a heavy coat of paint. Then it was determined that window manufacturers would not guarantee wood windows because the new growth wood is not as dense as old growth wood, which explains why the oldest buildings are in the best shape. This was consistent with the Secretary of the Interior's Guidelines.

Mr. Shaffer said that the metal windows will not look significantly different from the replacement windows. Continuing, he said that the Board could defend this decision as long as the historic windows are preserved. The motion passed, 6 to 0.

Looking at the remaining building elevations, Mr. Shaffer said that the windows in the new portion of the building on the east, south and west elevations are all new, having been installed during the 1992 renovation. Judi McGee moved to recommend approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the replacement of all non-historic windows on the east, south and west elevations. Nancie Gudmestad seconded and the motion carried, 6 to 0.

The portion of the building that houses the Council Chambers was built prior to 1950 as the children's wing of the library. The windows on the front elevation date to that time. There are four floor-to-ceiling windows and one window in the entry alcove. Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the repair and repainting of the four large traditional Georgian-style windows and the small window in the vestibule on the north elevation of the pre-1950 addition. The windows are also to receive exterior storm windows. Peggy Gustafson seconded and the motion carried, 6 to 0.

Council president John Butterfield expressed his thanks for the Board members' effort both during the meeting and on their own time. He said he would support the Board's recommendation and hopes to get his colleagues to do so, as well.

Gary Shaffer recused himself due to a fiduciary relationship with the following applicant. In the absence of the vice chairman, Peggy Gustafson presided over the remainder of the meeting.

C. Alteration. Awnings. Lighting. 163-165 York Street. J. Mackie, Twin Bridges Farm LLC, owner.

The applicant proposes the installation of new awnings and signage on the building, as well as a brick wall along the street side of the parking lot with lighting and signage. Gary Shaffer said that a flat-edged awning was selected as it is more of the building's time period. While a different type of light fixture was originally proposed, Gary Shaffer recommended that the lighting at the driveway entrance match the globes on the building.

Judi McGee said there was no way that delivery trucks could enter the parking lot between the proposed brick walls. Gary Shaffer agreed, noting trucks have difficulty accessing the property from the alley as well. All deliveries are now made on Liberty Street.

Nancie Gudmestad moved to recommend approval of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the application as submitted, noting that the approved signage would be as shown on Drawing G, as opposed to Drawing G-2. Dale Gettel seconded and the motion carried 5 to 0, with one abstention.

There was no old or new business before the Board. The meeting adjourned at 10:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Merry V. Bush, Planner and Historic District Administrator