HomeMy WebLinkAboutNotes, Meeting PLANNER 8/12/2008
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TYPE I lllSTORICAL REVIEW,
STAFF REPORT & DECISION
Project Name: Ebbert Memorial Church Gate Enclosure
Project Proposal: Gated Stairwell
Case Number: DRC2008-00062
Project Location: 532 "C" Street
Assessor's Map: 17-03-35-24111100
Zoning: LDR
Historical Commission Meeting: 08/12/08
Application Submitted Date: 08/29/08
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Decision Issned Date: 10/27/08 I
Appeal Deadline Date: In accordance with SDC 5.1-125 d -
the Director's decision is the final decision of the City.
Associated Applications: None
APPLICANT'S DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM
Applicant: Andrew Epperson
5749 Thurston Road
Springfield, OR 97478
Owner: Ebbert Memorial United Methodist Church
532 "C" Street
Springfield, OR 97477
CITY OF SPRINGFIELD'S DEVELOPMENT REVIEW TEAM
POSITION REVIEW OF NAME PHONE
Proiect Mana"er Plannin!! Tara Jones 736-1003
Community Services Mana!!er Buildin!! Dave Puent 726-3668
PROPOSAL
The applicant proposes to enclose the basement access stairwell on the east side of the Ebbert Memorial Church.
The present stairwell has become an attractive place for homeless people to sleep and carry on illegal activities.
The existing cream colored wrought iron fencing would be replaced with black wrought iron bars. One wall of
bars would face 6th Street. Another wall of bars with a bi-fold gate would face south. The entire space would be
enclosed from the cement walkway to the shed roof. The gate will have a crash bar on the inside to ensure
egress from the building in case of emergency.
DRC2008-00062
Type I Historical Review
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BACKGROUND/SITE INFORMA nON
The Ebbert Memorial United Methodist Church was built in 1916. It is the oldest standing church structure in
Springfield and the only example of Romanesque style architecture in the city. The church is classified as of
Secondary Significance (Contributing) on the National Register of Historic Places. There have been alterations
made over the years including the addition of a classroom/office building attached to the rear of the church and
the addition of an ADA accessible ramp to the southwest entrance of the building in 1977. Staff could find no
reference regarding the addition of the existing cream colored scrolled wrought iron fencing in the stairwell, but
it does not appear to be original to the design of the building. The update survey conducted in 2003 describes
the church as being of good integrity and condition.
REVIEW PROCESS
In accordance with SDC 3.3-915 Band C, the Springfield Historical Commission reviews and makes
recommendations to staff on Type I decisions. The Springfield Historical Commission reviewed this
proposal at their August 12,2008 meeting. They recommended that the proposal be approved subject
to the removal of the scroll work from the proposed design. They also recommended that the metal
work be painted black. The proposal as submitted in application DRC2008-00062 incorporates both of
these changes.
DECISION
This Type 1 Historical Review is approved as of the date of this letter, subject to the conditions described herein.
CRITERIA FOR APPROVAL (SDC Section 3.3-945 Major and Minor Alteration Standards)
1. Any proposed use shall minimize exterior alteration of the Historic Landmark Site or Structure and
its environment; uses that require substantial exterior alteration shall not be permitted.
Finding I: Only a portion of the proposed enclosure will be visible from the street.
Finding 2: The Historical Commission found that black iron bars would be less visible than the current
cream colored scroll work.
Finding 3: The Historical Commission found that straight iron vertical bars would be more consistent with
the church's historical context.
Finding 4: This project is a minimal exterior alteration to the church.
Condition 1: The enclosure shall be installed using vertical black iron bars without scroll work.
Conclusion: As conditioned herein, this proposal satisfies Criterion I.
2. The distinguishing original qualities of the Historic Landmark Site or Structure and its environment
shall not be substantially altered. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive
architectural features is prohibited unless an immediate hazard to public safety exists.
Finding 5: The existing scroll work appears to be from the 1970's and its removal is not considered a
reduction of the distinguishing original qualities of the church.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 2.
3. All Historic Landmark Sites or Structures are recognized as products of their own time. Alterations
which have no historic basis and which seek to create an earlier appearance are prohibited.
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Finding 6: The proposed alteration is minimal. The design is not based on earlier historical appearances.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 3.
4. Changes that have taken place in the course of time are evidence of the history and development of a
Historic Landmark Site or structure and its environment. Where changes have acquired significance
in their own right, this significance shall be recognized.
Finding 7: The existing wrought iron scrolled fencing is an insignificant change to the development of the
church.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 4.
5. Distinctive stylistic features and examples of local or period craftsmanship which characterize a
Historic Landmark Site or Structure shall be retained.
Finding 8: No distinctive stylistic features are being proposed for removal.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 5.
6. Deteriorated architectural features shall be repaired rather than replaced. In the event
replacement cannot be avoided, the new material shall match the material being replaced in
composition, design, color, texture and visual qualities. Repair or replacement of missing
architectural features is based on accurate duplicate features, substantiated by historic, physical or
pictorial evidence rather than on conjectural design, or the availability of different architectural
elements from other buildings or structures.
Finding 9: No architectural features are proposed for replacement.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 6
7. New design for undeveloped Historic Landmark Sites in the Washburne Historic Landmark
District and for alterations and additions to existing Historic Landmark Sites and Structures are
permitted when they complement significant historic, architectural or cultural features and the
design is compatible with the size, scale, color, material and character of the property,
neighborhood or environment.
Finding 10: This project was designed to be of insignificant visual impact on the church.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 7.
8. New additions or alterations to Historic Landmark Structures shall not impair the essential form
and integrity or the structure.
Finding II: This project was designed to be of insignificant visual impact on the church.
Conclusion: As submitted, this proposal satisfies Criterion 8.
CONDITION OF APPROVAL:
Condition 1: The enclosure shall be installed using vertical black iron bars without scroll work.
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Type I Historical Review
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WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE
. The applicant shall obtain a Building Permit within 90 days of this approval. The Building Permit
should include a floor plan of the downstairs space served by the exit being enclosed. The design of
the egress gate must be drawn by a licensed architect or engineer. The gate needs to be able to be
opened without special tools or knowledge.
. Upon completion of the gate enclosure, the applicant must submit a set of front and side elevation
photographs to the City. If this is a hardship to the applicant, call Tara Jones at 736-1003 and she will
photograph the house for City archives.
If you have any questions please contact Tara Jones at (541) 736-1003 or by email at
tiones@cLsoringfield.or.us.
PREPARED BY:
Tara Jones
Planner I
DRC2008-00062
Type I Historical Review
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