HomeMy WebLinkAbout4 Study Session Agenda Packet 02-10-20 - Special
SPECIAL STUDY SESSION AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL CITY OF WHEAT RIDGE, COLORADO
7500 W. 29th Ave.
Wheat Ridge CO February 10, 2020
Upon adjournment from Regular Council Meeting
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all public meetings sponsored by the City of Wheat Ridge. Contact the Public Information Officer at 303-235-2877 or wrpio@ci.wheatridge.co.us with as much notice as possible if
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Citizen Comment on Agenda Item
1. Enforcement of snow removal policy
2. 44th Avenue historic barn update
3. Staff Report(s)
4. Elected Officials’ Report(s)
ADJOURNMENT
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
THROUGH: Dave Pickett, Interim Chief of Police
FROM: Jim Lorentz, Division Chief Patrol Operations Division
DATE: February 10, 2020
SUBJECT: Staff Report: Snow Removal Issues
During snowstorms, the primary goal of the City of Wheat Ridge is to provide the traveling public with the safest driving and walking surfaces possible and practical in an efficient and economical way. There is a strong argument that the City of Wheat Ridge is among the best governmental organizations in the Denver Metro area at providing snow removal. In fact, the
City receives many anecdotal observations that travelers notice that the streets are cleared faster
and better in Wheat Ridge. The City also receives some complaints regarding snow removal. In an effort to seek to improve performance, City employees, representing the City Manager’s Office, Engineering, Courts, Community Services, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, City Attorney’s Office, and Police Department recently met to discuss ways that snow removal might
be handled more efficiently and effectively. To begin the dialog, this group broke down the
discussion into three main issues. It should be noted that these are brain-(snow) storming ideas for additional discussion by City Council and City Administration to determine priorities, practical, capacity, and cost.
EDUCATION
-Update information on the City Website. The Snow and Ice Control Policy and the Snow
Removal Priority Map were last updated in 2016. Additional video, reports, FAQs couldbe added to provide more information to the community regarding policy, practice, waysto seek assistance, and enforcement.
-Continue campaign to show the community the importance of civic responsibility byconnecting the obligation of government, property owners, businesses, and residents to
participate in the shared effort of snow removal.
-Videos that highlight sidewalk access difficulty of school kids, wheelchairs, etc…
-Provide a Community Forum meeting to discuss Snow Removal Issues.
Item No. 1
Staff Report: Snow Removal Issues
February 10, 2020
Page 2
- Use of the new “What’s Up, Wheat Ridge?” community engagement tool for snow
removal issues. ASSISTANCE - Wheat Ridge Snow Angels - Establish a volunteer program of snow shoveling assistance to residents that may need some help. Volunteers could sign up with the City to be notified of a near-by resident that needs help. The City could maintain the database of
volunteers and mapping to help pair volunteers with people in need. Possible groups to seek help with this program: Service Clubs, Faith-Based Community, Schools. - Adopt-a-Snow-Sidewalk - an online mapping and encouragement tool that allows property owners to take the sidewalk in front of their property and link it to social media.
The intention is to help neighbors and neighborhoods organize and coordinate snow
removal. Businesses, schools, and groups could also adopt an intersection or section of sidewalk that may not be associated with private property. Signage could be made to give credit to the adopting group.
- Plow Guarantee - if a resident or business sidewalk is already cleared and City plows
cover it, the City will re-clear the walk at the end of the storm. This can be requested by
Wheat Ridge on-line Service request, or by phone reports. This could also be considered for driveways that have been shoveled prior to plow coming through. ENFORCEMENT - Establish a system, like a parking ticket, for sidewalk clearing. Currently, it isn’t really clear whether a violation of 16-68 (Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks) should be
enforced through the municipal court system by summons or the Administration Citation process. Neither system is as efficient and effect as a parking ticket style approach. The City Attorney’s Office is already working on this option. - Establish a team of city employees from Public Works and/or Parks and Recreation to do shoveling abatements and invoice property owners that have failed to comply. For
property owners that fail to pay for the abatement, this could be filed as a property tax lien just as is currently done with Code Enforcement issues.
- Hire a commercial snow removal company to complete abatements as described above.
- Proactive enforcement and/or complaint based? Designate certain areas for proactive enforcement and rotate through areas of the city?
ADDITIONAL ISSUES
- Should the City consider additional equipment, staffing, or contract resources to address additional issues such as geographical complications such as the prominent “Ridge” in Wheat Ridge, pedestrian accessibility at intersections, etc…
We look forward to continuing this discussion!
Memorandum
TO: Mayor and City Council
THROUGH: Patrick Goff, City Manager
FROM: Marianne Schilling, Assistant to the City Manager
DATE: February 10, 2020
SUBJECT: 44th Avenue Historic Barn Update
ISSUE: At the June 10, 2019 City Council meeting, the historic barn property owner at 11480 W. 44th Avenue
was denied removal of the requested historic designation of the barn. City Council asked staff to work together with the owner of the historic barn property and return with reasonable considerations for the property moving forward.
PRIOR ACTION: The barn structure was designated as a local historic landmark in 1998, processed under Case No. WHL-98-01 and passed by ordinance. The property has since changed ownership, and on June 10, 2019, Staffpresented the property owner’s request to remove the historic designation. The motion to remove thedesignation failed due to lack of a second on the motion. No further action or alternate motion wereproposed.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: This memo presents several options for next steps each with different financial impacts. Among the options is to partner on a Historic Structure Assessment grant, and the cost to the City in matching funds could be up to $7,500. The cost to have Colorado Preservation, Inc. write the grant would be $1,500.
The total amount to pursue the grant may be up to $9,000.
If property acquisition is considered, the financial impact would be more significant, requiring expenditures for due diligence, acquisition, and redevelopment.
BACKGROUND: In 1998, City Council approved an ordinance designating the barn at 11480 W. 44th Avenue as a local historic landmark under Case No. WHL-98-01. The landmark application was submitted by Claudia Worth who was a Council Member, member of the Wheat Ridge Historical Society, and acquaintance of the property owner who, at the time, was Joy Williams. The property does not have state or national
designation.
Since 1998, the property has changed hands several times and the current owner, Sandra McEntire, requested removal of the historic designation during the June 10, 2019 City Council Meeting. At that time, staff presented the request of the property owner to City Council. Ms. McEntire, members of the
Item No. 2
44th Ave Historic Barn Update
Page 2 Wheat Ridge Historical Society and members of the public participated in the public hearing and presented to City Council. After discussion, the motion to remove the historic designation failed due to
the lack of a second motion. After the meeting, City Council asked staff to look into reasonable options for Ms. McEntire’s property and potential outcomes for the historic barn. Staff met with both Ms. McEntire and the Wheat Ridge Historic Society, visited the property, and also spoke with the State of Colorado Office of Historic
Preservation. Based upon the discussion with these stakeholders, staff has developed the following options for City Council to consider. 1. Reconsider removal of historic designation Staff determined in June that this property met all requirements and is eligible to have the
historic designation removed. The Wheat Ridge Historical Society (WRHS) let staff know that they would prefer the designation to be maintained. However, given the undetermined cost of restoration, WRHS stated that should Council decide to remove the designation and the barn be torn down at any point, it would like to salvage the wood. If Council would like to revisit the option to un-designate the barn, the property owner would need to apply again and staff would
move forward such an ordinance for City Council consideration. 2. Pursue Historic Structure Assessment grant Historic Structure Assessment (HSA) grants are awarded by the State of Colorado for the sole purpose of preparing a report on the physical condition of a historic building or structure. All
HSAs must be prepared by an architect or a structural engineer as subject matter experts in historical building assessments. The HSA report includes cost estimates for rehabilitation and classifies those costs based upon critical, serious and minor deficiencies. The HSA may also evaluate the historic value/integrity of the structure and assess its potential for listing as a National Register property.
Only public and non-profit entities are eligible to apply for the grant. A reason to pursue this grant would be for the City and the property owner to have an understanding of the exact status and quality of the barn. An assessment may help to provide direction for all parties because it would include an accurate cost component.
The grant request would be up to $10,000 with the option to request an additional $5,000 to hire specialized consultants. The grant requires a 50% match (up to $7,500) from the City because the property is privately owned. Additionally, while unlikely, if the cost for the HSA is more than
the amount awarded by the State of Colorado, the City would have to bear that cost. Given the
expertise required and detailed report provided, HSAs typically take about one year to complete. The City has experience with the grant program; the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority received an HSA grant for the Fruitdale School in 2011 in order to do a full assessment of the property
condition prior to determining its future use. Staff found it to be useful to have an accurate
understanding of the needs to fully rehabilitate the property. At that time, there was no matching fund requirement because the Wheat Ridge Housing Authority owned the property which made it exempt from the matching fund component.
For the Fruitdale School HSA, the Housing Authority partnered with Colorado Preservation, Inc.
(CPI) who provided the subject matter expertise to write the grant application. CPI provided the service pro bono at the time, but typically charges $1,500 for grant writing services. If Council
44th Ave Historic Barn Update
Page 3 provides direction to pursue the HSA, staff would research similar opportunities for grant writing services; City staff do not have the expertise in historical preservation necessary to complete this
specialized application. If direction is provided to pursue the grant, staff would work with the property owner to develop the grant and submit the grant as the City with support of the property owner. As with all grant applications, there is no guarantee that the City would be awarded the HSA grant.
3. Consider pursuit of property acquisition by City of Wheat Ridge Due to the proximity to Prospect Park, Council may want to explore the acquisition of the entire property at 11480 W. 44th Avenue, which would include the barn. This may be an option regardless of whether the barn was going to preserved as a historic asset.
If staff were to pursue the acquisition of the property (which would include the barn), it would be contingent upon also acquiring a portion of the land to the south and west, which is owned by the west adjacent neighbor. The purchase of this portion would be necessary to allow direct access to Prospect Park, as can be seen in the map below. If the City were not able to acquire this
second parcel or at least the southern portion, the value of the “barn property” as a park asset would be significantly diminished.
Aerial view of 11480 W. 44th Ave
At this time, staff has not entered into formal discussions with Ms. McEntire, but she has told staff informally that she is open to the possibility of selling the entire property to the City. The property was purchased in 2013 for $145,000. Staff has not yet contacted the west adjacent neighbor.
If City Council would like to pursue this option, staff will return a proposal detailing the cost to
44th Ave Historic Barn Update
Page 4 purchase the barn property and the adjacent property. Staff would also provide an estimated cost and related funding opportunities to make the property a valuable portion of Prospect Park.
Additionally, staff will provide a draft plan for use of the additional space if the park is expanded. The pursuit of property acquisition is not necessarily independent of applying for the Historic Structure Assessment grant. Council may direct staff to pursue both options, either one at a time
or concurrently. 4. No action Council may decide not to provide direction at this time, or Council may direct staff to pursue another option not included in the memo. The City is under no obligation to take an active role in
the property. RECOMMENDATIONS:
Staff recommends that City Council provide direction related to the 44th Avenue historic barn property. ATTACHMENTS: 1. Site Photos 2. Letter from Wheat Ridge Historic Society
3. HSA Annotated Scope of Work
ATTACHMENT 1
ATTACHMENT 2
Page 1 of 9
HISTORIC STRUCTURE ASSESSMENT
STATE HISTORICAL FUND ANNOTATED SCOPE OF WORK
REVISED 2014
THIS ANNOTATED SCOPE OF WORK was developed to assist grant applicants, building owners, stewards, and
consultants in collecting and organizing the information needed to develop a comprehensive assessment and plan
for the preservation, rehabilitation, or restoration of a historic property. This document is intended to be used as a
tool and a reference and provides specific details regarding the expectations and requirements for completing a
Historic Structure Assessment funded by the State Historical Fund (SHF).
THE PURPOSE OF A HISTORIC STRUCTURE ASSESSMENT (HSA) is to fully document the physical condition of a
historic resource. A complete assessment contains photographs, illustrations, and information in narrative form that
reflects a comprehensive understanding of the condition and needs of the resource. This information will include
details specific to the historic character and significance; specific materials, features, elements, and spaces; and the
intended use. The existing conditions will dictate the amount of information contained within any given assessment.
Ideally, a resource will be assessed during different seasonal conditions (wet, dry, hot, cold) to ensure a complete
evaluation (some conditions may not be evident in one visit under one set of weather conditions). Destructive
investigation is acceptable as a means of obtaining information, but it is not required. In some instances, the need
for additional and (or) destructive investigation may be included in the treatment recommendations discussed in
Section 3.0.
Although a HSA can provide valuable support documentation when making application for grant funding from the
SHF, the assessment should not be seen as merely a prerequisite to making application for that funding. The HSA
should be considered an important planning tool for future rehabilitation, restoration, and/or maintenance of a
resource (regardless how the work might be funded in the future).
SCOPE OF WORK: In order to ensure a comprehensive assessment, the State Historical Fund has developed a
standard Scope of Work for HSAs funded under the special non-competitive grant program. This Scope of Work is
included in the application packet. All HSAs submitted to the SHF must follow this Scope of Work. Specific details
on the expectations and requirements are provided in this Annotated Scope of Work.
WHO CAN PREPARE A HSA? The Historic Structure Assessment must be prepared by an architect or a structural
engineer working under the direct guidance of an architect. Please consider the following when deciding who will
prepare the HSA:
•Architect, and structural engineer if applicable, must be licensed in the state of Colorado.
•Architect must be the primary consultant on the project.
•Architect, and structural engineer if applicable, must be able to interpret and apply The Secretary of the Interior’s
Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties.
•Architect, and structural engineer if applicable, is required to attend an initial on-site consultation with a
State Historical Fund Historic Preservation Specialist at the commencement of the grant contract.
Other professionals including engineers, archaeologists, historic preservation consultants, contractors, historians and
cost estimators may also be members of the assessment team.
Historic Structure Assessment reports are on file in the SHF office for reference. If you would like to review any of
these, or if you have any questions, please contact a preservation specialist at 303.866.2825.
ATTACHMENT 3
Page 2 of 9
ANNOTATED SCOPE OF WORK
FORMATTING & CONTENT: The HSA report should mirror the Scope of Work provided by SHF. Information
specific to details and requirements for content is provided below. If you have any questions about how or what to
include, please contact the Historic Preservation Specialist assigned to the project. Two final copies must be
submitted to SHF; both copies must be 3-hole punched and submitted in white 3-ring binders (with clear overlay
for title sheet). Please call with any questions about submitting final copies.
MULTIPLE BUILDINGS/STRUCTURES & ADDITIONS: For assessments that include more than one structure, or
for single structures that have multiple and/or distinct additions, please address each structure or addition individually
in the assessment. This can be accomplished in several ways. Please contact the Historic Preservation Specialist for
more specific direction and/or suggestions.
PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION: Please include photographic documentation to illustrate the features and
conditions described in the narrative. Always include in-text references to specific photos when addressing the
element, feature, or space in the narrative. For specific guidelines, see Section 6.0.
i. COVER PAGE
The Cover Page of the report must include:
1. The State Historical Fund Project number
2. The name and address of the property
3. The date of report completion
4. The required acknowledgement of SHF as a funding source (“This project was paid for by a State
Historical Fund grant from History Colorado, the Colorado Historical Society”)
5. Site Number, if applicable
ii. TABLE OF CONTENTS
Please number pages in the report, and include the pages in the Table of Contents.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 RESEARCH BACKGROUND / PROJECT PARTICIPANTS
Discuss the purpose of the project and describe the process taken to complete the report,
including:
1. List consultants involved in preparing the report, and what their roles were.
2. Note weather condition(s) experienced during all field (site) visits.
3. List funding partners (include SHF, but full acknowledgment noted above is not required).
4. Include sources of information used to complete this report, including available historical documentation and
interviews with building users/managers as relevant (see Section 2.0).
1.2 BUILDING LOCATION
Please provide the following:
1. Vicinity map
2. Site plan (Site plans should show the property lines, as well as the designated area, and display all of the
improvements, features, and landscape elements within the property boundaries. Indicate a north arrow and
scale or NTS. Google satellite maps are not permitted as a site plan.)
3. Legal description
2.0 HISTORY AND USE
The research and analysis of the structure’s history and use determines the basis for the preservation
treatment recommendations prescribed in the assessment section. This portion of the HSA includes a
history of the resource, the architectural significance and construction history, and a detailed discussion of
the proposed use.
Potential sources for information:
State, federal, or local register nominations of historic properties, historical photographs, historical
plans/specifications, oral histories or interviews, History Colorado’s Steven H. Hart Library, Denver Public
Library's Western History Collection, local (county) assessor’s office records, and local library history collections.
Page 3 of 9
2.1 ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE & CONSTRUCTION HISTORY:
Describe the structure’s architectural style, including character-defining exterior and interior
materials, features, and spaces. Include a brief chronology of additions and alterations to the
original structure, and discuss past and current use(s) in relation to these modifications. This
information will provide the basis for recommendations for appropriate treatments and design of
suitable modifications for use.
1. Note whether or not the building is listed on the National, State or Local Register.
2. Include historical photographs of the structure’s exterior and interior, if available.
3. Excerpt portions of referenced documents that are relevant to the building/resource.
2.2 FLOOR PLAN:
The structure(s) should be graphically represented in accurate proportions. The plan(s) should be
drawn with measurements, but it is not required to be drawn to scale. In this section, you must:
1. Label individual rooms for reference within the narrative of Section 3.0.
2. Note/identify within the plan or illustrations significant spaces and/or spatial relationships.
3. Illustrate the existing configuration vs. the historical configuration (if known).
4. Include copies of original drawings if they are available.
5. Indicate a north arrow and scale or NTS.
2.3 PROPOSED USE(S):
Discuss any proposed use(s), including the functional needs and potential impact to the existing
structure, and evaluate whether or not the intended use is appropriate for the structure in
accordance with The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.
3.0 STRUCTURE CONDITION ASSESSMENT (SECTIONS 3.1-3.8)
Each section below should be addressed in a comprehensive narrative. In order to provide a more user-
friendly and organized document, please include a separate sub-heading under each section for the three
main components of the narrative: (1) Description, (2) Condition Evaluation, and (3)
Recommendations. (For example, when discussing the Roof Framing System in section 3.3, you will
include a Description of the system, a Condition Evaluation of the system, and a Recommendation of what
to do with the system based on The Secretary of the Interior Standards and future plans/use.) The sections
describing materials, features, elements, and spaces should follow the specific order listed in the Historic
Structure Assessment outline provided below (e.g., 3.1 Site; 3.2 Structural System; etc.). If the resource does
not have a component, simply indicate this in the narrative (e.g., “Perimeter foundation drainage: There is
no perimeter foundation drainage.”).
DESCRIPTION: Please describe each element, feature or space.
The intent of this subsection is to identify the elements, features, and spaces that make up the resource. The
narrative should first indicate whether the element, feature, or space is original, historic or non-historic, and
should then provide a detailed description of what it is, what it looks like, the materials from which it
is made, and the methods used in its construction.
The Description sub-heading should not include information about the condition: Perhaps one of
the most common mistakes is to include a discussion of the condition of each material, element, feature, or
space as part of the description narrative—it is important to avoid this. The intent is to describe the element,
feature, or space as it exists at this point in time (e.g. “Interior walls are plaster over wood lathe, with a
smooth texture and painted finish [see photos #2, 3, 12 and 15].”). This serves the purpose of
documenting the material, element, feature, or space as it exists now so that in the future, users of the
assessment will have a clear understanding of how this looked prior to any treatment.
Significance: Please identify each element’s, feature’s, or space’s relationship to the age of the structure and
identify its significance as it relates to the integrity of the resource overall. It is important to remember that
all materials, elements, features, and spaces of a structure impact the resource’s historic integrity
(contributing to or detracting from); therefore, each component should be described regardless of its
historic significance. A significant element, feature, or space should be described in greater detail and
include photographic documentation to illustrate that description.
Page 4 of 9
Windows, doors, and other repetitive elements or features: Often an element or feature is a series of
similar, repetitive items, such as windows or doors. In this case, the feature should be described as one
feature and then specific discrepancies should be noted or highlighted—for example, “all nine windows on
the 3rd floor are historic, the six 1st floor windows are not.” Although describing as one, please include the
total quantity of the element or feature in the description. A schedule to augment the narrative may be
included. Remember to include even small repetitive elements such as hardware, lighting, and security.
CONDITION EVALUATION: Please evaluate the condition of each feature, element, or space.
Please provide a detailed discussion of the existing condition and integrity of each element, feature or
space based on the comprehensive physical evaluation. As noted above, destructive investigation is
acceptable as a means of obtaining information, but it is not required. The Condition Evaluation must
include photographic documentation to illustrate the condition (or range of conditions for repetitive
elements or features). Please use the following terms in your evaluation and discussion of the condition of
each element, feature, or space: Good Condition, Fair Condition, and Poor Condition.
Criteria/guidelines for each are as follows:
GOOD CONDITION: An element, feature, or space is evaluated in good condition when it is meets
the following criteria:
1. It is intact, structurally sound, and performing its intended purpose.
2. There are few or no cosmetic imperfections.
3. It needs no repair and only minor or routine maintenance.
Please note: Elements, features, or spaces that are in good condition do not need lengthy narratives;
state that they were examined and found to be in good condition, and why you have made that
determination.
FAIR CONDITION: An element, feature, or space is evaluated in fair condition when one or more
the following are evident:
1. There are early signs of wear, failure, or deterioration, although the feature or element is generally
structurally sound and performing its intended purpose.
2. There is failure of a sub-component of the feature or element.
3. Replacement of up to 25% of the feature or element is required.
4. Replacement of a defective sub-component of the feature or element is required.
Please note: When an element, feature, or space is in fair condition, it is important to provide a
comprehensive discussion of this evaluation; do not simply state that the condition is “fair” without
explaining that evaluation. Also, please avoid using generic descriptors such as “weathered” or
“damaged” without a more specific explanation (e.g. how/why is it weathered/damaged).
POOR CONDITION: An element, feature, or space is evaluated in poor condition when the
following is evident:
1. It is no longer performing its intended purpose.
2. It is missing.
3. It shows signs of imminent failure or breakdown.
4. Deterioration/damage affects more than 25% of the feature/element and cannot be adjusted or repaired.
5. It requires major repair or replacement.
Please note: When an element, feature, or space is in poor condition, it is important to provide a
comprehensive discussion of this evaluation; do not state that the condition is “poor” without
explaining that evaluation. Also, please avoid using generic descriptors without a more specific
explanation.
RECOMMENDATIONS: Please provide a recommendation for each element, feature or space, based on (1) the
evaluation of existing conditions and (2) the significance or importance of the building and its associated
features and elements. Recommended treatments should comply with, and specifically address, The Secretary
of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the recommendations in the Guidelines (e.g.,
“recommendation is based on Preservation Brief 9: The Repair of Historic Wooden Windows…”).
If an element, feature, or space has been evaluated in good condition, and there is no recommendation, state,
“No recommendation at this time.” For all others, consider the following when making a recommendation:
Page 5 of 9
1. The needs of the resource should be considered the first priority (sometimes a proposed use or treatment is contrary to
the best interest of the resource).
2. Recommendations should discuss a specific course of action (not: “Repair according to the Standards”).
3. Clearly explain and substantiate recommended treatments within the context of the selected treatment approach.
4. If more than one treatment is viable, discuss the pros and cons of each approach/option.
5. Provide sufficient information and analysis to aid in the preparation of future construction documents.
6. Research and provide alternative solutions when the recommendation conflicts with the guidelines for The Standards.
Consult the NPS Preservation Briefs and Tech Notes for potential solutions/alternatives.
7. Consider the future welfare of the resource, and the practicality of maintenance, when recommending treatments.
8. Do not present the quickest, easiest, or most economical solution as the only recommendation.
3.1 SITE:
• Associated Landscape Features
• Grading
• Parking
• Archaeology (Archaeological monitoring/mitigation is required by a number of state and federal
regulations when any ground disturbance results from preservation activities where there is state and/or
federal involvement.)
3.2 STRUCTURAL SYSTEM:
• General Structural System Description
• Foundation Systems
• Floor & Ceiling Systems
• Roof Framing System
3.3 ENVELOPE – EXTERIOR WALLS:
• Exterior Wall Construction
• Exterior Finishes
• Exterior Masonry
• Exterior Appendages—Porch, Stoop, Portico, etc.
3.4 ENVELOPE – ROOFING & WATERPROOFING:
• Roofing Systems
• Sheet Metal Flashing
• Perimeter Foundation Drainage
• Drainage System, Gutters & Downspouts
• Skylights / Cupolas
3.5 WINDOWS & DOORS:
• Doors (including Hardware, Casing/Trim, and Finishes)
• Windows (including Hardware, Casing/Trim, and Finishes)
3.6 INTERIOR FINISHES:
• Wall Finish Materials
• Ceiling Finish Materials
• Floor Finish Materials
• Trim and Built-Ins (not previously addressed in Section 3.5)
3.7 MECHANICAL SYSTEMS:
• Heating & Air-Conditioning
• Ventilation
• Water Service, Plumbing, & Sewer Utilities
• Fire Suppression—Sprinklers
3.8 ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS:
• Electrical Service & Panels
• Electrical Distribution System
• Lighting
• Fire Detection System
• Security Systems
Page 6 of 9
4.0 ANALYSIS AND COMPLIANCE
In-depth code review and materials analyses may be completed for the structure. However, at a minimum,
general observations on each of the following are required, and should be based on the information in
Section 2.0, History and Use, and Section 3.0, Structure Condition Assessment.
4.1 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS:
• Provide observations of likely sources (e.g., lead paint, asbestos); materials testing may be
recommended.
4.2 MATERIALS ANALYSIS:
• Suggest further testing as warranted for creation of specifications (i.e., paint, mortar, masonry,
finishes).
4.3 ZONING CODE COMPLIANCE:
• Identify potential conflicts between zoning requirements and the proposed use(s).
4.4 BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE:
• List the code(s) referenced. Consider alternate codes (UCBC, IEBC) and possible variances.
• Identify potential conflicts between applicable building codes and retention of historic
elements, features, materials and spaces.
4.5 ACCESSIBILITY COMPLIANCE:
• Identify potential conflicts between meeting ADA Accessibility Guidelines and retaining the
building's historic integrity.
• Recommendations for alterations needed to meet accessibility requirements should reflect an
effort to minimize material loss and visual change to a historic building.
5.0 PRESERVATION PLAN
The Preservation Plan should take the recommended treatments prescribed in section 3.0 Structure
Condition Assessment and prioritize the work into a logical order. This order should rank the most urgent
work, such as deterioration, structural weakness, and/or life safety issues, over less urgent repairs. In the
discussion provided for sections 5.1-5.3, please remember the following:
1. All recommended treatments should be included in the Preservation Plan.
2. The first priority of the Preservation Plan should be to address the needs of the historic building/resource.
3. Programmatic needs of building owners and/or clients need to be represented as secondary priorities.
5.1 PRIORITIZED WORK:
Recommended Treatments for elements, features, or spaces should be prioritized and identified
utilizing the following terms: Critical Deficiency, Serious Deficiency, and Minor Deficiency.
Criteria/guidelines for each are as follows:
CRITICAL DEFICIENCY: One or more of the following indicate a critical deficiency:
1. Advanced deterioration has resulted in failure of the building element, feature, or space, or will result in its
failure if not corrected within two years.
2. Accelerated deterioration of adjacent or related building materials has occurred as a result of the feature or
element’s deficiency.
3. The feature or element poses a threat to the health and/or safety of the user.
4. The feature or element fails to meet a code/compliance requirement.
SERIOUS DEFICIENCY: One or more of the following indicate a serious deficiency:
1. Deterioration, if not corrected within two to five years, will result in failure of the feature or element.
2. Deterioration of a feature or element, if not corrected within two to five years, may pose a threat to the
health and/or safety of the user.
3. Deterioration of adjacent or related building materials and/or systems will occur as a result of the deficiency
of the feature or element.
MINOR DEFICIENCY: One or more of the following indicate a minor deficiency:
1. Standard preventive maintenance practices and building conservation methods have not been followed.
2. A reduced life expectancy of affected or related building materials and/or systems will result.
3. A condition exists with long-term impact beyond five years.
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5.2 PHASING PLAN:
If work is to be completed in more than one phase, propose a logical and sequential phasing plan.
• Phased plans need to consider mobilization, seasons, sequencing, protection of building, and current uses.
5.3 ESTIMATE OF PROBABLE COST OF CONSTRUCTION:
Dated cost estimates should reflect the current market and include a percentage cost increase to
account for inflation if the project is phased or delayed. (If applicable, please include cost estimates
for archaeological monitoring, hazardous materials testing, and/or abatement.)
6.0 PHOTOGRAPHS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Historic and current photographs and illustrations should be included with the assessment to illustrate and
support the information provided in the narrative. Where the photographs and illustrations are located in
the report is optional (in each section, after each section, at the end of the report, etc.). Follow the
guidelines below for photographs and illustrations:
1. Provide comprehensive and “readable” (i.e., high quality and clear) photographic documentation.
2. Photographs and illustrations should be clearly numbered and captioned.
3. Provide at least one view of each elevation.
4. Provide clear pictures of specific conditions and deficiencies that are discussed.
5. In the narrative, include in-text references to the numbered photographs (for example, “Due to poor drainage, the
lower portion of the column is significantly deteriorated [see photos 3, 5, and 6]”).
6. Black and white photographs may be acceptable for the Draft HSA; please contact the Historic Preservation
Specialist for specific direction. Color images must be used in the final HSA.
7.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
List all consulted sources. All the sources you have utilized should be listed alphabetically following a
recognized bibliographic style (e.g., Chicago Manual of Style/Turabian, Modern Language Association
(MLA), American Psychological Association (APA).
• Indicate if the consulted sources did, or did not, contain pertinent information.
8.0 APPENDICES
Drawings and other information should be included in the appendices
• Historical/original plans (if available) may be included.
• Schematic design, design development, construction drawings, or measured drawings
(previously prepared, or prepared outside the scope of this HSA) may be also included in
addition to the sketch plans provided under Section 2.2, but are not required.
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CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE TREATMENT
THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS are neither technical nor prescriptive, but are intended to
promote responsible preservation practices that help protect our nation’s irreplaceable cultural resources. For
example, they cannot, in and of themselves, be used to make essential decisions about which features of the resource
should be saved and which can be changed. But once a treatment is selected, the Standards provide consistency to
the work.
FOUR TREATMENT APPROACHES
1. PRESERVATION places a high premium on the retention of all historic fabric through conservation,
maintenance, and repair. It reflects a building’s continuum over time, through successive occupancies, and
the respectful changes and alterations that are made.
2. REHABILITATION allows for a compatible new use for the resource but still emphasizes the retention and
repair of historic materials. More latitude is provided for replacement because the treatment assumes the
property has suffered more deterioration prior to work. (Both Preservation and Rehabilitation Standards
focus attention on the preservation of those materials, features, finishes, spaces, and spatial relationships
that, together, give a property its historic character.)
3. RESTORATION focuses on the retention of materials from the most significant time in a property’s history,
while permitting the removal of materials from other periods.
4. RECONSTRUCTION establishes limited opportunities to re-create a non-surviving site, landscape, building,
structure, or object in all new materials.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Choosing the most appropriate treatment for a building requires careful decision-
making about a building’s historical significance, as well taking into account the following:
• Relative importance in history. Is the building a nationally significant resource—a rare survivor or
the work of a master architect or craftsman? Did an important event take place in it? National Historic
Landmarks may warrant a different treatment approach than buildings that contribute to the
significance of a historic district but are not individually listed on the National Register.
• Physical condition. What is the existing condition—or degree of material integrity—of the building
prior to work? Has the original form survived largely intact or has it been altered over time? Are the
alterations an important part of the building’s history? Are distinctive materials, features, and spaces
essentially intact and convey the building’s historical significance? Are alterations or additions necessary
for a new use? These key questions play a major role in determining which treatment is selected.
• Proposed use. Will the building be used as it was historically or will it be given a new use? Many
historic buildings can be adapted for new uses without seriously damaging their historic character;
special-use properties such as grain silos, forts, ice houses, or windmills may be extremely difficult to
adapt to new uses without major intervention and a resulting loss of historic character and even
integrity.
• Mandated code requirements. Code requirements will need to be taken into consideration. But if
hastily or poorly designed, a series of code-required actions may jeopardize a building’s materials as well
as its historic character. Abatement of lead paint and asbestos within historic buildings requires
particular care if important historic finishes are not to be adversely affected. Recommendations for
alterations and new construction needed to meet accessibility requirements under the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 should reflect an effort to minimize material loss and visual change to a historic
building.
Page 9 of 9
TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
AS-BUILT DRAWINGS: produced after completion of the structure showing how it was actually built by incorporating
changes that were made as construction progressed. Alterations made to the structure in subsequent years should be clearly
identified as later changes.
CHARACTER-DEFINING FEATURE: a prominent or distinctive aspect, quality, or characteristic of a historic property that
contributes significantly to its physical character. Structures, elements, objects, vegetation, spatial relationships, views,
furnishings, and decorative details and materials may be such features.
CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTS: Drawings, Plans, Technical Specifications, Addenda, Supplemental Instructions and
Change Orders created by an architect that set forth in detail the requirements for the construction of the project.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT DRAWINGS: produced to work out details, aesthetics, dimensions, and estimated probable costs
for construction or manufacture. They often include detail drawings of design features.
ELEMENT: may be an architectural feature, structural component, engineering system, or a functional requirement.
EXISTING CONDITION DRAWINGS: produced to record the configuration, physical fabric, and conditions of a structure at
a given point in time. They are often produced as the first step in a project.
IN-KIND: in the same manner, with the same material, or with something equal in substance creating a similar or identical
visual appearance or effect.
MATERIAL: the physical elements that were combined or deposited to form a property. Historic material or historic fabric is
that from a historically significant period, as opposed to material used to maintain or restore a property following its historic
period(s).
PERIOD OF SIGNIFICANCE: the length of time when a property was associated with important events, activities, or
persons, or attained the characteristics which qualify it for historic designation.
PRESERVATION: the act or process of applying measures necessary to sustain the existing form, integrity, and materials of a
building, site, structure, or object.
RECONSTRUCTION: the act or process of depicting, by means of new construction, the form, features, and detailing of a
non-surviving site, landscape, building, structure, or object for the purpose of replicating its appearance at a specific period of
time and in its historic location. Treatment should be based on documentary or photographic evidence.
REHABILITATION: the act or process of making possible a compatible new use for a property through repair, alterations,
and additions while preserving those portions or features that convey its historical, cultural, or architectural values.
RESEARCH DESIGN: a statement of proposed activities (identification, documentation, evaluation, investigation, or other
research) that identifies the project’s goals, methods and techniques, expected results, and the relationship of the expected
results to other proposed activities or treatments. The research design is specific to each project.
RESTORATION: the act or process of accurately depicting the form, features, and character of a property as it appeared at a
particular period of time by means of the removal of features from other periods in its history and reconstruction of missing
features from the restoration period.
SCHEMATIC DESIGN DRAWINGS: also known as conceptual drawings, they are diagrammatic drawings of the essential
elements of a design; they are not used to estimate costs.
SKETCH PLAN: site plan or building plan drawn with measurements but often not to scale, although the structure and site
features should be represented in accurate proportions.
TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION: based on The Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. The degree of intervention
recommended depends on the existing condition of the element and its significance or importance to the property.