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CITY OF MUSKEGON
HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
June 7, 2016
Chairperson J. Hilt called the meeting to order at 4:00 p.m. and roll was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT: J. Hilt, A. Riegler, D. Warren, S. Kroes, S. Radtke
MEMBERS ABSENT: K. Panozzo, excused; L. Wood, excused
STAFF PRESENT: M. Franzak, D. Renkenberger
OTHERS PRESENT: Rev. M. Miller, Central United Methodist Church/The Corner
Church, 1011 2nd St; M. Whittaker-Duncan, In-Form Architecture,
Kalamazoo MI; R. Miller, 408 W Muskegon Ave; A. Steinman,
Lakeshore Museum Center, 430 W. Clay Ave.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A motion to approve the regular meeting minutes of May 3, 2016 was made by J. Hilt, supported by
S. Kroes and unanimously approved.
OLD BUSINESS
Case 2016-06 – 280 W Muskegon Avenue. Applicant: Central The Corner/United Methodist.
Church. District: National Register. Current Function: Institutional. This case was tabled from the
May meeting so that the applicant could have their architect present to answer questions. They are
seeking approval to construct a new entryway on the east side of the church building with the
addition of a drive-up portico-type structure supported by pillars patterned after the existing pillars
at the main entrance. They are also seeking approval for new signage on the building consisting of
a fixed decorative sign on the east side of the building, and a banner that reads “The Corner
Auditorium” to cover the “First Church of Christian Scientist” engraving above the main entryway
on the front of the building.
M. Whittaker-Duncan provided board members with additional renderings of the remodeling
project and signage, and Rev. Miller provided a sample of the Kevlar material that would be used
for the banner sign on the front. A. Riegler was concerned that the sign be attached in a way that
would not damage the building. M. Whittaker-Duncan stated that there were currently holes in that
part of the building from a previous sign; they would comply with whatever the HDC signage
requirements required. J. Hilt asked if the other signage met zoning guidelines. M. Franzak stated
that it did. M. Whittaker-Duncan stated that the signs would be stand-off mounted with
weatherproof hardware. Rev. Miller stated that the sign colors would match the stained glass that
was on the building’s windows. S. Radtke stated that it was preferable to attach the signs to the
mortar joints rather than into the brick; M. Whittaker-Duncan concurred. Board members chose to
vote on the two items separately: the signage followed by the new side entryway.
HDC Minutes 6/7/16 1
A motion that the HDC approve the request to erect new signage on the building at 280 W.
Muskegon Avenue as proposed, with the condition that the signs are attached with stand-off
mounting to minimize damage to the building, with the use of weatherproof hardware, was made by
A. Riegler, supported by S. Radtke and unanimously approved, with J. Hilt, A. Riegler, D. Warren,
S. Kroes, and S. Radtke voting aye.
The proposed new side entry and canopy was discussed. A. Riegler stated that Secretary of the
Interior standards dictated that any new features added to a building must be subordinate to the
original, and in her opinion, the proposed side entry did not meet that requirement. She felt that the
flared design and the scale of the columns detracted from the building. M. Whittaker-Duncan stated
that the design of the columns could be changed; options were discussed. M. Franzak stated that,
after listening to the discussion, he had an idea of what the board was looking for and suggested that
staff be allowed to approve the final plan so as not to delay the project longer. A. Riegler asked
what the project timeline was. M. Whittaker-Duncan stated that the project would be done in
phases, but at this point it was delayed pending HDC approval. She also stated that it was important
that the new proposed entrance be noticeable, as it was going to be a main entrance that would be
barrier-free. The new design would also require that one window be converted to a door. M.
Franzak suggested that the applicants decide on the type of columns and design of the entryway,
and get that information to him to distribute to HDC members.
A motion to have the applicants forward a revised plan to staff (M. Franzak) showing the revisions
to the columns and entryway design, that staff provide the new design to HDC members via e-mail,
and that staff be allowed to approve the revised design for the entrance and door, was made by A.
Riegler, supported by J. Hilt and approved, with J. Hilt, A. Riegler, D. Warren, S. Kroes, and S.
Radtke voting aye. M. Franzak advised the HDC board that he would forward the updated plan to
the board as soon as he received and reviewed it.
Case 2016-09 – 408 W Muskegon Avenue. Applicant: Rebecca & William Miller. District:
Houston. Current Function: Residential. This case was tabled from the May meeting. The
applicant is seeking approval to install a 10’ x 16’ wooden shed, a wooden picket fence along the
side yard, a 6’ x 6’ deck in the side yard and steps measuring 2’ x 6’ on the front of the house.
Pictures were distributed showing the shed, and what the wooden decks would look like that would
cover the deteriorating concrete stairs. R. Miller asked if the color of the shed and decks mattered.
M. Franzak stated that color choice was up to the property owner.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install the following: 1) a 10’ x 16’ wooden shed, 2)
a wooden picket fence along the side yard, 3) a 6’ x 6’ wooden deck on the side of the house and 4)
wooden steps on the front of the home as proposed, as long as all zoning requirements are met and
the necessary permits are obtained, was made by D. Warren, supported by S. Kroes and
unanimously approved, with J. Hilt, A. Riegler, D. Warren, S. Kroes, and S. Radtke voting aye.
NEW BUSINESS
Case 2016-10 – 430 W. Clay Avenue. Applicant: Lakeshore Museum Center. District: Downtown
Structures. Current Function: Institutional. The applicant is seeking approval to mount eye hooks
on the front, east side of the building to allow the display of interchangeable banners to announce
exhibits. Banners would measure 48 x 96 inches.
HDC Minutes 6/7/16 2
A rendering of the proposed signage area was provided. D. Warren asked if there was currently
anything on the property promoting the museum’s exhibits. A. Steinman stated that there was not;
the proposed design would allow the use of interchangeable banners as the exhibits changed. S.
Radtke stated that the eye bolts should be fastened to the masonry joints of the building rather than
the brick, to avoid damaging the brick.
A motion that the HDC approve the request to install mounting hooks as proposed, and to allow
interchangeable banners to be displayed on the building as long as all zoning requirements are met
and the necessary permits are obtained, was made by D. Warren, supported by A. Riegler and
approved, with J. Hilt, A. Riegler, D. Warren, S. Kroes, and S. Radtke voting aye.
OTHER BUSINESS
None.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 4:45 p.m.
HDC Minutes 6/7/16 3
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