Fiscal Note
The 2008 PCED Adopted Capital Budget (Project No. 25, “Facade Improvement Grants”) authorizes $125,000 for facade projects. Following approval of this Resolution, $115,000 of authorized funding will remain for future projects.
Title
Approving Facade Improvement Grant to: 11 North Allen Street (The Froth House).
Body
On February 3, 2004, the Common Council adopted Resolution ID # 61179, approving the Facade Improvement Grant Program to support and encourage small local businesses to reinvest in the downtown and smaller, neighborhood shopping and business areas and designating the Community Development Authority as the agent of the City for the operation and administration of the Program. The grants are matching grants and will be provided in an amount up to 50% of the total project costs up to a maximum of $10,000 for a single facade, $20,000 for a building with two facades, and $25,000 for a “flatiron” building. The objective of the Program is to restore, or substantially beautify, or enhance the entire facade or elevation of a commercial building. The facade proposal has been reviewed by the Facade Improvement Grant Staff Team and meets the requirements of the Facade Improvement Grant Program. The Urban design Commission has reviewed the facade proposal and recommends design approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Common Council does hereby approve the following facade improvement grant:
The Froth House, 11 North Allen St.
Erik Thebert
The Froth House building was built in 1924 for Ben Palm, as his family residence and shoe store. The shoe store stayed at this location for decades. The building is located within the University Heights Local Historic District.
General description: Work covers removal of soffit to restore original ceiling height and transom windows over the entrance, and removal and replacement of the upper transom windows with clear ‘low e’ textured glass, which will add a polished, finished look of the facade. Work also includes removal and replacement of the old glass kick-panels with new textured glass. Applicant will replace the recessed light fixture with new light fixtures at the sides of the facade, installation of new artist created projecting sign, repainting of the facade, and repair of front foundation and steps.
Project Specifics:
#1 Paint Color Change and Concrete Steps:
§ Owners to paint storefront in manner as shown in attachment, Red and Black color scheme to match outside benches.
§ Owner will repair front concrete steps. See attachment for specifics of use of cement for patching, and smoothing steps
#2 Soffit and Awnings:
§ Owners will remove existing old awning rod
§ The existing soffit is unoriginal to the building as is hiding three transom windows. Owners will remove soffit above entryway.
§ Owner will install a faux ‘tin’ ceiling made of thermoplastic resin over entryway.
#3 Front Store Picture Window Replacement:
§ Owner will repair existing wooden window frames, and replace with new wooden window frames. Owner will remove old existing storefront windows and replace with window design of double insulated low-e glass that will replicate existing design.
#4 Transom Windows and lower “Kick-panel” windows:
§ Owner will restore the three transom windows hidden under the existing soffit, above each of the three doors.
§ Owner will repair frames and replace glass in remaining transom windows.
§ Owner to remove and replace lower windows. Lower windows will be textured glass to help mask the floor section and joists (as can bee seen in photos). The floor section visible through lower ‘kick-panel’ windows will be covered with flashing to present a clean edge to the exterior.
#5 Lighting:
§ Owner will install new central entry light as described in supporting materials.
§ Owner will install two light fixtures either end of facade as shown in attachment. Staff has instructed owner not to have electrical conduit go across the front facade. Electric connections to be taken from the side/interior of the building.
#6 Signage:
§ Interior Froth House window signs will be added to windows in accordance with signage regulations. See attached materials
§ Exterior wood carved sign by local artist to hang from center of building facade. See attached materials.
Estimated total project cost: $20,000
Facade Improvement grant not to exceed $10,000
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor and City Clerk be and hereby are authorized to execute grant agreement with the grantee and any other documents necessary to complete these improvements.