MAY 5, 2008
LANDMARKS AND HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION
MINUTES
           

The Landmarks and Historic District Commission of the City of Florissant met at the Florissant City Hall on Monday May 5, 2008 in the second floor conference room at 7:00 p.m., with Joe Schulte presiding.

On the roll call the following members were present: Gary Meyer, Joe Schulte, Marion
McGuinn and Edward Keil. Also in attendance were John Morgan, Building
Commissioner, Cynthia Treiber, Recording Clerk, Gregory Brown and Bryon Mason
from FGM Architect, Diane Marischon and Steve Gettemeyer from the Florissant Valley
Fire Department. A quorum being present the Chair declared the Landmarks and
Historic District Commission (LHDC) was in session for the transaction of business.

NEW BUSINESS
Item 1               661 St. Ferdinand                                                  Rep. By:      FGM Architects
                        Florissant Valley Fire Protection                                               Bryon Mason
                        Ward 6                                                                                    1177 N. Greenmount Rd.
                                                                                                                        Suite 200
                                                                                                                        O’Fallon, IL 62269

Request recommended approval of the architect design of a new building.

The Chair stated that under new business there was a request to approve the plans for the new fire house. Mr. Mason stated that he was representing the Florissant Valley Fire Protection District with hand outs with the bullet points on the proposed new building. Mr. Mason stated that the site was on the corner of St. Ferdinand and St. Francois. Mr. Schulte stated that the Commission’s jurisdiction was only to review the architectural appearance of the building and the exterior and nothing to do with the floor plan.

Mr. Brown stated that they wanted to explain how they arrived at the elevations. Mr. Mason stated that the building was set up with the large bay garage for the engine off of St. Louis Street and away from the corner to allow better access to St. Ferdinand. Mr. Mason stated there were three functions in the building, the administrator center that housed all the administration, the engine house and the two story portion with the bunk houses / sleeping quarters with the living quarters to the rear. Mr. Mason stated
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that the engine house portion was over towards St. Louis Street with the administration building towards the corner. Mr. Mason stated that they left one portion of the site open to allow a better view of the shrine. Mr. Mason stated that the trucks had access from the back of the building and the front with parking for the public in the front and staff parking to the rear. Mr. Mason stated that by the parking being this way it would allow more green space on the corner.

Mr. Mason stated that on the elevation they fried to match up the style with the surrounding buildings including the traditional masonry; however, with the proposed building having a unique look of its own. Mr. Mason stated that the front entry of the building was an arch with a porch that extends out which was common for the area. Mr. Mason stated that the bottom on the building was a prairie stone and the top masonry that matched the Shrine. Mr. Mason stated that on the south elevation was more historical and as you went around the building it would be more contemporary with the hip roof and gables in the front. Mr. Mason stated that as an alternative and if the budget would allow they were proposing a pumper room to store the old Fire Engine which would have full length windows for viewing the engine. The pumper room would also allow easy access pulling the engine in and out for special events such as parades. Mr. Mason stated that if the budget did not allow for the pumper room then the elevations on that section would be similar however changed to allow for only a board room. Mr. Brown stated that they obtained ideas of constructing the bays by viewing other Fire engine houses that were built between 1850 and 1860. Mr. Mason stated that they kept the mass down and roof as low as possible and in doing so they popped in dormers with windows.

Mr. Schulte asked the Commission members if they had any questions. Mr. Keil asked about the screening and landscaping plan especially on the St. Louis Street side. Mr. Mason stated that they did not have a landscape plan ready as of yet however they would have it before they went before the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Mason stated that their intention was some bushes and evergreens.

Mr. Meyer made a motion to approve the plans as submitted, seconded by Mr. Keil. On roll call the commission voted as follows; McCuinn yes, Meyer yes, Keil yes and Schulte yes. The motion passes 4 to 0.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mr. Schulte stated that the next order of business was approval of the February 25, 2008 minutes. Mr. Meyer made a motion to approve the February 25, 2008 minutes as submitted, seconded by Mr. Keil. All commission members concurred, motion passes 4 toO.

 

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MICELLANEOUS BUSINESS

Discussion on the 5Qth anniversary preservation movement.

Mr. Schulte stated that the next order of business was the Preservation movement and did anyone have anything to add. Mr. Schulte stated that he was still waiting for the route 66 signs and that they were already up and down highway 44 and from highway 55 to Chicago IL. Mr. Schulte stated that the organization that was responsible for the signs was located in Springfield and had received grant money for the signs. Mr. Schulte stated that the organization needed approval from St. Louis City and St. Louis County for some reason and was held up for about a year and half waiting for that approval. Further discussion was held regarding the route 66 signs with Mr. Schulte stating that he had hoped the signs would be up during Preservation movement.

Mr. Morgan stated that he had an announcement, and that was that there had been plans submitted requiring approval from LHC and P&Z for a new building. Mr. Morgan asked if there was any chance the Commission could meet next Monday May 12U1 to review the plans. Mr. Morgan stated that the new building was going to be the main office for Ace Learning Centers. Mr. Schulte, Mr. McGuinn and Mr. Kiel stated that they would be available next week for a meeting. Mr. Meyer asked the clerk to call his office tomorrow and he would check his schedule.

Mr. Kiel made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Mr. Meyer. All members concurred, meeting was adjourned.

 

Respectfully submitted:

 

Cynthia Treiber,
Recording Clerk

 

 

 

 

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