Courthouse Area Design Review Board Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Courthouse Area Design Review Board held a video teleconference meeting on August 18, 2021, at 2:00 p.m., presided over by Erin Hathaway. The board considered two agenda items during the meeting. The board took four motions and votes and heard one public comment. Case No. 4-2021 regarding Nathan Zamarron at 201 W. Short St. was approved, while Case No. 3-2021 regarding Darren J. Taylor at 111-113 Cheapside was denied.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on August 18, 2021:

• Erin Hathaway
• Jill Leckner
• Nicole Ware
• Samantha Castro
• Ken Michul

Ken Michul arrived late to the meeting.

No attendees were absent.

Votes and Decisions

Approval of Minutes from May 19, 2021 Meeting 9:28

Motion by Samantha Castro, seconded by Jill Leckner. The minutes from the May 19, 2021 meeting were approved unanimously with 4 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions. Voting in favor: Erin Hathaway, Jill Leckner, Nicole Ware, and Samantha Castro.

Case No. 4-2021: Authorization Permit for 'Unlearn Fear + Hate' Artwork Plaque and Lighting 18:29

Motion by Samantha Castro, seconded by Jill Leckner. The request for authorization to install a plaque related to the 'Unlearn Fear + Hate' artwork and lighting on the western building façade passed with 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. Voting in favor: Erin Hathaway, Jill Leckner, and Samantha Castro. Nicole Ware abstained.

The approval was granted with two conditions: - Any necessary approval from the State Historic Preservation Office must be obtained prior to installation - The installation of the plaque and light fixture shall be done in a manner that does not deface the brick façade

Case No. 3-2021: Request to Construct Detached Glass-Floored Addition 51:48

Motion by Samantha Castro, seconded by Jill Leckner. The request to construct a detached, glass-floored addition to the front of the building to serve as a 'floating' balcony-type entertaining space failed unanimously with 0 ayes, 5 nays, and 0 abstentions. Voting against: Erin Hathaway, Jill Leckner, Nicole Ware, Samantha Castro, and Ken Michul.

Motion to Adjourn 52:48

Motion by Samantha Castro, seconded by Jill Leckner. The motion to adjourn the meeting passed unanimously with 5 ayes, 0 nays, and 0 abstentions. All members voted in favor: Erin Hathaway, Jill Leckner, Nicole Ware, Samantha Castro, and Ken Michul.

Public Comment

45:01 James Frazier, chair of the Downtown Lexington Management District, spoke in support of Case No. 3-2021. Frazier emphasized the importance of economic development and safety in the downtown area in relation to the application under consideration.

Contested Items

Case No. 3-2021 (Darren J. Taylor) 111-113 Cheapside

A proposal to construct a glass-floored addition at 111-113 Cheapside generated heated discussion among board members. The primary concern centered on the potential impact of the addition on the historic building and the surrounding public space. After deliberation, the board denied the application.

Case No. 4-2021 (Nathan Zamarron) 201 W. Short St.

10:01

The board discussed an application to install a plaque related to the "Unlearn Fear + Hate" artwork and lighting on the western building façade at 201 W. Short St.

Key Speakers: - Autumn Goderwis - Nathan Zamarron

Discussion: The board reviewed the request to add signage and lighting elements associated with the "Unlearn Fear + Hate" artwork project on the western side of the building.

Outcome: The application was approved with conditions regarding historic preservation. The approval requires that any installation comply with historic preservation standards applicable to the property.

Case No. 3-2021 (Darren J. Taylor) 111-113 Cheapside

19:42

The board discussed an application by Darren J. Taylor for 111-113 Cheapside to construct a detached, glass-floored addition to the front of the building. The proposed structure was designed to serve as a "floating" balcony-type entertaining space.

Key Speakers: - Autumn Goderwis - Darren J. Taylor

Discussion:

The application presented a plan for a glass-floored addition that would extend from the front of the existing building, creating an elevated entertaining area with a distinctive floating appearance.

Concerns Raised:

The board's primary concerns centered on two issues: - Historic preservation considerations for the property - Impact on the public right-of-way

Outcome:

The application was denied. The board determined that the proposed addition did not meet the requirements for approval, citing the concerns regarding historic preservation and potential conflicts with the public right-of-way.