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<br />was not known. He stated the windows were examined to try to find out, but there was no <br />explanation for the material or the structure of the windows. <br /> <br />-A question was asked about when the prior aluminum windows were installed. It was stated that <br />they were installed in 1988. <br /> <br />The Historic Preservation Commission members concurred that the proposal, as explained by the <br />applicant, looked good and was on the right path. <br /> <br />4.b. 7401 Balson Avenue Preliminary Review / Consultation for proposed 3-story addition to <br />University City High School in the University City Education Complex Historic District (Local <br />Historic District and National Register of Historic Places). <br /> <br />Mr. Diggs explained the proposed addition to the north of the northeast wing of the High School <br />for a library and media center. He stated it was a three-story component, comparable in mass to <br />the existing school building; however, it was slightly set back. He stated that a one-story <br />component was proposed toward the front with an entry from the street, since it was set up to be <br />open to the public. He stated that the proposed one-story component would be a prominent <br />component of the street-facing side, providing an entry and a lot of glass was proposed. Mr. <br />Diggs stated that the intent was to not mimic the existing building but to keep a clear delineation <br />while using materials and design components that would be harmonious with the existing while <br />not copying the existing. He stated that the massing was intended to be harmonious, including <br />the entry component. The windows would not be exactly the same, but would keep the same <br />rhythm and pattern of the existing. He stated that the proposed one-story, storefront component <br />with its glass would be a break, a clear delineation that would show this was an addition. It was <br />also the intent to match the brick as clearly as possible. He discussed the brick on the existing <br />school building, which has a blend, and showed a sample. He explained some of the masonry <br />detail on the existing building. A cast stone material was also proposed for the window sills. <br /> <br />Questions/Comments from Commission members and responses from the applicant included: <br /> <br /> <br />-A question was asked about the reasoning to not continue the limestone cap. Mr. Diggs stated <br />that they wanted a clean break and that it was higher. <br /> <br />-A question was asked about the height difference. Mr. Diggs stated the height would be the <br />same but with a proposed tower component that would be higher. <br /> <br />-Would the floor elevations align? Mr. Diggs stated that there would be a ramping effect on the <br />first floor but all other floors would align. <br /> <br />HPC members discussed the slope of the existing site as it related to the dimensions for the <br />proposed addition. <br /> <br /> <br />-What will happen to the existing library? It was stated that was unknown now, but the existing <br />library space was not functional in its current location. <br /> <br />-A question was asked about the proposed glass for the one-story entry component. Mr. Diggs <br />stated the intent was to keep it as clear glass, maybe with a slight tint and that this element would <br />cap off the north wing. He stated that the High School building just stopped at this location and <br />seemed unfinished and this would provide an anchor for the northern wing. <br /> <br />tm;  šE  <br /> <br />