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Council continues waterfront restroom plan; favors open‑gable pavilion but asks for restroom redesign options
Summary
After a long debate about durability versus appearance, the HDC conceptually favored an open‑gable pavilion but continued the restroom/pavilion case to July 18 so staff and the applicant can return with restroom alternatives and stronger pergola/trellis details to tie the elements together.
The Historic District Council on June 27 conceptually endorsed an open‑gable design for a new waterfront pavilion but stopped short of approving the proposed prefabricated concrete restrooms, voting to continue HDC case 2024‑0015 to the July meeting so applicants can return with additional options.
Lisa Finkelstein, who introduced the presentation as part of the CRA advisory board, described the restroom plan as two prefab concrete structures facing each other with a pergola over an 8‑foot center walkway and landscaping to screen the units. She summarized the conceptual recommendation sought: "We're really looking at just two elements of the waterfront park plan ... the pavilion design and the restroom exterior," and asked for board feedback on siding, roof color and gable options.
Board members debated tradeoffs between durability and aesthetics. Several members favored the open‑gable pavilion as better aligned with nearby architectural cues: "The open gable is far, far more appropriate for down there," a member said during the discussion. Other members expressed frustration with the precast restroom appearance and urged staff to return with alternatives or treatments (lap siding, trellis/pergola connectors and landscaping) so the restrooms visually relate to the pavilion. Interim City Manager Jeremiah Glissen noted finish skins and wrap options exist but cautioned more substantial structural or roof changes would raise costs and could affect manufacturer guarantees.
Public comment echoed the tension. Chip Ross, speaking for himself and not for the commission, urged the board to weigh maintenance burdens: "The most important thing with restrooms is maintenance and maintaining a stick‑built building is difficult," he said, noting the prefabs are used widely because they are durable and easier to clean. Project designer Eric Bartelt said landscaping and a pergola were intended to help the buildings recede: "We tried to put the lipstick on the pig," he said, acknowledging the aesthetic compromise.
Given the divided views, Member Tim moved — and the board seconded — a motion to continue HDC 2024‑0015 to the July 18 meeting so staff and applicant can return with revised restroom options and stronger pergola/trellis design details. The motion carried on roll call.
Next steps: staff will coordinate with the applicant on alternative restroom finishes or designs and return materials for board review at the July meeting.
