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Show the Park City fire of 1898, when the building was erected. Inside, five apartments and two offices are being constructed in what was once a large chapel and meeting room where early "Saints" met, worshipped, and socialized. The Blue Church sits on two lots, and under the H-R-M zone, two lots allows only two separate dwelling units. However, Reynolds Rey-nolds has asked the commission's consideration (under the clause which allows them to grant variances to historic sites) in permitting him to construct five units in a building whose underlying property normally would permit only two. Commissioners replied that he should send letters to nearby property owners, explaining his proposal and solici'ing their input. Meanwhile, the commission commis-sion must consider whether there is enough parking for occupants of the building's proposed five apartments and two offices. (One purpose of the density-lot ratio is to prevent traffic and parking congestion). Since ample parking is available, avail-able, there is a good chance that the variance will be granted. City Planner Van Martin said he could think of only a few-buildings few-buildings which, after being classified historic sites, would qualify for variances. He men- Church First Historic Site The old LDS Ward House on Park Avenue, long known as "the Blue Church," was painted grey this week. It has been designated by the Planning Commission as Park City's first historic site. The church's historic classifica-iion classifica-iion (not to be confused with a .imilar connotation conferred by ,he Utah State Historical Society) is provided for in the recently adopted Park City Land Use Code. Criteria for the designation of .listoric sites is set forth under the ode as: a building or site which is associated with events that have iiade a significant contribution to uir history; or, buildings associa-cd associa-cd with the lives of historically significant people; or, structures which represent distinctive architectural archi-tectural styles associated with a given period; or, the work of a master or having characteristics of artistic importance. The new code gives Planning Commissioners the power to grant uses in historic buildings which otherwise would not conform with the particular existing zoning. The clause was added to provide property owners in the old section of town an added incentive to rennovate and restore Park City's historically significant buildings. Roy Reynolds, who is rennovat-ing rennovat-ing the church for owner Robert J. Lewis of Virginia, applied for the historical designation. His request was granted at the Planning Commission's regular session Wednesday evening. During recent months Reynolds has significantly restored the exterior of the structure to an architectural style reflective of the period immediately following tioned the Episcopal Church and the Washington School, both located on upper Park Avenue. Though many residences may be designated historic sites, their uses will probably remain the same, said Martin, "because I can't see the Planning Commission Commis-sion allowing commercial use of a building which has always been a - residence." Editor's Note: From time to time the Record will publish similar articles which are newsworthy in themselves, but which also describe the practical applications of the Park City Land Use Code. We feel it is extremely important that the people of Park City understand how the master plan works in given circumstances. |