INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANTS
APPLICATION PROCESS
The Commission reviews applications for changes to the exteriors of buildings in historic districts, the addition of new buildings and changes to the site and landscape. Not all changes require Commission review; consult the Coordinator at (734) 994-2797, or email Jasthacher@a2gov.org to determine whether a proposed change will require review. Applications for Commission review are available from the Coordinator, on the sixth floor of City Hall, Planning and Development Services Division. If you need additional information, please contact the Administrative Support Specialist to the Commission via email at: Bacquaviva@a2gov.org or (734) 994-2696
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Application Form - REVISED May 2008
The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers, Second Floor, City Hall. Exceptions are made for major holidays and are noted on the corresponding meeting schedule.
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2008 Meeting Schedule - REVISED July 2008
Completed applications must be submitted to the Coordinator by the deadline shown on the meeting schedule in order to allow staff time to review the application and notify the public.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
Owners, residents and tenants who are considering alterations to buildings that are in historic districts, or designated individually, should contact Jill Thacher at 994-2797, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM) to determine if the proposed work will require the prior approval of the Commission.
STAFF REVIEW
If Commission approval is required, staff will prepare a staff review for all applications that are complete and submitted by the deadline. On the Friday before the meeting, copies of the Staff Report and the agenda will be emailed to all owners and applicants that provide one or more email addresses on their application.
REVIEW COMMITTEE
The Monday before the meeting, Commission staff and at least two Commissioners will meet with you at the project site. This will be your opportunity to explain your case in person and on location. Staff will take photos and post a Public Hearing Notice on the site that is visible from the street.
THE COMMISSION MEETING
Hearings occur early in the agenda, following introductions and approval of the agenda. Applicants are strongly urged to attend, both to present their cases and to answer any questions that may arise.
CONDUCT OF HEARINGS
- CHAIR CALLS THE CASE
- STAFF PRESENTATION – Includes brief description of the property’s location, historic district and history, including any significant changes to the original configuration, a summary of the application and any findings of fact.
- REVIEW COMMITTEE – Report and recommendation.
- APPLICANT PRESENTATION – Applicants are encouraged to testify on their own behalf and may bring such witnesses as may be necessary.
- QUESTIONS OF THE APPLICANT BY THE COMMISSION.
- AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION – Restricted to current case ONLY – 3 Minutes
- REBUTTAL BY THE APPLICANT
- QUESTIONS BY THE COMMISSION
- CLOSING OF THE HEARING – Followed by Commission discussion and action. Audience members may not speak unless rested by the Commission. Action may include discussion followed by a motion, more discussion and a vote.
Later in the meeting, the Chair will appoint a Commissioner to monitor your project.
AFTER THE MEETING
The applicant, owner, Commission monitor and the Building Department will be notified of the Commission's determination within five (usually one or two) business days. After that, you or your contractor may pick up the required building permits for your project from the Planning and Development Services Division.
Please remember: you or your contractor are responsible for obtaining building permits and for scheduling inspections. Any changes from the approved plans should be reported to Commission staff immediately. Failure to comply with the Historic District regulations may result in a fine and/or the owner being required to restore the property to its original condition.
MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION as of January - 2008:
The Historic District Commission is a body appointed by the Mayor and City Council, per the mandates of Public Act 169, Michigan's Enabling Legislation regarding local historic districts. The Historic District Commission is made up of 7 members, each one knowledgeable about preservation practices, whether they are professionally engaged as preservationists or not. Each Commissioner is appointed to one three-year term and can serve two consecutive terms before he/she is replaced. Anyone interested in serving on the Historic District Commission should contact the Mayor's Office to obtain an application. Anyone interested in contacting Commissioners should call Brenda Acquaviva at 994-2696 or email hdc@a2gov.org
Robert White (Chair): Mr. White is a long time resident of Ann Arbor and is also a member of the city's Board of Review. Mr. White's second term expires June 2, 2011.
Kristina Glusac: (Vice-Chair) Ms. Glusac is currently an architect with Hobbs + Black Architects on North State Street. Ms. Glusac has worked extensively in Chicago, Illinois. Her most recent project there was a renovation of Soldier Field. She received her degree of Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a Minor in History of Art in 1995 from Sweet Briar College in Virginia. She also holds a Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Ms. Glusac is also the Current Chairperson of the American Institute of Architects Advocacy Committee, the Huron Valley Chapter and Alumni Association Board Member, Greenhills school, A2, MI. Ms. Glusac's first term expires February 21, 2009.
Michael Bruner: Mr. Bruner is an architect who specializes in historic preservation design. Mr. Bruner grew up in Detroit and is interested in issues of neighborhood revitalization and how to best use historic resources to suit neighborhood needs. Mr. Bruner's second term expires January 9, 2009.
Ellen Ramsburgh: Ms. Ramsberg previously served on the Washtenaw-Hill Expansion Historic Distruct Study Committee and lives in an historic residence in Ann Arbor. Her first term expires January 21, 2011.
Jim Henrichs: Mr. Henrichs is an architect with Hobbs + Black Architects on North State Street. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects, and is a member of the Vestry at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. Mr. Henrichs has worked on a variety of projects in various parts of the United States, many of which have included the historic restoration or existing structures, adaptive re-use projects and new buildings with historically sensitive designs. Some of these projects include: The American Woolen Building restoration in New York, NY; First of America Acadia Creek in Kalamazoo, MI; Wellington Green in Wellington, FL; and the proposed restoration of Ft. Shelby in Detroit, MI. Mr. Henrichs has also been a youth soccer coach and cub scout leader in the past. His second term expires on September 5, 2009.
Sarah Shotwell: (Secretary) Ms. Shotwell holds a Masters of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Arts in Arts and Ideas from the University of Michigan. Ms. Shotwell has extensive preservation experience, having done internships in preservation with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office and Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills, NJ. She is currently employed by Google, Inc. as an AdWords Associate. Her first term expires June 4, 2010.
Diane Giannola: Ms. Giannola joined the HDC due to an interest in preserving Ann Arbor's history. Her education is in Science, with a B.S. in Microbiology from the University of Michigan and an ABA in Business from the University of Pennsylvania. She has lived in Ann Arbor from 1985-1994 and 2003 to present. She is currently employed as a Project Manager with Asterand, Inc. in Detroit, MI. Her first term expires December 31, 2011.
MISSION STATEMENT adopted 12/12/91
The mission of the Ann Arbor Historic District Commission is to encourage the preservation of the heritage and built environment of the City of Ann Arbor for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations through the following:
- fostering an appreciation of our heritage,
- educating its citizens on the value of the built environment,
- serving as the historic conscience of the community,
- encouraging the designation of historic districts,
- reviewing and acting upon proposed changes to designated properties
- providing liaison to and communication among organizations that affect local history and preservation.