HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) request in order to construct a room addition for the property located at 112 N. Columbia - COA 18-1491
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Gabrielle Mattingly
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Submitted for Historic Preservation Commission review.
BACKGROUND:
The applicants, Nadia and James Tancredi, have submitted a request for the property located north of Franklin Street and east of Columbia Street with a common address of 112 N. Columbia. The COA request has been submitted in order to construct a porch addition to the rear of the property that wraps around the south end of the home terminating in a small mud room addition with a door and stairs that are street facing. The subject property is approximately 7,567 sq. ft. and is currently zoned R2 (Single-Family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District). The home is a rectangular, 1.5 story, Bungalow style residential home.
Based on city record, one COA was previously issued for 112 N. Columbia. On January 14, 1993, a COA (HSC#93-01) was granted by the Historic Sites Commission to construct a two story addition on the rear of the house expanding the kitchen and bedroom and the upstairs and downstairs porches to match the existing porch. Based on information provided in the Architectural and Historical Survey, the two-story addition was constructed.
The City of Naperville Municipal Code Section 6-11-8:2 requires a COA subject to Historic Preservation Commission Approval for any work performed on the primary façade of the principal building where projection of the work is visible from a public street. Section 6-11-8:2.10 specifically requires any additions to the primary façade require review by the Historic Preservation Commission. Note: A COA is not required for modifications to the rear and interior side facades if not visible from the street. Therefore, only the portion of the addition that can be seen from the street is under the purview of the Historic Preservation Commission.
DISCUSSION:
The subject property is identified as a “potentially significant” structure in the 2008 Architectural and Historical Survey for the Historic District. A “potentially significant” structure is identified as being at least 50 years old and possesses architectural distinction in one of the following when compared with other buildings of its type: architectural style or type valuable for a study of a period, style, method of construction, or use of indigenous materials; exceptional craftsmanship; work of a master builder or architect. Structures that are identified as “potentially significant” also possess a high degree of integrity in design, materials, workmanship, setting, location, feeling, and association.
Currently, the subject property is listed as a notable example of the Bungalow type with few alterations. The survey has identified that the home has several significant features including: a broad side gable roof with large front gable dormer and full width inset front porch with square columns and railings.
Section 6-11-8:5 of the City’s Code (Certificate of Appropriateness Required) establishes the factors for consideration of a COA application. Based on the factors and analysis below, staff recommends approval of the COA to allow for the construction of an addition to 112 N. Columbia Street. The petitioner is in general agreement with these findings.
Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application:
5.1. Compatibility With District Character: The Commission and Zoning Administrator shall consider the compatibility of the proposed improvement with the character of the historic district in terms of scale, style, exterior features, building placement and site access, as related to the primary facade(s), in rendering a decision to grant or deny a certificate of appropriateness.
Analysis: Staff found the proposed addition maintains compatibility with the historic district given the placement near the rear of the home. While the addition can be seen from the street, the impact on the front façade is minimal.
5.2. Compatibility With Architectural Style: The Commission and Zoning Administrator shall consider the compatibility of the proposed improvement with the historic architectural style of the building or structure to be modified by the certificate of appropriateness request.
Analysis: The proposed roofing, fascia, soffits, siding, trim and block foundation will match the existing building which maintains compatibility with the architectural style.
5.3. Economic Reasonableness: The Commission and the Zoning Administrator shall consider the economic reasonableness of any recommended changes determined to be necessary to bring the application into conformity with the character of the historic district.
Analysis: The proposed addition is economically reasonable because it allows the petitioner to add an addition to the home that has minimal impact on the existing structure.
5.4. Energy Conservation Effect: In making its determinations, the Commission and Zoning Administrator shall consider the effect that any recommended changes may have on energy conservation.
Analysis: The proposed addition will not result in any adverse impact on energy conservation at the Subject Property.
5.5. Application Of Regulations: The Commission and Zoning Administrator shall not impose specific regulations, limitations, or restrictions as to the height and bulk of buildings, or the area of yards or setbacks, or other open spaces, density of population, land use, or location of buildings designed for conditional uses except as applicable for compliance with the underlying zoning district.
5.5.1. The Commission however, may consider the height and bulk of buildings and area of yards or setbacks within the context of existing neighborhoods in making its determinations. The Commission shall be permitted to deny a certificate of appropriateness on the basis of height and bulk of buildings and the area of yards or setbacks only upon finding that the approval of such a request would be detrimental to the existing or historical character of its surrounding neighborhood. The Commission may adopt procedural rules concerning the type of information that it considers necessary to make such a finding.
5.5.2. The Commission's consideration of height and bulk of buildings and area of yards or setbacks shall not exempt the applicant from compliance with the provisions of this Title 6 (Zoning Regulations).
Analysis: The addition is in compliance with the underlying zoning district requirements in terms of setback and height. The room addition extends 6’-6” south from the side of the existing home and maintains the 6’ setback from the interior property line required by the R2 zoning district. The proposed addition is one story in height which is under the maximum height and story requirements for the R2 district.
5.6. The City's Historic Building Design and Resource Manual may be used as a resource in consideration of the above.
Analysis: The Historic Building Design and Resource Manual provides residential additions in Section E. These guidelines identify what is encouraged, acceptable and discouraged. Within these guidelines, it states that the placement of an addition should be built so it will have minimal impact on the building’s overall character and the rear of dwelling units is the best location for the addition of rooms, wings, porches, or decks. The manual also encourages an addition that is distinguishable from the original. Given the size and location of the proposal, staff finds the addition is in line with the manuals guidelines.
Key Takeaways
• The petitioner is requesting approval of COA 18-1491 in order to construct a room addition for the property located at 112 N. Columbia Street.
• The City of Naperville Municipal Code requires review by the Historic Preservation Commission for changes that can be seen from the street. Staff is in support of the request given its minimal impact on the façade considering how far setback the addition is from the front of the building.