HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM
ACTION REQUESTED:
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Consider the Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) for 7 North Wright Street- COA 20-4670
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DEPARTMENT: Transportation, Engineering and Development
SUBMITTED BY: Kathleen Russell, Community Planner
BOARD/COMMISSION REVIEW:
Submitted for Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) review.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is an approximately 11,250 square foot parcel located at the northwest corner of the Wright Street and Benton Avenue intersection, with a common street address of 7 North Wright Street. The property is zoned R2 (Single-family and Low Density Multiple-Family Residence District) and is currently improved with a two story, Italianate and Colonial Revival style residence and a detached garage. The subject property is identified as a “contributing” structure in the 2008 Architectural and Historical Survey for the Historic District and has undergone both historic and non-historic changes including a front entry porch replacement, and wood siding which was considered historic changes. The fixed shudders and second story north addition are not historic changes. The significant features identified in the survey are square massing, hipped roof with modillions, pedimented front entry porch with classical columns, historic double hung windows, 3-sided south window bay and the classical corner pilasters.
Prior COA Approvals
The subject property was previously granted a COA in 2018 permitting the construction of an addition on the rear of the home (COA #18-2670) which was not constructed. The applicant is pursuing a new COA because they no longer intend to construct the past approved addition.
DISCUSSION:
The subject property is on a corner lot, therefore, both street facing façades are subject to review by the Historic Preservation Commission. The east facade faces Wright Street and the south façade faces Benton Avenue. The applicant Mark Landhauser, Reliable Home Improvement, as authorized by the property owner, Simon Boaler, seeks a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) to allow for changes to the façade that include: A new front porch on the east side of the home and a second story rear addition. The addition will include a new primary bedroom and bathroom on the second floor on the west side of the home. The request also includes an after the fact request for the door and window replacement as well as the removal of the shutters which were done without HPC approval. A COA is required because major work is proposed on the primary façades of the principle building as described in 6-11-8. Please see the attached site plan for the new construction and demolition proposed. More detailed information regarding the proposed changes and guidelines on the proposed changes as found in the Historic Building Design and Resource Manual (adopted in 2010) is provided below:
East side (Facing Wright Street): Addition and Demolition
The petitioner would like to add a one story open covered porch. The existing front porch will be removed and a new larger front porch will be added. The porch would match the existing roofing, and stone material. The applicant has described that the new front porch will be more in character with the Italianate style in terms of design and material with new columns and railings. It is acceptable to construct new porches that are appropriate to the style and period of the home in overall design and scale according to the design guidelines.
The window on the first floor of the home was changed in style without a COA. The original window muntin that divided the pane into 12 sections. Although the new window is divided into four sections, the design of the new window aligns with the other existing windows on the residence. The new window is divided into four sections. The shutters were removed when the windows were replaced. As noted earlier, the fixed shutters are considered a non-historic alteration of the home. The door was also changed in style without HPC approval.
South side (Facing Benton Ave): Removal of Shutters
The fixed shutters, which are considered a non-historic alteration, were removed from this façade. The removal of the shutters is an after the fact request.
West side (Facing Sleight Street Alley): Second Floor Addition
The petitioner would like to construct a second story addition over the existing first floor. Although the west side of the home is not considered a primary façade, the new addition on the west side will change the south side on Benton Avenue, which is considered a primary façade. The roofing, brackets, siding and windows will match the existing materials on the home. The rear of the property is noted as the best location for additions to minimize impact on the building’s character.
Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application: Review of COA applications are conducted based on the compatibility with the Factors for Consideration of a Certificate of Appropriateness Application (Section 6-11-8:5; Certificate of Appropriateness Required). The applicant has detailed their justification of the factors considered. Their justification is included in the attachments for review by the HPC. Staff is in general agreement with the applicant’s responses.
Key Takeaways
• The petitioner is requesting approval of COA 20-4670 to remove and replace the front porch on the east side of the residence, construct a second story addition on the west side of the residence, replace a window and the door on the east side of the residence, and remove the shutters at 7 North Wright Street.