Board of Architectural Review

February 27, 2013 · 39,002 words

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Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review met on February 27, 2013. During the meeting, the board considered nine agenda items, took three motions and votes, and heard two public comments. All nine proposed projects were approved, including tree removal at two properties (117 South Ashland Avenue and 625 West Short Street), window and porch restoration work at two addresses (371 North Limestone and 439 Fayette Park), a structure renovation at 219 South Limestone, signage installation at two locations (412 Cross Street and 1701 Nicholasville Road), and modifications to rear decks with new steps and patio construction at 221 South Ashland Avenue. The board also approved a design change for the front bay and new addition at 163 East Third Street.

Attendance

The following individuals were present at the meeting on February 27, 2013:

Catherine Dunn-Eadlin
Steve Riddle
Doug Back
Clayton Farmer
Sarah Tate

No absences or late arrivals were recorded.

Votes and Decisions

Three Certificates of Appropriateness were approved by voice vote during this meeting.

221 South Ashland Avenue — Rear Decks, Steps, and Patio 16:50

The motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for changes to rear decks and construction of steps and patio at 221 South Ashland Avenue passed by voice vote. The approval includes the following conditions: all exposed wood of the deck except for the deck floor and stair treads must be either painted or up-stained; any changes required by other LFCCG divisions must return to staff for review prior to the start of any work.

1701 Nicholasville Road — Signage Installation 1:17:07

The motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for signage installation at 1701 Nicholasville Road passed by voice vote. The approval is subject to these conditions: front signage width must not exceed the width of the bay window below it; signage must be raised at least two brick widths above the flashing of the bay window roof; signage on the Arcadia Park side or parking lot side must not exceed the preexisting 4x8 condition; all signage must be reviewed by staff before any COA is issued.

163 East Third Street — Front Bay Design and New Addition 1:43:41

The motion to approve a Certificate of Appropriateness for changes to the front bay design and construction of a new addition at 163 East Third Street passed by voice vote. The approval includes multiple conditions: the front bay must be more angular rather than semicircular; the standing seam metal roof must be no higher than 3:12 pitch and tuck under the cornice; the chimney must be stepped in above the cricket to one-third of its base width and constructed of brick, not stone; roll-up doors on the rear elevation must be replaced with French doors of single light design; all final details must be reviewed by staff or board.

Public Comment

Two speakers addressed the board during the public comment period.

Doug Back 1:25:48 spoke regarding signage for 1701 Nicholasville Road. The property owner expressed concern about the commercial nature of the building and the need for adequate signage. Back noted that the area is located in a B1 zone with high traffic volume. He highlighted that the historic designation on the property limits signage options beyond what city codes would otherwise allow.

Clayton Farmer 1:32:09 addressed the chimney design at 163 East Third Street. As the architect on the project, Farmer argued for a straight-line chimney design. The board recommended instead that a stepped-in design be used, indicating that this approach would better align with historic guidelines and improve the overall architectural harmony of the structure.

Appointments

Sarah Tate was appointed to the Board of Architectural Review.

Contested Items

Signage Size and Location at 1701 Nicholasville Road

A heated discussion arose regarding the appropriate scale and placement of signage at this location. The applicant argued for larger signs, citing the commercial use of the property and its high-traffic location as justification for increased visibility. The board, however, emphasized the importance of maintaining the historic character of the area and ensuring that signage remained proportional to the surrounding context. The disagreement centered on balancing commercial needs with preservation standards.

Chimney Material and Design at 163 East Third Street

The board was divided on the design of a chimney at this address, with the central question being whether to permit a straight-line stone chimney or require a stepped-in brick design. The split vote reflected differing perspectives on the appropriate approach. Ultimately, the board required the stepped-in brick option to ensure compliance with established guidelines for the property.

117 South Ashland Avenue: Remove dying tree

14:35

Staff approved the removal of a dying tree at 117 South Ashland Avenue in the South Ashland Central Avenue Historic District. This item was approved by staff without requiring a board vote.

439 Fayette Park: Restore front porch balustrade

Staff approved the restoration of the front porch balustrade at 439 Fayette Park in the Fayette Park Historic District. 14:35

The restoration project proceeded without requiring a board vote, as staff authorization was sufficient for this agenda item.