Board of Architectural Review Meeting

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review met on June 24, 2015. The meeting addressed 27 agenda items, primarily consisting of Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) applications for various renovation and construction projects across Lexington's historic districts.

The board reviewed and approved 21 applications for projects ranging from tree replacements and structural renovations to fence installations and porch modifications. These approved projects spanned multiple historic districts including Ashland Park, Aylesford, Bell Court, Constitution, Fayette Park, Northside, South Hill, and Woodward Heights. Notable approvals included fire damage renovations at 429 East Maxwell Street, pool replacement at 265 South Ashland Avenue, and installation of a small cell antenna on East Third Street.

Six additional items were handled as informational matters, including projects such as driveway paving at 338 Woodland Avenue, front door glass replacement at 411 West 3rd Street, and construction of a new dormer at 328 Lafayette Avenue. The meeting also included a review of minutes from the June 10, 2015 meeting.

No formal votes were recorded in the meeting data, and no public comments were documented during this session. The board's work focused on preserving the architectural integrity of Lexington's historic neighborhoods while allowing appropriate modifications and improvements to historic properties.

Review of minutes from June 10, 2015

The board conducted a review of the minutes from their previous meeting held on June 10, 2015. This agenda item served as an informational discussion to ensure accuracy and completeness of the official record from the prior session.

The review process allowed board members to examine the documented proceedings, decisions, and discussions from the June 10th meeting. This standard procedural item provides an opportunity for corrections, clarifications, or additions to be made to the official minutes before final approval.

No specific concerns, amendments, or significant discussion points were noted during this review process. The item concluded as an informational matter without requiring formal action or voting by the board members.

241 Desha Road (Ashland Park Historic District): Replace tree

The commission reviewed a staff-approved request for tree replacement at 241 Desha Road, located within the Ashland Park Historic District. This item was presented as agenda item 1 during the meeting.

Staff had previously approved the replacement of a tree on the property, indicating the request met the established criteria for tree replacement within the historic district. The Ashland Park Historic District has specific guidelines governing changes to landscaping and vegetation to maintain the historic character of the neighborhood.

The application was processed through the standard administrative review process for tree replacement in historic districts. Such requests typically require documentation of the tree's condition and justification for removal, along with plans for appropriate replacement plantings that are compatible with the historic district's character.

The commission accepted staff's approval of the tree replacement request. No additional discussion or conditions were noted for this item, suggesting the proposed replacement met all applicable historic district guidelines and standards.

The approval allows the property owner at 241 Desha Road to proceed with removing the existing tree and installing the approved replacement as specified in their application to staff.

317 Desha Road (Ashland Park Historic District): Install vents

Staff approved the installation of vents at 317 Desha Road, located within the Ashland Park Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item number 2 on the meeting agenda.

The application involved a request to install ventilation equipment at the historic district property. As this property falls within the boundaries of the Ashland Park Historic District, any exterior modifications require review to ensure compatibility with the historic character of the neighborhood.

The staff review process determined that the proposed vent installation met the appropriate standards for work within the historic district. The application was approved through the staff review process without requiring further discussion or action by the full commission.

No specific concerns were raised regarding the proposed installation, and no additional speakers participated in discussion of this item. The approval allows the property owner to proceed with the installation of the vents as submitted in their application materials.

1021 Fincastle Rd (Ashland Park Historic District): Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of a structure located at 1021 Fincastle Road within the Ashland Park Historic District. This agenda item was processed as part of the meeting's regular business.

The application involved renovating an existing structure in the historic district, which requires review to ensure compliance with historic preservation guidelines and district standards. The Ashland Park Historic District maintains specific architectural and design requirements to preserve the neighborhood's historic character.

Staff review determined that the proposed renovation work met the necessary criteria for approval within the historic district parameters. The renovation was approved through the staff review process without requiring additional discussion or board deliberation during the meeting.

No specific details were provided regarding the scope of the renovation work, the nature of the improvements, or any particular design elements that were evaluated as part of the approval process.

265 South Ashland Avenue (South Ashland/Central Avenue Historic District): Replace Pool

Staff approved the replacement of a pool at 265 South Ashland Avenue, located within the South Ashland/Central Avenue Historic District. This agenda item was presented as a staff-level approval for the pool replacement project at the residential property.

The application involved replacing an existing pool structure at the historic district property. As this was a staff-approved item, it indicates the proposed pool replacement met the established guidelines and criteria for modifications within the South Ashland/Central Avenue Historic District without requiring full commission review.

No specific speakers were identified for this agenda item, and no transcript timing was available for the discussion. The item was processed as an administrative approval, suggesting the pool replacement plans were deemed compatible with the historic character of the district and did not raise preservation concerns that would warrant extended deliberation.

The outcome was approval of the pool replacement project at 265 South Ashland Avenue.

218 Arlington Avenue (Aylesford Historic District): Renovate front porch

Staff approved the renovation of the front porch at 218 Arlington Avenue, located within the Aylesford Historic District. This agenda item was presented as a discussion item during the meeting.

The proposal involved renovating the existing front porch structure at the residential property. As the property is situated within the Aylesford Historic District, any exterior modifications require review to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards and district guidelines.

The application received staff approval, indicating that the proposed porch renovation met the necessary criteria for historic district compatibility. The approval suggests that the renovation plans were deemed appropriate for the historic character of the neighborhood and consistent with preservation standards applicable to the Aylesford Historic District.

No specific details were provided regarding the scope of the renovation work, materials to be used, or any conditions attached to the approval. The item appears to have proceeded without significant discussion or debate from board members, as no key speakers were identified for this agenda item.

The outcome was an approval of the front porch renovation project, allowing the property owner to proceed with the proposed work at 218 Arlington Avenue.

324 East Maxwell Street (Aylesford Historic District): Renovate site

Staff approved the renovation of the site located at 324 East Maxwell Street within the Aylesford Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item 6 on the meeting agenda and involved discussion of proposed renovations to the historic property.

The application for site renovation was reviewed and ultimately received staff approval. As a property within the Aylesford Historic District, any modifications or renovations require careful consideration to ensure compliance with historic preservation guidelines and district standards.

The meeting materials indicate this was a discussion item that resulted in an approved outcome, allowing the renovation work to proceed at the East Maxwell Street location. However, specific details about the scope of the proposed renovations, the nature of the improvements planned, or any conditions attached to the approval were not available in the provided meeting documentation.

No transcript timestamps were available for this agenda item, and no specific speakers were identified in the discussion of this historic district renovation project.

332 Aylesford Place (Aylesford Historic District): Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of a structure located at 332 Aylesford Place within the Aylesford Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item 7 on the meeting agenda.

The proposal involved renovating an existing structure at the specified address, which falls within the boundaries of the historic district and therefore requires review to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards and guidelines.

The application received staff approval, indicating that the proposed renovation work met the necessary criteria for historic district compliance. The approval suggests that the renovation plans were deemed appropriate for the historic character of the district and would not negatively impact the architectural or historical integrity of the area.

No specific details were provided regarding the nature of the renovation work, the scope of the project, or any conditions attached to the approval. The item appears to have been handled administratively by staff rather than requiring extensive board discussion or debate.

The outcome was an approval of the renovation project, allowing the property owner to proceed with the proposed work at 332 Aylesford Place in accordance with historic district regulations.

429 East Maxwell Street (Aylesford Historic District): Renovate structure due to fire damage

The commission reviewed a staff-approved renovation project for a structure located at 429 East Maxwell Street within the Aylesford Historic District. The renovation work was necessitated by fire damage to the property.

According to the meeting records, staff had already granted approval for the renovation project prior to the commission meeting. The agenda item was presented as a discussion item regarding the staff's decision to approve the structural renovation work.

The property is situated within the Aylesford Historic District, which requires special consideration for any modifications or renovations to maintain the historic character and integrity of the area. The fire damage appears to have created circumstances that warranted immediate attention and approval for restoration work.

No specific speakers were identified in the discussion of this agenda item, and no transcript timestamps were available for this portion of the meeting. The item was handled as a routine matter, with the commission acknowledging the staff's prior approval of the renovation work.

The outcome was recorded as approved, confirming the staff's decision to allow the renovation of the fire-damaged structure at 429 East Maxwell Street. This approval enables the property owner to proceed with necessary repairs and restoration work to address the fire damage while maintaining compliance with historic district requirements.

601 Boonesboro Avenue (Bell Court Historic District): Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of a structure located at 601 Boonesboro Avenue within the Bell Court Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item 9 on the meeting agenda.

The proposal involved renovating an existing structure in the historically significant Bell Court Historic District. Staff had reviewed the renovation plans and determined they met the appropriate standards for work within the historic district.

The renovation project received staff approval, indicating that the proposed work was found to be compatible with the historic character of the district and met all applicable guidelines and requirements for alterations to structures within the Bell Court Historic District.

No specific details about the nature of the renovations, timeline, or particular historic preservation considerations were provided in the available meeting materials. The item appears to have been handled as a routine approval through the staff review process rather than requiring extensive board discussion or debate.

545 Sayre Avenue (Bell Court Historic District): Remove dying gingko

The commission reviewed a staff-approved request for the removal of a dying gingko tree at 545 Sayre Avenue, located within the Bell Court Historic District. This item was presented as agenda item 10 during the meeting.

Staff had already granted approval for the tree removal, indicating that the gingko tree at this location was in declining health and posed potential safety or aesthetic concerns that warranted its removal. The property is situated within the Bell Court Historic District, which requires review of exterior modifications to ensure they are compatible with the historic character of the area.

The request was approved, allowing the property owner to proceed with removing the dying gingko tree. No specific concerns or objections were noted regarding this tree removal request, and no detailed discussion was recorded for this agenda item.

The approval enables the property owner at 545 Sayre Avenue to remove the compromised tree while maintaining compliance with the historic district's preservation standards.

157/159 Constitution Street (Constitution Historic District): Replace rear door overhang

Staff approved the replacement of a rear door overhang at 157/159 Constitution Street, located within the Constitution Historic District. This agenda item was processed as a staff-level approval without requiring full board discussion or debate.

The application involved replacing an existing rear door overhang at the property, which is subject to historic district design review requirements. As a rear-facing architectural element with minimal visibility from public streets, the overhang replacement qualified for administrative approval by preservation staff rather than requiring a formal hearing before the historic district commission.

No speakers were recorded for this item, and no concerns or objections were raised during the meeting. The replacement was approved as presented, allowing the property owner to proceed with the work under the approved plans.

The approval demonstrates the streamlined review process available for minor alterations to historic properties that do not significantly impact the building's historic character or street-facing appearance. Rear door overhangs typically fall under this category of routine maintenance and replacement items that can be handled efficiently through staff review while still maintaining appropriate oversight for properties within designated historic districts.

East Third Street (Constitution Historic District): Install small cell antenna

Staff approved the installation of a small cell antenna on East Third Street within the Constitution Historic District during agenda item 12.

The proposal involved installing telecommunications infrastructure in a historically significant area of the city. Small cell antennas are typically lower-power wireless facilities used to enhance cellular coverage and capacity in specific locations.

The staff recommendation was to approve the installation, which was ultimately accepted. The approval allows the small cell antenna project to proceed on East Third Street.

No specific details were provided regarding the exact location on East Third Street, the telecommunications provider involved, or any design specifications for the antenna installation. Additionally, no information was available about public comments, concerns raised by commissioners, or conditions attached to the approval.

The Constitution Historic District designation means the area has special historical significance requiring careful consideration of any modifications or additions that could impact the district's historic character. The staff's approval suggests the small cell antenna installation was deemed compatible with the historic district's preservation requirements.

440 Fayette Park (Fayette Park Historic District): Remove deteriorated trees

Staff approved the removal of deteriorated trees at 440 Fayette Park, located within the Fayette Park Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item 13 on the meeting agenda.

The request involved the removal of trees that had deteriorated at the property, which is situated in the historically significant Fayette Park Historic District. Staff review determined that the tree removal was appropriate and necessary due to the deteriorated condition of the trees.

The item was handled through staff approval rather than requiring full board discussion, indicating that the request met established criteria for administrative approval of tree removal in historic districts. This type of approval typically applies to cases where trees pose safety concerns or have deteriorated beyond reasonable preservation efforts.

The outcome was approval for the tree removal as requested. No specific concerns or objections were noted regarding this decision, and no additional conditions or requirements were attached to the approval.

551 North Broadway (Northside Historic District): Re-issue COA

Staff approved the re-issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property located at 551 North Broadway within the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was processed as a staff-level approval without requiring formal presentation or debate before the commission.

The re-issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness typically occurs when a previously approved COA has expired or requires renewal for ongoing or delayed construction projects. The staff determination indicates that the proposed work at this Northside Historic District property continues to meet the established preservation standards and guidelines for the historic district.

No speakers were recorded for this item, and no transcript timestamp is available, suggesting this was handled as an administrative matter during the meeting. The approval allows the property owner to proceed with previously authorized work under the renewed certificate.

The outcome was approved by staff action.

99 Hampton Court (Northside Historic District): Renovate front porch and site

Staff approved the renovation of the front porch and site at 99 Hampton Court, located within the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item 15 on the meeting agenda.

The proposal involved renovating the existing front porch and making improvements to the site at the historic property. As this property is located within the Northside Historic District, any exterior modifications require review to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards and district guidelines.

The application was processed through staff-level review rather than requiring full board consideration. Staff determined that the proposed renovation work met the appropriate standards for historic district properties and was compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood.

The renovation was approved, allowing the property owner to proceed with the front porch and site improvements as proposed. No specific concerns or objections were noted in the record, and the project moved forward with staff approval.

441 West Second Street (Northside Historic District): Re-issue COA

Staff approved the re-issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness for the property located at 441 West Second Street in the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was processed as an administrative action without recorded discussion or debate from board members.

The re-issuance of the Certificate of Appropriateness indicates that a previously approved COA for this historic district property required renewal or modification. Certificates of Appropriateness are required for exterior alterations, additions, or other changes to properties within designated historic districts to ensure compliance with preservation standards and design guidelines.

The staff approval suggests the proposed work or modifications at 441 West Second Street met the established criteria for historic preservation and were consistent with the character and integrity of the Northside Historic District. No concerns were raised during the meeting regarding this re-issuance.

Outcome: The re-issuance of the Certificate of Appropriateness for 441 West Second Street was approved by staff action.

475 West Second Street (Northside Historic District): Replace fence

Staff approved the replacement of a fence at 475 West Second Street in the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was processed as part of the administrative review for properties within the historic district, where certain modifications require approval to ensure compliance with historic preservation guidelines.

The application involved replacing an existing fence at the property located at 475 West Second Street. As this property falls within the Northside Historic District, any exterior modifications, including fence replacements, must be reviewed to ensure they are appropriate for the historic character of the neighborhood.

Staff determined that the proposed fence replacement met the necessary criteria for approval within the historic district. The review process would have considered factors such as the fence design, materials, height, and overall compatibility with the historic character of the surrounding area.

The item was approved without requiring further discussion or review by the full commission, indicating that the proposed fence replacement was deemed appropriate and in compliance with the historic district guidelines.

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps are not available for this agenda item.*

423 West Sixth Street (Northside Historic District): Renovate structure and site

Staff approved the renovation of a structure and site located at 423 West Sixth Street within the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was designated as item 18 on the meeting agenda.

The proposal involved renovating both the existing structure and the surrounding site at this historic district location. As this property falls within the Northside Historic District, any modifications would need to comply with historic preservation guidelines and standards to maintain the district's architectural and historical integrity.

The item was handled through staff approval rather than requiring full board discussion, indicating that the proposed renovations likely met established criteria for historic district modifications and did not raise significant preservation concerns. Staff approval suggests the renovation plans were consistent with the district's design guidelines and would not adversely impact the historic character of the area.

The outcome was an approval of the renovation project, allowing the property owner to proceed with the proposed improvements to both the structure and site at 423 West Sixth Street.

414 South Broadway (South Hill Historic District): Replace fence

Staff presented agenda item 19 regarding the replacement of a fence at 414 South Broadway, located within the South Hill Historic District. The proposal involved replacing an existing fence on the property.

The application was reviewed under the historic district guidelines that govern alterations to properties within the South Hill Historic District. Staff conducted their review of the fence replacement proposal and determined it met the appropriate standards for the historic district.

The fence replacement project at 414 South Broadway received staff approval. No additional discussion or concerns were raised during the meeting regarding this item, and the approval was granted as presented.

351 Merino Street (Woodward Heights Historic District): Renovate structure

Staff approved the renovation of a structure located at 351 Merino Street within the Woodward Heights Historic District. The project involves renovating an existing structure at this address.

The application was processed through staff review rather than requiring full board consideration, indicating the proposed renovations met established guidelines for historic district modifications. Staff determined the renovation plans were appropriate for the historic character of the Woodward Heights Historic District and complied with applicable preservation standards.

Outcome: Approved by staff

*Note: Specific transcript timestamps are not available for this agenda item.*

338 Woodland Avenue (Aylesford Historic District): Pave driveway

The board reviewed an application to pave a driveway at 338 Woodland Avenue, located within the Aylesford Historic District. This agenda item was presented for discussion as part of the board's review process for proposed modifications to properties within the historic district.

The application involved a request to pave an existing driveway at the residential property. As properties within the Aylesford Historic District are subject to special preservation guidelines and review requirements, the proposed paving work required board consideration to ensure compatibility with the historic character of the neighborhood.

The discussion was informational in nature, with board members reviewing the details of the proposed driveway paving project. The board examined how the proposed work would impact the historic integrity and visual character of the property and surrounding area within the district.

No specific concerns or objections were noted during the discussion of this application. The board's review focused on ensuring that any modifications to properties within the Aylesford Historic District maintain appropriate standards for historic preservation while allowing for reasonable property improvements.

The item concluded as an informational discussion without requiring formal action at this meeting. The application for paving the driveway at 338 Woodland Avenue was reviewed as part of the board's ongoing oversight responsibilities for properties within the historic district boundaries.

411 West 3rd Street (Northside Historic District): Replace front door glass

The board reviewed an application for replacing front door glass at 411 West 3rd Street, located within the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was presented for discussion as part of the historic preservation review process.

The application involved a request to replace existing glass components in the front door of the historic property. As part of the Northside Historic District, any exterior modifications to the building require review and approval from the historic preservation board to ensure compliance with district guidelines and preservation standards.

The discussion was informational in nature, with board members examining the proposed glass replacement to determine its appropriateness for the historic character of the property and the surrounding district. The review process typically considers factors such as the type of glass, its appearance, and how the replacement would affect the building's historic integrity.

No specific concerns or objections were noted during the discussion, and no formal action was taken on the application during this meeting. The item served as an informational review as part of the board's ongoing evaluation of the proposed work.

The property at 411 West 3rd Street falls under the jurisdiction of the historic preservation board due to its location within the designated Northside Historic District, which requires special consideration for any exterior alterations to maintain the area's historic character and architectural significance.

151 Constitution Street (Constitution Historic District): Install pavers in front yard

The board reviewed an application for installing pavers in the front yard at 151 Constitution Street, located within the Constitution Historic District. This agenda item was presented for discussion as part of the historic preservation review process.

The application involved proposed modifications to the front yard landscaping through the installation of pavers. As this property is situated within the Constitution Historic District, any exterior alterations require review by the historic preservation board to ensure compatibility with the district's historic character and guidelines.

During the discussion, the board examined the proposed paver installation to assess its appropriateness for the historic district setting. The review process typically considers factors such as materials, design, scale, and visual impact on the historic streetscape and neighboring properties.

This item was handled as an informational discussion, allowing board members to review the proposal and provide guidance on the application. The discussion served as part of the standard review process for modifications within the historic district, ensuring that proposed changes align with preservation standards and district guidelines.

The application represents the type of routine exterior modification requests that come before historic preservation boards, where property owners seek to make improvements while maintaining the historic integrity of designated districts. Such reviews help balance property owners' needs for updates and improvements with the community's interest in preserving historic character and architectural heritage.

328 Lafayette Avenue (Aylesford Historic District): Construct new dormer

The board reviewed an application for constructing a new dormer at 328 Lafayette Avenue, located within the Aylesford Historic District. This agenda item was presented for discussion as part of the board's review process for proposed modifications to historic properties.

The application involved plans to add a dormer structure to the existing building at 328 Lafayette Avenue. As the property is situated within the Aylesford Historic District, any exterior modifications require board review to ensure compliance with historic preservation guidelines and district standards.

During the discussion, board members examined the proposed dormer construction plans and considered how the addition would impact the historic character of both the individual property and the surrounding district. The review process included evaluation of the dormer's design, scale, materials, and compatibility with the existing architecture.

The item was treated as an informational discussion, allowing board members to review the application details and provide initial feedback on the proposed construction. No formal action was taken during this meeting, as the item served as part of the ongoing review process for the dormer construction proposal.

The discussion provided an opportunity for the board to assess the project's adherence to historic district guidelines and determine any additional requirements or modifications that might be necessary before final approval could be considered.

417 West 3rd Street (Northside Historic District): Infill rear porch

The board reviewed an application for infilling a rear porch at 417 West 3rd Street, located within the Northside Historic District. This agenda item was presented for discussion as part of the board's review process for proposed modifications to historic properties.

The application involved plans to enclose or infill an existing rear porch structure at the property. As a property within the Northside Historic District, any exterior modifications require review by the historic preservation board to ensure compatibility with the district's historic character and compliance with preservation guidelines.

The discussion was informational in nature, with board members examining the proposed work and its potential impact on the historic integrity of the property and surrounding district. The rear location of the proposed porch infill would make it less visible from public streets, which is typically a favorable factor in historic district reviews.

No specific concerns or objections were documented during the discussion, and no formal action was taken on the application during this meeting. The item appears to have been presented for initial review and board consideration as part of the standard application process for historic district modifications.

The board's review of this type of rear porch modification typically focuses on ensuring that any new construction or alterations are compatible with the historic character of the building and district, while recognizing that rear additions and modifications are generally viewed more favorably than front-facing changes that would alter the primary historic facade.

265 South Ashland Avenue (South Ashland Historic District): Demolish and construct new swimming pool

The board reviewed an application for demolition and construction of a new swimming pool at 265 South Ashland Avenue, located within the South Ashland Historic District. This agenda item was presented for informational discussion purposes.

The application involves demolishing existing structures to make way for a new swimming pool installation at the residential property. As the property is situated within a designated historic district, the proposed work requires review to ensure compliance with historic preservation guidelines and district standards.

The discussion was informational in nature, with board members reviewing the details of the proposed demolition and construction project. The meeting materials did not identify specific speakers who presented or commented on this application during the review process.

No formal action was taken on this agenda item during the meeting, as it was presented for discussion and informational purposes only. The board's review of the application allows for consideration of the project's impact on the historic character of the South Ashland Historic District and ensures proper procedures are followed for work within the designated historic area.

The application represents typical residential improvement work within historic districts, where property owners must balance modern amenities with preservation of historic neighborhood character. Swimming pool installations in historic districts often require careful consideration of placement, design, and potential impacts on historic structures and landscapes.