Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review convened on March 16, 2022, with MR. Chair presiding over the session. The board addressed three main agenda items during the meeting, focusing on administrative matters and development review processes.

The meeting began with the approval of minutes from previous sessions held on December 15, 2022 and January 19, 2022. The board then proceeded to review and approve Certificate of Appropriateness Applications, which are required for proposed changes to properties within designated historic districts. The final agenda item involved a conceptual review for multiple properties located at 114, 116, and 120 West High Street, as well as 308 and 320 South Upper Street, which served as an informational discussion for the board members.

Throughout the meeting, the board conducted four formal votes on various matters before them. No public comments were recorded during this session, indicating either no members of the public were present to speak or no public comment period was designated for this particular meeting. The board successfully completed all items on their agenda, with two items receiving formal approval and one serving as an informational review to guide future decision-making processes.

Attendance

The following members were present at the meeting on March 16, 2022:

• MR. Chair
• MR. Gilpin
• MISS Kerr
• MR. Williams
• MISS Hill

All members were in attendance with no absences or late arrivals recorded.

Votes and Decisions

The committee approved four certificates of appropriateness during the meeting, with all motions passing by voice vote.

417 Fayette Park Screen Porch 30:00 The committee approved a certificate of appropriateness for 417 Fayette Park to construct a screen porch. The motion was made by MR. Chair and passed with 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. MR. Chair, MISS Hill, and MR. Williams voted in favor. The approval included two standard conditions.

731 Caden Lane New Structure 40:00 A certificate of appropriateness for 731 Caden Lane to construct a new structure was approved unanimously with 3 ayes and 0 nays. MR. Chair, MISS Hill, and MR. Williams all voted in favor. The approval was subject to conditions previously read into the record.

361 Transylvania Park Solar Panels 45:00 The committee approved a certificate of appropriateness for 361 Transylvania Park to install solar panels. The motion was made by MR. Chair and passed with 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. MR. Chair, MISS Hill, and MR. Williams voted in favor. The approval included the omission of item 1 while maintaining item 2 as conditions.

167 Goodrich Avenue Addition 50:00 A certificate of appropriateness for 167 Goodrich Avenue to construct an addition was approved unanimously with 3 ayes and 0 nays. MR. Chair, MISS Hill, and MR. Williams all voted in favor. The approval was subject to two standard conditions.

All votes were conducted by voice vote, and no roll call votes were taken during the meeting.

Contested Items

The March 16, 2022 meeting featured two significant contested items that generated heated discussions among board members.

Solar Panel Installation at 361 Transylvania Park

The board engaged in a heated discussion regarding the proposed installation of solar panels on the primary elevation of a historic building at 361 Transylvania Park. The debate centered on balancing two competing priorities: environmental sustainability goals and adherence to historic preservation guidelines. Board members grappled with whether the visual impact of solar panels on the building's primary facade would compromise its historic character, while also considering the environmental benefits of renewable energy installation. The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenge of modernizing historic properties while maintaining their architectural integrity.

Conceptual Review of Additions at West High Street and South Upper Street

The second contested item involved a conceptual review of proposed additions to properties at the intersection of West High Street and South Upper Street. The heated discussion focused on finding the appropriate balance between historic preservation requirements and the practical needs of functional reuse. The most contentious aspect of the proposal was the addition of a third story to an existing historic building. Board members debated whether this vertical expansion would be compatible with the building's historic character and the surrounding streetscape, while also considering the property owner's need for additional functional space. The discussion reflected broader tensions in historic preservation between maintaining architectural authenticity and accommodating contemporary uses that ensure buildings remain economically viable.

Both contested items exemplified the complex decision-making process faced by historic preservation boards when weighing competing interests and values in their review of proposed changes to historic properties.

Review of minutes for December 15, 2022 and January 19, 2022

1:00

The board reviewed the minutes from two previous meetings held on December 15, 2022, and January 19, 2022. MR. Chair led the discussion of this agenda item.

The minutes from both meetings were presented to the board for review and approval. No specific details about the content of either set of minutes or any discussion points were recorded in the available materials.

The board approved the minutes from both meetings without any noted objections or amendments.

Certificate of Appropriateness Applications

10:00

The board reviewed multiple Certificate of Appropriateness applications during this agenda item. The discussion covered projects at four different locations: 361 Transylvania Park, 417 Fayette Park, 731 Caden Lane, and 167 Goodrich Avenue.

The key participants in the discussion included MR. Chair, who facilitated the review process, along with MR. Williams and MISS Hill, who contributed to the evaluation of the various applications.

The applications represented a range of proposed modifications or improvements to properties within the historic district. Each location required board approval through the Certificate of Appropriateness process to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards and guidelines.

Following their review and discussion of the merits of each application, the board ultimately approved the certificates of appropriateness for the projects under consideration. The approval indicates that the proposed work at these four properties met the necessary criteria for maintaining the historic character and integrity of the district.

The successful outcome suggests that applicants had adequately demonstrated how their proposed changes would be compatible with the historic nature of their properties and the surrounding area.

Conceptual Review for 114, 116, 120 West High Street, 308, 320 South Upper Street

60:00

The board conducted a conceptual review of a development proposal for multiple properties at 114, 116, and 120 West High Street, along with 308 and 320 South Upper Street. The project involves constructing additions, parking facilities, and associated site work across these connected addresses.

Steve Grays presented the proposal to the board, outlining the scope of work planned for the historic properties. The discussion centered on balancing new construction needs with the preservation of existing historic elements at the sites.

A key component of the proposal includes the addition of a third story to one or more of the existing structures. MR. Chair and MR. Gilpin participated in the discussion, examining how the proposed additions would impact the historic character of the buildings and the surrounding area.

The board reviewed plans for parking improvements and site work that would accompany the building additions. The conceptual nature of the review allowed for preliminary feedback on the overall approach before detailed plans are developed.

This was an informational session, with no formal action taken by the board. The conceptual review process provides developers with early guidance on historic preservation requirements and design considerations before investing in detailed architectural plans and formal applications.

The discussion focused on ensuring that any new construction would be compatible with the historic nature of the properties while meeting the applicant's development goals. The board's feedback during this conceptual phase will help shape the final proposal when it returns for formal review.