Board of Architectural Review

Summary

Meeting Overview

The Board of Architectural Review held a meeting on February 15, 2023. The meeting focused on two main agenda items: Certificate of Appropriateness Applications and a Conceptual Review for 255 South Ashland Avenue, both of which were informational in nature. During the session, the board conducted 12 motions and votes as part of their deliberations on various architectural review matters. No public comments were received during this meeting, indicating the items discussed were primarily procedural or did not generate public interest requiring input from community members.

Votes and Decisions

The meeting included twelve votes on certificates of appropriateness for various properties throughout the historic districts. All votes were conducted by voice vote rather than roll call.

Approved Applications:

Nine certificates of appropriateness were approved 0:00:

• 702 Central Avenue - Approved with standard two conditions
• 131 Clay Avenue - Approved with standard two conditions plus submission of door and window details
• 601 Boonesboro Avenue - Approved with standard two conditions plus submission of window and garage door specifications
• 668 Elsmere Park - Approved with standard two conditions
• 449 North Limestone - Approved with standard two conditions
• 612 North Broadway - Approved with standard two conditions plus submission of door details and retaining wall information
• 192 North Broadway - Approved with standard two conditions
• 123 Penmoken Park - Approved with standard two conditions
• 121 Arcadia Park - Approved with standard two conditions plus submission of roofing material details

Denied Applications:

Three certificates of appropriateness were denied 0:00:

• 128 South Ashland Avenue - Application denied
• 444 Fayette Park - Application denied
• 716 West Maxwell Street - Application denied

All votes were conducted through voice votes with no recorded individual vote tallies. The approved applications included various conditions beyond the standard requirements, with several requiring additional submission of specific material details for doors, windows, roofing, and other architectural elements. The denied applications received no conditions as they were not approved for the proposed work.

Contested Items

The February 15, 2023 meeting featured two significant contested items that generated debate among board members and community stakeholders.

Chimney Removal at 128 South Ashland Avenue

The board faced a split decision regarding a proposal to remove a chimney at 128 South Ashland Avenue. The application created division among board members, with some supporting the removal while others opposed it. After deliberation, the board ultimately voted against approving the chimney removal, though the specific vote count and individual member positions were not detailed in the available materials.

Retaining Wall at 444 Fayette Park

A proposal for a new retaining wall at 444 Fayette Park encountered significant community opposition during the meeting. Residents and stakeholders raised concerns that the proposed retaining wall would negatively impact the historic character of the neighborhood. The community opposition centered on preservation of the area's historical integrity and maintaining the existing aesthetic qualities of Fayette Park.

The board sided with community concerns and denied the retaining wall proposal. The decision reflected the board's consideration of neighborhood input and their commitment to preserving the historic nature of the area.

Both contested items highlight the ongoing tension between property modifications and historic preservation that frequently comes before the board. The outcomes demonstrate the board's willingness to deny proposals when they conflict with community interests or historic preservation goals, even when property owners seek to make changes to their buildings or surrounding areas.

Certificate of Appropriateness Applications

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The meeting included discussion of various Certificate of Appropriateness applications for projects in historic districts. These applications covered a range of proposed work including renovations, demolitions, and new construction projects that require review to ensure compliance with historic preservation standards.

The applications were presented for consideration, though specific details about individual projects, property addresses, or applicant names were not provided in the available meeting materials. The discussion appeared to be informational in nature, with the applications being reviewed as part of the standard historic preservation review process.

Certificate of Appropriateness applications are typically required for any exterior alterations, additions, demolitions, or new construction within designated historic districts to ensure that proposed changes are compatible with the historic character of the area.

The agenda item concluded without any formal action being taken, suggesting this was a preliminary review or informational presentation of pending applications rather than final determinations on specific projects.

Conceptual Review for 255 South Ashland Avenue

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The board conducted a conceptual review for a proposed addition to 255 South Ashland Avenue during this meeting. The discussion was led by key speakers Darren Taylor and Vincent Thompson, who presented details about the planned modifications to the property.

The review focused on evaluating the appropriateness of the proposed addition across several key criteria:

• Size and scale - The board examined whether the addition's dimensions were suitable for the existing structure and surrounding area
• Location and placement - Discussion centered on the positioning of the addition relative to the current building
• Design elements - The architectural design and how it would integrate with the existing structure were reviewed

The conceptual review process allowed board members to provide feedback and guidance on the proposal before more detailed plans are developed. This type of preliminary review helps ensure that projects align with applicable guidelines and community standards early in the planning process.

The agenda item was classified as informational, meaning no formal action or vote was required at this stage. The discussion served to gather input from board members and identify any potential issues or concerns that should be addressed as the project moves forward through the review process.

This conceptual review represents an early step in the approval process for the 255 South Ashland Avenue addition, with more detailed presentations and formal approvals likely to follow in subsequent meetings once the applicant has had time to incorporate feedback from this initial discussion.