Historic Preservation Commission

Historic Preservation Commission – Staff Report 3rd Floor Committee Room –Fred Turnage Municipal Building 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting March 28,2023 AGENDA MAP INDEX Rocky Mount, North Carolina March 28, 2022 Local Historic District National Register District Subject Site  AGENDA ROCKY MOUNT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING MARCH 28, 2023 AT 6:00 P.M. COMMITTEE ROOM, THIRD FLOOR, FREDERICK E. TURNAGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING Board Membership Voting: Mike Latham (Chair), Adrienne Copland (Vice-Chair), Sam Johnson, Josie Davis, Raymond Gantt Jr., Roslyn Haynes, Bianca Costa-Davis, Emmette Burke, Bill Johnson Staff: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner Samantha Andelin, Administrative Assistant 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes (January 24, 2022) 5. Public Hearings 5.1 Certificate of Appropriateness (Major Work) a. Requested Action: Commercial Signage Location: 152 E Thomas Street Historic District: Central City Land Use: Commercial Property Owner(s): City of Rocky Mount Applicant(s): Stephanie Mitchell Case Manager: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner b. Requested Action: Door Replacement and relocation Location: 204 S Howell Street Historic District: Villa Place Local Historic District Land Use: Residential Property Owner(s): Adrienne Copland Applicant(s): Adrienne Copland Case Manager: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner 6. Commission Review 6.1 Certificate of Appropriateness (Minor Work) Mural SE Main at Marigold 6.2 National Districts and Landmarks 6.3 Events 6.4 Miscellaneous 7. Next Meeting Date: April 25, 2023  MINUTES OF THE ROCKY MOUNT HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING HELD JANUARY 24, 2023, AT 6:00 PM IN THE FREDERICK E. TURNAGE MUNICIPAL BUILDING, THIRD FLOOR, COMMITTTEE ROOM MEMBERS PRESENT MICHAEL LATHAM, CHAIR ADRIENNE COPLAND, VICE-CHAIR BILL JOHNSON BIANCA COSTA-DAVIS SAMUEL JOHNSON MEMBERS ABSENT RAYMOND GANTT, JR. EMMETTE BURKE JOSIE DAVIS ROSLYN HAYNES STAFF PRESENT STEPHANIE GOODRICH, SENIOR PLANNER ADMINISTRATOR SAMANTHA ANDELIN, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GUESTS  HPC Minutes for January 24, 2023 1. Call to Order Mike Latham, Chair, called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, January 24, 2023. 2. Roll Call Samantha Andelin, Administrative Assistant, conducted the roll call and a quorum was present. Members Raymond Gantt, Jr., Emmette Burke, Josie Davis and Roslyn Haynes were not present. 3. Approval of Agenda Bianca Costa-Davis made a motion to adopt the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Samuel Johnson and the Commission passed the motion unanimously. 4. Approval of Minutes Adrienne Copland made a motion to approve the minutes from the November 22, 2022 meeting as presented. The motion was seconded by Bianca Costa-Davis and the motion passed without opposition. 5. Public Hearing The Chairperson announced the beginning of the public hearing portion of the meeting. Per North Carolina law anyone planning to speak regarding the application(s) is to be sworn in. Stephanie Goodrich was sworn in accordingly. 5.1 Certificate of Appropriateness (Major Work) 5.1a Requested Action: Exterior alterations, Rear porch Addition Location: 301 S Grace Street Historic District: Villa Place Land Use: Transitional Property Owner(s): Christian Fellowship Home Applicant(s): Rick Thomason Case Manager: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner Mrs. Goodrich advised that an excerpt from the National Register District Nomination form, 1999 states: William H. Newell House c. 1917. The frame, two-story, three-bay transitional Queen Anne Colonial Revival style dwelling features a yellow painted brick veneer on the first story, a hip slate roof, a hipped dormer with Union Jack casements, exposed rafter tails, two interior end chimneys, large side bay wings, kicked eaves at the junction of the second story, and a hip-roofed porch with brick posts and clustered plain posts. Fenestration consists of nine-over -one sash windows, a trabeated entrance with leaded glass transom and sidelights, and leaded glass transoms over the front windows. Vinyl siding covers the second story, covering the original wood shingles. Local architect H.S. Pool designed this house for William H. Newell, an executive with the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, about 1910. Mrs. Goodrich stated that this request is to add a wooden rear porch onto the property over the existing stairs and stoop. The new construction will include a 10 x 10’ deck, a 7’ x 6’ landing and steps. Mrs. Goodrich advised that staff recommends approval for all work proposed. There will be no removal of historic fabric, the deck and landing will not harm the integrity of the original structure, and the deck would be removable without damage to the original structure. It will not detract from the historic character of the house and the design meets the intent of the standards and guidelines. The Chair asked if the applicant was present to answer questions. They were not. Page 2  HPC Minutes for January 24, 2023 Samuel Johnson and Mike Latham asked if the applicant was planning on running the decking over the HVAC system. Mrs. Goodrich stated that was her understanding. Mrs. Goodrich stated that the applicant had not been issued a permit and inspectors are asking for an engineered drawing of the deck design. Mike Latham asked if the deck would be attached to the house. Mrs. Goodrich stated that it would not be attached, it would only be on the risers. Adrienne Copland asked if the deck was intended to be a permanent addition. Mike Latham stated that as long as it is not attached it would not be considered permanent. Mrs. Goodrich stated that the entire site is looked at as being historic, however, anything built on the site would be a historic structure manmade. If the deck lasted 50 plus years it would become part of the historic fabric, but it is highly unlikely it would. There was discussion among the Committee regarding the railing. After such discussion the Board agreed that the railing on the back would need to match the front since it may be visible from the street and the house is on a corner lot. There was discussion among the Committee regarding the steps. After such discussion the Board agreed that the steps should not extend no more than three feet from the plane of the deck. The Chair summarized the evidence and facts and noted there was no evidence in opposition to the application; therefore, the public comment portion of the hearing was announced closed. Samuel Johnson made a motion for the findings-of-fact. The motion was seconded by Bianca Costa-Davis stating based upon the evidence that has been presented in the application and during the public hearing, the Commission finds that the construction of the deck on the property with conditions is compatible with the Historic District guidelines, and upon voting, the motion passed unanimously. Samuel Johnson made a motion for approval of the COA to construction of a deck subject to the conditions that it is not attached to the building, that the deck not exceed the size of 10’ x 10’, and not extend over the HVAC equipment, that it include a railing and post of the same design and height as are on the front porch and that the steps from the landing do not extend more than three feet beyond the outside plane of the deck. The motion was seconded by Adrienne Copland, and upon voting, the motion passed unanimously. 5.1b Requested Action: Apply Vinyl Siding Location: 326 Villa Street Historic District: Villa Place Land Use: Residential Property Owner(s): Tawanna Powell Applicant(s): Tawanna Powell Case Manager: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner Mrs. Goodrich advised that this request has been pulled by the applicant. 6. Commission Review 6.1 Certificate of Appropriateness (Minor Work) 135 SE Main Street – Double doors that were both less than three feet. They had to replace it with one three foot swing out door and side panel. Page 3  HPC Minutes for January 24, 2023 801 Hill Street – Tudor revival style with a sunroom with a flat roof that had not been maintained properly and had caused water damage and rot. Because of the danger it proposed the Planning Administrator approved the demolish of that portion. The homeowner did not want to replace with another flat roof because of the prior problems. They replaced it with a parapet wall so that from the front it does look similar to what was demolished. They also replaced the windows. 6.2 National Districts and Landmarks None 6.3 Events None 6.4 Miscellaneous Preservation month is May. Mrs. Goodrich stated if the Commission wanted to do anything please let her know. One idea was meeting with Neighborhood Association Presidents to talk about types of problems the Commission encounters with new owners or owners who just don’t know the process. Mike Latham stated that his term ends August 2024, however, he is not interested in being President as he and his wife had recently retired. 7. Next Meeting Date February 28, 2023 8. Adjournment There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:54 p.m. Respectfully submitted, __________________________________________ Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission Stephanie Goodrich Page 4 Public Hearing 152 E Thomas Street– Map/Aerial Photograph 5.1a Local Historic District National Register District Certificate of Appropriateness (Major Work) 5.1a Requested Action: Commercial Signage Location: 152 E Thomas Street Historic District: Central City Land Use: Commercial Property Owner(s): CORM Applicant(s): Stephanie Mitchell Case Manager: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner DETAILS OF PROPOSED REQUEST: This request is to add commercial signage to the commercial property. The signage would be placed on the side façade that opens up to the sidewalk and grassy area on the east part of the building. NRHP excerpt: Manhattan Theater, ca. 1935, Contributing Building, Code A 122 E. Thomas Street One-and-one-half-story brick building constructed as the Manhattan Theater to serve the African American community. This theater is first listed in the 1936 city directory. Since 1980, the Art Deco marquee has been removed, the ticket windows and one entrance enclosed, and the façade's central fluted section, which extends into a stepped parapet, infilled with stucco. Two small octagonal windows pierce the parapet. APPLICABLE DESIGN GUIDELINES: Chapter 2 – Site and Setting 2.7 Signs 1. Protect, retain, and preserve historic signs with appropriate preservation methods. Remove non-historic signs and sign structures which are abandoned. 2. Commercial signage should not be placed on a building façade (excluding windows and doors) at street level (under 8’). 3. New designed signs including graphics in windows and on awnings, must be compatible with the overall building scale and must not cover a large portion of the building façade. It is not appropriate to install signs which obscure windows or major architectural elements. 4. Rooftop signage is not permitted. 5. Construct new signs of traditional signage materials such as wood, stone, and metal. Contemporary sign materials, such as plastic and vinyl are discouraged, but not prohibited. 6. Select colors and text for new signs that are compatible with the historic building and streetscape where the sign is located. 7. Install small, flush-mounted historical information signs (less than three feet square) so that architectural features are not damaged or concealed. Locate holes for fasteners in the mortar joints only on masonry buildings. 8. Place freestanding signs appropriately, such as on well landscaped ground bases or low standards. Internally illuminated signs are discouraged but not prohibited. When used, internally illuminated signs may not: exceed 16 square feet in size; extend more than four feet in length or height; have any flashing or moving elements; or damage any historic materials or obscure Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission March 2023  5.1a any significant feature of the building façade. Any wall-mounted internally illuminated sign should be placed in a location originally intended for signage, if any, and holes for fasteners should be placed in mortar joints. Projecting internally-illuminated signs should be compatible with other adjacent signage and the mounting hardware should be an attractive and integral part of the sign design and should not use transparent facing. NOTE: Signage proposed is permissible under the land development codes. Applicant must ensure that the hanging sign is 9’ above grade. STAFF ANALYSIS: Staff is recommending approval because the application meets the intent of the Rocky Mount Standards and design guidelines and is compatible with the character of the overall district and adjoining properties Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission March 2023 152 E Thomas Street– Properties Notified 5.1a 204 S Howell Street– Map/Aerial Photograph 5.1b Local Historic District National Register District Certificate of Appropriateness (Major Work) 5.1b Requested Action: Relocate rear door, replace front door. Location: 204 S Howell Street Historic District: Villa Place Land Use: Residential Property Owner(s): Adrienne Copland Applicant(s): Adrienne Copland Case Manager: Stephanie Goodrich, Senior Planner DETAILS OF PROPOSED REQUEST: This request is to change the location of the rear door and replace both front and rear doors. NHRP Excerpt: Johnson House. The frame, one-story, front-gable bungalow exhibits plain siding, two interior brick chimneys, exposed rafter tails, knee braces and a front gable porch with battered posts on brick bases. Fenestration consists of eight-over- one Craftsman style sash windows and a glazed and paneled door. a. C Garage. ca. 1923. Frame, front gable one-car garage with plain siding and exposed rafter tails. The house was built circa 1923. The earliest known occupant of the house is William S. Johnson, a pharmacist with H.L. Hicks Drug Company in 1925. APPLICABLE DESIGN GUIDELINES: Chapter 3 – Renovation and Alteration 3.2 Primary Exterior Surfaces 3.5 Windows and Doors 1. Retain and preserve openings and details of original doors and window including thresholds, sashes, glass, lintels, sills, trim, shutters, hardware, and molding. 2. Repair original doors, windows, and frames by patching, splicing, or reinforcing deteriorated sections. Employ the use of epoxy consolidants to reinforce and rebuild deteriorated wood or replace only damaged sections with new wood. 3. If replacement of window or door element is necessary, replace only the deteriorated element to match the original in terms of dimension, configuration, material, size, detail, location, and style. 4. Replacement of original historic doors and windows for the sole purpose of improving thermal performance is not encouraged and must closely match the scale characteristics and detail of the original window. Avoid replacement of transparent glazing in windows and doors with tinted glazing. It is not appropriate to paint transparent or translucent glazing 5. Do not introduce exterior window shutters or blinds where no evidence exists of their original use on the historic structure. Replacement shutters or blinds should be of wood and should relate proportionately to the window opening and should be mounted so that they are operable. 6. If storm windows are used, choose ones that are coated with paint or a baked enamel to match the color scheme of the house. Installation should be such that the existing windows and frames are not damaged or obscured. 7. Select screen or storm doors that are wood, complement the style of the exterior door, and do not obscure the exterior door. Stiles and rails of both doors should align. Metal storm doors are not appropriate on historic buildings. Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission March 2023  5.1b 8. Avoid painting exterior doors and matching storm or screen doors that were historically stained, varnished, or false grained. 9. Avoid placement of new doors and windows if they would diminish the original design of building or damage historic materials and features. Keep new doors and windows compatible with original or existing units in positioning, proportion, and details. 10. Avoid filling in existing door or window openings if it would change or diminish the character of the historic building. 11. Avoid the installation of plastic or metal awnings over windows, doors, and porches. Fabric awnings may be used in a manner that would not conceal architectural features or damage the character of the historic building. 12. If skylights or additional attic dormers are desired, place them on sides of the house that are not visible from a street. STAFF ANALYSIS: Staff is recommending approval because the application meets the intent of the Rocky Mount Standards and design guidelines and is compatible with the character of the overall district and adjoining properties. There is physical evidence that the door placement on the rear has been altered over time and is not historic. Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission March 2023  Description of Work for 204 S Howell Street -Move location of rear door. I believe the existing rear doorway was moved to that location sometime in the past in order to enclose the rear porch and create a 3rd bedroom. This existing doorway enters a small pantry which is impractical, and not typical of historic floor plans from the 1920s. Also, the exterior trim/casing around the doorway does not match the trim on the front door in style, proportions, or placement against the clapboards. The now-enclosed rear porch was most likely the original location of the rear doorway. I have exposed much of the original floor plan and it suggests that my proposed location of the door is most likely where the rear door was originally located, and is typical of floor plans from that time period. The existing doorway will be closed up and covered with clapboards to match the rest of the house. The existing rear wooden steps will be removed. The new doorway will get exterior trim/casing to match the front door in style, proportions, and placement against the clapboards. New wooden steps will be added underneath the new doorway according to code requirements. -Add historically appropriate rear door. There is not currently a rear door. The proposed door will be a salvaged historic door, 34” x 80” with glass in the upper half and three horizontal panels in the lower half. The existing exterior light fixture will be moved to the new location if it is still operable. In the photo, it is the red door. -Add historically appropriate front door. There is not currently a front door. The proposed door will be a salvaged historic door, 36” x 82” with a 4-over-4 craftsman lite pattern in the upper half and three horizontal panels on the lower half. The lite pattern matches that of the existing windows on the house. In the photo it is the blue door. 204 S Howell Street– Properties Notified 5.1b GENERAL COMMISSION REVIEW  ATTENTION: The next regular meeting of the City of Rocky Mount Historic Preservation Commission is scheduled for Tuesday, April 25 at 6pm City Hall.