Historic District / Board of Architectural Review

Board of Architectural Review Minutes October 5th, 2021 Via Zoom Meeting Members Present: Phil Dixon, Chairman NancyJean Nettles Rachel Burton Tim Kennedy Members Absent: Jeff Bowers Dr. David Price, Vice Chairman Staff Present: Becca Zimmerman, Planner II Items on the agenda: Old Business: 1. 205 Sumter Avenue- Addition to existing single-family residence and existing garage New Business: 1. 114 S. Walnut Street- Closing in back porch on existing single-family residence 2. 217 E. Richardson Avenue- Installation of fence on corner lot 3. 201 W. Carolina Avenue- Installation of chairlift to exterior stair of existing office 4. 400 S. Gum Street- Removal of existing windows and installation of new windows on existing single-family residence Miscellaneous: 1. N/A Chairman Dixon opened the meeting at 6:10 pm and asked for consideration of the minutes from the September 15th, 2021, meeting. Ms. Burton made a motion to approve the minutes as submitted; Mr. Kennedy seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. Old Business: 1. 205 Sumter Avenue- Mr. Young presented the proposal for the additions at 205 Sumter Avenue. The board members and Mr. Young discussed the design concept, concerns from the neighbors, and the logistics of requesting final approval rather than preliminary approval at the meeting. The following concerns were brought up: Main House Addition:  Drawings – The portico needs to be drafted correctly Materials – Windows specifically are a point of contention; no storefront/spandrel glass, it would be helpful if the window product were presented or options of products for the board to decide between. Pictures of these products being utilized in a context similar to the proposal and existing home would be beneficial, having section drawings of these options may help as well Design -Water-table style brick foundation element may appear “cleaner” and more modern if the brick is tucked under/flush with the wall, similar to the main house Design – There is strong concern within the board and neighbors that the floor to ceiling glass on the addition will be an issue to the neighboring properties it faces. There was a suggestion of breaking up the glass area, having floor to ceiling glass only in the hyphen, or perhaps not facing the homes. Design - The board seemed to like the “inspiration” picture provided of the room with large glass windows, but felt it did not translate to the proposed drawings Garage Addition: Design - Update elevation to break up blank elevation facing neighbor’s yard, if privacy is desired perhaps a false window with shutters may be an appropriate approach Ms. Zimmerman read a letter from several neighbors that did not support the proposed work. The board members requested that the items discussed be taken into consideration and that the applicant reach out to the neighbors prior to coming back before the board for final approval. No vote was taken as this was considered a preliminary review. New Business: 1. 114 S. Walnut Street- Mr. Scalia presented the proposal to enclose a rear portico. The board members discussed the State Historic Preservation rating of the home and the fact that the drawings had several design issues. The homeowner brought up the point that the renovation work would not be visible from the right of way. The board members reiterated the important details that would be lost if the portico was filled in with a simple door. Mr. Scalia discussed utilizing the existing transom and sidelights in the new design to keep historic elements involved in the project. The board members agreed that this could be an appropriate approach, but they would need drawings that accurately reflect this design to give feedback. The board asked that the project be resubmitted with updated drawings that are sensitive to the fact that this is a #2 rated home within the district. 2. 217 E. Richardson Avenue- Ms. Deitch presented her proposal to remove a chain-link fence on her property and replace it with a wood privacy fence. Ms. Zimmerman explained that the owner of the neighboring property did not want the fence taken down, but if the fence were approved to be removed, that he would like to keep the materials from the old fence. Ms. Zimmerman asked for clarification on the brick grill within the fence line on the rear of the property—Ms. Deitch confirmed that it would be removed.  Mr. Kennedy asked that the fence be stepped down as it comes towards the street. Mr. Kennedy proposed that the first 20ft of the fence be 4ft tall from the side (Gum Street) property line inward then it can step up to 6ft tall after the first 20ft section. Mr. Kennedy made a motion to approve the project with the conditions discussed. Ms. Burton seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. 3. 201 W. Carolina Avenue- Representatives from Acorn Chairlifts presented a proposal for the installation of an exterior stairlift to access the existing Preservation Society building. Ms. Burton made a motion to approve the project as submitted. Mr. Kennedy seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. 4. 400 S. Gum Street- Mr. Orefice presented the proposal to remove existing windows and install new windows to match the existing home. The board members discussed the height of the existing windows and the off-center location of the rear door and, how these details play into the appearance of the rear elevation. Ms. Burton made a motion to approve the project as submitted. Ms. Nettles seconded the motion; the motion passed unanimously. Miscellaneous: N/A Adjourn: Ms. Burton made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Ms. Nettles seconded the motion, the motion passed unanimously. Chairman Dixon adjourned the meeting at 8:25pm. Respectfully Submitted, Becca Zimmerman, Planner II Date: 11/1/21 Approved: ________________________________ Philip G. Dixon PE, CFM, Chairman Or, Dr. David Price, Vice Chairman