Ben and Carrie Modlin vs. Historic Preservation Commission (COA#2019-1007A)

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Staff believes the LP Smartside is intended to be used just to fill in the removed doors. Staff has not interpreted this application as seeking to re-side the entirety of the structure. Late 19th century structures often had multiple front entrances(leading to some being labeled as`coffin doors'or`funeral doors' as they were supposedly installed to allow coffins to be brought into and removed from a house without navigating tight turns or corners). Historic record indicates this structure has long existed as a multi-family house with multiple units,necessitating multiple entrances. This is reflected in the property history and 1932 Assessor Cards. Staff is not immediately against the removal of additional non-essential doors but would prefer they are replaced with new windows. Recent projects reviewed and approved by the Commission include the following examples where doors were removed and replaced with new windows include: 1. COA 2018-0403 for 908 Leland in the Chapin Park Local Historic District, a. An ancillary door opening onto the front porch was removed and replaced with a specially constructed window, 2. COA 2018-1107 for 916 Riverside Drive in the Riverside Drive Local Historic District, a. A secondary porch entrance was shifted from one wall to another,the former door space was replaced with a new window. SITE VISIT REPORT:N/A STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES:Local Landmark"Group B" The Commission has the authority to determine the architectural merits and the extent of any proposed treatment,renovation,or addition to a historic landmark. The commission will require drawings,plans,specifications,and/or samples where appropriate. A. Maintenance The maintenance of any historical structure or site shall in no way involve any direct physical change except for the general cleaning and upkeep of the landmark. The Commission shall encourage the proper maintenance of all structure or sites. B.Treatment Treatment shall be defined as any change of surface materials that will not alter the style or original form. Such improvements include re-roofing,glazing,or landscaping lawns and may involve a change that can potentially enhance or detract from the character of the landmark. A treatment change of any surface whether on the landmark or in its environment may require a Certificate of Appropriateness if it significantly alters the appearance of the landmark. Although these kinds of changes may not require a Building Permit,a Certificate of Appropriateness may be necessary. The commission should review the proposed treatment for character and style consistency with the original surfaces. C.Renovation and Additions Renovation is the modification of a structure,which does not alter the general massing while an addition,is a change in mass. A modification,which involves the removal of a part of the landmark,should be considered under demolition(see demolition). Additions to landmarks should not detract from the original form and unity of the landmark and should not cover singular examples of architectural detail. Additions to landmarks should be added in a manner that does not disrupt the visible unity of overall appearance of the site. The proportions,materials and ratios of the existing structures should be carried through in the additions. Care should be taken not to change or alter the following: 1.Structure—Necessary structural improvements,where safety demands should be accomplished in such a way as to cause minimal visual change to the original style and construction. 2.Material—Additions and improvements involving any new material in the landmark should be of the same material as the original. It should be the same size and texture. An alternative material may be allowed if it duplicates the original. a.wood—all wood trim should conform with existing trim in shape and size. b.siding materials—the Commission discourages the covering or alteration of original materials with additional siding.Structures already sided with incompatible materials should be returned to a siding similar to the original when renovation is considered. D.Demolition Historic landmarks shall not be demolished_ When a landmark poses a threat to the public safety,and demolition is the only alternative,documentation by way of photographs,measured drawings,or other descriptive methods should be made of both the exterior and interior of the landmark. The person or agency responsible for demolition of the landmark shall be responsible for this documentation. E.Moving The moving of landmarks is discouraged,however,moving is preferred to demolition. When moving is necessary,the owner of the landmark must apply to the Commission for a Certificate of Appropriateness. F.Signs No neon or flashing signs will be permitted unless they are original to the structure. Billboards and super-graphics will also be disallowed. Only one appropriate identifying sign will be permitted per business. G.Building Site and Landscaping(These standards apply to both A and B) 1.Required