617-619 Cushing Street_COA 2020-0224A

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house with multiple units, necessitating multiple entrances. This is reflected in the property history and 1932 Assessor Cards. The applicant seeks to convert this property into a single-family dwelling. The property previously had five entrances (three on the front façade, one on the rear primary façade, and one at the northwest corner of the of the rear façade). Removing the additional entrance on the north side of the rear of the property will minimally change the aesthetics of the property. Many of the windows on this structure have been replaced. Replacing the replacement vinyl window with a new vinyl window is not necessarily an improvement in aesthetics or quality. Staff wishes the original windows were still on the structure. Replacing the non-original replacement door with the vinyl slider (and increasing the opening size) is a significant change to the rear façade. This – and the construction of the treated lumber rear porch – can be considered anachronistic to the original features of the house. Other Landmark properties have seen the addition of rear slider doors, most recently on Park Avenue in Chapin Park. Reconstructing the rear basement hatch would be appropriate for Administrative Approval. Staff offers no objection. 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 enha nce 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 po ses 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.