3. 411 West North Shore Drive_COA 2021-1101

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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: November 10, 2021 Application Number: 2021-1101 Property Location: 411 West North Shore Drive Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Colonial Revival / 1938 / “Cooper House” Property Owner: Robert L. Jones Jr. & Lucille M. Jones Landmark or District Designation: West North Shore Drive Local Historic District (Ordinance #6512-78) Rating: Notable DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE : Rectangular plan Colonial Revival home with appendages set on a concrete foundation. Walls are wood frame with aluminum siding. Steep gabled roof has asphalt shingles. Porch has two support columns, a flat-to-slightly sloped roof and flat decorated entablatures. The western appendage has a second story balcony on the west side with post and lintel railing with ‘x’ crossing over an enclosed porch. Chimney protrudes on the west wall and is constructed with regular bond brick painted white. Windows are double hung with 3/3 shutters. ALTERATIONS: COA 1997-0519 allowed for roof replacement with ‘Chapel Grey’ dimensional shingles. COA 2002-0603 allowed for the enlargement of the back window on the east side of the house, the addition of new skylights in the back of the roof, a new addition (with conditions). COA 2002-0603A allowed for the removal and replacement of the aluminum siding with vinyl siding, as well as other exterior modifications. COA 2002-1230 allowed for the installation of a roof window in the inside back corner of the roof and the removal of a yew tree. COA 2006-0314 allowed for new landscaping. COA 2007-0329 allowed for the replacement of non-original wooden lattice with aluminum vertical balusters. COA 2010-0331 allowed for chimney reconstruction and repair. APPLICATION ITEMS: “Replacement of south-facing roof and installation of solar panels on that roof. See attached description.” DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to: 1. Remove existing shingles and replace with new black shingles, 2. Reposition existing vent stack to south corner of roof line, 3. Install twenty (20) all-black solar panels, each approximately 72” x 40” in size, on black metal brackets and frames, 4. Install supporting/necessary electrical equipment in a discrete location, This is the first project for solar collectors on the primary façade roof face of a historic property. The applicant investigated options related to solar shingles and these are unfortunately not commercially available in our area. In lieu of that option, the applicant has attempted to minimize the proposed installation by limiting the surface area of the roof that could be covered by the solar collectors to a symmetrical configuration, as well as insisting upon all- black material selection for the collectors themselves, the mounting brackets, and the roof material beneath. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: West North Shore Drive Local Historic District I. THE ENVIRONMENT The West North Shore Drive residential neighborhood from Michigan Avenue to Iroquois Avenue has a distinctive and valuable character. The external appearance of the river and street, homes, and yards communicates and reflects the fact that for over half a century it has been and still is a comfortable residential neighborhood. All of the architectural and charming character of West North Shore Drive has been preserved. The homes are generally architecturally and historically distinctive, large and located on ample lots. II. BASIC STRUCTURAL MATERIALS AND ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES Preferred: Retain and maintain the original exterior building material.