1. 715 Forest Avenue_COA 2022-0418

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STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: May 11, 2022 Application Number: 2022-0418 Property Location: 715 Forest Avenue Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gable-T / 1890 / “Francis R Otstat House” Property Owner: Dr. Drew Schmucker Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local Historic District, #9574-05 Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: Two story t-plan on a brick foundation. Unveiled siding includes scalloping/scaling on the upper gabled dormers with hood through the cornice. Small rear porches, southern porch has turned spindles and bracketed entablature, enclosed front porch entry. Windows are predominantly 1/1 double hung with molded crown and trim, with aluminum storm windows. ALTERATIONS: RME 2018-0404 allowed for the exploratory removal of the Asbestos siding by the previous homeowner (this was not completed). AA 2019-0703C allowed for the replacement of the porch roof shingles to match the main house shingles, as well as to replace the wood fascia with new wood. AA 2021-0318 allowed for the removal of the Asbestos siding/unveiling of the original siding to assess for condition/rehabilitation. COA 2021-0602 allowed for the removal and replacement of two windows, and the removal of a casement window. AA 2021-0804 allowed for the reconstruction of the rear shed roof structure and siding. APPLICATION ITEMS: “Side porch railing and post. Please view accompanying mock-up and photos.” “Front porch partial reconstruction. Please view accompanying photos and description.” DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: The applicant has requested approval to, per a voicemail from the contractor and submitted photographs from the homeowner: 1. RETROACTIVE replacement of the rear / side porch railings and posts with “wrapped square posts with decorative elements.” The Removed posts were turned posts with decorative paint. 2. Extend the front south shed dormer roof to create a covered roof over the entrance stoop, utilizing the same pattern of posts as used in the rear The proposal before the Commission is for two components – the replacement of the rear porch railings and posts, and the extension of the southern shed roof over the front stoop to create a covered entrance. New posts are the “wrapped square posts with decorative elements.” The contractor believes the turned rear porch posts to be non-original. Victorian homes often had turned porch posts and delicate spindlework porch supports, often including lace-like brackets. It is unknown if the previous posts have been retained following their removal. This structure originally had a wrap-around front porch. Portions of this former porch have been enclosed, while portions have been removed entirely. Staff have previously advocated for reconstructing the entire front porch. STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: CHAPIN PARK II. EXISTING STRUCTURES A. BUILDING MATERIALS Original exterior building materials in the district include brick, stucco, clapboard, wood shingles, and brick or stone masonry. In some instances, vinyl, composite and aluminum siding have been applied over the original material. Required Original exterior building materials shall be retained when possible. Deterioration of wood materials shall be prevented through repair, cleaning and painting. The existing architectural detail around windows, porches, doors and eaves shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design when deteriorated beyond repair.