HomeMy WebLinkAbout3. 605 Rex_COA 2018-0530A_PACKETSTAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A
CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS
Date: June 5, 2018 Application Number: 2018-0530A Property Location: 605 Rex Street Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Gabled-front / 1899 or 1905 Property Owner: Joan M. Downs Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Local (Ordinance #9574-05) and National Historic District Rating: Contributing DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/SITE: The house located at 605 Rex is a gable-front one and a half-story structure with original shingles in the gable and clapboard siding and corner boards. There is a full width screen enclosed porch with wood supports set on brick piers and rail with stone caps. There is wood and chain link fence along the side yard on the west and a stockade fence along the east side. ALTERATIONS: Original second floor street-facing window (described in the survey card as “very long paired
windows in gable”) was replaced sometime after it was photographed in 1987. COA 2008-0903 allowed for the installation of the wooden and chainlink fence around the rear of the property. COA 2011-0607 allowed for roof, soffit, and gutter repair following ice melt damage.
APPLICATION ITEMS: “There is one modern, and inappropriate, window in the gable on the front of the house and we are requesting permission to replace it with a new all wood double-hung window manufactured by Marvin
Windows of Wisconsin. The inappropriate window has divided lights and is vinyl clad. The new window will match the size of the opening but will match the composition and formats of the original windows. It will be painted to match the existing paint scheme, something which is not possible with the current modern vinyl window due in part to its artificial divided lights which are buried in the glass. “The new wood window will also receive a custom-made wooden storm window.”
“There are currently 3 modern coarse handrailings on the house. - At the front door - At the kitchen door
- At the back door “We are requesting permission to switch out the 2 x 4 handrailing for a proper beveled edge railing. In addition, we would like to finish the post with a cap and a simple finial or ball. (see photos)”
DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED PROJECT: Applicant seeks a Certificate of Appropriateness for improvements on the structure including:
1. Replacement of one vinyl clad window facing the street on the second floor. This window is to be replaced with custom wooden windows manufactured by Marvin replicating the original “very long
paired windows” visible in the 1981 survey photos. 2. Removal and reconstruction of three wooden railings and posts. The third component of the applicant’s original submission called for the construction and installation of custom wooden storm windows. This portion of the application was issued as Routine Maintenance Exclusion #2018-0530B per Resolution #18-01 on June 5th, 2018.
SITE VISIT REPORT: N/A
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES: CHAPIN PARK
General Definitions (B) PRESERVATION GUIDELINES (b2) Rehabilitation (ADOPTED) Maintaining the existing character of the district, and whenever possible returning it to its original condition. Any rehabilitation would not require the removal of all non-original materials but would encourage the removal of all such materials which are incompatible with the defined elements of preservation for the district. The design of new construction or alteration would not require the duplication of the original design and construction, but should be compatible with existing structures and the district’s defined elements of preservation. The use of original materials or construction techniques would be encouraged, but contemporary methods and materials would be acceptable when compatible. II. EXISTING STRUCTURES C. WINDOWS AND DOORS Window and door frames are in most cases wood and vary depending upon the style of the home. Many are double-hung windows with wood trim and sills. Brick structures have stone sills and brick lintels. In some cases where aluminum siding has been applied, the window and door trim has been covered. About half of the structures in the district have aluminum storm windows; the other half have wood storm windows. Required Original windows and doors shall be retained including sashes, lintels, sills, shutters, decorative glass, pediments, hoods and hardware. When deteriorated beyond repair, they shall be replaced with units and trim resembling the original. Recommended Wood storm windows and doors painted or finished to match the original should be used but should not damage existing frames. If new sashes or doors are installed, the existing or original materials, design and hardware should be used. When metal storm doors are used, they should be painted, anodized or coated to match the existing. When awnings are used, they should be of canvas material. D. ENTRANCES, PORCHES AND STEPS Most houses in the district have either an open or enclosed porch across the front. Most porches have either hip or gabled roofs or are covered by the main roof of the house. Required When deteriorated beyond repair, existing or original porches, stoops, patios and steps, including handrails, balusters, columns, brackets, tiles and roof decorations, shall be retained or replaced by replicas of the same design or by a design more in keeping with the historic period of the structure. Porches and additions reflecting later architectural styles and which are important to the building’s historical integrity shall be retained. Recommended When enclosing porches for heat conservation or for other reasons, it should be done in a manner that does not alter the architectural or historical character of the building. Not Recommended Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends approval of the project, as it is 1) in keeping with the
Standards & Guidelines of the Chapin Park Local and National Historic District, and 2) actively reverting the structure to a condition more in keeping with its original character.
Written by Adam Toering Historic Preservation Specialist Approved by Elicia Feasel Historic Preservation Administrator
Site Visit – Photos
Figure 1 – 605 Rex, from the street.
Figure 2 - Excerpt of the Survey Card showing the original “very long paired” windows.
Figure 3 - South east face. Entrance screened-in porch at left. Railing to be replaced at center.
Figure 4 – East side entrance.
Figure 5 – rear entrance.
Figure 6 – Rear entrance, looking south.
Figure 7 - Proposed railing style as seen at 853 Forest.