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VA go STAFF REPORT CONCERNING APPLICATION FOR A CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS Date: 14 January 2014 Application Number: 2013-1223 Property Location: 605 Portage Architectural Style/Date/Architect or Builder: Free Classic/1904 Property Owner: FIRE, Inc. Landmark or District Designation: Chapin Park Rating: Outstanding DESCRIPTION OF STRUCTURE/ SITE: The 3 storey frame house has an irregular plan and is set upon a stone foundation. It has a steep gabled roof with prominent hooded dormer on the east and projecting gables covered in asphalt shingles. The walls on the first storey are brick in stretcher bond while the upper storeys are wood shingle with elaborate dentilled wood trim and bay windows on all facades. There is an extensive porch on the east fagade, with turned balustrades, fluted wood columns and stone piers. The windows are wood double hung with wood frames with detailed wooden heads and stone sills. ALTERATIONS: The storm doors and windows are not original to the house. APPLICATION ITEMS: See attached: Porch is heaving which has caused major cracks and uneven surface. Porch floor is presently mosaic tile. Will be replacing with concrete with a broom finish. Tile is very slippery when wet and causes a hazard to children and handicapped individuals. DISCRIPTION OF PROJECT: Remove existing front porch cap and pier wall foundations. Dig around exterior porch walls and install 5 -piers to 21 foot depth using a Helical and Resistance Pier system which will be secured below grade to the foundation of the porch. The wall openings on each end of the porch will be will be filled in with stone. The stone walls will be re -pointed as needed. The crawl space door opening will be blocked; this is not visible from the street. Remove porch cap including the deteriorating mosaic flooring. Fill porch area with sand and compact every 16-24 inches. Pour new porch cap and handicap ramp at front entrance. Broom finish porch floor to prevent slippery surface. 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. Prohibited Front porches, stoops, patios and steps that are important to the building's style and development shall not be altered or removed; if in need of replacement, see above Required section. See also Section IV B. Access for Handicapped or Disabled Persons. Not Recommended Original porch details should not be replaced with materials representing a different period or style from the original. STAFF RECOMMENDATION: The original mosaic tiles were set into the wet concrete deck of the porch and cannot be salvaged and re -used. Staff would recommend a stamped concrete pattern over the brushed surface rather than the plain brushed surface. C. D. Hostetler, Director