Design Review Board

Level 1: Minor alteration of an existing building/structure

10-E-20-DT

Applicant Request

Repair and rehabilitation of three-story porch on the Glencoe Building.

Reconstruction of existing foundation walls of entry porch, including replacing damaged framing members with new pressure-treated lumber, installing a CMU foundation with salvaged brick facing (original bricks to be reinstalled).

Damaged decking and framing to be removed. The existing wood porch decking, along with some guardrails, were removed approximately two years ago in a previous repair project, but the project was put on hold. A self-adhering waterproof membrane will be installed, and proposed new porch decking material to be TimberTech Azek Harvest Collection brand, which is a capped polymer (PVC) decking material.

Temporary removal and re-installation of existing columns, capitals, guardrails, and stone entry steps. Missing capitals will be replaced to match remaining column capitals. Some elements may require replacement in-kind, pending conditions assessments during the course of work.

Site Info

The Glencoe Building is a contributing structure to the Gay Street National Register Historic District, so the Historic Resources section of the design guidelines applies. Reconstruction of the porch foundation walls, including salvaging and reinstalling the original brick on the foundation's exterior, meets the design guidelines and will ensure the three-story porch's longevity into the future. New mortar joints will match existing conditions.

Remediation of the porch decking's current condition is necessary. The previous porch decking was a wood tongue-and-groove material, measuring approximately 3" wide, but most of the decking has been removed after deteriorating such that the structural columns damaged sections of the flooring. SOI Standard #6 recommends that "where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive features, the new features shall match the old in design, color, texture, and where possible, materials." The proposed replacement material is a capped polymer, composite flooring which is slightly wider (5" wide) than the existing. However, the decking will be installed in a pattern to reflect the existing, with a painted wood trim piece to cover the edges of the flooring. In this application, the use of a more durable replacement material will help avoid future issues with moisture intrusion, the guardrails, and the columns. Recessed and elevated above the street level, the decking is minimally visible from the public right-of-way, and will be visually compatible with the old material in terms of design, color, and texture.

Temporary removal and re-installation of columns, capitals, guardrails, and stone entry steps is appropriate within the guidelines. Guardrails will be re-installed to meet current codes with an additional strip of wood trim added to reduce the distance between the guardrail and the floor decking from 2.5" to 2". If elements (such as columns or capitals) must be replaced, proposed replacement details should be submitted to staff to confirm they reflect the historic materials in size, material, and design.