Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

3-L-13-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

Reconstruct deteriorated chimney stack from roofline utilizing existing original bricks that are in good condition and replace bricks that thave cracked or spalled utilizing brick to match. Repoint and repair rear chimney. Follow recommendations in the National Park Service Brief #2 for "Repointing Mortar Joints in Historic Masonry Buildings."

The front chimney (Figures 1- 5) will be torn down to the roof line and rebuilt reusing as many of the original brick as possible. Reconstruction is needed to correct the leaning that is visible in photos 2 and 3. There are bricks that have spalled and need to be replaced. Since the pitch of the roof obstructs the rear side of this chimney, bricks from the rear side will be used to replace the spalled bricks that are visible from the ground. The new replacement bricks will be reserved for the rear side as much as possible. The remainder of the chimney stack will be repointed.

The rear chimney (Photos 6 & 7) will be tuckpointed. The bricks on this chimney stack are in better shape than the front chimney. If any must be replaced we will try to replace them on the side of the chimney facing the slope of the roof which is the least visible, reusing original bricks on the three sides that are more visible from the ground.

Site Info

Two-story frame with hip roof and lower cross-gables with lattice bargeboard, lattice-paned attic vent. Two interior offset brick chimneys, one side and one rear. Irregular plan.

STAFF FINDINGS
Recent high winds have caused several bricks to fall from this chimney and it is leaning, so the front chimney repair is a priority.

FOURTH AND GILL DESIGN GUIDELINES

2. Identify and preserve masonry features that define the historic
character of the building, including walls, railings, columns
and piers, cornices and door and window pediments.

3. Replace an entire masonry feature that is too deteriorated
to repair. Use the remaining physical evidence to guide
the new work, and match new to old. Examples can
include large sections of a wall, a cornice, balustrade,
column or stairway.

5. Match new mortar with the original mortar in color, composition,
profile and depth. If necessary, analyze the original mortar to
determine the proportions of lime, sand and cement. Do not
use a "scrub" technique to repoint. Change the width or joint
only if the change will return the joint to its original appearance.
Do not remove sound mortar.

6. Never rep oint with mortar of high Portland cement content unless
that is the content of the original mortar. Using a high percentage
of Portland can create a bond that is stronger than the historic
masonry material and can cause severe damage during the freeze
and thaw cycle.

7. Historic masonry should not be coated with paint, stucco, vapor
permeable water-repellent coatings or other non-historic coatings.
(N OTE: Coatings are frequently unnecessary, expensive, and may
change the appearance of the historic masonry as well as
accelerate its deterioration.)

9. Chimneys should not be removed or altered if they are original
and should match the original design if they must be replaced or
have been removed.


SECRETARY OF INTERIORS STANDARDS:

5. Distinctive features, finishes and construction techniques or examples of craftsmanship that characterize a property shall be preserved.

6.Deteriorated historic features shall be repaired rather than replaced. Where the severity of deterioration requires replacement of a distinctive feature, the new feature shall match the old design, color, texture, and other visual qualities and, where possible, materials. Replacement or missing features shall be substantiated by documentary, physical or pictorial evidence.