Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

6-A-17-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Major replacement of materials or architectural elements

Remove non-original window on rear and replace with a pair of 84"-high x 28"-wide wood doors each framing a ~3/4 rectangular glass panel and having a recessed, molded square panel at bottom. Doors to have 1"x4.5" wood trim on each side and a ~ 6" wood header. The opening for the doors will align with the outside edge of the existing window opening. The existing tiled patio is to be extended raised to the floor level of the door. The existing HVAC unit is proposed to be located to the south side of the house.

Site Info

One-and-one-half-story frame with weatherboard wallcovering. Hip roof with lower cross front gable and dormer, imbricated rectangular and diamond-shaped shingles in gables. Canted bay under front porch gable. Asphalt shingle roof covering, Eastlake-st yle bargeboard (now missing), cornice returns, and arched attic window in dormer gable. One-over-one replacement windows. One-story full facade front porch supported by round-tapered wooden columns with Ionic capitals and square bases, replacement 2x2 wooden balustrade, tongue-and-groove flooring and beadboard ceiling. Interior offset brick chimney on south side. Brick foundation. Irregular plan. Transom at front entry. (Contributing)

1) The c.1890 Queen Anne cottage is a contributing resource within the Fourth and Gill H-1 Historic District.
2) The proposed additional double-leafed doors would not be visible from the street r-o-w, but would be visible from the alley.
3) The window opening that would be eliminated by the proposed double-leafed doors appears to be original; however, the window is a replacement.
4) The rear façade and its original fenestration have been altered by an addition that was constructed before the H-1 Overlay was established. The addition intersects the rear façade abutting the subject window opening. The addition had rendered the window to be inappropriately located in a corner.
5) The Secretary of Interiors Standards state: "The distinguishing original qualities or character of a building, structure, or site and its environmental shall not be destroyed. The removal or alteration of any historic material or distinctive architectural features should be avoided when possible." Although the window opening appears to be original, its appearance has been altered by an addition, and staff believes that it is not a distinctive architectural feature and or retain distinguishing original qualities.
6) The design guidelines state: "New additions should not cause a lessening or loss of historic character, including the historic building's design, materials, workmanship, location, or setting." Staff believes the addition of the double-doors with the elimination of the original window opening will not cause a lessening or loss of historic character.
7) The proposed entrance design is similar in design to that of the front, but doors will be painted instead of stained, will be less ornate, have simpler hardware, and will not feature the top panels or transom that are present at the front entrance. It is not known if the front door is original.