Historic Zoning Commission

Fourth and Gill H-1: Level II

6-F-05-HZ

Applicant Request

Level II. Replacement/repair

1) Remove vinyl siding; 2) return current windows to original height and width, possibly with use of transoms; 3) replace unoriginal windows with wood double hung windows; 4) replace added doors with wood doors, possibly add screen door to front door opening; 5) add window banks (2 or 3 full height windows) on left sides of west (front) and south elevations, where additions were originally made to structure; 6) convert current unoriginal front porch to wrap around front and side porch with wood turned columns with square plinths and capitals, 3"x3" balusters on 6" centers, shallow sloped roof; 7) screen in south elevation side porch with screens placed so shadow lines cast by roof overhang remain intact; 8) replace south elevation (back) door with paired wood French doors); return appropriately sized, 1/1 double hung wood windows to the three sides of the south elevation bay; 9) install window screens on all windows, color clad to match trim.

Site Info

One story frame with artificial siding. Gabled roof with shed extensions. One over one double hung replacement windows. One story centered two-thirds front porch with shed roof, replacement metal columns and balustrade. One interior offset brick chimney. Brick foundation.

The property at 910 Gratz has undergone several modifications over time, and it is difficult to discern the style, design features and details of the original construction, or of changes that were probably made some 80 years ago. Although the proposed work items will change the structure further, they will improve it, make it more consistent with neighborhood architecture and with the Queen Anne Cottage that the building probably was originally, and will also make the house more competitive in the market place, helping to assure that the building will survive. What is proposed is not a restoration, but a rehabilitation; the rehabilitation should serve to improve the house itself, and make it blend better with the block where it is located.