Leesburg Board of Architectural Review Combined Work Session and Business Meeting, July 15, 2026

A long meeting starting at 6:00 PM in Council Chambers, 25 West Market Street, Leesburg, VA. The Board considered a full agenda including consent items, new cases in the H-1 Historic District, and deferred cases. Chair Helen Aikman presided with members Tom O'Neill (Vice Chair), Julie Pastor (Parliamentarian), Don Scheuerman, Judd Futo, Rick Brown, and JP Andrews (joining later). The meeting adjourned at approximately 11:00 PM.

Consent Calendar

• TLHPR2026-0021 (201 Town Branch Terrace SW) – Window and door replacements approved with conditions (paint to match existing trim, door color).
• TLHPR2026-0028 (100 Robinson Mill Plaza SE) – Car wash updates approved. A public comment from Matt Klusas (spelled K-L-U-S-A-S) expressing interest in purchasing the property did not affect the architectural review.

Both items were approved unanimously (5-0-2 with two absences) as part of the consent agenda after a brief public hearing.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Matt Klusas (River Creek neighborhood) – Spoke during the consent agenda regarding the car wash, asking about potential acquisition. The applicant’s representative later clarified no objection to approval, so the item remained on consent.
• Channel Evanson (117 Maher Terrace) – Asked about window color and front door details for 201 Town Branch, which were addressed by staff.
• Suzanne Larkins (3 Royal Street SE) – Spoke on both 7 and 9 Royal Street cases, arguing against the proposals due to zoning violations, roof line changes, parking, and cumulative impact on historic character.
• Kathleen Pose (11 Royal Street) – Focused on preservation issues, specifically opposing raising the roof line of 9 Royal Street, noting it would permanently alter a defining historic feature. She also referenced an affidavit and newspaper article about the properties being used as whole-house rentals for Hotel Berg.
• Maurice S. Blythe (Providence Baptist Church) – Expressed concern about noise from the proposed barn and pool area at 9 Royal Street, asking the owner to respect church activities.
• Additional written public comments were received for 10 Memorial Drive NW and other items.

Discussion Items

• TLHPR2026-0027 (220 Town Branch Terrace SW) – Window replacements (vinyl, one-over-one instead of two-over-two) approved with condition that no textured glass (waterfall glass) be used for the bathroom window. The board recommended the applicant keep the existing stained glass or use clear glass with interior film. Approved 5-0-2.

• TLHPR2026-0022 (17 South King Street, Kilwins Signage) – After extensive discussion, the board approved a modified version: a wall sign of 10 square feet (version two) with Kilwins name and flourishes, a projecting sign hung from the existing bracket (as used by Rouge), and window signs with white letters and maroon outline (no maroon background). The findings noted the building’s unusual architecture (1960s overhang, asymmetry) justified the larger wall sign. Approved 5-1-1 (Brown opposed, Andrews abstained).

• TLHPR2026-0024 (10 Memorial Drive NW, Paint and Windows) – The applicant proposed a full black-and-white color scheme, replacement windows (Anderson 400 vinyl clad, six-over-six or two-over-two patterns), and other changes. The board strongly objected to the all-black palette (porch columns, railings, windows) and preferred wood or fiberglass windows with three-part simulated divided light. The item was deferred to the August 3 work session; the applicant was asked to provide historical photos of black windows in Leesburg and consider alternatives.

• TLHPR2026-0025 (9 Morven Park Road NW, Gable Shake Siding and Roof) – The applicant wanted to replace wood shake siding with cement fiber siding (faux grain). The board approved a condition-based solution: replace the shake with smooth horizontal lap siding of a different width to differentiate the gable from the rest of the house. Staff will approve the final reveal. The roof replacement in-kind was also approved. Motion passed 7-0.

• TLHPR2026-0026 (301 South King Street, Front Porch Board Replacements and Screens) – The board approved screening the second-story front porch (with metal framing installed interior to the columns and railings) and replacing the wood floor with a wood product (e.g., thermally modified wood, ePay, or Trex with picture framing if chosen). The finding cited the porch’s location as a side balcony rather than a primary front porch, and that the changes are reversible. Approved 6-0-1 (Scheuerman recused).

• TLHPR2026-0014 (206 East Market Street, Mixed Use New Construction) – Reviewed as a deferred case. The applicant submitted updated plans on the day of the meeting. The board discussed major issues: rear elevation bay divisions, rooftop equipment screening, awnings (metal awning acceptable, but canvas awnings need to be less repetitive), fenestration patterns (faux windows, Juliet balconies should be windows), and the waterline issue. The board deferred to the August 3 work session, requesting updated plans and material cut sheets.

• TLHPR2026-0018 (7 Royal Street SE, Addition) – The applicant proposed a side addition, rear porch, roof-top HVAC, front parking, pool, and other site improvements. The board expressed concerns about: rooftop equipment (should be on ground), parking relocation (front parking violates guidelines), the knee wall and shutters making the two properties look like a campus, and the overall scale. The item was deferred to August 3.

• TLHPR2026-0019 (9 Royal Street SE, Addition) – The application included a large two-story addition, raising the original roof line, a large accessory structure (barn), and other changes. The board strongly opposed raising the roof (a defining historic feature), and found the barn too large and the design too similar to 7 Royal Street. The applicant was advised to scale down the barn, lower the roof, and better differentiate the two properties. Deferred to August 3.

Key Outcomes

• Approved on consent: 201 Town Branch Terrace SW (window/door replacements) and 100 Robinson Mill Plaza SE (car wash updates).
• Approved after discussion: 220 Town Branch Terrace SW (windows, condition no textured glass); 17 South King Street (Kilwins signage with modifications); 9 Morven Park Road NW (roof and siding replacement with condition to use smooth lap siding); 301 South King Street (porch screening and floor replacement with wood product or Trex with conditions).
• Deferred to August 3 work session: 10 Memorial Drive NW (paint and windows); 206 East Market Street (mixed use); 7 Royal Street SE (addition); 9 Royal Street SE (addition).
• New Business: The Board discussed drafting a letter to Town Council regarding the proposed demolition/relocation of a contributing historic house on Mort Street, emphasizing the approval process and the significance of the structure. A draft will be reviewed at the August 3 meeting.
• Staff Announcements: The JARB awards date is tentatively September 24 (or 17) at Morven Park Coach House. The historic district survey status was updated; some deliverables are missing, and the consultant has changed firms. Board members noted the need to address contractual issues.
• Member Disclosures: Don Scheuerman recused from 301 South King Street and 7 Royal Street. Rick Brown recused from 206 East Market Street, 7 Royal Street, and 9 Royal Street. Judd Futo attended his last meeting (moving to Vienna, Austria). The board thanked him for his service.