Newport Historic District Commission Meeting - July 14, 2026

The Newport Historic District Commission met on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, with Chair Deanna Amarillo presiding. The commission reviewed a continued application, several new applications, and approved consent items. Key decisions included approvals for alterations to 365 Thames Street, 11 Ocean Avenue, 96 Second Street, and 6 Tompkins Court, while the application for 77 K Street was continued. A total of six applications were decided.

Consent Calendar

• The minutes from the Thursday, June 11, 2026, meeting were approved unanimously.
• The commission accepted staff findings and recommendations for the following summary approvals (all passed unanimously):
  • 14 Leroy Avenue (Plat 36, Lot 145): Approved as presented, citing Newport Standards 17 TAC 80-060 C1–3.
  • 1 Cottage Street (Plat 25, Lot 64): Approved with a condition that all material be wood (no composite), citing standards A1–4 and A7.
  • 6 Mary Jane Lane (Plat 44, Lot 105): Approved as presented, citing standards B1–2.

Discussion Items

Continued Application – 365 Thames Street (Brick Market)

• Rebecca Bertrand, Executive Director of the Newport Historical Society (tenant of the City of Newport), presented revised plans to replace the existing glass wall and vestibule, relocate the front door, and construct an ADA-compliant walkway with existing brick pavers at a 5% slope. The revisions addressed prior commission feedback. Commissioner Goddard noted a potential 4.5-inch step and suggested slope concrete to avoid tripping hazard, but the architect explained the clean design. The commission praised the revisions. Motion to approve (citing standards A1–4, A6–7) passed unanimously.

C2 – 11 Ocean Avenue (Non-contributing)

• Spencer Alexander represented the owner, proposing to replace rotted stucco with wood siding due to moisture damage on a non-contributing structure. The application was split; only the wood siding was considered. Mr. Alexander argued stucco is unsuitable for the coastal environment and that the building’s form is its defining feature. Commissioner Bala and Commissioner Moran opposed, citing the building’s stucco identity in nominating papers, but Commissioner Goddard and others supported the change as practical preservation. The preservation planner noted leeway for non-contributing structures. Motion to approve (citing standards B1–2 and D2) passed with a majority vote.

C3 – 77 K Street (Contributing)

• John D’Souza, engineer, presented plans to convert an existing garage into a two-story accessory dwelling unit, but revised to a single-story after feedback. The structure has structural issues (rotted framing, embedded sill plates). The applicant proposed reusing the slate roof and matching windows to the main house (6-over-1). Commissioners requested retention of original garage character, such as infilling with carriage-style doors. Motion to continue the application to the August 11, 2026, meeting to allow revised plans, window evaluation, and historic photos passed unanimously.

New Application – 96 Second Street (Contributing)

• Owner Ann Ferraro requested to replace a failing plaster porch ceiling with wood beadboard, consistent with neighborhood examples. Commissioners asked for a sample of beadboard and details on transition trim. Motion to approve with a condition to define beadboard profile, material, and finish molding with input from the preservation planner (citing standards A1–2, A4–5, A7) passed unanimously.

New Application – 6 Tompkins Court (Non-contributing)

• Jay Russell (attorney) and Tyler Zagren (architect) proposed converting an existing two-car garage into a primary suite and building a new single-car garage at the front of the property. The design includes a metal roof, cedar shingle siding, and composite garage doors. Commissioners offered suggestions: add a distinguishing line between the new garage and original structure, and reduce standing-seam roof frequency. Motion to approve with those conditions to be refined with the preservation planner (citing standards B1–2) passed unanimously.

New Application – 421 Gibbs Avenue (Contributing)

• Architect Spencer McComb proposed reconstructing the existing garage to add a primary suite, reconfiguring the front entry, and altering the roofline. After staff comments, the applicant removed the front entry change, simplified north elevation trim, recessed the west elevation connector, and upgraded materials (PVC to painted composite, windows to Marvin Ultimate aluminum-clad). Commissioners debated massing but ultimately supported the design. Motion to approve with those conditions (citing standards A1–5, A7) passed unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved (unanimous): 14 Leroy Avenue, 1 Cottage Street (with wood condition), 6 Mary Jane Lane, 96 Second Street (with beadboard detail condition), 6 Tompkins Court (with conditions), 421 Gibbs Avenue (with conditions).
• Approved (majority): 11 Ocean Avenue (wood siding).
• Continued: 77 K Street (to August 11, 2026, for revised plans).
• The next regular meeting is scheduled for August 11, 2026, with Commissioner Jim Madsen to serve as vice chair.