Historic and Design Review Commission Meeting – July 1, 2026

The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) met on July 1, 2026, at 3:02 PM to consider five agenda items, including one consent calendar, one accessibility ramp request, two residential additions/new construction, and one window replacement. The meeting included public comment and referred several items to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for further refinement.

Consent Calendar

• Items 1, 3, 4, and 5 (addresses: 402 Carlton, 404, 218 Adams, 11. 1901 Fredericksburg Road, and 11.03 Cincinnati) were approved unanimously with all staff stipulations.
• Bianca Maldonado of the Monticello Park Association spoke in favor of item 4 (1901 Fredericksburg Road) and requested an additional sixth stipulation requiring that the new window opening on the east elevation match the height and craftsmanship of the historic structure.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Bianca Maldonado (Monticello Park Association) requested consistency in administrative approvals, specifically that staff require the same level of documentation (including photographs of site and context) for items presented to the HDRC as for those handled administratively through CITAP.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – Accessibility Ramp: The applicant, speaking on behalf of his 70-year-old mother with mobility needs, requested a permanent ramp from the front porch due to gravel and uneven surfaces in the rear. Commissioner Sabino expressed concern about placement and lack of rear photographs, but the applicant confirmed the rear was not viable. The commission approved the ramp unanimously with staff stipulations.

• Item 6 – 214 Adam Street: Architect Cristian Vázquez presented a proposal for a two-story rear addition and an accessory dwelling unit. Staff stipulations addressed height (currently 25’9” peak), historic window reuse, metal roofing, railings, and setbacks. Commissioner Mazuca requested a tree replacement plan. The concept was approved unanimously with conditions and referral to the Design Review Committee (DRC) for final details.

• Item 7 – 1037 2nd Street (Jignawe Hill Historic District): The applicant proposed a new single-family structure on a subdivided lot. Staff did not recommend approval and listed eight conditions including reduced front setback, integrated porch, and consistent window proportions. Commissioners discussed the narrow lot and alignment with historic patterns. Commission approved the concept with conditions and referral to DRC, including a stipulation that all windows maintain consistent proportions.

• Item 8 – 7303 Corpus Christi Road: Developer Taler Schrecky presented a plan for 22 duplex units in the River Overlay District. Staff recommended conditions such as 25-foot driveway width, varied design, and alternating paint colors. Commissioner Velázquez objected to all side-facing front doors, citing security and neighborhood pattern. The applicant agreed to mix front and side entry orientations. The concept was approved with conditions and referral to DRC.

• Item 9 – 145 Terrain Boulevard: The applicant sought to replace two windows: one fixed 73-inch window and a non-historic window on the west façade. The house had no original windows. Consultant Heather Kemen explained the changes improve functionality and are not visible from the street. Commissioners noted the modifications are to non-original openings. Approved as presented (6–2, with Commissioners Sabino and Fetzer dissenting).

Key Outcomes

• Consent items approved unanimously (8–0, with Davis abstaining on minutes but voting yes on items).
• Item 2 approved unanimously.
• Items 6, 7, and 8 approved conceptually with staff stipulations and referrals to the Design Review Committee.
• Item 9 approved (6–2).
• The Commission reminded applicants that certificates of appropriateness will be mailed within 10 days, and no work may commence without proper permits.
• The next regular meeting will be after the July 3 holiday closure.