Historic and Design Review Commission Meeting – July 1, 2026

The Historic and Design Review Commission (HDRC) met on July 1, 2026, with a quorum present. Acting Chair Jeffrey Fetzer presided over the meeting, which included approval of consent agenda items, public testimony, and discussion of four individual cases. The Commission granted conceptual approvals for two projects, approved one project as presented, and approved a residential accessibility ramp after deliberation. City offices will be closed on July 3, 2026, for the July 4 holiday.

Public Comments & Testimony

• A staff member (Casey) requested that applicants provide photographs of all sides of a building for administrative approvals, noting inconsistencies that raise concerns.
• Bianca Maldonado, representing Montechillo Park Neighborhood Association (MPNA), spoke in support of the project at 1901 Fredericksburg Road (item #4) with an additional stipulation that the fenestration pattern on the Donaldson Avenue elevation be reevaluated to relate to the historic structure.

Consent Calendar

• Meeting minutes from June 17, 2026, were approved unanimously.
• Five consent agenda items were presented: 402 Carleton Court (ADA ramp), 218 Adams, 1901 Fredericksburg, and 1103 Cincinnati.
• Commissioner Savino pulled item #2 (402 Carleton Court) for discussion.
• Motion to approve items 1, 3, 4, and 5 with staff stipulations carried unanimously.
• Item #2 (402 Carleton Court): The applicant requested a ramp for a 70-year-old mother who uses a walker. The ramp would be temporary/removable and placed at the front due to an unpaved gravel rear area. Discussion centered on alternative rear placement and front door blocking. The Commission approved the ramp after a vote (7 ayes).

Discussion Items

Item #6: 14 Adams Street (HDRC 2026-162) – Conceptual Approval

• Applicant: Christian Vasquez, architect; Kyle (co-architect). Requested a certificate of appropriateness for a two-story rear addition and a two-story rear accessory structure.
• Staff recommended conceptual approval with 11 stipulations, including reuse of historic windows, height reduction, wood columns, standing seam metal roof, and garage door design.
• The applicant agreed to all stipulations but noted height of the addition (ridge at 25'9") and accessory structure required further exploration.
• Commissioners raised concerns about overall height, tree preservation, landscaping, and water runoff (flat roof section). A design review committee (DRC) was recommended.
• Motion for conceptual approval with staff stipulations and a DRC carried unanimously.

Item #7: 1037 Dawson (HDRC 2026-158) – Conceptual Approval

• Applicant: Nicole Sostra (in person) and Caesar Sostray (virtual). Requested a certificate of appropriateness for new single-family construction on a vacant lot in the Dignity Hill Historic District.
• Staff did not recommend approval and listed nine stipulations, including setbacks, width reduction, massing/roof form, foundation height, and landscaping.
• The applicant provided an updated plan addressing many stipulations but maintained the proposed width due to lot size. Staff suggested potentially reducing the front setback to allow a narrower structure.
• Discussion focused on window proportions, porch massing, and driveway width. Commissioner Velasquez expressed concern about the front door orientation but deferred to DRC.
• Motion for conceptual approval with staff stipulations and a DRC carried unanimously.

Item #8: 7303 Old Corpus Christi Road (HDRC 2026-163) – Conceptual Approval

• Applicant: Tyler Schlinke and Clay Schlinke (developers). Requested a certificate of appropriateness for 21 two-story multi-family structures in the River Improvement Overlay (RIO) District.
• Staff recommended approval with 10 stipulations, including sidewalk, curb cut width (max 25 feet), landscaping, mechanical screening, primary orientation of easternmost structures toward Old Corpus Christi Road, and design variations.
• The applicant stated many stipulations were already met or in progress but noted the curb cut was already built at 34 feet as approved by the city. Staff clarified they would work with development services on classification.
• Commissioners discussed design variations (roof forms, siding, colors), front door orientation (side vs. front), and consistency with urban pattern. Commissioner Velasquez opposed side-entry doors for all units, arguing they undermine street safety and pattern. The applicant offered a mix of front and side entries.
• Motion for conceptual approval with staff stipulations and a DRC carried unanimously (Commissioner Velasquez did not vote in opposition; roll call showed all ayes).

Item #9: 145 Terrain Boulevard (HDRC 2026-159) – Approval as Presented

• Applicant: Heather Keenan (consultant) for clients Stephanie and Jacob Abrami. Requested a certificate of appropriateness to enlarge a rear window opening (two existing windows into one picture window) and replace a non-historic window on the west facade with a casement window.
• Staff did not recommend approval, citing historic window profile guidelines. However, staff noted the windows were on a non-original rear addition and the products met material standards.
• The applicant argued the new windows would be more historically appropriate than existing vinyl windows and are not visible from the street.
• Discussion centered on whether opening modifications were acceptable. Some commissioners supported the upgrade given the non-historic nature of the addition.
• Motion to approve as presented passed (6 ayes, 2 nays: Commissioners Savino and Fetzer voted nay).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (items 1, 3, 4, 5): Approved with staff stipulations. Item #2 (402 Carleton Court ramp) approved after separate vote.
• Item #6 (14 Adams Street): Conceptual approval with staff stipulations and a DRC scheduled for the following Tuesday.
• Item #7 (1037 Dawson): Conceptual approval with staff stipulations and a DRC scheduled for the following Tuesday.
• Item #8 (7303 Old Corpus Christi Road): Conceptual approval with staff stipulations and a DRC scheduled for the following Tuesday.
• Item #9 (145 Terrain Boulevard): Approved as presented (6-2).
• All decisions are advisory to the city manager; certificates of appropriateness will be issued within 10 days.