Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission Hearing - September 9, 2026

The Tuscaloosa Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a public hearing on September 9, 2026, at 5:00 PM, chaired by Vice Chair Jordan Morris. The commission considered six applications for Certificates of Appropriateness (COAs) in various historic districts, following design guidelines. Decisions required five affirmative votes. The meeting included staff presentations, applicant testimony, public comments, and commission deliberations.

Consent Calendar

• HPC 4626 (Ogdus Alford) – Construction of a rear porch at 2010 Glendale Gardens in the Glendale Gardens Historic District. The item was withdrawn by motion and second, with all commissioners voting to withdraw.

Public Comments & Testimony

• HPC 4226 (Joe Chastine) – Vicki Gardner, homeowner at 27 The Downs, spoke in support of the proposed front porch and rear deck. She expressed willingness to omit shutters and have French doors swing inward to improve porch usability.
• HPC 4926 (Tristan Bradley) – Cam Parsons, designated resident representative for the property owner, spoke in favor of the proposed 7.5-foot fence and temporary AC window unit. He noted the owner is willing to move the AC unit to a side window. Staff noted one public comment in support and one in opposition, though only the supporter spoke at the hearing.

Discussion Items

• HPC 3426 (Heath McCullough) – Exterior alterations at 1311 Shady Lane in the 13th Street Historic District. Proposed removal of existing dormers, replacement with a single shed dormer, new front and rear porches, replacement of vinyl siding with Hardy materials, and new windows. Discussion focused on window removal on the south elevation and dormer proportions. The applicant clarified that original windows would be retained where possible and siding would match original wood dimensions. The commission approved the application as presented (5-0).
• HPC 4226 (Joe Chastine) – Replacement of a rear deck and new front porch at 27 The Downs in The Downs Historic District. Proposed 20x20 ft rear deck and 44x6 ft front porch with French doors, shutters, and gas lanterns. Commissioners expressed concerns about the front porch's narrow width (6 ft), proportion of shutters, and alteration of the house's historic character. The applicant agreed to remove shutters and have French doors swing inward. Approved with those conditions (5-0).
• HPC 4526 (Richard Jennings) – Construction of a pool and lanai at 2401 Glendale Gardens in the Glendale Gardens Historic District. Proposed fiberglass pool enclosed by an aluminum-frame lanai with mesh screening, stone planter, and limestone pavers. Staff noted the lanai was a unique structure not specifically addressed in guidelines. Commissioners found the lanai inappropriate for a historic district, citing its modern appearance and lack of precedent. The pool and other site improvements were not opposed. Motion to approve failed; denied (2-3).
• HPC 4726 (Leo Jury) – Installation of a wall sign at 908 Queen City Avenue in the Druid City Historic District. A 26x33 in acrylic sign with stainless steel frame was installed without prior approval. The applicant removed internal illumination after staff notification. Commission found the sign compatible with guidelines. Approved (5-0).
• HPC 4826 (Leah Alexander) – Construction of a covered front porch at 1619 Allica Place in the Druid City Historic District. Proposed covering existing porch with stucco columns, asphalt shingles, and metal railing, reusing existing railing. Commissioners praised the design as respectful and consistent with neighborhood precedent. Approved (5-0).
• HPC 4926 (Tristan Bradley) – Construction of a 7.5-ft privacy fence and installation of a temporary AC window unit at 303 Queen City Avenue in the Pinehurst Historic District. Proposed horizontal wood composite fence along side property lines and a window unit visible from the public right-of-way. Staff noted guidelines recommend fences not exceed 6 ft. Commissioners objected to the fence height (7.5 ft) and material, citing precedent of denying tall fences and incompatibility with the historic district's open character. The AC unit was considered a temporary issue, but the fence was the primary concern. Denied (0-5).

Key Outcomes

• HPC 3426 – Approved (5-0) as presented.
• HPC 4226 – Approved (5-0) with conditions: remove front shutters and ensure French doors swing inward.
• HPC 4526 – Denied (2-3) due to the lanai's incompatibility with historic district character.
• HPC 4726 – Approved (5-0) for the wall sign with internal illumination removed.
• HPC 4826 – Approved (5-0) for the covered front porch.
• HPC 4926 – Denied (0-5) due to fence height and material concerns; applicant advised to consult staff on next steps.
• Staff reported 10 historic expedited review approvals since the last meeting.