Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – February 14, 2019

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center. Chair Tara Murphy presided. The commission considered seven agenda items, including one continued case, two after-the-fact approvals, a demolition-stay reduction, and a paint-color request. All items passed 7-0 except the paint-color request, which was denied 6-1.

Consent Calendar

• 516 South 5th Avenue (Item 1): Construction of a new accessory structure, continued from January 10, 2019. The applicant requested a continuance because they were out of town. Motion to continue to April 11, 2019 passed 7-0.
• 212–224 South Water Street (Item 2): Exterior alterations – gutter replacement. Staff worked out a design with the applicant, making the agenda item moot. Motion to withdraw passed 7-0.
• Meeting minutes of November 1, 2018 (Item 7): Approved 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• 411 Chestnut Street (Item 3): Applicant Matt Scharff stated the two historic chimneys were damaged during Hurricane Florence and were removed without a Certificate of Appropriateness. He expressed embarrassment and said the roofer advised against rebuilding due to structural concerns. Commissioners asked about faux brick alternatives; Scharff worried about projectiles in future storms. He requested a continuance to obtain a structural engineer’s opinion. No public comment was offered.
• 326 South 3rd Street (Item 4): Applicant Denis McGarry said a former city inspector verbally agreed to a 12-foot driveway width instead of the permitted 10 feet. Public speaker Ed Vogeley (410 South 5th Avenue) supported the request, stating the extra foot on each side made the driveway more aesthetically pleasing and that the property had been well-maintained.
• 1222 South 3rd Street (Item 5): Applicant Ryan Horne, representing the owner, proposed to retain the concrete slab and brick walls while removing the roof and front facade. Beth Rutledge, Executive Director of the Historic Wilmington Foundation, spoke in favor of a condition that the historic storefront be donated for reuse.
• 416 South Front Street (Item 6): Applicant Matt Verge and his partner Dan Spinello advocated for painting all white trim and window frames a dark black (Sherwin Williams Caviar) to unify the structure and highlight its brickwork. They argued the look would be dramatic but historically appropriate. No other public comments were made.

Discussion Items

• 411 Chestnut Street: Commissioners discussed the character-defining nature of the chimneys and whether a lightweight faux structure could be built. Some expressed concern about structural feasibility. The applicant offered to get a structural engineer’s report, leading to a continuance.
• 326 South 3rd Street: Staff noted that the original 2012 Certificate of Appropriateness permitted a 10-foot driveway, but the as-built width was 12 feet. The applicant explained the discrepancy and the former inspector’s verbal approval. Commissioners agreed the extra width was not detrimental and approved the after-the-fact alteration.
• 1222 South 3rd Street: Staff recommended that the historic storefront be donated to a local nonprofit. The applicant agreed. Commissioners noted the building had lost most of its historic significance (the rear portion was already demolished) and approved the reduction of the 90-day stay to zero days with the condition of donation.
• 416 South Front Street: The applicant sought approval to paint all white elements (lintels, sills, window cases, doors, soffits, downspouts, etc.) black and install black-framed storm windows. Staff had already approved black for window sashes and the porch balustrade. Commissioners debated whether the amount of black was appropriate for a residential structure in the historic district. Some supported it, citing local examples like the George and the Ace Hotel; others felt it was too contemporary and would overwhelm the Greek Revival details. The applicant declined to produce a mock-up, asking for an immediate vote. A motion to deny passed 6-1, with Vice-Chair Rob Romero voting in favor.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1 (516 S 5th Ave): Continued to April 11, 2019 (7-0).
• Item 2 (212-224 S Water St): Withdrawn (7-0).
• Item 3 (411 Chestnut St): Continued to April 11, 2019, to allow the applicant to secure a structural engineer’s report (7-0).
• Item 4 (326 S 3rd St): Approved after-the-fact driveway and parking area alterations (7-0).
• Item 5 (1222 S 3rd St): Approved reduction of the 90-day stay of demolition to zero days, with the condition that historic architectural components be donated to the Historic Wilmington Foundation or similar nonprofit (7-0).
• Item 6 (416 S Front St): Denied request for the proposed dark paint colors and black-framed storm windows (6-1). The previously approved Certificate of Appropriateness (issued January 8, 2019) allowing black on window sashes and porch balustrade remains in effect.
• Items from the Commission: Commissioner Michael Smith raised concerns about financial hardship influencing applicants’ decisions to remove historic features. Attorney Huffman clarified that the commission cannot consider cost; decisions must be based on evidence and guidelines. Staff reported that memoranda to insurance adjusters have helped property owners receive funding for repairs, and that training opportunities (including a Preservation NC conference) will be available.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for Thursday, March 14, 2019, with a potentially heavy agenda including a remanded case from the Board of Adjustment (606 Walnut Street) and proposed guideline amendments for ATMs and telecommunications facilities.