Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - September 17, 2019

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on September 17, 2019, at 5:39 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Vice-Chairman Rob Romero called the meeting to order and read the procedures. Chairman Tara Murphy arrived at 6:51 p.m. All members were present except Edward McCaleb and Ashley Wilson. Staff included Melissa Huffman (Assistant City Attorney), Dawn Snotherly (Historic Preservation Planner), Jeff Walton (Associate Planner), and Amy Bradshaw (Planning Coordinator). A technical glitch with the projector required applicants to come to the podium to view materials.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Item 7 (214 North 7th Street): Robert Murphey, a neighbor, expressed support for renovations but raised concerns about more immediate needs (dilapidated windows, debris, temporary electric pole) and questioned the historic accuracy of a proposed side entrance. A letter from neighbor Stewart Poisson was read, echoing similar concerns and opposing the side entrance.
• Item 10 (310 & 312 South 6th Street): Lynn Harris, a neighbor, spoke in support of the driveway expansion, citing parking shortages due to churches and multi-tenant homes, and expressed confidence in the applicants’ commitment to historic district standards.

Discussion Items

1. 113 North 7th Street – Window Replacement (Fire Damage) Staff summarized the request to replace second-floor windows damaged by fire (some broken by fire department, others with smoke damage). Proposed JELD-WEN wood, 6-over-6, double-hung, SDL windows. Applicant David Webb had no additions. The public hearing had no speakers. Motion to approve with conditions (wood windows, match original dimensions, staff review) carried 6-0.

2. 516 Princess Street – Reduce 365-Day Stay of Demolition for Accessory Structure Staff reported the accessory structure is in deteriorated condition and its construction date could not be determined from Sanborn maps. Applicant Russell Davis reiterated poor condition. The structure is non-contributing. Motion to approve with conditions (donate architectural components, protect trees) carried 6-0.

3. 225 South 17th Street – Reduce 90-Day Stay of Demolition for Garage Staff noted a discrepancy in the staff report: the property is in the Westbrook-Ardmore National Register District (not incorrectly stated elsewhere). The accessory garage is non-contributing and no longer maintains district character. Applicant Edward Albrecht had no additions. Motion to approve with conditions (donate components, tree protection) carried 6-0.

4. 309 North 15th Street – Rear Building Addition Staff presented a request to demolish an enclosed two-story back porch and construct a two-story addition with brick façade painted to match the house. Only portions visible from public right-of-way are subject to HPC review in the Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace Historic District Overlay. Discussion focused on brick sample (size matches, scoring not required as it will be painted) and roof materials (previously approved faux slate). Applicant John West answered questions. Motion to approve with conditions (staff review windows, match architectural elements, brick size and paint, roof match, no ridge vents) carried 6-0.

5. 612 Grace Street – After-the-Fact Exterior Alterations Staff explained that a previously approved April 2018 COA for new construction was modified during construction: balustrade design changed, screened porch enlarged, sliding door replaced with windows and a door, and can lights installed. Applicant Georgia Savas stated the contractor made changes without her knowledge but she prefers the sturdier balustrade and felt the rear porch needed symmetry. Can lights were added. Motion to approve with condition that previous COA conditions remain except as superseded carried 6-0.

6. 1808 Market Street – Roof Replacement Staff presented a request to remove historic terne standing seam metal roof (rear) and asphalt shingles (front) due to leaks. Only a small portion (approx. 25 sq ft out of 2800 sq ft) is visible from Market Street. Applicant representative Shasta White (Dowless Roofing) argued for black shingles, citing design guidelines allowing dark colors. Owner Andrew Horton confirmed leaks. The Commission agreed the change was justified given low visibility. Motion to approve with conditions (no ridge vent, retain chimney, shingle color black) carried 6-0.

7. 214 North 7th Street – Exterior Alterations and Building Addition Staff described a proposal to demolish a deteriorating rear addition and construct a new two-story addition, including an awning, gutters, and a side entrance. The property is under demolition-by-neglect but owners have made repairs. Applicant representative Shasta White answered questions. Neighbors expressed concerns about other needed repairs and the side entrance. Commission deliberations noted design issues (roof plan, window scaling, side door). Motion to continue the item to the October 10, 2019 meeting to allow for redesign and applicant input carried 6-0.

8. 410 North 15th Street – Window Replacement Staff reported a request to replace two vinyl 1-over-1 windows with wooden 6-over-6 SDL windows matching existing historic windows. Chairman Murphy disclosed she works with the applicant but could be impartial. Applicant Greg Vassar was available. Motion to approve with conditions (staff review of design) carried 7-0.

9. 1419 Market Street – COA Modification for Staircase Removal Staff summarized a modification to a July 2019 COA that approved rebuilding a two-story rear porch and staircase. During demolition, water damage and building code issues required removal of the staircase; the request seeks permanent removal. Applicant Nick Balding confirmed foundation and porches will be rebuilt. Motion to approve with condition that previous COA conditions remain except as superseded carried 7-0.

10. 310 & 312 South 6th Street – Driveway Expansion Staff presented a request to reconstruct and expand a brick parking area from approx. 16.5’ x 33’ to 18’ x 33’ (1’4” wider). The existing brick pavers were installed without a COA. Staff found the expansion not congruent due to size. Applicant David Eckles argued for 12-foot width, citing a survey of 48 nearby properties. Discussion focused on subbase (applicant agreed to crushed gravel rather than concrete to allow permeability) and driveway apron width (CFPUA had approved a 13-foot apron). A neighbor spoke in support. Motion to approve with conditions: bricks set in crushed gravel (not concrete), driveway apron width not to exceed 12 feet, landscaping screening, staff review of brick specifications. Carried 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Items 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 (all with conditions as noted).
• Continued: Item 7 (214 North 7th Street) to the next meeting on October 10, 2019, for revised plans and applicant input.
• Votes: Items 1-7 voted 6-0 (Chairman Murphy absent for early items). Items 8-10 voted 7-0 (with Chairman Murphy present).
• Staff Report: Staff noted a discrepancy in the agenda for item 3 (incorrect district identified) and corrected it on the record.
• Future Work: Staff announced an intern is developing guidelines for ATMs, telecommunications, and security cameras. Commissioners Sulkey, Keiser, and staff will attend training in Fayetteville.