Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting

Date: February 13, 2020 | Time: 5:30 p.m. | Location: City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) held a regular meeting on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Chairman Rob Romero presided. All six present commissioners voted unanimously on all agenda items. The meeting addressed one old business item (continued local landmark designation), several new business items including certificates of appropriateness for various properties, and other business including minutes and discussions about district expansion.

Old Business

• 7413 Masonboro Sound Road – Local Landmark Designation (Continued): The applicant requested a continuance to the March 12, 2020 meeting while awaiting additional comments from the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office. The commission voted 6-0 to continue.

Certificates of Appropriateness

• 320 Chestnut Street – Canopy Lighting Replacement: Staff presented a proposal to replace historic neon canopy lighting with Nova Flex Neon Round Series LED lighting due to ongoing maintenance issues. The applicant (Kevin Caison, New Hanover County) explained that the neon, restored during 2013/2014 renovations, failed within months. Staff conditions included concealing wiring, review of color and openness by the Historic Preservation Planner, and compliance with all codes. The commission voted 6-0 to conditionally approve.

• 622 Ann Street – New Residential Construction and Fencing on a Corner Lot: The applicant (Eve Hingtgen) proposed a two-story, single-family dwelling with a covered front porch and a 6-foot wooden fence with existing brick wall retained. Conditions included flat metal roofing for porch, review of paint colors, exterior lighting, parking materials, and tree protection. The motion passed 6-0.

• 8 South 7th Street – After-the-Fact Chimney Removal: Staff described a chimney removed without pre-approval after being damaged during Typhoon Florence. Although the applicant claimed the chimney was not original, staff cited online photographs and its similar design to the other chimneys as evidence it was original. The public heard the owner had been trying to save the structure. The commission voted unanimously to deny the request, stating that the chimney is a character-defining feature and must be replaced.

• 516 South 5th Avenue – After-the-Fact Roof Replacement: Staff recommended a continued to April 9, 2020, due to additional issues discovered during the final zoning inspection. The commission voted 6-0 to continue.

• 1 South Front Street & 106 Market Street – Storefront Restoration and New Entry Door: The applicant (Christopher Yerman) proposed replacing an aluminum storefront prism with a new steel-and-glass door recessed for public right-of-way compliance, and restoring the Front Street storefront using historical photos. They planed installed prismatic glass in wood frames. The commission applauded the project and voted 6-0 for conditional approval with conditions requiring compatible materials, Historic Preservation review of colors, salvage of materials, clear glazing, and care to avoid damage.

• 1705 Chestnut Street – Modify Certificate of Appropriateness: Detached Accessory Building, Tree Removal Appeal, and Window Replacement: The applicant (Erik Hemingway) requested to remove a second-story balcony, replace existing windows, and remove a pecan tree. The commission conditioned approval to require preserving all original windows visible from the public right-of-way, reviewing storm window proposals, and allowing tree removal with replacement. The motion passed 6-0.

• 602 Market Street – Intent to Demolish an Accessory Structure: The applicant (Richard Morgan) requested a reduction in the 365-day stay of demolition for a historically contributing accessory structure in ruins. The commission voted 6-0 to reduce the stay to zero days, requiring the owner to sell or donate historic materials and implement tree protection.

Other Business

• Minutes: The commission approved the minutes from the January 9, 2020 meeting unanimously 6-0.
• Item from the Commission – District Expansion Discussion: Commissioner Sulkey proposed expanding the Central Business District Outdoor (CBD-HDO) to include adjacent areas such as Princess Street, Chestnut Street, Gray Street, and others. He noted numerous important structures and development downtown. Commissioner Smith expressed concern about properties just outside historic districts undergoing insensitive large-scale renovations. Commissioners supported a study and photographic inventory to evaluate potential district expansions. Staff indicated a budget request of $25,000 for an inventory update of the Wilmington National Register District.
• Item from Staff – Major General Joseph McNeil Way: Staff updated the commission that City Council is seeking public input on a resolution to designate a portion of Third Street as "Major General Joseph McNeil Way"; no addresses will change. The council will consider a resolution in April.

Key Outcomes

• 8 South 7th Street: Denied after-fact chimney removal (6-0), requiring the chimney to be rebuilt.
• 516 South 5th Avenue: Continued to April 9, 2020 (6-0) for further review.
• 602 Market Street: Approved reduction of 365-day stay by zero days (6-0), with conditions for material salvage and tree protection.
• 702 Market Street: Approved siding replacement (superceded by prior conditions).
• **All other motions passed 6-0 with specific conditions where applicable.

The meeting adjourned at 7:11 p.m. The next scheduled HPC meeting is Thursday, March 12, 2020.