Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - March 12, 2020

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on Thursday, March 12, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. The commission considered four agenda items: one request for continuation of a local landmark designation, two Certificates of Appropriateness (window replacement and fence construction), and approval of meeting minutes. All votes were 7-0 in favor.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes from the February 13, 2020 regular meeting (motion by Vice-Chair Keston, second by Ms. Keiser; carried 7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 105 Market Street: Applicant Tyler Pencek (owner) requested permission to install aluminum-alloy replacement windows on the second and third stories, arguing that aluminum was recommended by his contractor for durability and hurricane resistance, and that wood windows quoted by one company cost $25,000 more. He expressed concern that a denial of aluminum would force him to sell the building. Commission members noted that design standards require wood windows and that price cannot be considered. After discussion, Mr. Pencek agreed to accept wood windows.
• 411 North 15th Street: Applicant Perry Allen (owner) described his proposed 6-foot wooden fence for the corner lot. He stated he had consulted with Historic Preservation staff on appropriate style and location. No members of the public spoke in favor or opposition during the public hearings for either item.

Discussion Items

• 7413 Masonboro Sound Road (continued from Jan. 9 and Feb. 13, 2020): Staff planner Jeff Walton reported that the applicant requested a further continuance to address comments from the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office on the landmark designation report. The commission unanimously approved continuance to the April 9, 2020 meeting (motion by Ms. Keiser, second by Vice-Chair Keston; carried 7-0).
• 105 Market Street: The commission discussed the appropriateness of aluminum vs. wood windows. Commissioners Yermal and Romero stated that durable wood windows are available locally. Assistant City Attorney Melissa Huffman clarified that the 1983 Certificate of Appropriateness for the building required wood windows, and that the current aluminum windows may constitute a violation. She also reminded the commission that cost is not a permissible factor. After the applicant agreed to wood, the commission approved the request with 10 conditions, including that replacement windows be wood, of clear glazing, and that their design, casing, trim, and paint color be reviewed and approved by the Historic Preservation Planner.
• 411 North 15th Street: The commission reviewed the proposed fence details. Staff recommended conditions to ensure compliance with design standards, including hardware placement, sight distance compliance, and removable panels for maintenance. The commission unanimously approved the fence with those conditions.
• Items from the Commission: Commissioner Michael Smith raised the possibility of expanding the historic district boundaries. Attorney Huffman recommended postponing discussion until Historic Preservation Planner Dawn Snotherly could participate. Vice-Chair Keston inquired about scheduling a workshop on congruity and recent case law; staff noted that a date is being finalized.
• Items from Staff: New "Wilmington Design Standards" (formerly Design Guidelines) were distributed. Commissioner Smith asked whether a presentation on changes would be provided; staff indicated there would not be one but offered to answer questions. Commissioner Sulkey asked about contingency plans for meeting cancellations due to COVID-19; Attorney Huffman said no decision had been made by City leadership.

Key Outcomes

• 7413 Masonboro Sound Road: Continued to April 9, 2020 (7-0).
• 105 Market Street: Approved with conditions (7-0). Conditions specify wood windows, clear glazing, staff review of design/trim/paint, preservation of existing lintels/sills/openings, and compliance with all applicable codes.
• 411 North 15th Street: Approved with conditions (7-0). Conditions include interior hardware, sight distance compliance, removable fence sections near structures, uniform post dimensions, and adherence to all codes.
• Meeting Minutes: Approved (7-0).
• Next Steps: The next scheduled HPC meeting is April 9, 2020, though potential cancellation due to COVID-19 was noted. Staff will work with the applicant on wood window quotes and continue to schedule a congruity workshop.