Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – October 15, 2020
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Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – October 15, 2020
The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, October 15, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. in the Wilmington Convention Center, 10 Convention Center Drive, Wilmington, NC. All eight commission members were present: Chairman Rob Romero, Vice‑Chairman Joan Keston, and commissioners Mary Ann Keiser, Michael Smith, Stephen Sulkey, Ashley Wilson, Ron Wilson, and Christopher Yermal. Staff present included Assistant City Attorney Melissa Huffman, Senior Planner Christine Hughes, Associate Planner Jeff Walton, and Planning Coordinator Amy Bradshaw. The meeting adjourned at 7:06 p.m.
Old Business
- 110 South Front Street (CBD‑HDO) – After‑the‑fact exterior alteration for window replacement. Staff reported that a notice of violation was issued July 2, 2020, after four fixed 12‑light wood windows were replaced with one‑over‑one wood windows. The building (built 1991) is non‑contributing; windows were not historic. The contractor explained windows were rotting and causing moisture infiltration. The commission approved 8‑0 with conditions requiring the remaining 12‑pane window to be replaced to match and compliance with applicable codes.
- 516 South 5th Avenue (HD‑R) – After‑the‑fact use of materials. The applicant was unable to attend due to the meeting date change. A continuance to November 18, 2020 was granted 8‑0.
- 7413 & 7417 Masonboro Sound Road (Masonboro Sound National Register Historic District) – Consideration of recommending local landmark designation. The property includes the Cazaux‑Williams‑Crow house (developed by 1877), dependency structures, dairy spring, sundial, and landscaping. A public hearing was held with no speakers. The commission unanimously recommended designation as a local historic landmark (8‑0), citing the property’s age (at least 143 years), its representation of summer‑cottage development on Masonboro Sound, and consistency with the city’s comprehensive plan.
New Business
- 606 Chestnut Street (HD‑R) – Site alterations for a water feature, landscaping, tree removal, and a screened porch addition. The applicant, Jim Blair, proposed removing a large elm tree and a privet tree. The city arborist had recommended against removal, but a structural engineer’s letter indicated the elm’s roots could threaten the foundation. The porch addition lacked detailed drawings, leading commissioners to request more information. After discussion, the commission split the request: tree removal and landscaping approved 6‑1 (Commissioner Yermal dissented, citing the elm’s value and desire for a second arborist opinion); the screened porch portion was continued to November 19, 2020, pending detailed design drawings.
- 1520 Chestnut Street (Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace Historic District Overlay) – Window replacement of six‑over‑six aluminum double‑hung windows on north and east elevations with JELD‑WEN wood‑framed six‑over‑six simulated divided‑light windows. The applicant, Patrick Connors, stated the goal was to return to original wood windows. Approved 8‑0 with conditions requiring trim and muntins to closely match existing historic windows.
- 407 South 4th Street (HD‑R) – Site alteration for a pergola in the rear yard. The applicant requested withdrawal. Withdrawal approved 8‑0.
- 102 North 3rd Street & 310 Chestnut Street (Thalian Hall, HD) – Exterior alterations to add a rear addition for ductwork and install a roof‑mounted HVAC unit. The city’s Public Services Director and architect presented designs showing the unit would be set back 9 feet from the parapet and painted matte white; three feet would be visible from North 4th and Chestnut streets. Materials include stucco‑clad steel frame, zinc standing‑seam roof. Approved 8‑0 with conditions requiring compatibility with existing building finishes.
- 1807 Princess Street (Carolina Heights/Winoca Terrace HDO) – After‑the‑fact fence installation. Staff found the fence could be approved administratively, so the item was withdrawn. Withdrawal approved 8‑0.
- 611 & 613 Dock Street (HD‑R) – Exterior alterations to install new windows and doors on the rear facade. The applicants, Chuck and Anna Dietsche, plan to renovate a former rental duplex. Proposed work: remove two solid wood doors and install full‑light French doors; replace one window with three double‑hung windows to match original. Commissioner Yermal recused himself; Vice‑Chair Keston (who lives across the street) remained impartial. The commission approved 7‑0 with conditions, including that the old doors be donated to a charity such as Legacy Architectural Salvage.
Key Outcomes
- Votes: All recorded votes were unanimous (8‑0 or 7‑0) except for the tree removal at 606 Chestnut Street (6‑1, with Yermal dissenting).
- Decisions:
- Approved after‑the‑fact window replacement at 110 S Front St with conditions.
- Continued 516 S 5th Ave to November 18, 2020.
- Recommended local landmark designation for 7413‑7417 Masonboro Sound Road.
- Approved tree removal and landscaping at 606 Chestnut St; continued porch design to November 19, 2020.
- Approved window replacement at 1520 Chestnut St with conditions.
- Withdrew pergola request at 407 S 4th St.
- Approved Thalian Hall HVAC addition with conditions.
- Withdrawn fence request at 1807 Princess St after staff administrative approval.
- Approved door and window replacements at 611‑613 Dock St with conditions, including door donation.
- Directives: Staff was asked to remind applicants about the importance of detailed drawings to avoid continuances; nameplates for commissioners will be brought to the next meeting.
- Staff Updates: A new historic preservation planner was hired and will start October 26, 2020; a chart of administrative bypass applications was provided.
- Next Meeting: Thursday, November 19, 2020 (subsequent agendas reflect a meeting on November 18, 2020 for the continued item, but the minutes note the next regular meeting will be November 19, 2020).
Meeting Transcript
Hello everybody. I'd like to welcome you all to this October 15, 2020 Historic Preservation Commission meeting. Hearings before the historic preservation commission are quasi-judicial in nature. Is the design review process to determine if the proposed project is congruent? Historic aspects and special character of the storic district or landmark. Decision of the commission are based on the record of these proceedings. The Wilmington Design Guidelines for Historic Districts and Landmarks and the Secretary of Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. Evidence submitted to the commission for review becomes part of the record. Appeals of commission decisions are to the Wilmington Board of Adjustment and to the and then to Superior Court and are based on this record. Appeals must be must be filed within 30 30 days of the date of the commission's action. Public comment is heard during the public comment portion of the agenda item. Those who want to address the commissioner sworn as witnesses. The chair recognizes those who want to address the commission during the public hearing. Comments should be directed to the commission to ensure that all comments are properly recorded. Please come to the podium to address the commission, state your name and address and speak clearly. Let's see, at this time I'd like to request that all cell phones either be turned off or put in silence mode. And to remind our commissioners that if you've received or been made aware of any outside evidence related to any of the matters, please recuse yourself at that time. And I'd like our commissioners, please start introducing themselves. Go ahead. Michael Smith. Stephen Salke. Ron Wilson. Mary Ann Kaiser. Rob Romero. Joan Keston. Christopher Yuribal. Ashley Wilson. Thanks. And I'd like to introduce introduce staff Melissa Huffman, Assistant City Attorney. Jeff Walton, staff, and Amy Bradshaw staff and Christine Hugh. All right. And uh would you like to swear in wetness witnesses for us, Amy? If anyone who wishes to speak, please stand and raise your right hand. Do you affirm that the testimony you're about to give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. All right, thank you. Thanks, Amy. All right. We'd like to hear from the first agenda item. Jeff's gonna do for us. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. The first item we have is 110 South Front Street. The applicant request um an approval of an after-fact removal of four fixed 12-light wood frame windows and install um four one over one wood frame windows with laminate glass. An existing uh fixed 12-light wood frame window and a small one over one window, both located on the South Front Street facade shall remain in place. The building is in the hundred block of South Front Street, uh South Front and the Northern Side facades are character defining elevations. The building uh was built in 1991. It was known as the Delhi Downtown Building. It's a non-contributing building due to the age in the central business district and the historic district overlay. The windows are not contributing historic elements. As a reminder, only changes to buildings and grounds that can be seen from the public right away are subject to the design review in accordance with the design standards in the CBD HDO.
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