Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting - February 10, 2022

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission held a regular meeting on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center, 929 North Front Street, Wilmington, NC. Chair Kathleen Egan presided. The meeting included one old business item continued from January, six new business items for exterior alterations, a public hearing, and a discussion on establishing an educational program. All votes were unanimous except where noted.

Old Business

• 226 South 4th Street (Parcel #R05405-015-006-000) – Change Roofing Materials (MJW-22-27): The applicant requested a continuance to the March 10, 2022 meeting. Motion to continue carried 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Catherine Finlan (resident of 121 South 2nd Street): Expressed opposition to the 214 Market Street project, citing concerns about noise from the proposed beer garden. She requested specific acoustic measures and noted the operator’s stated intent to not have amplified music. The commission clarified that noise abatement is not within its purview.
• Mimi Ashton (resident of 14 & 16 South 7th Street): Raised questions about potential underground oil tanks (later confirmed by staff to have never existed), the removal of a chain-link fence, and landscaping/maintenance for the 616 Market Street/10 S. 7th Street project. The applicant addressed her concerns.

New Business Discussion Items

1. 416 North 5th Avenue – Windows, Rear Deck, Doors, Roofline Modification (MJW-2202-30)

• The applicant proposed extensive exterior repairs and alterations to a contributing 1904 house, including window alignment, storm windows, roof repairs, a new door opening, and painting. Staff presented design standards; the applicant (Ben Wells) answered questions. Commissioners commended the use of true divided-light windows.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve with nine conditions (e.g., matching roofing materials, alignment of storm window meeting rails, no weep hole caulking, clear glazing, true divided lights, matching siding, administrative bypass for side deck changes). Carried 7-0.

2. 216 North 19th Street – Window Alterations (MJW-2202-31)

• The applicant proposed removing an existing window, infilling the opening, and reinstalling the window in a new location on a non-contributing ranch house. The change improves symmetry. Applicant (Michael Dell) noted interior design reasons. Staff found the proposal consistent with design standards.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve with conditions (matching siding, compliance with code, administrative bypass for changes). Carried 7-0.

3. 214 Market Street – Rear Addition, Landscaping (MJW-2202-32)

• Vice-Chair Yermal recused himself due to professional involvement. The applicant (David Arneson) proposed a rear addition, ADA-compliant front entrance modifications, a new brick wall/gate, landscaping, and relocation of mechanical units. A ramp was moved closer to the alley to meet building code. Concerns about tree removal and noise were addressed. The applicant agreed to limit wall height to 6 feet.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve with eleven conditions (including front entrance design per submittal, 6-foot max wall height, lighting/signage via administrative bypass, tree protection, clear glazing, no removal of public right-of-way trees). Carried 6-0 (Yermal recused).

4. 411 North 5th Avenue – Composite Columns on Front Porch (MJW-2202-33)

• The applicant (Martin Kitner) sought to install six Tuscan-style FRP composite columns, matching original columns shown in archival photos. He cited a $11,000 cost savings over wood. Commissioners noted precedent for composite columns in the district.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve with conditions (compliance with code, administrative bypass for changes). Carried 7-0.

5. 816 Grace Street – Fence on Corner Lot (MJW-2202-34)

• The applicant was not present. Staff (Craig Harris) presented a proposal to replace a fence on a corner lot (contributing resource). The fence would be 4 feet tall along Grace Street and 6 feet tall along McCumber Alley, with unpainted pressure-treated pine, dog-eared board-on-board design. Existing posts reused.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve with five conditions (finished side out, sand-set posts within 3 feet of house, compliance with submittal, code compliance, administrative bypass). Carried 7-0.

6. 616 Market Street / 10 S. 7th Street – Storefront Modifications, Clerestory Windows, Parking Lot Regrade/Repave (MJW-2202-35)

• The applicant (Davis Lisle, via Zoom) proposed replacing storefront windows, installing a new entrance door, three clerestory windows on the roof, new TPO roofing, and regrading/paving the rear parking lot. The building is a non-contributing 1963 structure. Questions were raised about clerestory visibility and fencing removal. Staff confirmed no oil tanks.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve with six conditions (existing brick wall protection, administrative bypass for fencing/signage/lighting, no signs on S. 7th St wall, code compliance). Carried 7-0.

Other Business

Education Program Proposal

• Commissioner Michael Smith proposed establishing an educational program on historic preservation, citing North Carolina General Statute 160D. After discussion about the scope (general education vs. advocacy), the commission agreed to form a subcommittee. Chair Egan clarified that lobbying is not within the commission’s purview but general education is supported. Staff noted that CLG grants are not feasible for Wilmington. Commissioner Steven Sulkey shared his existing realtor education course.
• Key Outcome: Motion to approve an educational program as described under state statute carried 6-0 (Commissioner Wilson left prior to vote).

Items from Staff

• Planning Coordinator Amy Bradshaw announced that the March 10, 2022 meeting will be held at the Wilmington Convention Center due to filming at Thalian Hall.

Meeting Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m. The next scheduled meeting is Thursday, March 10, 2022.