Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission Meeting – June 09, 2022

The Wilmington Historic Preservation Commission met on June 9, 2022, at 5:30 PM in City Council Chambers, Skyline Center. The meeting covered seven evidentiary hearings, including old and new business, and discussions on training and design standards. The commission voted on several projects related to exterior alterations, new construction, and roof replacements.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (May 12, 2022): Unanimously approved (7-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• 411 S 2nd Street: Neighbors (Jeff Mason, Sean Maxwell, Richard Bucking, Paul Frandano) expressed concerns about tree impact, drainage, lighting, vegetation, and property easement. Travis Gilbert (Historic Wilmington Foundation) supported condition #16 requiring archaeological investigation during excavation. Letters of support from other neighbors were read.
• 507 S 5th Avenue: Travis Gilbert spoke about working with the applicant to fund a standing seam metal roof.
• 509 S 5th Avenue: Travis Gilbert supported salvaging historic materials.
• Other items: No public comments were made for 1807 Princess Street, 115-117 S Water Street, 505 Dock Street, and 610 Dock Street.

Discussion Items

• 411 S 2nd Street (Old Business): Staff presented revised plans for a rear addition, garage, cabana, pool, and fencing. Discussion focused on pervious surfaces, height of cabana (not exceeding 12 ft) and garage (not exceeding 14 ft), drainage, and tree protection. The attorney clarified the HPC's scope limited to architectural congruity; stormwater and civil matters are private. Conditions included archaeological investigation and pervious paving.
• 507 S 5th Avenue (Old Business): Proposal to replace metal roof with asphalt shingles was debated. Commissioners preferred standing seam metal roof as historically appropriate. The applicant was absent but staff noted ongoing talks with Historic Wilmington Foundation for funding. Approved with condition that the applicant install standing seam metal roof via bypass; if agreement fails, they must reapply.
• 1807 Princess Street (New Business): Request to construct a rear two-story addition with screened porch. No public comments. Commission approved with conditions for roof specifications, exterior lighting, and preservation of existing vents.
• 509 S 5th Avenue (New Business): Extensive restoration including new roof, siding, windows, door, and paint. Discussion on replacing original door with a horizontal-panel wood door, preserving one-over-one window, and using wood brackets instead of fiberglass. Conditions included retaining the existing window profile and seeking wood brackets.
• 115-117 S Water Street (New Business): Proposal for a 6-story mixed-use building (61 apartments, 2,240 sq ft commercial). Commissioners debated height, massing, and congruity with the district. The city attorney explained that congruity must be assessed across the entire district, not just the immediate block. Staff noted the building meets zoning requirements. Approved with 19 conditions, including archaeological investigation. Vote was 5-2 (Mr. Smith and Mr. Wilson dissenting). Note: The agenda indicates a 4-2 vote, but minutes state 5-2.
• 505 Dock Street (New Business): New single-family house with fence. Applicant amended request to push fence back 35 ft from the right-of-way and reduce gate to 4 ft. Conditions included pervious concrete driveway runners, foundation height not exceeding 30 inches, and fence finished side facing out. Unanimously approved.
• 610 Dock Street (New Business): Installation of an 8x16 ft in-ground pool in the rear yard. Applicant not present; pool will be concrete block. Conditions included archaeological protocol if materials found. Unanimously approved.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved 7-0.
• 411 S 2nd Street: Approved 6-1 with 21 conditions (Mr. Wilson opposed).
• 507 S 5th Avenue: Approved 7-0 with condition for standing seam metal roof via bypass; if unsuccessful, new application required.
• 1807 Princess Street: Approved 7-0.
• 509 S 5th Avenue: Approved 7-0 with additional conditions regarding window and door design, and wood brackets.
• 115-117 S Water Street: Approved 5-2 with 19 conditions. (Discrepancy: agenda says 4-2.)
• 505 Dock Street: Approved 7-0 with amended fence and gate conditions.
• 610 Dock Street: Approved 7-0.
• Commission Business: Discussion on scheduling a training session on congruity and potential updates to design standards; staff to consider.